The Royal Contract

Of course, he did not need to turn around to know who she was. But he appreciated her concern as always. She had never failed him before, even when they were far apart.

“I thought you were still outside. I did not hear you come in.” Evan looked at his grandmother but returned his attention to the view outside.

The balcony was his favorite spot in this apartment. It somehow gave him the freedom of being part of the outside but still being inside the house.

It was where he could think more clearly since he had no obstructions from his view or distractions from other people. Somehow, it usually calmed him down.

“How could you have noticed me when your mind is floating in the air?” Angela moved closer to him, standing beside him on the railings, probably trying to figure out where his eyes were going.

“I guess you are right. I just had too many things going through my mind.” He admitted, blowing a big sigh as if that should help him release the tension in his shoulders.

.....

“I am here if you want to share. Sometimes, talking about it could help.” His Grandmama sweetly said, tapping him on his back. “But first, let me prepare you some lunch. You must be starving.”

Slowly, Angela walked back inside the apartment, leaving him to contemplate her words. But he could not help but gaze at her retreating back, wondering where her wings were.

Sometimes, he wondered if his great grandparents naming her Grandmama Angela was just a coincidence or did they already see that she would be a real live angel in many of their lives.

“Thanks, Grandmama.” Evan casually said. He knew she still heard him as she waved her hands before disappearing to the other side.

First thing first, what was his main issue? Was it Lance who was now demanding to know where Eida went? Was it Ethan who still was on the brink of death? It could also be David, who was starting to express his wish that he returned.

However, his mind insisted there were still some other issues besides that. He just refused to admit it to himself. Why? Because it was hard to face the truth.

“Lunch is ready,” Angela shouted from the inside, disrupting him from his musing. He shook his head, trying to dispel his thoughts before facing his grandmother again.

She had a way of reading him like a book. It was hard for him to hide anything from her, especially when she started questioning him. He was a lawyer, but his grandmother was a better litigator.

As always, his grandmother had never lost her touch in the kitchen. No wonder Eida and Amelia loved her. It seemed she put some potion in her cooking that made everyone smile after tasting them.

“Eat up. You are too skinny.” Angela reprimanded him as she placed more food on his plate.

He suddenly believed it was better if two women were there. Amelia and Eida managed to get her attention away from him. Now, she had no choice but to pick on him.

“Grandmama, I am slim and fit, not skinny.” He tried to explain the difference. “Anyway, David is asking that I return to my job. I am thinking of bringing you home along with me.”

He knew, like the other times, she would reject his offer. She never liked leaving this place, saying there was no reason for her to move. Besides, all their memories were here.

He understood that, but he could not come back here either. He never felt that he belonged in this place. He had found a new home where he would grow old and die. But he could not keep flying just to check on her either.

“Ok,” Angela spoke up after swallowing her food and sipping her water. Then, she wiped the few drops of liquid that moistened her lips with the table napkin.

He suddenly looked up at her, confused. He stared into his grandmother’s eyes, trying to fathom if he had heard her correctly.

But nothing in her eyes suggested that she was joking about what he asked. She looked dead serious as she dropped the napkin on the side of the table, facing him.

“You will come with me. As in permanently.” He reiterated his condition. “I mean not just for a vacation but live with me for good.”

His grandmother smiled at him. Then, she extended her hand, tapping his hand on the table before pulling it onto her lips. “Just give me a day to settle all the things I will leave behind and pack up my things,” Angela told her without reluctance this time.

“Why?” He suddenly asked, unable to understand her sudden change of heart. He was expecting a bit of a fight from her, not this easy surrender.

“First, I am old. It is getting harder to live by myself and lonely. Second, I am sorry for making you fly halfway across the world to see me.” Angela patted his hands again.

“Third, I want to see you get married. I hope soon.” He was about to object, but his grandmother silenced him by raising her hand. “Wait. I am not through. I know you like Amelia.”

“I like her for you. But I am not forcing it if that is not what you want. Still, an old lady could dream.” Angela continued with her innocent smile. “Anyway, I know you don’t need me anymore.”

His grandmother had that far away look that indicated she was thinking of the past. Probably her youth or those times she had spent with his grandfather and his parents.

“I always need you. Not in the same way when I was young but in other ways.” He stood up from his seat and hugged her from behind, kissing her on the top of her head.

“But those girls would need me more. I want to be there for them. Do you think that is ok with you?” Angela tilted her head to him, staring into her eyes. “That is my only condition for coming with you.”

Well, he was not expecting that. He assumed that after he had helped Eida with her new life, he did not have to see her anymore. That went for Amelia, too.

But apparently, he would still have to see them because of her innocent-looking grandmother, who had a tiny glint in her eyes. He suddenly wondered if his grandmother was purely an angel or a sweet, manipulative, mischievous cupid deep inside.