Chapter 3 3

Every time there's a wedding in our province, I'm always present in the church, whether I know the couple or not. Whether I'm invited or not, I still go to witness the ceremony. I enjoy watching the scene of two people pledging to love each other for a lifetime.

Later on, they'll eventually part ways. Just kidding!

And every time I watch that, I can't help but cry. For me, getting married and facing the altar is one of the most beautiful things that can happen in a woman's life. The happiness is unmatched.

I don't know when or at what age I decided, deep in my mind and liver, that when I get married, it will be to the man I love. I don't care if the wedding is extravagant or simple; the important thing is that we love each other. I shouldn't be the one crying; it should be my future spouse, overwhelmed with joy that he's marrying me.

Althea Josefa Marinduque is the one getting married, so she needs to cry. I was good in English when I was in elementary.

So when Grandpa Andres told me that his second grandchild, San Goku, the grumpy version, I mean Elton, is going to marry me, I felt like fainting. But I restrained myself because my grandpa once told me it's bad to faint when talking to someone. I'm still talking to Grandpa Andres now, so I'll faint later when I'm alone.

I suddenly stood up and fanned myself. The room got so warm, and I couldn't feel the air conditioning in Grandpa Andres's study room. I really feel like fainting now. Yes, as in right now.

You can faint later, Althea. I reminded myself. You weren't raised to be rude by your grandpa. You still have someone to talk to. Okay, push.

"I feel like I'm going to faint, Grandpa Andres."

The old man quickly stood up, looking at me with concern. "Wait. Do you want water?"

"Yes, please," I replied in English.

Grandpa Andres hurriedly went to his study table and grabbed a glass with a pitcher on top. He handed it to me quickly.

I was about to drink the water when I stopped before it touched my lips. I was disappointed.

"Oh, Grandpa, why haven't I drunk the water yet?" I asked the old man in surprise.

He looked at me seriously, "Althea, that's cold water. Is there no coldness water there?"

"That's cold water? It doesn't feel cold, Grandpa. Don't you have coldness water?" I muttered to myself as I observed Grandpa Andres.

He opened a cabinet, which turned out to be a refrigerator. Wow. I wasn't aware that it was a fridge. I thought it was just a cabinet. When he opened it, I was amazed at the variety of items inside. There were different bottles that looked like alcohol and a bottle of water. He took a bottle and handed it to me.

I finished it in one gulp. But my anxiety still lingered in my chest, unrelieved. I placed my hand on my chest to calm myself. My whole being felt like it would go crazy at the idea that I came to Manila not for work but for marriage. Oh no. I'm still young. I'm still fresh. I'm still... what's the English term for not being ready?

"Are you okay, Althea, my grandchild?" Grandpa Andres asked with concern.

"Oh my, Grandpa Andres. I'm not okay. How can I be okay if you're telling me that I'm getting married? Immediately? I'm not easy to get, you know!" I snapped at him.

"I'm sorry, Althea. But we've discussed this with your grandpa for a long time. When you and Elton were still kids, we already arranged for both of you," he explained. "Besides, now that your grandpa is gone, and he entrusted you to me, it's better to follow what Philip and I agreed upon. Elton doesn't want to marry anyone else but you."

I slapped my forehead, "Grandpa Andres, listen. My grandpa and I wanted Elton The Porn Star and I to be together and have forever. But I hope you asked both of us if we're okay with this. Grandpa, we have feelings too. I hope you considered how we feel. We're not kids anymore."

I'm really irritated with what's happening now. Who would be happy with this? So what if Elton is handsome and wealthy? So what if he looks like a super saiyan? I don't love him, okay? Marriage is a sacred ceremony for those who love each other. I don't want to ruin my dreams! No. It can't be.

"As a matter of fact, I already talked to Elton about this."

I stopped thinking and looked at Grandpa Andres, "And what did he say? I'm sure he doesn't agree, right? It's obvious he doesn't like me. Earlier, he looked like he wanted to punch me because of the hate in his eyes. And-"

"Actually, he's okay with this. He's okay with you. He didn't say anything. He agreed to marry you."

"WHAT?" I exclaimed.

"Are you surprised, Althea?" Grandpa Andres said with a smile. "Surprising, isn't it? You didn't expect Elton to agree so easily."

"I'm surprised because you said it in English. Can you please speak in Tagalog? I didn't understand anything, really." I scratched my head.

Grandpa Andres stared at me, then chuckled, "I said it's okay with Elton, this marriage between you two. He has no objections."

"Really? Is this not a joke?" I asked to confirm.

He nodded, "Yes, Althea, my grandchild. It's not a joke."

"Oh my. How did that happen? How did San Goku agree?"

"Who knows. I just told him that he's going to marry my grandchild, and he agreed right away. He said, 'Okay, Grandpa.' Simple as that," he narrated. "How about you? Still don't want it?"

