"SHHH." Mom instantly placed a calming hand on uncle Alanson's shoulder. "Just let him, Alanson."
I turned around to observe Zack's back as he walked away from us. I could not dispute that even when he was on his back, he had a naturally vicious and disdainful appearance. He was just as tall as his brother. In comparison to Zack and Ryle, I would appear so little. His aura and stance were quite masculine and somber.
I have never seen such a gorgeous man before...
"That disrespectful bastard! He never really knew to respect his father even in front of guests!!" Uncle Alanson continued.
Mom squeezed his hand lightly.
His expression softened, and he looked at her. "I am so sorry for this, Fidelia."
Mom intuitively nodded. "It's okay. We understand. Right, Ryn?"
I was still preoccupied with uncle Alanson's second child. He came to a halt in front of a tiny fishing boat and began untying its rope from a nearby tree.
"Ryn?" mom called me.
It was then that I came to my senses and nodded to her. "Yes. Yeah, mom. Sorry."
"I'm sorry you're having trouble with that nasty boy, hija. If only I could make things better the way you did with Ryle and Rhian..." Uncle Alanson apologized and felt guilty.
I returned my gaze to Zack. He finally turned away from us, and he was busy handling his fishing boat.
I'm not sure why, but I get the impression he's also carrying a heavy burden from within and in his heart. Everything appears to be tough for him as well, and he is also in pain deep within...
I suddenly feel compelled to approach him and make friends with him, to let him know that I am willing to listen to whatever his thoughts are and comfort him if he will only allow me...
"Don't worry, uncle. I understand, and I'll make a way to be friends with him." I said as I stood up.
The four of them looked at me with amusement. "What do you mean, hija?"
"I'll talk to him. I'm going to go to him now."
Ryle replied with concern, saying, "You don't know what you're doing, Irryn. You don't know Zack enough."
I smiled at the latter. "It's okay. It isn't bad at all if I'll try, right?"
"You don't really know what you're doing—" Uncle Alanson was slowly shaking his head in disagreement.
I once again turned to my near-future stepfather. "If you may excuse me, uncle?"
He sighed and giving up nodded to my attempt of coming to his second son.
"Would you like me to go with you, Ryn?" asked the still-worrying Ryle.
I smiled and shook my head. "No need, Ryle. Thanks."
I nodded at the four worried faces before making my way to Zack's path.
"Zack!" I called him using my friendliest approach.
He looked at me, so I immediately smiled.
"Zack Lamont? You are uncle Alanson's second child, right?"
He leered at me like a wind he didn't care about at all and then went back to pulling his fishing boat off the tree.
Even though he didn't pay attention, I still tried my best to be nice to him. I stood behind him.
"It was nice meeting your family. Uncle Alanson is kind and very accommodating with me and especially with mom, as well as, your siblings. Ryle and Rhian. They are both friendly, too."
He got out of the rope, so the fishing boat slid slightly towards the sea. Finally, he confronted me because he had to pass me before he could board his boat.
Even though his eyes were blank and dark to me, I still did everything, resisting the brand-new feeling that was pounding hard on my chest.
I gave him my kindest smile and even offered my hand as I introduced myself. "Irryn... Irryn Rosabell."
Instead of accepting my hand, he scanned me from head to toe and smirked. He even purposefully bumped my shoulder as he passed by.
I was deeply embarrassed by his brusque rejection of my offering hand. I had never felt so ashamed and humiliated in my entire life until now! What could I possibly say? He was so arrogant!
He boarded his boat and began preparing the fishing net.
I wanted to cry. I'd never felt this rejected! He was the very first! He was treating me badly and ignoring me as if I were invisible to him! I found myself wanting to cry, but I told myself not to.
"Taking my hand won't make you any less of a guy, right? I can't believe how rude you are."
He didn't seem to care at all. He just shook his shoulders like he was getting bored.
"That's exactly what your father says! You're such a rebel and jerk!"
I felt the small hair on my nape part raise as he locked his dark gaze on me with his terrifying smirk. It's the first time I've ever seen him smile! However, it was more of a mocking or smirking smile, not in any way friendly.
