I woke up with a "Good Morning" text from Alec the next day that made me smile. I responded with a funny good morning GIF which he responded with another funny GIF. I guess this is another quality of Alec - good humor.
I scanned for other texts and found it weird that there is no usual "good moaning" text from Riel.
I texted Riel, "Good moaning!!!" And saw that she read it but 5 minutes later, there was still no response from her.
"Oh well...." I thought. Maybe she is busy helping at the grocery.
I got up and changed to get ready to do house chores. Although Mom hired a house cleaner and a cook, they still made all of us do our respective house chores. I don't have issues with this especially since I like being in the kitchen.
Dad believes he works hard to provide nice things for us and that he deserves good and tasty meals. Mom is amazing with budgeting and decorating, but very early on, Dad decided against wasting food Mom cooks. It is either he makes time to cook or hires a cook to feed us. Dad's favorite foods growing up were cooked by his neighbor Nana Ying so when the opportunity opened for Dad, he hired Nana Ying to be in charge of our daily meals. The bonus is hearing stories from Nana Ying about Dad when he was young. She has also said that I am more like my Dad when he was young. Quiet and serious at most times but caring and sweet.
I wanted to disagree with Nana Ying and tell her that "caring and sweet" are not words to describe me but I just let it be.
I enjoy the kitchen which made me particularly close to Nana Ying. I shower her with more attention than I do with Mom. I learned tricks in baking from her and cooking special dishes. I like to try out new recipes and then alter a few things here and there to make it my style. So far, my family hasn't suffered any illness due to my cooking albeit, they get cautious trying out altered dishes I make.
Mom reminded me that I better load my laundry early since my brother is coming home from college with piles of laundry to do.
One thing I consider good in this family is my brother. I can see why he is Mom's favorite. He isn't just charming, but also gentle and caring. He discreetly watched over me when I entered high school making sure I didn't get bullied. He gave me his old class notes and instructed that I share them with Riel. He occasionally checked for my homework and was ready to tutor me if necessary even during his exam week. It is customary that he plays basketball or go swimming with me and Riel even until now that he is away for college.
Even with him being a model brother, I never allowed myself to be close to Josh. It may be my resentment when I was very young that Mom favored him over me. Although I learned not to care anymore, being close to him seems hard for me to do.
I was choosing the temperature setting for the washer when I heard my Mom excitedly greet my brother.
"Damn it!" I grabbed the laundry basket, opened the washing machine lid, and took out the laundry that I was about to start. I was heading back to my room with my laundry basket full of dirty clothes when Josh saw me.
"How is school, Gian?"
I didn't stop, and answered him lazily, "It's fine."
"He isn't as busy as you were in high school, son. You know how lazy he is." I heard Mom tell Josh.
I wanted to respond to what my Mom said but I don't want any conflict that can result from it.
I heard Josh answer her back, "We have different interests, Mom. Doesn't mean he is lazy."
'No.... don't defend me. She will focus on me, to make you look better and I don't want that.'
I quickly dropped whatever I was doing and rushed to the living room where Josh and Mom were.
"How long will you be home?" is the only thing I can come up with to change the subject.
"Spend the night, son. I will make your favorite waffles for breakfast tomorrow."
'Yes! It worked.' I secretly smiled and turned around to head back to my room.
"I plan to leave early Monday morning. My morning class was canceled, and my next class won't be til 11:30," Josh said in a louder voice to make sure I heard his response. I was about to close my door when I realized he was following me.
"Ask Riel if she wants to play ball with us later or tomorrow."
"Uhm, sure but I prefer tomorrow."
Considering Riel hasn't responded to my texts yet, might be busy today.
"Great! I'll visit Manny today then so I will be free tomorrow."
Josh will always make time to visit his best friend Manny whenever he comes home. Loyalty in friendship is another good trait of my brother. Although they are very close, I have seen Josh give me priority over Manny. He will adjust his schedule if I ever need his help on anything. He frequently says "Tell me if you need me or anything." I hardly did though. The few times I approached him for help were because I didn't have any other option. Hardly asking him for help was probably why he went above and beyond for me.