CH-266. PROTECT

Protect

Keifer's POV

I'm not in the mood to go home. I went to the basement where we were hanging out.

I went straight to the Mini Bar and grabbed some alcohol. I didn't even bother to look at the brand. I just sipped it to relieve the

burden of my feelings.

But alcohol has no use. Even if I drink all the alcohol here, it still won't change how I feel.

Angelo is right. I have to push Jay-jay away from me but I have to feel

numb in order to do that. I might be the first to give up when I see him struggling.

But I really can't. I'm going to give up my life. If I do that, I'll die.

"Kuya..." Someone called.

I turn around to check. It was Keigan walking slowly in the darkness.

"It's night... You should go to sleep." I said in a calm voice.

"I've slept too much. I'll probably be back later

room." He said and forced a smile. "...Do you have a problem? Why are

you still up and drinking?"

The way Keigan speaks makes me confused. He's too far away from the

Keigan I spoke this morning. He sounds normal.

"Same things of course." I answered

There are times when I tell him about a problem. I don't want him to feel that I'm drifting away from him or Keiren and them.

So I can tell him as much as I can, I say it. But there are times

that I have to shut my mouth.

I go over to him and ask him to sit on the floor. We lean against the back of the couch to make ourselves more comfortable. When we're in this position,

we just act like normal siblings.

"How is your day?" I asked him.

I haven't said hello in a while. Honey was right about what

she told me this morning.

"I sleep for a whole day." He answered and shortly laughed. "...How

about you?"

I shook my head. "Not good."

"Why?"

"Things are being fvcked up."

"Do you feel pressured? You don't have to rush. You

still have a month to think about it."

"That's not the only problem I have." I look down and shake it

bottle of alcohol in my hand.

"Is it about her?"

Keigan's voice suddenly sounded disappointed. I know he doesn't like it

Jay-jay. For him, she was a hindrance.

"Yes, it's about her." He didn't say a thing so I choose to continue

talking about her. "...I have to protect her from Clyde and from me. But

I can't let go of her. She's my life."

I heard Keigan's sigh. "Think of this Brother. Can you handle it?

see that there is a gun pointed at his head or can you handle it

see that he is hurt because you saved him."

I shook my head. Actually there's no difference. Hurting her so bad is like

killing her and me. Hitting to birds in one stone but the idea of ​​her having a

lifeless body is more horrible.

"I can't do both." I answered and a few tears dropped from

my eyes. "...but I would rather hurt him than let him die because of me."

"You don't have to feel bad about it. You really have to sacrifice. You can't protect both Jay-jay and us at the same time.

You can't do it because you don't have your inheritance yet." He said in avery calm voice. "...But look on the bright side. It's only temporary,

sooner you can have your money. You can protect her and never loose

her again. You will have all the time in the world to win her back."

I'm hopeless. I will never win her back. Once I let her go, Yuri or David

will take advantage of that. They will do everything to have Jay-jay for them

selves.

And I will loose her forever.

"I hate my life." I said and wiped my tears.

Keigan laughed. "You wouldn't hate our lives."

And I laugh with him. We're sitting on the floor, resting our back on the

back of the couch and laughing together are bringing back memories.

It's a wave of nostalgia.

I really wished we had a normal family. A lovely Mom that's still alive.

A supportive Dad that puts the family first. And the three of us, Me Keigan

and Keiren.

"I think we should go to bed. Especially you." Keigan said and I

couldn't disagree. "...You look so stressed."

"I am indeed."

He stood up first and I followed. I put the bottle

that I was holding back in the Mini Bar before walking out.

We're both in silence while walking together to our own bed rooms. I

stop in front of Keiren's room door.

"You go first. I'll just check Keiren."

He nodded and walked first. I slowly

opened the door of Keiren's room. His favorite mushroom lamp is

on. It helps him calm every time he's having trouble sleeping.

I slowly walk toward him. I picked up his blanket that had fallen to the

floor because of his mischief while sleeping. I held it out to him.

