CHAPTER 379 - FOURTH
JAY-JAY'S POV
My cousin hit me. I want to cry.
Can I cry?
It was early in the morning when we got home. Most were asleep, except for Aunt Gema and Aries who were waiting for us.
"Jeana is asleep. We didn't tell Alvin what happened yet; it might be too rushed," Tita Gema said, taking Kuya's things.
Aries approached me. "Are you okay?"
I nodded. "Kuya just hit me."
"Because you're stubborn," Death said, annoyed, before walking past me.
"It's really Angelo," Tita said, glancing at him before turning to me. "Are you feeling okay? Did that Ram do anything bad to you?"
I shook my head. "Kuya was the one who caught everyone. He'll be watching over me until the end."
Aunt Gema smiled and gave me a quick hug. "You should go to your room and rest."
I nodded, then she left me with Aries. I tried handing him my bag for help, but he turned me away.
Wow. That's a bit heartless.
I walked to my room. My brother was ahead of me, and I saw that instead of going to his room, he went straight into mine.
Looks like we have something to talk about.
Oh, and he brought my stuff, too.
When I entered, I almost threw the things I was carrying at him in case he got mad and we ended up fighting.
"How's Ella? What happened to her?" I asked.
He pulled the chair to my study table and sat down.
"She's fine. There was just a small accident at their house. She was just confused because she didn't know what to do," he explained. "Are you worried?"
"No, just curious."
I was arranging my things while continuing to talk. "So, what happened? Did Ram do something bad to you?" he asked calmly, but I could hear the concern in his voice.
I shook my head. "No. Kuya took all the beatings and stabbings."
"Kuya got stabbed?"
I pointed to my neck where I remember the knife hitting him.
"Isn't that near a major vein?" he asked, which made me pause.
I tried to recall what the doctor said, and Kuya Angelo's words came to mind.
"He said Kuya slipped, so he wasn't hit badly. It was only a superficial wound."
Aries sighed. He must have been stressed by what I told him about our cousin. I finished organizing my things and got my change of clothes. I went straight to the bathroom to clean up.
"Are you sure you're okay? You look tired," he commented.
"I had a fever earlier, so maybe that's why," I replied from the bathroom.
I didn't stay long. I just wanted to lie down and sleep. I still felt heavy, and even though I no longer had a fever, I felt like I might catch the flu again any time.
When I came out, Aries was still sitting and waiting. Looks like he wasn't finished interviewing me.
Maybe he dreams of becoming a reporter.
"Why did you have a fever?" he asked.
I froze. I hadn't told Keifer what I saw. I knew I shouldn't tell my cousin either, or he'd force me to see a doctor again. I didn't know if I should tell Aries—he might report me.
But I want to know something that I know he can answer.
I immediately approached the door and peeked out. Seeing nothing, I closed it and sat on the edge of the bed near where Aries was sitting.
"Tell me, how many partners did Mama go with?"
"Why are you asking that? I thought you already knew?"
I was a bit annoyed by his answer. Would I ask if I already knew? Maybe there's something I don't know—that's why I'm asking him.
As soon as fate was brought up, he slowed down.
"I only know of three that Kuya mentioned. I even met one of them. For all I know, there could be more," I answered angrily.
"What do you mean 'you faced one'? You met one of Mom's exes?" he asked, shocked.
His voice rose slightly. I signaled him to lower it; someone might hear us.
"Our mother," I corrected him. "Yes, one time when I was at the Mini Mart. He introduced himself and apologized."
"He had the nerve? What did you do?"
"I ran. I didn't even know who he was."
He was about to react to what I said, but he seemed to realize I still couldn't remember what happened back then.
He sighed.
"You didn't tell Kuya?" he asked calmly.
I shook my head. "No. I didn't understand what happened, and then it just slipped from my mind."
He looked at me with pity in his eyes. I flared my nostrils at him.
I'll tell you my fate later.
"That's what I'm asking. How many were there?"
