Obnoxious Oxygen

Chapter Two

Pilit ko mang ikalma ang aking kalooban ay hindi ko na mapigilan ang pag-igkas ng galit sa aking dibdib. Sa mabibigat na hakbang ay tinungo ko ang main entrance ng Casa de Caballeros. I was too preoccupied that I fail to notice the beauty of the place or to even acknowledge the uniformed staff who greeted me good evening.

Sandali akong napahinto at napayuko, I wasn't aware I'm clenching my fist and my knuckles are now white. I really have to let it go before I see Ethan. I will not let him see me this way. I did my–breathe in and breathe out–routine, stretching my hands open. I tilted my chin. This should be a good night, I'm seeing Ethan and I shouldn't let an arrogant son of a bitch ruin this for me.

"Good evening, Madame."

Another uniformed staff greeted me, I smile at her. "To Kurtney's table, please."

"This way, Madame." She then guided me to where the private dining rooms are. This kind of setup the Casa have is what makes it more popular. The front part is for casual dining, if you want a more intimate and private dinner you have a secluded room, then if you want to get drunk and dirty after dinner, the back part of the place is for you. There's a huge bar waiting for people who wants to get wasted.

We stop right in front of blindfold doors made of woods, she reach for the knob and twist it open for me. I muttered thanks and then she smiled and excuse herself out.

I walked in, the walls are covered with great colours, on the ceiling is a Swarovski crystal chandelier and above the huge carve–oaked table are the food served for dinner. My eyes immediately look for Ethan but it landed to that fucking annoying De Salvo sitting comfortably on one of the seats in far corner. Nagtama ang aming mga mata, tila ba ako isang nakakaaliw na tanawin para umangat ang isang sulok ng kaniyang labi sa pagkakakita sa akin. Inirapan ko siya at ipinagpatuloy ang aking pakay.

Naglakad akong papalapit sa kanilang lamesa, my heels started to make a noise kaya ang ilan sa mga ito ay napalingon sa akin. And finally! The pair of eyes I wanted to see matched mine. Ethan's pair of hazel brown eyes are my favourite browns.

"Gabby!" Si Kurtney iyon, tumayo ito sa kinauupuan upang salubungin ako. Halata ang pagkabigla sa mukha nito. "I didn't know you're coming!"

How would she know? She didn't invite me. Imbes na sagutin si Kurtney ay nginitian ko si Ethan na nakaupo sa tabi ni Romee.

"Hi, Gabby." That's sweet Romee smiling at me. She maybe his date tonight but I have to remind myself that my brother likes this girl so much and she's nice so it's only fair to be nice to her.

"Hi, Romee."

Atsaka ko na nilapitan si Kurtney, I kiss her cheek and greeted her.

Luminga-linga si Kurtney, looking for a vacant seat for me. Ang magkabilang upuan sa tabi nito ay okupado na. The only seat available are the one between Ethan and Rance Dela Paz. Hah! Well there's the luck I don't have to push.

Sasabihin ko na sana rito na ayos lang at doon na lamang ako uupo nang tumayo mula sa tabi nito ang kapatid na si Kade. Offering me his seat.

"You can take mine. I'll ask for another one." He said politely.

Well, this maybe the only time I'm going to hate a chivalry.

"That's kind of you, Kade. Thank you!" Kurtney said. "Come here, Gabby."

Well, I'm left with no choice but to wave bye–bye to that luck I almost had. Naupo na ako sa tabi ni Kurtney, ayos lang ang mahalaga ay nandito si Ethan ngayon.

"Oh, by the way, Gabby. I'm not sure if you already met my cousins, Oxygen and Titanium." Pakilala ni Kurtney sa mga ito. "Well, technically they're our uncle and aunt. Their father –Tito Exodus is our grandfather's younger brother though we were raised as cousins for we're all of the same age." Nilingon nito ang dalawa para ako naman ang ipakilala. "And this is my friend, Gabbana."