"Oxygen, I'm thinking that I'm not a better company for mom. We went shopping this morning, I swear I meant to take her out for breakfast and distract her a little with some good food. But we walked through some stores, she'd bought a dozen of shoes and bags and everything." I sighed out of frustration.

"And what have you got for yourself?" He asked, I know he would.

I sighed deeply, pouting my answer. "Yves Saint Laurent purse. It was late when I remember that I've got one kept in my closet and has never been used at Zander's house."

He didn't say anything but I heard him sighed from the other line.

"But don't worry, that one is black and this one is navy. At least it makes a difference." I reasoned out. "Alright, I'm sorry. I've told you yesterday that I'm gonna be a little wiser about spending money but you also have to understand, it's not easy for me though."

"I'm glad you still remember what you've told me, looks like your actions must have forgotten it." He whistled his exasperation. "How much is the purse and the seven white tees you've bought for me yesterday, which I still don't understand what for-"

"It's for you! It's also from YSL, I don't know but maybe the store sprinkled some magic dust that I'm attracted to everything in it. And the moment I saw that white undershirt I instantly know that you'll need it, so I've gotten you seven of it. It's useful, Oxygen. It will serve a purpose-"

"I'm not arguing with you, alright. And what else did you buy yesterday? Another shoes from the same brand, ain't it?" He cut me off. I nodded, like he's just right in front of me. "The owner must be really happy he's got an avid customer."

Somehow, I felt light when I heard him chuckle. At least, I know he's not mad at my wayward ways. "The bag costs eighty seven thousand, the shirts sums up eighty thousand and my shoes... it's a limited edition classic tribute, it's forty thousand."

"Kapag ba nag-hirap tayo, pwede ba natin isangla ang mga yan? Kahit half price lang?" He joked, it made me smile. "Hay nako, Gabbana. Last mo na 'yan, ha? Hindi mo naman kailangan ng madami."

"Alright, I won't promise but I will try." I said. "Anyway, you don't have to worry. I've used my own money-"

"And I'm giving it back, I'll wire it in your bank account. You have to secure the future, baby. Spend wisely next time, huh? I'm warmed by your thoughtfulness and the shirts but that's too much for something I'd sweat on after the day-"

"But it's beautiful." My remark comes out sad.

"I know. I trust your taste. Baby, not all the time we're up to what's flashy and beautiful, we have to sometimes think about what's needed. Am I understood, Gabgab?"

Oh, I miss the Gabgab. "I miss you,"

"I miss you, too." He did sound like it. "I can't wait to see you tomorrow."

It's been two weeks since I'm keeping mom safe, it's been two weeks since I last saw Oxygen. Because I've asked him not to come here, I don't want mom seeing him and get all her claws out marking his skin, judging him. He doesn't deserve that. And not that we don't call each other and video chat every time. I still miss him and I wanna see him and tomorrow, I will. I yawned and Oxygen might've heard me.

"Goodnight, little mommy. I love you, I'll see you tomorrow." He whispered.

"Pick me up at the tv station before lunch, okay? I wanna have lunch with you."

"Yes, ma'am."

"And wish me luck for tomorrow's family breakfast now that Chanel's home." I said, not sounding excited.

"Parang hindi masaya, baby ko?"

"How can I be? She's insensitive for asking dad to bring Derek with him just so she could meet him without even thinking that mom will be there, too. It's not as if she'll run out of days to get to know her new found brother."

"Baby, relax. You're about to sleep, don't ruin your mood." He reminded me again that I'm not supposed to stress myself out. "And about your 'unaccepted' brother, give him a break. Everyone is innocent until proven guilty."

"Nah, for me it's the other way around. Everyone is guilty until proven innocent."

He chuckled softly. "Tulog ka na nga,"

"You at the condo?"

"I'd been spending nights here with the family." He said in a quiet tones. "Kulang nalang kasi ikadena ako ni mama dito sa bahay."

I smiled again. "She's doing me a favor because I think that's better, I don't want your ass sticking around bars while I'm keeping my childish, hard-headed mom sane."

"I love you, Gabby. Always remember that."

"I love you, too..."

Kinabukasan ay maaga ako muling nagising, syempre para kumain ng peanut butter. I've never been this obsessed with peanut butter and I know in just a few days mom will start wondering. Kaya naman, iniakyat ko na sa kwarto ko ang peanut butter.

