CHAPTER: TWENTY-SEVEN

ANDIE did not know how she would face Jonathan the next day. Last night as she lay down on the bed, she realized that she crossed the line when she kissed his cheek and hugged him. 'It wasn't intentional," she told herself as she tied her hair into a messy bun. 'My body acted involuntarily." She shook her head afterwards. Would he believe that kind of alibi? For sure, no. 'But why am I so scared?" Yes, she kissed Jonathan on the cheek. That was harmless. Siblings do that as a sign of affection. Not because they were step-siblings, it was a crime to kiss him on his cheek. Andie flinched when she heard a knock on the door. Seconds later, it swung open, and Jonathan's head emerged. 'Breakfast is ready," he said. 'Coming." She went out of the room and followed him. 'Jonathan…" she called before they even got to the kitchen. He turned to face her. 'What is it?" She heaved a sigh. 'I'm quite confused with my feelings right now." Andie looked at him straight in the eyes. 'I have this strange feeling that there's something more…" Her eyes caught his fists clenched. 'I don't get it," Jonathan said in a low tone. 'You're hiding something from me, don't you?" 'I will tell you everything when the right time—" 'And when is that, Jonathan? Her voice raised a little. 'You know what, I hate it when people say when the right time comes. Seriously, when is the right time? Is it when you had no choice or when you've come to regret—" 'When you're ready." She raised a brow. 'I'm always ready to hear the truth." 'You may think you're ready, but your mind isn't, Andie. Do you really think you could process everything?" He shook his head. 'If it was that easy you wouldn't ask for my help after you saw that grim reaper." Andie felt her body shivered when she was reminded of the grim reaper. The fear embraced her once again. 'I don't want to see someone die in front of me…" Jonathan held her hand. 'No one can stop death, Andie. You should not be afraid of the grim reaper as long as he's not coming for you." 'But—" The food will get cold. Come on." Oreo was already enjoying his coffee when they arrived at the kitchen. 'Good morning." He waved a hand at her. She nodded and took a seat. Jonathan started serving him food. It looked a bit odd, but she appreciated that he made an effort. 'Please bear with my cousin's cooking skills," Oreo said in between his laugh. She turned her gaze at Jonathan. He looks at his cousin with eyes wide open. Andie shook her head and started eating. It was okay at first bite, but the more she eats, it gets saltier. She could not help but wince. Perhaps if she stayed with Jonathan longer and let him cook, she would suffer from kidney failure. 'Are you okay?" Oreo asked when he noticed her. 'It's kinda salty." She coughed and spit out a grain of rock salt. 'Kuya, you shouldn't use rock salt when you're cooking fried rice." 'It's your fault because you didn't shop yesterday," Jonathan countered. 'The retail stores here only sell rock salt." He poured water into her glass that she drank immediately. 'This is why I miss your cooking Momo." Oreo turned to her with his thumbs up. 'It's so delicious." 'Oreo," Jonathan said in a stern tone. Momo. That name again. She could still remember how her body reacted when Jonathan called her by that name. And once again, she felt that strange feeling on her chest. 'Am I Momo?" A deafening silence ensued between them. Does it mean yes? She turned to Oreo. He looked hesitant to answer her question. And when he turned to Jonathan, she saw this grim look on his face. 'Why can't you answer me?" she snapped. Jonathan pressed his lips together and chose to remain silent. Andie stood up and left. She locked herself inside the room and curled to the bed with a heavy heart. She could not understand why Jonathan would hide things she was supposed to know. After all, she serves to know everything, especially if it has something to do with her. She wiped her cheeks when she felt them wet with tears. 'I hate crying…" And then, someone banged the door. 'Andie…" Jonathan called. She left the bed and stood in front of the door, but she did not open it. She decided to put a wall between them. 'What?" 'Let's talk, please…" 'Talk and then what, Jonathan?" She sighed." If you'd talk to me and feed me with your—" The door swung opened. Of course, there was nothing to be amazed at. Jonathan has the key. 'There's a way for you to remember," he said as he looked at her intently.