"Okay ka lang?"

From the outside of his moving car, my eyes shifted to Oxygen. I gave him a simple nod and immediately look away. Seeing Oxygen made me remember everything that happened last night at the platform of his yacht. And remembering it warms my face. How I acted last night was beyond me. I was in heat and the sensation Oxygen awakens me was strange and foreign. I'm like going over a hill and I get that swoosh feeling in my stomach. It's like that but in my pants.

"Sigurado ka?" His eyes were going back and forth from me and the road ahead.

I couldn't construct any sentences, yet. I couldn't even look him straight in the eye. I've managed another nod without turning to him. Having to face Oxygen last night as he tucked me to bed is one thing and having to face him today is another.

When I woke up this morning, I was already in my bed at the house. I didn't know how I managed to stay asleep the whole time and thinking about Oxygen carrying me from the yacht to my room made me feel more embarrassed. The sleeping me doubles my weight, I have no doubt that Oxygen could carry a lot more weight with his ripped muscles, but still that's a shame!

And now, after breakfast, we're heading to his parents' house. I overheard him awhile ago talking to his dad, informing that we'll be there before lunch. And I don't know what to feel about it. I sighed deeply. I'm seated here, on the shotgun of his car while he's driving straight to his parents. Not that it made me nervous but it made me a little bit anxious.

"Ayaw mo bang tumuloy? Pwede tayong bumalik, tatawagan ko nalang si papa-"

Mabilis akong umiling upang putulin ang anumang sasabihin pa niya. "No, I'm okay, Oxygen. Really. I'm good. I don't even know what makes you think that I'm not."

He gave me a sideways glance before his hand reached over the rear view mirror just so I could see myself in it. "Tignan mo nga kung mukha kang okay."

I did as I was told. I look normal, with my hair properly combed through my shoulders as it was tucked behind my ears. The light makeup I had on looks nice. But he's right, one look and it's obvious. I don't look fine.

"Nagugutom ka na ba? Nauuhaw? May gusto ka ba?" Sunod-sunod niyang tanong.

Magkakasunod na pag-iling din ang aking ginawa, I lowered my eyes to my lap. I don't want him to see me through my eyes and know what I'm thinking, he seems to be good at that. I just couldn't think of a perfect way to tell him that me coming with him to attend to some family affair ain't sound right and fine. What was I to him for me to be brought to his family? I'm just a weak, pitiful woman he took the responsibility of sitting until my brother came back in town.

"Gabgab?" He called my attention back.

I sighed, this man ain't gonna stop. Nilingon ko siya, ganoon din ang kaniyang ginawa. Oxygen in the morning is a sight, people who didn't know him only sees his devil-may-care outlook and a stellar smile but he's more than that. And I like how his goatee doesn't make him look dirty. I smiled at my own thought.

"Hoy, baliw?" Umangat ang kaniyang dalawang kilay bago muling ibalik ang paningin sa daan, "Kanina lang parang ang lalim lalim ng iniisip mo, ngayon ngingitian mo ko na parang nakita mo na ang kinabukasan mo."

I rolled my eyes, maybe I should stop overthinking things. "I said I'm good, just a little bit bored. Can I manipulate the radio?"

"As you please," he said with a wink and what's wrong with me that my heart took a flip? This is crazy.

After a long drive, he pulled off in front of a huge Modern-French gull wing house in a mixture of gray, black and white colors. And a huge courtyard with beautiful landscape. I didn't wait for Oxygen to open the car door for me, I know he would. I slipped off the car the same time he did.

"You have a very nice place, Oxygen."

"Sa mga magulang ko 'to, hindi sakin" tipid niya akong nginitian bago akayin papasok.

I was expecting someone like a hired help in her ironed uniform to open the door for us but I was wrong. Instead, from the foyer we were welcomed by a blonde head who wore a pretty smile on her face. She's wearing a simple tee and a matching shorts, walking barefoot.

