Jay-Jay's POV
"Are you still planning to escape? Are you still going to hide from me? Have you learned your lesson?" Kuya Angelo fired his questions one after the other while I lay on the hospital bed in the E.R.
He really wouldn't stop lecturing me. He didn't even choose a proper place — he could have scolded me at the park or the grocery store; those are good places. Or maybe on my island, but he's not allowed there. I wouldn't let him set foot there.
NEVER!!
The doctor had just made me vomit, and now I was left to rest because of my weakness. I stared at the drops of water from the I.V. tube attached to my left hand. I couldn't respond to him because of the pain in my throat. I wanted to drink water, but the nurses and the doctor wouldn't allow it.
I glanced at the other side of the room where Keiren's bed was. He looked weak like me, but at least he was conscious now, unlike earlier. He also had an I.V. fluid attached to him and wasn't allowed to eat or drink either. What happened to him was even scarier because he started vomiting on his own when we got to the hospital.
Unlike me — mine wouldn't come out. It seemed like whatever was inside my stomach wanted to stay and hang out there, even though I was already suffering from the pain.
"Save your sermon, she needs to rest right now," Keifer cut in, stopping Kuya Angelo.
He was right. Save button.
Kuya rolled his eyes before turning his back on us and walking away. The King of Serpents approached me, taking my hand and kissing it.
"Do you feel better now?" he asked me.
Since I couldn't speak, I just nodded in response. He bent down a little to kiss my forehead, but I tried to pull away because I knew my face and head were still sweaty. I didn't want him to smell my scalp. I hadn't even shampooed properly that morning.
My hair probably smelled like a dock worker's.
"What's wrong?" he asked, but I just shook my head.
The worry on his face was still evident. I knew he couldn't stay calm because both his sibling and I had been harmed. It wasn't something to take lightly, especially with what the doctor had made clear.
The glue was poisonous and dangerous for human consumption. It was a good thing I managed to tell Kuya what we drank while we were on the way to the hospital. But I didn't tell him who gave it to us.
I felt sorry for Keifer. I didn't want to make things harder for him given his brother's situation. I wanted to tell him the truth, but I was afraid it would hurt him. But if I didn't, Keigan might do it again, and next time, it could be an even more dangerous poison. It was hard to decide when people important to him were involved.
But it seemed like I didn't have to think about it because of what he said next.
"It was Keigan who put the glue in your drink." It wasn't a question.
It was hard for him to accuse his own brother, but knowing Keifer, he wouldn't assume something like that without evidence.
Even though I didn't want to answer, I still did. Not to tattle or get revenge, but because I was scared he might do it again — and next time, it might not be something we could recover from. I gave a small nod, and I saw the pain in his eyes.
He glanced briefly at Keiren in the other bed. A nurse was currently administering medicine into his I.V. tube, so his attention wasn't on us. Keifer turned back to me.
"I'm so sorry," he whispered, and I could feel his hand trembling. "I shouldn't have trusted Keigan, especially with his condition now."
No one wanted this to happen. Don't apologize.
I held his hand, trying to convey what I wanted to say. I didn't want to add to his burdens. If only I could help him. If only I hadn't drunk what Keigan gave me, he wouldn't be suffering right now.
"I left to buy him food. I didn't know he had a plan to hurt you and Keiren." He squeezed my hand. "I'm struggling with his condition. He's unpredictable. Each day, he comes up with something new."
He let out a deep sigh, clearly trying to hold back tears. But I could feel his heartbreak just from the way he held my hand.
"I know he's getting worse."
I was scared for him. I didn't want to think badly of Keigan, but I couldn't help but worry that next time, he might do something even worse. What if Keifer became his target? What if he gave him something even more dangerous to drink?
I felt sorry for that child because he and I seemed to have the same symptoms, according to Keifer. But I didn't want to end up like him — intentionally hurting my sibling. I knew I had already hurt others, including my own brother, and I didn't want it to happen again. If I could, I'd chain myself up every time my episodes started.
Keifer took another deep breath and kissed my hand. Then he reached out and gently stroked my cheek with his thumb.
I tried to smile to show him that I would be okay. I just didn't dare show my teeth because I hadn't brushed yet, and my breath was probably terrible from all the vomiting.
He might end up in the hospital because of the smell.
Kuya came back, forcing the King to let go of me. The doctor followed him, giving instructions to a few nurses nearby.
"We'll be moving you to your room," the doctor said.
"Can they stay in the same room?" Keifer asked, referring to me and his brother.
"No."
I grimaced. There shouldn't be a problem with us sharing a room. I'd actually prefer it so I wouldn't be alone.
"Put them in the same room," the King insisted.
Go on, insist. Keep pushing, you angel with a devilish attitude.
"Who are you to give orders?" Kuya demanded.
"Keifer Watson," the King answered smugly.
Kuya immediately raised an eyebrow at him. Where did he get the nerve to answer Kuya like that?
Please reveal the tutorial.
