Andrei's new friend

RIX’s P.O.V.

I don’t know what happened last night. But the way everything ended in silence just solved the awkward surrounding between the three of us.

Apollo has nothing to do now.

I've decided. All I wanted was to work at the club. Besides, the only reason he doesn’t want me to work is because of his father’s suspicion.

But it won't happen again, I’ll make sure of it.

I could say that my company is working at night, I mean the corporate workers.

As for now, I won't think of it yet. There are more problems to think of yet, and one of them is my brother.

I woke up early in the morning, feeling anxious as I prepared to go to the hospital to visit my brother, Andrei.

I looked at the clock, and it was already 7:30 in the morning.

I hurriedly got dressed, did my makeup, and checked if this was already okay.

Before leaving the house, I left a note for Apollo, telling him that I was going to the hospital and would be back soon.

As I was about to leave the house, I saw Jade sitting on the couch, playing with her phone. "Good morning, Jade," I greeted her. "What are you doing here all by yourself?"

Jade looked up and smiled. "Good morning, Ate! I'm waiting for my brother Apollo. He went out early this morning, and I don't know when he'll be back."

Hmm… he went away because he has work. As for her mother, I’m sure she’s out there, going shopping. As for her father, it’s probably in their company building.

“Where’s grandma?” I asked.

She shrugged her shoulders. “I’m sure she’s with her amiga. She's always gone with them since the moment they had a fight, I mean, she and Grandpa had a huge fight. I never saw them together again.”

I nodded in response.

Where’s her big sister, then?

Jayra? Oh, they don’t want to bother her as usual.

“How about Ayden? Where‘s he?”

Jade rolled her eyes.

“Where else? Of course to his newly found girl. Duh! He's always like that. Anyway, I'm fine here, don’t worry. I can manage alone.”

I can’t help…

I felt a pang of guilt.

I couldn't leave Jade alone, and at the same time, I had to visit my brother.

I thought for a moment and decided to bring Jade with me.

But, would she want it?

She’s sophisticated.

She might know something about me and my hidden personality.

But if I told my brother about it, maybe he would be able to handle Jade.

Aish! My head is aching! I've been thinking a lot of shit lately, and I don't want this to be an addition.

"Jade, do you want to come with me to the hospital to see my brother Andrei?" I asked.

Jade's eyes widened with excitement. "Really? Can I come with you?"

I knew she didn't want to be home alone.

Ha... why does she have to hide it in her chest? Is that how she was raised? Or maybe, is that what her brother told her so she wouldn't be bothersome to some people?

I nodded. "Yes, of course. I have to warn you, though, that it might not be a pleasant sight."

Jade didn't seem to care. "It's okay. I just want to be with you."

I smiled and led the way to the hospital.

Just as expected, Jade’s still a little girl, despite being 10 years old and intelligent, her inner child is still alive.

It's not dying.

Because she’s been stuck in their house and was prohibited to come outside because they were tired of taking care of her.

If they couldn’t then why do they still have sex to make a baby? For fun? Because they can afford to provide financially?

Honestly, parenting is not about finances. Although it's a big help to solve 68% of your problem, it’s still not enough parenting.

Family Cartier is not doing a great job, huh?

They could be better at some, but not at this.

Just as I expected from a rich family.

Or… do they expect me to take care of Jade because I was the last one to wake up?

Aish!

But to end this discussion between myself and me, I would never do this to my child, if I ever had one.

—-

As we entered Andrei's room, I was surprised to find him awake and sitting on the bed, looking much better than the last time I had seen him.

"Andrei!" I exclaimed, running towards him and embracing him tightly.

Gosh, I can't help my tears.

Finally, some of my problems had been lifted.

He's awake.

Andrei, the only reason I'm doing my best to fight in life, is finally awake.

I wouldn't be wanting any more jobs with higher salaries if Andrei was in a better situation.

I can't help crying.

Finally, he’s conscious.

I had some hope.

I can't help.

“Don't cry, Rix!” he exclaimed.

But I can't so I just tapped his back and continued sobbing.

He cried too.

Ha… my brother.

I suddenly thought about the moments when he was a baby.

He was so little he could fit in my pocket!

He was so cute he could be a clown at a carnival!

Haha! My way of explaining is a bit off.

Let's stop it.

Andrei hugged me back, tears streaming down his face. "Rix, I thought I lost you," he whispered.

I pulled away, wiping away my tears as I wiped his too. I caressed his cheeks and kissed his forehead. "You're not going to lose me, Andrei. I'm here, and I'm not going anywhere. I won't leave you in this battle."

Jade watched us, feeling emotional. She must've felt how much I loved my brother and how much pain I had gone through because of his condition.

Before he was diagnosed with heart disease, it started in an accident.

He was comatose for a month.

Suddenly, when he was awake, the doctors told me about his aggressive cancer that went alive after the accident.

I couldn't believe it at first, but it was here already.

At least, I could do everything to extend his life because I discovered it early...

Honestly, if I could take half of my life to let him borrow it and accomplish everything he wanted, I would.

