The blind fold love

DONNA JEAN V. LODIVERO'S POV

"DJ DONNA, what am I going to do? My boyfriend was angry with me because I made his cousin jealous! I didn't know that girl was his cousin!" I scratched my eyebrows when I heard his complaint. It's a simple problem but it's difficult for them to give a solution. Because doubt precedes them.

We are on air now and I have my own confession booth. My Kuya Daizo Hart himself gifted it to me while I was still in the dark world and he was still working on my surgery.

Yes, I'm blind and I've been like this for several years but I'm used to it. That even sometimes my operation was not successful but I never lost hope of seeing again.

Because I still believe that I will also be given a chance to see the beautiful scenery in the world. I want Kuya Hart to be the first one I see. My dearest older brother and my only big brother.

I was still in high school when our parents died in a car accident and I was one of the victims of that accident. But I survived because it wasn't my time yet. That's when I woke up from coma, all I could see was darkness.

If Kuya wasn't by my side, maybe I wouldn't have been able to handle it and then he's still thankful because he said I didn't leave him and I still fought death.

It was difficult at the beginning, because who can get used to seeing nothing but darkness? I did have a hard time but Kuya Hart supported me and for him I can handle it. As long as he is by my side, I will continue to fight.

"DJ! What else?! I can't live without my boyfriend!" I was startled because I heard the voice of one of my listeners again. Because I fall into deep thought.

"Pttff-"

"Brother, behave," I said weakly to my brother when I heard him refrain from laughing.

Really, oh. My older brother will only listen and then laugh at my harty's complaints. How about it, he has never been in love even once. He would rather take care of me than have a girlfriend.

He will be an old man if he doesn't find a woman to love because I have no plans to let him go. That's just a joke. My brother deserves to have a family that he can love besides me.

"What did your boyfriend's cousin do that made you so jealous of him, Harty?" I asked.

Harty 10.3 is the station of my booth because I want it to be my brother's name, because he is the reason why I became a DJ and we also have our own studio and once again when we invite a singer we also have a bus. Of course, we have our own driver.

Kuya Hart is because he is a doctor. He is also busy sometimes but he never lost time for me. Because I am his first priority. I am 24 years old but he treats me like a child.

"Dj Donna, I'm only slightly jealous. It's not really flashy," he added, accompanied by a really loud sniff.

I looked in Kuya Hart's direction, even though I can't see him, I know his right place and I can still meet his eyes. That's why sometimes it's not obvious that I'm blind.

My fingers moved to press a button and without us being heard. Because I will visit Kuya Hart.

"Brother Hart, eh," I said.

"He said he wasn't jealous, baby girl. Because he said it was only slight but he was screaming on the other line and still crying. Pttff-"

" Don't laugh at me! Maybe later on, you will be even more jealous of your future girlfriend. You'll see! I'll be the first to laugh at you!" I threatened but as if my brother would take it seriously.

"That won't happen, Jean. I don't know the word jealousy," he denied. He is really strong. Since he doesn't even have a girlfriend yet. Psh.

I also pressed it again so that I could answer something to the woman. "You know, Harty. You wouldn't really be jealous of your boyfriend's cousin if he didn't do something bad-"

"It was just a hug and they were really close!" he answered me. Oh...didn't let me finish talking.

"Ka-harty, jealousy is part of our lives, especially in love life, but you must always remember that jealousy has its proper place and if it is not at the right time, everything will be really complicated. All you have to do with your boyfriend is let him relieve his temper with you and wait for him to be the first one to go to say hello," I said in a long litany.

"He's really angry, DJ..."

"What did you do to make him angry?" I asked her again.

"I told her to go with her cousin and we're going on a break!" he shouted and I felt my senses.

"That's what I'm saying that jealousy has a place. If we are jealous, don't let the word separation come out of our mouths. Even if you just said it out of spite, it can still end up in a real divorce. Always remember, Harty friends. Even if the word break-up is a joke, it's still not good. Sometimes it becomes painful emotionally because it seems that the hastily saying those words seems to immediately ignore your feelings. Ka-harty, let's not exaggerate the one small thing you are arguing about," I promised at length and I reminded them all one after the other before I said goodbye.

