André

"I'm not a fucking prisoner! Let me out of my goddamn room!" I shouted on top of my lungs, banging on the wooden door infront of me.

It has been few hours since the old man decided to lock me up in my room inside the villa where our family used to stay everytime we visited the Philippines. Nandito pa rin lahat ng mga collection ko ng figurines at vintage display cars. But, my bed here was too small for me now. My six foot-inch self wouldn't fit the poor bed.

"Jesus Christ!" I slammed the door again for the nth time.

Sobrang maga na ng mga kamay ko, but I had to keep trying. Hindi ako pwedeng ma-lock dito. I had to see Charles and run away with her. Hindi ako papayag na masunod ang gusto ng matandang 'yon.

Taking my phone from my pocket, I saw that my battery was already crying for help. "Fuck!" One percent nalang. I needed to think smart. Sino ang pwede kong tawagan na siguradong matutulungan ako?

I scrolled through my contacts. I was sure that my friends would help. But, hindi pa nila nakikita si dad. They wouldn't know how to deal with him.

Just then, a message from an unexpected person popped on my screen.

From B0:

Tyler's family is pressing charges against you

They found more evidence leading to you

You need to find a good lawyer now

Oh, fuck me! Akala ko ba tapos na sila sa kasong ito? And still, they're putting the blame on me? I can't deal with this right now.

In the middle of my ranting and anger, my phone suddenly went black. Naubos na ang battery nito. "Fuck!" I tossed my phone away as I sat on the carpeted floor.

How will I contact anyone now? Paano ko pa makikita si Charles?

My eyes found the open window next to my bed. This was the only option I had. If I was lucky enough, mabubuhay pa rin naman ako kahit na tumalon ako mula dito sa third floor ng villa. Yeah, I'll do it.

Tumayo ako mula sa sahig at naghanap ng mga damit na pwede kong gamiting lubid. Effective naman ito sa movies. Pretty sure it would work if I tied them tight enough, right?

I rummaged through my old clothes from the wardrobe. Most of them were green polo shirts that mom used to buy for me.

Each of us brothers had an assigned color. Izo's was blue, Chain's was red, mine was green, Hive's was orange, Leif's was purple, and Geno's was yellow. Yeah, we used to be a walking rainbow.

I laughed at that thought. Suddenly, I missed the old times... when mom was still alive and all of us brothers were still close enough that we'd probably die saving each other.

Just then, may narinig akong kaguluhan sa labas ng kwarto. I was going to ignore it, but my door suddenly got unlocked, revealing my older brother in a black turtleneck and pants.

I raised a brow at him. "Pinadala ka ba dito ng matandang 'yon para i-check kung buhay pa ako? Well, bad news for you, mon fréro, buhay na buhay pa ako."

"Do you know why he locked you in here?" he asked in monotone.

"Because he's evil," I simply answered.

"No, because you're reckless and stupid," he answered without hesitation.

I huffed a breath. "Oh, fuck me! Thanks for visiting me here in jail, my dear brother."

"If you just answered my call that day, you wouldn't be in this position now," he suddenly stated.

Of course. "Ah, so it's still my fault that I'm being imprisoned in my own house?"

Izo walked towards my bed and sat on the edge. "Follow whatever the old man says and when you're the CEO of GenLabs, you can do whatever you want."

I let out a chuckle. "And that's when? After ten years? After the love of my life has finally moved on and found a better man to marry?"

"Are you saying she doesn't love you that much? If that's the case, better to find another woman then."

"I don't want another woman!" I shouted.

"There's a party tomorrow before you leave with dad for France," he answered in monotone.

"France? No! I'm not going there!" I protested.

My older brother stood up from the bed he was sitting on. "You can stay here then, but you'll rot in jail for the rest of your life." He turned his back at me, walking away.

"You're heartless..." I muttered and he suddenly turned around to face me again. "Just like father."

His eyes twitched a bit. "Don't you ever compare me to that old man."

