Jay-Jay's POV
I wasn't able to go to school. The Doctor still hadn't given us the go signal. My condition even worsened because of Keigan strangling me. But unlike yesterday, at least now I could speak a few words. The neck brace had also been removed because the pain in my neck wasn't as bad when I moved it. There was still some soreness in my throat and my voice was terribly hoarse, but I was getting better. I'd be able to sing again, like Sarah G.
"W-Water," I weakly requested from my brother.
My brother looked at the Doctor for permission. "Doc, can she drink water now?"
"It hasn't been 24 hours yet, just a little moisture on her lips is allowed."
I was so thirsty.
My brother took some cotton, soaked it in water, and dabbed it on my lips. I was annoyed by what he did. It didn't even reach my mouth properly. They might as well have injected the IV fluid directly into my throat.
Who survives on just a dab of water?
The Doctor and the Nurse left after checking on Keiren. Keifer wasn't there, but I heard him and my brother arguing this morning. My cousin was insisting that he go to school.
It seemed like my cousin Angelo won because the King was nowhere to be seen.
So now, it was just my brother and me in the room. He wasn't doing anything except focusing on his iPad and some papers.
I wanted to eat. I was starving and parched. I hated this feeling. It was like my soul was being drained. Then my imagination started conjuring up images of food. If this went on, I might just eat myself out of hunger.
I wonder how I'd taste. Probably salty because I hadn't bathed.
I looked toward the door when it slowly opened. Keigan entered, his head bowed. He greeted my brother and asked if he could visit his younger sibling.
"How are you feeling?" my brother asked him.
"I'm a bit okay, I guess?" he answered hesitantly.
My cousin just nodded in acceptance of his answer.
Keigan quickly went to his brother to kiss his forehead, but Keiren wiped it off right away. Keigan forced a smile and started talking to him. I chose not to listen and just closed my eyes, trying to sleep.
But how could I sleep when I kept seeing visions of fried chicken, flying pork belly, swimming roasted pig, and flowing noodles? There was even an exploding rice cake on top of a bowl of blood stew. And a dancing chick on sizzling sisig.
I wanted to cry, but I had to endure it. They said it was for my own good. Who gets better by not drinking water?
I didn't die from that cursed glue or Keigan's strangling, but I was going to die of thirst. I needed water.
WATER!!!!!
I opened my eyes to call my brother, but Keigan's face was the first thing I saw. I screamed in shock and fear. It just sounded like an old woman's voice because of my hoarseness.
My brother Angelo looked startled, dropping what he was holding when I screamed.
"What's wrong?" he asked, standing up and getting ready to approach me.
I glanced at Keigan, who was also looking at my brother. I couldn't help but be afraid of him. I still remembered what he did yesterday. In this same room, right next to his brother's bed. The marks on my neck were still there.
"N-Nothing. I was just startled," I answered, my throat aching from speaking.
My brother looked at us for a moment before picking up what he dropped and returning to his seat. I faced Keigan, who was still standing in front of me. He stepped closer, and I instinctively backed away.
I kept glancing at my brother. Even though he was there, I couldn't guarantee that the strangling wouldn't happen again. What if Keigan suddenly decided to stab me?
Wait! My stomach was empty!
What if that happened? My insides would spill out, and since I hadn't eaten, my guts would look all dried up. Could he wait until I ate something? I needed to fill my stomach first. It would look bad if my organs appeared like deflated balloons.
"Hey…" he called out to me, and I gave him an awkward smile that looked more like a grimace.
He moved even closer, and I ended up pressed against the hospital bed's headboard.
"I just want to say sorry about yesterday," he said softly.
I nearly died, and all he had was a sorry.
I wanted to hit him hard. He didn't just try to hurt me once — it was twice! The first attempt failed, so he went for a second round.
But because I was kind — even if it wasn't obvious — I decided to listen to his explanation for what he did to me and his brother. I was willing to understand because I knew he was going through something, too.
"I will not explain myself to justify my actions."
What the—
I blinked several times before processing what he said. He might be the only person I knew who apologized without explaining. Then again, his brother was even worse back when we used to fight. Keifer wouldn't apologize or explain either. Now I kind of missed the old days when I was free to curse him without getting kissed.