"I don't!" I replied firmly. "Not to be rude, Grandpa Andres, but I really don't want it. If this is going to happen, I'll just go back to our province. It's easier to fake it with my neighbors than to be the wife of your grandchild who looks like San Goku but has the attitude of Majinbu. No offense, Grandpa. But that's real talk."

He laughed again, "No offense meant, Althea."

"It's the same anyway. I just make mistakes in English when I'm annoyed. I was top 2 in our class when I was still studying." I boasted.

"How many are you in your class?"

"Two," I answered. "We were supposed to be three, but one dropped out because I gave her three months' worth of expired suman."

Grandpa laughed again, "I have something to show you that I'm sure will change your mind." Grandpa Andres stood up and went to his study table to get something. When he came back, he had a white envelope. "Here. Read its contents."

I took this and read what's written on the front, "Josefa." As I read, "This is me, huh. Is this mine?"

She nodded, "Yes. That's your grandfather's last letter before he left this world."

"How did you get this?" I wondered aloud.

"Like I told you, everything was planned. Your grandfather knew his time in this world was limited, so he wrote this final letter for you," Grandpa Andres sat down. "Go ahead. Read it."

I opened the letter and took the paper inside. I quickly read what my grandfather had written. I hoped he had just made up what he wrote here; otherwise, I might roll my eyes so hard they'd get stuck.

Josefa, granddaughter,

Perhaps as you read this letter, I am no longer in this world. It's difficult for me to leave you, but I have no choice. I am getting old, and I'm sure my time is running out. Lola and your parents are probably waiting for me in heaven.

I just want to tell you that I entrust you to my friend, Andres Falcon. He is a kind person, as our friendship has been tested for decades. We made an agreement that you will marry his second grandson, a request I hope you consider to ease my mind completely. I know they won't abandon you, my dear. I know they will love you like a true family.

I know you're stubborn, and you might get angry about this. You might think I'm dictating to you. But, granddaughter, please consider my request to marry Elton. He is a good man, and I'm confident he will take care of you and love you wholeheartedly.

Granddaughter, forgive me for leaving you. I didn't want to leave your side, and I wanted to be with you for a longer time, but I can't bear it anymore. As I write this letter, you're sleeping beside me. I am also shedding tears, thinking about leaving you. Granddaughter, I love you very much.

That's all, granddaughter. I truly hope you agree to my request.

Grandpa Philip

PS. If you don't follow my request, it's better for you to join us in heaven with Lola, Dad, and Mom. I'm sure they miss you a lot too.

PPS. Just kidding, granddaughter, but please, marry Elton.

PPPS. Pretty please, granddaughter? With a cherry on top.

I couldn't help but shed tears after reading Grandpa's letter. Despite the nonsense he wrote, I still felt his love for me until this letter. Until his last breath, he was thinking about my well-being. You're really annoying, Grandpa. Why so kind?

"Grandpa is annoying. He's making me cry," I hugged the letter and looked up to hold back my tears. But it was too late; they were already streaming down. "Ugh! Grandpa, I miss you! I miss our antics and those moments when you scolded me!"

Grandpa Andres suddenly burst into laughter, "You really inherited it from your Grandpa Philip. Both of you are mischievous." I looked at him, "So, Althea, what do you think?"

I took a deep breath before speaking, "Well, I don't know. I guess there's no harm in trying to love Elton for Grandpa's sake." I laughed at what I said because I knew it was impossible. "But for Grandpa and for his peace of mind, fine, I agree."

"Great!" Grandpa Andres clapped in delight.

He's delighted, but me? I'm not finding it amusing! Ugh. There's nothing funny about it.

-

I left Grandpa Andres in his study room when he told me to rest. He also pointed out my room in their huge house. He said to walk down the hallway after leaving the study room. My room would be on the right at the end with a blue door.

I'm panting now, and I finally found this damn blue door. Damn it. The old man told me to walk down the hallway, but I saw three hallways earlier. He didn't say which one, so there I was, wandering around before finding this door. Damn it all.

I took a deep breath before entering the room. It's a bit dark inside, and it smells like a man. But it's cool because there's air conditioning. It's my first time entering a room with air conditioning, so I grinned while exploring the room.

There's a large bed in the middle with blue beddings. The pillows are also blue. Even the lampshade that illuminates the entire room from the side is blue. Is this really going to be my room? Aside from the manly scent, why is everything in blue? It's not even my favorite color.

I saw my two suitcases on the side of the large cabinet. I didn't pay attention to them as I walked towards the dresser with various pictures on top. I looked at the pictures.

I saw a family picture similar to the one I saw downstairs. The Falcon Family picture. It's just in a smaller frame. There's also a picture of two boys who look alike. I recognized them immediately because the older-looking boy is smiling brightly in the photo, while the other one looks grumpy, as if luck had abandoned him in life.

"Erwin and San Goku, for sure," I said to myself.

