My Lover Is A Maid

Chapter 1

I was surprised when the sun shone on me, it was morning.

I was about to stand up when I fell down. My body hurts especially my head. There I groped it and felt a liquid seeping into it. It's blood.

I didn't care about that anymore and immediately looked for mom and Abi. I searched every corner of our house even if it was small. I didn't see one.

I sat up in my seat suddenly realizing that there was no one in the house, only their belongings were left behind. I cried a lot, blaming myself for what happened that I should have been the protector of mom and Abi and it's not like I'm here and can't do anything but cry, always begging and not being able to do anything to help them, mom, to get out of the hands of my dad

Because of what I did last night, it even led to this scene where dad will keep Abi and mom away from me. There I only blame myself. Punching myself in the chest like it's all my fault. "Arghhhh!" a shout from my hoarse voice echoed in our house.

I immediately stood up to regain my strength, I was tired from everything but I needed to be strong.

I went out of the house with all my might. I took a bandage and put it on my head to stop the bleeding. I took wood that served as strength for my body. I used this cane and my foot started to move.

I will not give up.

I will find them.

I need to find them,

mom...

Abi...

I have to get them and get them away from dad.

"Mommy!"

"I think!"

"Yet!"

I screamed their names but no one answered.

I'm already in the middle of the road being stared at by whoever it is in whatever place it is.

People on the mountain, in the yard, in every house I asked and searched for the presence of my mother and brother but I found nothing.

I can't even do anything.

I can't help at all.

Days passed when I did just that.

Search here, search there, always like that but I still can't find what I'm looking for.

I had no food, no sleep, and no rest, I just kept searching, I didn't want to give up on my family, I would get them from dad.

I promised mom that I will find a way to get them away from dad and I will do that, I will find them no matter what.

I know my brother is with mom, I know they are in danger and they need me, I need to find them.

Because maybe this time they'll be the ones participating in papa's cruelty and that's what I don't want to happen.

It's getting late but I still don't stop walking, shouting their names and asking every person I pass if they know someone like this, like that.

I felt hungry and tired from searching but I didn't buy it. My feet are hurting and I feel my body gradually getting tired. The bruises on my face are still not going away and are still swollen but I don't care anymore because I have applied medicinal herbs.

I felt a slight pain and cold in my head, a sign that it was bleeding again but I ignored it and continued searching.

"Have you ever seen a child who is white? He is this tall? His clothes are white and he is wearing violet underwear. He has bangs, he is a beautiful child who is about seven years old."

"There is a woman with him who is beautiful, thin and white. She is wearing a beige dress and black jersey pants."

"Then there was a man with a tall, dark complexion. He was wearing jeans and then a red dress with sleeves."

That's what I always ask people I pass.

I want to give up because I've been looking for her for almost three days.

I'm tired and my body can't take it anymore.

I took a deep breath and then blew it out.

"Lord, I wish I could find them." I prayed and moved my foot again to look for mom.

I walked a few meters before my body finally fell and at the same time a car honked.

...

I woke up because of the sunlight. I could see nothing but a spacious white room with a beautiful light that I could say I would love for its design. I was lying here on a white and soft bed with a golden line that served as its design. It is surrounded by a white ceiling, floor, walls and everything else that is also white and gold. There's a lot of stuff here that looks like it's going to be loved. My eyes landed on my clothes that had changed. Maybe I was dressed by whoever brought me here.

I thought about my surroundings before finally standing up. I felt a pain in my head but when I touched it, it was bandaged. I looked in the mirror and saw myself in it. The bruise on my face seems to have healed little by little and the bandage on my head is new.

I wandered around this room feeling around for people. I looked around and wandered around the wide white room for a few more minutes before I decided to go out.

I fixed myself first and sighed. I carefully grabbed the doorknob and opened it.

"You're awake son." a woman greeted me when I opened the door. She looks a bit old but it's not obvious on her face because it's smooth and has a certain beauty and whiteness, you won't see her wrinkles and wrinkles.

