Chasing The Universe [Cosmos Series#1]

Kabanata 12

There was a deafening silence on the dining area so I walked near Vynz at ako na ang nagsalita para basagin ang katahimikan.

I cleared my throat before I started. "Everyone, this is Vynz Devaughne, a friend." Ipinagdiinan ko ang salitang friend para malaman nila ang nais kong iparating. I saw my Mom staring at me at nanliliit ang mga mata na para bang sinasabing maguusap kami mamaya. Yeah, right, may kasalanan pa siya sa akin.

"Vynz, this is my family." He slightly bowed his head facing my relatives as a respect at muling tumuwid ng tayo.

He didn't flashed a smile and he remained stoic and cold. Kahit no'ng bumati siya kanina ay ganoon ang kanyang ekspresyon. Ito 'yong Vynz na una kong nakilala, the cold and ruthless mafia boss. I remember something, I glanced on my cousin, Theo na matalim ang mga tingin kay Vynz. Gosh!

Theo refused to be an underboss of Cosmos because he said that he wants to focus on the field and to Lozano Cruises that's why I assigned him as one of the caporegime at hindi imposible na kilala nila ang isa't isa.

"Have a sit hijo, apo." Lolo gestured the vacant seat beside mom at ang kinauupuan ni Damien kanina na ngayon ay bakante na. Manang and the other maids cleaned the dining table kaya malinis at bakante na ang lamesa.

Sinunod namin si Lolo at ipinaghila pa ako ni Vynz ng upuan. My relatives were just staring at us until we settled down.

"Engineer, you're the CEO of Devaughne enterprises? and the chairman of engineering and architectural firm." It was Uncle David trying to lessen the heavy atmosphere. Good thing that he knows how to deal with the situation.

"Yes, Sir," Vynz nodded his head.

"Those are good companies, right, Papa?" Tito turned to Lolo at bigla akong kinabahan sa isasagot ni Lolo. I was about to speak when Lolo answered.

"Indeed." Lolo even nodded his head. "How's Thomas, Hijo. He is a good friend of mine at matagal tagal na rin ang huli naming pagkikita." Anong sinasabi ni Lolo?

"What?" I whispered at akala ko ay mahina lang iyon pero bumaling ang atensyon ng lahat sa akin.

"Yes, apo."

"You must be Leonardo, Sir? My grandfather mentioned you to me last time," Vynz answered. Seryoso ba?

"Yes hijo and don't call me sir, just Leonardo or Lolo. At sana ay maganda ang sinabi Thomas tungkol sa akin?" What Lolo? Ano siya apo?

"He mentioned a lot of good things about your friendship," Pormal na sagot ni Vynz habang ako ay hindi mapakali sa kinauupuan.

"That's good then."

Vynz and Uncle's conversation continued at minsan ay nakikisali rin si Uncle Ricos, Tita Ellena's husband and Tyler my cousin habang si Theo ay tahimik lamang at kapag isinasali ng ama sa usapan ay tango at iling lang ang isinasagot. They are talking about business. Habang ang mga babae naman ay may sariling usapan. Good thing na mukhang pinipigilan ni Mommy ang sarili na magsalita laban kay Vynz dahil mukhang nagulat rin sa sinabi ni Lolo.

"I want to talk to you, Apo. In my private room," Lolo said at nagpaalam na sa lahat. I was hesitant at first dahil kay Vynz. Ako ang kinakabahan para sa kanya pero mukha namang magiging maayos siya.

"Hija, let your Uncle take care of your man," Sambit ni Lolo nang makita niya na hindi pa ako sumusunod. My lips parted as my brow arched.

I leaned closer to my Mom and whispered. "Mom, be good." I flashed a smile on her but I know that she knew that smile, my mom knew me very well that's why she rolled her eyes on me.