I couldn't help but feel sad as I looked at Erwin's picture. He looks like an angel when he smiles, and he's handsome. Clearly, he's a good and joyful person. No wonder Sir Fernando was so upset when he informed me that Erwin is still missing. It seems like he's close to him.

I shifted my gaze to the next picture frame. My mouth fell open when I saw who it was. It's Elton, with his arm around a beautiful woman. Damn. Why is this woman so beautiful, and who is she? Her hair is so long, and she looks like a celebrity. She's smiling, but Elton is frowning again. Is he toothless that he can't smile?

I picked up the frame to look at the picture more closely. I noticed there was writing on the side of the picture. I read it.

"Happy 1st Anniversary, Love! I love you so much!" I read it aloud, and I was suddenly surprised.

Anniversary? Does this mean Elton's girlfriend is this girl in the picture? But if he has a girlfriend, why did he agree to marry me? What's happening? And if he has a girlfriend, why are we being pushed to get along? Doesn't Grandpa Andres know that his grandson is already in love?

I paused my serious thoughts when the door suddenly opened beside me. Elton came out wearing only a thin towel. Your super sayan brother is in a wet look. Jeez. Why does he look so handsome when his hair is down? There are droplets of water all over his body. His well-defined abs and almost perfect v-line are on full display.

"What the heck are you doing here?" he angrily asked me. "And why are you holding that frame?"

He quickly walked towards me and snatched the picture I was holding. This guy is so tall; he towers over me. His body is so close to mine that I can't help but smell his scent. He smells good.

"I'm asking you!" he shouted.

"OH, ELTON'S BALLS!" I shouted in surprise. But as soon as I realized what I said, I quickly covered my mouth.

"The fuck?" he clearly got angrier. "GET OUT! I SAID GET OUT!"

"Why should I leave?" I replied. "Stop yelling! I'm not deaf. This San Goku here!"

"This is my room!" his face was turning red with anger. It looks like his hair is about to stand up any moment, and he'll transform into a super sayan.

"What? Is this your room?" I asked back. "Granpa Andres said this is going to be my room. So, you get out!"

He stared at me as if trying to figure out if I'm telling the truth or not. Suddenly, he looked up and rubbed his temples, as if trying to suppress the anger enveloping his entire body.

But as he looked up, his muscles shaped even more. Although I wanted to gaze at them, I quickly averted my eyes. He might think I'm fantasizing about him. His face, though.

"Shit," he cursed and looked at me again. "I think my grandfather wants us to share a room." he said, calming down.

"What?" I replied. "Are you kidding me San Goku?"

"And what do I care about that San Goku?" he said.

"What's his problem with San Goku?" I laughed to myself. I looked at him. "So, are we sharing this room? What kind of nonsense is Grandpa Andres thinking? Jeez. It's stressing me out!"

"So, you're the one I'm marrying?"

I looked at Elton, and I saw that he was staring at me intensely. He suddenly grinned.

"You're a plain, ordinary, boring girl."

"Are you cursing at me?"

"Promdi Girl," he replied, and he turned away from me, walking towards the cabinet.

"Wait a minute. Why are you so furious with me? I'm not doing anything to you!"

He stopped and looked back, "Really? Are you really asking me that? Are you stupid or just pretending to be stupid?" he angrily asked again. "Fine, I'll give you a clue. First, you ruined everything. You ruined my life and my personal plan. Second, you're a gold-digger. You look like you're after money. Just because you know we're rich, you agreed to marry me right away? God. Where's your decency? Is that how you provincial girls are? Agree to marriage as long as the guy is rich?"

He grabbed his clothes and spoke again, "Just because I said it was okay for me to marry you does not mean I'm okay with this. Don't expect that what my grandfather wants will happen because I will find a way to stop it." He shot me a look. "By the way, I'll sleep on the bed. You can take the sofa." He pointed to the seat on the side of the bed.

I couldn't speak or say anything because of what he said. Until he left the room, I just stared into space. I'm holding back tears that want to escape my eyes. I looked up and wiped my own eyes.

"It's okay, Althea. It's okay."

Honestly, I was hurt by what he said. He's trying to make me feel like I'm after his money, so I agreed to this setup. Doesn't he know that I'm clueless about this too? And if he's not okay with it, he should have told his grandfather. Instead of pretending everything's fine when it's against his will.

I didn't eat that night. I lay down on the sofa and tried to sleep. One of the maids called me, but I said I wasn't hungry and preferred to rest. It was already late at night, but Elton still hadn't returned to the room. I don't know, and I don't care where he went. I hope he just goes back to the planet of the super sayan.

Before I completely fell asleep, I suddenly wished I hadn't come here. It seems like life in our province is happier. Before my eyes closed due to extreme fatigue and sleepiness, a few more tears fell from my eyes.

"Grandpa, I can handle this." I said before finally going to dreamland.