JAY-JAY'S POV
Think about it? Ugh!
Who cheated? Myself? I know that I love him and that I want to be with him. I have my fears, but I also know that I want a proper label for us.
Who will last in this relationship? We can't even really call it a relationship.
It's annoying.
My mind was fixated on what I said to Keifer. I can't even enjoy my Saturday. Instead of whining and rolling around in bed, I just lay there.
After all, I can't move properly because of my knee. My knees and elbows hurt even more now. My body feels heavy, as if I have a fever.
I looked at my cellphone to check my messages. Yuri still hasn't replied. I want to know what he's doing because what happened the other night might happen again.
There are some texts from Ci-N, Percy, and Gagang Baliw. I don't want to open Messenger because the snakes might start making noise again.
I looked toward the door when I heard someone knocking. It didn't take long before it opened, and Kuya Angelo's face appeared.
I got out of bed. "K-Kuya."
"Are you and Percy seeing each other?" he asked, which surprised me.
"No. Why?"
He extended his hand in front of me. "Your phone."
I was completely shocked by his demand. I didn't want to hand it over, but I knew he might yell at me if I didn't, so I hesitantly gave it to him.
I was even more surprised when he pocketed it. I thought he just wanted to check something.
"No phone for now," he said and was about to turn around, but I quickly grabbed his arm.
"Wait a minute. What's on my cellphone that I suddenly can't use it? What if someone sends me something important?" I argued, but he quickly cut me off.
"If it's really important, they'll come here for you," he replied before walking out of my room.
I quickly followed him. Even though my knee hurt with every step, I still managed to keep up with him.
"Wait, Kuya. What's going on?"
He ignored me and just kept walking. It was as if I didn't exist because he wouldn't even glance at me.
"Kuya..."
Still, no response.
As we reached the stairs, I stopped. This was as far as I could go—any further, and my knee would start hurting again. I just sat on the step, watching him walk away.
"Kuyaaaa... What am I supposed to use now? I don't even have any more games!"
"Shut up!" he shouted without looking back.
"Kuuuuuuyyyyyyaaaaaaaaa!" I screamed back, but he completely ignored me.
"My cell phone, Kuya!"
Even after he disappeared from sight, I was still sitting on the stairs. I glanced down, considering going after him, but I knew my butt would hurt if I tried to slide down again.
I turned when I sensed someone behind me. Fate was approaching while texting, completely oblivious to my presence.
As soon as he reached the first step, I grabbed his leg and hugged it tightly. He was startled and let out a loud scream.
"What the hell? Let go!" he ordered angrily.
"Aaaaarrriiiieeeessss! Carry me down!" I begged while still clinging to his leg.
"Let go! I'm not carrying you!" He tried to pry my hands off, but he struggled to keep his balance and had to grab onto the railing.
"Come on! I want food!"
"When have you ever stopped eating?"
He smacked my hands, trying to make me let go, but I only tightened my grip.
"Jay-Jay! We're going to fall!" he said seriously, so I let go.
"Alright. Carry me now." Please, I'm almost crying.
I put my palms together in front of me. Kneeling isn't enough—I'm already with him, but I can't even kneel properly, so I just give him puppy eyes.
He looked at me with pity before stepping in front of me and turning away.
"Here you go. You're such a burden," he said, but I grinned widely.
I quickly climbed onto his back, and he adjusted his grip on me. I wanted to clap for joy, but I held back in case he lost his balance.
He took each step slowly. When we reached the last one, he was about to put me down, but I held on tighter.
"To the kitchen," I ordered.
"What?"
"Come on. Take me to the kitchen," I pleaded, shaking him lightly.
"When your knee heals, you're going to pay for this," he threatened before starting to walk toward the kitchen.
I just laughed at him. I knew he wouldn't get back at me. He would forget about it soon enough.
He set me down near the fridge, knowing that was where I was headed anyway.
"Thank you," I said cheerfully, but he just rolled his eyes.
I started searching for something to eat. There were only sweets, but I was craving rice. Since we'd be eating soon, I decided to heat up a small snack first.
While I was busy rummaging through every container I could find, I suddenly heard Aunt Gema's voice—loud, panicked, almost screaming.
"Angelo! Get the car ready! We're going to see Jeana!" she shouted, her voice carrying all the way to the kitchen.
As her voice grew louder, I realized she was getting closer. Quickly, I hid behind the counter, afraid she might notice me. I could hear someone pacing around the kitchen.
"Manang… please take care of the children first," I heard Aunt say to one of the maids.
She was obviously in a hurry to leave. A wave of nervousness hit me. Mama was the one they were going to see, even though they had just visited her yesterday.
I quickly ran to the living room as soon as I heard their car drive away. I completely forgot about the pain in my knee.
I found Aries in the laundry room, rummaging through clothes.
"Aries! Aries!" I called out.
"What now?" he asked, annoyed.
"We have to follow Aunt and Big Brother!" I pleaded. "Something must have happened to Mom!"
"Are you sure about that?"
