Kairo's POV

"Oh, Kuya, nakilala mo na girlfriend ko ah! What are your thoughts about her?"

It's 8 in the morning and Hiara decided to interrupt my sleep just to ask the stupid question na hindi ko alam kung paano ko sasagutin. How should I say something about her girlfriend who used to be mine?

"I think she's okay.. Kumusta naman ba siya kapag kayong dalawa lang?" I asked.

Naisip ko lang.. Kung ano ba si Jordyn kapag kasama ko siya noon, ganu'n rin kaya siya kapag si Hiara ang kasama niya? Does she do the things we used to do together when she's with Hiara?

"She's sweet, always smiling. Masungit minsan but I think it's in her nature na," she giggled. "And she's super thoughtful.. Maybe because she's a little bit older than me."

Happiness is very evident in Hiara's expression when she talks about Jordyn. Minsan ko lang makita na ganito ang kapatid ko kaya naman sa puntong malaman ko na saktan siya ni Jordyn, hindi ko alam ang kaya kong magawa.

"Just make sure that the relationship is healthy and not toxic. Ayaw ko malaman na puro kalokohan at walang kwentang bagay ang makukuha mo riyan," I said, seriously.

She rolled her eyes on me, "Mas strikto ka pa sa'kin kaysa kila Mommy at Daddy! Pero aminin mo, maganda si Jordyn! She's freaking gorgeous! Mabait pa!"

I know, Hiara. Alam kong maganda si Jordyn. I am aware of how she takes your breath away whenever you look at her. I know how pretty and unreal she looks. I also know how her personality could capture your heart.

"Whatever," I shrugged to remove such thoughts. "Pupunta siya rito mamaya, 'di ba?"

"Yeah. To talk with her Dad," Hiara sighed. "Who would've thought that Tito Theo is her father."

After we talked, Mom called us for breakfast so we went downstairs to eat. We are all so quiet that I can almost hear everyone's breathing. I just sighed then continued eating.

"Jordyn is your Tito Theo's daughter," Dad started.

Napatingin kami pareho ni Hiara sa kaniya pero hindi na kami nagulat. We already had an idea about it from last night so there's no reason for us to be surprised.

"Do you remember the kid who the both of you used to play with? It's Jordyn," Mom informed us.

Muntik na akong mabilaukan sa kinakain ko kaya inabot ko ang baso ko na mayroong laman na juice. Nang makabawi, my brows furrowed. Is that the reason why the first time I saw Jordyn, I thought that her face is very familiar?

"Woah. No way," Hiara was also shocked. "What a small world"

"Yeah," Mom smiled. "Akala ko si Kairo ang makakatuluyan ni Jordyn kapag lumaki na kayo but it turns out that it's you, my baby, Hiara"

"Yes, Mom!" Hiara exclaimed. "I couldn't imagine Kuya and Jordyn being together!"

Dad laughed because Hiara made a face to annoy me which somehow worked. If only the three of you knew about the thing that Jordyn and I had. It felt like we're gonna last forever but it turns out that it didn't.

Mom informed us that everyone will come at dinner so I spent the whole day in my room, distracting myself. I also thought about the fact that I'll be seeing Jordyn more often since my sister and her are together. Fate must really be playing with me, huh.

"Good luck, Eugenio," Luna laughed from the other line. "Tibayan mo ang sarili mo."

Dapat si Chase ang tatawagan ko kaso busy daw siya at maraming tinatapos na activities. Akala naman totoo! Pero kapag tinignan, active sa lahat ng gaming platform pati na sa Discord! Kaya naman si Luna na lang ang tinawagan ko, kaso puro pang-aasar lang ang nakuha ko.

"Matibay naman talaga ako. I just hate seeing her in our house, laughing with my sister while knowing how she crumpled my heart and hurt me," mahabang sabi ko.

Natigilan ako nang may kumatok sa pinto ko at nang bumukas, nakita ko si Hiara.

"Wait, Luna. I'll hang up for now," paalam ko saka pinatay ang tawag.

Hiara walked towards me so I raised her a brow, "What?"

"How do I look?" she asked me.

I observed her and her outfit. She's wearing a white plain shirt that is tucked inside her black jogger pants. She's wearing a white shoes and a black bucket hat. She looks simple yet pretty.

"You look ugly but it's your normal thing naman," I teased.

Sumimangot siya sa'kin bago kunin ang isang unan ko saka ibinato 'yon sa akin. I laughed at her.