"W-where am I?" I immediately asked. "Mama and Abi need me. I'm leaving. Sal----" I was cut off when he spoke. His companions entered with food and placed it on the table next to the bed earlier. The woman invited me in and talked there.

"You don't have to rush. Your condition is still bad and we need to treat your wounds first, especially the one on your head. When it's better, I'll let you go, but first, I need to know what happened to you ." its calm language. I looked at her and her companions, they seemed to be the ones who helped me, especially the girl in front of me now. In the stares they just give, you can feel the pity because maybe it's in my situation.

"It's okay if you don't want to say." the lady added, noting that I didn't say a word. "Yes." that's all I could answer.

"Eat to fill your stomach, you look very tired." a fat woman offered me. Even though I was embarrassed at first, I didn't refuse because I was hungry because I hadn't had anything to eat for a few days.

Suddenly I thought of those I was looking for, Abi and Mama. Even though the food in my mouth was not finished yet, I immediately swallowed it and spoke.

"Ma'am, where are my brother and mother? I need to see them. They need me." I spoke and it straightened up to listen to me. I just called her ma'am because I don't know her and just by her clothes and face I can tell if she is rich.

"You were alone when we saw you lying on the road. I thought you were hit by Mang Kanor. But the doctor said that you might have been bruised based on his observations because of the bruises on your face and also your head. I know it's very confidential but what's your name and where do you from? What really happened? I know you don't want to say what happened but it's okay, but, may I know your name?" asked the woman.

"Alex. Alex Casapao. I'm from Banaue, Banaue Ifugao." I answer here.

"Are you an igorot?" he asked and I just shook my head. The truth is that we are from Manila, we just moved to Banaue because dad lost his job in Manila. We ended up in Banaue because papa knew someone there who lived when we didn't have a home of our own- a home that changed when papa started to get into bad habits.

I just bowed down because of what I remembered. I teared up a little and tried to hold it back but I think the people around me noticed it, especially the girl.

"Hushh. Don't cry." I felt the sincerity in what he said. It hugged me and later separated. I just felt the touch of his soft palm that I turned to. It wiped away the tears that have flowed and will flow from my eyes. He smiled at me before asking. "What happened to you Alex? Alex, is it right?" he asked and I nodded.

"It's a long story." my answer. "But if you want to know, I'll tell you, maybe you can help me." I added and smiled which made her smile especially the girl.

"You're more beautiful when you smile." praise from the woman who shamed me.

"And he will look even more handsome, ma'am, when the bruise on his face heals." thanks to the woman earlier who gave me food with fatness. I just scratched the back of my neck like I used to when I was embarrassed.

"Ma'am looks like a woman." said a thin woman. I just smiled here because I'm used to it but there's a part of me that might judge me based on what he sees. Maybe the bullying of people in the past had an effect on me.

"Manang, I'm a boy." I said shyly and he laughed.

We even had more conversations and laughter because of that. Our conversation turned again about what happened to me.

"What happened to you Alex? Did you end up here in Baguio? Because you walked so far." asked the elderly woman. It seems to be the oldest one here.

"Yes. I would like to find Mama and Abi to take them to Papa. The night before the three of them were lost, there was an argument in our family. Papa is always like that when he comes home. of the house. It came to the point where he almost killed us but it was good and he suddenly fell down because of the alcohol" I said. I bowed and faked a laugh.

"Didn't you report it to the police or your neighbors?" asked the thin woman. I looked up and answered it.

"I was planning to file a complaint, but I didn't do it anymore. Mom believed that dad would change and I believed her. Dad wasn't like that before, he really cared. He's still the best dad. " I praise my dad. I smiled as I said that I was so happy that he became my dad, I couldn't stop being emotional so I bent down to hide the tears that were falling.

I miss dad.

The girl next to me tapped me. After recovering from the sadness, I continued to talk about what happened and why I was here in Baguio.

