Brother, I Love You

Chapter One

            “Congratulations!” all of my guest or rather, my parents’ guest cheered when I entered the function hall of this five-star hotel they specifically rented for tonight. I smiled to each and every one timidly as I uttered a. small thank you. Today, I graduated high school and this is how my parents celebrated it. To be honest, I wouldn’t throw such party for a simple occasion as that. I mean, it’s just graduation. I’d rather be at my room, reading some classic books from my collection after a small dinner for my family.

            My mother, being the centre of socialization wanted me to follow her step, that’s why she set up this party so that I could socialize with people my age, I need to mingle with other people around… or so she says. I’m not being anti-social, it’s just that I can’t push myself to act like I really love to be around people when I know how judgemental they can be. They would talk to each other like they were so close but in real life, they just met for like… two times. They would flash you fake smiles and when you’re out of their sight, you would become their topic for that night. I can’t be comfortable with people around me. I’m only comfortable with Shawn, my… brother. But he’s been so busy that he could hardly visit us in our mansion. He’s on his last year in college as a civil engineering student and his same old excuse is his studies. I mean, it’s not bad to get serious in your studies, but it’s surprisingly odd that even when it’s their semestral break, he’s still busy with his studies. I haven’t seen him since then. I let out a long sigh as I gave another thank you to my mother’s guest. I wonder if he’ll be here, let alone congratulate me for finally finishing high school. I am wearing a tube top bodice brown dress that reached till the middle of my leg and black pumps that is seriously killing my calves. I’m not used in wearing this kind of thing.

            “Inez.” I heard my mother called my name. Without further ado, I glanced at her from my shoulder and saw that she’s with a guy of my age. The said guy flashed a smile at me, his blonde wavy hair matched his angelic features, but there is something in him that even though he looked innocent, he’s screaming something I couldn’t name.

            “Mommy,” I called, facing the two of them now. Mommy had a smile on her lips and by the looks of it, she wanted me to warmly welcome the guy he’s with. I gave a force smile to the other person.

            “This is Gabriel. I believe I already told you about my daughter, Inez.” Mommy said, introducing Gabriel to me. Gabriel gave mommy a curt nod before glancing to my side once again.

            “Yes,” He breathed before offering his hands to me, “Nice to meet you, Inez.” Gabriel said. Out of courtesy and so that I wouldn’t be called rude, I accepted his hand, firmly shaking it but he didn’t let go, all I could do is give him a smile.

            “Nice to meet you, too, Gabriel.” I acknowledge him. I glanced at my mother whose hands clasped to one another. A smile was on her lips as she looked at our hands.

            “It seems that you two are getting along well. Inez, keep Gabriel accompany.” She said. My lips parted to protest but before any words could leave my lips, mommy’s already out of sight. I couldn’t help but sigh.

            “So… Do you want to go outside for a little while? It’s getting crowded her, don’t you think? Let’s catch some fresh air.” He said, flashing me yet another smile. I guess my first impression of him isn’t true. He seems nice and maybe we’ll get along just fine. I smiled at him before nodding my head.

            “Sure.” I uttered, he bowed a little while spreading his arms at one side. I giggled at his gesture as I lead the way. The summer breeze brushed against my skin the moment I step foot outside the hotel, my feet lead me to the garden. The moon is at its full phase, there are less stars but the surroundings are brighter than of the other phases the moon have.

            “Inez… I have something to tell you, actually.” I heard Gabriel said, breaking the silence in between us. I looked at him with an eyebrow ceased a little.

            “What is it?” I asked, he walked to the bed of roses not so far from the bench where I seated.

            “I actually wanted to talk about us.” He uttered. I furrow my brows because of what he said. He saw my reaction and he let out a laugh. Weird, is he making fun of me? I guess he was. He shook his head as I could still see the ghost of a smile in his lips, “I guess you don’t know what’s going on, right?” He asked, he sat beside me and before I knew it, his lips brushed against mine. My eyes widen in horror. I tried to push him as I felt a stinging pain on my lips due to the way he kissed me but his arms that’s caging my body is as hard as steel. I tried to tilt my head so that our lips would part but he kept my head in place by holding my chin. I parted my lips, ready to scream for help but he used it as his entrance so that his tongue would penetrate the insides of my mouth. Tears trickled down my cheeks as I could taste a mixture of copper, mint and liquor in my mouth.