Sorry Keiren, sorry if you didn't experience having parents.

I'm trying to be Mom and Dad to you but I know it's not

enough. I hope you'll be strong even without them. I hope you don't lose

confidence in yourself. I hope you'll be strong, more than me or Keigan.

I hope you won't be like me.

I kissed her forehead before leaving her room. I slowly

closed the door and walked to my room.

I feel exhausted. I unbuttoned my uniform one by one.

When I got to my room, I took off my polo shirt. I threw it right atbed, a wallet size picture fell.

Lost my mind...

I picked it up and looked at it. Unlike before, I no longer smiled when I saw his face.

"Jay-jay..." I said and sat at the edge of my bed. "...I know there's a

chance that you will never forgive me but I assure you, I will do

anything to become stronger." I took his picture down from my bedside table.

...and when I do, I will protect you no matter what."

As of now, let me save you from my relatives and.....from me.

For now, my focus will be on my siblings. They need me too.

I spent most of the night thinking about what could happen. I didn't get dressed and just fell asleep. I still smelled of alcohol and I was sure I was clinging to my bed.

I woke up to a knock on my bedroom door. Headaches again

are kicking in. I forced myself to get up even though my body didn't want to leave the bed.

"Brother! Wake up!" It was Keiren knocking at my door. "Brother Keigan and I might be late!"

"Okay! I'm up!" I shouted.

He stopped knocking. I washed my face with my

hand. I was dizzy and felt like my brain would explode with every movement I made.

I forced myself to get up and when I stood up, I almost fell over.

I had to take Keigan and Keiren to school. And I also had to

face Jay-jay.

It has to be today...

I was planning to skip a few more days. I didn't want to hurt him

one after another but that's what I had to do. I didn't want to make it any longer because I might not be able to bear it and I wouldn't be able to do what I planned.

I went straight to the bathroom and took a shower. I didn't take long and got dressed right away. I

look at myself in the mirror. My eyes are lifeless and cold.

After getting dressed I went straight to the Dining where my siblings were eating

breakfast.

Keigan looks good today. Like he never cried yesterday. His actions are also normal like the natural things I see in him.

"Eat breakfast." I heard someone command.

I looked at her and raised my eyebrows. "Why are you here again?" I asked irritatedly.

"There's no breakfast at home, I'll eat." Honey answered.

I rolled my eyes. She was already making my house a hangout. Then she would say that her Uncle was scolding her because of her frequent

coming here.

"What's with your look? You look like a troubled, grumpy young woman left by her boyfriend." She said before swallowing her food.

"Just eat if you don't want to never eat here again."

She just shrugged and continued. I took a glass of

coffee and drank it. I really didn't feel like eating. I wasn't aware of my

hunger because of the weight of my feelings.

Keigan and Keiren finished eating first. I asked them to wait for

me outside. When I was sure they were gone, I approached Honey.

"Where is Keigan's Maid? Kate." I asked.

She suddenly stopped eating and looked at me with so much confusion.

"She left. Last night."

My forehead creased. "What?"

"Your Butler said she left."

"But why?"

"Don't know."

I turned my back on her and let her continue eating. Why did she leave? I don't know how many of Keigan's Maids have left my house.

When I got to the garage, I saw Keiren standing next to my car.

Keigan was standing silently while reading a book. He was still adjusting the glass before he turned the page.

I chose to ignore the Maid's departure. Next time, I would just understand them.

I unlocked my car and asked them to get in.

"I will put my seatbelt." Keiren said before I could touch him.

"You said so."

I let him do it and get in at the driver's seat. I started the car and

took them both.

They went to different schools. Keigan's school is focusing more

on academics than other activities, such as sports. He chose the right school because he's smart. After all, they're both the same as Ci-N.After dropping them off, I didn't feel like going straight to school. I didn't feel like driving and I'd rather crash the car into the potty.

This is a punishment for me and it will be a punishment for Jay-jay too. But I have to follow

my plan. I have to save her.

When I got to school, I parked the car and got out. Only a few students were entering because it was still early.

