Avalanche

AVALANCHE (ELEVEN)

THE Lucho Ventura's residence was exceptionally grand tonight. Wala namang party si Tito Lucho. It was just an intimate dinner but they still prepared for it. The exquisite chandelier hanging on their high ceiling reminded me of how wealthy and expensive the Ventura's are.

Abala ang lahat sa paglalabas ng pagkain sa garden. Ako ay tila nawawalang kuting sa loob ng malaking bahay na 'yun. Hindi ko alam kung saan ako pupunta. Kabisado ko naman ang bahay nila, I just don't want them to think that I'm barging in. Tinawagan ko sana muna si Miranda o kahit si Tilly.

"Ava!"

I saw Tita Carmie coming out of the kitchen. She was holding a huge platter on her hands that she passed to one of the maids. Nilapitan niya ako saka hinila palabas ng malapad na double doors. Sinalubong kami ng malamig na hangin at tawanan.

The Ventura patriarch that is Don Leonardo was sitting in the center of the presidential table. Sa kanan niya ay si Tito Lucho at sa kaliwa naman ay si Tito Lazaro, Keeno's dad. Ang ibang anak ng matandang Ventura ay hindi ko kilala. Gibbson's parents are always away like Clay's and Stavroe's parents that's why I've never seen them.

"Hi, Ata Ava!" Masiglang bati ni Miranda nang makita ako.

Nilingon na rin ako ng iba pang mga nasa mesa. I felt colder. Ang hampas ng dibdib ko ay hindi na humupa lalo na nang matagpuan ko ang pares ng itim na matang nakatitig ng mataman sa 'kin. I was so used to gatherings but right now I just wanna shrink to the ground.

Bumaba ang tingin ni Leon sa suot kong printed halter dress at itim na sapatos. Kumislap ang mga mata niya. He looked amused. And I knew why. They were the items he bought for me yesterday. Or should I say, he paid for me.

Miranda motioned her hand at me. "Come!"

Alanganin akong ngumiti, nalilito kung sino ang unang lalapitan. I should greet Tito Lucho first. That being said, I walked up to the most gorgeous man—only because it's his birthday—in the table. I greeted them one by one kahit na nahihiya ako sa ginagawa ko. Kinakabahan lang naman ako dahil ramdam kong may mga matang nakasunod sa 'kin.

"Good evening, Ava! I'm glad you came." It was Tito Lucho grinning widely while looking at my blushed cheeks. He saw how Leon was never leaving me with his gaze.

"Happy birthday po, Tito..." Inabot ko sa kanya ang itim na kahita na maayos na nababalutan ng pulang laso. It was a fountain pen. I hope he'll like it.

He took it and grinned even wider. "Thank you. How thoughtful of you."

And I blushed even more. Pinagsiklop ko ang mga palad na tila ba isa akong mahiyaing babae. I am not! Ngayon lang! "Mom and Dad extended their greetings. They feel bad they can't make it."

"It's okay. Business is business, hija." He nodded in understanding. "Sige na, settle in."

Tumango rin ako at lumapit na sa pwesto ni Miranda. Gibbs stood up to give me a kiss on the cheek. Kinurot ko siya. He snickered. "You're a fucking sadist!"

"Gibbson! Watch your language. We're in the table, young man." Sita ni Don Leonardo.

He mouthed 'sorry' then shut up. I stuck out my tongue and he leaned in again to kiss me but I know he was just taunting me. Kinurot ko ulit siya. This time, mas mariin. He yelped and everyone laughed. Except for one.

Leon's piercing glare was boring into me I thought I'd be lying dead on the bermuda grass of their garden.

Binakante ni Stavs ang silya niya nang makita ang nanlilisik na mata ni Leon sa 'kin.

"Dito ka na maupo, Ava." He offered.

Nag-dalawang isip ako dahil makakatabi ko si Leon pero sa klase ng titig niya sa 'kin para bang babaliktarin niya ang mesa kung hindi ako mauupo sa tabi niya. I said my thanks to Stavs. I inhaled deeply and held my breath as I moved to settle in beside Leon.