He clearly hesitated. "What's the point of asking that?"
"There's something I want to know. This is important."
He rubbed his face with one hand, visibly irritated. I was starting to get bored. I patted his knee, forcing him to answer. He sighed again.
"Four," he finally said.
"Four? But Kuya only gave me three names."
He closed his eyes for a moment.
"The last one is dead."
I was stunned. Completely frozen by what he said. Dead? As in really dead?
"H-How?"
Aries stood up and was about to leave, but I quickly stopped him. I could feel he was hiding something.
"Wait. You're not telling me everything," I said, grabbing the hem of his shirt.
"It's morning. You should sleep."
I looked him straight in the eyes. I really wanted to snap at him, but I knew that wouldn't help. He might just get mad too.
I don't know why, but tears fell from one eye. I was frustrated. They still weren't done keeping secrets from me.
"Why is it always so hard for you to tell me the truth?" I said, annoyed, and let go of him. "I just want my questions answered. Why do you act like you don't want to help me?"
He was clearly struggling too.
"What if I tell you, and it triggers something? What if you have another nightmare? Pass out again? I'm just being careful. Because maybe next time… it all comes back to you," he took a deep breath. "And you won't be able to handle it."
I wiped my face. The tears had stopped.
"That's exactly why it's hard for me to talk to you—because you treat me like I'm too fragile," I said, then pushed him toward the door. "Fine. Go. If you won't say anything, that's on you."
I opened the door and pushed him hard. He didn't resist, just looked at me as I closed it. I locked it—I didn't want him to come back.
I collapsed on the bed. I stopped crying and closed my eyes to sleep, but everything felt so heavy. Their unfairness is suffocating. They want to force me to go to the doctor for treatment, but they won't even tell me the truth.
It feels like they're making me drink medicine without telling me where it came from or what it's for. What if everything comes back to me and I can't handle it?
What Aries said is true—maybe everything will come back to me once he speaks. But what if that's also the key to helping myself?
I really don't want my memories to return, but when I think about how Mama was hurt too, I want to know everything. And one more thing: the last man I saw covered in blood—what if he was one of Mama's ex-husbands? I don't remember him, but I have a strong feeling he was part of my incident.
The man who entered the house and called for Mama in my dream. The bloody man who was willing to kill both my mother and me. The man who introduced himself at the Mini Mart before. Two men talking—and one of them took me to the room.
They're different people, but which one of them was the last one I saw? The one who threatened that Mama and I would be killed? I know I won't get an answer from Mama, Aries, or Kuya Angelo. I can only think of one person who might help me.
I got up and looked for my cellphone. I found it inside my bag. I was still shaking while sending a message to the King of Snakes. I just hoped he was still awake—or at least that he'd check his phone as soon as he woke up.
After sending the message, I lay down and covered myself with a blanket. I had no intention of waiting for his reply, thinking he might be asleep—but I was jolted out of bed when my phone suddenly rang and his name appeared on the screen.
King Bingi calling
I answered right away.
"Are you okay?" he asked the moment the call connected, and I immediately cried like a child.
"Keifer," I called his name. "They won't tell me the truth."
"Calm down. Tell me what happened."
I tried to stay still while wiping my face. I sniffled just to keep my nose from dripping.
"Because… I just want to know what happened to the fourth marriage of Mama, went with me."
"Fourth? Wow," he said, then coughed. "I-I mean, do you have his name?"
Wow? Really? Crazy.
"Wow, you," I said, annoyed. "I don't know his name. Neither Aries nor Kuya told me."
"I'll figure it out. Just don't cry anymore."
I nodded as if he could see me. "Not anymore."
He chuckled softly. "Go to sleep. You need to rest."
"What if you can't find any answers?"
"Don't you trust me?" he replied with confidence.
I laughed softly. Yep, he's full of confidence.
"Don't worry about it. I've got this. Now go to sleep."
"Alright. Goodnight—or good morning."
He seemed like he wanted to say something else, but I hung up. Sleep was starting to take over.
