“Why didn’t you call me so that I could fetch you at the airport?” My older brother, Kieffer Andres, asked as soon as I arrived at our house.
“I know you're busy plus I am an adult now, I can manage,” I said to him as I looked around. Nothing’s changed in our house. It was still the same since I left. Kieffer got my luggage on Nikki, my personal bodyguard.
“I know you’re an adult now, but Kathy-”
“I just arrived here, don’t ruin the mood, brother.” I cut him off. He looked at me with empathy. I smiled at him before I got my bag on top of one of my luggage. “Where’s my room?” I asked to change the topic. I don’t want to talk about it on my first day here.
“Still in the same room,” Kieffer answered. “We only changed the interior designs,” he informed me while we were going upstairs. I left when I was 8 years old. My room was a princess theme and had a lot of dolls.
Kieffer opened the door for me. As soon as I saw my room, I smiled in satisfaction when I saw the designs of it. The pink room became white. The pink see-through curtain became brown blinds. My princess bed became a queen size, cream-colored bed. Some of my dolls were still there. Kieffer said that Mom donated some of it to the orphanage.
“Here’s your luggage. I will send Nancy here to help you unpack and organize your things.” Kieffer went to me and hugged me. He also kissed my forehead. “Welcome back, Lil Sis. I missed you.”
“I missed you, too. I’ll just call Nancy later. I want to take a nap for now. Jet lag.” Kieffer nodded as he let go of me.
“Alright. I’ll go now.” He said as he looked at his watch.
“Say hi to Tyler for me. Take care.”
After Kieffer left, I explored my room once again. “It’s good to be back, huh,” I whispered as I ran my fingers through the cabinet that has my old dolls. I opened one of the drawers and saw some of the letters I wrote for my family and friends when I was young. I chuckled as I saw the designs of the letters. It had a lot of Barbie and minions stickers on. How ironic how the things you like changed as you grew up.
I only called Nancy after I took a shower after woke up. It’s already seven o’clock in the evening.
“Welcome back, Ma’am.” Nancy greeted me. She is one of our trusted maids here in the house. I smiled at her.
“Thank you. Are Mom and Dad already home? Kieffer?” I asked while I opened my luggage. Nancy.
“Your parents are still not here, Ma’am. But Sir Kieffer called and said that he was on his way. You will have your dinner together.” I stopped when I heard what Nancy said. I smiled bitterly. Didn’t they know that I am already here? They should’ve at least canceled their stuff this evening to welcome me. I sighed before I continued unpacking. My Mom was against this, me coming back here. But I still managed to convince my Dad so my mother couldn’t do anything about it. Kieffer was first worried about me but in the end, he still supported me.
“Sir Kieffer told us to cook all your favorite dishes, Ma’am!” Nancy immediately said when she noticed how my mood changed. I only gave her a small smile and nodded as we continued unpacking.
Nancy helped me organize my clothes and put them in my walking closet as my shoes and heels. I also put my make-up on my dressing tables and my skin care products in my bathroom.
When I went outside the bathroom, Kieffer was already inside of my room and helping me unpack my other stuff.
“Hey,” I greeted. “You don’t have to. We can do it.” I got the books from his hand and put them on my bookshelf.
“Alright. Stop for a while. It’s already dinner. You didn’t eat lunch.” I nodded at him and told Nancy to get some rest before we continue again later.
When we went downstairs, I immediately smelled the delicious aroma that was coming from the kitchen. I smiled when I saw the familiar faces that were organizing the table. The housekeepers have been working for our family since I and Kieffer were still a kid. They were smiling at me and I felt glad that they saw me again after so many years. Then, I saw Mother Zelly, my father’s nanny when he was a kid and she also became our first nanny.
Kieffer and I were eating out dinner peacefully while catching up. “When are Mom and Dad going home?” I asked.
Kieffer stopped eating. He drank his water before answering me. “They will be coming home late. They are still in the meeting.” He said then smiled at me. I only nodded at him before I drank juice. He continued eating while I suddenly lost my appetite.