I need that. Right now, I still don't have the courage to use my island as leverage with Kuya. I need to build up the guts for that first. That's the key to fearlessly talking back to my cousin — like, not being scared of getting kicked out because I'd have somewhere to go.
"I think that's a good idea — so they can be monitored together," the doctor said while checking Keiren's chart.
Kuya shook his head but seemed forced to agree. He talked to the doctor again, and within minutes, our hospital beds were being wheeled into the same room.
Keiren was fast asleep. I couldn't help but feel envious of him. I tried closing my eyes, but I couldn't sleep because of the noise coming from Kuya Angelo and the King of Serpents.
They were arguing about something I couldn't understand.
Wow, carry on. You're not disturbing me at all.
It seemed like they finally noticed that I wanted to rest. Kuya turned away and gestured that he'd step out. Keifer approached me and kissed my forehead.
"Sleep. I'll stay here to watch over you and Keiren."
I nodded and adjusted my position before closing my eyes. Exhausted from everything that happened, I quickly fell asleep.
I still felt the warmth of the King's hand on mine, and it made me smile.
It looks like my body recovered its energy through sleep because I slept for so long. It was already dark when I woke up. Keifer wasn't by my side, but Keigan was there, crying next to Keiren. He was sobbing while holding his brother's hand.
"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I-I swear, I didn't mean to hurt you," he said, his voice filled with desperation.
Keiren was still unconscious. I chose to pretend I was still asleep so he wouldn't feel awkward.
"Forgive Kuya, please. I-I'm not a bad guy. I don't w-want to be a bad guy." He broke into uncontrollable sobs. "That wasn't me. I didn't want to do that."
My heart ached at his words and his tears. I could feel the pain he was carrying, something heavy that he couldn't share with anyone. I knew he regretted what he had done, but I didn't understand what he meant when he said that it wasn't him. Were we in the same situation?
He kept crying for a while, repeatedly asking for his brother's forgiveness, but Keiren remained unconscious. When he finally quieted down, I felt him move. I thought he was just shifting his position on Keiren's bed, but then I felt his presence next to me.
I chose not to move and kept pretending to be asleep.
"You should be the one suffering, not my brother. This is your fault," he said.
Before I could even understand what he meant, I felt his hands wrap around my neck. My eyes shot open as I grabbed his arms, trying to pull them away, but I was still too weak, and I couldn't even scream.
What did I do? Why is he angry at me?
"K-Keig-gan," I gasped his name, my voice hoarse as I struggled to breathe.
"Just please, die. For our peace," he said, climbing onto the bed to apply more force as he strangled me.
I kept hitting his hands, but it didn't affect him. My neck hurt, and I felt like I was drowning, desperately gasping for air. Tears streamed down my face as my vision started to darken.
Is this how I'm going to end?
My hands fell from his arms, weakening, when suddenly someone pulled him away from me. I immediately sucked in a breath, breaking into a fit of coughing. I clutched my aching neck and instinctively moved backward.
When I looked up, my fear grew even more. I couldn't forget him—he was the one who pointed a gun at me. Dylan.
"Easy," he said, and his companion punched Keigan in the stomach.
Keigan collapsed to the floor, coughing violently. But it didn't end there. They lifted him again just as their father entered the room. He looked at Keigan like he was a disgusting piece of trash.
Damn it, why are you here?
He removed his gloves and delivered a powerful slap across Keigan's face. I saw the pain and fear on Keigan's face, but he didn't scream or protest. It was like something was holding him back.
"You are always a disappointment. You never should have been born," their father said, and they let go of Keigan.
My heart broke seeing Keigan crawl to the corner. He hugged his knees tightly, hiding his face against them. I wanted to go to him, but my fear of their father overpowered me.
He stared at me intently, and my hands began to tremble. I wanted to call out to Keifer, but I had no strength to scream. My throat burned from the strangling. I started crying silently.
He smirked mockingly. "Relax. I'm not here for you."
He turned his attention to his youngest son lying on the bed. I did the same, and the memories of what happened at their mansion came rushing back.
He's going to take Keiren!
Panic overwhelmed me when I heard Keiren's soft crying. He was awake and seemed to know what was about to happen. Like me, he was too weak to stand up and run away.
No, this can't happen!
Keifer wasn't here on purpose. I turned to Keigan, hoping he could help, but Dylan was already beside him, whispering something to calm him down.
No one could help us!
Their father would take Keiren without any resistance. We were completely helpless.
Keiren's crying grew louder as his father approached. I had no strength left, but I knew I had to try. I had to do something.
Despite my weakness, I fell off the bed just to get closer. They were surprised by my action, but I ignored it. I crawled toward Keiren's bed, and because I couldn't stand, I reached for his arm while kneeling. Keiren looked at me with pleading eyes.
I knew he was scared. I knew he didn't want to go, and like me, he wouldn't allow himself to be taken. Even without strength, I would do everything I could to keep him from being taken.
Their father laughed softly, as if amused by what I did. He walked to the other side of the bed where I was. I kept holding on to Keiren, trying to move away, but my condition made it impossible.
