Chapter 04 A
Anthony got back inside the cave with some flat wood that he found awhile ago, she was still asleep. he gets her right foot, he didn't have anything to wrap the two flat woods to secure her right foot, she really had bad sprain and he thought already that once she wakes up, she cant easily get up. he decided to take off his shirt and ripped into strips so that he can use it to wrap it and secure her right foot with the two flat woods.
an hour had passed and its already late, he uses the flashlight to give light inside the cave. but he also knew that it wont last long. another thing, it still raining and they cant go back at this late hour already. having no choice but to stay and decided to go back tomorrow.
he lied down beside her, as he look onto her face he couldn't help but think how fragile she was. fragile in terms of how careless she was, he gently touch her face. she got fever and was chilling, he couldn't do anything except to hold her so tight.
but being close like this, he couldn't help but being stuck in a confusion. he want to let go of her in the second thought, but she was chilling. he closed his eyes and hold her even more closer, pressing against his body.
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Luisa wakes up as she felt like she was in the midst of security, she couldn't express her surprise. Anthony, her brother was embracing her, close to him. she could hear his heartbeat, the warm breathe that coming from him couldn't help to restrain her mind. but rather stuck her into confusion. as she simply move and was about take off his heavy arms on top of her, he finally woke up.
Luisa: Ku-Kuya... i... i.... uh... (she couldn't stare at him properly, he was half-naked and didn't want to think any malice.)
Anthony: (he wiped his eyes and yawn. as he looked at her, he notice that she couldn't look at me.) hey... where have you been? why did you went that far?
Luisa: i... im sorry... it wont happened again.
Anthony: (he gets the flashlight and gets up.) i'll go wait for you outside.
he stopped and looked at her. before she could realize, it was already too late as she saw her right foot had been bandage using by his shirt that he ripped it into pieces and there were two flat woods on the sides, securing her ankle that got sprain.
"can you stand?", he asked. she look at him and obviously... she couldn't as she can still feel the pain.
he helped her to stand. she almost slipped as she couldn't help but to feel the pain of her sprain, she closed her eyes and tried to endure it. as she opened her eyes once again, he was looking at her. they were looking at each other's eyes, that something only bothered for both of them.
"we have to go now, im sure that they're looking for us already...", she nods her head as she agreed.
"i'll carry you..."
she astride at his back as he carries her. as he started to walk, she holds onto him tightly. but she couldn't easily restrain her mind as she thought about what happened to her since yesterday. she cause so much trouble for her brother, he just went back from the States and yet, she cause so much trouble for him. she wouldn't guess anymore if the next thing will happen is that her brother would hate her again. they'll never get along for sure... she thought.
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"we can leave their stuff to the patrol team and leave them a note...", Clarence said to Alex. but Damien couldn't help but to worry, he wanted to accuse himself because this adventure was a big mistake.
Damien: why dont we just wait for them here...
Clarence: we've waited enough since last night. the patrol team are going to the forest to look for them, we've reported them already that its been passed 24hrs. Alex, don't worry... everything's going to be fine.
Alex: i know... but Damien's right. can we at least wait for them here?
Clarence: how about this... we'll go to the next province, its not that far here. we can wait there... we couldn't stay here because it'll only cause too much crowded here at the dock.
he was right, since the place was small and there's only a few officers in the dock. plus, Damien and Clarence got a whole bunch of relatives waiting. Alex in the end agreed with him and so as Damien though for some reason he was still unsure because he worries a lot... he worries Luisa so much. to the point he's wishing that he's the one who looked out for her.
Clarence left an address and a number if once the patrol team found Anthony and Luisa. they left to stay at the near province, some of the couples decided to go home. and so only Clarence and his wife, Damien and Alex were left.
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Anthony and Luisa sat for awhile in the middle of the forest, he's not an ironman as what she thinks. he's also a transparent person what she describes, he's tired and annoyed, it shows to his facial expression. she dont want to burden him.
Luisa: ku-kuya... i... i... i think i can-
Anthony: dont you dare say it.
Luisa: but i can really walk now. no need to carry anymore... i also dont want to cause you too much trouble-
Anthony: (he deep sighed.) no.
Luisa: what?
Anthony: it was my fault in the first place, i shouldn't have let you go into the woods.