"Kuya naman! Ano nga kasi?!" she yelled.

"Chill. You look fine," bawi ko. "Saan ka ba pupunta?"

"Susunduin si Jordyn. Get ready, too! 7 PM ang dinner, 6 PM na, Kairo Eugenio!"

I pinched her ears for not calling me Kuya. How dare she! Tinawanan niya lang naman ako bago magpaalam para makaalis na. I fixed my room before taking a quick shower and relaxed myself for a bit.

Later on, I just wore a white shirt beneath my unbuttoned black and white flannel together with my pair of black shorts. I stayed in my room until Mommy called for me. Nakahanda na lahat ng pagkain sa mesa, handa na rin ang bahay para sa mga darating. Jordyn and Tito Theo.

"Dito ka na sa sala, Kai. Para mamaya diretso na lang tayo kaagad sa dining," Mom said as she tapped the space next to her on the sofa.

Umupo naman ako sa tabi niya. Dad is seated on her other side, nakaakbay sa kaniya. We're in that position and watching television when our attention went to the front door because it opened.

"Mom, Dad, we're here!" masiglang sabi ni Hiara.

Nakaakbay siya kay Jordyn na karga si Kaidyn. I suddenly missed our dog. It's been a while since I visited her in Jordyn's dorm, wala na rin naman kasing dahilan para pumunta pa ako roon. But I should probably visit Kaidyn soon.

"Omg! Jordyn has a dog? What a cutie!" Napatayo sa tuwa si Mommy. Inalalayan siya ni Dad na maglakad papunta kila Hiara kaya naiwan ako sa sofa.

I turned my attention to my phone, nagscroll lang ako nang nagscroll. Ayaw ko mabigyan ng atensyon. Mas lalong uma-awkward ang ihip ng hangin kapag nasasali ako sa usapan.

"What's the name?" Mommy asked, excitement can be heard.

"Uhm.. Kaidyn po," I heard Jordyn answer.

I just hope that no one will ask such a question regarding Dyn's name. Kinakabahan ako sa isasagot ni Jordyn. Hindi rin ako handang ipaalam kila Mom, Dad and Hiara ang kung ano man ang namagitan sa amin ni Jordyn.

"Cutie! Can I carry her?"

"Hon, kaya mo ba?" Dad asked.

"Of course!"

The next thing I know, Kaidyn was barking then I saw her in front of me, asking me to carry her. Kumawala siya sa pagka-karga ni Mommy sa kaniya at tumakbo sa akin. I tried my hardest to act like I don't know Kaidyn and I don't like dogs.

"Hiara, get the dog away from me," pakiusap ko. "I don't really like dogs."

I'm sorry, Kaidyn. You know daddy loves you so much, right?I just had to act for now.

Tumingin ako sa gawi nilang lahat at nakita ko kung paano napalitan ng gulat at sakit ang mata ni Jordyn. Inilipat ko ang tingin ko kay Hiara at tinaasan ko siya ng kilay.

"Ang arte mo, Kuya!" pagrereklamo niya bago maglakad. "Mas cute pa nga si Kaidyn kaysa sayo e!"

"Fix your words and actions, Kairo," Dad ordered.

Nang kukunin na ni Hiara ang aso sa may paanan ko, ayaw magpakuha ni Kaidyn. She's looking at me, barking and wanting to stay close to me. I tried to resist her charming eyes but I just couldn't anymore. Yumuko ako at hinaplos sa ulo si Kaidyn bago umayos ng posisyon.

"Bakit parang mas malapit pa sa'yo si Kaidyn kaysa sa akin?" pagsusungit ni Hiara. "Lugi!"

Of course, she's closer to me. I'm her dad, dumbass!

"Ayaw yata ng aso ni Jordyn sa pangit," pang-aasar ko.

Umupo kaming lahat sa sofa sa sala para hintayin si Tito Theo. They all talked about something such as Kaidyn, Jordyn and Hiara's relationship. About how to make a relationship last at hindi naman ako naging interesado.

Nakahinga ako nang maluwag nang may mag-doorbell at nakita namin si Tito Theo na papasok sa bahay. God, finally! I thought 7pm was the dinner? It's quarter to 8 already!