After satisfying my cravings, I dialed Oxygen's number but it just kept ringing. Nanghaba ang nguso ko. I know, he must be asleep. But I don't care. I want him to pick it up. Maka-ilang ulit ko pang sinubukan bago ako sumuko, baka masyadong malalim ang kaniyang tulog.

Mabilis na akong nag-asikaso, not because I'm excited for breakfast, but because I'm excited for lunch!

Everyone's busy when I went downstairs. The uniformed servants are walking in and out the house, so I supposed that the breakfast will be held at the lanai. Doon na ako tumungo at hindi na nag-tangka pang bumisita sa kusina. Para saan pa? Wala naman akong maitutulong doon.

"Maafushi is so beautiful, mom. I'll take you and dad on our next Maldives trip." Tinig iyon ni Chanel. "But of course, that won't happen if you're not gonna set things down with dad."

Got me rolling my eyes, I stepped into their conversation. "Bribing mom a trip won't do the trick."

"No one's bribing." Chanel gave me an annoying smile, the ones that she always has for me. "Good morning to you, too, Gabby."

Hindi ko iyon sinagot, ibinaling ko ang aking paningin sa paligid bago lingunin si mommy. She's sitting elegantly at one of the chairs surrounding the huge wooden table. Even at forties our mother still outshone us. Five foot seven, willowy and a face cut right from the pages of a men's magazine. Any copy of GQ would show us what she looked like in lingerie.

Her head turned to my direction from the broadsheet she's reading, she smiled. "Good morning, darling."

"Morning, mom." I was hesitant to smile back as I can see sadness in her eyes. Matalim kong pinadaanan ng tingin si Chanel bago mag-lakad papalapit kay mommy. "Mom, are you sure about this breakfast? I mean, Chanel will surely won't mind if we're gonna cancel this-"

"Woah, isn't it a little too late for discouragement, Gabby?" Sarkastikong sabi nito. "Come on, breakfast won't hurt."

I didn't know her to be selfish and insensitive! This is mom that we're talking about. Mom and her feelings! Muli ko siyang nilingon, nakatingin rin siyang direkta sa akin na para bang inaabangan din talaga ang aking sasabihin. I was about to speak when her phone started ringing, the smirk on her lips turned into a smile the moment she saw who's calling.

"Excuse me for awhile," she then turned her back and walked away.

Humugot ako ng malalim na hininga atsaka binalingan si mommy na tahimik lamang na nakamasid sa papalayong bulto ni Chanel.

"I miss you. I miss, Chanel. I miss, Zander. I miss my kids, Gabby." Tiningala niya ako. "If this is the only way I could get the three of you sitting for breakfast just like the old times, I'd take it."

Agad naming lumambot ang puso ko sa sinabi niya, damang-dama ko ang pangungulila sakanyang tinig. Hinila ko ang isang upuan malapit sakanya at doon naupo. I reached for her hand and held it tight. Naiintindihan ko naman si mommy, iyon din naman ang gusto ko. Pero ayoko naman siyang mapilitang gawin ang mga bagay na hindi naman bukal sa loob niya. "But you don't have to do this."

"In two days, Chanel will be flying back to L.A., I don't know when I'm gonna see her again. So, as much as possible, I want to maximize our time with her together."

"You sure with this?" Muli kong tanong, pinisil niya ang aking kamay bago ako bigyan ng siguradong ngiti.

"Of course, what's not I can do for my children? If Chanel wants this, she'll have it." And I sense a but coming. "But, she can't expect me to be nice. I'm only welcoming to people I wanna welcome, sadly, her visitor this morning is someone I badly wanna threw off the driveway."

Mariin ko siyang tinitigan, I know my mom. From head to foot I know her. And her not being nice to someone can cause trouble. Oh my goodness! Is this how I'm gonna spend my morning? Can I have my breakfast at Tiffany's instead? Or could someone throw me off to Oxygen right-freaking-now? I still don't understand why do we have to undergo this kind of drama, it's so unworthy of stress!

In a few, dad's car is parking on the driveway and Chanel dragged me into welcoming them while mom waited at the lanai. I don't know how my reaction would be. It's me meeting my father's son to another woman. I'm not sure if I can do it smoothly but I remember, I can't eat stress. I have to let it go.

