Chapter 3

I don't know how I got home. I'm not even sure if I paid for the jeepney ride. All I know is I had this girl who was trying to act cute with me on the jeep earlier, but I ignored her. Handsome guys are sometimes ignored by girls.

I was nervous; I might accidentally throw her out of the jeep with all my anxiety. Her lips even got sore from smiling at me, so when I got off, she glared at me. That's how it goes when you're handsome; if you don't notice a girl trying to be cute, she gives you a mean look. But I'm not worried about that overly cute girl; I'm worried about Ross.

I'm concerned if he remembers my handsome face, my clothes, my bag, or if I made an impression on him. If he does remember, I'm in trouble at school tomorrow. Maybe even brother might lose his job. If he loses his job, how will I continue my studies? Brother Joseph doesn't have a job either. We can't rely on that abnormal guy right now.

It's not like I broke the windshield of his car; why am I being blamed? I only broke two of his jellybeans, so he shouldn't be mad. I pray that when he goes home, he suddenly gets into an accident. Not a serious one, just enough to give him amnesia and forget about me.

Or if not, on his way home, he gets harassed by a dozen gay guys. That way, his attention will be diverted, and he'll forget about me. That could work, right? It's better than him getting into an accident. Where can I find a dozen gay guys more macho than Ross?

Oh, Lord. What kind of misfortune did I step into? I don't know how to get through this. Why did it have to be Ross, of all people, Lord?

Is this a joke? You're quite the comedian, Lord. I can't handle your humor. I just end up crying about what happened earlier. It feels like something heavy is in my chest, and I can't breathe properly.

I entered the house and found brother Joseph lying on the chair, watching TV. I sat on the other chair and stared into space.

"Hey, little brother. What happened to you? You look like you aged there. Did you get enchanted?" he asked.

I shook my head, "No, brother. It's just Ross," I said, still teary-eyed.

"Huh? What about Ross?" he sat up, "What happened to you? Why are you crying?"

"Huhuhu. Brother Joseph..." I pleaded.

"Why, what happened? Did someone pickpocket you? Did someone steal your iPhone and Macbook Air?" he asked seriously, "Did your ATM card with 50,000 get stolen too?"

I looked at him, "Are you okay, brother? I don't have an iPhone and Macbook Air. I definitely don't have 50,000 because I don't even have an ATM card. It looks like it, right?"

"My face is handsome," he laughed, "But seriously. Why?"

I sniffled, "Brother, how much does it cost to fix a car windshield?"

"Why are you asking?" he replied and changed the TV channel.

"I was just asking," I said, "I'm thinking of fixing my car windshield."

"Are you serious about that? You don't even have a car."

"I'll buy one. Is that not allowed?"

"Come on! You don't even have money. You can't even pay back the 100 you owe me," he looked at me, "But why are you asking? I don't know how much it costs. It depends on the car's availability and model. The latest model is more expensive."

"Is that true? Are you just messing with me?" I nervously replied.

"No, really. I'm serious, little brother. That's how it is," brother Joseph said, "Why? What happened? Maybe you broke a car windshield? And they're asking you to pay? Uh-oh, little brother. You're in trouble with brother John! He hasn't even saved anything yet."

I got even more nervous after what brother Joseph said, so I vehemently denied it. I can't let him know what happened earlier because, for sure, even if Ross doesn't recognize me, brother will handle the situation. Brother John is that kind of good person. He doesn't allow any trouble.

But I can't let that happen. Because of my little stunt with Ross's jellybeans earlier, I'm sure he's extremely angry with me. Considering how he glared at me earlier? I'm sure he won't let this go without getting revenge.

It would be fine if he only gets back at me. But what if brother John and his job get involved with that monster? Where will we, siblings, end up?

"No, no!" I denied and stood up, "Why would I break a car windshield? Am I stupid? Don't compare me to you, brother Joseph!" I pouted, "By the way, brother John said you should cook rice. And also cook that pig in the fridge. It looks like he'll be late."

"Woah! Your brother acts like he's the boss, as if we're not the same age. Maybe he forgets we're twins, so we're the same age and birthday!"

"Well, brother Joseph, maybe you're also forgetting that when you had dengue last year, it was brother John who paid for your medical expenses. Do you also forget that every time you fix something at work, you ask money from brother John? On your anniversary with Ate Rayne last time, who did you borrow money from to buy a gift? Brother John. Did he complain to you?"

Brother quickly stood up, put on his slippers, and said, "Doesn't John have any orders? What should I cook with the pig? Adobo, or his favorite fried dish?" he said as he walked to the kitchen to start cooking.

I just laughed at what brother Joseph said. Even though they're twins, he has great respect for brother John. He knows about brother John's hardships and sacrifices when we were orphaned.

If not for brother John, we would probably be separated by now and sent to different relatives. I'm really thankful that my brothers, like brother John and yes, like brother Joseph too, became my older brothers. I couldn't ask for anything more.

So, I can't let brother John's position be jeopardized now. Considering how much he suffered for us, I can't add more to his concerns. I also know how much he loves his job, so I won't forgive myself if he gets fired from school.

