A Promise of Love

            “WHO TOLD you to come here?  How old are you now?  Do your parents know that you are already courting a girl?  Are you capable of feeding my own granddaughter?”  Lola Matilda was bombarding the teenage boy with so many questions.  He came to visit Selena, Barbie’s cousin.              The boy is about thirteen years old, the same age as Selena.             The boy bowed down in silence.  He did not even try to answer Lola Matilda.  He was silent for a long time.             “You better go home.  Concentrate on your studies first.  Someday when you graduate and have your own job, then you can court any girl you like,” Lola Matilda said with finality.             Lola Matilda did not have to say those words twice because the boy stood up at once. After glancing in Selena’s direction, he went out of the house without a word.             The old woman then turned her attention to Selena, who was sitting in one corner.  Selena was so quiet all this time.             “I don’t want this to happen ever again.  Do I make myself clear, Selena?”  the old woman said sternly.             Selena just nodded without uttering any word.             Then the old woman’s attention went to us.  Bernice, their other cousin, suddenly squeezed herself beside Barbie.             “Do you now understand what I want to happen?  Am I making myself clear to both of you?”  Lola Matilda stood up in front of them with her hands on her waist.             “Yes, Lola,” Barbie and Bernice answered in chorus.             “Barbie, I want to talk to you alone.  Let’s go to your room,” Lola Matilda said afterward.             Barbie stood up and followed her grandmother.  When she entered the room, she saw the old woman going over her scattered clothes on the bed.             “I’m going to pack those clothes later,” she explained even if the old woman was not saying anything.             “Yes, you should pack your clothes well.  By the way, when are you planning to go away for school?”  Lola Matilda’s voice had become calmer.  Gone was the strict and domineering old lady a while ago.  Her grandmother was back to being a loving and thoughtful grandmother.             “I should be at the dorm on Friday.  I need to be settled in before the classes open on Monday,” she explained back.             “Oh, that’s three days from now.  You don’t have much time left to prepare your things.  Let me help you with these clothes.”  Lola Matilda started folding Barbie’s clothes on the bed.              Barbie pulled her luggage under the bed.  Then she started putting some of her clothes inside.             “You will be away from us soon.  I hope you won’t forget my advice, the things I always tell you.”             Barbie glanced up and saw her Lola Matilda looking at her intently.             “Yes, Lola, I will keep it in my heart and mind.”  She smiled lovingly at her grandmother.             “There is a right time for everything.  Those boys can wait.  You must focus on your studies.”  Her Lola Matilda became serious once again.             “Don’t worry, Lola.  I am not going to Saint Matthew University to look for a boyfriend.  I’m going there to study.  That is a promise.”  Barbie raised her right arm as if taking an oath.             “Well. I’m glad to hear that.”  Lola Matilda stood up and gave her a warm hug.