Luisa: its not your fault- i... i... i strongly disagree. i... i... i caused you too much trouble eversince you came back. but i actually didn't mean to-
Anthony: exactly. you didn't mean it, so why bother apologizing? it will cause too much trouble if you wont follow as what i command. if i say i will carry you, then you just have let me do it. if you really insist to walk, then it will only worsen your sprain and aside from that... as we get back... you'll get hospitalized... now, that will be too much trouble, not only to me... but to our father.
he stood up and before he place himself and as he plans to carry her again because there's a long way to walk to go back at the main, Anthony heard something. they were looking for them, it was the patrol team and as they found them. Anthony immediately carry Luisa to meet up with them.
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soon as Anthony got their stuff as what Clarence left at the dock, they soon catch up with them at the province where they were staying. but he first head to the small hospital. he let Luisa stayed there to have a check up to make sure if how was her sprain getting worst. but so far, its just a normal sprain. the doctor reminded him only that she needs a lot of rest, he decided to left Luisa in the hospital for awhile as Anthony plans to fetch his other sister who's staying at the small hotel along with Clarence.
as he arrives at the small hotel, there were at the restaurant.
Anthony: Alex, let's go...
Alex: Kuya! (she hugged him.) where's Luisa?
Anthony: she's still in the hospital. i brought her there before i went here...
Clarence: did something happened to her? (Damien was about to say something but-)
Anthony: she's fine. she got sprained when i found her at the woods. we couldn't get back because it was raining last night. (his attention went back to his sister.) Alex, let's go now... we can't stay longer.
Alex: wh-why? can't we just eat first?
Anthony: there's no time for that... your sister's in the hospital.
Alex: but i thought- (she didn't continue as her brother's stare warned her already.) fine...
Anthony couldn't stay any longer and Clarence just let go of him. though Damien wanted to follow them because he wanted to see Luisa, he knew that his cousin would stop him.
the two got inside the car, but obviously Anthony noticed that Alex got pissed.
Anthony: im sorry... but you have no choice but to go with me.
Alex: kuya... if Luisa's fine... then obviously there's nothing to worry about.
Anthony: (before he could start the car.) so you'll still wait if something happened to your sister? if something happened to us in the middle of the forest?
Alex: im sorry...
Anthony: next time, i dont want you two to join this kind of outing. you call it adventure... but its not!
he start the car and went ahead to the hospital. Alex didn't speak anymore, she dont want her brother to get mad her and because she highly respects him. just like their father, Anthony's the second father and even if its been years since they haven't seen each other, she still respects him as her big brother.
they finally arrived at the hospital to fetch Luisa, her right foot had proper bandage already. after that, Anthony decided to go home. because of what happened, he'll surely get scold by his father. because if anything happens to his sisters, its still his responsibility.
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as they got back home, Anthony thought that he'll be scolded by his father but he rather got praises from his father. he handling this kind of problems, especially if it involves his sisters... he would be disappointed if he didn't do anything. it only shows how much he entrust not only the company but also his own family. especially that his sisters are still in college, they can't do anything as they're still under their father's support. when the time comes that they'll finish their studies, that's how their father give their freedom, if what they really want in their lives.
Alexander: (though he didn't scold Anthony, it doesn't mean he's not done with the two girls.) you two are grounded...
Alex: what? dad!
Alexander: if not for your brother you two wont have trouble.
Alex: but i didn't cause any trouble. only Luisa here-
Alexander: i already said it... you and Luisa are not going anywhere...
Alex: but dad!-
Luisa: uh... dad... its not Alex fault. im the one who cause trouble to Kuya...
Alex: right! dad... i have group study tomorrow...
Alexander: if you have group study... then why dont you invite your classmates and study here?
Alex: but dad...
Luisa: dad... im the one who's at fault.
Alexander: Anthony, you're the one who'll decide...
Alex: kuya, i didn't cause you-
Anthony: fine... and Luisa's at fault. you're not grounded, but if you really have group study tomorrow... why dont you hold a group study here rather going to your classmate's house. Luisa, obviously you're not just grounded but you cant go anywhere because you needed to recover.