I entered my room sadly and changed into comfortable clothes.

Before lying down on my bed, I took the picture of Mama. The picture taken 11 years ago. I was only 7 years old in this picture, while brother John and brother Joseph were 17. We all looked so handsome. We were so young and clueless about what would happen to our family.

"Where will I get a million, Mama?" I asked the picture with tears in my eyes. "What should I do, Mama?"

"Mama said you should do the laundry," I suddenly looked at the door and saw brother Joseph peeking in. "What are you dramatizing there, little brother? Just do the laundry."

"Okay, later!" I retorted.

"You're 'later-ing' that until next week. Count my briefs and boxers. You might use them. Ask for my permission first."

"Should I report you to Ate Rayne that you have a texting buddy?"

"Hehehe. Love you, little brother."

"I don't care about you. You know I hate liars, and now you're becoming one." I replied annoyed. "Go away, brother. I'm going to sleep."

Brother Joseph scratched his head and finally left my room.

I didn't realize I fell asleep while having my drama moment.

But before I slept, I still prayed that Ross gets harassed by gay guys on his way home. Just that. So he can forget what happened in his car.

I woke up at night when brother John entered my room. He invited me to eat, but I said I didn't feel well. He just bought me medicine from brother Joseph and let me rest.

The next day, brother John didn't let me go to school to rest.

I was in the living room, binge-watching Tokyo Ghoul while brother Joseph was getting ready. It seemed like he was going out, and he would meet Ate Rayne.

"Little brother, you take care of the house, okay?" he instructed. "If you go out, lock the house. I counted my briefs; there are 12 of them. If one is missing, you know what to do."

"You're so dirty! Just leave, brother!" I replied annoyed.

"Haha, just kidding." He laughed while combing his hair. "I'll buy you something. What do you want?"

"What are you buying?"

"Briefs. What brand do you want? What size? Haha!" He laughed again.

"Get lost!"

"Haha. The little brother is grumpy. But, are you really a tomboy, little brother?" he asked again. "Like a tomboy who likes other girls, is that you?"

"I rolled my eyes, 'No, brother. I'm a tomboy who happens to like guys.'

'Is that even a thing?'

'None. This is so dense. Seriously. Where's your brain? It all went to brother John!' I replied.

'But last question. Why did you become a tomboy? Is it because of Papa?'

I looked at him seriously, 'Because of deceitful people like you who can't stay faithful to the women they love. Now, if you have more questions, I'll just text Ate Rayne. I'll tell her you had a call mate last night, calling her baby.'

Brother was surprised and quickly approached, kissing me on the forehead, 'Bunso, I'm leaving. I'll go home too. I'll buy your favorite palitaw food in town.'

After that, he hurriedly left town. Seems scared of my threat to text Ate Rayne. Ha! His face. Acting up but afraid of getting caught. Tsk. Tsk.

I felt my phone vibrate, so I checked the text. I thought it was Donna replying, but it wasn't. It was just Anton, an ugly tomboy.

Anton: Why didn't you go to class, bro? The mighty three is incomplete now.

Me: It's fine. So you and Alex can experience being handsome. You two look ugly whenever you're beside me.

Anton: Wow, bro. Full of hot air, huh. But why, I guess? You have a visitor now, huh. Haha

Me: Even if death visits you, bro?

Anton: Just kidding, MJ. You're too much.

Me: Where's Alex?

Anton: Here. Beating up Arthur again. Inviting him for a date, haha.

Me: Let me change the topic, bro. Any news about Ross?

Anton: Damn, bro. Judgment day is near.

Me: Huh?

Anton: Damn, bro. It might be the end of the world. Why are you asking about Ross? Do you have a crush on him? Are you turning straight? We're tomboys, bro. Maybe you're forgetting, huh. We're tomboys.

Me: I'm a handsome tomboy. Both you and Alex are ugly tomboys.

Anton: Really? >:D

Me: What's the news about Ross? Is there chaos at school involving him? Like, did someone break his car windshield?

Anton: Uhmm..

Me: What uhmm? Ugly tomboy, what is it?

Anton: Wait. I'm asking. Are you excited, bro? You ask our classmates.

Me: Haha.

Anton: Nothing much, bro. The only issue is that Ross is still a player. Still the ace player of the team. Still chasing girls. Nothing serious happened. And..

Me: And?

Anton: And there's a girl who reportedly kicked his jellybeans, haha. Damn, bro. Hilarious.

Me: Does Ross remember who did it?

Anton: Well, I don't know, bro. I'm not close to Ross. Are you close?

Me: No. But, bro, I heard that you and death are getting close.

Anton: Oh, I like that >:D

Me: t(-_-t)

After that, the ugly tomboy Anton didn't reply. Seems like the next subject professor arrived.

But from what I found out, I don't know if I should breathe a sigh of relief or get more nervous.

The breaking of Ross's car windshield didn't become the talk of the town. But kicking his jellybeans became a trend. Damn. Goddess of tomboys, I hope he didn't recognize me.

