Chapter 9: Chapter 9

“Anyway, before I forget, how was the game, Princess? Isn’t it you had your first game last time?” Kuya CL asked so my attention was instantly averted to him.

“Yes kuya. As usual we did not win but we improved! The team captain of our opponents even hugged me after the game!”

They just smiled at that. I know they are worried about me since it’s no secret that the reputation of our volleyball team isn’t really good since we haven’t won any matches yet but none of them have managed to stop me. Even dad back then asked me many times if I really wanted to play volleyball or should I just go with fencing or martial arts since I also exceled on both, but even him was not able to convince me otherwise.

“How about you and Maven, hija? Everything good?” Dad asked that if I was not able to stop myself, I could’ve just looked at him and do not say anything. But then, I smiled. After all, I do not want him to worry about my stupid love life.

“We’re okay, dad. Going strong, I guess,” I said without looking at him and get another fried chicken from the platter so I have a reason to do not meet his gaze. Yet when I looked at Kuya GD, I know he’s not convinced. I could fool anyone even dad, but not him.

I furtively tapped the table with my index finger thrice and one more using my pinky. Kuya GD nodded at that. He understood that I want to talk to him later.

“That’s great to hear, my love. Anyway, do you have any plans tonight?” thank God, dad changed the topic.

“Well, I initially wanted to go to the bar with my friends but I think I’ll just stay in my room tonight.”

“Great. How about you, Rennan?” dad then asked my twin brother who seems to feel relieved that I won’t go out tonight. What an arse.

“Dwayne’s party later dad. I’ll stay overnight at their place then I’ll go home tomorrow.”

“Sure, no problem” dad answered then looked at all of us, “If you don’t have anything to say to me and you’re done eating, let’s all take a rest. It’s been a long day.”

***

I left the dining room first so it wasn’t too obvious that Kuya GD and I have a secret. I then went straight to his bedroom. After a few minutes, the door opened and he entered with Kuya CL. Kuya CL?!

“Sorry princess but had to tag the second brother here since he also saw your reaction last time when you were asked about Maven. What was that all about?” Kuya GD started.

I haven’t said anything yet but I saw their jaws tightened. Yet, Kuya CL is scarier compared to Kuya GD because aside from the tattoos on both of his arms, he’s really war freak.

“We have broken up,” I said slowly then looked at the ground. I can’t meet their gaze because I do not know how they would react. I don’t feel nervous for myself but for Maven who might get hurt if my brothers found out what he did to me. I’m not concern to him as an ex but as a fellow student athlete if he’ll get an injury.

I am still mad at what he did to me but I don’t wish him bad fortune.

“Who called it quits? Don’t lie to us. I know you’re into that guy,” Kuya CL said in a clipped tone that made me more nervous. On the other hand, Kuya GD has no reaction to that.

I shifted uneasily. God knows I want to be honest with them but I am really terrified. At this rate, I am positive that they would really hurt him. No doubt. My brothers are so protective of me to the extent that they will fight my battles for me.

I wanted to lie but knowing them? It’s impossible. So, I let out a deep sigh then compose myself. “I saw him last time. He’s seeing the cheer captain behind my back. I confronted them last time.”

They both looked at each other as if they’re talking through their eyes. I might not able to understand what their gazes towards each other means but with the way their fists are balled, I already know. Especially Kuya CL who looks like going to explode anytime.

“Kuya Gideon Dorian and Kuya Christopher Leonel, please just let him be. Anyway, it’s not as if it’s a big deal. Just look at me right now, I am not even crying about our break up. So can you both calm down?” I begged and even used my powerful puppy eyes for effect like what I am doing if there is anything I want them to give me.

But sadly, it doesn’t have any effect on them.

“Kuya GD. Kuya CL. Please. If you’re going to hurt him for sure it will be difficult for me. I don’t want anything to do with him so I’d really appreciate it if you’ll just leave him alone. Not for his benefit, but fo me. Can you both do that?

This time, their faces softened which I am grateful for.

“We took care of you that we don’t even let a single fly bite you and there he was! Nobody does that to our princess!” Kuya CL gritted between his teeth. I just smiled at that then hugged him.

“Having a broken heart is a part of growing up, isn’t it? I am really okay”

“Well, having a broken face is also a part of messing up with my baby sister”

I faked a wounded face at that while Kuya GD hugged me when Kuya CL has already let go of me. I hugged back tight, fighting every urge to cry. Not because I am broken hearted but hugging my brothers like this feels nostalgic it’s as if I am back to being a little kid who used to run to them when someone made me cry.

“If that is what you want then okay, we won’t do anything. But once he lay a finger on you or even attempt to win you back, I’m telling you Arya, not even your cries will stop me from killing him, Kuya GD said.

I know it’s not possible for Maven to do that but still, I nodded.