Luisa didn't speak anymore, she's at fault and cause too much trouble for her brother. she's not complaining, after all she's a homebody person who doesnt really like to go out just like her sister. the only thing that bother, is that her brother might be angry because of what happened. as for Alex, she's definitely pissed... not only to their father, but to Luisa who's reason why she can't go out.
and there goes their brother who's more strict than their father, Alex couldn't do anything but to obey this time. but she wouldn't allow Luisa to cause much trouble like this, that to the extent she got involve to this trouble. she didn't finish her meal anymore, she went upstairs and lock herself inside the room.
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"Alex... ca-can you please open the door?", Luisa pleaded but her sister doesn't want to open the door. Luisa don't how to make her sister forgive her. yes, she's blaming herself from what happened and she's guilty about it.
"Alex, i know its my fault. you knew that i already tried to explain to dad... but-"
Alex: well, that wasn't enough! stop making excuses anymore!
Luisa: Alex-
Alex: can you just go away!?! just leave me alone!
Luisa: Alex, i said im sorry...
Alex: its too late to say sorry... even if you were sorry i dont think it can change dad's decision! go away!
Anthony came and saw what Luisa's doing. he also heard what Alex said since she's obviously shouting. Luisa turn around but as she encountered her brother who seemly don't know what to say. no reaction on his face and certainly that doesn't change what he also decided awhile ago. Luisa decided to stay inside her room and didn't want to bother anyone. though it makes her guilty even more, she can't do anything at all.
minutes later, after figuring out if what she's gonna do to make her sister forgive her... she decided to call Damien.
Damien: what's up?
Luisa: i... i... uh...
Damien: what?
Luisa: i need your help, Damien... so badly...
Damien: help? wait a sec... its the first time for me to hear you asking help from me.
Luisa: Damien, this time i need your help. i thought about you because i think you can help me out.
Damien: okay... what is it about?
Luisa: it's about Alex...
she told about what happened and Damien who felt the same way for her, if not because of him Luisa's didn't got accident. he wanted to help Luisa but he thinks that its also too much. how come she's asking him to give flowers to Alex for tomorrow? why would he do that? if there's someone he wanted to give flowers, that would be HER and no one else.
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Anthony just got back from golfing with their father, their father went straight to the company as there were personal documents he wanted to get. he later saw Luisa at the kitchen, reading some recipes.
Anthony: hey...
Luisa: Kuya... (Anthony sat right next to her while she's still thinking if what dishes she's going to make for tomorrow.)
Anthony: what are you doing?
Luisa: im still thinking if what dishes Alex would want for tomorrow since her classmates are coming over.
Anthony: have you talked to her already?
Luisa: i did but she wont listen to me...
Anthony: then why bother making dishes.
Luisa: her classmates are coming over and also Damien.
Anthony: that guy's coming over??? (Luisa looked at him, wondering.) what?
Luisa: i just thought that Damien might helped me to make Alex forgive me. you know how she's been sulking today, until now she's still inside her room.
"and you're asking help from that guy??? you didn't bother to ask any help from me???", he said too much. it made her wonder only of why all of a sudden he acted that way.
"let's go... im gonna help you out, bring that recipe book!"
Anthony dragged her to the grocery store and buy some ingredients. he let her decide if what she's going to cook. if there would be a first time that she had a solo bond to her brother, this would be the day. added the fact that he's also concern to their little sister, Luisa thought that Anthony's was still the same back then... who cared so much for her little sister.
it was nice seeing him that way. but other reason why Alex acted so spoiled was because of him, if he only realize that.
the two had a joyride for awhile and as soon got his attention by a bridal shop, he decided to stop for awhile. now she's wondering if they stopped at the bridal shop, at her brother's state... she dont think he's marrying type since he's just like his father who let himself busy from work.
Anthony: dont you think that this bridal shop has good offers?
Luisa: do you need a discount, sir?
Anthony: (he smiled.) no. i wont do that... if i'll marry soon, i want to have a grand wedding.
Luisa: and just as i thought... i couldn't imagine yourself marrying soon, kuya...
Anthony: fine... i'll tell you. and you're the first...
Luisa: okay... who's the lucky girl?
he told her about his long-time girlfriend, at first she didn't expect for her brother to open up about this topic. they were chatting while browsing some wedding magazines. he told her on how he first met his girlfriend, they were still in college back then. their father doesnt know about his personal life, his secrets and some of them were revealed when he open up onto Luisa.
"kuya, i just wish you happiness and i couldn't-", before she finish, a wedding coordinator interrupt them.
