The Man You Love Has Someone Else

pte

SUWAI

uting at me. I was startled by the deafening volume of her vo

ing my ears with both hands to block out her voice. I just

lone is enough to wake you up, even if you're in a deep sleep. I

es, and you feel like all our furniture will move around. My grandmother is like

ll very strong. My grandpa Henriko

a log no matter what!" she yelled from downstairs. Yes, even though our house is old an

re my father grew up, became a man, and

our granddaughter rest. You know she was

in the house. Grandma Areah always picks on me, but I know she loves me. It

forget what day it is?" Gra

indow, covered by black curtains. Yes, they're black instead of colorful, be

aid. What's special about today? I t

dpa shouted at the same time, a

d they invited guests from Manila who mi

arangay captain. I had been preparing for this day, hoping someone would buy

up as my small r

" I cheerfully greeted them, even t

was dried drool on my cheek. Grandpa Henriko smil

oo, granddaughter," Gr

s, she was the one who talked to our barangay captain to get me into the exhibit. No o

the barangay exhibit. It's undeniable that they are all smart and talented. S

And the kids? Oh, they're scared of them. I can't blame them-my paintings ar

es, I know you won't do it. You love me too

hed my head again and headed for the door. The bathro

oes that to me, even though I'm already grown. It's emba

o that to her." I smiled at Grandpa's defense. See? He's

there, but I slapped my forehead when I realized I

black towel at my face. I smiled. See? She l

breakfast," she said, ma

to ask for hot water from Grandma, but

teen of us artists. I hope I get lucky today. Afte

to run, afraid our wooden floor might

s neatly laid out on my bed. I had been busy yesterday finishing my other paintings, a

te belt. Grandma Areah knows my favorite color and style. The d

lack, curly hair. My hair is naturally

ave been like my parents since my mom and dad are

r help. I want to do it on my own, and I know their jobs abroad aren'

ey didn't even visit together. Mom comes first, then

child, but they seem to be able to bea

y, I tied it up. Some baby hairs st

like Avril Lavigne again. But I did put on red lipstick so I wouldn't look too pale

s perfectly. Cool, right? I grabbed my wallet from the b

no paintings here, or else the whole room would

" People say my artworks are scary. I can't

hen. We don't have a dining room. We

ick is waterproof, so I can eat without

think it's necessary because they might just get tired. Our exhibit wo

away, so they think they should be there. Lucky me, right? Even though Mom and Dad aren't here, I'm still fortunat

fish, with vinegar and dried fish sauce, along w

tant to me and I don't w

chicken adobo, so that became my breakfast. I really want

ve. The event was at the barangay h

our old house, but we still too

down and wore a black dress and black slippers, while Grandpa sported a

use of my paintings. Those c

the place is peaceful. You can see ta

n smoke here, only

nkful. It was cloudy, but there was no threat o

ople outside, and some of my colleagues were there too. You co

a big smile, "Oh, Reyang." She's all about

get along. Where is that coming from? She's been my rival since childhood,

keeps receiving invitations from big studios for th

Contin