CHAPTER 7

Even when her aunt was confused with her sudden resignation, she still agreed for her to do so when she said that she would already be working in Manila. She was surprised but had no choice but to be happy for her.

When the night came, she talked to her grandmother. They just finished eating by then, and they were currently sitting, watching a show on the TV. It was because the old woman no longer accepts customers beyond five in the afternoon.

“Grandma?" she started.

"Hmmm?" the old woman answered, her eyes were still fixed on the TV. She seemed passionate about watching as the show that was airing was her favorite telenovela.

Natasha swallowed the lump on her throat before opening her mouth to say something again.

“I-I’ll be going to Manila this Monday.”

"Will you stroll with Shirley there?” she asked with no hesitation as her eyes never left the TV.

It was almost a five-hour trip from their place to Manila, and Shirley and she had already gone there to truant. She even remembered that they only stayed in the house of Shirley’s relative for a single night.

“I plan on applying for work there,” she said, using up all of her courage even before they dried out.

In an instant, her grandmother turned the TV off using the remote control before facing her.

"What work are you referring to? You still haven’t gotten your board exam, right?” the old woman asked with confusion plastered across her face.

"I am not applying as a teacher,” she said with a hint of worry in her voice.

"Oh, so what are you applying for there?” the old woman asked. She knew that her grandmother was already serious, making him utterly nervous because of it.

She froze for a brief second, thinking of an answer. Now that she realized, she didn’t even know what work she was applying for.

"Ahm, i-it’s an office job, grandma. Do you remember your rich customer before whose grandsons were twins? You know, the grandma of the guy that I’ll marry?”

The old woman’s forehead creased as she was looking at her with a slightly amused countenance.

"Marry, you say? But no one ever asked to court you. Don’t tell me you go around everywhere hitting your shots with random guys?” Her glare

"My goodness! Of course not, grandma. Do you remember that I told you how head over heels I am for one of the twins? You even told me you’d support me if I finished my schooling,” she reminded her, hoping that she’d remember the things that she said that time.

Her grandmother took her time remembering what she just said, and just after a moment, she seemed to remember everything.

"I thought you’ve already forgotten about him as they never went back here again.”

There was a huge smile on her face as she shook her head.

“Grandma, I’ll never forget the guy that my heart screams and longs for,” she answered.

"I hope you’ll allow me to. You promised me that you’ll support me with what I feel for him once I’m at the right age to do so. Grandma, I’m already twenty-five. I am already in the right age to be picked like a ripe fruit,” she pleaded.

“What ripe fruit are you talking about? I didn’t raise you to think like that. You wait for someone who will pick you, not the other way around,” she said, annoyed at her remarks.

She rubbed her sides.

“Grandma, do you think that someone would pick me if I wouldn’t do anything?” she said. She couldn’t help but feel a little sadness on her chest after she asked that question. The expression on the old woman’s eyes softened as she stared at her before grabbing her face gently.

"Tasyang, you’re prett—"

She cut her off as she grabbed her hands that were still cupping her face.

"Yes, grandma. You tell me I’m pretty every single day, and I’ll force myself to believe that even when I know to myself what’s the truth. I haven’t told you how people pick me because of how I look. You’re the only person who makes me feel like I’m beautiful. I have no physical beauty to be proud of, but I have the courage to fight for what I feel even when I know that it’s a punch to the moon. Please, grandma. Give me a chance. If it doesn't work out, at least I tried, right?” she pleaded.

Her grandmother stared at her for what felt like an eternity. But after a while, she let out a sigh.

"What about your work in the town library?" she asked.

She could no longer stop herself from smiling after hearing her question.

"I already told auntie first hand, and she has already found someone who would replace me,” she answered with a huge smile on her face.

“How much do you need? Do you have clothes to wear already?” She let go of her face before attempting to stand, probably to get some money that she could spend, but she was quick to stop her before motioning the old woman to sit once more.

"Grandma, I was able to save money from my income, and I have clothes to wear, right? You always buy me one,” she said before embracing her tightly.

"If I get hired, grandma, and once I’m able to look for a place to stay, I’ll bring you there with me,” she promised.

"Oh, I’ll just stay here. You know my customers would be looking for me. I’ll allow you to go there as long as you’d go back here from time to time, okay?” She was already smiling as she grabbed hold of the hands that were embracing her.

“You’ll be alone here, grandma,” she said, worried, realizing that no one would be there if her grandmother would need something.

"I’ll let Meding’s daughter stay here. I remember that she was having problems as they wouldn’t fit in their house still, and her daughter has already been becoming a young lady. You know, puberty. Her daughter is studying in town and is also an obedient child so I know that it’s best for her to be here as you’re far away.” She smiled, staring at her.

Aling Meding was their neighbor before who was already staying in the town. The woman had a dozen children, and the house that they were staying in wouldn't be enough to cater to all of them at once. She was happy that she would finally be at peace as she worked in Manila knowing that her grandmother wouldn’t be alone when she’d be far away.

Yes, she was confident that she’d actually land a job in Clyde's company. She wasn’t certain what her job was, but she could feel deep inside her chest that her day would be filled with happiness, and she’d go back to her grandmother and Shirley bearing good news.

Clyde...

Our paths will meet again. I know that we are meant to be together ever since I caught a glance at your handsome face.

Her eyes were even closed as she was embracing her grandmother. She was imagining the guy’s face, but she quickly opened her eyes when the countenance on her mind slowly changed into someone with piercings and was wearing a pair of ripped jeans.

Grrrr...

Why does his twin, Kyle, always ruin the moment?

She sighed once more, forcing herself to stay calm.

Starting now, Tasyang, you need to start learning how to manage your annoyance with that guy because you’ll be part of their family in the near future. Accept him with all your heart so that your relationship with Clyde would go smoothly.

She smiled once more.

Yes, Clyde. I could face and accept everything for you. I would do anything for you. I wouldn’t mind if I’ll get you with love potions. The important thing is that it’s the both of us in the end.

Natasha recognized that she wouldn’t even stand a chance without the help of love potions.