Young Love

Chapter 1

“Faye Lyn! Wake up already!” A familiar voice said.

“5 more minutes’ brother Eli.” I said as I cover myself with the blanket.

“You already said that 15 minutes ago. Come on!” He said and pulls my blanket, “Get up already, you said you’re meeting with your co teacher before you go to school, right? Wake up and get ready, already!” He said as he pulls me up.

“Okay, geez.” I said groggily and get up.

I get my things ready and took a bath. After that, I went downstairs and saw my friend’s brother eating.

“Hey Faye! Good morning!” I just nodded as I am still sleepy. “Jay! Your sister is so mean. She didn’t even greet me back.” He said and then he fake cry while clutching his chest attempting to get sympathy.

“You’re so noisy Fitz!” Brother Blake said and yawns, while going downstairs.

“Good morning Faye/sister Faye” brother Blake and Rhys greeted and I replied with a smile.

“Eat your breakfast first before you leave.” I nodded and took a sit, then, brother Eli served me my food and gave me a smile.

“How come, you serve her food while I have to get my own food.” He complains. “I’m your guest and you didn’t even serve me. You even left me. I’m hurt.” He said and hold onto his chest to act like he’s hurt.

My brothers glared at him again.

“Didn’t you just invite yourself, brother Aiken?” Rhys asked then eat his pancakes.

Brother Eli and brother Blake burst out laughing, while I giggle. Aiken glared at us but the boys continued to laugh.

“Brothers, stop laughing already.” I said and they nodded as they wipe their tears because of too much laughing.

“We’ll go first, Faye. Be careful on your way, okay. Call us if you need anything.” Brother Blake said and they left.

After they left, I eat my food and look around,

‘It’s been 5 years since I came here and officially became a part of their family. I remember the day that I moved in here’ I thought to myself.

*Flashback*

Uncle Codie said that his oldest son, brother Elijah, is the one who will pick me up at the airport, “Faye!” He shouted as he runs towards me. I faint smile. He picks up my things and smile. As soon as we got into the car, I closed my eyes.

‘It’s been a long time since I met uncle and brothers. I feel so dejected that time since it’s the day when my parents died, as soon as uncle learned about what happened, uncle came together with brothers that time. When he arrived, he immediately looked for me. Then he asked me how I’m doing so far, what I would do from now on, and if I would like to live with them. I was confused since I don’t know him and I’m only 7 years old that time. When he sensed my confusion, he slowly explains that my parents and him are friends and they asked uncle that if ever something happens to them, he will take care of me. Since they don’t want to force me to be with them, he asked a permission first. However, I refused his offer and decided to live with my grandmother on my mother’s side instead.  He agreed to it and just said that if anything happens or if I change my mind, I just have to give him a call.

The second and the last time I saw them was when I was 11 years old, and it’s when my grandmother died. I was expecting that uncle will come. However, it was only brother Elijah who came at that time. It is because Uncle Codie was sick, and his brothers were taking care of Uncle. It was the first time I met him officially, he asked me the same thing that Uncle asked back then. I gave him the same response that I gave to Uncle Codie, and I decided to live alone. He already expected my answer so he just insists that they’ll cover my expenses and anything that I need, which I agreed to. After that, he gave me his phone number so I can contact him if ever I need something.

I looked outside the window and think about what I did and my decision, ‘I want to cool my mind and my heart. I don’t know if this decision of mine is good enough, but I don’t have any choice. Maybe accepting their offer is really was the best choice. Maybe if I accept their offer sooner, I’d never felt the pain.’ These thoughts overflow in my mind and it stopped as soon as we reach the house.

I came back to my senses when the car stopped, then, I looked at brother Elijah.

“We’re here.” He said and smile.