I played a song that the girl requested earlier and somehow the weight in her chest disappeared. She said that she should just wait for what I said that her boyfriend would come to greet her. I am not wrong in my predictions. Because everything I say has come true.

"Eat first, Jean." I was just moving my wheelchair and I felt someone stop it to fix it in place.

I immediately grabbed the spoon. My brother didn't make me feel that I was useless. Because he also trains me in everything.

Kuya removed my hair that was blocking my face so that I could eat properly.

"Thank you, Brother," I thanked. Kuya Hart cooked caldereta.

Our bus has a mini-kitchen and also a mini-bed. That sometimes we sleep here but it's necessary only in a place where the police won't catch you. But my older brother is very connected to his superiors.

"Zed, come on first. Eat here first," he begged our driver who was my brother's friend. I forgot to call him to eat our dinner. Yes, it's just dinner time.

I felt him slowly walk towards us and he sat next to my brother.

"Aren't you stressed, Jean?" Ate Zedian asked me. She is a woman and Kuya Hart intended to take her so that I would be comfortable as well.

"Not at all. I'm used to it, eh," I answered while slowly eating.

They are both the same age and Ate Zed is not really a driver anymore. Because he is also a writer, he said that being his driver is only a part time job because he wants our bus to always roam.

"Who can't get used to it, how many years has he been like that?" brother promised.

"He doesn't know how to be jealous, Sister Zed," I said.

"It's like that when you're not in love, Jean," he agreed, making me frown.

"Eh, is that you?"

"Neither. Is jealousy eating him, DJ Donna?" he asked amused and I frowned even more.

"Oh, maybe you and my brother don't feel jealous because you really have a secret look at each other that you both don't obsess over other people!" I exclaimed and I just heard something that seemed to fall on its plate. Ate Zedian coughed one after another.

I grinned because my guess and the atmosphere I felt around us were still right. When did I make a mistake?

I've been really feeling this for a long time but I only said it now because they agreed. Is jealousy really edible?

"Damn, are you okay, Zedian?" brother asked worriedly.

"I'm..."

I was still eating with a smile and I knew that they were both staring at me.

"Brother, Sister. It's not good if we hide our feelings. Because we might get caught, we will regret that we did not convey that to someone when he found someone else. But you said you don't know the word jealousy because you have feelings for each other. You see that no one person can enter your life. The question is... How long will you be like this?" I asked and they didn't answer.

Donna Jean V. Lodivero, 24 years old and I became a teacher in coming to love, a DJ and in my dark world I delivered good lessons, love life of others. But believe me, I still have no experience when it comes to love. But I believe that the day will come when I will also meet someone and feel that love.

MIKO S. BRILLIANTES' POV

I was just reading the email I received 15 minutes ago from Del Labiba's Hotel branch and they will have a new project. They chose our firm.

I know the del Labiba family because they are also one of our firm's business partners. Grandpa himself knows about it, because the owner is also his friend. What surprised me even more is that they wanted to personally get Mikael to handle their new project but why? Why Mikael? I was shocked because why would they choose our youngest brother to handle their project?

I thought about it and I knew that was a good idea for Mik. But I'm also just wondering why del Labiba chose my brother? Instead of my other cousins and siblings?

I can't either, because I also have a project to handle that Kuya Markus gave me. When our other older brothers also find out, they will not agree. They don't want Mikael to work for someone else. They are that strict. It's time for Mikael to be independent in his work.

I want the best for my sister-yes, girl. She is a woman even though we are not allowed to have a female member in our clan. But I don't believe with our own beliefs. That's not true.

It's just a secret about his personality and it's only Mommy who hides it, but because Mikael and I are only a few months apart, I feel close to him.

It was just an accident, eh. When we were young, his stomach hurt. I was worried about her. So, I went to her room and there Mommy was taking care of her and I saw everything. Of course I was surprised but that was not bad news for me.

