Brother's Secret (3)

"Actually, I suspect that I got her pregnant and that she is hiding from me. I'm just afraid that she's found a new lover who shouldered the responsibility. " JP was saying when we were on our way home from the bar.

"That could be, but why would she do that if she loves you? " I asked. There could be some reasons why she hid herself.

"Don't you suspect that it's Grace? And the baby I saw is lesser than two years old. Could it be her?" I wondered but a feeling of complication surged deep inside me. If she was Ysabel, that would mean I cannot be with Fem anymore. That would mean I should give way for my brother!' No way! I can't imagine myself loving other woman. This cannot be.

"How does she look by the way?" JP asked.

"Well, she looks a bit shorter than Fem and have same facial features. But compared to Fem, she has mild demeanor and she does things quietly. She smiles quite often though." I tried to recall Grace's looks and demeanor. Fem on the other hand is carefree and acts confidently. Her smiles and laugters are out of the blue and unpredictable.

" That must not be her. Have you seen a mole on her cheeks?" JP asked.

"Hmmmm... no. I don't think I saw one" I told him.

"Then it's not her. Ysabel doesn't look similar with Fem in any way. She has round face and a bit shorter than Fem. She has a cute mole on her left cheek. They don't have any similarities as far as I remember. But she's also smart and straightforward.

I know she's hiding from me. As to whether our one night stand got her pregnant or she's married, I need to know." JP sunk in the passenger seat while trying to describe her woman. I never got to learn about his love life before. I always thought he was just busy with work.

"Okay, then I don't have to worry about my Fem right? If your Ysabel is a Law, they must be cousins or something." I assumed.

"Probably." JP muttered under his breath.

"Anyways, Grandpa will surely find this out. So prepare yourself for any sudden responsibility!"

"No need to talk on me about that! Its what I have been preparing for all these years!" JP said his voice still under his breath but was audible enough.

" Oh, isn't Stanley your employee, why don't you ask him yourself. Maybe he can spare grandpa from all those trouble." I reminded JP.

"Oh yeah, right. Stanley! I have to ask him when he comes back. Great!" JP snapped from being slumped on his seat. "Actually, I wanted to ask him before yet but I have been putting it aside. Partly, I didn't want to create complications between you and Fem so I thought I can just let things be." JP was as considerate as before. He always put my welfare before his.

"Try bro. Then we can talk things over after things are clear about them." I said.

We went directly to bedrooms after we got home. We were not really drunk. I took another shower then sat on my bed.

My mind was too occupied by my situation with Fem, by my brother's situation with his long lost woman, and the possibility of them being sisters. This is quite complicated! I sighed heavily.

I opened my drawer and brought out all the photos sent to me by Sunny. I found a small photo album on one of the drawers. It was my childhood pics with my brother. Some leaves of the it were empty so I inserted each of my love's photo in them. I can't wait to see her already. I hope she can forgive me for my negligence...if it was really my negligence that led to this heartache.

.....

I spent the next day going around the city with Dan visiting the projects of the company. We went back to the Brent's office when it was almost time for employees to leave. There were few employees who reported for work. Dan showed me the new staff's offices including that of Stanley Law.

"I would want my wife to work from home. She doesn't need to come here everyday. " I told Dan.

"What your wife? You're so overconfident, you can't even scare away a rival!" Dan taunted.

We went to the nearest restaurant for dinner then went home separately from there. I needed to return to the South City tomorrow.

I arrived home quite early. My brother has a business meetings with foreign motor parts suppliers. Grandma and Grandpa were having their dinner. I went upstairs to shower then came down to join them for dessert.

"Have you opened the rice wine yet, Grandpa?" I asked.

"Do you want us to open it? Your brother hasn't tried that though. Let's wait for him." Grandpa said.

"Okay. By the way, Stanley is in the Brent's Company. Maybe he knows something about Ysabel. Bro can ask him first before you do your search Grandpa." I told them as I munched the fruit in my mouth.

"Hmmmm."Grandpa nodded simply.

There was a quick click at the main door. JP's business like imposing figure emerged. He was as calm as always, never showing any trace of pleasant or despairing emotion.

"Bro! Come, I have some leftover dessert for you!" I called him as he placed his keys in the drawer of the divider.

"Who wants to eat your leftover? I'm sure your Fem will not even want it.!" He answered nonchalantly as he browsed the letters then headed upstairs.

"Come down quickly. We have a surprise for you." Grandma called out.

"Grammie, if it's about Ysabel, I'll be quick." He called back. Grandpa chuckled.