Exhibited

A random guy went to my table and went babbling about his grandmother who have read "Tiara's Wedlock" too. It was so awkward. And even before I could say I am not comfortable having a stranger sit with me, he sat down gleefully. He looked like a child who found a bestfriend for the first time.

"You're reading 'Tiara's Wedding"! That's my grandma's favorite. Back when I was child, I would see her reading that and she would sometimes cry."

He then removed his camera from his neck and placed it on the table.

"I asked my mother once, why grandma was being so emotional over some book, but she would always avoid the topic."

Okay. Did he just use the term, 'some'? 'Some book'? Did he just label my granfather's most valuable possession as 'some'? My grandfather treasured this book so much that he was even reluctant to lend it to me. But since I insisted on borrowing it, grandpa entrusted it to md.

I shot him dagger looks, but he seemed to not notice them. He kept babbling and babbling arrogantly.

"I was too curious. And my mom and grandma don't exactly have that, sweet mother and daughter relationship. They are civil, but not exactly that close. Can I ask, are you close with your mother? My friends are close with their moms, I'm close with my mom." This guy is so random!

Nevertheless, I asnwered him politely. "My mother died after she gave birth to me."

"Oh. I'm sorry to hear that. Anyway, I'm sure you could've been if she was alive."

"I never once saw my mom look at grandma so affectionately, and vice versa. It's like they are not of the same flesh and blood at all!"

Impatiently, I closed my grandpa's book, and stood up.

"Not to be rude or anything, but I need to go."

"That soon?"

I nodded and walked away. Before I could even hold the cafe's door handle, he said loudly, "What's your name?"

I heaved a deep sigh and looked back at him.

"I'm Tiara."

He gave me a smile while his eyes held a knowing emotion I couldn't pin-point.

"Hope to see you again Tiara. I'm Prince by the way." I only nodded at him and then went on my way, hoping to not see him again.

Later that night, my grandpa took me to a garden restaurant.

For a man who got his heart broken, he managed to find someone new to love--my grandmother. She was a wonderful woman. And my grandpa didn't keep it a secret from me how wonderful my grandmother was for still accepting him, despite the fact that he was scarred. And he didn't keep it a secret to my grandmother that he still has a love left for some stranger before her. And being the wonderful woman she was, she accepted the truth that she wasn't his true love. Their marriage worked out because grandpa was so honest, and my grandmother was so understanding and forgiving. If their marriage didn't work out, then I might not be here.

"Congratulations Tiara. I hope you still have more opportunities to come."

"Thank you grandpa. I wouldn't have make it if it weren't for you. You taught me so many things. From mixing paints to have the color I want, to the importance of painting with my heart."

My grandpa is all I have now. Grandma died because of cancer. My mom died giving birth to me. And my dad... My poor dad who so greatly loved my mom. Grandpa said dad died two years after mom's death, heart failure.

I became busy for a month. It wasn't that easy having my pieces exhibited. I had to have them framed, that would be fit for art enthusiasts' taste, I had to help organize the entire event. I was hands-on. After all, it was my first ever exhibit.