Jealousy in the Air

"On Sunday, my brother and his friends will go to El Fuego. They will look at our farm there and take a walk as well. I said we will come. Invite Jesyl," I told Neri when I learned about my brother's group's whereabouts this weekend.

Usually, I don't go with them. But since I have to walk Jesyl to Morris, this is a big opportunity for them to know each other.

"Alright, Maddy. I'll tell him. Thank you very much," he said. Big smile.

I blinked.

"Treat me to lunch for the whole semester."

"I thought you didn't beg?"

"Because I can't think of anything else so that's all you have to do. I can still save an allowance."

"Thrifty?" she asked like she doesn't know that word. "You still know that word? Well, your wealth is your wealth! You're even richer than us. If you can speak it, you'll think you're suffering."

I didn't speak and just thought about what to do to reconcile Morris and Jesyl. But I think it wouldn't be hard considering that she has the looks and body. So if he shows a motive Morris is sure to bite right away. After all, he's a womanizer. He will kill it immediately.

So by Sunday, I was just calm. I know Morris and his type. For sure, he can't say no to Jesyl, so I don't have to put in much effort in approaching the two.

"Your friends, Maddy?" older brother asked. Preparing to leave. They are all complete.

"They're on their way."

"A lot, Maddy? Naks, it's chicks," Jonas said.

"Just Neri and... uh, Jesyl." I looked at Morris and Carson entering after putting the food to be brought into the car. We will also be going home this afternoon so there is no need to bring clothes.

"Stop it Jonas, you're thinking only of women. Make sure. Imitate me."

"Are you sure, Livius?" I am satisfied. Brother Markus laughed.

"Speak harshly, Maddy. Don't hurt my feelings, ouch."

I laughed and shook. When I heard the car horn outside I went out and saw them Neri coming. Just like what I expected, she brought Jesyl who was obviously excited.

"Oh my, thank you so much Maddy! I really owe you a lot," she said and smiled widely. I smiled sparingly and guided them inside. I glanced at Neri. She winked at me. Of course, this is what she wants.

"Hi, Neri!" Brother Markus. He just ignored her. Meanwhile, Jesyl greeted them all. I glanced at Morris. He was sitting near the sliding door of the living room. He only looked at Jesyl once. Didn't even say hello back. My forehead creased.

"We're all done," my brother said. "Let's set sail because it's going to be quite a long trip to get there."

"I'm excited!" Jesyl exclaimed.

I was almost in agony.

"I think, it's better that we don't bring many cars. We don't need that. It's just a waste of energy. Three would be enough to occupy us all," said Kuya Sage.

"Yup. To avoid an accident as well," Carson agreed. The same goes for others.

"Whose car?" Brother Markus.

"To Revo, Hitler and Morris."

"You're really good at deciding, Livius," Hitler said lazily.

"Fine. It's up to you who you go with. You, Maddy?" brother

Neri looked at me. Just one look, I knew what he wanted to happen. Although it's a bad idea for me, it would help our plan. So I didn't do anything.

"Uh, Morris's."

Livius smirked. I looked at Morris. He's looking at me cockily. An eyebrow was raised as if something was thinking.

"That's good!" Jesyl.

"In that case, let's go," Kuya Sage said.

They were noisy and joking when we went out. I heard Livius, Jonas and Hitler would be together. Carson, Kuya Sage and Kuya Markus were in kuya's car. No one seems to have wondered why I chose to go with Morris over my brother. It's not a big deal, anyway. They didn't even ask brother.

"Neri and I are in the backseat," I said. "Jesyl in the shotgun seat."

Morris frowned.

"They're already there in the backseat. You're here," he said and opened the door of the shotgun seat. I bit my lower lip to suppress my irritation. Didn't he hear what I said?

"Ah, okay Maddy. You're over there. Neri and I are in the back," Jesyl smiled. Neri frowned. Because I'm the one he wants to be next to.