"If it isn't Oxygen De Salvo walking in," the woman grinned. "It's been awhile, brother. The house missed you, I don't."

"Ang daldal mo, Audrey." There's an obvious adoration in his voice, he turned to me and smiled again. "Si Audrey, kapatid ko. Audrey, si Gabby."

"Hi!" Audrey gave me a pleasing smile, I must say that this one resembles Oxygen's nose and even his lips. Their eyes looks the same except for its color. "Papa told us you were bringing in a 'Gabby' and here I am, expecting a he. I was even thinking ahead if he's cute, he should be cute, then you might've set me up a date with the 'Gabby', turns out that she's a she. But no, don't mind me, I'm not disappointed. Just a little. Though I'm pleased to meet you, Gabby."

And okay, that was quick. I didn't follow her. All I know is that, she thought I'm a male. "Hi," was my simple reply.

"Madaldal talaga 'yan, wag mo nalang iniintindi." Sabi ni Oxygen. "Nasan sila mama?"

"We're playing pool, oh, well, I mean they're playing." She said and walked ahead of us. His hand goes on the small of my back as he guided me to follow his sister. "They won't let me play because I have no team mate. I hate that Anja at Tami never want me to switch places with dad or mom, but I hate you more. Without you around made me a sick scorer."

She talks a lot. That's what I noticed about her.

"Madaldal siya, pero wala pa 'yan sa kalingkingan ni Anja, so you wait." Bulong ni Oxygen sa tabi ko.

Audrey is saying something but I wasn't able to follow. My eyes roamed around, this house has a far better interior than Oxygen's place back in the beach and a helluva lot more beautiful than his fuck-flat. Its huge and the walls are painted neatly. We walked past the living room which looked very original and full of great details, I like how the curved drapery rods on the bow windows seemed very tailored. I also like the limestone flooring. Who ever designed this place deserves an award.

We were headed into a room, which I assumed a recreation room. Audrey stepped inside and announced that we're already here.

"Oxygen and his Gabby are already here, Pa, you didn't tell me that Gabby is a she! I kind of expected a six feet two with a brick built and worth drooling sexy-as-hell visitor. That's why I'm in a hurry to get the door for them."

My eyes lifted from the brick floor in herringbone pattern up to the people in front of me. Aside from me, Oxygen and Audrey, there are four more heads to fill the room. Around the metal billiard table colored in black and silver, stands a man and three women.

"Medyo umasa kasi siya, muntik na nga 'yan mag-flames kanina." An annoying laughter came from another blonde in the room, who looks exactly like Audrey, the only difference is that this one has her eyes blue. Like Oxygen's. She turned to me and smile. "Bakit sumasama ka kay Oxygen? Hindi ka ba nandidiri?"

"Anja, it's too early to ruin your brother's mood." His dad warned her before he looked in our direction and smile, now I know where Oxygen got his smile. "Welcome to our humble abode, Gabby. These are my daughters, Audrey Jeanne, Titanium Olympia and Anja Elizabeth."

Audrey sat down at the leather seat in one corner of the room, she smiled at me and she'd been doing that since I came in. Then there's Titanium who walked into us with an equally pleasing smile, I have seen her once with Lance and I know from there that she's beautiful. Though up close, I could say that this woman looks regal.

"Hello, Gabby. You're Zander's sister, Kurtney's friend right?" She asked, I nodded and smiled back. "I didn't know you and my brother are going out." Her eyes moved up to Oxygen and she raised one perfectly shaped brow, as her smile turned into smirk.

"Don't get nosy, Tami." Exodus De Salvo chuckled, getting my attention again. Even his voice sounded like Oxygen's. "And this helluva babe here is my wife, Moana Marie."

I don't know why, but my heartbeat instantly pickup at the mention of her name. My gaze swung into the edge of the billiard table where Moana Marie -Oxygen's mom, is sitting above the top rails. She's holding a cue stick placed in between her legs. Unlike everyone in the room, she's not smiling.