As soon as we got off the car, we heard loud voices that made us run towards it. When brother Elijah open the door, we saw Uncle Codie and brother Blake arguing. I look around the place and noticed that it was well decorated like they are having a party. Rhys noticed me and he went inside the kitchen. After several minutes, he came out with a cake. I’m a bit confused so I looked at brother Elijah, and he just smiled at me. “Blake, father” Elijah called out which caught the attention of the two. They looked shocked when they saw me. They hurriedly tried to run towards the kitchen, but halted when they realized that Rhys got the hold of the cake first, which cause them to sigh in disappointment.

“Welcome home sister Faye!” Rhys says with a smile which makes me cry.

They all looked at me worriedly, brother Blake and Uncle run to my side, while Rhys is in front of me. Looking at him reminds me of Adriel, which also reminds me of ‘that’ event. Uncle Codie hugged me that made me burst in tears, I tried to hold back my tears since this is our first official meeting but I can’t hold back my tears anymore.

After several minutes, I’ve calmed down a little. Rhys gave me some water while Uncle and older brothers looked at one another.

“Faye, are you okay now?” brother Blake asked worriedly.

I responded with a nod.

“She’s tired. Let her rest first, then we can eat and chat later,” brother Elijah said, “for now, you should take a rest. You must be tired after such a long trip.” He added and I just nodded.

“Rhys, take Faye to her room.” Brother Elijah said.

Rhys nodded and took my hand, “I will bring your luggage to your room later. Make sure to rest well.” Brother Elijah added.

When we reached my room Rhys suddenly gave me a hug. “Sis, no matter what happen, we are always here for you. Even if we are not blood related, we are your family, you can rely on us.” I bend down and hug him.

“Thank you, Rhys. I will.” I said and let go. He smiled at me, “go inside now sis and rest well.” He said. I just nodded and smile.

As soon as I enter my room, I immediately went to bed and lie down. I felt exhausted, so I close my eyes and sleep for a while.

When I woke up, I noticed that it was already dark outside. I checked my phone and saw that it’s already night time. I felt more relaxed now after the long nap and crying in front of them. Then, I decided to go downstairs. As I was walking down the stairs, I saw brother Elijah.

“Brother!” I called his attention. He looks at me in shock, then he recovered quickly and gave me a smile while walking towards me.

“How’s your sleep?” He said as he messes my hair.

I smile, “I feel fine now, brother.” He smiled back.

“That’s good to hear. Let’s go to the dining area so you can eat already. Father and brothers are already eating there.” I nodded and followed him.

“Father, brothers, Faye is awake.” He said as soon as we enter the dining room.

They look happy, Rhys stand up and runs to my side. “Sister Faye, come sit beside me.” He said and pulled me.

Brother Elijah just sighed and followed us. As soon as I sat down, brothers keep giving me foods while Uncle Codie was shaking his head in disbelief.

“Boys, enough of that. Look at her plate, isn’t it too much for her.” Uncle Codie said.

They all glanced at my plate. Embarrassed, they all sat down while keeping their look on the floor.

“It’s fine uncle, I haven’t eaten anything since this morning.” I said and smile, which made them smile too.

While eating, “I should formally introduce you to my sons,” He said with a bright smile then he looks at them.

“Well you already know me, but I would like to introduce myself once again. I’m the oldest, Elijah Jay Cruz.” He smiled.

“You don’t know me yet, so I’ll introduce myself, of course. I’m Blake Ash Cruz, your second older brother, at your service.” He said and pull out his hand for a handshake. I grab it and made a handshake.

“I’m Rhys Kyle Cruz, the youngest.” He said with a sweet smile.

I smiled back at them, “I’m Faye Lyn Lazaro, nice to finally meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you two from Brother Eli.” brother Blake and Rhys gave brother Elijah a suspicious and questioning look.

“We’ve been communicating since the day that I met her at her grandmother’s funeral.” He simply said and began to eat.

“That’s unfair! You’re already close with each other!” brother Blake whine.

“We will have a plenty of time to bond together. No need to be envious, brother Blake.” I said and smile at him.

“I also want to play with you, sister Faye.” Rhys cut off and cling to my arms.

I ruffled his hair, “of course, I’ll play with you.”

