My Ever After

we know love when we see one

On Sundays, when they did not have Saturday late-night meet ups, they would go for an early run at the park. Often, they would also join the senior citizens in their tai chi exercises. The regular old folks have gotten to know them already since they were two of the only few young ones who joined the group.

The tai chi session just finished. They were approached by an old man and two old ladies, Grandpa, Grandma Jennie, and Grandma Godji Ei Tay and New, would you like to join us for breakfast? There's a new bed and breakfast café down the road, said Grandma Jennie. Let's try them out, what do you say?

Tay and New got excited at the invite. Sure Grandma, we were actually thinking the same, New with his big smile.

See, said the old man, told you they would come for any food invite, the two ladies laugh.

Tay scratched his head, Ohhoh!! Grandpa!! You're teasing again. That said, bills on us, New will pay for our meals today, Tay gave New a wide grin.

Ohoh!! Now, now, you're passing it on me huh Tay. But okay, okay, since it's a happy Sunday, I'll take care of the bill. Do you like that Grandpa? New mocks him, smiling.

Nah, said Grandma Godji. We have a good amount of money in our wallets. We didn't invite you to pay for our meals okay. Come now, let's hit the road and have that big breakfast.

The café was rustic in style, in shades of soft whites and sky blue. Tay and New were arguing at what food to order. In the end, they agreed on having waffles with strawberries, bananas, topped with cream cheese and Nutella, plus a breakfast platter of vigan longganisa (sausage), tomato omelet, and bacon. Tay got himself a green-mango shake, while New opted for a hot tablea. When the green-mango shake arrived, New was quick to take it and have the first sip. Tay started complaining but never took the glass away from New. The grannies stared at them with puppy eyes, as if watching a live love story going on.

Not long, the food was served. Every meal ordered was good for sharing. Everyone was enjoying the food over so many stories popping. Granny, it may be rude to ask, you may opt not to answer, Tay said, but do you miss your husbands and wife? New gave Tay a nudge, Tay, what are you thinking asking them those questions?

Oh, come on New, Grandma Godji said laughing. It's no big deal. It's not like they died just yesterday, they were laughing even more. We can answer that without a trace of any sadness.

Tay's eyes grew wide in surprise. Wow, that's... I can't find the exact words though.... Tay joined in the laugh.

Of course, I miss him. There's not a single day I don't think of him as soon as I open my eyes in the morning, but it's not a bad kind of missing because I know I'll see him someday, Grandma Godji even sounded excited.

Yes dear, same goes with me, I miss him eveeerrryyydayyyy, like as in, Granny Jennie was all animated expressing herself. I miss everything about him, but like what she said, it's not a bad kind of missing.

Tay and New were nodding and seemed to be enjoying listening to their stories. How about you Grandpa, Tay asked. Do you miss your wife like the way they do too? Do you think of her everyday too?

They ladies let out a giggle, and both were tickling Grandpa. Go on, answer Tay's question old man, Granny Jenny teased.

Why are you teasing Grandpa, you naughty ladies? New snapped. He'll talk only if he likes okay?

All three folks were laughing harder. It's okay, New, they were just teasing me because Tay asked a wrong question, Grandpa replied.

Tay and New looked at each other with wonder. What do you mean Grandpa? What's wrong with my  question? Tay asked carefully.

Grandpa snorted, I was waiting for these ladies to tell you, "wrong noun and pronoun kiddo!"

Tay and New looked at each other again, both foreheads creased for wonder.

Oh, go on you idiot, said Granny Godji. Don't keep them wondering. Just say it now.

You mean, do I miss my partner, you know what i mean, Grandpa shared smiling. And yes, I miss him everyday. I miss his cooking, but what I miss that most is the sound of his laughter every time he pisses me off.

Tay and New listened to him wide-eyed. Ohh, wow, I did not see that coming, Tay replied. But Grandpa, that is so sweet.

Ohoh, Granny Godji mumbled. His partner's death was not long ago actually. But we have been friends with them for a long time. When we all hit our senior years, we were among those who became regulars at the park, joining all the free exercises there are.

You said that's sweet? Granny Jennie cut in. That's not yet sweet compared to how they were whenever they're together. Godji and I would even joke to our husbands why we can't be as sweet as them.

Hmm Grandpa, what was it like growing old together? You know what I mean. Tay asked. New kicked Tay's foot. What? Tay rumbled wide-eyed, I just want to know.

Grandma was giggling, tsss, can I also say it's cute watching you two bicker in front of us?

Yeah, Granny Godji agreed, it's like I am being brought back to memory lane when we would see Grandpa and the love of his life together.

Ohhh, why Granny, do they also argue all the time? New asked.

Nahh, nothing like that at all. They are like teenage couples who have just fallen in love yesterday, too sweet it's even hard to imagine, right? Granny Jennie replied.

Yeah, we were nothing like the two of you, Grandpa laughing. I mean the bickering thing. What they meant was, they see you like us, as a couple.

Uhhmm, Grandpa, we are not a couple, Tay was quick to reply.

Yeah, as per Tay, we are not a couple, New jokes.

Tay poke New on the head, what are you saying?

What? New asked with a grin, didn't I agree with you?

Oh, you two hotheads, Granny Jennie sneered, whatever you say okay? We won't force you to tell us whatever you are to each other. Besides, we know better, don't we besties?

The three folks were smiling with their eyebrows playing up and down. Yeah, and we know love when we see one, Grandpa took on a big bite of waffle with strawberry, dipped in triple chocolate syrup.

Tay and New glanced at each other and didn't say anything.

And just like that, we finally have a quiet version of the two of you, Granny Godji replied with a silent chuckle.