She just gave me a fleeting look before her eyes found Oxygen. "Akala ko di mo na alam kung san bahay mo, e"

"M, baby." It was Mr. De Salvo's laughter that broke the silence inside the room, it's as if he's trying to end the tension forming between his wife and Oxygen. He walked near her and grabbed her waist to put her down the table. "Come on, let's get back to business. Anja, set the table." He looked back to us with an apologetic smiled. "Oxygen, make her feel comfortable and join us here. Team up with Audrey, she's close to crying."

Oxygen guided me on the leather seat where Audrey was sitting before she went to join Anja. "Sorry kay Mama, galit lang sakin 'yan kaya ganyan."

I nodded. I looked up and met Moana Marie's gaze, she's watching me. There's not a hint of pleased in her eyes, she's more likely to throw me out of the room given a chance. She doesn't want me here, it's obvious. "She's not fond of my presence," I whispered.

"Shh, wag ka mag-isip ng ganyan. Naiinis lang 'yan sakin." He said. "Okay ka lang ba dito? Mag-lalaro lang ako, saglit lang."

"I'm fine here, take your time." I smiled up at him, I don't want to be needy of his presence. Oxygen has to enjoy his life and his time with his family, he should stop worrying about me because I'm absolutely fine.

He studied me for a second before he sighed and moved away.

"Good luck, show off some skills!" I cheered him up.

He was about to say something when Anja's loud voice interrupted us. "Halika na, Kuya. Mamaya na landi, hindi naman 'yan mawawala. Harot nito,"

I flushed and looked away from Oxygen, her sisters laughed. He just spun around and went to them like that was nothing.

"Girls, stop making Gabby uncomfortable. She's our guest." His dad said in a warning, turning his gaze to me with his wife in his arm and a cue stick on the other. "By the way, do you play pool, Gabby? Would you like to switch places with Titanium and join us?"

"Oo nga, Gabby. O kaya naman, kayo nalang ni Oxygen then Anja will go with Audrey para kumportable ka." Titanium invited me, too.

I searched for Oxygen's eyes and he's looking at me, waiting for my response. Then I turned to his mom who's obviously isn't my fan right now. She's looking at the opposite direction like she didn't care about me at all. No. I should say no. This will be their family bonding and I'll be ruining it if I'll take Titanium's place. I have took so much of Oxygen's time from his family, I should let them have this. Oxygen's eyes were hopeful, I looked away and turned to his dad with a polite smile.

"No, Sir. I don't play pool." I lied. I do. With dad.

"Oh, if that is then will you be okay there?" His brows shot up, even that mannerism is copied by Oxygen.

I assured him with a nod and a tight smile.

"Okay," before he headed to the table he grinned at me. "And, darling, you can drop the Sir. Tito will be fine."

"Sus, yung iba ngang mga babae nito ni Kuya nakiki-Papa na sa Papa ko, e" Anja giggled.

"Tara na, nasasayang ang oras." Moana Marie moved away from her husband's arm to go over the table but before she could go any farther, he's back to holding her towards the game.

I shook my head, it somehow made me grin. Lovebirds. I've seen a lot of those with my parents and I could say that I'm a sucker.

They've played an eight-ball game once before Anja requested a blackball match. I tried to concentrate on watching but I just couldn't do it well with Oxygen's eyes pinning on me as if I was his target ball.

Anja and Oxygen made most of the conversation, pissing each other. As I observed, they've grown fond of annoying one another. After the game, Exodus De Salvo took the single seater couch near me. His smiles mirrors his debonair personality.

"I hope you didn't get bored in this corner, Gabby." He said.

"No, I'm fine here. I actually enjoyed watching you guys play." I did enjoy it. For the first time, I've seen Oxygen be his actual self. I've seen how he was with his family.

Moana Marie walked towards us with a beer mug on her hand, she handed it to her husband.