“How’s Tyler?” She asked after she cleared her throat.
“He’s… He’s fine. Why? Do you want to visit him? I will accompany you.”
I shook my head, “No. I’ll visit him next time but not this week.”
I saw how Kieffer's brows twisted after hearing what I said. “Why? Do you have any plans this week? Shouldn’t you be resting for at least a week so you can adjust more here? Just do your things after.” he said.
“I will look for a condo,” I said to him which made him put down his spoon and fork.
“What? You aren't going to stay here? Did Mom-”
“I am also going to live here, Kieffer. I just want to look for my place. Home… suffocate me for a long time. I just want to breathe.” I said to him honestly. His expression softened.
“And I don’t need Mom's or even Dad’s opinion on this. I can make my own decisions now, Kieffer. I am not a child anymore. You, you will support my decisions, right?” I looked at him while waiting for his answer. Hoping that he understands me and the life I want to take now.
“I came here hoping to seek my freedom, Kieffer. I have been caged enough for a long time, haven't I?” I added. He closed his eyes as he sighed deeply before he nodded.
“Of course, you have my support.”
After we ate dinner, I went straight to my room even though Kieffer told me to stay downstairs for a while so we could talk more but I just said to him that I wanted to rest more so he let me go upstairs. I know that he was trying his best to fill up the emptiness and loneliness that I am feeling until now. Mom and Dad both weren’t at home to welcome me. I only have Kieffer and the maids to welcome me. Kieffer visited me in America last year and that was the time when I shared with him my plan about finally coming back. Then, he told our parents about it. Since we were kids, our parents have been busy with the company so they barely see us. Because of that, we have this gap between us. Our parent-children relationship wasn’t that strong. It was just like a normal and casual relationship between two people. Kieffer grew up being independent while I also grew up independent but also feels like not. I spent my childhood and youth in America. My parents visit me just two to three times
After our transaction, I decided to go to the mall to go shopping. I wanted to buy clothes, bags, and shoes for my closet at my new condo. I also look for something that I think I will need. I turned around and looked at Nikki. “I don’t have anything in the kitchen, right?” she asked. “Yes, Ma’am.” He answered. I nodded at him and decided to go to the kitchen department of the mall. Nikki got me a pushcart. I get everything I need. Utensils, plates, glasses, and other kitchenware. I also get a rice cooker, blender, and coffee maker. “I’ll just buy the other stuff later. That’s it for now.” I said before I went to the cashier. Niki fell in line for me. I just gave him my card. “I forgot something,” I uttered. I looked at Nikki, “I’ll be back. Don’t worry. No one will happen to me here.” I said before I left him there. I went to the supermarket to look for some snacks to eat. I got some gummy bears, potato chips and chocolates. I also got some noodles. When I was about to get t
The next day, I went to my condo to organize the stuff I bought yesterday. When I got there, the old woman on the first floor, who was Lily, told me that I had deliveries arrived earlier and they put them in front of my door. Nikki helped me put the boxes inside. I also texted Kieffer to inform him that I am going to stay in my condo today. “Nikki, you can go home now. I’ll be staying here for today.” I said after I got out of the kitchen and I am still holding a glass that I washed and now I am drying it. I am wearing a cute pink apron with flowery designs. “You don’t need any help, Ma’am?” he asked as he put the boxes aside. “I think I can do it by myself. Thank you,” she said. Nikki nodded at her before he decided to leave. “Leave the boxes there. I’ll just throw it away later.” I said when I saw that he was about to bring the boxes with him. After he left, I continued organizing the kitchen. I also put the groceries I bought before we went here in the refrigerator while the c