I stared at the ceiling of my room for a while after lying down again. I don't want to remember my past, but I can't stop it if everything comes back on its own. I'm scared of what I'll find out.
I guess I need to be ready, either way.
I didn't even realize I'd fallen asleep. I just woke up when I heard a knock on my bedroom door.
"Jay, open the door." It was Mama's voice calling me.
I got up and rubbed my eyes. I was about to lie back down when I suddenly heard Mama cursing. I was forced to get up and open the door.
It was already morning.
"Eat now—it's lunch," Mama said while carrying my newly folded clothes.
She went to the cabinet to put them away.
"I didn't wake you up earlier. Your Kuya said you should've been home early this morning."
Did I sleep that long? Did I sleep through the whole morning until lunch? My stomach hurt. I felt like my organs were disappearing.
Calm down, we're going to eat.
I got a change of clothes and went straight to the bathroom. We don't even have school on Monday because it's exam week, and we're given a few days off before the dreaded "punishment day." It makes me want to cry.
I hope the things I reviewed are still in my head. What if everything's gone? What will I do on exam day? I'm too proud to admit that I really need to fix my study habits.
When I came out of the bathroom, Mama had finished what she was doing. She was stunned when she saw me.
"Are there scratches on your face and arms?" She asked, then looked at my leg and knee. "Why are you all scarred?"
I froze. She didn't know what happened yesterday at Sir Alvin's house. I don't know if Tita is planning to tell her, but maybe it's better if they just don't know.
Wait—why does this situation feel familiar? Aries was like this with me last night.
"W-That's nothing. I tripped a few times yesterday," I said.
Sge clearly didn't believe it, but she let it go.
"Go eat," she ordered before leaving my room. I followed her with a snort. I feel like I was wrong for being mad at my brother last night. He was right about what he said, not that it came from his brain. I was just too demanding, and when I didn't get what I wanted, I nearly lost it.
Sometimes my immaturity is just too much.
I had just passed Aries' room when it suddenly opened. We both stopped and looked at each other.
"What?" I asked when I saw he was surprised. "Why do you look ugly?" He looked exhausted. "Did that really come from you?"
He just shut the door and walked away. I followed him. Before he could reach the stairs, I stopped him.
"Carry me," I asked, and he immediately refused.
"You're so heavy. No way."
I grabbed his arm and forced myself onto his back. He screamed, looking for something to cling to.
"We're going to fall!" he shouted, but I still managed to climb on. "You're so heavy!"
He had no choice but to carry me down the stairs. I laughed softly, slightly annoying him. He might suddenly curse me out. Aunt Gema saw us and just laughed.
"Let's eat," I said, pointing to the dining area.
Kuya Angelo was still at the table, finishing his meal. "What the…" I heard him say.
Aries put me down next to the table.
"My back. My back," he complained, holding it.
"What do you think you are, a feather?" Kuya asked me.
"I'm really light."
He laughed loudly. "In your dreams."
I snorted and ignored him. I served myself and started eating. My cousin had finished his meal but still hadn't left the table. He was facing the iPad and seemed to be looking for something.
He was busy again.
He sighed a few more times. He looked very stressed with what he was doing.
"What's wrong?" Aries asked.
"I can't find a place for Alvin and Cindy to move into. I might have to bring them to my unit or here at home temporarily."
So they have to move because their place got exposed. Poor couple—and Yuri, who lives with them. Wait, what's going to happen to Yuri if they move here?
"Will Yuri come with them too?" I asked, turning to Aries.
Aries looked at me.
"Wait, what? Why would Yuri come?"
"He's still under Cindy's care. Not sure what her plan is, but we're just going with it," my cousin explained.
My brother didn't say anything and just accepted what Kuya said. So Yuri will probably move in here too, if they can't find a new place.
After eating, I left them and went back to my room. I immediately looked for my phone to see if King of Snakes had messaged me. I wasn't disappointed—he had sent a text.