"Thank you, baby." He smiled at her like she's the only one he sees in the room. And as expected, he's not letting her go. He had his arm snake around her waist, this too dang gorgeous man looks so wrapped up with his wife who wears shabby loose sleeveless top and a black leggings that hugs her buttocks just right. Probably the reason why her husband couldn't stop groping her ass like they had no company aside from each other. Not that their children mind.

"They suck, I know." Oxygen whispered, only then I realized that he took the space beside me. "You have to look away or else you'll be spitting shit in a few. He just can't keep his hands off her, we've grown accustomed watching him so pussy-whipped."

"Oxygen, I've got the ears of a moth." His dad said, looking at our direction. "Would you like to have some refreshments, Gabby? Sorry, my son is an ass for not asking you."

"Mag-tatanong palang ako, naunahan mo lang." Oxygen chuckled, he turned to me and I'm surprised that he held my hand. "Nauuhaw ka?"

I'm starting to say no when his mom cleared her throat and moved away from her husband, I looked at her and she raised me a brow before glancing at my hand entwined with Oxygen's. I panicked and pulled away fast, keeping it on my lap.

"Anja, daanan niyo na sa Mug 'yong cake. Mag-pasama ka kay Audrey." Napahinto ito sa pag-sasalita nang abutin itong muli ng kaniyang asawa, sinamaan niya ito ng tingin. "Ano ka ba, Exodus? Para kang mawawala, ah. Ayusin niyo na yung iihawin niyo ni Oxygen, Tami halika na, may lulutuin pa tayo sa baba."

She started leaving and her husband who literally couldn't get enough of her stood up, he's at her elbow as he followed her. I felt Oxygen's arm on my waist, caressing my side. I'm not sure what was that for, then he whispered near my ear.

"Pasensya ka na kay Mama, galit kasi talaga 'yon sakin." Great, so he's not blind to see his mother's animosity towards me.

I was about to utter an answer when Titanium called me out, I looked up to her and saw Anja and Audrey exiting the room.

"Why don't you join Mama and I prepare some dishes while the boys grill outside?" She invited me, at least she did care about my presence.

I turned to Oxygen and was about to say no but once I return my eyes to Titanium, her lips stretched in a nice smile that looks so hard to refuse. Now, I therefore conclude that the De Salvos got an irresistible kind of smile because I'm saying yes.

With a simple nod, she beamed and snatched me from Oxygen. Through my wrist, she pulled me down to where the kitchen is.

"Ma, I got Gabby here for some help." Titanium announced the moment we walked inside the kitchen, I know her Mama won't see me as a help. I myself didn't know what help I could give them because for the love of God, I know nothing  about cooking. I couldn't even cube a carrot right.

So, instead of looking at her and catch her daggers, I roamed my eyes and appreciate the kitchen they have here. Like all the other parts of the house, it's beautiful. I've always had a soft spot for painted rooms as they really offer longevity in my opinion, because when you've gone off that perfect 'of the moment' color you can repaint the cabinets and give your room a whole new lease of life. Especially, in a room as functional as the kitchen, if you change up the hardware and maybe the backsplashes too. The kitchen is masquerading a modern technology behind traditional hand painted cabinetry. It's making a really contemporary statement though with the inky dark paint choice, painted in off black.

"Tutulong ka?"

Napaangat ako ng tingin sa tanong na iyon ng Mama ni Oxygen, I don't know what to feel when her eyes scanned me from head to foot before her lips curved a smile that doesn't appear to be a smile because I know a smile when I see one. She's got a sarcastic look on her face. The kind of look I've always seen in Oxygen.

"Kamukhang kamukha ka ng nanay mo, noh?"

What she said surprised me. She knew my mom? Well, that's not impossible. My parents used to spend their lives before marriage here, they've made number of friends. Is she my mother's friend? That I doubt, she doesn't seem to be pleased by the thought that I look like my mom. I know that my momma doesn't have much fan but thinking that Oxygen's mom wasn't fond of her made me wanna melt down the marble floor. I've managed to smile though I wasn't sure if I have to smile at her comment.