“You must've missed him so much,” asked Jade as she sat beside Andrei.

She was blushing.

“Yes, I do. But you'll have to keep this encounter a secret, okay? You're not allowed to tell anyone about Andrei and me.

Jade nodded aggressively.

“You can't trust me. Besides, your brother is cute…”

She blushed again. HAHA! Am I thinking the right thing?

“Andrei, what do you think of her?’ I asked.

Andrei looked away. “She’s ugly and weird. Is she rich or what? I don't want her beside me.”

Jade pouted her lips. Andrei noticed it so he looked at her and said, “Well, unless, you play with me. I wouldn't be able to feel and think of you as ugly.”

Jade’s face enlightened. She’s blushing again.

“S-sure!”

This is funny, but this is truly one of the moments I honor.

I love this.

As soon as Andrei woke up, he found himself a friend.

God, am I tearing up?!

Ha…

I can't help too.

We spent the next hour talking about old times, laughing, and joking around. Jade was having a great time, and I felt a sense of relief that my brother was doing much better.

As they were leaving the hospital, I checked my phone and saw several missed calls and messages from Apollo.

I knew he was going to be angry, but I didn't have a choice. I couldn't leave Jade alone, and I had to visit my brother.

What to do now? Aish!

Another storm is about to come.

—

As time passed, I got sleepy. But when he arrived, all of my cells were awake.

Apollo was already waiting for me at the door, his face red with anger. He was fuming as he stormed here!

Before he did something crazy, I dragged him out of the room.

I don't want to cause a scene and Andrei will see.

Andrei’s heart is too sensitive now.

I know he'll be hurt once he sees me getting hurt by some strength him.

I dragged Apollo to the emergency exit, and there, we talked.

"What the hell, Beatrix?" he shouted banging on the door as he reached me. "You didn't even tell me that you were taking Jade with you. I was worried sick about her."

I tried to explain, but Apollo wouldn't listen. "I don't care what your reasons are. You should have informed me. You're always doing things without thinking of the consequences."

I felt hurt and angry at the same time. He won't listen.

I always knew he wouldn't, but I still expected a lot from him.

Such a fool.

I had my priorities, and I couldn't always think about what Apollo wanted. "I'm sorry, Apollo, but I had to do what I had to do. Jade was alone, and I couldn't leave her."

Apollo's face softened a bit, but he still looked angry. "Just don't do it again, Beatrix. You're lucky nothing happened to Jade."

I nodded, feeling defeated.

I went to Andrei's room, feeling exhausted and emotionally drained.

I knew that Apollo had a right to be angry, but I couldn't always put his needs first.

I had to take care of myself and the people I loved.

I have a life outside the agreement.

Whatever he did, it's up to him.

As I went back to the room, I was already decided to stay with Andrei all day,

I already asked Madam Glo about my sick leave, and Madam Glo already agreed.

I was lucky I had a great manager.

I sat by my brother's hospital bed, staring at his still form.

I had been here for hours, watching over him and praying for his full recovery.

I was tired, but I couldn't leave his side. Jade had fallen asleep on the other side of the bed, her head resting on her arms.

“What a cute little kid,” I whispered. ”Thank you so much for making my brother happy. Such a god sent, an angel.”

I kissed her head as I caressed her head.

Suddenly, I felt a hand on her shoulder.

I turned to see Apollo standing behind me.

“I’m sorry," he started. “I'm sorry I hurt you"

He was looking down, but he was sincere.

Curves on my lips had formed.

“I know, I understand.”

“Yeah, but you still need an apology. I don't want to be a proud person here.”

“Thanks, Apollo."

He smiled. A long pause happened, but he was the one to break it too.

"Hey," he said softly. "How's he doing?"

"Not good," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper. "The doctors don't know if he's going to make it. I just...I can't lose him, Apollo. He's the only family I have left."

Apollo placed a hand on my back, offering a comforting touch. "I know," he said. "I'm here for you. Whatever you need, I'll do."

I felt a warmth in her chest at his words. I had never had anyone care for me like this before. It was both comforting and unnerving at the same time.

Ha…

Apollo is a genuine person.

But people like his cousins and employees will never be able to see it.

They were so focused on his mistakes, that his good deeds were being blocked.

How could I not like you if you were acting so kind in front of me?

I turned to him, looking into his eyes. "Thank you," I said, my voice choking with emotion.

Apollo's expression softened, and for a moment, he seemed vulnerable. "You don't have to thank me," he said. "I want to be here for you. I'm the only one who could help you to this extent."

I felt a shiver run down her spine at his words. It was the first time he had ever expressed any kind of emotion toward me.

I could feel myself being drawn to him, but I knew she couldn't act on it. Not now, when my brother's life was on the line.

"I appreciate that," I said, forcing myself to remain composed. "Thank you. But please, I already told you, stop acting as if you like me. Okay?”

Apollo didn't respond. He was just looking at nothingness, unable to respond to what I'd said.

“Thank you,'' I said, breaking the ice.

Apollo nodded, understanding in his eyes. "Of course," he said. "I'll be here for you, whenever you need me."