Huminto ang sasakyan nang maayos na itong makaparada, unang lumabas si daddy mula sa passenger seat. Agad na nahanap nito ang aking mga mata, napangiti ako. I'm a grown up but the kid in me always excited to see my dad coming home is still there. Sinuklian niya ang aking ngiti bago bumaling kay Chanel at ganoon rin ang ginawa. Sunod na bumukas ang pinto ng driver seat, bumaba roon si Zander. Bago ko pa mairapan ito'y bumukas na ang backseat kaya doon na natuon ang aking atensyon.

Manghang napigil ko ang aking pag-hinga nang makilala ang lalaking bumaba sa sasakyan. I know him! Isinarado na niya ang pinto ng sasakyan matapos ay bumaling sa direksyon ng aming kinatatayuan. Ang mga mata niya'y sakin nakadirekta. Those eyes. Hindi makapaniwalang pinasadahan ko siya ng tingin mula ulo hanggang paa.

I turned to dad, then to Zander and back to him. His eyes were the green of fresh dew glinting in the sunlight off a leaf of green emerald, like ours. His lips were pale and thin and his nose slender and rounded. A prominent jaw curved gracefully around and the strength of his neck showed in the twining cords of muscle that shaped his entire body; strong arms, bold thighs and calves, a firm chest and abdomen. He looks like dad. He looks like Zander. He... He's a Vladislav.

"Oh, daddy! I missed you, so much."

Huli na nang mamalayan kong nakababa na sa ilang hakbang na hagdan mula patio si Chanel upang yumakap kay daddy, agad siyang nilapitan ni Zander.

"And you don't know how I missed you more," that's dad being sweet.

"So, it's just dad that you've missed." Kunwaring nagtatampong sabi ni Zander.

"Come on, asshat! Of course I miss you, too!" Chanel turned to kiss Zander's cheek and hugged him tight, I still didn't move from my stand.

Pinanuod ko kung paano niya nilingon ang lalaking nasa likod nila daddy, I can't see Chanel's reaction because her back facing me. But when dad moved a little to give way and Chanel walked towards the man behind them, I felt that sudden squeeze in my heart, that made me wanna cry.

When she hugged him, like they've known each other for years, I took that as a cue to turn around and leave. I can't take that. It's too painful to see. Kung ako'y nasasaktan na makita 'yon, paano pa si mommy?

Nag-lakad ako pabalik ng kabahayan, with my fists clenching both sides. I still don't understand how it is easy for Zander and Chanel to accept this and it's not for me? Am I overreacting? All I know is that, it's painful.

Pinunasan kong kaagad ang ilang luhang nag-uunahan na bumagsak mula sa aking mga mata at pinalitan iyon ng ngiti nang makita ko si mommy. Hindi na ako nag-salita pa at naupo na lamang sa upuang katabi ng kaniya.

Ilang sandali pa'y nakasunod na ang mga ito. My eyes were directed straight at the empty plate in front of me, I don't wanna see this. When Zander went to kiss mom, dad went to greet me and bent down to kiss my cheek, too.

"Good morning, baby." He said in a gentle tone, I turned to him and tried to smile. He gave a weak smile as if letting me know that he didn't buy mine. "I love you, Gabby."

Hindi ko iyon sinagot, sandali pa akong tinitigan ni daddy bago siya tumayo ng tuwid atsaka akmang lalapitan si mommy, when mom raised her hand to stop him.

"Frida, serve the food." Her tone could have frozen peas.

Tiningala ko si daddy at naabutan ang pag-tapik ni Zander sakanyang balikat, he then guided dad on a vacant seat opposite to mom's. Lalapitan sana ako ni Zander nang mabilis ko siyang irapan kaya naman naupo na rin ito sa upuang katabi ni daddy.

"So, mom." Chanel's voice is trying to lift up the aura. "This is Derek-"

"I don't wanna lose my appetite, Chanel. If you don't mind, I wanna have a peaceful breakfast and shits shouldn't be told." Malamig niyang sabi habang inaabala ang sarili sa pag-lalagay ng kaniyang kakainin.

I looked at Chanel, she's giving me a warning look. Lalo na nang lumipat ang aking mga mata sa lalaking nakatayo sa tabi nito, he's looking equally at me. And I don't like it.

