Brother, I Love You
FLASHBACKS

Black clouds seemed to be swaying spoiled above the sky. It was as if those black clouds were about to fall to the ground. Just looking at it can be sure, that it will soon rain. In a public cemetery, some people are seen digging in the ground to bury two pairs of coffins.

Not far from the mourners were also the people who buried the bodies of the two couples who had just died last night, standing a 10-year-old child holding a blond baby who was crying loudly. Although the child seemed to be wiggling the baby in his cradle and hoping that the baby could stop crying, she said, but the focus of his eyes was fixed on two tombstones that had been neatly attached to the mound in front of him. Not a single tear fell from her eyelids. Although many of the mourners who looked at him were concerned.

Many people think, how will their fate be after this? The child was still 10 years old and had no relatives nearby who would take care of him. Let alone relatives, people they now serve not even the biological family of the child. While the baby who had been crying had not even been able to see how the faces of his parents, but had to be an orphan. To hold them, it felt impossible. Think they.

"Patience, son."

"You must be strong. God's plan must be beautiful in time." Said the mourners who started saying goodbye to go home.

He simply responded with a thank you with a polite bowed posture. Actually he himself was also confused as to how after this. He lives alone now. Like before he met the two people who have now been called by the creator. And again, he also has the responsibility to care for the baby in his carrier which he already considers as his own sister. There was no way she would have to abandon the baby from the one who was willing to take care of her and take her as her own family to the orphanage while she was away.

No!! That's not possible. What will he say to the parents of the baby when the time comes for him to die? There will come a time when he will be held accountable.

A drop of water suddenly fell to the end of his nose. Making himself look at the baby who is now slightly eased from his crying. Seeing the drops of water falling onto the baby's blanket, he looked up at the sky with narrowed eyes.

Justright. The rain started falling drop by drop. What used to be just a speck, now becomes very heavy. If only he had not brought the baby, he would not care if it had to be soaked under the torrential rain. He still wanted to spend his time looking at the tombstones of the two people who had been willing to take care of him.

The dark brown child with my eyes ran to find a shady place not far from where the two people who cared for him were buried. After the child took shelter, he again checked the condition of the white-skinned but not pale blonde-blooming baby in his arms at a glance. He smiled faintly, finding the baby he thought was his sister asleep with regular breathing.

Back the boy stared at the tombstone that had just stood up. Where all the mourners had gone and left him alone. His mind wandered off a few years ago. When he was newly found by a tall man with a blonde girder.

Flashbacks...

Tap Tap Tap....

"Don't run you thief!!" Shouted some people who were chasing a boy who was about 7 years old in front of him.

"Hosh, man,. Hoshs.. Hosh.."

The boy continued to run with two slices of wheat bread that he held tightly in his arms with a breath of stinginess. Unheard of the sweat that pours more and more from his temple to make his mane dangling close the temple is now a limp. No matter the soles of his feet that do not rest, began to redden and even bleed until the blisters because the heat of the asphalt during the day it burned the skin of his feet. The boy almost cried if only he was not pressed at this time. But as much as possible, he tried to hold it. So is the pain and soreness that whack the skin of his feet are getting blistered. Even the boy cared about his hearing as the people chasing him kept shouting at him.

'Oh my God, please. Please help me.' The child complains.

Wush!!

"Eh?!" A young man gasped when he almost hit a child who was running. The young man again pulled his steps in surprise, as several people ran after the boy. For a moment he was silent, but seconds later the young man came running as his ears caught the sound of the boy being accused of being a thief.

The boy kept running and running. Until he finds a corner and turns to the corner, hoping to outwit those who pursue it. But fateful, who knows that it turns out the road he took is a dead end. The boy retreated slowly with hunting breaths, staring at the wall before him that was about 2 meters tall. It was impossible for him to climb a wall that was nearly three meters high. But when the boy turned around, his heart almost fell because the people chasing him had stopped and blocked the way for him to get out. Not even a hint of loophole was there for him to try to escape.

His heart began to beat very fast, his breath was hunting. The pain from the scuffed and bloody soles of the feet began to spread throughout his body, making him tremble. It feels like he wants to die. His body began to stagger to fall to the ground as it was unable to support his body with injured legs. In the heart of the child continues to chant do'a and hope, may there be someone who will be kind to help him from the tantrums of time that pursue him.

"Where else are you a thief" said a fat man who felt his things were stolen. He smiled bitterly with disgust at the boy.

Slowly the person chasing him approached. And he could only retreat dragging his butt into a corner. Making him curl up in fear by still hugging the wheat bread he stole.