“Your acting like a child Rhys, you’re already 11! So, stop clinging to her arms and act more like your age.” Brother Blake said. However, Rhys just stick his tongue out playfully and cling to my arms even more. Rhys’ action made brother Blake to stand up. Brother Blake attempts to catch Rhys which cause them to run around like Tom and Jerry

“Well, I guess they liked you already.” Uncle said. “I just want to inform you that they are not really my children, I only adopted them. But still, for me, they are like my own children.” I just smile at him, since I already know, brother Elijah told me. “I guess Elijah told you about it already,” I nodded as response.

He looked at brother Elijah, who’s now stopping brother Blake from chasing Rhys. “Elijah is a quiet one and a very serious child. I’m glad that you and him are getting along so well.” I smiled at him.

“Oh, if you change your mind about my offer. My thought about adopting you still hasn’t changed. So, if you don’t mind. I would like to adopt you and make you officially a Cruz, but if you don’t like the idea, it’s okay. It just went through my mind. Still, if you want to stay as Lazaro, it’s also fine by me. However, if you made up your mind already, do tell me.” He said and smile.

“You have a lot of time to think about it so don’t let it pressure you, okay?” He added. His attention went back to the brothers who are still running around.

“That’s enough already!” He shouted, and the boys stopped and went back to their sits.

While eating, Uncle Codie told me some stories about my parents; how he met them, how they end up together and how happy they were when they have realized that they were having me.

“When your father saw you for the first time, he cried so much and run around informing everyone in the hallway that you are born. He also describes how beautiful you are, he even gave doctor Avers a hug, which made your mom and I laughed so hard.” He said which made me giggle.

From what I remember, father is a jolly person, while mother is a quiet one. But they both showered me with love. They made me feel loved just by being always there for me.

We continued talking until we notice that it’s already so late.

“Well we should wrap this up. It’s getting late already. You should get a rest now, Faye.” Uncle Codie said.

“I’ll help with the cleaning, uncle.” I said and carry my plate.

“Nope. For today, you go rest first.” Brother Eli said.   

Brother Blake get my plate, while Rhys hold my hand and pull me.

“You can now go to your room and rest. If you need anything, just call or inform any of us.” Brother Blake said.

“Now, I’ll escort you to your room sister Faye,” Rhys said while pulling me, so I just followed him.

Before we leave, I said, “Then I’ll go first, rest well, brother and Uncle.”

With that, we left and went to my room.

“Well then sister Faye. Rest well and let’s play tomorrow.” He said.

“Goodnight, Rhys. Tell uncle and brothers too.” I smile and he nodded.

I entered my room and sat on my bed. When I look around, I noticed that all of my things were fixed and it’s already in place. I get my diary in my shoulder bag. I opened it and was greeted with a picture of me and my parents on the first page.

“Mom, dad. Thank you for letting me meet them.” I said and tears began to fall down. “It’s been 9 years since you left. They may not be present all the time, but they continue supporting me from afar. And now that I’m already here with them, is it okay for me to accept Uncle Codie’s offer?” I asked and lie down on my bed. “I miss you, mom, dad.” I hug the picture and curl up. I fell asleep without noticing.

I woke up feeling blissful since I dreamt about my parents and our happy moments together. It’s as if they are telling me that it’s okay for me to accept Uncle Codie’s offer. I smiled as I look at the picture I’m holding, “mom, dad, even though I’ll accept Uncle Codie’s offer, you will always be my family. I’ll never forget you even if I’ll have a new family. I love you, mom, dad. I promise you guys that from this day onwards, I’ll be happy and I won’t let myself be hurt again.” After I said those words, I put the picture back in my diary and put my diary on the side table.

I’m about to get off the bed when I heard a knock.

“Faye? Are you awake?” It’s the voice of brother Blake. I was about to answer when I heard another voice.

“I told you brother; she might still be sleeping.” It was Rhys.

“Why don’t you two keep quiet? We can just talk to her later. It’s so early.” Now, it’s brother Eli.

