chapter 4- GORNEL FAMILY
1364 Words
Fortunately, Henry offered to accompany me to Kuya Hendrix’s room. And as I suspected, he had taken my phone with him. I was a bit embarrassed—just like what happened with Henry, I saw Kuya Hendrix shirtless while he was working on his laptop. Speaking of Henry, he asked me to cook something for him. It was already three in the morning, and obviously, there were no maids around at that hour to prepare food for him. I couldn’t say no. I just made him a simple sunny-side-up egg with some fried rice. Since it was already morning, it could count as breakfast, right? He didn’t complain, so I quietly slipped into Jean’s room to finally get some rest. Oh, and before I forget—this is actually the first time I’m messaging mom. Ugh! That annoying guy had me running errands all night.
TO MOM❤️:
Ma, sorry… I just got the chance to text now. We’ve been really busy, and I almost forgot to update you. I’m about to sleep. Just wanted to say—I love you.
I hit send. I didn’t expect her to reply right away—but she did. Her message made me pause.
FROM MOM❤️:
Still awake? Can mommy call?
I frowned a bit. I wasn’t sure what this was about, but… did I even have a choice? I called her immediately, and she picked up right away.
"Y-yes, Mom? I’m so sorry… I didn’t mean to disturb your beauty sleep. We were just really busy—"
[It’s alright, sweetheart. Actually, I’ve been waiting for your call. I wasn’t too worried, but someone came to visit you earlier. I thought about telling you to come home, but I knew what you were doing was important, so I didn’t bother you.]
Wait—someone visited me?
“M-Mom? What do you mean someone visited me? A guy? Who? What?”
I lowered my voice. I almost screamed from the surprise. No one ever visits our house for me. If there’s a sleepover or a hangout, it’s always at someone else’s place. I never bring guests over—especially because I don’t want to disturb Dianne and her friends.
[Yes, Jane. I only met him tonight. He introduced himself as Brian—said he’s your mentor? What’s that about?]
I smacked my forehead. Seriously, Brian? Even showing up at my house now? How did he even know where I live?!
“M-Mom… He’s my mentor at the music academy. Remember last summer? He taught me violin…”
[Oh, how sweet of him then. He waited for you until midnight. I told him you weren’t coming back because of your overnight with a classmate, but he insisted on waiting. Anyway, Mommy’s going to sleep now. You should too, sweetie. Let me know when you're on your way home. I love you.]
“I-I love you too, Ma…”
I weakly sat beside Jean, who was fast asleep. What would my parents think of me now? That I’m irresponsible? My dad had told me not to date until I turned 18… Well, I’m almost there. My debut’s just months away. But still… what if they think I’m already seeing someone and hiding it from them? But maybe I’m just overthinking. Mom didn’t sound mad on the phone. And really—I’m not hiding anything.
“What am I even going to say to them tomorrow—”
“Jane, it’s late. You should get some rest.”
I quickly turned toward the door—and standing there was a handsome guy. I bit my lip and looked away. Why are all the boys in this house shirtless?!
I could feel my cheeks burning. “J-Jared…” I muttered in embarrassment.
Why does Jean have so many hot brothers?! Now I’m confused who my crush really is—My eyes widened when I realized he was walking toward me. I watched his every step nervously. If he tried anything funny, Jean was right beside me—I could wake her up in a second. Just try me, Jared. I scooted back as he approached, until he gently placed his hand on my forehead, then to my cheek, down to my neck.
I froze at the comfort of his touch. There was something warm about it—comforting. I felt myself blushing even more.
“Your temperature seems fine… But your cheeks are warm. That’s strange—the air conditioning is on. Why are you sweating?” he asked innocently.
I shut my eyes in shame. Is he really this clueless or just messing with me? I know Jared’s kind and caring, but—ugh, what am I even thinking?!
“A-ah, I just finished taking a shower… hehe…” I said awkwardly, gently pushing his hand away.
“Really? Are you sure you're not sick? Wait, I’ll grab a medical kit from my room—”
“N-no need! I’m just sleepy… I’ll just wash my face before bed. Don’t worry, I’m fine…”
He smiled back at me before finally leaving the room. I made sure to close the door behind him tightly—no more awkward moments, please. Ugh! I’m already stressing over Brian, and now Jean’s brothers are driving me insane? Good Lord, please save me from these walking distractions.
When I woke up, Jean told me she was about to wake me up earlier, but her brothers insisted I needed rest. How embarrassing! I’m already a guest here, and I woke up past noon.
Jared had already prepared my breakfast—or I guess lunch.
He said Jean, Kuya Hendrix, and their parents had already gone ahead to Antipolo for a family outing. Apparently, their mom had invited me too, and they already asked permission from my parents.
So, it was just me, Henry, Jared, and the maids left at the house. We’d follow them soon. I was scolding Jean over the phone for not
waking me up, but she said it was Jared and Henry’s idea to let me rest—and they’d accompany me later.
“So, Queenie, shall we?” Jared said, offering to help me into his sports car.
That’s one of the Gornel siblings’ prized possessions. If only Kuya Anthony were here, their family's complete. Speaking of him—Jean said he works far away now. Their family doesn't even know his exact location. He left home years ago after joining a fraternity, though thankfully, he left that life behind and is now running his own business.
Anthony is the eldest, followed by Hendrix, Henry, Jared, and the youngest is Jeanine. I used to dream of having an older brother, especially seeing how close Jean is with hers.
But now that we’re older, I realize—siblings drift apart too, even if they grew up under the same roof. It’s a bit sad. That’s kind of what happened with Dianne and me. We used to be so close as kids… I don’t even know when or how the distance between us started.
“Jane…” someone whispered beside me.
When I turned, it was Jared. I smiled. “W-what is it?”
I frowned a little. Why did my voice c***k?
“You’re crying. Is something wrong?”
I was stunned. I looked away and wiped my cheeks—unconsciously crying again?! Not the first time this has happened…
“Here. A tissue—and this mirror too. Your mascara’s running,” he said.
I forced a smile as I took the mirror and stared at myself. If I could just disappear right now, I would. I felt dizzy too—Henry was driving so fast, and Jared beside me looked genuinely worried. I gave him another small smile as I fixed myself.
“T-thank you…” I murmured after using the tissue.
“We’re almost there. Hold on—” he leaned in, tucking a few strands of hair behind my ear, “There… Just in case my sister accuses me of not taking care of you.”
Then he smiled… that warm, charming kind of smile. OMG. Is this the sign? Should I change my crush?
- Writer