Inalis ko ang aking mga mata sakanya atsaka nag-kibitz balikat. Binalingan at inintindi ko na lamang ang mga pagkain na nasa aking harapan. Suddenly, I felt hungry that I could eat a lion.

Tahimik ang lahat sa hapag, tanging tunog lamang ng mga nagsasagiang kubyertos ang siyang maririnig. Sa kalagitnaan ng aming kainan ay nag-bukas ng usapan sina Chanel at Zander.

"How's your recent vacay?" Tanong ni Zander dito.

"It's wonderful, Z. You should go there, too. But make sure you'll bring someone with you." Humagikgik si Chanel. "Most of the tourist in the island were honeymooners, Tom and I often mistaken as newlyweds!"

"By the way, how's Tom? You should've bring him here with you?" Pakikisali ni mommy sa usapan.

Napakunot ang aking noo, I think I'm lost. Who's Tom? Then I remember Zander told me about Chanel moving in with her boyfriend, that must be Tom. I'm outdated. Well, sila rin naman hindi updated sa buhay ko.

"Para nakilala naman ng mga kapatid mo. Zander haven't seen him, too. Palagay ko'y magkakasundo silang dalawa." Dagdag pa ni mommy.

Binalingan ko si Zander at tinaasan ng kilay, Zander doesn't hangout well with my previous boyfriends so I can doubt that. Tumaas lamang ang sulok ng labi nito bilang reaksyon sa sinabi ni mommy, see? That's how he is.

"Well as much as he loves, too, he can't. He needs to go back to Gloucester and meet his parents." Chanel dimpled at us, she seemed happy and thrilled about her boyfriend.

Nakuha ng sinabi niya ang atensyon ni mommy. "And when are you gonna meet his parents?"

Kibit-balikat na nginitan lamang iyon ni Chanel bago patuloy lamang sa pagkain.

"You must be really excited to see them. It's a privilege to see the duke and duchess."

"Actually, mom, it's the other way around." She sighed. "I don't think it's necessary for me to meet them, it's not as if I'll be marrying Tom soon-"

"You're living in with him and you're telling us you don't consider marrying him? What the fuck do you mean by that, Louis Chanel?" Zander's voice boomed.

"Zander!" Suway ni mommy rito.

Ipinaglipat-lipat ko ang aking tingin sakanilang tatlo, kumunot ang aking noo. "Wait, duke and duchess? Marrying? Living in? Do I need to be excluded from the conversation or will someone enlighten me up? Because I'm certainly lost."

"Oh, Gabby. I'm sorry, darling. I forgot to tell you that Chanel's boyfriend is the Prince of Gloucester. His name is Tom." Mom said with a proud voice. "And yes, they're living together in L.A., I don't see anything wrong with that. Your sister is of age and what can I say? They're so in love."

Marahan akong napasinghap bago binalingan si Chanel na bumalik na sa pagkain. Prince of what? Napailing ako. Still clouded with disbelief. Sa aming dalawa ni Chanel, I'm more to marry a prince than her. Wow. Just wow. But then, if she's in love with that Prince whoever he is then he's lucky. My sister is one in a million.

I shrugged. "Good for you,"

"Best for her!" Mom exclaimed. "You should get yourself a man like Tom, too, Gabby. He's kind and disciplined. From a reputable family and well established. Someone that fits the both of you. You should never settle for less."

"And you've met him how many times, mom?" Zander asked. "Once? Twice?"

"Doesn't matter, Zander. I know he's a kind of man who won't surprise your sister for having a bastard in the future." Mom shades dad. "Further more, allow them to share tables at breakfast."

"Mom," nilingon siya ni Chanel upang patigilin.

Nang balingan ko si daddy ay nanatili lamang itong nakayuko sakanyang kinakain, I don't like this. I don't like seeing him so belittled by mom's words. He's being insulted of what kind of man he is and it's not right but I know that none of us can stop mom's tongue-lashing snide.

"Once and for all, I have set this breakfast for our family. Because I've missed all of you. It's been awhile." Sabi ni Chanel. "And at the same time, I want to finally meet Derek. Mom, can't you give him a break? Please?" Pakiusap pa niya.

"In the neck I can," was mom's simple reply.

Magsasalita pa sana si Chanel nang sitahin ko na siya. "Chanel, you can enjoy your meet the brother thing you have going in your head but don't expect mom to do the same. Let her be."

