CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 3

—MAGGIE ELIZABETH SMITH—

Sitting on the bus, my mind began to wander. Had I overreacted? Was my response justified? But how could I blame him, really? He didn't know me, not personally. We'd only met once, briefly, when we were kids. I doubted he even remembered. He didn't know where I lived or anything about my life, and I knew just as little about his.

His words stung, but he was only being truthful. Should I give him the benefit of the doubt? Perhaps he hadn't intended to cause harm. I exhaled deeply, realizing I was the one in the wrong. I shouldn't have abandoned him. As a wife, I should be more mature and understanding. Our conversation was just beginning, so it was natural for him to express himself honestly. Maybe this was all part of the process of getting to know each other? Maybe he was simply too blunt?

As soon as I get to the mansion, I'll apologize to him. I was so foolish! I let my emotions consume me!

As I stepped off the bus, I pondered how to reach the mansion. Since it's close by, taking a tricycle seemed like the best option. I've been there multiple times, so I'm familiar with the route. However, due to the traffic, it took me until noon to get there, and hunger started to kick in. Luckily, I stumbled upon a fishball cart, and I headed straight for it.

As I was eating my third piece of kikiam, someone suddenly grabbed my arm. I quickly looked to see who it was, and I was shocked to see Liam.

"What are you doing?" he asked, his brow furrowed.

"Ahh, eating kikiam?" I replied, unsure why my response was met with laughter from the others who were also eating. Even the vendor couldn't help but crack a smile. Liam and I exchanged confused glances, and we chose to ignore the commotion.

"Stop eating that, it's dirty. Let's go," he said, his words followed by a sudden tug on my hand as he pulled me away. I was caught off guard, leaving my food behind as he dragged me along. He led me to the car, opening the door and practically pushing me inside before closing it firmly behind me.

"Why didn't you head straight to the mansion?" I asked, puzzled. Considering how long my own trip took, he should have arrived much earlier, especially since he could have taken the shortcuts.

"Would you like Grandpa to ask questions about why you're not with me?" he asked, his voice firm but controlled. I bowed my head, choosing to remain silent. The rest of the ride to the mansion was spent in an uncomfortable silence.

As we arrived at the gate, Grandpa was already waiting for us, a warm smile spreading across his face as he saw Liam and me together. Despite being 74, he looked remarkably youthful, as if he had shaved a decade off his age. It was a testament to the rewards of a healthy lifestyle.

"I'm so glad you're here! How was your trip? Did you get tired?" Grandpa enthusiastically greeted us. Liam responded.

"We had a fantastic drive, Grandpa," he said with a smile. "Maggie and I chatted nonstop, so the time flew by." It was a blatant lie, but he delivered it convincingly. To make matters worse, he wrapped his arm around my waist, his palm resting against my skin. The warmth of his touch sent a shiver down my spine, and my heart began to beat erratically for reasons I couldn't quite explain.

"I'm thrilled to see you two getting along so well," Grandpa said with a hearty laugh. "But I'm even more eager to meet my future grandkid!" His words made me blush with embarrassment, while Liam's smile turned awkward and he nervously scratched the back of his neck, as if trying to brush off the sudden discomfort.

"Don't worry, Grandpa, we'll get to that soon. Work has just been keeping me really busy," he said, fabricating an excuse. But I knew better. Everything we'd present to him here for the next week would be nothing but a carefully crafted illusion.

"I know you're busy, grandson, which is why I wanted you and Maggie to take a break and spend some time together here. Now, come on in, lunch has been waiting." He beckoned us inside, and we trailed behind him.

As we stepped into the kitchen, the mouthwatering scent of adobo enveloped me, and my stomach growled in response. I hadn't eaten enough earlier, so the aroma only intensified my hunger.

"The dish smells amazing," I said warmly, and was rewarded with Grandpa's gentle laughter.

"I knew it was your favorite, so I made sure to cook it," Grandpa said, beaming with a warm smile.

"Adobo's your favorite, huh?" Liam whispered, but Grandpa still managed to hear him.

"Didn't you know?" Grandpa asked, puzzled. So I intervened before he could start questioning Liam further.

"Ah, Grandpa, the thing is... Liam thinks sinigang is my favorite dish. That's what I told him, anyway. I never got around to mentioning adobo. Hehe." I fibbed. A quick glance between Liam and me was all it took to convey our mutual understanding. After all, we'd never shared a meal together before this morning, so he had no idea what I liked to eat.

"Is that so? Okay, let's eat then! I know you're both hungry." We quickly sat down in our respective seats across from each other and started eating.

While we ate, we simply listened to Grandpa's stories. Words of wisdom, reminders, and other advice for a happy married life, which we just tolerated.

"That's why I'm telling you now, start making a baby! I'm not getting any younger, grandchildren. We don't know how long life will last. What if I die tomorrow or the day after without even getting to hold my grandchild?" That was his sermon.

"Please don't talk like that, Grandpa. You're not going to die yet." Liam said seriously. It was clear in his eyes how much he loved and cherished his grandfather.

"I'm getting restless. I'm eager to show off my future grandchild to my friends."

"Let's take things slow, alright, grandpa?" Si Liam.

Grandpa's only response was a deep, heavy sigh. I could feel his frustration emanating from it. It's a painful realization, but if Liam ever has children, I probably won't be their mother. The thought itself is heartbreaking, but it's inevitable, given that we'll be going our separate ways.

°°°F.G°°°