"That night, it must have been around Wednesday, Papa came home, we were about to meet him, but suddenly he punched me and Mama stopped him while my brother was clinging to Mama crying while Papa stopped what he was doing him to me."

"He continued punching me until I was having a hard time. Maybe he was annoyed with mom, so he was punching mom. Even though it was hard, I stood up, I stopped dad. I don't want to see that. mom, especially dad because I know he's not like that. He loves us very much. Then yes, I tried to take dad's fist away from mom because I couldn't handle it."

"Dad's attention turned to me again because of my constant pulling and restraining him. There he punched me and poked me and said hurtful things. Mana stopped him but he couldn't either. The case when dad got fed up with me and it was mom that he was hurting again. I really don't want to hurt my mom, especially since my brother is crying in front of me. That's why I got angry because even though mom is hurt, it's not dad was stopping so I punched him. He fell even though I was so tall. To be honest, I've been wanting to do that for a long time, but I'm telling myself that he's my dad too. But that night, it seemed like I was full ."

"I just continued punching dad. Then when I realized what I had done, I stopped because I knew I wasn't like that. Mom was really afraid of me that night, especially my brother. I was able to hurt My father and my son were very bad for what I did. I regretted what I did but soon I felt a beating on my head. I got dizzy because of that and my father was punching me. It seems that I lost consciousness. then when I woke up they were not at home." my whole story

To Be Continued...

Chapter 2

"Your father is naughty" suggested one to which I immediately answered.

"Dad's not like that. Maybe it's just a coincidence that it was a bad mix and we got heated. Dad is really kind. And besides, if I hadn't punched him, I wouldn't have gotten into that situation. It's my fault that's all." my defense

"You know I'm also in awe of you, you're still able to defend your father even though he did that to you. After all, that's still not enough." stuttered the fat woman. I just smiled bitterly because it was all my fault. If only I had controlled my anger that would not have happened.

"You are a brave child. You are very strong. Even if your father treats you badly, you still do not lose your love as his son. You are a kind child." smiling like an elderly woman. I smiled here and so did our companions.

"Yes Mom. He's kind." the woman next to me agreed and looked at me. "You're a really nice kid Alex".

We were about to continue our conversation when a man came in looking at me intently. It didn't knock or speak at all. It just came in without a word, which surprised the fat woman a little and made the thin woman we were talking to feel uncomfortable.

The two talked deeply. It was just a whisper but they just looked at me as if they were talking about me.

They can't lose sight of me and I don't lose sight of them, especially the man who just stares at me. A few moments later, the woman said goodbye to me, saying that she and her son had something to talk about.

'That's his son.' I promised in my mind.

Before the mother and daughter finally left, she first introduced herself to me and her companions. He said I need to rest and take a shower so they are leaving.

"Agatha, that's my name. I'll leave you now, my son and I just have something to talk about." the woman introduced herself and smiled at me. "Mom, Bibi, Tina will take care of Alex." said the woman.

"Oh, we'll take care of it." answered the elderly woman. Ma'am Agatha smiled at this. He looked at me and smiled at me, which I smiled back. My smile also disappeared when I saw the frowning and scary gaze of his son.

"Alright, I'm leaving." Ma'am Agatha said goodbye and finally left with her son.

"I'm Bibi by the way. Just call me Manang Bibi." introduced the fat woman.

"Just call me Sister Tina." introduced by a woman with thinness.

"Mother Melda, call me that." introduced by the oldest of them. They were both smiling while introducing themselves.

"I'm Alex." I introduced myself and smiled too.

"Alex, you're repeating yourself. We haven't tried yet, I just don't know about Mom." Sister's Tina's joke was the one that made us laugh. Nay Melda didn't say anything and just laughed.

"I have a different conversation. Is your father doing drugs like that? Do you know that he is hurting you because he is doing drugs." Manang Bibi suggested. I looked at it and smiled at it.