"Edi, tutulong ka nga?" She asked again, I nodded and I don't know why on earth I did. Now she smiled, close to real smile. She put the champagne flute she's holding above the counter and headed to the fridge. "Marunong ka ba mag-linis ng isda?"

I bit my lower lip, trying so hard not to grimace. But just a vivid images of raw fish being gutted makes me wanna throw up.

"Yuck with a y?" Moana Marie let out a humorless chuckle.

She mocked me, maybe she'd heard mom say that a lot that it marked her, I felt my cheeks burned in embarrassment, I have never felt ashamed by the idea of people knowing I wasn't a kitchen person, not until now.

"Ma, I can do that." Titanium said walking towards her to get the fish, her sorry eyes crossed my direction. "Uhm, Gabby, just get yourself comfortable there. Kami na ni Mama ang bahala dito."

I watched as Titanium went to the sink and get started. Oh my God! No way, I'm not watching it. I should look away, it's gross. But where am I gonna look? At Moana Marie and meet her hate? Her hate that I don't understand where it came from? I have never cared about anyone throwing a fit on me but for some reason, Moana Marie's views about me matters.

"So, Gabby, how's New York?" Titanium is obviously trying to pick up a conversation with me, that's so nice of her. I need that, because with Moana Marie darting me a glare as I stood at the center of the kitchen, covered me so much awkwardness.

"New York is fine," of course I had to lie. "Weather is good."

"I heard from Kurtney that you're staying here for awhile, you here for vacation?"

"Most likely," I nodded and took one of the stool near the counter to see her closely, well, also to avoid her mom's gaze that's starting to make me feel uncomfortable. "How about you? Oxygen told me that you're a food journalist."

"Yes I am. I was working part time at a pizzeria in Italy." Her perfectly sculpted eyebrows arched up, she seem surprised that I know a thing about her. "I didn't know you and Oxygen are really getting a long, he's told you about me. And the family I guess?"

My eyes had gone wide the moment I realized what I had just said and how Titanium interpreted it. She gave me a meaningful look matched with a grin. Oh, no. I shook my head, trying so hard to keep my cool. I was fighting the desire to run away and keep my face hidden. I just gave her a hint for something that isn't something, I'm not making sense. I know. "N-no, it's not what you think it is,"

"Oh, no one is thinking anything" she teased. I tried to keep my eyes on her face and not down there to the mutilated fish she has on her hands. "Anyway, ignore me. Do you eat pizza?"

I did what I was told, that's better. "I do."

"Do you have a dream pizza topping?" She asked, I don't know how she manage to talk to me while gutting a fish like having her hands took of the poor fish's intestine is just insane.

"Chicken, Canadian bacon, black olives, green olives, pineapple, cheese, barbecue sauce, onions and mushrooms." I tried my best not to buckle as I answered, because Moana Marie's eyes are making it hard for me to speak straight. "I hope it make sense."

"It does," Titanium laughed. "But your kind of dream pizza will send us to gym for hours, you know. It ain't easy to burn."

That made me smile, at least I wasn't the only one who's been so curious about gaining pounds.

"Bilisan mo na 'yan, Titanium."

My smiles instantly faded when her mom cut us in.

"Yes, Ma." Titanium grinned, through my peripheral vision, I saw Moana Marie walked up to us carrying a bowl of something. "Do you eat lobsters?"

I wasn't a fan of seafood but I do eat lobster, though I'm not going to elaborate that to her. Not in front of her mom. "I do," was my simple reply.

"Great! Mama cooked a red lobster, you'll love it!" She assured me. "Plus, Papa and Oxygen makes killer barbecue. I swear to earth, it's worth the gain."

I wasn't a good judge of character but I could say that I like Titanium. She's making me feel welcome. We'd talked a lot of things about food, I'm a fan of Italian cuisine and she knows a lot about it. Something that we have in common.

