The Mistaken Bride

Chapter 12 - preparations

Lavender's POV:

"Hey."

Nilingon siya ng kapatid. "Hi ate."

"Are you feeling okay?" Tumabi siya dito.

Lilac sighed. "Honestly? No."

"Why?"

"I do not want any social gatherings. Bukod sa hindi ako sanay, wala akong kahilig hilig na magbestida ate!" Lilac groaned frustratingly. "Why can't grams just announced it normally? I mean, iyong wala ng mga ganitong party. Ate, please. Sabihan mo naman si Grams. Ayoko."

She knew that part of the reason why Lilac didn't want the party ay dahil sa mga sugat nito sa binti. She cannot manage to walk by herself. Kaya pansamantala ay mayroong wheelchair at saklay sa tabi ng kama nito.

"Don't you think na mas makakabuti sa iyo ang mag gown? First, because of your condition. Second, because of the scars. You will be more comfortable with it. As for your toys," she said 'toys' referring to the wheelchair and the crutch, "well, we still have about three weeks to practice."

"Ate naman. Ayoko nga."

"Hhmnn. Alright. Coz as far as I know, that Martinez guy is coming. So, I'll just tell Grams---"

"What?!?"

Natawa siya sa reaksiyon nito. "Sabi ko, pupunta ako kay Grams para sabihin na hindi mo na---"

"No! Jet is invited?!?"

"Uh huh. So, are we gonna practice or---"

Naupo ito bigla. "Sabi ko na nga aattend na eh."

She laughs even more. "Eh si Martinez lang pala ang katapat mo eh. Edi napapayag ka rin."

Kumunot ang noo nito. "Ate, you are not just saying that to make me go to the party, right?"

"Of course not! Maraming mga pamilya ang inimbitahan ni Grams. The Martinez' is one of them. I even ask Grams about Jet and they said yes, he is invited as well. Happy now?"

Ngumiti si Lilac.

She rolled her eyes. "So we are all set? I'm pretty sure that you wanted to look beautiful for that Martinez guy."

"Sure, ate."

"Alright. So let's practice!"

~~~~~
"Grams! Are you busy?" Sumungaw siya sa pintuan ng study room.

Grams is currently sipping her coffee nang makita siya. "No, apo. Come in."

Lumapit siya dito.

"What are we going to talk about? Is it because of the upcoming party?"

She smiled. "Not that Grams. Remember about the hunch that I was telling you about? Regarding your establishments here? Well, is it possible for me to check on it?"

Tinitigan siya ng abuela at marahang tumawa. "You are really something, apo. Here I am thinking that you are bothered by the party."

"Well, at least not me."

"Go ahead, apo. You can do whatever you want."

"But I also would need an authorization from you. I wanted to do a random check."

Nangislap ang mata ng matanda. "You are pretty serious about the management, apo. Have fun. You are still young."

She smiled. "I know Grams. I am not Lavender Robinson if I cannot mix fun and work." she winks at her.

"When will you need the letter of authorization?"

"After the party."

"Oh. That early?"

"It's better to check on those days they hardly expect us to. I might be able to find something."

"Would that be all you need?"

"Is it possible that your letter will be for all the establishment?"

"Of course."

"Are you the only signatory on all transactions?"

Tumango ang abuela. "But there's also your Aunt Olive. Since siya naman ang namamahala sa halos lahat ng mga pag aari ko."

"What about Dad?"

Grams smiles. "Your dad is a man of himself. He wants things his way and not being dominated by someone else. Kaya naman mas gusto niya ang magtayo at mamahala ng sarili niyang negosyo at kumpanya kaysa pamahalaan ang sa akin. I don't blame your dad. Yes, I got disappointed when he said he would not manage the company. But he proves he is better off without me behind his back. He loves and happy with what he has now."

Humanga siya sa abuela dahil sa pang unawa nito sa daddy niya. She may be strict before, but it doesn't change the fact that she is a kind hearted woman. "I love you, Grams. Daddy may not be able to manage your business, but I will make sure to help." niyakap niya ang abuela.

"Oh. You little brat. You're making me cry."

She laughs as Lola Esmeralda blink the tears away. "I'm happy that you have interest in business. Anyway. Do what you think is best. Let me know if there is any problem."

"Sure thing, Grams. But if you can make the letter by tomorrow if in case I will need it. Please." she added the last word.

Natawa ang abuela. "Ikaw talaga apo. O siya sige. Kamusta naman ang kapatid mo? May sinabi ba siya tungkol sa party?"

She smiles. "Just excited."

Kumunot ang noo ng abuela. "Excited? Wow. That's unexpected."

"Of course, Grams. You invited the Martinez' that's why."

"Martinez? Who is the Martinez --- oh. Jet Martinez you mean?"

"Yep. She is so excited about it. She keeps on practicing, mind you." she laughs.

"Oh. But there's a lot of things I heard about the guy. Babaero, ayon sa mga naririnig ko."

Kunwari ay nanlaki ang mata niya sa abuela. "Oh gosh Grams! Nakiki chismis ka na rin?"

Pinanlakihan siya ng mata nito. "Lavender!"

She laughs. "Just kidding, Grams. Masyado ka namang seryoso eh."

Marahan siyang kinurot nito. "Ikaw talagang bata ka!"

"Ouch, Grams!" she said but she is laughing.

"Anyway, mabalik tayo sa Martinez na iyan. Maraming mga babae sa kabisera ang sinasabi nila na nauugnay sa kanya. At kung magkataong magkakilala sila ng kapatid mo, baka naman paglaruan lang nito ang damdamin niya. Ayoko na masaktan ang kapatid mo, Lavender. She already has gone through a lot."

"Oh, you worry too much, Grams. Ako ang bahala kay Lilac."

Doña Esmeralda sighed.

"C'mon, Grams. Relax, okay? I already have a plan kung paano ko siya mababantayan." she winks at her abuela.

"Really, apo?"

"Ako pa?"

Tumawa ang abuela niya. "Thank you, apo. Hindi ako mapapanatag diyan sa kapatid mo. Unlike you, you are very independent. That's why we are so proud of you. Ang kapatid mo ay kailangan lagi ng kasama. Bantayan mong maigi si Lilac."

Tumango siya. "Leave it to me."