Drunk on Emotions

Chapter Four - Brother

That evening, tears streamed down my face uncontrollably. Despite my mother's attempts to comfort me, my sobs only ceased when I finally drifted off to sleep. The following morning, as I made my way downstairs, the sound of voices filled the air, piquing my curiosity. I initially assumed we were entertaining guests, but as I caught the sound of deep, masculine voices, my surprise was noticeable.

"Oh, you’re awake, Zee! Come on. Kuya Harisson and Dylan are here!" Rita said excitedly, taking my hand.

As we entered the living room, my gaze immediately landed on two men sharing a hearty laugh. One of them caught my eye, and to my shock, he appeared just as surprised as I was. His confused expression and furtive glances towards the woman in the middle only added to my confusion. Across from me, the other man regarded me with a cold look, further adding to the awkward atmosphere.

"Zeina, right?" one of the men approached me.

His eyebrows were full and prominent, complementing his relatively masculine eye and jaw structure. The warm tone of his tan skin beautifully suited his face.

"Uhh..." I stammered, still in shock. Mama Heidy also came closer to me, smiling widely at the men.

"Zee, they are your brothers in here. Harrison, Dylan... Her name is Zee. She’s the one I told you about last time—"

Harrison? Dylan? Oh my God! They are here! And they are...

"Didn’t I tell you, Mama, that I don’t like the idea of you keeping a stranger here in the house!" one of her sons said strictly. My admiration for their physical features faded as I immediately felt embarrassed, so I lowered my gaze.

"Dylan..." Harrison said in a warning tone, making Dylan look angrily at me.

"You! How old are you, huh? You don’t look like a minor, so why is Mama still taking care of you?"

As the man's harsh words hit me, I felt a pang of hurt and frustration. I furrowed my brows, trying to hold back the tears that threatened to well up in my eyes. His question lingered in the air, stinging me with its judgment.

"Or maybe she’s expecting Mama to give her a large sum of money once she dies."

I witnessed Maria's disbelief at the words she had just heard, and it only intensified my embarrassment. I wished I could disappear into thin air.

"Watch your language, Dylan!" Harrison's voice was firm as he reprimanded him. I stole a glance at him.

"What's the problem, Kuya? I'm just speaking the truth. We don't even know her. And I can't fathom why Mama kept her around—"

"That's enough, Dylan!" Mama Heidy cut in.

I locked eyes with Dylan, and his stare was filled with fury. I couldn't comprehend why he was so angry.

Does he believe I'm only interested in their money? Does he see me as a freeloader?

"I apologize. I never pressured your mother into letting me stay here. Mama Heidy has been incredibly kind to me and has transformed my life. But if that's how you view me, I won't argue. I've never been interested in your family's wealth—"

"Don't try to deceive me," he snapped.

"Dylan! Speak to her with respect. I didn't raise you to be impolite and disrespectful!" Mama intervened.

"Why? I'm speaking the truth! She's a complete stranger, and you just let her stay here? What if she has ulterior motives? For you? For us? I've told you, kick her out!"

Mama Heidy let out a weary sigh and grasped the table, so I quickly offered her support.

"Look what you’ve done, Dylan!" Harrison said angrily and came over to help. Maria quickly went to the kitchen, so I made sure Mama sat down properly. Maria returned with a glass of water.

"How am I wrong? I’m right—"

"Stop it, Dylan!" Harrison snapped again as he supported his mother.

We took Mama to her room. My tears were still on the verge of spilling, so I sat down on her bed and fixed her blanket. I noticed Harrison looking at me, so I glanced up, but he looked away.

"I’m sorry about your brother, Harrison... And you, too, Zee..." I sighed. Mama took my hand and pressed it against my cheek.

"I’m okay, Ma..." I forced a smile.

"I know you’re not. I’m the one apologizing for what Dylan said."

"I’m sorry, really, Zeina. My brother is just spoiled. As soon as he found out that Mama was still keeping you here, he came home immediately."

I nodded at Harrison. He was still staring at me, so I looked away.

"I won’t let you leave, Zeina. You have to give me a good reason to allow it," Mama said, and I felt a warmth in my heart.

"I won’t leave your side, Ma..." I whispered to her, kissing her hand.

I stayed in Mama’s room until she fell asleep. Harrison had already gone out to talk to his brother. I stepped out of the room, looking downstairs and thinking about what happened earlier.

Suddenly, I felt someone grab my wrist, so I looked up. Dylan was gripping it tightly, leaving red marks where his fingers pressed into my skin.

"What’s your problem?" I snapped at him.

"Leave this house and don’t come back—"

"Mama won’t let me go—"

"I don’t care!" he cut me off. "I don’t care, and I want you gone right now!"

I couldn't tear my eyes away from him. In all honesty, he was undeniably handsome. His physique was perfectly proportioned—muscular, with powerful arms showcased by his crisp white t-shirt. His nose was striking and his lips were alluring—tempting and full.

"Are you f*cking listening to me?"

His shout snapped me out of my thoughts. He gripped me harder and pinned me against the wall. My cheeks grew cold from how close we were.

"You must leave this house! Understand?" he insisted again.

When I see him, I don't know if it's my trauma speaking but I couldn't see his handsome face anymore... Instead, I am seeing my ruthless uncle holding my hand and trying to hurt me.

"N-No... D-Don't...touch me," my voice cracked as I plead to him.

Zeina, calm down.You are speaking to Dylan. You are safe here. You are safe.

I kept on saying that in my mind but my tears formed fast. I opened my eyes and look at him firmly.

"I won’t go. Not until Mama tells me to. I’m not leaving—"

"You’re so shameless! I’m also the owner of this house!"

His words hurt, but I didn’t let it affect me. I focused on what Mama had said.

"I’m not leaving, D-Dylan..." I strongly said. Good job, Zeina. Good job of fighting your inner demons.

He glared at me, but then I was shocked when he suddenly smiled. That devilishly handsome smile was enough to weaken my knees.

I weakened even more when he leaned in closer. Our lips were just inches from the meeting. He smirked again, moving even closer, and now I could feel his breath on my cheek. I squeezed my eyes shut tightly. Bullets of sweat formed more on my forehead. I feel coldness gushed in me.

My heart raced, pounding wildly. I heard him chuckle, and it snapped me out of my thoughts. I opened my eyes and felt his lips brush lightly against my ear.

"If you won’t leave, then be ready to live in hell..." he whispered in a teasingly sinister way. I swallowed hard and closed my eyes again.

I didn’t know what I was feeling. He was stirring something inside me. My tears lingered after I remembered my uncle's angry face.