"Dad is kind so he won't take drugs." I answered and they just smiled too.

"You know you should smile every day so we can be infected too." sister Tina joked. Sister's Bibi laughed a little at that.

"Alright Sister." I answered and smiled again.

"That's it! You know that when I have a child, I'll look like you. If it's a girl, I'm sure it'll be beautiful and if it's a boy, it'll be handsome." Sister's Tina said. Nay Melda hit it which made me laugh softly.

"Whatever you say Tina." Nay Melda's sermon and I just smiled. It seems like they have a good company. Fun is just fun.

"That's right Alex! Just smile!" Sister's Tina has been telling me that for a while now. I don't know but I'm very happy because of that. They are so much fun to be with, there seems to be no problem. With that thought, I smiled and happily looked at the three who were already talking.

Because that's what my father used to teach me, he said I should always smile because when I smile, I make him smile and he said the same thing happens to others because there is something in my smile that other people can't see. Dad said that I need to help everyone be happy with this smile of mine, it's a shame that he worked hard on my face if I'm always frowning. With those memories, I can't stop smiling. I didn't even realize that there were tears falling down my face that the three noticed.

I really inherited my mother's ability to cry too.

The three stopped talking and looked at me worriedly. I turned to Nay Melda when she touched my shoulder.

"Alex, I know if you are having a hard time with your situation, but don't worry, Ma'am Agatha and I will help you find your sister and mom." it eases my feelings at the same time as it touches my cheek to wipe away my tears. I remembered my mom and dad, every time I cried that's what they did.

"By the way, he's Alex, how old is he?" Ate Tina asked while sitting next to me and I looked back before answering.

"I'm 18." my answer.

"You are the same age as Sir Khairon," Manang Bibi said, causing Sister Tina to frown.

"Heh! That boy, I don't know why he behaves like that, Ma'am Agatha is kind, but that Khairon is still a devil if you look at him. He always raises his eyebrows, it seems like he always has an enemy." Sister's Tina exclaimed.

"Tina, shut up." Nay Melda was disobedient and was stopped by Sister Tina's speech. "Even though Khairon is like that, don't forget that he is Ma'am Agatha's son. When he was a child, he was kind, but when his father died, he changed. So even if that boy is acting like that, please don't talk to him It's not good because I know if that's a good kid." Nay Melda added.

"Is that Khairon you're talking about who came in here earlier?" I asked her.

"Yes, it's bad to stare and -" replied Sister Tina who was looked at by Nay Melda.

"Tina!" It was disobedient so Ate Tina just covered her mouth because of what she said.

"Alex, son, if Khairon does anything bad to you, just tell me, I will talk to him, and as much as possible, I hope you understand him, Alex, that boy has been through so much." said Nay Melda.

"Yes" was all I answered here before he stood up.

"Oh, we can leave it to you, Alex, we're just going to move something. Just take a bath first, then come downstairs so you can breathe some fresh air." it told me that I just nodded. "Bibi, Tina, let Alex take a shower first, wash the dishes there." Nay Melda ordered which the two immediately obeyed.

"Alex?" Nay Melda called me and I turned around.

"Well, if you have a problem, tell me, don't keep it to yourself. If you need anything, just call me, I'm just downstairs." She said that I was dumbfounded because I remember her grandmother, that's how she was to me when we were still in Manila but now I don't know what happened to her because we moved to Banaue. I just nodded and smiled before answering.

"Yes, mother." I replied smiling at this.

"By the way, I'll leave what you're going to wear here later. Go ahead and take a bath." It said that I answered "yes". He finally left and closed the door. I immediately went to the bathroom when I found it and immediately took a shower. Even though I'm not used to using the shower, I just used it because they didn't have a mug. The cold water is just right because I'm used to it, because that's how the water is in Banaue.

I soaped my body well and thought of my family.