Back to Keigan.
"What?" I asked hoarsely.
I had so many questions, but that was all that came out of my mouth. It was still hard to speak. I needed water. I really needed water.
"Listen." He sat beside me without waiting for my permission. "There's a lot going on inside my head. You'll never understand, no matter how hard I try to explain."
I just nodded, though honestly, I wished he would explain. I wanted to know why he was so angry with me and what I had done to deserve it.
But there was nothing I could do if he refused.
"I swear, I'm not a bad person," he whispered, his head bowed as he stared at his hands.
I hoped that was true. I hoped he wasn't really a bad person. I hoped what he did was just a mistake and that it wouldn't happen again. But it was hard to believe that. Even Keifer said his brother's actions were unpredictable.
He sighed before looking at his brother in the other bed. Keiren was watching us and listening.
Keigan took something out of his pocket. He stared at it for a moment before facing me again.
"In case something bad happens to me, please give this to my brother Keifer," he said, handing me the object.
A key.
I stared at it before looking back at him.
"In my room, just under my bed, you'll find the keyhole. The answer to his questions is in there," he explained.
It was intriguing. Why a key? What was hidden there, and why did it need to be kept secret? It seemed important and like a big revelation because I was only supposed to give it to Keifer if something bad happened to Keigan. If the answers were already there, why not give them to Keifer now?
So he could help his brother with whatever he was going through?
"W-Wait—" I couldn't finish my sentence because he stood up and approached his brother.
He hugged his sibling tightly and whispered, "I love you."
I didn't know why, but his behavior was making me anxious. I had a feeling he was planning something bad — and this time, it was against himself.
"Keigan." I tried calling out to him, but my difficulty speaking made it hard to get his attention.
He let go of his brother and gave me a small, sad smile. "I'm going back to my room now. Take care of my brother, please."
He turned around to walk away. He even said goodbye to Kuya and thanked him. My cousin stood up to escort him to his room. I'd prefer it if he stayed there to watch over Keigan.
I looked at the key again. It looked like a drawer key but was a bit old. The teeth or the grooves at the end were large.
I faced Keiren, who was also looking at what I was holding. I was about to hand it to him, but he lay down and turned his back on me. It was obvious he didn't want to talk.
"He always scared me, but I still want him to be okay," he said without facing me.
I couldn't help but feel sad for the siblings. They were growing up without parents and with their lives being threatened.
Keifer, burdened with being the eldest and taking on responsibilities that shouldn't be his. Keigan, who was sick like me. And Keiren, who couldn't experience a proper childhood. He was still so young, yet he had to understand everything happening around him.
Sure, they were rich, but the price they paid for that wealth was enormous. Maybe money really isn't the answer to all problems.
Sometimes it's food. Just eat your way through it.
I set the key aside and lay down again to continue my plan of resting. Maybe I'd have fewer worries after a nap. I just hoped I wouldn't carry my thirst into my dreams.
Kuya Angelo came back and sat in his earlier spot. I tried to sleep again, and thankfully, this time I really did fall asleep.
I knew my sleep had been long because of the heaviness in my body. I woke up to the noise inside the room, like there were so many people, and the sound of a cellphone game right in front of my face. Before I could even open my eyes, I was already holding my forehead because of a headache. I stretched, and that's when I realized I wasn't alone.
My arm bumped into someone. I quickly opened my eyes, and the light from the cellphone was the first thing I noticed. I looked closely to see who was beside me.
That little brat.
He turned to me. "Jay-Jay," he said with a wide grin.
"Ci," I greeted him hoarsely.
He immediately covered his nose. "Ew, your breath stinks."
He quickly got up to move away from me. I tried to grab him, but he was already out of reach.
"Jay-Jay's breath stinks!" he announced to the whole world.
I just woke up! Damn it!
I quickly noticed who else was in the room. I was right—there were a lot of people, and they were the source of the noise I'd been hearing. But they weren't just any people.
The Snakes, wow!