📩
From: King Bingi
Message: I'm outside your house.
My eyes widened. There was no warning he was coming. I hadn't even taken a bath yet. How could I face him if I smelled sour? I was about to text him back when he suddenly called. I had no choice but to answer.
"Hello?" I said, still by my door.
"I'm outside," he replied. I bit my bottom lip.
"I need to take a shower first. Is that okay?"
"I want to see you."
"Hold on! I'm coming out!" I cut him off before he could say more and ended the call.
Kuya and Mama can't see him. They'd wonder why he was here. And of course, we never get alone time. How are we supposed to talk about the things I need to know?
Besides, we can't risk anyone overhearing.
I quickly put deodorant on my armpits, changed into proper clothes, and combed my hair—even though I almost went bald from how much hair came out. I also dabbed on some powder, though I wasn't sure I applied it properly. Once I made sure I didn't smell bad, I left the room.
Thank God no one was in the living room or garage. I ran out of the house and looked around for his car. Just as I expected, he parked a little farther away. I got in quickly, and he immediately started the car.
"I had to sneak out," I told him, but he didn't respond.
I glanced at him. He looked serious. I couldn't help but feel nervous. The ride didn't last long; he found a place to park and stopped the car.
"How are you? Did you find anything?" I asked.
He took a deep breath, hands still on the steering wheel. "Jay…"
I waited for him to continue, like a child expecting a prize.
"I don't think you're ready to hear what happened to your mom's ex," he said seriously.
My chest tightened. Why did it feel like something terrible happened? And why did it feel like it was partly my fault—or Mama's?
"C-Can you just say it?" I asked.
He leaned back in his seat and looked up. "This might trigger your symptoms."
"Keifer, don't be like that," I pleaded. "Why did you bring me here if you weren't going to give me answers?"
"Because I want us to talk properly—without you obsessing over the details."
My curiosity only grew stronger.
I bit my lip. Why were they doing this to me? Don't they realize that not knowing only makes it worse?
Keifer took one of my hands. I tried to pull away, but he held on tighter.
"Jay, please listen."
I shook my head, trying not to cry.
"Jay… What if I told you that this man might be the cause of your mental suffering?" he said. "I'm not saying he is, but he could be. I can't risk your condition just to satisfy your curiosity."
I understood what he meant—but maybe he'd understand me too, if I explained why I needed to know.
"I saw something," I said, and he fell quiet, listening. "Yesterday, after I confronted Ram, I saw a man covered in blood. He was furious—he yelled that he was going to kill Mama and me."
"You remembered?" he asked, and I nodded.
"And I also had a dream," I added. "Mama was with me, and she had bruises. A man called out to her, but I couldn't see his face. I know it's not just a dream—it's a memory."
Keifer let go of my hand and went silent. He looked deep in thought. I wanted to understand what was happening to me too.
"But what triggered your memory all of a sudden?" he asked, concern in his voice.
I shook my head. "I don't know either," I murmured. "Aries said Mama had four lovers, but Kuya only gave me three names. I want to know who the fourth one is—maybe he's connected to what's happening to me."
He held my hand again. "But I still don't think it's safe for you to meet him."
I squeezed his hand. "I know. If my memories come back, I'm scared. But when I think of Mama getting hurt too, I can't rest."
He gently pulled me into a tight hug. 🥺❤️
"Okay," he said softly. "If you really want to know, I'll tell you." He pulled back. "But on one condition—if your symptoms get triggered, we'll see the doctor."
My heart sank a little. He knew I didn't want to go to the doctor. But if I didn't agree, I wouldn't get the answer I needed.
This brain of mine…
I slowly nodded. "A-Alright."
He took a deep breath. Holding both my hands, he wiped my forehead with a tissue first.
"You had powder on your face."
Ugh. Idiot me! I knew I didn't apply it properly. He held my hands again.
"Jay… his name is Rodrigo Abalos" He paused, coughed lightly, then continued. "Your mom… she killed him."