I sighed and nodded once before I slid inside the car. Morris didn't open them Jesyl and immediately turned around to get into the driver's seat. When we all got in, he immediately started the car. We followed Hitler while their older brothers were ahead.

Miracle and they did not bring women on this walk. Or maybe, someone is waiting for them there. Seeing them without women by their sides is quiet unusual.

"Is El Fuego good, Morris?" Jesyl broke the silence, striking a conversation with him. I glanced at the rear view mirror. She's looking at Morris. Neri, on the other hand, is silent and wearing earphones while using a cellphone.

"Yup," he answered boredly. He looked at me. "You like music?"

"Nope. I prefer without it."

He looked ahead again. I just picked up the cellphone to entertain myself. When I opened the messenger app, it kept ringing due

to incoming messages. I didn't mind it and just replied to some important chats.

"You chat a lot, Maddy. I heard Ericson flirting with you?" Jesyl asked, referring to the famous Captain of the soccer team.

"Courting?" Morris butt in. I looked at him. He looked at me sharply.

"Not like that, Jesyl. He just asked me for a date one time. But he's not courting me."

"And you dated?" he asked.

Why did the conversation get to me?

"You Morris, are you dating someone today? Do you have any girlfriend?"

"Nothing."

I looked back at the cellphone. Letting them have a conversation is a good start in building a connection. So I kept quiet while Jesyl continued to ask Morris something.

I received a message from Neri aftwerwards.

Neri:

He looked disinterested. Look, he doesn't seem to want to answer.

I:

I pay attention too. I thought he'll consider her. I thought we wouldn't have a hard time. But he's not cooperating.

Neri:

What should we do? I'm upset when they don't get better. The witch would be upset and might not let me into the club. Maybe you could do something about Morris?

I snorted. I noticed Morris glanced at me. But I did not look at him. Jesyl continue talking to him about her passions. But the answers are very sparse.

I typed a reply to Neri.

I:

What do you mean?

Neri:

Maybe you could ask Jesyl to get along well?

I:

Hell, no! Do it if you want to. We're not close, Neri. And I won't definitely plead to him just because of that.

I received a crying emoji from her. I didn't reply again and just spent my time browsing my social media accounts. I took a selfie and updated on instagram and twitter. Morris didn't speak to me again until we arrived at El Fuego after a two-hour drive.

Descending the vehicle crossed the acre-acre corn plantation. The air feels so fresh. It has been four years since I last visited but our plantation is still abundant. I still remember, every summer my mom and I would visit here and stay for a few weeks. But now, my older brother is the only one looking at it because my dad is busy with other businesses.

In front of the wide plantation, there lies the old mansion of our grandmother. But despite its age, it remains tall enough to be inhabited by future generations.

"Nice!" Jesyl.

Neri hold my arm as she stared at the place. It looks amazing as well. Even now he has been here. On the other hand, I heard the men led by Livius start making noise again.

"You will pass farmer Jonas."

"Shut up Livius! I'm too handsome to be a farmer!"

"Handsome? On which side? On the sole?"

"You're crazy!"

"And at least handsome!" That was followed by laughter and other jokes.

"Revo, Markus, Sage, Maddy!" Mang Lucio, our head farmer, walked up smiling. It's good and he hasn't forgotten me even though it's been a long time since I last visited.

"It's good that you visited," he said.

"Good morning," I promised. The old man smiled at me. His older brother also greeted him. The conversation about the state of the plantation later became technical. I didn't give too much attention in it. It is obviously in good condition.

"It's beautiful here. The fresh air is nice," Neri whispered.

"So ... you're always here?" Jesyl almost pressed her body to Morris.

He was unmoved, though. They were ahead of us so I could clearly see their actions. I snorted. This Morris is a baby. Even the truth is still disgusting, he wants to be flirted with.

"Nope. Just once."

"Can you give me a tour?"

"Let's go for a walk later."

"A lovely cheerleader," Neri whispered again and grinned.

"You said it."

"Will you sleep in the mansion?" Mang Lucio asked.

