Chapter 1

3rd Person POV

At last, it was Friday already and finally tomorrow was her rest day, so Suzy was excited to go home and finally give her mind a break. But just a few steps away from their house, she suddenly stopped.

The beautiful house next to their house looked like it was finally occupied. She often noticed that house—not only because it stood right beside theirs, but because it was stunning. It could easily pass as one of the tourist attractions in Baguio.

She walked closer to the gate to peek inside. She never got tired of admiring it every single day. But wait—she froze when she saw an elderly woman struggling to carry a heavy flower pot.

Her eyes widened when it seemed like the old woman was about to fall. Without thinking twice, Suzy hurried inside. She let out a breath of relief when she reached her in time and caught her before she fell. The elderly woman was still clutching the heavy pot.

“Grandma, are you okay? You almost fell,” Suzy said worriedly.

She gently took the pot from the old woman’s hands and set it aside. “Thank you so much, hija. It’s a good thing you caught me,” the elderly woman said gratefully.

“It’s nothing, Grandma. Don’t you have anyone helping you inside? These pots are heavy,” Suzy said with a slight pout.

She glanced at the other plants and grimaced when she saw that there were still many pots that needed to be moved. “I don’t have anyone with me here. I live alone,” the old woman replied.

“Oh, that explains it.” Suzy quickly looked for a chair and when she found one, she placed it in a shaded area where the sun wouldn’t hit the elderly woman.

“Sit here, Grandma. I’ll do the work for you,” she said with a bright smile.

The old woman’s eyes widened. “Oh dear, that’s embarrassing. I can still manage—”

Suzy cut her off gently. “It’s okay, Grandma. I’ll take care of it.”

She helped the elderly woman to sit down in the chair. The old woman insisted she could still do it herself, but Suzy couldn’t bear seeing someone her age struggle. She removed her backpack and placed it beside the bench. The old woman picked it up and placed it on her lap.

Every time Suzy lifted a heavy pot, the old woman winced as if she felt sorry for her, so Suzy worked faster. “You stubborn child, now you’ve tired yourself out. Come inside. I have snacks prepared,” the old woman said.

“Oh no, Grandma, I’m really fine.” The old woman gave her a sharp look, making Suzy take a step back.

“What do you mean you’re fine? You got tired because of me. Come on.” Suzy had no choice when the old woman pulled her inside.

As soon as they entered, she was amazed. The house was even bigger than it looked from the outside and filled with expensive furniture. She was especially mesmerized by the beautiful chandeliers hanging from the ceiling of the living room.

“Your house is so beautiful, Grandma,” she said in awe.

She had only seen chandeliers like that in movies before, but now she was seeing one in person. “It’s beautiful, isn’t it? My husband designed this house himself, so it’s very special to me,” the old woman said softly while looking around, as if reminiscing about memories from the past.

“Wow… why are you alone here? Where is he?” Suzy asked.

She immediately felt bad when the old woman’s expression turned sad. “My husband passed away years ago,” she replied gently.

“Oh… I’m sorry, Grandma,” Suzy said sympathetically.

The old woman smiled faintly. “It’s alright. I’ve already accepted it.”

“What about your child?” Suzy asked.

The old woman walked toward the kitchen, and Suzy followed her. “We never had a child together but he had a son before we married, so I still consider that I have a child.”

“Oh… where is he now? Shouldn’t he be here with you?”

“He can’t come because his wife is sick. But don’t worry—my grandson will be arriving soon. He’ll stay here with me.” The old woman’s face brightened, clearly excited.

“That’s good to hear,” Suzy said with a smile.

The old woman took some food out of the microwave, and Suzy immediately moved to help “What are you doing? You’re moving around again. Sit down—you’re tired,” the old woman said strictly.

“But Grandma—”

“Sit.”

With her hands on her hips, the old woman looked firm. Suzy pouted but obeyed.

Later, they decided to eat in the garden. Thankfully, the old woman allowed Suzy to help carry the trays. There were cookies, chocolates, different rice delicacies, chocolate drinks, and tea.

“How old are you?” the old woman asked while looking at her.

Suzy smiled. “I’m sixteen, Grandma.” She was currently munching on the rice cake given to her.

“You’re still so young. I thought you were already eighteen because you’re so tall,” the old woman said slowly.

