Chased Heart (The Brats #1)

Chapter 1

Chapter 1

Decision

I know I already promised them I'd go back there for my college. Pero noong dumalaw ako roon, parang hindi ko pa kaya. I don't like... to come back there. Gusto ko rito na lang ako kasama sina Ori. Mom and Dad always visit me anyway. Pati rin sina Lola, at ang tatlo kong Lolo.

Zoren went here in LA to remind me of the decision I made years ago. I assured him I'll go home.

"Can't I stay here for another year---"

Zoren's dark eyebrows furrowed. I already know that he's not gonna let me. I've been staying here with the triplets for 12 years straight.

"Just another year, Zoren!" tumaas na ang boses ko.

I am panicking inside. I wanted to tell him I'm literally fucking not yet ready to live in that place again. If only they know how it suffocates me. Maybe they are completely aware of it but this time, they won't favor my words from now on.

I am not a dumbass, alright? I know where they're coming from. I can't just live my life running from them forever. I can't just be like this whenever I want. Distant and rebel. But it's not that I like it! My heart doesn't want it. But my mind always fucks up every time I remember the details.

"No, Alanis..." malamig n'yang sabi habang nagsasalin ng tubig sa baso.

The triplets are sitting beside me. They're not talking. I know they're also against our family's decision. I know they don't want to let me go either.

"It's already final?" Seriousness was over Ori's voice. Nakasando na siya kaya kitang-kita ang matured n'yang mga braso.

I rolled my eyes. They're trying so hard to look so handsome.

"Want to hear it again from Lolo Zandro?" Zoren's voice was challenging. His Adam's apple protruded while drinking water, looking at Ori.

Sabay-sabay kaming napamura ng mga katabi ko. I rolled my eyes while trying to imagine myself living the worst times of my life in that place. Technically, wala na akong magagawa. The great Z's words are always the law of the clan. I could disobey everyone, but not him.

I love my Zandro. He buys me everything I want. I know that obvious things are not supposed to be said anymore, but hell yes, I am his favorite grandchild. At ngayong may pabor siya sa akin, hindi ko kayang humindi. What the fuck, right? I'm so doomed!

"You'll come back with me," si Zoren habang sinusundan namin papunta sa kan'yang kwarto rito sa villa.

"Was I supposed to come back with you? Next week ka na uuwi!" I exclaimed, frustrated more than ever. "Give me more time, Zoren!"

He stopped and spun to face me. "More time, Alanis? Can you imagine how long twelve years is? Seriously?" naiinis na sabi niya. "Mom and Dad missed you! And I, too. Everyone does..."

I creased my eyebrows because of the contradiction expressed. He is absolutely lying. Kung si Mommy at Daddy, okay pa. But everyone? Hell no! They once wished I was the one who died. I'd never forgotten that.

Inakbayan ako ni Ryu habang malamig ang titig ko kay Zoren. I understand why he's acting this way, why can't he do the same? Bakit hindi niya ako intindihin ulit gaya ng lagi nilang ginagawa? Why can't they let go of me again? Let me do anything I want...

Hinatid ako ni Ryu sa kwarto ko. He went inside and sat on my gaming chair. Medyo kumalma ako nang nakita ang disenyo ng kwarto ko. It's a race track-themed room. My couches are all personalized from my favorite car brands. My ceiling was cotton-covered with lights inside, it's like there's a storm in my room. Thunders to be precise. That's why I love isolating myself every time I'm having a hard time because this place kind of eases the pain.