"I'm sorry I was late. Sobrang traffic–"

Natigilan si Tito Theo at napansin ko ang luhang biglang namuo sa gilid ng mata niya. Tinignan ko ang direksyon kung saan siya nakatingin at natigil ang mata ko kay Jordyn. Just like her dad, she froze.

I couldn't imagine the pain she's feeling right now. She's stopping herself from crying. God, I don't want to see her cry anymore. It hurts me to see her hurting. I wanna hug and hide her in my arms but I can't. Fuck it.

"Dad.. Daddy," Jordyn covered her face with her hands before letting her tears out.

Tumakbo papunta kay Jordyn si Tito. He hugged her tight, like he's so desperate in finding her and finally, he found her. They sobbed, crying in each other's arms.

I was left sitting there because I can't do anything about this. As much as I would want to be by Jordyn's side, I can't. She's my sister's girlfriend after all.

After a few minutes of them hugging each other Tito Theo looked at my parents and they just had a forced smile. Knowing them both, they are still pissed about the fact that Tito left his family for the unknown reason which we are hoping to find out tonight.

On the side note, it was my first time seeing her cry again. Jordyn, I wish I could take all the pain away.

"Tama na yan, let's talk over dinner, shall we?" pag-aya ni Mom at lahat naman kami sumunod.

Katapat ko si Jordyn at katabi niya si Tito. They still were awkward because they haven't seen each other in ages and the fact that Tito showed up at agad pinatawad ni Jordyn is absurd!

I mean, sure it's her decision and that's what's gonna make her happy go, I support her. Like I promised. But I know it's hard for her breathing the same air with her father right now.

"So Jordyn, have you told Lia about you meeting your father?" diretsong tanong ni Mommy.

Jordyn was hesitant to answer at first pero her father looked at her, "I have po, Tita..."

"I told you to call me Mom instead, anak."

Agad naman napakunot ang noo ni Tito, halatang nagtataka. Oh right, he doesn't know yet.

"Bakit ka niya kailangang tawagin ng anak ko ng Mom?" His voice has a hint of anger. I scoffed, he doesn't have the right to do that for being gone for too long.

"You don't know yet nga pala, Hiara and Jordyn are together," Mom informed Tito Theo.

And from the looks of his reaction, I could probably read what's running on his mind. Jordyn being bisexual? Or maybe Jordyn simply being in a relationship. Hindi na lang sumagot si Tito at nagpatuloy kumain.

"Ano Theo? Do you plan on taking your family to your house a few blocks away?" Dad asked, pertaining to the tito Theo's mansion sa kabilang street. Ang nakatira lang naman doon ay yung parents ni Tito Theo at a few maids and guards.

"I don't know yet.." sagot ni Tito and I saw how mom rolled her eyes and how dad glared at Tito.

"After leaving your family for almost 10 years you're still having second thoughts on getting your wife and kid to your own household?" mataray na tanong ni Mommy trying to not raise her voice.

Ngayon ko lang naranasan ang pakiramdam ng family drama, it's kind of interesting. I continued eating while listening to them. I don't know if they're arguing or what but Mom and Dad were calmed, so I think not?

"Then fine, I'll take them to my house next week. Besides, I have to talk to my wife Lia about us being apart for such a long time anyway," casual na sagot ni Tito Theo na parang ginagago lang sila Mom. Why did he become like this? He was not like this months ago.

"Jordyn, talk to your mom about moving into our new home, okay?" Tito told Jordyn. Natulala pa sandali si Jordyn at kaagad rin naman tumango. I hate how Tito speaks, parang lahat ng lumalabas mula sa bibig niya at sarkastiko.

After a long silence, Mom decided to speak up again, "I never got to ask this question. What was the reason why you left your wife and kid sa probinsiya?"

Finally, she decided to ask that!

"Well, I was supposed to go with them but I chose not to and left Lia and Jordyn because I don't want to lose my career here in Manila."

Before I could even get an opinion from myself, I heard the wine glass shatter on the ground.

"What kind of reason is that, Theodore?!" Mom bursted.

I saw how Dad tried to calm my mom down but I could tell that her blood was already boiling. Jordyn was just scared, not knowing what to do. Dyn was already barking because of the shouting that was happening.

Jordyn and Hiara eventually excused themselves but I stayed there. I wanted to listen because Jordyn is connected to him. Lahat ng tungkol kay Jordyn, may interes ako.

"Believe me, I planned to follow them there but I got too busy with work and other rackets that I forgot about them." Another stupid line from the most stupidest father ever.