"Hand him!!" The fat man's orders. But when everyone screamed in response and almost taught the boy a lesson, a voice interrupted their steps.

"Wait!!" A young man in a neatly blond shirt suit with a sapphire iris managed to calm them down for a moment, the young man walked through the crowd asking to give himself a way so he could afford to approach the boy. The young man glanced at the boy concerned. Especially on the soles of the feet that are seriously injured with blood that has begun to dry and mixed with dust. The young man grimaced. Does that kid have no footwear? Her thought. The young man then turned his gaze, staring intently at one by one who had judged the little boy he was protecting, but the gazes of those people were indifferent to him.

"What's the young man?! Are you his family?! You're her brother?! If so, teach him not to steal!" Screaming of a fierce father.

"Yes! True that. Take care of it properly!" the other team agreed.

"Little is already a thief. Especially when it is big. What do you want to be, huh?!" hearing the scorn of the people around him, the boy curled up more and more with a trembling body, trying to hold back the fear as well as the sudden pain that struck his body so intensely due to the injuries on his legs that were becoming more and more severe.

The blonde youth sighed while shaking his head inexhaustibly. "I'm not his family. And I'm sorry, you guys should be more mature people instead of judging kids like this before you know the subject, gentlemen." Said the young man. And instantly able to punch the heart for anyone who hears it. However, some people just snorted full of contempt with lazy spinning eyes.

The young man turned around only to stare at the child curled up behind him and smile. The young man crouched down, silent for a moment before saying, "And you, why did you steal?" Said the blonde youth in a soft tone.

"La-hungry.. I-I, I, I'm just hungry." The kid's great-grandson stammered the blonde youth stunned for a moment.

"But you don't have to steal, do you?" Silent. The boy did not return to voice. But a second later a speck of clear liquid dripped from the child's eyes without knowing it, and the young man suddenly frowned a little.

"Where's your house?" The boy hesitated for a moment before shaking his head.

Understanding the boy's answer, the young man glanced at the little boy's hand, holding two slices of wheat bread, then turned back to face the people who were chasing the child.

"What's the price for these two whole wheat breads?" The blonde youth asked the people who were still standing before him.

"1.4 dollars." The blonde youth snorted amusedly. Only two dollars, but the seller won't take it? Absolutely outrageous.

Then, the young man immediately took two pieces of money in the wallet, then gave the money to the seller without asking for his change and immediately dispersed the crowd to leave them.

"Eat. I already paid for it. You don't have to worry." The blonde youth smiled warmly facing the dark brown unravelling child in front of him.

"Thank you, sir" said the boy still not daring to look into the young man's eyes.

"Call me Thomas. I'm 20 years old."

"Ah, yes brother Thomas." The boy ate the bread in his hand. He didn't even care if he just choked because he needed water to push the bread down his throat.

Thomas smiled to see the boy eating so voraciously. He took a bottle of water that he often brought and poured it on the boy. The dark brown unraveling child quickly received Thomas's water bottle and drank it straight to the toilet. It made Thomas giggle.

"What's your name?"

"Alfred. Alfred Arshavin Frederick." The boy named Alfred.

Then, Thomas positioned his body crouching and turned his back on Alfred, his hands stretched out downward in a ready-to- accommodate manner. "Get on my back, I'll carry you."

Alfred was stunned for a moment, he noticed between Thomas's firm back and glanced at the young man's doubtful face. Feeling himself ignored, Thomas turned to look at Alfred again. He smiled, "Your feet hurt. And I know you can't walk. I just want to help you, am I overreacting?"

Alfred gasped with mixed feelings. Hurriedly Alfred shook his head loudly as he responded, Thomas smiled back, "Then go up. I'll take you home." Alfred was a little surprised by his actions. But the next second, he actually climbed onto Thomas' back. The young man then rushed to his feet and left the dead end alley.

"What about your parents?" Alfred nodded with his hands clenched tightly as Thomas questioned his parents.

"...They're dead." Thomas' body stiffened instantly and stopped his steps for a moment before returning to walk. He felt a little guilty when he asked. But if he did not ask, how should he treat the child in his current carriage properly?

"The place to stay?" this time Alfred nodded. And Thomas understands. That way he can take care of this child without having to think about returning Alfred to his parents or the person responsible for taking care of him.

"alright. Will you come with me? From now on I am your brother. You are my sister. Whatever you're dealing with, tell me there's nothing. No more stealing. You just ask me what you need from me. How about that?" Tukas Thomas at length. Alfred was silent for a moment in disbelief. Is this guy really serious?

