Promised to a Bad Boy

Chapter 2

 "Shi, you look like you've seen a ghost." 

Jami's question welcomed me when I arrived at the quarters. She is in the kitchen sink washing the vegetables with her hands. We have schedules for the chores. Jami is assigned for cooking and Clara is assigned in washing the dishes. 

I heave a sigh.

"Worse than that." 

I sat on the sofa. Leaning on the headrest. 

"Omg talk!" 

Jami wiped her hands then went to where I am seated. Aideyl ran from her room. She heard Jami when she said 'talk' since her room door is left open.  Annie and Clara stopped what they're doing to listen to me. I am now cornered by them.

"I saw the District 1" I stated. 

"So meaning, you saw Zed?" Aideyl said.

"Yeah."

They were about to ask more questions but I continued. 

"We didn't talk or anything. They are facing their backs at me. Sebastian was the only one who saw me before I left. I didn't say hi since I panicked." 

"You're such a coward Shi. It's undeniable that you still have feelings for him."

"Love is love." ani Aideyl.

Jami was right. I wanted to remove my 'love' for him. He likes someone else. It's better to move on.

"I don't know what my brother sees in that girl. She's too... I don't know. I just don't like her."

"Yeah. Remember when we saw her in the mall, she didn't even bother saying hi to you."

Annie and Clara are starting to tell us what happened. Goodness! we heard it over a million times already!

"That's enough. We have better things to do. Let's talk about something that will be fun for us!"

I need to divert their attention to other things. I can't help but compare myself to 'that' girl. She sure is an amazing person. And we all have bad qualities on our own so we better not be quick to judge. Besides, we really have something important to tackle.

"The Chiefs will be having a meeting tomorrow with the higher-ups. I guess we have another task to do."

The girls were happy about it. Every time we accomplished a mission, we would earn money. Not only that, we get to rest a few days right after it which means that we don't have to attend school for 2 days.

"Let's just use one car tomorrow to HQ (headquarters) to save gasoline."

"Oh, stop it Aideyl. We know you're just lazy to drive tomorrow."

"I agree with Jami. It's either her or me that's driving when we're together."

Aideyl did a peace sign before slowly walking back to her room. Annie and Clara went back to their business. I offered Jami some help but she insisted on doing it on her own. She told me to rest for a while. Among the five of us, I am the busiest person because of Chiefwork.

I went inside my room to get things done. I took a shower and did some approval for the papers from students that wanted to create a club. And yes, I do bring my workloads at home sometimes when I'm too busy, especially now that classes are starting. Students are planning to ask my permission for clubs, etc. This will just be for the meantime. Besides, he's back. He can do all the task that was intended for him. The 1st elite chief. 

After carefully reading and pasting my signature, I decided to study for a little while. Jami called me for dinner. 

"You know what, Shinoa has been really busy even during the break!" 

Clara ranted as we sat on the high chair in the kitchen counter. I eyed her. The girls will just scold me for skipping meals! Among the five of us, I may be the busiest and most responsible one but I am also the most dependent in terms of meals. 

Aideyl handed us our plates then said,

"Good that your brother is back, she won't have to do all those things alone."  

Alone.

Three years ago, he was the one doing the jobs of the 1st chief.  If ordinary schools call it 'council' we call it 'chiefs. There are 11 seats for the elite line up and he is the most suitable person for 'that' seat. I can't deny it myself as well. 

Clara became quiet. We all looked at her wondering what's up with her.

"My brother," then she looked at me before continuing, " Remember when I told you my brother changed?" I nodded, "He's a bad boy Shi. I won't deny that. He rebels all the time. He goes home late at night and sometimes would go home drunk." 

Sadness is evident in her eyes. She told me about it. 

"Shi, my brother isn't the Zedric I know back then."

Those were her words when we had the chance to talk over the phone before they came back from another state 2 years ago. I remember I was asking her about his brother and how happy I am to finally see them again but she warned me and said that he's not coming back with them.

I smiled at her, not enough to reach my eyes. We all stayed in silence. 

"But don't worry, I know he is still responsible enough to do his job. That's all I can promise, as of now." she continued.

I nodded. 

"That would be," I paused to keep myself composed, "That would be great. At least I don't have to do his responsibility. Ah, finally some rest!" I stretched my hands to show them that I am not bothered by it. Plus, I'm moving on.

