My mother's baby.

The major problem I've had with going to events is the problem of clothing. Imagine my elation when I figured that the dinner isn't a formal affair of any such.

Which is why I simply threw on a white plain t-shirt and black jeans.

With my `Wrightsʼ privileges, I strolled past the gate, front door, and into the corridor where my mother received me with a more than warm welcome.

"Corban!!" She cooed, pulling me into a forceful hug, "Hey baby." If she ruffles my hair and kisses my cheeks, I would easily feel like a six-year-old again.

Wiggling out of grin, "I am a grown man." Twenty-seven years of existence in this world, and mum still refuses to see that I am a man.

I think she sees it, but refuses to acknowledge it. Believe it or not, she still hugs Jotham that way. So there's definitely no hope for me. 

"Is that how to greet your mother?" Her hands were propped on her waist in a defensive stance.

Uh-oh, I think I just overstepped.

"Sorry." With a boyish grin, I waved, "Hi mum" instead from a respectable distance.

There would be another day to fight against her calling me a baby. That day might not be today.

"Much better.", she looked pleased with herself.

Yes, mum, you raised an absolute gentleman.

Changing the topic, "Where is everyone?" I asked, gesturing around the almost empty hallway.

"Jotham is getting dressed and your father is on a call."

Prior to our last conversation, I almost expected Jotham to meet me at the door, demanding an explanation. Don't get me wrong, I was very glad he didn't do that. I was in no mood for explanations today.

"And the guests?"

"On their way."

"Okay." Trying to be cryptic, yet clear, I asked, "By the way, do they know about me?" That is, referring to my status as a Wright.

Mum nodded frantically, "Yes. The man is your father's best friend."

Hmmmmm. Business partners and best friends?

"Dad has a best friend that I didn't know about?!!" My eyes widened in its socket, and I gaped at her, allowing a few seconds to pass by.

She shrugged it off as a matter of normalcy, "There's a lot you don't know about."

Before I could ask why her tone sounded dull and gloomy, a third person joined in our conversation.

"Corban?" Jotham strode, taking a spot beside mum.

So far so good, I haven't been dragged to an interrogation room yet.

"In the flesh."

"You came?" He came gasped, furrowing his brows at me, "I thought you were going to bail on us last minute."

"We both know I wouldn't."

I might be a lot of things, but I will never cancel my plans with my parents last minute. Not after promising to be here.

"Mum, ask the helps to close all the windows." I thought he was serious for a brief second, up until he turned to wink at me. "That is known to be his easiest escape route."

Stumping my feet, "That happened just once!!" My hands went up in the air as my lips puckered, mirroring my displeasure.

"One time too many."

"The windows here are too fancy for me to jump through anyway."

Which is true. I don't even think my body will fit through them.

"The windows in the restaurant were also fancy."

Not bothering with a proper response, I simply scoffed at him, "Pfft."

I once had a date with a lady {it wasn't a voluntary date of course}. Jotham had set me up with her.

To cut the long story short, I had to leave, and let's just say taking the front door wasn't an option. So, I tried using the window. They have never let me forget about it since then.

Dad saved me from the conversation when he trotted down the stairs to meet us. Specifically to the side of his wife to plant a soft peck on the side of her face. He always does that, searches for mum amid everyone and remaining rooted to her side. She does the same for him too. It's pretty admirable.

"Aha, I knew Corban was here the minute I heard the racket."

"Are you trying to say I always cause rackets?" I asked as my brows furrowed in perplexion.

I'm the quiet child around here. If anything, Jotham should be the one in charge of rackets.

"Nope." He shook his head, with a bright smile across his mouth, "But, Jotham doesn't talk this much in your absence. You trigger him"

"I'll like to think it goes vice versa." As I said, I'm the good child.

Jotham shook his head at Dad, "I don't talk because I'm usually busy and tired."

Which is true. He works his ass off every single day. I can't imagine what it must feel like to be in his position or mum or dad's either. Always tired and busy.

"Now you aren't busy or tired?"

"Nah. Instead, I'm tensed."

Dad was the one to ask, "About what?"

"His girlfriend's parents.", I answered on his behalf, not wanting to miss the opportunity.

Before Jotham could argue that she isn't his girlfriend...

I butted in, wiggling my brows, "Not if they see how he separates the peas while eating."

"They'll take it as one of his flaws." Mummy chuckled, indulging me.

"There is nothing wrong with separating peas!!"

"You don't have to bother your handsome head about that." Mum reached out to pat his back, "Peas wasn't used to cook any of our meals today." She tried with a straight face but failed terribly.

"Phew." I faked a sigh of relief for theatrics, "We don't want to send them away." The permanent scowl on Jotham's face needed to be on the cover of a magazine.

"Haha." Even though he haha'ed, there wasn't any actual laughter, "Very funny."

"It is. But not to you because you're the buttt of the joke." I could definitely not miss any opportunity to annoy him even further.

Arming himself with sarcasm at its peak, "Thanks for pointing out the obvious."

"Mention not."

"Excuse me, sirs and ma'am." Just when I was in the middle of making Jotham feel even more uncomfortable, a help joined us. "The guests are here." She also courtesied politely, avoiding our eyes.

Mum clapped in excitement, "Nice, lead them to the dining room."

The help excused herself, with our parents in tow.

Mum and dad walked out to welcome our beloved guests, while I stayed behind to watch Jotham attempt to control his breath. Looks like someone is nervous after all.

Although, I wonder why.

Didn't he claim not to like her?

Simply because I am the best brother ever, I tried inserting humor, "Hope you're ready to charm your future in-laws?" Not just that, I also nudged him by the side to attract his attention.

Rather than scoff or shove me to the side, his face remained as stoic as possible.

"It's a good thing I haven't instructed them to lock the windows yet." Whispering for only me to hear, "I might be the one jumping out soon."

For someone who isn't interested in impressing the girl's parents, Jotham sure is worried about impressing them.

"Take advice from the introverted Wright, you'll live through it."

Time to get this done with.