“But father will wake up soon, we might not be able to ask her.” Brother Blake said that made me confused. I stood up and come closer to the door.

“Father already said it to Faye, we should just wait for her decision. We can’t pressure her.” Brother Eli said that, which made me realize what they’re talking about.

I opened the door which made the boys looked shocked. I smiled at them and greeted them, “good morning!” Rhys and brother Blake still looked shocked, while brother Eli seems to recover and gave me a smile then greeted me back.

“So? What is it that you guys are going to ask?” I smiled and asked even though I already know it.

Rhys and brother Blake keep glancing at each other while me and brother Eli looked at them. When I looked at brother Eli, he sighs and look so disappointed. I just laughed and said, “Yes, I would be glad to be part of the Cruz family. That’s my answer.” The two looked confused, while brother Eli looked surprised, and I just smiled. After several minutes, brother Eli recovered and hugged me. While the two looked at each other first, like they can’t believe what I just said, and they also gave me a hug.

“Yehey! I finally have an older sister!” Rhys rejoice.

“Finally! I have a sister!” brother Blake said.

“I’m happy! I’m glad that you accept father’s offer.” Brother Eli said and hugged me tight.

“What is happening here?” We all looked and saw Uncle Codie.

Rhys runs to him first, “father! Sister Faye said that she accepts your offer.” He said and father looked shocked and walks toward my direction. “Is that true, Faye?” I smiled at him.

“Yes, Uncle. I mean, Father.” I said, still not sure on how I should call him.

He hugged me tight, “I’m so happy Faye, we are so happy.” After a few minutes, he let go, and wipe some tears.

“I’ll handle the papers right away.” He said and run to his room.

After several days, the paper is done, and I became a Cruz. They even host a small party for me, for officially becoming a part of their family.

On that day, I met several people that is acquainted to the family. I also met my brothers’ friends, and they introduced me to them. When they are finally done, I noticed something, that brother Blake and Rhys have lots of friends. On the contrary, brother Eli is different, he has only one. His name is Aizen Fitz Samsonite, unlike brother Eli who is quiet around people, the other one is a sociable person, he’s very talkative.

It became a long night for us. Their friends told me everything they know about my brother, like what kind of brothers they are to each other, what kind of friend and more.

A couple of hours passed, and all of them went home.

“Father, brothers, thank you.” I said and hugged them.

“Always, anything for you to be happy, Faye.” Father said.

A month had passed, father had a business trip for 2 weeks so we are left alone. Rhys and I are the one who is assign to wash the dishes, while the food will be done by brother Eli and brother Blake. We also distribute some household chores. However, everyone became busy in school activities. So, we decided that whoever has nothing to do, like activities or homework, will do some household chores. and since I’m done with my homework and some activities, I did all the household chores. While my brothers are in their room, busy with their homework.

After doing the household chores, I lay on the sofa and listen to some music. I also check my social media account. I’ve been so busy playing and bonding with my brothers that I don’t have time to open my accounts. I scroll and scroll until something piqued my interest. The pain that I forgot, arises. Several months already passed but the pain still lingered in my heart. I sat down and felt my tears fell before I even notice. I felt nervous as I heard footstep coming down. I immediately wiped my tears but it’s too late, my brothers already got down and saw me. They immediately run towards me when they saw me crying. Brother Eli kneel down to equal my height, while brother Blake and Rhys sat beside me.

“What happened?” Brother Eli asked.

“Did you feel lonely when we’re not around?” Brother Blake said. And I saw brother Eli glared at him while Rhys throw a pillow at him.

“I thought that I’m fine. I thought that it already healed, but it still hurts.” I said and brother Eli’s expression became dark while the other two became tensed.

Except for my two best friend, brother Eli is the only one who knows about my heartbreak. He knows everything, how I am happy until how I break. I guess he told about it to these two. Well I don’t intend to hide it either, but I can’t tell it, since it still hurts a lot.