How are they?' That was the question that came to my mind and I continued to take a shower. It looks like my lameness is gone so maybe I can walk properly. Ma'am Agatha said that I have been here for almost two days so maybe my wounds are already healing.

After taking a shower, I immediately left the bathroom. After coming out, I found the clothes on the floor of the bed. I took it and looked at it.

"Huh? How big?" I asked because it wasn't a man's clothes. It's like a girl's dress that's a bit short, it has a skirt and a top with a nice design in black, add this headband that I can't tell what.

I was going to call Mother Melda to change my clothes, but I didn't because it would be embarrassing if I went shopping, so I couldn't do anything but wear said clothes.

It took me a few minutes to put it on. I can't be bothered because it's quite tight and you can see my back. I can't do anything because this is the only clothes given here.

I didn't wear the headband because I might just get a wound on my head. I looked in the mirror and looked at myself.

"I'm like a girl." I just laughed because I remembered how they teased me before and only now did I realize that they were right, I really do look like a girl.

A few minutes later I heard someone giggling which startled me.

The sound I hear just keeps going. I looked for it and ended up in a cabinet. I approached it and took two more steps. He continued to giggle and when he felt that someone was approaching him, he became quiet.

"Boo!" it's shocking. He came out of his hiding place, smiling.

He didn't see any expression on me because it wasn't surprising. Because her voice was so small and weak, I was even shocked instead of surprised.

I just smiled and spoke.

"I thought you were the only one." I promised with a smile and knelt down so that we were equal.

This child is very white and very beautiful.

I still had a hard time kneeling down because my underwear was so tight and I wasn't comfortable there.

"You're beautiful, what's your name?" I ask here. He just keeps giggling so I just smile. He's a cute kid.

"Ashley, that's my name." he answered, stuttering a bit but I understood. "How old are you?" I asked again. He showed his hand saying that he was three years old. He was a very dumb boy for that age.

"What are you doing here? Are you with anyone?" I ask here. "How did you get in here Ashley?" I asked again.

I wonder how he got into the room because he wasn't there earlier. That's when I thought that maybe when I was taking a bath, he came in. Nay Melda also didn't lock the door so that she could easily come to me when I needed something. I noticed that he did not answer and looked in one direction.

"Brother Dandan po" he answered and pointed to the man who was on the side of the closet. It came out scratching its head because the child insulted it.

"It's Ashley." He blamed it on Ashley and just laughed too. It turned to me. "Hello." It greeted me and I replied "Hello" and smiled.

"You're siblings?" I asked to which it nodded. "Why are you here?" I asked again. The man got serious and answered.

"No, we're just playing around, actually kuys that outfit of yours is also because of us. Kuya Kiero isn't involved with this ha" he replied which made me laugh.

"Who is Kiero? Your brother too?" I asked and he shook his head.

"Kuya Kiero is Kuya Khairon's friend. Ashley, Ate Shaila, Kuya Khairon and Kuya Haze, and me, we are siblings." this is the answer. "And by the way, Kuys, I'm Daniel, already 10 years old and she's Ashley our youngest sibling, I know she's already introduced herself but I want to introduce her to you again HAHA." he added and laughed at the end. He stopped for a few seconds before looking behind me with a smile and spoke with strength. "Oh Kuya Khairon! Kuya Kiero, Hello!" It greeted the person behind me that I also turned around.

When I turned around, I was shocked because the two of them were looking at my back, especially at my thigh which was already visible. That's because the skirt was short earlier.

The other was dumbfounded and just smiling but Sir Khairon still had the same expression on his face, even grumpy if he stared.

"E-ehh? M-Sirs, s-sorry I'm wearing so much, w-I can't wear anything so-"/"HAHA it's okay." cutting off a companion of Sir Khairon's stature. "You look cute" complements it. I was just embarrassed because of that.

'Alex, why are you wearing that? You know you're a man.' I admonished myself. I just covered my thigh with my two hands holding each other.