I became stricter with the children around him and became his overprotective older brother. Something that our older brothers didn't do. I just wanted to protect Mikael so I didn't leave his side.

I typed on my laptop keyboard and answered their email. I immediately agreed even though I hadn't asked my younger brother about it yet. He will not refuse when I want him to handle the project.

Our unit is in the same condominium. I meant it too. I woke up early and got ready then went to Mikael's condo. I know his passcode.

I went straight to his kitchen because I had gotten used to cooking our breakfast. We eat together, eh.

"Good morning, Mik," I greeted her as she entered her dining room. He has also fixed up and is ready for his work.

"Good morning, Kuya," he said smiling and sat down. My cooking is also ready. I'm just waiting for him.

I only cooked fried rice, bacon, omelet and scrambled eggs, mango juice and coffee. He likes coffee.

I brought his plate closer to him and spooned him more. I was always like this to her because she was the only girl in our family.

"I received an offer. Our new client, Mik," I said and he glanced at me.

"What is that, Kuya Miko? Are you and Kuya Markus under?" he asked not paying much attention. He was just focused on what he was eating.

To be honest, I really feel sorry for him, eh. Just because of the belief of our clan, he has to pretend to be a man too just so that Dad, especially Grandpa, won't reject him.

Mikael is smart and he does his impersonation well. It doesn't matter if he fools us, I will cover him up and do everything to really protect him. I love my sister so much, even if she is also an outside child, I don't care anymore. He's my brother, eh.

But I hope one day will come when he can do everything he wants and he will be free. He's not just tied to us.

"New project and they have chosen a new engineer. You are the one they want to hold and you have become exclusive. You will not accept any offers from clients unless the construction is finished," I explained, stopping him from eating. Only then did I pique his interest.

"Yes? What project is that? And who is our client?" he asked in surprise.

"Del Labiba, Mik. We met the CEO yesterday. Remember that?"

"How did it happen, Brother? Why did I become the exclusive engineer of Del Labiba?" he asked me with a frown. Did I say that he will be surprised when I tell him that.

"There's a new project that Del Labiba will build and you are one of their head engineers. Their project is a hotel, Mikael," my explanation as I chewed bacon.

"Why not you?" he asked in shock. Eh, he was also recommended. I don't know why. Maybe because the CEO also met him? "How are you brothers?"

I knew it. He is more concerned with our older brothers than accepting this project. Why are those strict?

Because the job that they will give to our youngest must go through them first. If it was Kuya Markus, I would understand. Because even the project that is given to me will go through him.

"I'm working on a project at this moment, Mik. There is no engineer available in our firm and only you. Kuya can't do anything, because this is a big project. Mik," I promised. Even if that's not true. When has our firm had an unavailable engineer? That is impossible. And another thing is that our other siblings can't really do anything else when it's up to me to decide. "It's time to use your wings. This is your chance to do what you want. Work with them and be happy. As of now, first loosen your ties to us, to Kuya. As long as I'm here and I won't leave you," I said smiling. I looked at him and he almost cried. "Brother loves you, Mikael. If everyone, the world has abandoned you, brother is here for you," I added.

"T-Thank you, Brother. I love you," he said and I saw the tears fall. A girl, she's still emotional.

I stood up from my seat and went to her. To hug her back. "I love you, too Mikael. Kuya loves you, always remember that," I reminded him.

***

"You ready, Mike?" I asked her.

"Yes, Brother," he answered and grabbed his brown leather shoulder bag.

"We are handsome, huh?" I joked with him and I even managed to hug him.

Because we are the same age, they let Mikael and I out as twins. It's not hard to pretend because I can keep an eye on Mik better, eh.

"I don't know about you," he just said as we left his unit. We are walking towards the parking lot. Even though he has his own car, I still prefer to see that he can get there safely. "Why did you go with me, Eh, I have my own car."

"I want my brother to go with me even if it's just in the car," I laughed and he just shook his head.

When we arrived, I got out of my car. "Good luck, Mik!" I cheered her up and she laughed.