I hesitated for a moment before nodding, then shook my head, grabbing his hand and pulling him forcefully.
"I have a bad feeling! I just know something's wrong!"
He sighed but didn't argue. Instead, he led me out of the house. Since his car wasn't there, we had no choice but to take a taxi. Aries gave the driver the address.
I didn't even think about our situation—whether someone might try to kidnap us again. The only thing that mattered was reaching Mama.
I hoped I was wrong.
I kept biting my lip, urging the driver to go faster, but the heavy traffic slowed us down multiple times.
"Are we still far?" I asked Aries.
"That's your tenth time asking," he said, clearly irritated.
"You want me to make it a hundred?" I challenged, and he raised his hand as if to threaten me.
I immediately held up mine in defense.
I was about to ask again when I finally saw the corner where Mama and Andy's new house stood—a white house that looked like a college dormitory.
Gossip? No.
I quickly spotted Kuya Angelo's car. Aries stopped and paid the fare since I didn't have my wallet with me. Good thing he had money. Otherwise, I would have had no choice but to owe him one.
I quickly got out of the taxi and ran inside. They were already shouting at the door.
"What is so true?" Mom's voice.
"Jeana! Shut up!" Tita Echo.
When I entered, Mama and Andy were facing each other. Aunt Gema stood behind Mama, waiting. Kuya, on the other hand, stood near Tita Gema, anticipating what would happen next.
"You animal! You know about marriage!" Mama shouted and struck Andy.
"Listen first!" Andy responded.
I didn't know why, but my head started to hurt as I watched them. A wave of dizziness hit me, and my breathing slowed.
I clutched my chest, feeling my heart pounding. Why does this scene feel so familiar?
Mama lunged at Andy multiple times, trying to hit him, but he remained firm. She let out another loud slap, her words sharp and biting. If words could wound, Andy would have already been bleeding.
Tita Gema kept pulling Mama away, but she persisted—hitting and kicking him relentlessly. It was clear Andy had deeply hurt her.
"Listen first!" Andy pleaded.
"What lie are you going to tell this time? You're nothing but a fraud!" Mama spat, raising her hand to slap him again.
"How can we understand each other if you won't even let me explain?"
Mama cursed repeatedly, her words cutting deep. Andy's face twisted in pain—not just from the physical blows but from the weight of her fury. Their shouting escalated until, suddenly, he raised his hand as if to strike her back.
Without thinking, my body moved on its own. I lunged at Andy, colliding with him, and we both crashed onto the floor.
"Jay-Jay! daughter!" Mama's panicked voice rang in my ears.
I scrambled to my feet, gripping my head as dizziness washed over me. My vision blurred, but faint images flickered in my mind.
I saw Mama... but at the same time, I saw someone else. They were speaking, but their words were unclear. One thing was certain—they were hurting Mama.
"MA!" I screamed with all my might.
Suddenly, my vision cleared. The first thing I saw was Andy, struggling to get up from the floor.
My heart pounded violently. My ears burned and rang with an unbearable intensity. In that instant, all the anger I had buried inside me surged to the surface. A mix of hatred, fear, and pain overtook me.
"DON'T HURT MAMA!"
"Jay-Jay!" Kuya called out, but I ignored him.
I could no longer hear anything else. My body felt heavy, my movements sluggish. My mind was blank except for one thought—Mama was in danger.
This man was going to hurt her. I had to protect her.
I quickly scanned the room, and my eyes locked onto a knife on the table. Without hesitation, I grabbed it and pointed it at Andy.
"Jay! Put that down!" Mama screamed.
"Jusko! Jay!" Aunt Gema cried, gripping Kuya's arm.
"Drop it!" Kuya ordered, stepping toward me. I immediately turned the knife toward him.
Why were they stopping me? They should be helping me! This man was going to hurt Mama. He was going to hurt all of us.
"What are you doing? Put that down!" Aries tried to approach me.
"I—I have to save Mama! This man is going to hurt her!" I screamed hoarsely, my voice cracking as tears streamed down my face.
I tightened my grip on the knife, my hands trembling despite my effort to appear strong. I swallowed hard.
I wouldn't deny it—I was scared.
But Mama needed me.
Kuya took another step forward, but I backed away. I was confused. They should be on my side. I had to get Mama away from him. I had to save her before she got hurt again.
I turned the knife toward Andy when he moved slightly.
"DON'T GO NEAR MOM!" I shouted at him, tightening my grip on the knife.
"JAY-JAY!" Mama screamed.
"Jay! Listen to me! Give me that!" Kuya ordered angrily, stepping closer.
I backed away and leaned against something. They surrounded me, making me feel trapped. But at the same time, it seemed like they were trying to help me.
"Jay-Jay, give it to us," Aries pleaded calmly.
Tears streamed down my face. Why was this happening? I felt like I was the only one who understood what was going on. Why couldn't they see what I saw?
"Calm down. No one will hurt you," Aunt Gema said gently.
I sank to the floor, still crying. My hands trembled as I let go of the knife, which Kuya quickly took away. When I looked up, Mama and Aries wrapped their arms around me.
