Love Next Door

17 - Area 2

JERON

This is by far the most eventful exhibit I've ever had.

Aside from my grandparents knowing about me being King Archer, there's the hilarious myth spreading about my photo.

And then there's Mika, who, for the first time, was fighting to win the bid.

I wanted to interfere a while ago... Gusto kong ibigay na sa kanya agad yung picture. Muntik na akong bumaba if not for Ama's surprising move.

I chose to stay in the second floor, para kung magka-emergency, magagawan ko ng paraan without getting caught.

From where I was, I could hear everything happening downstairs.

Hindi ko alam kung anong nangyari pagkatapos ng announcement ng magaling kong lola. Bigla na lang andito yung mag-asawa sa harap ko ngayon dala-dala yung litrato.

"Ama!", I said in a low voice before dragging them to the room I reserved as well.

"Ama naman eh! What was that?", tanong ko agad pagpasok namin ng kwarto.

"Well... According to the news, the owner of this photo would be King Archer's future bride. Shipper nila ako eh. That's why I bought this for Mika.", she said proudly.

Angkong just shook his head, smiling.

"O dali! Sign this, para she'll be happier. Lagyan mo ng message ah. Kasama sa bayad ko yon.", dagdag niya sabay abot sa akin ng frame.

These two are driving me crazy, really.

"Ano naman pong isusulat ko?", I asked, scratching my head.

"Write what's in your heart, hijo. Wag kang matakot. Hindi ka naman niya makikilala.", Angkong said.

"O sige. We'll go downstairs muna. Baka hinimatay na future granddaughter-in-law namin. Drei will be here later to get the frame. Sunod ka sa baba ah.", paalam ni Ama bago sila lumabas.

I was left in the room with the framed photo and a pen in my hand.

I can still remember the moment I took this shot. It was around that time when I decided not to commit myself in any serious relationship.

But deep within, I knew na naiinggit ako kina Angkong... kina Dad. Deep within, I was dreaming to be in a love that lasts.

Kaya lang, sa ngayon... Hindi ko sigurado kung handa na ako para sa ganoon.

I flipped the photo and started to write at the back.

Saktong dumating si Drei pagkatapos kong mabuo yung message.

"Congrats, pinsan! Grabe 'tong picture na 'to. Katumbas na yata halaga nung damit!", bati niya.

"You know how our grandparents are. But thanks for all the help, Andrei. Ikaw na susunod.", I patted his shoulder.

He went ahead downstairs, bringing with him the frame which we wrapped in brown paper.

Shortly after, sumunod ako. Pagdating ko sa baba, naabutan ko sina Ama na binibigay yung frame kay Mika while the latter refused. I listened to their conversation though I couldn't see her face dahil nakatalikod siya sa akin.

"Sige na, hija. Take this.", my grandmother said softly.

"Ama, hindi po. Sa inyo po ito... Saka, ang mahal po ng bili niyo dyan... Hindi ko po yan matatanggap...", I heard Mika say.