Chapter 12
1060 Words
“It’s already late. What are you doing here outside?” Janus asked Miguel. He just came back from their neighbor.
“I visited Michael earlier. He actually dropped me here.” Miguel told his brother.
“Let’s go inside. We need to talk about something important.” Janus told him and the two went inside. They sat in the living room.
“What is it, Kuya?” Miguel asked his brother.
“This is very important. It’s actually the reason why I went to our neighbor earlier.” Janus seriously said.
“You’re scaring me, Kuya.”
“Our neighbor saw a car and it was parked outside, kinda near our house. It is just normal and nothing to worry about if you’ll think about it, but that same car was seen in that same area about four times just today. No one came out of the car, and looked like they’re observing or worse, waiting for someone.” Janus said.
“That’s scary. Have you reported it to the authorities?”
“Yes, I actually checked our CCTV outside. The car doesn’t have a plate number. So the authorities can’t do more than alert the neighborhood. They also told us to be mindful of the surroundings.” Janus told him.
“I should tell Michael about it too.” Miguel typed on his phone to message Michael.
“Yes, he should know it too. I also informed Dave about it. If you need to go somewhere, I’ll drive for you instead. Don’t go anywhere alone as much as possible, okay?” Janus told him. They talked about some more things before Miguel already went to his room to change his clothes. He’s talking to Michael via facetime.
“That’s scary. You should be mindful of your surroundings. Don’t go outside alone, okay?” Michael told him. He’s sitting on his bed while talking to him.
“Yes, Kuya Janus actually told me not to go out alone.” Miguel answered to him. The two talked about a few more things before going to bed. Miguel needed to sleep early because he will be going to his cousin’s birthday party tomorrow. As much as Miguel wanted to ask Michael to go with him, Michael had a dental appointment in the afternoon so he couldn’t come.
The next day, on his way to their cousin’s resort a few hours’ drive from their city, Janus and Miguel went to a famous bakeshop to buy some cake to give to their cousin, aside from their gifts.
“Miss, can I have one of this po, and this one as well.” Janus told the staff. Miguel was confused why his brother bought two cakes.
“Why did you bring two cakes?” Miguel asked his brother.
“I’ve been craving that flavor since yesterday. We’ll have one at home haha.” Miguel laughed at his brother. After paying for the cakes they went back to the car and continued their way to the resort.
“I hope there’s only a few people there. I don’t like interacting with many people.” Miguel told his brother.
“Actually, only relatives and some family friends are invited to the party. They also invited some family friends from our grandmother’s area in the province. I think they’ll be there as well.” Janus told Miguel which made him quiet. He noticed that Miguel became quiet so he asked his brother.
“You’re thinking that maybe, he will be there right?” Janus asked his brother. Miguel just nodded. Miguel remembered his childhood friend that he met from his grandparents house in the province.
“I hope he’s not there, but I also want to meet him and ask if he’s okay, like what’s happened to him after all these years. But…” Miguel stopped.
“You want to meet him but you’re thinking about what Michael will think? Am I right?” Janus asked him. He nodded as a response.
“Miggy, there’s nothing wrong with meeting your childhood friend. Unless… unless you have feelings for him. Then that’s got to be wrong.” Janus told him. He looked at Miguel and he’s thinking seriously. “You don’t have feelings for JJ, do you?”
Miguel stayed quiet. And he responded.
“I don’t have feelings for him… anymore. We’re too young before, I’m sure it’s not that serious. It may not even be love at all.” Miguel told his brother. Janus just nodded.
A few more minutes have passed and they have already reached their destination. They can hear the loud music from the parking lot. Miguel is nervous at the moment.
“Let’s go?” Janus told him. He then nodded and they entered the private resort owned by their relative. The whole venue is perfectly set up for the party. There are people chit chatting on the side. Some are eating food already. Some are already swimming in the pool.
“Hello po.” Janus happily greeted their Tita Joice, the mother of their cousin who’s celebrating his birthday.
“Janus, so glad you’re finally here! It’s been years since we met each other, right?” their Tita Joice told him. “You’re like this small the last time I saw you”
“And who’s this young man with you? Is he Miggy now?” Joice went to Miguel and pinched his cheeks.
“Good afternoon po, Tita Joice.” Miguel happily greeted her. He’s happy to meet his aunt that he last visited when he was a kid. Now Miguel’s worries come back as he looks at the people around, praying that his childhood friend is not there.
“I hope he’s not here. But, I’m curious what he looks like now.” Miguel told himself. Janus noticed his brother’s quietness so he gave him a tap on his shoulder.
“I’m sure Revi will be happy. By the way, you can give those to Revi. He’s in his room at the hotel. I’ll just entertain his other guests. Feel free to call me if you need anything, okay?” their Tita Joice said.
“Yes po!” the two said in chorus. They’re about to go to the hotel when Miguel noticed someone walking closer to their Tita Joice. Miguel got confused.
“Why is he here?”
- Writer