After that, naiwan na ulit akong mag-isa sa kwarto. I stayed there, staring into space, thinking about what my brother just said.

Should I just let go of Charles and follow dad's order? Should I just give up because I'm powerless right now and the only way for me to get the freedom I've always wanted is to be higher than my father?

Buong gabi ko itong pinag-isipan...

Until the day of the party came.

I didn't want to dress up. But, the old man hired a fucking team of stylists to fix my hair, face and outfit. Kulang nalang ay ayusin nila ang buong personality ko.

I chuckled as I looked at myself in the mirror. My thick disheveled hair was cut on the sides, styling it perfectly to make me look like a typical office worker. Pinasuot rin nila ako ng dark teal suit and burgundy tie. The stylist said it would match my eyes.

Frankly, I knew I'd still look good kahit na simple shirt and pants lang ang ipasuot sa akin.

After the unnecessary changes to my look, I was driven to a familiar hotel, which was the venue of the company party. Hindi ko pa rin alam kung ano ang purpose ng party na 'to.

When I arrived inside the venue, I was greeted by the stares of the people who noticed my presence. I suddenly wondered kung kilala ba nila ako or kung dahil lang ito sa overflowing charms ko. Either way, I couldn't care less.

Umupo ako sa designated table kung saan ako hinatid ng isang server. Izo was already there sitting and studying me from head to toe as if he wasn't the one who connived with dad to bring me back to France.

"Nice fit," bati ko sa kanya, teasing him with his usual long brown collar coat over a black turtleneck shirt. Mukhang galing pa siya sa trabaho.

Izo just sipped on his glass of wine, turning his attention somewhere na parang hindi ako narinig.

I fidgeted on my seat as I looked around the hall. There were few press people taking photos and videos. I didn't know this party was this important to be even covered by the press.

Moments later, an MC appeared on the stage, introducing our company - GeneRation Labs. She presented how the company started, its vision and mission, current projects and future endeavors.

"GeneRation Labs was founded by the late Don Aurelius Francois Laurent, who was a renowned chemist and  physician during his time. He was born in France, but he chose to start this company in the home country of his mother, the Philippines..."

Nakailang-beses na akong humikab habang pinapakinggan ang presentation. I didn't know this was supposed to be a history lesson for all staff members and shareholders. If only I knew, hindi nalang sana ako pumunta. What was even the point of me being here?

"Hey, brothers!" A bizarre voice of a guy suddenly caught my attention from my side.

When I looked over my shoulder, I saw a guy with a messy blonde hair, wearing a red suit. Kumaway siya sa amin habang nakangiti. Napansin ko pa ang silver piercing niya sa gilid ng kanyang kaliwang kilay at labi.

"Hive!" I immediately exclaimed, standing up from my seat to give him a hug. Hive was the second youngest among us.

"No hugs for me?" Another guy with a slick-back moss hair, wearing a purple suit appeared. Of course, Chain had to be over the top.

"Let's not pretend we miss each other. It's disgusting." Someone with a rough voice spoke behind us.

I turned around and saw Leif rocking his cotton candy hair with his sides shaved off, exposing an abstract tattoo running from the right side of his head down to his neck. Nakatingin lang siya sa baba, avoiding everyone's eyes as usual.

"Nice tattoo, brother," I tapped Leif's back. He was a year younger than me.

"Can you all shut your mouths? Someone is speaking infront," Izo reprimanded, not even looking at us.

Umupo kaming lahat sa iisang table, gauging each other's looks and changes. Hindi ako makapaniwalang nandito kaming lahat ngayon, minus our little brother.

After how many years, we finally saw each other again. I always knew the old man would somehow force us to be in the same space again. Hindi ko lang inakalang mangyayari ito ngayong gabi.

"So... why do you think the old man gathered us here today?" Hive initiated the conversation, licking the side of lip. An old habit of his.