"Jay-Jay's awake!" Eren shouted, and our classmates gathered around me.
"Don't get too close—her breath stinks!" the Little Brat warned them.
I immediately scowled. Excuse me! First of all, I didn't choose for my breath to stink. Second, my stomach was empty—not even water. Third, I hadn't brushed my teeth since yesterday. So of course my breath would stink—no need to announce it.
That little devil! He's worse than a radio and a journalist combined. Maybe he'd like to put it on a tarp, too. So embarrassing.
"You're such an idiot," Drew said, laughing.
When they got closer, they quickly backed away again, covering their noses.
Was my breath really that bad?
"It really does stink, Jay," Felix said.
Suddenly, I felt so embarrassed. I wanted to cry from the shame. I discreetly brought my hand to my mouth and exhaled into it to check.
I pulled away immediately when I confirmed it really did stink. I started feeling dizzy. I didn't die yesterday at Keigan's hands—now my own breath was going to kill me. I covered my mouth with a blanket. How was I going to get them to leave? They weren't welcome here anymore. These annoying Snakes.
Wait a minute—what time was it, and why were they even here?
I looked around the room, hoping there was a wall clock. I wasn't disappointed because there was a huge clock on the wall across from me.
It was only 3 PM. School wasn't even over yet. I looked at my classmates one by one. Maybe one of them could read minds and answer my question. But of course, since they were all idiots, no one noticed what I was thinking.
I glanced at Keiren's bed. He wasn't there anymore, and it looked like the bed had already been fixed. I forced myself to get up because I was so hungry, but moving too fast made me dizzy again.
"Hey, Jay!" they called out, trying to stop me.
David, who was closest to me, helped me sit up properly.
"Hey... maybe you shouldn't get up yet," he said, but I ignored him.
I pointed to Keiren's bed. "W-Where is he?"
"He was sent home. They said he'd just be observed there," David answered.
"That's why your lovebird isn't here—he took his siblings home," Felix teased, and I scowled.
Lovebird? Why did that sound like a pet name?
I heard Drew's soft laughter. "I don't think she liked that nickname."
They noticed my scowl at Felix's comment.
"That's not their term of endearment," Ci-N chimed in. "They're husband and wife, remember?"
These brats were quick to tease. I just wanted to go back to sleep and never wake up again. They probably came here just to annoy me the moment I woke up.
"So sweet!"
"Damn, they already have pet names even without a label."
"That's how it is—they'll last long."
"Shame on some people here—had a label but didn't last long."
"Sounds like you're not talking about Eren."
And so the teasing shifted to Eren. Of course, he wouldn't just take it, so it quickly turned into a brawl. Eman immediately stepped in to stop them. Thankfully, the door opened, grabbing everyone's attention.
Kuya Angelo entered, followed by Sir Alvin. Both of them looked at the Snakes. Sir, please beat them up.
"Sir! Don't get too close to Jay-Jay—her breath stinks!" Ci-N said, making Sir Alvin laugh.
For crying out loud.
Why did my breath need to be announced? It's not like it's a deadly poison. You'd think people needed a warning before approaching me. David managed to sit beside me just fine. I glanced at him and noticed him subtly scratching his nose a few times. I couldn't help but think my breath really was as bad as Ci-N claimed.
For the second time, I cupped my hand over my mouth and exhaled.
Oh, for the love of all that's holy.
I felt like throwing up. My breath was so bad I probably needed an oxygen tank. I could barely breathe through my own stink. This was all Kuya Angelo's fault. If he'd just given me some water, my breath wouldn't be this awful.
Speaking of the devil who looked like an angel, he walked toward me, making David quickly move to Keiren's bed.
"Do you feel better now?" he asked.
"Water," I managed to say, and I knew he smelled my breath because he winced and immediately pinched his nose shut.
"Damn, your breath can kill," he commented, and my jaw literally dropped.
Damn this breath. Had it really reached poison gas levels?
With all the resentment I felt toward Kuya Angelo, I could now say that he was a terrible person. I knew it—he was just pretending to be an angel.
"Water," I repeated.