Matapos iyon ay muling nanumbalik ang katahimikan sa hapag. Hindi na muli pang nag-balak na mag-bukas ng panibagong usapan si Chanel. Maybe she already realized how huge the favor she's asking mom to do for her. Nang matapos kaming lahat sa pagkain ay si mommy ang siyang bumasag ng katahimikan.

"So, Derek." Sinambit niya ang pangalan nito sa paraang punong-puno ng disgust. "How's the food?"

Nilingon ko si Derek, nakatingin ito kay mommy bago tipid na ngumiti at maiksing sumagot. "It's fine, ma'am."

"Aren't you scared this might be your last meal? I might've poisoned your soup, you know." Mom wickedly said.

"Mom," this time, I'm the one who warned her.

"What? I'm just kidding," she chuckled placing the napkin down and started standing up. "Because up until now, I'm still hoping this whole thing is a joke."

"Camille..."

"You can't expect a hoorah from me for this, ZA." Her eyes matched dad's. "Breakfast was nice and it's done."

Lahat kami ay nanatiling walang imik nang lisanin ni mommy ang hapag. Ilang sandali ang lumipas at tumayo rin si daddy upang sundan siya. Leaving the four of us on the table.

"I'm sorry, Derek." Chanel sighed.

"That's okay, I've expected worse." Derek smiled, seems like he's taking mom's reaction lightly. Oh, the more I hate him. "Thank you, Chanel."

"For what?" Nakangiting tanong ni Chanel.

"For showing an interest on me, only a few did that."

"You're our brother, of course I'll be interested! I'm actually looking forward on getting to know more of you." Naaliw na sabi nito. "What do you do in life? How have you been? Who're you with right now?"

She bombarded him questions. I looked at him and waited for his answers, not that I'm interested. I don't know, he's a Vladislav, alright. But something in him confuses me. I feel like, something is not right.

"After my aunt's death last year, I've moved in here. Hoping to finally meet my father, our father. I've put up a small business in Makati. A bar lounge. And I'm with no one right now." He said.

"No girlfriend? Come on!" Dudang sabi ni Chanel na sinamahan pa ng maiksing tawa.

"You're being nosy, Chanel." Si Zander iyon.

He let out a brief chuckle. "That's fine. To answer you, Chanel. When my aunt, who've raised me after my mother died from giving birth to me, got terribly sick, I've lost time for myself. And thus hinders me for having a 'girlfriend' you say."

Napaikot ang aking mga mata, hindi ko rin naman alam kung bakit ganoon ang aking reaksyon. Hindi naman sa hindi ko siya pinaniniwalaan, ewan ko ba. Nahuli niya ang reaksyon kong iyon, napataas ang kaniyang dalawang kilay kasabay ng pag-ngisi.

Nagpatuloy pa ang kanilang usapan, nang makaramdam ako ng bahagyang pagkahilo ay tumayo na ako at nag-paalam upang pumasok sa loob. Mainit na rin kasi sa labas.

Hindi ko alam kung nasaan sila mommy at daddy.  Dumiretso lang ako sa aking silid at naghanda na. There's nothing excites me more than knowing that I'll be seeing Oxygen in a few.

Nang makababa ako ay naabutan ko si Derek na nakatayong nakatalikod sa direksyon ko habang nakatingala sa family portrait namin na naka-display sa sala.

I looked around to make sure that no one's near us, then I walked towards him. Tumikhim ako at agad ko siyang napalingon. "So, you're my brother."

Umangat lamang ang sulok ng kaniyang labi at kumibit ang mga balikat bilang sagot.

"The night at the beach, you knew it." I said, letting him know that I recognized him.

"I'm glad you remembered me, Gabby." He said. "Yes, growing up I know who my father is. It wasn't a secret."

"And you know who I am," I shook my head. "Why didn't you tell me? And if you already knew in the first place, then bakit ngayon lang? Bakit ngayon ka nagpapakita? What's your motives? I know you have."

"Believe everything you wanna believe, Gabbana. I didn't take any move because I'm too occupied taking care of the one who took care of me for most of life. I never had a time for this, until now. And this is what exactly she wants me to do, meet my father." Sagot niya sa akin sa seryosong tinig.

Matapang kong sinalubong ang kaniyang mga mata. "I'm still not trusting you."

"I don't trust me either."