Alfred was skeptical of what he thought. And Thomas, realizing that Alfred was still silent, glanced at him through the tail of his eyes asking for an answer.

"What.. Is Thomas serious?" Thomas smiled wryly at her understanding the child's distrust.

"of course! L like you. That's why I want to take you with me."

Alfred smiled faintly, but he still could not believe it. In the end, he agreed.

"Thank you, Brother Thomas."

Arriving at Thomas's modest home, where around the courtyard there were flower gardens of various types and various kinds of trees, Thomas immediately laid Alfred on the guest sofa. Leave it for a moment to take a box of P3K and warm water to compress and clean the soles of Alfred's injured feet before being treated.

Alfred spread his gaze throughout the room. Observe every architectural detail of the building.

"Sister Thomas, do you live alone in this house?" Alfred asked, when Thomas had returned with his medical equipment.

"Yes. But sometimes my friend Adelina comes to help me clean the house or just to visit." Thomas replied, flushing Alfred's injured soles with warm water. Making the owner hiss withstanding pain is also comfortable at the same time.

Alfred just nodded. While observing his feet bandaged by Thomas. His gaze cheered, seeing Thomas who was so concerned for him when he was only a child who was not wanted by his relatives also did not have a permanent residence. His life is just hanging in the streets and hoping for the mercy of the people who would feed him just to survive. Although sometimes, he can also fish and cook perfunctory after looking for ingredients in the forest near where he used to live. Looking for a job, he is still a minor. He once went to an orphanage. But always get ill treatment. He tried to escape. Not thinking ahead of him would be much heavier than in the orphanage itself.

How lucky he is to meet Thomas now. Although he does not know how to go ahead. But seeing Thomas' gentle treatment made him believe that Thomas was a good man.

"It's done. Sit down and rest on the sofa first. I have to prepare food for lunch." Alfred just nodded without even refuting.

After all, if he helps the existing free Thomas treat the wound, if later make the wound open again. And finally he chose to lay down himself until unconsciously his eyes closed and dive into the dreamland.

*******

6 Months have passed. And during that time Alfred lived with sufficiency. He no longer feels lonely. No longer have to steal or beg to get a bite of rice just to eat. Thomas was a really good brother and father to him. And shortly after Thomas became his brother, he was also introduced by Thomas to a dark brown unraveling woman named Adelina. Alfred knew enough that Adelina was not a friend of his adoptive brother Thomas.

Even so, he could only shut up and pay attention to them. Adelina was kind to him too. Same with the treatment Thomas gave him. She is very grateful to have a family like Thomas and Adelina.

During those six months, Alfred learned that their relationship had gradually become serious. Like at the moment.

Today is the wedding day between Adelina and her brother Thomas. Alfred was happy to see his new family happy.

Alfred is not in school. But he will take the time to learn from Thomas who is a teacher. Thomas only said that Alfred had to catch up first before he was ready to go to school through homeschooling. Alfred was quite happy to accept all of that. No need to go to school, it's okay for him. Because with his current condition he has made himself comfortable.

After Thomas finally got married, Thomas decided to honeymoon in New York City. And inevitably, he had to leave Alfred alone, even though he wanted to take the boy away. Actually Thomas could not bear it, but Alfred himself urged that they should still go without taking him. It doesn't matter if he's home alone. Now he can cook because Thomas often teaches himself to be careful if Thomas does not come home. Although he was only 7 and a half years old, Alfred turned out to have a brain that is fairly intelligent. Dear. He must be willing to live without a family that can send him to school.

"Be careful at Alfred's house. And, I've also left money for your needs for a week in your drawer." Tuke Thomas.

"Okay, Brother Adel, brother Thomas. You guys be careful too. Enjoy your holiday." Answer Alfred.

And Thomas and Adelina finally left for New York in their private car. Alfred himself provided a bicycle for his needs in case he wanted to go out to buy something far away.

During those 1 week, Alfred spent studying and taking care of himself. He had no playmates even though his face was quite handsome. The boy had one black dot on his right chin which made him even more dazzling. Anyone who sees it, is sure to be bewitched by his good looks.

*********

One year passed. Adelina is now pregnant and even 3 months of age. Hearing the good news from the wife, of course, makes Thomas grateful for the gifts he got. And so did Alfred. Although his facial expression was flat, the boy was delighted when he heard the news that Adelina would have a child. That way he'll have a playmate. Do not continue to play or chat with Thomas also Adelina who incidentally is an adult and has married. Even Thomas' attention would not be the same again as the first time they met.