He turned his back and walked toward the table where the pitcher of water was. He got a glass and poured some. My throat was already desperate for it, but my face fell when I saw how little water he poured.
"Here. This is all you're allowed to have," he said as he handed me the glass.
I wanted to cry. The water wouldn't even touch my throat—it was such a tiny amount. Only kids drank this little. Did I look like a child?
I wanted to complain, but I had no choice. I drank it, but it only made me thirstier. I handed the glass back to Kuya.
I want more! Hwateer!
I glanced at the Snakes and Sir Alvin, who was talking to them. I wanted to ask why they were here so early—it wasn't even dismissal time yet. But Sir Alvin was here, so maybe classes really had been canceled. Maybe there was a school meeting, and they were sent home early.
"I already asked your other teachers for your lessons. Study these later," Sir Alvin said, handing out some papers to my classmates.
David handed me my share. I read through them and noticed they were subjects meant for the afternoon class. I looked at them in confusion.
"They insisted on skipping the afternoon class just to come here," David explained.
He quickly understood my scowl—he really did have a different level of social instinct. These Snakes were definitely crazy, but I couldn't help smiling. They skipped their afternoon classes just to visit me. Sometimes, their concern was really something else.
"Afternoon classes are such a drag," Mayo said as he lay down on Keiren's bed.
Huh?
"Let's just stay here—there's air conditioning," Drew added, raising his hands to catch the cold air.
What?
"Can I leave now? I have a date," Eren asked, but Kit stopped him.
Whut?
"I'm hungry. Treat me to some food," Rory demanded from Edrix, who only responded with a middle finger.
Why did it feel like they just wanted to skip school and used me as an excuse? I knew these guys—they cared about me, sure, but they never passed up an opportunity for mischief.
"Jay-Jay's fine. Let's go!" Blaster announced and was about to head for the door when it suddenly opened, and Percy walked in.
"Why do you all look so ugly?" he greeted them, and the others immediately fired back.
"Look who's talking!"
"Have you seen yourself in a mirror?"
"We're so embarrassed compared to you."
Percy ignored them like he hadn't heard a thing. He walked over to me, showing the paper bags and plastic bags, he was carrying, filled with fruits and food.
"Food. I figured the monster in your stomach must be raging by now," he said, placing everything on the table.
Wow. Monster, huh?
He turned back to me, but before he could even get closer, chaos erupted at the table. The Snakes pounced on the food like tigers on fresh meat. Even Sir Alvin and Kuya Angelo stepped back in shock.
"Hey! You vultures, that's not for you!" Percy yelled at them.
"Thank you for the feast," Felix teased, holding a donut.
I want one too.
"Do you not get fed at home?" Percy snapped before aiming a kick at his brother.
I noticed the Little Snake holding fries and a burger. He even smiled at me like he was so proud of his loot.
"The nerve of this little shrimp."
I thought they'd start fighting again, but Ci surprisingly ignored him, too busy with her own food.
While they were having the time of their lives, I was seething. That food was supposed to be mine, but they were already squabbling over it. I could accept that they were a bunch of freeloaders, but it would be easier to swallow if they at least left some for me.
I was furious.
"Forget them—I'll just buy you more," my stepbrother said as he sat beside me. "Are you feeling better?"
"A little," I replied.
He turned his face away while pinching his nose. "Sis, your breath is deadly."
Damn it!
He chuckled when he saw me scowling. "If you're feeling better, maybe it's time for you to talk to one of our siblings."
I stared at him in confusion. We didn't have another sibling.
"I mean Aries," he clarified. Wow. Now he's playing the sibling card.
I shook my head quickly. Ever since my memories of what I did to Aries returned, my decision hadn't changed. It was better if we never saw each other again. I was even thinking of making plans to live far away after graduation.
I was already planning to settle on my island. I'd stay there forever—if such a place even existed.
"Come on, talk to him. He has a surprise for you," he urged.
"What kind of surprise?"
"You won the lottery. Three pesos," he answered before bursting into laughter.
Doctor, your patient has escaped.
But despite my irritation, I couldn't help but be curious about what Aries wanted to talk about. Maybe he finally wanted me out of the house for good.