My worries disappeared when my phone vibrated again. I thought it was Anton, the ugly tomboy again, but it wasn't. It was Donna, my love.

Donna: Bessy! You're unfair. You didn't come to my house yesterday. Amp!

Me: Sorry, bessy. When I got home, I fell asleep.

Donna: Later, you'll come, okay? I want to introduce someone to you.

Me: Who's that?

Donna: Just come. Otherwise, I'll be mad at you.

Me: Haha. Okay, I'll come in a bit.

Donna: Alright. See you.

Me: Okay. Love you, bessy.

Donna: Love you more. Mwa mwa.

"Damn! Kilig!" I shouted to myself because of Donna's response.

It's natural for us to say I love you, but for me, it has a different meaning. Of course, I love Donna more than friends.

But who could she be introducing to me?

I turned off the TV and went straight to my room to find something to wear. I need to look handsome when she sees me.

I left the house wearing a polo shirt, a white t-shirt underneath, denim jeans, rubber shoes, and a baseball cap to cover my long hair.

I look like Kuya John and Kuya Joseph when they were teenagers. You can't deny that we're a family of handsome guys.

I look very manly today, so I feel really handsome. I hope Donna notices that I like her not just as a best friend but as something more.

I've liked her for a long time.

And for sure, if she loves me, she won't cry. I'll be the luckiest tomboy if that happens.

I walked towards Donna's house. No need to ride since her house is nearby, just five mountains away. Just kidding. It's just five corners and five turns to the right. Luckily, I left the house in the afternoon, so the sun wasn't too hot.

I hadn't even reached in front of Donna's house when I immediately saw a black car parked. It looks expensive. The design is fancy. The owner seems rich. People passing by are staring at the car.

I know it's not Donna's family because her dad's car is white. I walked towards the front of the house, and I saw Tita Lorna—Donna's mom—leaving.

"Tita, where are you going?" I asked politely.

"Hey, you're Jovelyn, right? What's with that look? You're all dressed up like a guy again. Just here in town," she replied while opening their gate. "Come in. Donna's upstairs. She has a visitor." Tita giggled. It's like she's giddy.

"Who is it, Tita?" I asked, puzzled.

"The son of my former employer. The one I took care of before," she answered. "Anyway, you and Donna take care of things at home. I'll be back soon."

I just nodded and went upstairs to Donna's house.

Donna noticed me before I even reached the door, so she came to greet me. She had a juice in her hand.

"Finally, bessy, you came. I thought you were going to keep me waiting again," Donna pouted.

Ugh. Don't pout, Donna. I might just kiss you.

"I'm not a teasing person, bessy. I'm not leading you on. You're the one leading me on."

"Haha. You're really crazy. Come in. I'll introduce you to my visitor." she said with a smile. "But wait. Why are you dressed like that? It's so hot, bessy. You should have worn a dress and heels."

"Dress and heels? Am I gay?"

Donna laughed, "Haha. Crazy. Come on, go in." Donna walked ahead. "Eli, my bessy is here." she told her visitor.

Eli? So, her visitor is a girl? Oh no, it looks like she might be a tomboy.

I might have to show off my tough side today.

Well, I'm ready.

I just entered with my head held high, walking towards the living room of Donna's house.

I saw Donna's visitor. It's a guy, not a tomboy. Good. I haven't seen his face yet because he was bowing and busy with his phone. There were flowers beside him. Looks like five dozen red roses.

Tsk. He brought flowers. I should have picked those sampaguita flowers in front of the house and brought them for Donna. MJ, you always fail.

"Bessy, come in. Don't be shy with Eli," Donna laughed again. "Eli, meet my bessy. MJ. MJ, this is Eli. We've known each other since childhood. We just saw each other again yesterday."

I was focused on Donna's visitor when I suddenly widened my eyes and turned pale. Oh, dear Lord. Is it another joke time? Why. . . How. . . of all people?

Eli stood up, or should I say Ross Eliseo Valentin. He looked at me and smiled.

But that look was different. It seemed to say, 'I know you're a tomboy.'

Ross approached me. My whole body was sweating due to extreme nervousness.

"Hi. I'm Ross Valentin. And you are?" he said with a smile. He even extended his hand for a handshake.

"I'm... I'm MJ. . . MJ Salazar," I said weakly and shook his hand. I felt Ross's grip on my hand was too tight. "Ouch," I winced.

"Huh? What's your name again?" he slightly leaned his face closer.

"MJ," I replied shortly.

"Ah, MJ. What a cool name. I will never forget it," he smiled. "Just like I won't forget what you did to my car yesterday and kicking me."

I swallowed hard because of extreme nervousness. I felt like I might faint from fear.

"Hey, Eli. What are you and Bessy talking about?" Donna asked, amused.

"Nothing," Ross replied with a smile. He then put his arm around me tightly. "I was just asking where MJ got this shirt made. I want to have my car done like this too. The windshield got broken yesterday, you know."

Oh, Lord. He remembers.

Oh God. Seriously.

I hope a dozen gay guys gang up on Ross later.