"Are these two the ones behind what you're wearing today?" it asked. He even came closer to Daniel and Ashley and ruffled their hair.

"Brother Kiero!"

"Brother!"

The two complained because of what the man did. Ashley frowned as her brother Daniel removed the man's hand and fixed his hair.

"Be good, kids." Kiero said and ruffled the children's hair again.

"I've just fixed it! Be good, you're the one who said-" Daniel interjected but the man couldn't continue covering the boy's mouth. Sir Khairon came forward and removed the man's hand. The man didn't complain or speak anymore and he just let it go.

"Hey! You two! What did you do? Haven't I told you already that you shouldn't make people happy here, especially Alex, he's a guy so he shouldn't wear something like that" preached another man. I was still a little surprised because he suddenly spoke from the door with strength.

His face is not far from Sir Khairon, it looks like this is what Daniel is talking about which is another brother of theirs, Sir Haze.

"Eh brother we're not the only one who did it. Brother Kiero told us to make fun of brother Alex." Daniel's defense.

"Yes!" Ashely agreed that the man was scratching earlier, his name is Kiero. We just laughed because of that. He seems to have no problem with two children.

I couldn't help but notice because of the sharp looks that Sir Khairon was giving me. Sir Kiero was just looking at Sir Khairon and seemed to be observing the looks he was giving me. While Sir Haze was just scolding his younger brothers. He looked at me and smiled.

"Ahh By the way, I'm Haze, Alex." Sir Haze broke the stares that were happening "Maybe you're wondering why I know? Mom already told me about you so I'm here now to check on you and you seem to be fine. Ahm by the way this is"/"Kiero, my name is Kiero." Sir Kiero made a short introduction and shook my hand, which I reached for.

"This is my brother, Khairon" Sir Haze introduced himself to his brother who was still bad if he stared at me and was still flabbergasted. "And this is Ashley and Daniel, my two younger siblings, nasty kids."

"brother Haze, I'm done introducing you'll earlier, especially the three of you. Just over and over again." Daniel complained that his brother Haze made him laugh.

"Alright. alright. sorry my bad." this is the answer. He looked at me and spoke. "So how do you feel?" it asked.

"I'm fine Sir." I answered and it just nodded.

Even though we are very hard

I also understand the English language somehow because I studied up to grade 7.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 3

We stayed for a few minutes in conversation with the woman who came in. Based on his appearance, he is one of Daniel and Ashley's siblings, because he looks like Ma'am Agatha. This is a beautiful white girl with neck-length hair.

It ran when it saw me and took the blanket to cover me. He looked intently at the three men who were just looking at us before speaking.

"You three! Get out of here! Perverts!" it's all three. Sir Haze looked at her in surprise because of what the woman said. It's funny that Sir Kiero came out dragging Sir Haze. Just behind the two was Sir Khairon who, if he was naked, seemed to be angry at the world. I feel that even its walking is looking at me intently.

The four of us were left in the room. Me, Ashley, Daniel and the girl from earlier.

"Alex right" asked the woman to which I nodded. "I'm Shaila, the oldest child of the girl who helped you." He introduced himself and smiled, which I also smiled back. "By the way let's change your clothes first." he said and took something from the closet that was white that could be worn. "If you want to change your clothes, there are clothes here in the closet, don't wear the ones my snotty brothers gave you because for sure they're just making fun of you, especially these two who are so naughty." I just smiled a little.

They are used to being together as siblings, I hope that happens again with my brother, he seems to be scared of me after what happened the last night I was with them.

I went to bathroom as he said. He said I should change because it looks like I'm not comfortable in what I'm wearing and he was right there. I'm a man so I don't like this outfit and it's too tight.

"Are you done?" it asked from outside bathroom. I came out, which was the answer to his question. It looked up and stood up.

"I think what you were wearing earlier was better." It was a joke that made him laugh. "Just fatten it up a little, it will suit you. You're fat, you just lack in order and food." He smiled in such a way that he also made me smile. She is very smart and beautiful.