"No. We will also leave this afternoon after going for a walk," my brother answered.

After my older brother talked to the old man, we sailed into the mansion for a snack. The house is still clean. Previously, we had a worker here who regularly cleaned the house. To this day it is still the same even if we only visit once. Our grandmother loves the surrounding, so she chose to build a mansion near the plantation here.

"Where are we going for a walk first?" Jesyl asked, still clinging to Morris.

I was sitting on the sofa, eating a cupcake while Neri was next to me.

"Let's go around the plantation first. I still need to check some things," said the older brother.

"Hey, Livius Martin! Don't eat the cupcakes!" Jonas laughing. Hitler is Kuya Sage has something technical to talk about so let's go a bit further.

"What's consuming? You idiot!"

They just keep going.

"Morris, try my cupcake. It's better," Jesyl said flirtatiously. They were right in front of us so I couldn't ignore them.

But instead of looking at the woman next door she kept her eyes straight on me. Suddenly I became conscious of chewing.

"I think Maddy's cupcake is sweeter ..."

I swallowed hard when I heard it. My lips parted a bit. The corner of his lips lifted at my rea

ction.

Jesyl frowned as she looked at us. I felt Neri's weak pinch on my side for not speaking right away.

So when I recovered, I sneezed and burst out laughing.

"What are you talking about? Mine can't be sweeter. We bought the same cupcakes. But try Jesyl's, I think you'll like her flavor."

He smirked.

I looked away.

"Yes Morris! Taste it," Jesyl said.

"No. I'm full."

"All right, just a little. It's delicious."

"I don't like sweets."

"Hey, what's that?" Neri asked when we got out of the mansion again. We're heading to the plantation, as planned. We were behind Jesyl and Morris. My brother was in front, walking noisily.

"What is it?" I whispered.

"Your cupcake chuchu earlier. The way Morris looked at you, I noticed. Don't say...hmm." Her eyes narrowed.

My eyes widened when I got what he meant.

"What the hell is that, Neri? Don't think like that."

He laughed.

"Anyway, what should we do about them? He's unresponsive to Jesyl's moves. It's very obvious that the girl likes him but he doesn't go along with it. If he does respond, he's not in the mood. Maybe it's better if you do something."

I winced.

"If she's not interested, I can't do anything about that Neri. If she didn't reach his standards, then I can't force him."

She pouted. "What about Maddy, eh."

We first stopped on the side and took shelter in a big tree when some workers talked to their brother. It's cloudy day. So the sun's rays are not too painful on the skin because they are covered by clouds. Good thing I'm wearing an appropriate attire for the place. Also, the air is also cold and fresh so you won't feel the heat.

"Maddy!" A loud shout grabbed my attention.

Maneuvering a black stallion, I saw Serio with that familiar smile on his face.

He galloped the horse towards us. I smiled when I remembered him. He is Mang Lucio's son. He's a friend of mine back then. Every time we visit here, he takes me on a tour of the other country. He's just two years older than me, as what I've remembered.

"Who is that?" Neri. "Handsome, huh."

"Seriously!" I waved.

"Long time no see," he said when he got off the horse. He greeted my brother and my two cousins. They only looked at him for a moment because they were talking intensively with some farmers.

Meanwhile, the other boys are so noisy with their usual nonsense talk. Jesyl continued to flirt with Morris. I glanced at them once only to see his dark stare at me. I didn't last long and quickly looked back at Serio who was in front. None of my own returned his smile.

"You look even better, Maddy."

"You're handsome too," I said. "By the way, Neri. My friend."

Neri held out her hand. "Hi, Seriously."

"Nice to meet you," he said.

"Are you studying in Manila?" I will ask.

"No. In Lucena. I'm pursuing Civil Engineering. You? I'm guessing, Culinary Arts?"

I smiled. He still remembered it. "Yup."

"Wow. You two are childhood sweethearts? How cute! You two are perfect!" Jesyl's groin almost touched me.

Serio laughed awkwardly. It was obvious what he had heard.