Another case if their child is born. He could spend a lot of time with the baby while his parents were working. He could be a good sister for Adelina's son later. Keeping like his own brother.

And that day came. Entering the age of 9 months of pregnancy, Adelina was immediately taken to the hospital when her womb contracted. Alfred quickly called a taxi and drove Adelina when Thomas could not deliver because he was still in his teaching hours at school.

"Alfred, sakiit..!!" Adelina squealed continuously in pain.

"Yes Brother Adel. Patience. Hold first. We'll be there soon." As much as possible Alfred remained calm even though his mind was actually also panicked and upset. Given his age is very young and does not understand about pregnancy.

"Sir, please hurry a little. My sister is giving birth." Pinta Alfred pleaded with the taxi driver.

The driver eventually increased his speed. Soon they arrived. The driver helped Alfred get Adelina. Two guards at the hospital entrance reacted to them.

"Please sister!!" Pekik Satpam who saw Adelina walk tired.

Some nurses immediately took the gurney and helped Adelina up. Quickly the other nurse immediately called the obstetrician. And some pushed Adelina's gurney into the ER room. Meanwhile, Alfred directly took care of the administration for Adelina's delivery.

The screams and cries of Adelina echoed in every hallway of the hospital calling out the husband's name. Alfred followed the nurse to the ER room and waited in front of the room. He had also contacted Thomas who was on his way to the hospital.

Shortly thereafter, Thomas arrived with a crumpled look and slightly messy clothes due to panic.

"How's he doing, Alfred?"

"Still in the care of doctors, brother. Sit down first." Without saying anything, Thomas sat next to Alfred. His eyes repeatedly glanced at his watch as well as the ER light that was still burning red. Makes his heart beat irregularly.

"OOEEKKPEN... OOEEK..." The sound of a crying baby echoed inside the ER room an hour later. Until Thomas even faintly heard the sound of the baby's cry.

Suddenly Thomas turned to the now dimmed lights of the ER. She could not hide her happy smile as her baby's cries continued to ring in her ears.

The ER door opens. Showing the figure of his wife who was lying helpless and unconscious, now being pushed out to the treatment room. Thomas then approached a woman in a white suit who was following Adelina's cage from behind.

"How are my wife and my son, doctor?"

The woman in the white coat smiled knot. "Let's come to my room. We'll talk there." Thomas did not answer. Followed the doctor's steps into his room.

"Alfred. Please take care of Adelina for a moment." Alfred nodded in response before they went to their respective destination rooms.

"Your wife and child are healthy. Congratulations, your son is a girl." Obviously the doctor smiled warmly when Thomas was in front of him.

Thomas breathed a sigh of relief. "Yet your daughter is a little weak, sir. I haven't confirmed it directly." To be honest Thomas was a little worried with the continuation of the explanation of the doctor who handled the delivery of his wife. Especially when it comes to her son.

"I will continue to monitor the development of the master's daughter during the examination process." Tukas the doctor. Thomas was not surprised nor was he too shocked. To him. As long as his daughter was healthy it was more than enough.

"Good doc. I hope the doctor can do his best for my daughter and wife."

The doctor smiled completely. "You just calm down. I'll definitely do it."

And with that Thomas could breathe a sigh of relief. He then resigned to meet his wife and adopted sister who turned out Adelina had realized and was breastfeeding their child. Right said the doctor. Her daughter is so sweet and adorable because her daughter has padlocked cheeks. There is nothing like Adelina. Her eyes also resemble her hair. Her face is beautiful like her mother.

"Thomas. Look at our daughter. He looks a lot like you, right? Hahaha..."

"But he has a face like you." Thomas Timpal. He looked at Alfred and smiled.

"Alfred. Will you promise to take care of our baby?" Pinta Thomas is hopeful. Alfred would not refuse. He nodded firmly in response.

"Thank you." Adelina gently rubbed the dark brown mane of Alfred's dear.

"What do you want to name?"

Adelina was silent, observing the beautiful face of her daughter who was sound asleep while smiling.

"Bella!!"

.

.

.

Thomas gets an invitation from his friend to attend a wedding. Whether intentionally or not, Thomas and Adelina did not take the baby with them and left the 5-month-old Bella for Alfred to foster.

Before the two left, Thomas had to move all his assets in the drawer of Alfred's closet in the form of a safe and only Thomas, Adelina and Alfred who knew about the password of the safe.