Honestly, this is my type of girl. The simple but beautiful, with a sense of humor, kind and close to the family. Looks like I'm going to fold here with Ma'am Shaila.

"Okay. Let's go Alex, I'll show you around the house so you can breathe fresh air and move your body. Ashley, Daniel, come with us." he ordered the two children and they nodded. He held my hand which made me smile.

I saw that Ashley was struggling to get down, so I picked her up, which made Ma'am Shaila smile. He separated his grip from me but he didn't step and just watched my actions with a smile.

Ashely was a burden but I was able to handle it because I was the one who carried rice, bath water, drinking water and other things at home when dad changed.

"What a lovable person, so caring. Husband material huh." said Ma'am Shaila with a smile. I didn't answer and just smiled. I was even shy so I bowed slightly.

He had already walked with Daniel while Ashley and I were late walking because we were still messing around. I can't help but look at Ma'am Shaila how beautiful she is even with her back turned.

While we were going down the stairs, we just continued with Ashley's story. There are times when he asks me what I want, or if I have a brother. During our conversation, I will not lose the squeamishness that is the reason for my depression towards my younger brother.

Two days have passed since I was separated from my family and came here to Baguio.

"Mommy!" shouted the child I was carrying now. He looked at us and gave a smile like the others with him. We're finally downstairs and I think this is the living room they're talking about. There's nothing like that at home because it's just a shack and it's small. They have a large living room that can be seen with fancy items that you can say are social but simple. I was just amazed at the light above it. It is golden in color with a beautiful design like flowers.

"Oh how's my baby Ashley?" Ma'am Agatha asked when we finally reached her. I put Ashley down to run to her mother. He kissed his mother's cheek and happily talked to her.

"I'm okay Mom" ​​answered the child. He looked in my direction and went and pulled them to their seats. I just floated here while still shy.

I'm ashamed to sit in their seat because I don't belong here, I'm just rich.

"Alex, don't be shy with us, okay? We're family here, so until we continue looking for your family, you'll be here first, is it okay with you?" Ma'am Agatha promised that you will see kindness in the tone of her voice. I smiled and answered, "Yes."

"Mom, Brother Alex is so kind. He picked me up mom, because he sees me struggling down the stairs." Ashley said cheerfully and smiling while still muttering. Ma'am Agatha looked at me and smiled at me, I was embarrassed because of that so I just scratched the back of my neck and smiled back.

"Oh is that so? Brother Alex is surely a kind son, so treat him nice okay? Don't play with him, especially you Daniel and the three of you." Ma'am Agatha answered and pointed to the people she was referring to, Sir Khairon, Sir Haze and Sir Kiero.

The two just scratched each other because of that while Sir Khairon was completely emotionless. His gaze landed on me, which is why I looked away because of his sharp gaze.

"And also Mom." before Ashley continued what she had to say, she looked at me. He came and held my hands. "brother Alex has so many bruises on his back Mom, let's treat it please. I saw it earlier while he was changing his clothes when Brother and I were hiding." Ashly said sweetly to her mother. Ma'am Agatha looked at me worried.

"Alex, can you please remove your clothes first? Let me see it." it promised that I did it. I removed my clothes and turned away from his behavior.

"Oh God! Alex, what happened to your back? Why is it like this, tell me did your dad do this too? Oh god, it's swollen." Ma'am Agatha's voice was filled with worry.

I didn't answer.

"The doctor who checks you, already told me about this but I didn't expect it to be this bad. He has already treated it but we need to go to the hospital now so it can be treated and looked at again." He ordered Manang Bibi to prepare the car of Mang Kanor, their driver. Manang followed immediately. Ma'am Agatha looked at me meaningfully, I don't know but she seems to be in tears because of my situation.

"Alex why did you let your dad do that to you? You have a lot of wounds on your back. I know I'm not in the place to speak but this is too harsh and cruel. It went too far Alex, is he even your dad?" he was worried.