That incredibly gorgeous face, dark eyes, and wicked grin almost melted my knees turning like jelly.
"Are you done? Anything else more to say?" he said as he was eyeing me straightly.
Fear made me swallow. I couldn't even put into words how I felt. It felt like my heart was racing. Something about his no-light aura made me feel as if I was in danger if he kept standing on his feet to grab me.
Even though he was on his boat, I couldn't help but be afraid of him. What could I possibly do if he suddenly leaped down to attack me? Looking at the gloom in his eyes, I was sure he could tug me off with just one of his bare hands.
When he came to a halt, I felt a wave of relief wash over me. I was looking up at him as if he were the god of water.
"Keep your distance from me, little girl. You will never want someone like me to touch you. You, of all others, should know your place and avoid me at all costs," he warned me.
I didn't understand! I simply did not! Why should I keep my distance from him? He would definitely be becoming my stepbrother, so I was not sure why I need to distance myself from him!
"Why—" He was already steering his boat away from where I was standing before I could complete what I was about to say.
I was a mess. It felt like he left me puzzled by what he lastly warned me about.
Couldn't he at least be a little nicer? Why must I stay away from him?
"Irryn..."
I felt a gentle palm tap on my shoulder. I saw Ryle as I turned around.
"I tried approaching him very nicely, but he seems so different from you and Rhian," I said feeling both sad and confused.
I was sad because I thought I could easily get along with him, too, just like how easy it was for me to click with two siblings. And feeling confused at the same time because he was just so way different from Ryle and Rhian.
Ryle nodded. "That's right. He's very different. He's hardheaded and uncontrollable."
"Why is he like that, Ryle? To you and Rhian, I've never had a hard time making friends with you both, but when it comes to Zack? Why is he like this? He seems so unfriendly and unapproachable!"
"He has a reason why he is like that, Ryn. Someday, you'll know about it, but for now, I'm sorry I can't tell you."
I looked at Ryle. I'm really curious, but I respect him if he doesn't want to tell it me yet. After all, it's something personal, and it's all about his brother. I cannot force him to tell it me. He doesn't trust me that fully enough yet, and I totally understand it.
I know Zack is just acting this way to you since it's the first time he met you, but eventually, I know you can deal with him, too, as we all can. I hope you understand, and please understand Zack in the meantime. Be patient. Please don't hate him either.
What Ryle stated gave me a glint of hope. I guess all I can do for now is hope and pray that Zack softens up and stops being so mean to me.
"Really? Do you think I'll ever be able to get along with Zack?"
"You're such a good and kind girl, Irryn, so why not?" he replied with a hopeful smile, sending me positive vibes once more. "For the time being, let's go back to the cottage."
I reciprocated the smile and nod. "All right, let's go."
I embraced myself as I walked along the beach, feeling the cold breeze of air on my skin.Everyone is now inside the resthouse. For Zack, on the other hand, I have no idea where he went, if he had plans, or when he would return."Irryn?"I turned to face the person who had called me. Ryle was walking near to me.I smiled at him. "Ryle!""What are you doing here? It's late already, and it's cold here.""I'm just enjoying the sound of the waves and the cold wind."He smiled, too. "Is that so? Then would you mind me joining you?"
I felt like I was totally blown away. What wrong did I do it felt like he had a wave of anger towards me."He was with mom when they had an accident, but he survived, and mom didn't ..."I looked at Ryle at what he just told me."What do you mean?""He was a second-year college back then when it happened. There was a parents-meeting at school, and just like usual, mom was always the one attending for us. That time, mom and dad were arguing about something. Mom was driving the car while Zack was beside her hearing her exchanging yells with dad. It was too late when they realized there was a truck ahead of them. Mom tried her very best to avoid the accident, but she didn't succeed, so she, instead, used her remaining
I WAS out of the resthouse when I got up in the morning to go for a walk on the beach. My mom and I have been staying with my uncle Alanson and his family on General Santos for three days now. The resort has been opened for the tourists.I went for a walk. I've seen numerous faces, and some have even smiled at me without my knowledge, or if I was aware, I smiled back. The majority of them have been staying at the resort since yesterday, staying in hotels, cottages, cabins, and even in their own tents, while the others have only come today. Yes, there were a lot of people, but not so many that it became crowded. The resort's beauty and tranquillity have been well-appreciated.Almost everyone is plainly rich, exactly like the people I've met as newcomers who are now bonding with Zack and Rylan.