"Isn't it obvious? He's dying," Chain stated, stifling a chuckle.

"Whatever it is, I'm not staying here," Leif commented, crossing his arms over his chest. His eyes still glued on his lap.

"You're giving up your inheritance then? That's good. More for me," Chain wiggled his brows.

"The late Don Aurelius initially wanted to do research and discover a treatment for a specific sleep disorder, Kleine-Levin Syndrome, which is a rare condition characterized by the need to sleep for up to 20 hours a day lasting for few days up to weeks. And the reason for this was because his eldest son was diagnosed with such condition. That eldest son is here with us today, Sir Stefano Gene Laurent," the MC continued to say infront of everyone.

Hive gasped. "Did you know about dad's condition?"

"I never knew he was the reason grandpapa started GeneRation Labs," Chain mentioned.

"I guess he is really dying then," Leif casually stated.

I just listened to them when my eyes suddenly caught sight of a very familiar person standing on the entrance of the venue.

Despite seeing her wearing a black v-neck mini skater dress for the first time, I recognized that face any day even in my sleep. "Charles," I mumbled, standing up from my seat.

"Axe, sit down," Izo ordered me.

I shook my head. "No! Why is Charles here?"

"Who?" One of my brothers asked.

"Charles? Is that your girl?" Another one asked.

"Don't ask me," one of them said.

"Let's welcome the new CEO of the global biotech company, GeneRation Labs..." The MC suddenly announced, catching my attention. "Phoebe Alberry-Laurent."

My head snapped at the direction of the woman standing up from the other side of the room. That's the witch.

She kissed the old man next to her before walking up the stage. The crowd continued to applaud her.

"Thank you everyone. First of all, I'm so happy to be celebrating this wonderful night with all of you... because our sons are all here tonight," she mentioned, even pointing her hand towards our direction. "Isidore, Charbel, Alexandré, Lefric and Hiram... thank you for being here with me and your father..."

"Bullshit," Leif remarked on his seat.

"Charles, don't be shy. Where do you want to sit? Next to me or on my lap?" Hive's voice suddenly caught me.

When I turned to them, nakatayo na si Charles malapit sa amin. Hive's hand was still on her shoulder.

I pulled her close to me. "Don't touch her."

Hive chuckled. "Chill, frérot. No one's stealing her away from you."

"Are you going to sit or do you want me to taser all your asses?" Izo spoke again, this time with his eyes shooting bullets at us.

Hinigpitan ko ang hawak sa kamay ni Charles habang umuupo na kami. "Chal, bakit ka nandito? May ginawa ba si dad sa'yo?"

"Nagpadala siya ng invitation sa akin kasama na itong suot kong bestida at heels ngayon," she answered, looking down.

I caressed her hand using my thumb. Goddamn, sobrang miss ko na siya. But, I couldn't help but worry about everything that's happening now.

"André..." she called my name, finally looking up and meeting my gaze. "Tinanong kita noon kung kilala mo si kuya. Sabi mo wala kang kilalang Chester Sandos."

I stopped massaging her hand as I felt cold sweat forming from my forehead.

"André, sabihin mo sa akin ang totoo..." her voice cracked, eyes glistening with tears. "May kinalaman ka ba sa pagkamatay ni kuya?"

My eyes twitched. I couldn't say a thing. I knew this day was bound to happen. But, I ignored it. I thought maybe I could get away with it. I thought maybe if our love was strong enough, I wouldn't have to explain myself and be in this situation.

"André, magsalita ka naman!" Her tone rose a notch higher, shoving my hand away from her.

"Hey, are you two breaking up?" Hive asked.

"Don't cause a scene here," Izo muttered.

"I pity you," Leif remarked.

"Shocks, I need a popcorn," Chain commented and I just wanted to punch him right now even if he was older than me.

"Chal," I finally spoke, reaching for her hands again, but she closed her fists tight. "I will tell you everything once we're out of here."