I couldn't answer because even I was confused as to why dad was doing that to me, tell me.

"Oh sorry." he apologized without saying a word. "Sorry, I went too far." he added. "But I just want to know why? Why does your father do that to you?" he asked again.

I just didn't answer this question again. I also don't want my father to look bad because of what he did to me, so my back became like that. The truth is that it was my fault that my back became like that, I was reprimanded so when dad told me to stay away from it, I didn't follow it and made myself a barrier to protect my mom and my brother from dad. My mom and my brother just burst into tears when things like that used to happen. They couldn't do anything but touch my cheek and just cry. Mom is weak and while my brother is still young, he is only five years old. I don't want them to be the ones to get hurt, so when the scene at home is like that, I will immediately go in front of them to protect them from papa.

With those memories I can't stop crying. I hold it back but my tears are treacherous, they are constantly flowing from my eyes.

The people around me looked at me and started asking questions while their eyes were full of pity.

"It's okay Alex, I understand you. I know your feelings are heavy. But when you're ready to say it, we'll listen, okay?" said Ma'am Agatha and she suddenly hugged me. "I know you're having a hard time, so for now I will be your mother and I will make you feel how to have a parent to somehow reduce your feelings. Hush. Hold on, it's a waste of time for you to cry Alex just you." There I burst into tears.

"Mom." not in my own way and the people around us teared up even more. Maybe I miss mom that's why I said that.

The brothers and Sir Kiero stood seriously. They were looking at us full of joy and pity except for Sir Khairon who kept staring.

Sir Haze and Ma'am Shaila came to us and seated us while the friends just chatted, Sir Kiero was smiling while looking in our direction while Sir Khairon was serious. The emotions on his face are different, but the anger that is evident in his tense jaws and in his sharp eyes when he stares prevails.

That's how surprised we were when Ashley cried so hard. His Brother Khairon immediately took it and carried it and placed it.

"Stop crying baby Ashley, brother's here." he let his brother stay and wiped his tears. I thought he didn't care about those around him but it seems I was wrong.

It looked at me. His gaze is evil. It's only for a moment but it's like I'm being burned by the extreme heat of his gaze.

What have I done?

"Don't cry na po" said Ashley and the crying got stronger. They laughed because of that because Ashley just started crying because she saw us crying. Sir Khairon nodded and spoke.

"Alright! Let's go upstairs, let's play airplane ride again." Khairo's nanny to his brother and he agreed. The boy's face lit up with so much joy at what his older brother said. For a few moments, my eyes fell on the two of them. My brother and I are like that, we are sweet to each other. I stopped staring when he looked at me. Its gaze is sharp. I just looked away and swallowed. His gaze, shocking, scary.

They both left and went up the stairs. I can't take my eyes off of her. Until now, I still wonder why he is like that to me. His gaze was very sharp compared to others. I feel like I've done something I don't know.

We all stopped when someone spoke. Manang Bibi It's still suffocating. Maybe he even ran to call Manong Kanor, their driver.

"Ma'am, the sasak is ready" what he was going to say was cut off when he saw us in tears. It even stopped and looked around at all of us. It even came closer to Ate Tina and hugged her by the side. "Anyare Tina, Manang?" he asked his fellow maid in a whisper which made Ma'am Agatha laugh softly. I just smiled looking at her. This family is so happy and full of love. This is what I want, a family that you can really consider family.

"Really, it's very gossipy." Sir Kiero's mischievous behavior made us laugh.

"You're a child, you're still mischievous." Manang Bibi replied with a smile. We just laughed because even he was laughing while answering. Add to that his breathing which is the reason for what he has to say.

"Manang, inhale, exhale." Kiero suggested that Manang followed. I just laughed at what Sir Kiero was doing and saying. This man is a philosopher.

The house was filled with laughter and conversation.

They are very happy.

The Montero Family is very happy.

To Be Continued...