“Hehehe, I hear that a lot,” Suzy replied cheerfully.

She always smiled no matter what the situation was. She grew up surrounded by family problems and dramas, smiling had become her way of hiding her sadness.

“How are you here, Grandma? Are you really okay being alone? What if something happens to you?” she asked, quickly changing the topic before the old woman could ask something more personal. Sometimes she couldn’t help but cry when someone asked about her own life.

“I’m fine, hija, so do not worry about such things. My grandson will arrive soon from America. I’m very excited to see him—it’s been so long.” The longing in the old woman’s eyes was obvious.

Suzy stood and sat beside her, wrapping her arms around her gently “Don’t be sad, Grandma. I’m here to keep you company. While he’s not here yet, I can be your granddaughter, okay?” she said sweetly. She truly had a soft spot for the elderly.

“Thank you. You’re heaven-sent. You’re such a kind girl. But don’t always be too kind—bad people might take advantage of you.”

Suzy didn’t respond. She just snuggled closer. Even though her parents were rarely by her side, she felt like she had found someone who cared for her.

As days passed, her bond with the old woman grew stronger. After school, she would go straight to the beautiful house. Sometimes she didn’t even change clothes at first because she was always excited to go there. In this house, Suzy felt a love that she couldn't ask for from her parents because they were always busy. 

She especially loved the kitchen—it was her favorite place. She loved cooking, especially baking.

The kitchen was fully equipped with everything she needed. She was thrilled when the old woman allowed her to use it anytime she wanted.

Now, she was in the kitchen trying a new recipe the old woman had taught her. One reason they had grown so close was because they shared the same interests.

“Oh, grandson, when are you coming home? Monday or Sunday?” the old woman asked through the laptop.

Suzy had helped her set it up earlier.

“Grandma, don’t worry. I’ll come home. It’ll be a surprise. Who knows? I might already be there later,” the young man said. She could tell he was smiling from the tone of his voice.

The old woman talked about him often, so Suzy felt like she already knew him. She had even seen his photos while helping clean one of the rooms.

“Oh you, hurry up. I miss you. I have someone to introduce to you,” the old woman said.

Suzy looked up at her just as the old woman glanced at her too. She smiled and returned to decorating the cupcakes.

“Who is that? A new friend? Or my future wife?” the man joked.

“Friend only! She’s still young, so stop it. She can hear us—have some shame. Now back to the topic. When are you really coming home?”

Their voices softened when Suzy stepped into the pantry to grab extra toppings for the cupcakes.

When she came back, they were saying goodbye.

“Bye, grandson. We still have plants to take care of. I bought new ones yesterday.”

“Alright. Take care, Grandma. You’re alone there.”

“Then come home if you’re that worried,” the old woman said grumpily.

“I will, bye, Grandma.”

“How do I turn this off?” the old woman asked.

She looked at Suzy. “Suzy, come here and help me.” Without hesitation, Suzy set down what she was holding and approached them.

“I can turn it off myself, why are you asking for help?” the grandson teased.

“Stop it. I don’t know how. I’m asking so I’ll know next time.”

She sat beside the old woman on the sofa, and that was when she saw the young man’s handsome face clearly on the screen. He was lying on his bed while talking to his grandmother.

“Is she the friend you mentioned?” he asked.

He suddenly sat up.

“Yes, that’s her. Alright, bye now.” She turned to her. “Suzy, teach me.”

Suzy quickly looked away from him and focused on the old woman.

“Like this, Grandma. Click here, then here,” she explained, showing her how to exit the website and properly shut down the laptop.

“Oh dear, I won’t remember that,” the old woman laughed.

Suzy wrapped her arms around her affectionately. “It’s okay, Grandma. I’ll teach you again until you remember.”

“You’re really such a kind child. Come on, let’s check the cupcakes you made.”

They stood up together, and Suzy carefully assisted her to the kitchen. “They look beautiful. You got that from me,” the old woman said proudly.

“I’m only your granddaughter, that’s why you’re saying that. I’m sure your cupcake taste better,” Suzy pouted playfully.

The old woman pinched her side lightly, making her laugh. “You’re flattering me again.”

“I’m not! Yours really taste better,” she insisted, dodging another playful pinch.

The old woman didn’t like being put on a pedestal. She preferred being treated as an equal—and Suzy likes that side of her completely.