I helped her with a few things, like fixing the table and stuff. When the table is ready, Tami excused herself to answer a call from her phone. Leaving me alone with he mom.

"Kailan ka pa naging girlfriend ni Oxygen?"

Napahinto ako nang marinig ang kaniyang tanong. Hindi man ako kumportable ay nag-angat ako ng aking paningin sakanya, she's sipping from her glass of champagne. She's got an impressive alcohol tolerance, she'd been drinking since I walked in to the kitchen. But that's not the thing here, she's asking me something I didn't know how to answer. I wasn't her son's girlfriend, not even his friend yet I rather say the latter. "I... I'm not his girlfriend, w-we're friends."

"Friends," she nodded her head and gave me a keen stare as if I'm saying something ridiculous. "Friends din kami ni Exodus buong buhay ko, e. Tignan mo, apat anak namin."

She got me there. How would I answer that? I don't know. I have never been this speechless my whole life but Moana Marie is rendering me mum.

"Kamusta ang mga magulang mo, Gabbana?" She changed the subject, she might've noticed how she's making me uncomfortable. But I don't know what conversation I'd rather have with her, the one that concerns Oxygen or this that's all about my parents.

I saw a gleam of hate in her eyes, I have no idea what was that for. "They're fine,"

"Malamang," her shoulders shuddered. "Alam mo kasi, Gabbana. Hindi ako magaling makipag-plastikan,"

I have already figured that out, she's not the one to cover her emotions. If she hates you, she'd make sure it will reach you. I've experienced it today, since I walked inside her house.

"I have a not so beautiful history with your parents," that explains. "Pero dinala ka dito ng anak ko, pinapagkatiwalaan ka niya, ayaw ko man sa mga magulang mo, labas ka dun. Sana lang hindi ka mag-dulot ng problema kay Oxygen, kahit naman tarantado siya. Anak ko parin siya. Ayoko nang madagdagan pa ang galit na meron ako para sa pamilya mo, kung kaibigan ka ni Oxygen, mabuti."

Hindi ko na alam kung paano pa iyon sasagutin, kaya laking pasasalamat ko na dumating si Anja at Audrey dala ang cake na kinuha ng mga ito. I had a chance to excuse myself to the restroom, my hear is beating so fast inside my chest. Goodness, what is happening with me?

After I fixed myself in front of the mirror and a few minutes thinking through things if I've gotten it right. Moana Marie, Oxygen's mom hates my parents. And by the looks of it, it ain't just a simple hate. It's deep. What made her hate my parents? Mom might be a little too much in everything but they're a great person. That I believe.

"Gabgab?" Oxygen's voice behind the door came after a couple of knock.

Without even thinking, I hit the knob and unlocked the door. It swung open, Oxygen walked in and immediately pulled me in his arms. I heard the door behind him shuts close.

"Hey, okay ka lang? Sorry, hindi kita dapat iniwan kay Mama-"

"I'm okay," I said in a small voice.

"You're not. Sinabi sakin ni Anja, nag-uusap kayo ni Mama nang dumating sila. Tapos nag-mamadali kang umalis." Much as I'd like to bury my face in his chest, he didn't let me. He lifted my chin to meet his eyes. "Namumutla ka, anong nangyari? May sinabi ba si Mama sayo?"

Now that I'm inside his arms, I felt instantly safe. "She hates me."

His eyes were suddenly alert. "Did she say anything about hating you?"

I shook and ducked my head. "No, she hated my parents. She said about something like having a bad history about mom and dad. I don't know what's probably it. My dad is nice and my mom, too... I swear, they're kind."

"Naniniwala ako," malumanay niyang sabi. "Wag mo nang isipin pa yung sinabi ni Mama-"

"Do you know anything about it?" I asked.

"Sabi ko sayo, hindi ako sinungaling." He sighed and nodded. "Pero hindi mo na yun kailangan pang malaman, kung malalaman mo man, hindi sakin, Gabgab."