Miss Chaeyoung drove us to the Han’s Village. Brian called and said we should head straight to their house. When we got there, he was waiting at the front door with Reese and Timmy.
"Ni hai hao ma? Tamen shanghai nile ma? Are you okay? Did they hurt you?” Brian checked Sian for bruises while asking if he was okay.
"Wo hen hao, baba. I'm okay.” Sian assured him.
He explained that they hadn't tried to hurt him physically. They'd just made fun of him. He also explained that Miss Chaeyoung hadn't happened to pass by the room; they might have already spilled water on him. Miss Chaeyoung added what she'd heard from the classmates when she asked them why that group kept making fun of Sian. Brian sighed. He was probably trying to let go of his frustration.
"If you already told the school, why didn't I get a call from them?" Brian asked Miss Chaeyoung.
"Oh, that. You know I can't file a complaint unless I'm his family. So, I told them I was Sian's mother, just like before. I'm sorry I didn't tell you beforehand," Miss Chaeyoung answered casually.
"Wait, what do you mean 'just like before'? This isn't the first time you pretended to be Sian's mom?" I asked, interrupting because I was puzzled.
"Every time Baba was busy, ayi was the one who came to my school as my mom. Sometimes, I call her if I need to call a parent at school, too," Sian answered.
"But I always informed Brian about it. I didn't want him to use that against me or accuse me of interfering. We're friends, anyway, and he knew I was a big help," Miss Chaeyoung added.
"Most people who know our family think eemo is Sian's mother," Reese also butted in.
"The school summoned the guardians of those bullies, and they set a meeting for tomorrow—with Sian's guardian, too."
"I'll go," Brian declared.
"Baba," Sian said hesitantly. He didn't want his father to go to the school.
I wondered if the school didn't know the bullies' parents. Aren't they supposed to know their students' parents' names? If I'm not mistaken, some schools in this country have a hierarchy system, favoring those in high society and those who sponsor the school. At least, that's what I read online.
"I was the one who complained, so they probably want me there. It's okay if I go with Sian tomorrow. I don't have any schedule, anyway," Miss Chaeyoung assured Brian.
"No. I also want to go and talk to the school," Brian said firmly. "I told you I wouldn't let anyone hurt you again. I won't break that promise, Sian. Even if you say you're all grown up and can take care of yourself. I'll still be your father, and I'll protect you. Do you understand? I'll go with you and Chaeyoung tomorrow. Let me be a parent for you now."
As much as I wanted to witness that situation tomorrow, I knew it wasn't my place. After making sure Sian was okay and they'd agreed on what to do next, I went back to the house, and the kids went to theirs, as well. Miss Chaeyoung stayed with Brian and Sian to talk more about what they were going to say and do tomorrow.
I had no idea Miss Chaeyoung was so attached to the family, especially Brian and his son. I know she's a friend, and it's normal for her to know everyone. She's friendly, but when it comes to business, she's very serious and meticulous. Well, what more could I expect from this family? It's already huge, but it's still getting bigger. Not that I'm complaining, though.
When I was in the Philippines, it was just me and Iliana. Her family was far from where we lived, but at least Iliana had a huge family she could go to. After almost three decades of my life, I met my half-brothers and found myself tangled with this huge family. I thought I'd be left out or taken for granted, but they made me feel the opposite.
Their kindness and care were overwhelming, making me think it was unreal. The older brothers probably didn't want me to feel burdened and get involved in company politics. I thought at first, they didn't force me to join and work with them because they didn't want me to get a share, but then they made me realize they wanted us to live and stay here comfortably. They wanted to solve problems by themselves as much as possible.
They couldn't hide some things because one of us was involved. Like what happened to Jayden. That includes the personal problems of the other brothers that they couldn't hide, either. I know each of them has their own problems they want to solve themselves, and everyone respects each other.
Of all the brothers, Aiden may seem calm with us, but I'm pretty sure he's the most stressed. He handles the whole company now that the heads are unwell. The others are helping, but he has the heaviest duty. He's not just taking care of the company but the whole family—all of us here.
Honestly, staying here feels too good to be true. Everything needed and even wants are provided. I didn't expect that staying here, I'd be able to help people. I wouldn't have felt needed if someone hadn't wanted my help. Back then, I was the one who always needed help from Iliana. I always tried to avoid things and stayed in my safe zone. No one forced me to do things I thought I couldn't do. Staying here made me experience those things.
I thought coming here would be difficult and complicated, but I was wrong. In this short time, I experienced having siblings I could rely on. A sister they could depend on, too. I know I'll go back to my old life sooner or later.
One thing is for sure: I'll always treasure these experiences and miss everyone. I might not have met the person I was supposed to meet in the first place, but I'm okay meeting everyone here.