As I walked towards our room, it felt like I was walking towards my death. Every step I took was heavy.

I wanted this day to be over.

When I got to the room, Eman and Josh were already inside.

Rory and Edrix were also with them. They both fell silent when I entered. I went straight to my seat and reluctantly sat down.

Not long after, Drew entered the door followed by Blaster. They looked at me for a moment and then looked away as if I was sick.

I waited a few more moments before the rest of them arrived.

Most people avoid me and it's like I don't want to be around anymore.

"Wow! It's really different when your face is thick!" Mayo whispered before

sitting in her seat.

"You can just be quiet." Kit said.

Some parts of her face are still swollen. All I know is that she almost went into a coma, but it's a good thing she woke up quickly. I just don't know why the hospital released her.

I don't know how to apologize to her.

"You're so early." Yuri said before sitting down. "...did something

happen?"

I just looked at her for a moment before turning my gaze back to the door. I'm

waiting for her to come inside.

I saw Ci-N approaching me. I immediately motioned for her to stop.

"Stay right there."

"K-keifer... This is about Jay-jay."

I arched a brow. "And so?"

I could feel our classmates listening. I also know that they didn't like my answer.

"What the hell is wrong with you? Keifer." Yuri asked with an irritated

sound.

"Nothing is wrong with me. But there is something wrong with you."

I heard a few of them chuckled in disbelief.

"Listen Keifer." Ci-N said, sounding worried. "...Jay-jay had an accident yesterday. That's why he's having such a hard time."

I knew it already. Angelo told me and showed me a CCTV footage from a crossing.

"Who cares." I answered sounding not really cared.

But I do.

We're currently looking for the people on the motorbike. I have a clue who they are. Confirmation is all I need and I will hunt them down.

"Who cares? Are you crazy, Keifer?" David asked in annoyance.

"...Don't you even feel guilty about what you did?"

I didn't answer him and just stared at them. They looked at each other as if to see if they were thinking the same thing about me.

"Looks like this." Felix said and all of them look at him.

"...You already did your plan yesterday. Right?"

"Keifer..."

"What about Jay-jay?"

"I thought we stopped that?"

They reacted almost simultaneously. They couldn't accept what

Felix said.

This is it. This is the only way I can think of. I didn't want this but this is the

most effective way. I know Jay-jay will be angry with them too, but

unlike me there's a chance they'll forgive him.

My original plan was completely different. I was going to involve a

woman but knowing Jay-jay, he might just beat her up.

"You already did your plan. What do you plan on Jay-jay?"

Eman said.

"Let's just say that Keifer just got angry. Let's not

say what we did." It was Blaster look so worried.

"Jay-jay will be angry with us." Ci-N said almost about to cry.

"I don't understand what you're doing." Yuri said

"Let's tell you. That's it, that's where this conversation is going." Eren sounds irritated.

"We can't do that!" Kit said.

"Tell me the truth!" David also shouted.

"Don't order Keifer!" Rory shouts at David.

"...He'll tell you anyway. All it takes is the right time."

"I feel sorry for Jay-jay." Ci-N said while looking down.

"I already told you to stop that plan!" Eman said, he's

obviously mad.

"You're just kidding! You were one of the ones who led that crazy plan!"

Denzel retorted.

Now they're pointing their fingers at each other. Blame it on each other but only one

should be blamed for this.

But me.

"Just say it properly and then we'll apologize."

Blaster suggested.

"It's as if it's that easy, isn't it?" Drew said sarcastically.

"Jay-jay won't forgive us." Yuri said.

"We'll obey him." It was Rory.

"It's not that easy." Edrix answered.

They keep suggesting things to do and blaming each other. But one thing

is for sure. They want me to tell the truth. They want me to tell her.

But all the collisions stopped when she stepped her foot inside our classroom.

My heart beats so fast.

"J-jay-jay...." They almost whispered.

"W-what's true? What's the plan?"

And at that moment, I know we're both going to have a broken heart.