That afternoon, as we were heading home, Shaun and Telly said goodbye—Telly was riding on Shaun's motorcycle because their houses were close to each other. Meanwhile, I was left in the waiting area outside the gate, sitting and waiting for my cousin Dexter to come out.
I was nervous—someone might see us, someone might notice that we were going home together. If they found out we lived in the same house, questions might start. I tried to push aside my nervousness, but no matter what I did, the heat of what happened at the court kept coming back to my mind. That encounter—even though it was brief—left a mark on me. It was like a reminder that in this new world I was in, there were secrets, mysteries, and people I needed to understand... and Justine was one of them.
My thoughts were interrupted when someone suddenly honked in front of me. I almost jumped in surprise. It was none other than my crazy cousin.
I wanted to shout at him, but I just asked, "Are you sure, Dex, I'm going to ride with you on that motorcycle right here?"
He raised his helmet, still smiling.
"Don't be so fussy, just get on. Wear this first, don't worry—tomorrow, I'll use the car." He said, laughing.
I just sighed. I took the helmet and put it on before getting on his motorcycle. As we drove away, I felt the cold wind caressing my face—a mix of nervousness and excitement stirring in my chest.
Inside the House
When we arrived at the house, I immediately remembered how spacious but simple it was. When you open the door, you are immediately greeted by a wide space with a straight path to the stairs. To the left is the kitchen—clean but obviously often used, with a small dining space that's just right for a few people. To the right is Dexter's room, right in the middle, with two rooms next to it: a CR on the right and a guest room on the left that his friends often sleep in when they have an overnight stay.
Upstairs, there are three doors. The one on the left is for me—my room. In the middle, a CR. On the right, a room that is still empty, but I'm sure it will be used someday, especially when Telly and Shaun stay here.
I quietly took off the helmet and handed it to Dexter before going inside. I was about to go upstairs to rest when I heard him speak from behind.
"Jeth, if those three bother you again, tell me, okay?" his tone of voice was serious.
I stopped. "But Dex... if they fi—"
I didn't finish what I was going to say because he approached. He grabbed my shoulder and looked directly into my eyes.
"I don't care what they say or think about us. I won't let anyone hurt you. I promised my mom... and your late parents... that I would take care of you, no matter what."
I swallowed, feeling the weight of every word he said. I couldn't stop the tears from falling. "Thank you, Dex... but what if they find out we live in the same house and th—"
Before I could finish, he suddenly hugged me. Tightly. I felt the warmth and sincere weight of his words as he whispered to me:
"I don't care if they find out. I'm the only family you have left, and I'll do everything to keep you safe. You're no different to me, Jeth. You're not just my cousin—I consider you a true sibling. It's just the two of us now... so remember, I'm here. Always."
That's when my tears finally fell. I hugged him back, tightly, as if I was afraid to lose him too. "Thank you, Dex..." I whispered, sobbing.
After a while, he broke away from the hug, then smiled. "Okay, go take a shower first. Later, we'll eat together and talk about the party."
I just nodded and went up the stairs, carrying the weight but also the relief of his hug and words.