She shook her head. "Hindi ako makapaniwalang nagsinungaling ka sa akin. Pinagmukha mo akong tanga, André. Alam mo kung gaano ko kagustong makamit ang hustisya para kay kuya, pero ikaw lang pala..." she paused, suppressing the tears trickling down her cheeks.

"Chal, please. Just listen to me..." I tried to explain, but she already stood up from her seat. Agad ko siyang sinundan at niyakap sa kanyang likod. "Don't leave me, please."

"What the hell is happening here?" Someone from the room asked, but I didn't mind them anymore.

Narinig ko ang malakas na tunog ng click mula sa mga camera ng press. Siguradong pinagtitinginan na kaming lahat ngayon.

"Sa tingin mo mamahalin pa kita, André?" Charles blurted out and I just wanted die in that moment.

"No, please, you promised, Chal... that you're never letting go," I cried as I felt my whole body heating up already. My head was throbbing and my eyes were heavy with tears.

"Promise? Paano pa kita mamahalin, André? Sige nga, sabihin mo sa akin," she continued to say, breaking my whole existence into tiny pieces of nothingness.

"Saktan mo ako, Chal. Sigawan mo ako, suntukin mo ako... I'll take anything... just... don't leave me, please..." I begged, habang bumubuhos ang mga luha sa aking mata.

"Nagsisisi akong nakilala pa kita, André. Mas mabuti pang hindi nalang sana tayo nagkita," she muttered under her breath.

"Charlemaigne, I love you," I mumbled, holding her in my arms tighter. Binaon ko ang aking ulo sa gilid ng kanyang mukha. Ayaw ko siyang pakawalan.

"Sir, tama na po 'yan. Utos po ng daddy niyo na paalisin na namin ang babae," a security appeared next to us, attempting to break us apart.

"Fuck you!" I yelled, shaking my head. "No, I'm not letting go of her!"

"Bitawan mo na ako, André!" Charles shouted, removing my arms from her waist.

"No, hindi kita bibitawan," pilit ko. "Kahit ano'ng gawin mo, hindi kita papakawalan. I will do anything para mapatawad mo ako."

"Nasisiraan ka na ba? Hindi na kita mapapatawad, Andrè! Hindi na rin kita mamahalin pa! Umalis ka na! Ayaw ko nang makita ang pagmumukha mo!" She shouted on top of her lungs for everyone in the room to hear.

My hands trembled upon hearing her say those words. Alam kong kasalanan ko ang lahat, but I couldn't let her go. I was scared for myself... na baka may magawa ako sa sarili ko kapag wala si Charles sa tabi ko.

"Chal, I'll kill myself if you leave me," I muttered. I knew I shouldn't have said that, but it just came out of my mouth.

"If you don't stop this nonsense, I'll kill you myself." That was the condescending voice of an old man, making me freeze from my position.

It brought back memories of when he would beat me up with my brothers. I knew he was capable of doing that to anyone without remorse and I'd gladly accept if he'd do that to me. But, hindi ko hahayaang gawin niya rin ito sa babaeng mahal ko.

Like an itch, I unwrapped my arms from the woman I loved, taking a step back as the security guards escorted her away from me.

"Good call," the old man even praised me for doing so as he went back to his seat as if nothing happened.

Everything from my skull down to the last bone on my toe was hurting. It was excruciating to the point I couldn't tell if I was still alive or not.

"If I was her, I wouldn't love you either."

"Cheating is one thing, lying is another, but killing? That's next level, frére."

"Stop crying. You're hideous."

"I told you you'll need a good lawyer."

Goddamn I hate these guys.

Clenching my fists, I dragged my feet forward. Hindi ako papayag na mawala si Charles sa buhay ko.

"Axe, stay where you are," I heard Izo order, but I just ignored him.

"No, I'm staying where my heart is," I mumble to myself as I walked out of the building.

The old man thought he would win. But, I wouldn't let him win this time.