"Alrighty, let's eat!" 

Annie snapped to break the tension. Clara and Annie went back to their business talking about their 'crushes'. Jami and I are talking about my nephew who behaves pretty well. Aideyl, on the other hand, was silently eating her food. She's always like that, looks like anytime someone will steal her food. 

After eating, I went back to my room to continue studying. 

After a while, I heard my phone buzzed. Turns out, it's mom. 

'I wonder why she called me this late." I thought to myself.

I picked it up expecting it's important since she doesn't really call me during these hours. I looked at my digital clock on the table, it's already 9:43 in the evening. Didn't notice I was studying for 2 hours already. 

"Hey anak (child), I know it's pretty late but we have some urgent matter to attend to so can I ask you a favor by taking care of your nephew and niece right now? We're in your unit."

I panicked. 

"Seriously mom? you should have called me earlier so I was able to get them at your house instead of you bringing them over there. Going on a business trip?" 

"Yeah. Some business partners want to meet us in New York and it's urgent. We'll have a flight to catch by 12 am." 

"Alright, be right there!"

I immediately looked for a jacket in the closet before grabbing my phone and car keys. I didn't mind informing the girls since I know there are busy and probably asleep. 

Good thing it was no traffic so I arrived at my unit by 10:30. I went straight to my unit. My mom has a duplicate key of my unit so she can enter it anytime she wants but she still informs me every time she goes over my unit. 

The noise coming from the television was the first thing I heard. Mom was sitting on a high chair and dad was carrying Kitty in his arms, probably putting her to sleep. I kissed my mom and dad's cheek. Kai was sitting on the sofa watching a cartoon movie when he's supposed to be asleep as well under normal circumstances. 

"Good. Now that you're here, we have to go. We don't wanna miss our flight, baby." Mom said. 

"No worries, I'll take care of the two."

"Thank you, baby! We brought some food for you and the kids. It's in your cupboard and some are in your fridge." 

"Your brother will be back tomorrow, love. Don't stay up too late, okay?" dad added.

I nodded. We bid our goodbyes. Kitty is asleep already so I put her in her crib. I looked at Kai who was beside me looking at her sister.

"Hi, tita-mommy." Kai. 

My mom is from the Philippines that's why there are some words adopted by us. Kai uses 'tita' which means aunt in the Philippines. The one mommy used 'anak' means child. 

I kneeled my right knee and my left foot providing support just to level Kai's height. He is 4 years old and her sibling, Kitty, is 9 months old. 

"Hi, love, are you sleepy?" 

He yawned and then nodded. I tousled his hair. 

"Alright, let's put you to bed." 

I pushed Kitty's crib to my room since it has wheels. Mom brought this with them coming to my unit. 

Kai immediately removed his slippers and went to my bed while I placed Kitty's crib on the right side of the bed - where I will sleep. I turned to check on Kai, he was fast asleep. I smiled, it's nice yet tiring taking care of them but I really enjoy their company. 

I did my usual skin-care routine and went straight to bed. I messaged Aideyl that I am staying in my unit for the night and that they'll have to go to the headquarters without me. I'll drive myself to HQ. I texted my brother as well.

To: Anton

Yow, dumbass. Kitty and Kai are with me. Mom and dad went on an urgent business trip. I was informed that you will be coming home tomorrow. Will you be picking them up?

He immediately replied.

From: Anton

Nope. Please bring them with you. Kate and I have something to do ;D

To: Anton 

Don't make baby number 3 yet.

From: Anton

Don't you like that? You will have lots of nephews and nieces!

To: Anton 

Oh please, stop making excuses for your lust.  Focus on Kai and Kitty first. 

From: Anton

Oh please, I know you're just jealous because you don't have one. Get a boyfriend already!

I didn't reply to his message. It's easy for him to say. It's hard to get one when you're stuck loving the man who doesn't love you. 

I was woken up by Kitty crying. It's still 6 in the morning and I still want to sleep. But I decided to get off my bed and get Kitty from her crib. Good thing Kai wasn't awakened by Kitty's cry.

I put Kitty on her baby walker that's in the living room and went straight to the kitchen to make her milk. Once I'm done with it, I brought it to her. She has that bright look on her face with her hands trying to reach her baby bottle. 