            I don’t know how he managed to lay me next to the bed of roses when I know that I am sitting on the bench. I tried to punch him but he pinned me with his body, his hand captured my wrist before placing it above my head. I couldn’t recognize my own voice as I squirm, wanting so much to get away from him. His other hand traced the shape of my body, as if a traveller wandering in the deserted place. His hand reached my chest, the only barrier in his hand and my bosom is the thin cloth that’s hiding my private part. Since my dress is a tube top, he pulled it down and saw the beige bandeau I’m wearing. It’s like he’s found an oasis in the middle of the desert.

            Tears clouded my eyes, I am terrified. We are in a secluded area and since the party is going on, I know for sure that no one might come to my aid. My mind is getting hazy. This is my first kiss, but I could hardly think of it right now as I am afraid of what he could do to me other than this.

            His hand reached for my bosom and I could feel pain when he gripped on it so hard that I cannot help but scream in pain.

            “Help! Don’t do this, please!” I pleaded, I don’t care if my vocals would break. I don’t care how raspy my voice would be after this. All I want is to break free of his hold. Suddenly, a felt pain jolted on my cheeks. My eyes widen as I realized that he slapped me.

            “Don’t be so loud, dammit! You’re gonna get us caught!” He said. He pulled his neck tie loose and tied my hand using it. He then pulled a handkerchief at the back pocket of his slacks and placed it on my mouth to muffle the sound of my voice.

            I squirmed, trying to still call for help but I couldn’t. I could see his devilish smirk despite the tears on my lips.

            “I know you’re no longer a virgin. So just give in, we’re getting married after you finished college anyways. So turn into submission and pleasure me here.” He said. He unbuckled his belt in front of me as more tears pour down my cheeks. What does he mean by getting married? I am not going to marry a rapist!

            He looked at me and I saw a snide on his lips, he leaned closer to me that I had to tilt my head sideways just so our eyes wouldn’t meet, “I know you are aware of the fact that our parents entered us in a pragmatic marriage. Let’s just go along with their plan and actually enjoy each other.” He whispered. I felt a cold shiver down my spine due to disgust. I felt his elevate his lower abdomen for a little while and I couldn’t help but tremble. I closed my eyes and the first person that flashed on my mind was my big brother.

            Shawn, save me!

            "Yeah dude- what the f**k?! Get a room you two!" I heard a low baritone voice near us, suddenly I feel hopeful that I’m saved, "No dude, I’m not talking to you. I just saw someone making out in the garden, maybe they can't afford to get a room in this hotel. They can always check in to a motel of they really can’t stop their libido, but maybe they really wanted to do it in a hotel."

            “Get the f**k outta here, you dumbass! Can’t you see that you’re interrupting us here?!” Gabriel cried angrily. I looked to the guy who witnessed what Gabriel’s doing to me but due to the tears that are clouding my eyes, his appearance became vague to me.

            “Help me, please.” I squirmed, I didn’t know if he’d understood what I’m saying since the handkerchief muffled my voice.

            “I-Inez…” The newly arrived called. Suddenly, I could feel my heart beat fast just by the simple call of my name. I feel like I know this voice… the way he called my name, it’s so familiar, “Let her go, you motherfucker.” He added.

            “You’re not the boss of me, besides I can do whatever I want with her, after all she’s my fiancée!” Gabriel mocked. I felt his weight left me when he slowly stood up. The tears even though haven’t stopped falling, somehow subsided. I lowered my hand that was still tied with Gabriel’s neck tie. I wanted to wipe my tears away but it’s as if I got frozen inside when I confirmed who my saviour was. My knight in shining armour has arrived. More tears trickled down my eyes as I called his name.

            “Shawn…”

            “I don’t care who the hell you are, but you’re not going to lay another finger on my little girl.” Shawn said. I saw how fist balled and how it landed on Gabriel’s cheek. He looked at me menacingly before pulling me on his side, he gave me a sideway glance, “What’s the meaning of this, Inez?” He asked. I gulped as I trembled because of the way his voice boomed like thunder. I looked down as tears started to swell in my eyes once more. I am relieved that I am saved.

            “I asked you, Inez.” Shawn uttered impatiently.

            “S-Shawn… he tried to rape me.” I uttered in a very low voice. I felt how his arms tremble in anger because of what he’d heard. He was about to punch him again but I held his arms, shaking my head when he looked at me. His eyes softened as he wiped my tears away, he hugged me tightly before letting out a deep exasperated sigh. Somehow, despite all that happened tonight, I feel... home.

            “I’ll take you home.” He mumbled, but I looked at him before shaking my head. I got a feeling that Gabriel might be at our mansion tomorrow. I don’t like the idea… I don’t want to see him anymore.

            “I don’t want to go home, He’ll be there.” I squeaked. Shawn nodded his head before placing his hand at the top of my head.

            “I will take you to my apartment, then.”