Chapter 2

IRIS

“Meet your new brother.”

“What?” No, no, no, I might be dreaming. This is not true.

“Jade, you’re here!” Mr.Daves suddenly showed himself and greeted us with the biggest smile I have ever seen from him. He was, like Sage, wearing a white shirt filled with blue and purple paint. “I’m so sorry, had you been waiting long? We were doing last minute customization of your rooms. We have specially colored them according to your names, I hope you’ll like—Oh!” Mr.Daves couldn’t continue his words when Skye suddenly ran up to him and embraced him.

“Are you my new father?” He was crying as he said those words. Mr. Daves pulled out from the hug and kneeled down so they would be the same level. He wiped my brother’s tears. “Yes, kiddo. Yes, I am.” He looked at my mom who was teary as she watches them and smiled.

I remained silent as I watch a seemingly perfect family reunion in front of me. Is it just me? Is it just me who find all of these weird and ridiculous? No, Sage must feel the same way about this, right? The moment I set my eyes on him, he was already looking at me. But it was not the look I wanted to see from him. He…he knew what was happening and already accepted it. It’s me. I’m the only one who’s against this. But how can I say anything when all had already agreed to this?!

I froze when everyone turned to look at me. My chest tightened as I see the similarity of look in their eyes. Concern. What the hell do they expect me to do when they already decided for themselves!

“Iris…” I stepped back as I hear Mr.Daves call my name. My mind is all so confused and filled with so much questions and opposition. Everything is getting mixed up and I knew that if I don’t leave, I might lose it. I might break down.

“I’m so sorry, I need air.” Before anyone can stop me, I ran. I never looked back and just ran, tears continuously dripping to my checks. My chest feels so heavy. It feels so heavy I might die.

I don’t know how but my feet brought me our old lawn. It was still the same as it was 8 years ago. I don’t know how is that possible but with the thoughts that’s currently running through my head right now, I do not have space for more.

I walked to our backyard. It’s where the beauty is. We filled our backyard with different plants and orchids as my parents really love nature. It’s like a greenhouse only the walls are little trees and the roof is grape vines. We emptied the pool, put grass and yes, surrounded it with plants called iris flowers, yes, just like my name. Iris means rainbow, thus the various colors of irises surrounding us. But since my favorite is the purple one, the rest was on the lawn, the purple ones are the ones surrounding the pool. At the center lies an antique circular table made of glass, and 4 antique chairs surrounding it. My father made another one for my unborn brother before he... died. How can he leave without being able to see his son. It really pains me.

I headed slowly to the specific spot where we mostly spend our time together. Painting, reading, playing music, writing. It was our safe place. Our sanctuary. I sat down the chair and cried silently. It was a long time since I cried again. I just feel so lost, devastated and upset. I mean, how can mom even keep this a secret from us. From me. She knows, right? She knew I wouldn’t agree to this and yet she chose her own happiness than me. Just how would dad feel when he finds out mom and Mr. Daves are together? Poor dad. He doesn’t deserve this. This is betrayal.

“Hey.” I was surprised when a hand held my shoulder and immediately jump out my seat. “Hey, relax, it’s just me.”I breathe a sigh of relief when it was just Sage. He look around and smiled. “I knew you’d be here. “

“So?”I spoke, rather rudely. But it seemed that he didn’t hear, or just didn’t care. He silently walked towards me and hit the light button just beside my head, and hell, my heart seems like it’s losing it just by the distance between us. “Why are you crying?”His forehead creased as he wipe the excess tears from my eyes. And I was just there, frozen, falling again for the second time when I knew it’s impossible.

He also froze upon realizing our distance, and in the middle of fighting against my sanity, I pressed my lips on his. He was surprised with my actions, but I was more surprised on what he did next. He kissed me back. He moved his lips slowly, taking control of our movements. He held my waist and I gasped as he try to insert his tongue on my mouth. But before I give him permission, he pushed himself away from me. He turned around and cursed. I knew what he was feeling. I know he knew the consequence of his actions. But…

“Iris, I--”

“Look, Sage. I like you. I like you since 7, and I like you even more now. I know it’s been years but I still feel the same towards you. And I know, I know you like me too, right?” I was scared. I was scared he was going to apologize and say that it’s a mistake.

“No,Iris,listen…”

“No, I know you feel the same way. Let’s tell our parents and they might understand and let the two of us be together instead. "

“What? What are you saying, Iris?”

“I’m saying I’m against this situation, and I like you. Just understand those two sentences and you know what I’m implying!” I was too scared and angry, that I didn’t realize I was shouting. I was panting heavily, but Sage was just staring at me silently.

“I can’t, Iris.” He muttered after a long deafening silence.

“Why can’t you?”

“I cannot risk my father’s happiness. And I know you. I know you can’t too.”My chest tightened as I feel my eyes stinging with tears again.

“How do you know me, we haven’t met in 8 years.”

“I know who Iris is. “

“If you know me, then you know that what I’m saying is true. Sage, I like you. “I slowly walked towards him, and held his cheeks. He didn’t move as he stare at me with sadness in his eyes. “ I have always like you.” It’s a confession but it felt like I was begging. My chest tightened more when he slowly held my hand touching his cheeks and gently removed it.

“It’s too late.” My forehead creased in confusion with his words.

“What?’

“My dad and your mom already exchanged vows last month. “ I stepped back as I hear his words. “What? How-I didn’t-She didn’t say anything—” I was chasing my breath. I suddenly felt suffocated with all the sudden reveal.

“No, it’s impossible. She wouldn’t do that without telling me. She—”

“She didn’t want to hurt you, but they love each other so much that they were driven to do it. “ Sage's voice broke as he muttered those words. Perhaps, it's guilt but he only had his head down and avoided all eye contacts as much as possible.

“No! It’s not true!” I yelled enraged.

“It’s true.” I was surprised when I heard mom’s voice behind Sage. “I married Avan. It was a small wedding where Sage is the only witness. I’m so sorry for hiding it. It's your mothers fault. ” Mom cried in front of me, falling on her knees in the process.

“So do I. I’m so sorry for not telling you.”Mr. Daves guiltily bowed his head as he kneeled down and embraces mom.

I’m enraged. This is ridiculous. I don’t know what went into me that I began laughing. I laughed and laughed until it tuned into a painful sob. “If you’re sorry, why do you have to make me look like the bad guy?” I walked past the three people, purposely pushing my shoulders on Sages'. And as I reached the top of the pool, a girl stood in front of me. She was blonde and pretty, holding a bouquet of iris in her hands.

“Hey! Are you new here? Oh! You must be the new sister Sage was talking about! I heard a lot about you, nice to meet you!” I ignored her and walk pass her. But her words made me stop temporarily.

“Hi, Sage! I’m ready for our date! “ With my heart never been so crumpled and cut down to pieces, I went inside our old home and locked myself in dad’s office. And for hours, I could do nothing but to cry my eyes out. I cried.

And cried.

Until there was nothing left to cry.

End of Chapter