My heart felt like it had been torn to shreds, and my feet felt like they were glued to the sand. Weird. When I saw him kiss a girl in front of me, my heart hurt for no clear reason.Zack's hold of the girl took longer than five seconds and was so sudden that it left her gasping for air."Damn lucky girl!" The other girls envied."Zack, kiss me, too!""I deserve that kiss more than her!""Please, Zack, give me another kiss. I beg you, try it again just once more!"He just laughed at them all but he had always been so dangerous."Where are you going! W
“You live here, Irryn?” I smiled a little and shook my head to Ives’s question. Ives was a current guest at the resort, and I had just met him. “I’m actually from Sta. Cruz in Koronadal City.” “I see. So, you're here for this summer vacation?" I nodded. “Almost like that.” "How come almost?" You're not sure how long you'll be staying here?" Durand, on the other hand, laughed. “The truth is I’m here with my mom because her fiancé is living here.” "Oh, here to bond with your stepfamily, huh?" It was Ives. I nodded. “Exactly. How about you? Do you actually reside here, or are you just visiting for the summer?” We were talking for almost a few hours and it was almost dawn. Ives and Durand are cousins, almost like real brothers because they’re really close. I met them earlier when they came near me and gave me a turtle, which made me immediately liked them. After that, they introduced themselves to me and we started being friends and talking a lot. I could see they’re kind and fri
With what he just said, my heart skipped a beat. However, Ives and Durand were confused. So I continued what he was about to say."He is speaking the truth. Durand, Ives, he's my stepbrother."Incredulous, Ives shook his head. " Despite the fact that he is your stepbrother, he still has no right to treat you badly."Zack's jaw clenched in rage. He was as if ready to murder the two."Please, Ives! Durand? Please leave now!" I wanted to cry as I begged them to leave.I don't want any of them to get hurt, so I avoid adding fuel to the fire as much as possible.To keep up the resort's good name, Zack must not cause any harm to the visitors staying here. I wouldn't have the guts to confront Ryle, the resort's manager, if something bad happens or anything is ruined because of me! I just can't take the thought of staining Lamont Beach Resort's image."Ryn?" Durand was worried about me being in danger while I was with my arrogant stepbrother.Although I had only just met them, I already cons
“I CALLED your attention to be here today because I want you all to know that your aunt Fidelia and I will be getting married this coming first Sunday of May before we ever go back to our hometown in Koronadal,” uncle Alanson announced when we were all gathered in the veranda of the resthouse."After you'll get married, both auntie Fidelia and sis Irryn will be living with us in our home at Koronadal, dad?" Rhian asked in joy and excitement.We had settled into the center of a large rattan sofa. My brother Ryle and I sat facing our parents, who were joined by Rhian sitting between us."Of course, dear. Both of them would be living with us."“And that means sis Irryn will also attend the same school as mine?” she continued asking and turned to look at me smiling.I smiled back happily.I am so thankful that she treats me like a real sister, as well as Ryle does. Only one does not."Yes. You, your sis Irryn and your brother Zackarius will go to school together every morning.""Great! I'
After breaking my heart, Zack walked out. He went out of the veranda and walked to the shore."Zack! Rocio Zackarius!"On the other side, I could not feel anything other than absolute pain. The whole idea of him brutally stating in front of his family that he would never like it if I became his sister was so distressing to me that I had to stop thinking about it.This anguish was so intense that I thought I could burst! As a consequence of this, the next thing I did was chase after him.“Irryn, where are you going? Irryn!” Mom called me, but I continued running after my ruthless stepbrother.“Ryn!” Ryle also called me.Nobody was able to stop me! I was so determined to talk and confront Zack!“Wait, Zack! Wait!”I didn’t care anymore if my tears were rolling down my cheeks and if he could see them!And there, he continued walking not even turning his back to look at me like he was pretending to be deaf.I increased my speed in walking so that I could reach him, and the moment I did, I