Wedding Coordinator: im sorry to interrupt you ma'am, sir... but have you decided already if what you two want for your wedding?
Luisa: uh... no, no... he's my brother. he's the one who's going to get marry soon- (Anthony just smiled and didn't expect that he and his sister were mistaken as a couple. that would be one of the most hilarious moments he ever encountered.)
Wedding Coordinator: ah... im sorry-
Anthony: no, it's okay... uh, actually you're right... she's going to be my wife very soon and that's why we are here. (the wedding coordinator got even more confuse if what is true, when he grabbed her hand to hold, Luisa couldn't help but think if what was her brother was thinking.) uh... can you show us some of your gowns?
when the wedding coordinator showed them some of their latest designs, Anthony couldn't help but laugh. he then whispered onto Luisa,
"just ride on... it's a prank"
Luisa pushed her brother and couldn't help but laugh along with him. they acted out as a couple infront of the wedding coordinator. when later Luisa invited to try out some of the gowns, he just let her do it and so she went to the fitting room.
she chose the simplest gown and because she's the type of person who doesnt like luxuries stuff and wanted plain simple. as soon as she got out from the fitting room, there was Anthony who waited for her. he turn around and was totally stunned after seeing his sister. he was just simply speechless...
Luisa: Kuya... kuya!
Anthony: hu-huh?
Luisa: im asking you if when are we going to stop this prank. i kinda don't like teasing other people, you know...
Anthony: (he smiled, but he must admit... he didn't expect to see Luisa look so good with a wedding dress. though it was simple, it still look stunning on her.) uh... aren't you going to ask me if you look good on that dress?
Luisa: so how do i look? will my future groom would love to see me in this dress?
Anthony: how should i know... you dont even have a boyfriend.
before Luisa could answer back at him, his phone was ringing and it was their father who was calling. she then decided to go back at the fitting room. Anthony told their father that he and Luisa were still in downtown buying some stuff. meanwhile, Luisa was having a hard time unzipped the dress at her back. it got stuck and she couldn't take it off.
after hang up the phone, he returned and wonder if where she went.
"Luisa?"
Luisa: im here... just wait a sec, im still changing. i... i just can't un...unzip it.
Anthony: open the door then...
Luisa: what?
Anthony: i said open the door. (she opened the door and he let her turn around to face the other way, while he stared at her back.) i'll try to open it for you-
Luisa: but is it okay?- i mean-
Anthony: just stand still so i can open it...
she dont understand why her heart beats faster, it is something she felt awkward and because its her brother. he slowly opened it, he could even see the strap of her bra that something made him dont understand. a kind of feeling that he doesnt need to feel.
"its unzipped now. you go back inside now, i'll just go wait for you outside", he said.
he went away but why she thinks that he doesn't sound like its getting awkward. or what is it just her? because she felt like something like she wasn't allow to feel that way... because he is her brother after all.
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as they got back home, Luisa didn't expect Damien to be there and seems he's been there and chit-chatting to their father and to Alex just now. he brought a bouquet and gave it to Alex. Anthony suddenly dont feel like wanted to join them chatting and entertain this guy, simply because he doesn't trust him. so he went straight to his room as he excused himself and told that he's tired.
Alex: where have you been?
Luisa: Kuya and i bought some ingredients for tomorrow.
Alex: why? what's the occasion?
Damien: she's plans to make up for you-
Luisa: i thought you're going tomorrow? are you here because you're courting my little sister here?
Damien: wha-
Alex: Luisa! (she blushed and hugged Luisa all of a sudden. trying to hide her embarrassment from Damien, because obviously she likes him.)
Luisa: im sorry about awhile...
Alex: nah... its alright! as long as you drag Damien here... i can easily forgive you.
it sounded like a joke, but Damien on the other hand didn't expect what Alex was trying to show off. he's both nice Luisa and to Alex, but somehow it come up to misunderstandings.
"i'll go fix something for both of you..."
Luisa went to the kitchen and left the two at the living room. meanwhile, Anthony couldn't restrain his mind about awhile ago... he just couldn't forget it. he certainly dont understand if what's wrong with him, he obviously avoided something because he doesnt want to know if what kind of feeling he has...
but he just thought that maybe Luisa's just being nice and because this is the first they bond as siblings.
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TBC... i'll continue with some short scenes in part B