"We're not--"

"They don't matter," Morris said. I looked at him. He just stared at me blankly.

"They can be things."

I looked at Serio apologetically. I knew he was confused by what he heard.

"We're just friends, Jesyl."

"Oh, it's so." He faked a laugh. "You look good together because I couldn't stop it. Sorry. But I know you'll make a good couple."

What the hell is she saying?

"We don't have plans for that."

"Chill," Neri whispered. He knows exactly when I'm irritated and holds back my irritation. I sighed heavily.

"Anyway, I'd like to ride a horse too. I've never tried riding one. Where did you get that, Serio?" and Jesyl.

"We have a stable there near our house. We have a lot of horses. If you want, you can use a few."

"Oh! That's good!"

When they returned, Jesyl suggested that we ride a horse for sightseeing. Since Serio offered, they all agreed to the suggestion. He said that was a good idea so that we wouldn't get tired of walking.

No problem because I think they all know how to ride a horse. Well, except for Jesyl and Neri. But we can do something about that. They can go with others.

"I don't know how to handle a horse. I'm with you, Morris."

We are already outside the stable, putting gears on the horses.

"Jonas," he called. "Take him with you."

"But I want to go with you."

I sighed. Why does he hate Jesyl so much? It's supposed to be a good boy, isn't it? Fuck him.

"Maddy, who are you going with?" Brother Sage asked. I shook my head.

"I'm into equestrian when I'm in States, brother. So, I can easily maneuver a horse. No need to worry about me."

"How am I? I don't know how to do it!" Livius grumbled. Kuya Markus and Jonas laughed.

"Take care, human! Just wait for us here!" Carson.

"Poor Livius Martin!" they can't handle it.

"What about me?" Neri asked me. He doesn't know either. I was about to say that he would

d have gone with me when Livius approached.

"Come along Maddy," he said and smiled.

"But..." I looked at Neri.

"Markus!" he called.

"What?"

"Take Neri. I don't want to be left behind! So I'll go with Maddy."

"What, Livius?" Kunot when Morris asked. Jesyl, on the other hand, was in front of him, still persuasive.

I sipped and looked back at Livius.

"If with your friends so?"

"You think that's going to make the guy go together? Maddy! Those are idiots, you know!"

Well, he's right too.

"You, Neri? Are you okay?"

She rolled her eyes.

"Am I still the one to be choosy?" he said and marched towards Kuya Markus who did not appeal. Of course, when it comes to women, that doesn't mean they refuse. Fortunately, it was Neri, so I was satisfied.

"Won't you have a hard time with that, Maddy?" Big brother asked. I got on the horse. The same goes for others.

"Of course not."

"What, Revo? You're just letting her?" Morris appealed. I looked at him sharply.

Curious again.

Big brother smirked. "Yes. Why? Have a problem with that?"

"Fuck you."

I just stopped listening to them and looked down at Livius. I told him to come up so that's what he did. Serio, on the other hand, did not come because he was supposed to look at their manggahan. Jesyl, until the end, failed to convince Morris. He could have done nothing but go with Jonah.

I grabbed the reins and got ready to run. I caught a glimpse of Morris ahead. It looks stupid.

"Can you hold on, Maddy? I might fall. It's a shame if my pretty face is all messed up, isn't it?"

"You chatter a lot, Livius. Hold on to my waist. Just hold on. Don't get me wrong because I'm really going to drop you."

He laughed and put his hands on my waist.

"I really can't go wrong, Maddy. I might even get killed by one of those."

"Huh?"

He just laughed.

"Take it easy, Livius if you still love those hands of yours!" older brother shouted.

That was followed by laughter from the others before we drove away from there. Morris glanced at us with stormy eyes. Livius was almost out of balance because of the sudden release from me. And he might have fallen if I didn't hold him.

"Don't be intimidated, Morris!"

"Hold to my waist again, Livius. Don't let go suddenly because you might really fall," I told him instead of paying attention to what he just said.