The journey of the two of them towards the wedding venue looked as usual. Where they joke with each other lightly. But when suddenly it started raining in the night that was about to enter the middle of the night heavily, Thomas tried to drive his car at a low speed and very carefully. Because the rain fell along with the wind, making Thomas's vision disturbed. Moreover, the glass in his car began to condense obscuring his view.

From the opposite direction, a wooden truck driver was driving in a sleepy state. So that makes the truck in the driver's ride running zig zag irregular. Till....

"Thomas WATCH OUT.!!"

"WOW!!!"

Adelina yells in warning of her husband. But Thomas, who was late, realized it immediately swerved to the left as well as the driver. But fate says something else. The truck lost its balance, making the wood beams still intact from the truck and then hit the roof of the rear car owned by Thomas to the dent.

Luckily, the wood did not hit the front. But unfortunately, Adelina could not be saved when the ambulance had managed to take them to the hospital. So did the truck driver who died on the spot. Thomas himself is lucky to still survive even though his breath has been wheezing due to dying.

Alfred was shocked when he got word from a police officer that his two foster brothers had an accident. But as soon as possible he immediately rushed to the hospital. I hope they can still be saved. He even had to bring Bella who was crying hard so panicked.

"Thomas!" Pekik Alfred approached the gurney where Thomas' body was. Thomas was wearing a breathing apparatus.

"al-al, Alfred. Comeoverhere. Huh.huh.." Alfred approached Thomas. "Please, take care of our son. You already know how he is, don't you?" Alfred could not help but nod. He was not even aware that he was crying.

"All your needs are 'I insured. Use all of that as best you can. We love you guys." And after saying it all, Thomas breathed his last breath and completely left. Perhaps his life was still put on hold in order to give Alfred his final say.

Alfred was silent unmoved staring at Thomas's body which was now a corpse with blank eyes.

Now, there will be no more laughter in their humble home. There was no longer a debate between the two that melted the tense atmosphere. There were no more delicious dishes made by Adelina and Thomas, no more cheerful smiles of the two, no more teaching him to continue school. Everything feels empty. All gone. Why would they leave all that behind if there was no more happiness? He now has only one sister. A sister who is very similar to her teacher as well as sister. He hopes, Bella will be a cheerful figure beyond both parents. In order for her to become a strong girl is also strong despite the trials of her. He won't let anyone hurt his sister. Until anytime. His life will be devoted to looking after his only brother. It was his promise to Thomas as well as to himself.

Off Flashback..

"I promised for the rest of my life. I promise I'll take care of you anytime, Bella."

*******

In a neighboring country, a middle-aged woman gasped. The tea glass he held fell with a gripping sound. Servers came to see what was really going on.

His master was daydreaming, his eyes blankly staring at the shattered tea glass on the floor. No one dared to come closer. Some servants could only look down fearfully glancing at each other. It was as if they were talking through the look of their eyes.

Until one of the female servants with clothes that look authoritative came. The woman was silent for a moment looking at the broken ceramic shards, then glanced at the servants who were only silent not far from her. Sighing heavily, the woman again walked closer to her master.

"Get me a cleaner." he ordered. One of the servants who had stood up from his place, immediately carried out the task given.

"Madam, what happened?" the woman asked softly at a middle-aged woman who was already close to fifty years old. But still look young.

The lady did not reply. He was still unmoved in his place with a blank look staring at the marble floor before him.

"Still thinking of the young master?" hearing the woman make a sound, the hostess reacted. Glanced at the woman without a word. The woman smiled understandably, "young master will definitely be fine out there madam."

"Heaven... How can I be calm every day? Just thinking about it makes my head feel like it's going to break."

"Mrs. Think positive. I'm sure the young master must be fine."

The lady again sighed. Nodding his head in agreement, "I think you're right. I just have to let her realize that what she's been doing all this time is wrong."

The woman who served as the butler smiled warmly. After he had cleared the shattered glass to pieces, he handed it to a servant to pass it on and moved closer to his master.

"Mrs should rest. It's not good to always have a lot of thoughts, ma'am. If master finds out, he will definitely not be happy."

The madam resigned herself and stood up as the butler swept over her. Guided him to walk towards the middle room.

"I'll be right back." The madam only muttered in response. After the butler left, his face again cheered, his mind drifting on the figure of the young man he deeply cared about. He saw a large portrait mounted neatly on the wall of the room, there was a figure of her and her husband. Beside him, a young man of tall stature with a sapphire-eyed blonde mane was smiling charmingly. The madam nodded back.

"Thomas. Where are you now? I miss you."