He crouched down so our faces were level. I didn't take my eyes off him even though my tears kept falling, a mixture of fear and pain. He used one hand to lift my chin, examining my neck, which must have already shown bruises from Keigan's strangling.
He laughed at me. "You're a spitting image of your mother."
Is there nothing new? I've heard that before.
"So is her attitude," he added.
He let go of me but didn't leave my face.
"You better watch Keifer. He will turn into a monster, and you will be the first he devours."
He stood up, and I heard his soft laughter. I couldn't answer or speak because I had lost my voice. My tears were the only response I could give.
He's not like you. You will never be the same.
I wanted to scream those words, but the pain in my throat was too intense even for simple breaths. I still held Keiren's arm as we watched their father leave. Dylan stayed behind, handing an envelope to Keigan. But since Keigan seemed out of it, Dylan approached me instead and handed me the envelope.
"Please give this to Keifer. And let him know that I will try my best to help him."
I took the envelope and watched him leave with the others. The moment the door closed, Keigan broke into loud sobs. He looked terrified, even though they were gone. He held his ears and sometimes slapped himself.
What's happening?
Keiren cried just as loudly, and for reasons I couldn't understand, I started sobbing too. I finally let out all the fear I had been holding in—fear from Keigan's attack to their father's arrival. I had faced death twice in this room.
Minutes passed, and the door opened again. Keifer, Kuya Angelo, and Percy entered, all looking confused.
"W-What's going on?" Percy asked, stopping in shock when he saw me.
Keifer looked torn about who to approach first, but Kuya Angelo made the decision. Seeing Keigan's breakdown, he went to him immediately, holding him back to stop him from hurting himself.
Percy came to me, while Keifer went to Keiren.
"Sis, we're here. Please calm down," Percy soothed, gently prying my hand off Keiren's arm.
He slowly helped me sit on the floor, taking off his jacket and wrapping it around me. He sat beside me and held me close, letting me sob into his shoulder.
I was scared.
I wanted to say it, but I still couldn't speak. My hands trembled as I held the envelope Dylan had given me. Even with Kuya Angelo and Percy here, even knowing I was safe, I couldn't stop shaking.
Keiren eventually stopped crying, but Keigan's breakdown continued. They had to call a nurse and a doctor to sedate him. I was moved back to my bed, and they reattached my IV, which had been pulled out when I fell earlier.
The Doctor also became busy checking my throat and neck. He tried to make me talk, but only sounds came out, which made my throat hurt even more. They put a neck brace on me for support.
"He was here," Kuya said to Keifer after the Nurses and Doctor left.
"Yes. But it wasn't clear why." He looked at his brother, who had fallen asleep again. "He could've taken Keiren, but he didn't."
"And why did they hurt Jay?" Kuya added.
It seemed like they thought it was Keifer's father who did this to me. I couldn't correct them because I had no voice. But maybe that was for the best. I didn't want to add more stress to Keifer about his family. It was enough that he knew we were poisoned.
What would he do if he found out someone tried to kill me?
I turned to Percy, who was busy fixing my blanket. Concern was clear on his face.
He smiled when he saw me looking at him. "We only haven't seen each other for a few days, and you're in the hospital again. Do you want to just live here?"
I gave him a small smile and hit him lightly. Because of my weakness, it was more like a soft tap, and he just laughed. He even copied what I did.
His eyes landed on the envelope I was holding in one hand. "What's that? Why won't you let go of it?"
He tried to take it from my hand, but I didn't let go. I quickly pointed at Keifer with one finger. It just so happened that he was already looking at us.
He walked over, followed by Kuya Angelo. "Do you need anything?" he asked.
"A snack for me," Percy said, but the King ignored him.
I handed Keifer the envelope, which he quickly took. "For me?"
Well, obviously — I handed it to you.
"Is that a letter for Ate Charo?" Percy butted in and even moved closer to Keifer to see what was written.
But Keifer didn't open the envelope. He just put it in his pocket. "I will read it later."
He and Kuya Angelo went back to their conversation. My cousin's anger about what happened was obvious. They even moved a bit farther away, but their voices were starting to rise again.
My attention was drawn back to Percy, who was trying to squeeze himself onto my bed. He lay down as if he were also a patient.
"Aries probably doesn't know you're here," he said, and I froze. "He's been looking for you."
For me, it would be better if he didn't find out. But I didn't understand why he needed to look for me. He should be relieved that I was gone from the house. No one would bring him bad luck anymore.
He should have figured that out by now.
"He was so excited, though. He had something to tell you," Percy added.
I looked at him, waiting for what he'd say next, hoping he'd give me a clue about what my brother wanted to tell me. But he just looked at me and smiled mischievously.
"Make me tell you," He teased.
Once I get my strength back, he's getting a smack.
He knew I couldn't talk, which was why he was teasing me like this. He should be grateful I had no voice because once I found out what he did earlier in the morning, he'd be the one getting in trouble.
The bee wouldn't land on him anymore.