"Thank you, Brother. Be careful," he said as I hugged him tightly.

"My next project is in Palawan, Mik. So be careful here, okay? Kuya will board the ship," I said goodbye to him so he would know that.

"Keep safe, Brother," he said.

"You too," I promised and approached him to kiss his forehead. I know he was surprised because I don't often do this to him but I don't know why I did that.

I just feel that there's something off. I took a deep breath and looked at Mikael before I got into my car.

Just then my cellphone rang and I saw Kuya Markus calling me. I also told him my plan. I hope that instead of scolding Mikael, he will just support him.

"Hey, Brother?" my answer.

"What did you do, Miko?" he asked me. My mouth just dropped.

"Brother, you are too serious. Do you think you can beat your ex-fiancée by being serious?" I asked teasingly. "Leave Mikael alone, Kuya Markus."

He and Theza baby are also separated. It's because my brother is confused, eh. Psh.

"What I mean is why did you take the project in Palawan? Pull that out, Miko," he promised firmly.

"I meant it, Brother. So that Mikael doesn't depend on me anymore. Brother, while I'm gone, protect him. I feel like I'm going to be gone for a long time, eh," I said. I don't even know why I feel different now.

"Miko."

"Brother, Mikael is so precious to me... She's the only girl in our family. I know you know that, right?" I asked to be silenced by him from the other line.

"Alright, just please be safe. If you don't promise me that, I will strangle you myself."

"I promise you, Brother. I will attend your wedding with Theza baby," I said with a smile. I'm confident that I told him that, but why isn't he surprised that I already know something about Mikael, right? Kuya really, oh. "Alright, Brother. I'm going to hang up. I love you, ah!"

"Your mother's," he said which made me laugh.

"That's why Theza left you because of your behavior, eh. Sorry."

I DON'T know why I feel this way. As if something is going to happen, something is really wrong. I just don't know what that is. I don't like this when I go to another place just because of my work.

So I just asked Kuya Markus not to leave Mikael. I hope he will protect her while I'm gone. Because I can't forgive myself if he gets hurt. I'm his older brother so I have to protect him.

She can handle herself but she is still a woman and I know she has a soft heart too. He takes courage only from me.

But at that time I wanted to stop going and I just followed what my older brother said but I didn't pay attention to that. It is also for our youngest. In order to stand, he must learn to stand on his own feet.

Nothing unusual happened when I arrived at the port heading to Palawan. The nervousness in my chest lessened a bit. I got out of my car and typed on the keyboard to call Kuya Markus but suddenly something hit my neck.

I almost lost consciousness because of the intensity of the pain when I was beaten. I also fell to the floor. My vision started to get dark until I couldn't take it anymore, the darkness completely consumed me.

That's not the only thing that happened to me because when I woke up, I was also hit hard by the hands of men with their faces covered. I don't know them and it's even harder to know them because of their arrangements.

They beat me several times and they targeted my leg. I felt like a bone was broken in my right leg. They only stopped hurting me when they saw that I was weak and didn't have the strength to fight.

I just felt like they dropped me in a trash can. Its fishy smell echoes. My eyelids were heavy and the numbness of my body made me crawl.

I thought it was the end of me at that time but I still felt a small light so I did everything. I crawled even though I was still struggling.

"H-Help! H-Help me..." I uttered and managed to stand up then I stopped a car that was approaching my direction.

I'm not even sure if they are still the people who left me in this place but I still took the risk. Maybe not either. Until it stopped and that's when I fell down.

After a while I heard a woman's small voice. Honestly speaking, they have been talking for a while now but I can hardly hear them anymore.

"Stay away from him, Jean!" I heard his shout and a series of footsteps approaching me.

"Jean! Get inside!"

"Jean! This might just be a trap!"

"No, Brother... He needs our help!" I just felt someone lift my head and make me lie on his lap. Its palm was soft when it landed on my cheek. I can also inhale its sweet fragrance.

"Donna Jean! Why are you so stubborn?!"

"Jean, come on! Let's just report it to the police!"