"It's okay now… No one will hurt you. I won't let anyone hurt you," Aries whispered.
"Forgive me… forgive Mama..." she kept repeating between sobs.
Without thinking, I raised my arms and hugged them back.
I was a mess. I couldn't even tell if this was real. How could I have had enough fear and anger to actually hold a knife like that?
With so much rage and terror inside me, I felt capable of anything.
I couldn't speak. My only response was to cry whenever they talked to me. I had no idea how long I stayed in their arms, sobbing.
Even after they moved me to the sofa, I was still gasping for breath. Aunt Gema handed me a glass of water to help me calm down, but my stomach churned with every swallow. Still, I forced myself to drink. Aries sat beside me, while Mama kept wiping my tears and kissing my face.
"I think you need to tell us the truth… now," Kuya demanded, turning to Andy. "Why are you canceling the wedding?"
"I received death threats," Andy admitted, looking down. He hesitated before glancing at Mama, then back at Kuya.
"I didn't want to bring attention to it, but even my employees have noticed. Some of my clients have backed out as well," he explained sadly. "I found out that a businessman is behind it. His name is Jasfher Mariano."
I lifted my head slightly. Shock flashed across Mama's face, while Kuya Angelo shook his head in disbelief.
Dad? Why would Papa send him death threats?
"I also found out that he is the father of your child," Andy said, facing Mama. "I'm sorry, Jeana, but I can't handle what your ex-husband is doing to me. Even my younger brother, whom I study with, has been harassing me."
His brother too?
"Just like that? You're canceling the wedding?" Kuya asked, irritation evident in his voice.
"I'm sorry," Andy repeated.
Mama inhaled sharply. "What else can I do? I have no intention of begging you to stay."
I heard myself scoff quietly. Typical.
Mama stood up and went upstairs to the second floor. Aunt Gema followed her, while Andy stood there, rubbing the back of his neck as if silently apologizing. Even if I wanted to feel sorry for him, I felt nothing but indifference. That was better than feeling angry.
"Are you okay, Jay?" Kuya Angelo asked.
"I-I'm… I'm pretty okay," I answered hoarsely.
Kuya turned to Aries. "Take her to the car." He handed him the keys.
Aries nodded, then helped me stand. We walked outside to the parked car. Once inside, he made sure I was seated properly.
"Let me know if you need anything," he said. I nodded in response.
We sat in silence, waiting for what felt like hours. Then, I saw Aunt Gema leaving the house, carrying a travel bag. Kuya followed with a suitcase, and finally, Mama appeared, also carrying a bag.
Andy could only watch them from inside the house. One by one, they got into the car after placing the bags in the compartment.
Mama stood beside me, forcing a smile.
"Let's get together first," he said, pretending to joke, but I could hear the disappointment in his voice.
I didn't know why, but my arms moved instinctively, wrapping around him in a hug. He hugged me back before smiling sweetly.
The car started, and for a moment, no one moved. Aunt Gema occasionally asked Kuya Angelo something, but he only gave short, modest replies.
I looked at Mama, who was gently stroking my head and hair, even as she peeked out the window.
"Ma..." I called weakly.
"Hmm?"
"Why did you let them hurt you?" I asked. She looked surprised.
"Who are they? No one hurt me."
"They did. I saw it," I insisted.
She pulled away from the hug and turned to face me.
"What did you see? What are you talking about?"
I felt the eyes of everyone in the car on me. I knew they were waiting for my answer.
"I saw something earlier. You weren't just hit once, and it wasn't just one person. I know it happened, but I can't say when."
Mama covered her mouth as tears streamed down her face. She immediately cupped my face with both hands. She wanted to say something, but her sobs came first.
"Do you remember anything?" Aunt Gema asked, holding my hand.
"Fuck! We're going to a psychiatrist," Kuya suddenly declared, turning the steering wheel abruptly.
We changed direction, which worried me. I pulled away from Tita and Mama's hands.
"I—I don't want to. I don't want to," I said, grabbing Kuya's arm to stop him.
Aries and Mama tried to pull me away, but I refused to let go.
"I don't want to, Brother!"
Kuya clenched the steering wheel tightly, his knuckles turning white. I knew he was angry, ready to explode.
"I want to go home. Please," I pleaded.
Kuya exhaled sharply before nodding. I adjusted my seat as Mama hugged me tightly.
Silence filled the car again until we reached home. Just before getting out, I noticed a car parked in front of the house.
Percy was leaning against it, smiling.
"What the hell is he doing here?" I heard Aries whisper, also staring in the same direction.
One by one, we stepped out. Kuya was the first to approach Percy, a strong wind blowing against his face. He knocked on the car window, and the door opened.
A woman stepped out—dressed elegantly, exuding wealth.
Why does she look familiar?
Suddenly, Mama pulled me behind her.
"Jean," the woman greeted Mama.
"Jay-Jay," Percy called my name. "Meet my mom… Reycee."
I stared at him as everything slowly became clearer. If she was here… that meant Papa was here too.