"Are you fucking serious, Theo? You valued your job first before your family? God Theo! Be a fucking father!" Mom shouted and Dad caressed her shoulder to calm her down.

Naiirita na rin ako kay Tito dahil puro init ng ulo at stress na ang naibibigay niya kay Mommy. Hindi siya pwede mastress, for the love of God!

"Theo, I thought you were a great man and uncle to my kids, but after knowing what you have done, it makes me pissed," Dad said while his arm was around my Mom's shoulder.

After a few minutes of my Mom doing breathing exercises, she faced Tito Theo again before slapping him hard. I just knew that he deserved that. Kulang pa nga.

"You're a disappointment in my company. You've been working with me for almost 20 years and now I despise you. Get the fuck out of my household, and you're out in my company," Huling sinabi ni Mommy bago mapahawak sa tyan niya. She rushed to the bathroom probably going to throw up and Dad just followed her.

I washed the dishes and just chilled at the sofa scrolling through my phone after. Lumabas na din sila Mommy dito at kinausap kami.

"I'm sorry you had to witness that, Jordyn," Mom apologized.

Jordyn just let out a warm smile, "It's okay... Mom. Besides, I'm fine if he's in or out of my life. I'm already used to it po."

She stayed for a few more minutes, talking with Hiara and laughing about some things before Mom asked me to drive Jordyn home. Gusto sana sumama ni Hiara kaso 'di na siya pinasama nila Daddy para makapag-linis siya ng bahay.

Tatanggi sana ako dahil kaming dalawa lang ni Jordyn 'yon plus Kaidyn and it would be awkward. But I don't have a choice dahil gabi na and I want her to get home safe. That's the least I could do.

We were on the way to her dorm and the silence was killing me so I turned on the radio at parang timang ang timing at ang tumutugtog ay Tahanan. This was our favorite song, but it sucks to be us. We both were just temporary homes.

Biglang kumawala sa hawak ni Jordyn si Kaidyn at kumandong sa hita ko.

"We might see each other a lot huh," I striked up a conversation and she nodded before smiling

"I guess we will..." sagot niya sa akin before looking at Kaidyn.

Looking at her seems like it's just the old times. Both of us, against the world. But now it's a separate battle. Siguro ganito nga talaga ang pinaka mabuti para sa aming dalawa, kahit masakit.

"Kaidyn must've missed her dad too much," She said.

My eyes widened and I somehow felt happy because she still sees me as Dyn's dad which is a good thing I guess. Napangiti na lang ako at itinuon ang atensyon sa kalsada.

Nang icheck ko ang side mirror sa banda ni Jordyn, nahagip siya ng mata ko. I felt like she had something to ask, I could almost hear her thinking.

"Do you want to ask something?"

"Do your parents..."

And before she could even finish her sentence, I already answered her, "No."

I just knew that she was going to ask if my parents knew about our history. And no, hindi ko pa ipinaalam sa kanila at wala na rin akong balak. Unless, may mga sitwasyon na kailangan talaga nilang malaman.

A few more minutes had passed at malapit na kami sa dorm niya pero biglang nag-ring ang phone ko at nang tingnan ko ang caller ID, it was Luna. Of course, I answered it.

"Hey," I greeted her and she immediately asked a lot of questions.

"Kumusta? Ano nangyari sa kanila? Was there any tension between the father and Jordyn? May nalaman ka bang bago? Ano?" I laughed before steering the wheel with one hand.

"Woah, chill. Isa lang ako at ang dami mong tanong. I'm currently driving," I told her.

"Who are you with?" she asked and I turned my gaze to Jordyn quickly before putting my eyes on the road again. "I'm with Jordyn."

There was silence between the line before she reacted.

"You're with what?!" gulat niyang tanong sa akin. "What's she doing in your car? Have I missed a fucking chapter, Kairo Eugenio?"

"Calm down, I'm just taking her home. I'll call you back later when I arrive back at home. Bye," I ended the call and dropped Jordyn off.

Ayaw pa humiwalay sa akin ni Dyn. She's looking at me, begging to not go and letting her go but I just smiled at her. She really missed me, huh. She was crying kaya pilit binigay ko na lang siya kay Jordyn.

"Don't worry, Dyn. You'll see your dad again, baby," Jordyn baby talked to our child.

I slightly laughed before saying goodbye and driving back home.

Not gonna lie, I've missed your presence, Jordyn.