A Better World With You

Chapter 47

A day went not exactly what I have expected. I was really looking forward to this day, however, everything seems to be done otherwise. Akala ko magiging welcoming ang lola ko sa presensya ni Justine pero madami nga ang namamatay sa maling akala. Well, she is not really cruel or harsh to him but she's just providing a bare minimum as if she's minding the presence but not too interested.

This morning, she offered us a Capuccino and a freshly baked Spanish bread while Justine received a regular coffee with no bread. I wanted to give him some but he decided to politely refuse. I found myself not focusing on the story that my Abuela was sharing because I am trying hard to make Justine feel comfortable.

During Lunch, Abuela offered us a fine meal. There was Jamón or cured ham as an entrantes which is pretty legendary because of its aromatic combination of sweetness, nuttiness, and earthiness. It is served in thin slices as part of the charcuterie board. However, it is better if there is a toasted bread rubbed with tomato, garlic, and olive oil.

Aside from Jamón, we also have the Paella, Patatas Bravas, Tortilla, and a Crème Caramel or what we usually call in the Philippines as Leche Flan. Honestly, my mouth watered as soon as they are served. They were hot and their smells are too inviting. It also felt nostalgic because I often had this menu whenever we have a family occasion here in Spain and I swear, a serving of Paella that is already good for the family isn't enough for them. They can finish a 2 or 3 big servings of that food.

Nevertheless, no matter how I wanted to enjoy the food, I feel guilty for being granted with this happiness when a person that is important to me is being treated this way. Justine was served with only a single meal, Arroz a la Cubana. It a meal with rice topped with tomato sauce and along with a sunny-side up egg and a fried sweetened banana on the side. It is a decent meal, however, it is nothing compared to how large our meal is. Tío Elo tried offering some Paella and Tortilla to Justine, and again, he politely refused it. Nevertheless, even though he is in that situation, he still encourage me to eat more.

Abuela, did not even try having a conversation with him and whenever I am having the opportunity to hang out with him, I am being pulled away. I know this is just a challenge she wants Justine to encounter but making him feel embarrassed and uncomfortable is getting a bit out of the line. As much as I wanted to confront her, she will still put up her pride on her own principles.

Night has come and Tío Elo left us with Abuela because he has other agendas to accomplish. Dinner is also served and again, the same treatment is still given to Justine. He even has to sit one chair away from me. Even though I have the urge to express my disappointment, the situation restrains me from doing so. I know for sure that it will not end well either.

Habang tintingnan si Justine na kakaiba ang kinakain sa amin ay naaawa ako. Alam na alam kong nalulunod na ito sa kahihiyan at disappointment sa sarili. He was so ready to meet Abuela before, but now, he looks like a lost little puppy trying to convince people to adopt him. This time,  hindi na ako nagtanong sa kaniya kung gusto niya ba ng kinakain namin. Basta na lamang ako kumuha ng ulam at inilagay iyon sa plato niya. I even pushed my dessert near him so that he can eat it too.

"George, Qué estás haciendo? (George, What are you doing?)" Abuela asked as she saw what I am doing. Just looked at me with hesitation in his eyes but I signaled him that I will be handling this situation either way.

"Solo estoy siendo justo, abuela. Deja que al menos pruebe nuestra comida. (I'm just being fair, Grandma. Let him at least taste our food)."  I said calmly and still enjoying the food she cooked for us.

"Pero aún no ha demostrado nada. Él no se lo merece. (But he hasn't proved anything yet? He does not deserve it)." Abuela said with authority and that made me heaved a deep breath when I heard her prideful statement.