"Brother, he has a wound... T-Just help him!" it shouted. I don't know why he is like this, that he still wants to save me.

In fact I understand the people he is with now. They could see that I was not in a good condition and that my body was full of blood even on my face.

They're right, nowadays it's hard to really trust someone. Especially if this is how you see the scene.

"Just what if he turns out to be a bad person? Jean!"

"Alright, let's save him!"

"No!"

"Hold on...please. We'll go to save you..." Those were the only words that came out of his mouth and I lost consciousness again.

I no longer felt any danger because of his soft voice and at that time I wasn't sure if my heartbeat had returned to normal. Because it beats one after the other as if someone is chasing me too.

DONNA JEAN'S POV

"WHEN are we going back to Pangasinan, Brother?" I asked my brother. Once we ate our breakfast in the morning.

Because that's where we really live and not here in Manila. We also take our bus with us every time we go abroad.

We only came here to Manila because of my brother's promotion at the hospital. The main branch of the hospital where he works is here. He didn't want to leave me there because he said I didn't have anyone with me even though Ate Zed was there. So it has gone bad in no time. Another thing is that it is also an orphan.

"Why? Do you really want to go home with us?" he asked to which I quickly nodded.

"Who doesn't, Brother? Our house is over there, no. Besides, I'm more used to moving there. I've mastered it," I answered and I just felt him caressing my head.

"We'll go home soon. Don't you want to go here? I'll take you with Zed, Jean," he said just to remind me of what happened last night.

"Could you be the one with Ate Zed's date, Brother? I'll just be there at the orphanage first," I said and I just heard her hissing. "I know you have feelings for him, eh. You're just too shy to say it."

"Jean?"

"Why older brother?" I replied.

"You're such a talkative child," he just said and playfully tapped my forehead. I snorted.

"Because he's an older brother, huh."

"But are you sure you don't want to go anywhere before we go back to Pangasinan?" he asked.

"Uhm... I want to eat cake here and then coffee. Let's go? Let's take Ate Zed with us." He laughed suddenly. I don't know what the reason is.

"Cake with coffee? It's not good to eat those two at the same time, Jean," he said even though I couldn't see him I knew he was shaking his head.

"But I want that, Kuya Hart," I insisted.

"Okay, baby girl," he simply said.

After our breakfast, he immediately told me to get ready so we could leave. I just dress slowly. But if in this case Kuya Hart's patience is really long.

Just a few minutes ago, my brother knocked on the door of my room. We are staying at his condo now.

"I'm done, Brother," I said and walked towards the door. It opened and I immediately felt him touch my elbow. One of his hands was also resting on my back. "Where is Ate Zed, Brother?" I asked him as we were leaving.

"That's where you want to go," he answered.

"How about you just take me there? Then you and Ate Zed just buy me the cake and coffee I want?" my suggestion to him.

"I think you just want Zedian and I to be apart of each other," he said to which I just grinned.

"It's up to you if you just try to date her, Brother. There's nothing stopping you, huh."

"Yes. You really know a lot, eh. After all, you're a DJ," he commented.

But we didn't just go to the orphanage because of another café. He said he wants me to eat what I want right here. He ordered strawberry cake and iced tea.

"Hi. Have you been here yet?" Speaking of Ate Zed, he has also arrived. My brother never picked him up. Because this one also prefers to go here alone.

He also doesn't want me to be left here alone. Also because of my condition.

"You're just on time, Zed," answered my brother.

"Nope, Sister. I'm about to finish the cake I'm eating," I said.

"Hmm, you're right," he said simply.

"What do you want, Zed? I'll order for you," said my brother.

"Brother, after this you will take me to Ate Zed's place of origin, okay?"

"Where I come from." Ate Zedian even laughed. "Why do you want to go there, Jean?" was his question.

"It's okay, Sister. I just want it," I promised weakly. "Then you and Kuya Hart will come back here, Sister. Go on a date-"

"Donna Jean!" I just gave the peace sign and started eating again.

"Leave your brother alone, Daiz." Even he passed by with laughter.