I remained glaring in irritation for a minute in his direction even though he was already inside his place. I was still in disbelief. Then, I scoffed after I realized that I looked like a damn crazy person standing in an empty hallway while staring, like any minute I would explode, in that door. I angrily went inside my place and slammed the door behind me. “I am not short! He… He is just tall! Damn!” I hate that guy. I marched into my room and just decided to take a shower so my nerves about that guy could chill. Why is he like that? First in the supermarket and then now, in this condominium building? He should be thankful that I softened when I saw his pitiful face that obviously lacked of sleep when he stole my ramen! How could he call me shorty!? After I surrendered my ramen to him, he called me that! Was that the only thing he remembered about me?! He’s such a jerk! After I finished taking a shower, I went out in the bathroom only wearing a towel that wrapped around my body. I
The next morning, I got ready to go to the gym. I didn’t need to go out of the building because there was a small gym downstairs, on the first floor. I was wearing leggings and a sports bra underneath my jacket. I also tied my hair in a ponytail and brought my tumbler. As soon as I locked my door, the guy in the last room came out. My brow raised when I saw his look. He was always handsome but now, he looked so neat and presentable. I also noticed the uniform he was wearing inside his jacket. He has a black backpack on his back. When he looked at me, I rolled my eyes and went to the elevator first. I crossed my arms on my chest as I waited for him to enter and pressed the button for us since we were both going to the first floor. He glanced at me after he entered and pressed the button. He was wearing an earphone and both of his hands were inside the pockets of his jacket. So, he was working at the Pyeha Hotel. The uniform he was wearing was the uniform of the hoteliers of the Pyeh
“Is it okay if I ask you a question?” I sat down beside Lanie. I moved closer to her so my brother and Tyler won’t hear our conversation. She looked at me with curious eyes as she also moved closer to me. “Is there someone, I mean, a guy who is working at the hotel who is, uhm…. How can I say this…” I was biting my nails as I found the right words that would describe him. “He is tall, snobbish, and handsome. He is always wearing a hoodie.” I said. When I saw how her eyes changed, I knew that she knew who the guy I am talking about was. “Oh, I think you are talking about Mark?” she answered. “Why? What about him?” My mouth slightly parted after I heard and knew his name. So he is Mark, huh? “Nothing. I just got my condo and he’s my neighbor.” I said to her and she only nodded at me and smiled. I wanted to ask her about Mark, anything about him, but I am so shy to do that, like why do I have the guts to ask her about him when she only met me today? After that, I joined my bro
After I finished eating my dessert, I stood up. Nikki and Jaime remained behind me as I started to walk. The two stopped walking when I stopped in front of the building. Then, I faced them with my arms crossed on my chest. I looked at them while thinking if they will do something to Mark later after I entered this building. They are my bodyguards. Their job is to watch and protect me. But they have also received different orders from my family that they didn't know that I already knew. I am not an idiot not to know that. I sighed, and the two of them remained standing upright, waiting for me to speak something. "Don't touch him," I said seriously. They both looked at each other and then back at me. Nikki looked at me with those fierce eyes while Jaime bit his lips and avoided my gaze. "Ma'am-" "I would not stand back if you touched him," I added. "I know that after I entered this building, you two will go to him, talk to him, or whatever you wanted to do just to know why he was fo
We all went to the lobby together. I smiled at Lanie when she approached us and sent us off. I looked around secretly hoping that I'll see Mark once again but I failed. "Tyler, what's with you and Lanie?" I curiously asked. Kieffer chuckled in the front seat. "Curiosity killed the cat, Kathy," Kieffer said. I just rolled my eyes at them and sat silently at the back while looking outside. They dropped me off at our house because I promised that I would go home on weekends. It's Saturday and I know my parents still have work but they are at home. Kieffer also has his own condo but he is staying here more often because he said he doesn't want the house to feel empty. "Is mom and dad in their office?" I asked Nancy while I was eating the snacks she prepared for me. "Yes, Ma'am. You'll be here for dinner?" "Hmm, yes. Until Monday morning, I guess. I promised them that I'll be home every weekend." After I ate, I decided to go to my parent's office. I knocked three times befo