JANESSA ran excitedly across the University’s wide oval. It was late in the afternoon, and she planned to surprise her boyfriend in his favorite hangout corner during vacant classes. She smiled today was also their first anniversary as an official couple. But, they’ve known each other since they were kids.

Dave Lazcano was the only son of her father’s business partner in a Trading Company. Whenever they have business trips, her father never forgets to take her with him. That’s how he met Dave because, just like her, he was always with his Dad. They became close to each other because they have the same interests as kids.

As the years go by, Janessa found herself falling for her best friend. She did not expect that the mischievous boy she used to beat in remote car racing would grow up handsome and attractive like a heartthrob. Dave was the kind of guy that every woman desires. The Greek-god looks, the Thor-like body features, and the height of a basketball player.

But, Dave didn’t seem to notice her beauty. He turned his attention to women who were chasing him. Because of it, Janessa doubted that Dave was sincere in his feelings for her, that maybe he was just forced to be with her because of their company’s partnership. Still, Janessa was in love with Dave. She could not think of any other man to marry and to be the father of her kids. It has always been Dave. She felt that if she showed him her love and sincerity, maybe he’d realize that it was really her that he deserved to love.

As Janessa reached the other end of the oval, her heart began beating fast. She caught her hammering chest and ditched the negative thoughts in her mind that says it wasn’t because of running. Janessa ambled towards the gate leading to the University garden. She couldn’t move her feet. A part of her mind was telling her not to go there.

Clutching her anniversary gift wrapped with love and affection, she crossed the distance towards the gate. And, as she looked at her right side, she saw Dave—just a few meters away from her—kissing another school girl.

*

“JANESSA, Janessa!”

Janessa blinked twice. She didn’t notice she was lost in her thoughts again. She took a deep breath before turning to her grandmother, Imelda. “Yes, Lola? Are you saying something?”

“Mrs. Cardiente is talking to you,” she said and warned her with a look.

She scratched her head and looked at the smiling woman in front of her. “I’m sorry, Mrs. Cardiente—”

“Please, call me ‘Tita Bianca’,” she said with a smile.

Janessa smiled shyly. “Tita Bianca, what were you saying again? I’m sorry, I was lost in my thoughts. I didn't notice that I wasn't listening anymore.”

The woman laughed. “It’s fine, Janessa. I was telling you that you’re a lovely and charming lady. How old are you now?"

“I’m twenty-seven years old,” she replied. “And, thanks for the compliments.”

The woman’s smile widened. “You know, you and my son will surely look good together. I’m certain that he’ll like you, too.”

“Bianca is right, Janessa. My grandson will like you. I’m excited to talk about your wedding,” the old lady beside Mrs. Cardiente added.

Janessa was almost speechless. “W-Wedding? Aren’t we rushing things?” she asked, hesitantly.

Janessa’s grandmother, Imelda, nudged her in the waist. “Janessa…”

The other old lady laughed at them. She introduced herself earlier as the grandmother of the man they’re waiting for. “It’s okay. I’m sure we’ll get there very soon.”

Janessa faked a cough to release tension. “Excuse me, I'm just a little nervous,” she lied and smiled awkwardly at the two ladies.

Where is that lucky man? I hope he changed his mind, or he forgot about the dinner date. That will be fun! Janessa thought.

More than half an hour has passed, and the man still hadn’t arrived. Janessa felt uneasy in her seat. Besides being uncomfortable in the red tube dress that she topped with a white fur blazer, she was also uncomfortable with the eyes of the older women that focused on her as if watching her every move.

“Maybe he’s on his way. You know the traffic at this rush hour,” Mrs. Cardiente apologized. Impatience was beginning to show in her pretty face.

“He will be here soon, maybe in a few minutes more,” said the old lady with a smiling face added.

Janessa couldn’t help but wonder how her sullen grandmother and this friendly old lady became friends. Ah, it’s because they both want to manipulate their grandchildren’s social life, she said in her mind.

“It’s completely fine. We haven’t been waiting for too long, and I know how hectic the doctors' schedules are,” she said, and grandmother smiled. “I’m even more excited to see your handsome grandson again, Cora.”

The two old ladies told her that they met at a Painting Auction in New York last year. And, the old lady named Cora was with her grandson at that time.

“It was the first time I met his grandson. He’s a very thoughtful young man. He asked his Lola several times during the auction if she’s enjoying the event,” Janessa’s grandmother, Imelda, told her. “I’m sure you’ll like him, Janessa. He’s a good man.”

Janessa wanted to roll her eyes, but she restrained herself. Relax, Jan. This nightmare will be over very soon. Behave for a few hours more, she repeatedly said as she smiled and laughed with the two women on the other side of the table.

“Oh, here’s my apo!” the old lady exclaimed. She stood up to meet her grandson.

Janessa didn’t want to stand up, but her grandmother forced her to do so. She scowled and murmured complaints. There’s no time for turning back, Janessa, she told herself as she took a deep breath before she slowly turned around with a plastered smile in her face, but when she saw the man, her fake smile immediately left her lips.

“You?!”

Janessa and the man shouted at the same time. They’re both shocked in seeing each other at the dinner date they’re both didn't want to attend.

***

Author’s Note: The word ‘apo’ is a Tagalog term for ‘grandchild’. Also, in the Philippines, the women called their boyfriend’s mother ‘Tita’ as a show of respect.