Chapter 3

3rd Person POV

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 everything, 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 tastes 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.

When she came down from the second floor where her bedroom was located, she once again found no one around. The house was quiet, too quiet but she was already used to it. Without bothering to call out or inform anyone, she headed straight outside. There was no one to greet, and no one to tell where she was going anyway.

It was Saturday, so she didn’t have school. Since she had nothing planned for the entire afternoon, she decided to visit her neighbor—her elderly friend. She hopped up and down on her way to the house next door, already wondering what new lesson the old woman would teach her today.

She didn’t ring the doorbell anymore. Instead, she pushed open the waist-high gate and went straight inside, even entering the house without hesitation. The old woman already knew that she could drop by anytime. It wasn’t like before, when she would wait to be called inside for snacks.

But the moment she stepped in, she didn’t expect to see a man standing in the living room.

She stopped in her tracks and blinked.

He turned to face her, and she didn’t know how many seconds she stood there staring at him “Excuse me? Who are you?” he asked seriously.

“Good morning… Is Grandma Esme here?” she replied, tucking her hair behind her ear.

“Oh, you look familiar. Are you Grandma’s friend?” he asked with a smile.

She blinked when his expression suddenly shifted from serious to smiling. She walked toward her, and she froze when he grabbed her hand for an enthusiastic handshake.

“I’m Alexander, little girl.” She almost lost her balance from how energetically he shook her hand.

“Suzy, sir,” she answered politely.

“No, you can call me Alex,” he said cheerfully.

“Alright, Alex,” she replied, feeling awkward.

Her heart was beating so fast even after he let go of her hand. “So you’re home already? I thought you wouldn’t be able to come back yet,” she said.

“Oh? You seem to know a lot about me. Do you already know who I am?” he teased.

Her cheeks turned red, and she lowered head. She heard him laugh softly. “Oh yes, I just got home. Are you here to keep Grandma company again? Thank you for always staying with her,” he said warmly.

“It’s nothing… I don’t really do anything at home,” she said shyly.

She tucked her hair behind her ear again. “She’s upstairs getting dressed. We were supposed to eat out.”

“Oh… so you’re going out. I guess I came at the wrong time.” She suddenly felt even more embarrassed.

“It’s fine. Do you want to come with us?” he asked.

“Ah, no, Alex. I just remembered I still have an assignment I need to finish. Just say hi to Grandma for me. Bye!”

She ran out of the beautiful house even though he called after her. She rushed into her room and sat on her bed, breathless.

She pressed a hand against her chest and squeezed lightly. “What just happened?” she asked herself.

She covered her face when she felt it heating up. To shake off the embarrassment, she tried to keep herself busy.

Even though she normally couldn’t finish cleaning her entire room in a single day, surprisingly, she managed to do exactly that.