I heard the door from my room creaked. It was Kai who's still half asleep rubbing his eyes. He stood there like he's trying to feel something. Later on, he removed his hands from his eyes and his eyes were roaming around. When he saw me, he went straight to me and hugged me. 

"Tita-mommy, I'm hungry." 

he muttered while still covering his face on my shirt. 

"Alright, I'll cook pancakes for you. Can you take care of your sister for me?" 

"Yes, yes!" He energetically said. 

I went straight to the kitchen. I made some pancakes and apple juice for me and Kai while squash soup for Kitty. 

I called Kai from the living room to sit on the dining table and Kitty followed her. She arrived just in front of me. I put her in her baby high chair. I mostly have everything Kitty needs since they usually stay here during my summer break because my brother and Kate usually goes on a business trip. 

My phone was buzzing so I picked it up. It was a call from Jami. 

"Juliana Missy Shinoa Perez, are you up?" 

"Obviously, what's up?"

"Meeting starts at 9:30 and it's already 8:20! You know it's an hour drive from your unit." 

I panicked. I thought it was ten!

"The meeting starts at 10. What are you talking about?"

"I texted you earlier that it was moved by 9:30."

I checked my messages. Indeed, she did. I was busy fixing with the two that's why I didn't have the chance to take a hold of my phone.

"I'm sorry, it's my fault. I didn't check my phone." 

"Girl. you better be here before 10 or else you'll be the one we'll have to wait. You're usually the one who's earlier than anyone of us."

"Well, that was because I had to! There's so much paperwork to do so I had to come early and multitask." 

"Speaking of paperwork, I heard he's coming today."

I froze for a moment. Unable to process. 

"I'm sorry, what now?"

I need to hear that again. I may be just hearing it wrong.

"He's coming today."

It took me a moment to process. 

"Alright, bye." 

I turned to Kai who's ready to go. He's currently playing with his sister. 

I went to my room and grabbed Kitty's crib to the living room. I transferred her from the walker to the crib the I turned to Kai,

"Please take care of your sister for me, love. I have to get ready so that we can go. I promise it will be fast." 

I held my right hand in the air giving him a sign of promise. He sweetly smiled. I hugged him before running to my room. 

I chose a white puff sleeve scoop neck top exposing my collar bones. I paired it with denim skinny jeans and a 2-inch white wedge sandals. I grab Kitty's bag organizer and went to the kids. 

Her stroller was set ready in the living room so I transferred her there. Kai holds my hands as soon as we were about to exit my unit. All the things are set. I placed Kitty's organizer below her sit so I was able to take a hold of Kai and at the same time, strolling Kitty. 

It was easy getting then into my car. I placed Kitty's stroller on the trunk. Kai decided to sit her sister who's sitting on her Graco. I fastened Kai's seatbelt before I went to the driver's seat. It was a quiet ride since the two fell asleep. 

We arrived by 9:52 am. Well, they can't blame me. I'm having my nephew and niece over here! 

Kai had all the energy to hop while humming to a children's song as we walk to the headquarters. I had to carry Kitty in my arms since she doesn't wanna sit on her stroller. She is holding her baby bottle drinking her milk. She asked for it before we arrived. I hold a grip of Kai still attentive at Kitty's bottle because she might accidentally let go of it. 

Everyone greeted Kai as soon as we arrived inside the lobby. They were also amused by Kitty's cuteness saying how adorable she is. I did nothing but smiled. 

We entered the elevator and I clicked the floor below the rooftop, 11th floor. 

As soon as the elevator's door opened, I could hear their laughs over their conversations. Annie and Jami had the loudest voice. 

The headquarter's conference room was made of glass. The only thing that's covering it is the curtain blinds. 

"You should have been here years ago! District 7 replaced us from having the most accomplished tasks!" 

"You just proved that you can't do tasks well without my brother, Oliver!"

Clara and Oliver were whining about the placements. Goodness! It doesn't really matter who has the highest number of accomplished tasks as long as you did what you're told to. 

I was about to open the glass door when it opened. It revealed him. I froze. Our eyes met but all I can see was the coldness in his eyes. He stared blankly. 

I was taken aback and I didn't know what to say. The only word that came out from my mouth was,

"Z."