Chapter 10

“BFF, here!” Doris waved to Maya when she saw her enter the restaurant that serves comfort food near RRMA. They have agreed to meet there for lunch as she was in the area. She had an interview with the feisty lawyer who is called as legal counsel to the stars as she had handle quite a number of cases involving entertainment personalities. The magazine she is working for is featuring career women in their next issue.

“Hi Doris! Sorry, I’m a bit late. Marami kasing work.” Maya said as she slid down into the booth that Doris reserved.

“Okay lang iyon BFF. Mabuti nga you can still meet me for lunch. Nagbakasali nga lang ako dahil alam ko namang for sure, sobrang busy ka dahil kasisimula mo palang sa work mo.” Doris said. “Order ka na ng lunch.”

Maya waved at the waiter and gave him her order. When the waiter left, she settled more comfortably into the booth as they waited for their food. “Kumusta na? Nakabalik na ba si Lea? How’s Lance? Hindi na tayo nakapag-usap simula noong isang araw.”

“Yes, thank God, bumalik si Lea kahapon. Na-delay lang pala kasi nanganak na iyong ate niya nung paluwas na siya. Hindi naman siya nakatawag agad dahil na-washing machine ang cellphone! Hay, at least di ba, bumalik. Iyon lang ang nangyari. Si Lance, hinahanap ka sa akin noong sinundo ko. Pati na rin iyong papa ni Abby? Alam mo naman ang batang iyon, nothing escapes his notice. I asked Teacher Genevieve about it, sabi lang niya, nagkita raw kayo ng papa ni Abby sa school and magkakilala kayo. A Mr. Lim?” Doris said. “Bigla ko tuloy naalala si Mr. Dreamboat mo.”

Maya smiled at that. “BFF, siya nga iyon!” She told Doris excitedly.

“Ha, anong siya nga iyon? Si Richard Lim ang papa ni Abigail? Si almost boyfriend mo?” Doris asked, very much surprised. “Paanong nangyari iyon?”

“Yes, si Richard nga iyong papa ni Abby.” Maya replied. “We actually met at RRMA last Monday. Client and family friend nung boss ko na si Attorney Reyes iyong pamilya ni Ricky. Sobrang gulatan ang nangyari BFF! Akalain ko ba naman iyon. Naku, BFF, kung alam mo lang. Parang feeling ko mauubusan ako ng dugo nang una ko siyang makita ulit. Tapos sa kanya pa ako ini-assign ni Attorney Reyes. Well, technically sa senior partner na nagha-handle ng account niya.”

“Talaga, BFF! Eh di lumundag na naman ng husto iyang puso mo? Feeling ko siya pa rin ang nandiyan. Imagine, basted lahat ng manligaw sa iyo. At huwag ikatwiran ang pagiging busy sa law school!” Doris told her friend, whom she can see has a different glow when she spoke of meeting Richard again.

“Ikaw talaga, BFF. Welllll, yes, aaminin ko naman iyon.” Maya replied, then she gestured for the waiter to give the white sauce pasta to Doris and the spaghetti bolognese to her.

“Pero, wait teka, papa siya ni Abby. So ibig bang sabihin BFF, may asawa na niya at wala nang pag-asa ang love story niyong naunsyami? Bakit ba kasi bigla na lang nag-disappear iyang si Mr. Dreamboat!” Doris asked, thinking that Richard is very much married. Like Maya, she was also puzzled and at the same time, concerned when the whole family just left, like that. Kahit paano, naging friend din naman niya si Richard through Maya.

“Doris, something terrible happened to Richard’s family kaya they left for China abruptly.” Maya told her friend. “His father did what he thought was best for his family at that time. Sorry, hanggang diyan lang ang pwede kong sabihin sa iyo, BFF. It is not my story to tell, but Richard’s.”

“Ganoon ba, Maya. Grabe, pareho pala kayong may matinding pinagdaanan at that time.” Doris said. “Parang it was not meant to be nga pala at that time. Eh ngayon, married na siya. Hay….”

“Errr, actually ‘no. He is not married.” Maya said, turning red a bit. “He is a widower.”

“Really, BFF? He is.” Doris said. “Hmmmm, mukhang may pag-asa na pala ang love team niyo ni Mr. Dreamboat. Pero ang sad din naman ano, maaga pa lang nawalan ng mommy si Abby. With her condition, medyo mahirap iyon.”

“Well, I think Ricky is very much a hands on father naman to Abby. He is doing his best for her. Siya nga ang madalas na naghahatid kay Abby sa school and isinasama pa niya sa office niya, like today.” Maya said seriously, not realizing that she had made Doris more curious with her pronouncements.

“Teka, teka, parang kahit sasandali pa lang ulit kayong nagkikita, marami ka ng alam kay Mr. Dreamboat?” Doris asked.

Maya smiled at her friend and since it is Doris, she confessed that since she had seen Richard again last Monday and meeting him at Lance’ school, they ended up having lunch and dinner, together, as she works now in his company’s headquarters twice a week. Maya opted not to tell Doris about the visit to the house in Mirasol Street as it was something very personal between her and Richard. However, she did tell her that he is moving back to Mirasol Street.

“Wow, BFF! Nakakakilig naman talaga! You two are back where you started! Solid na solid pa rin ako!” Doris said with a big grin on her face. “Good luck na good luck sa iyo. I’m sure magkaka-lovelife ka na. Saka hindi dahil I had a bad experience eh magiging ganoon ka na rin. I was just unlucky.”

“Oo naman, Doris. Saka I’m sure, somewhere along the way, you will find someone who will really love you through thick and thin, hirap man, ginhawa at kung merong pagsubok. Someone who will love not only you, but also Lance.” Maya said. Her friend is the most loving person and she hopes Doris will find that especial someone too. “As for me and Richard, I don’t know. But I’m in, wherever it takes me. We are lucky to find each other again. Let’s see. One day at a time!”

“Yes, amen to that, BFF!” Doris said. “Halika, let’s finish na our lunch. I’m sure you need to go back soon. Ako naman, babalik pa sa office to finish this article.”

The friends continued with their lunch while chatting about Lance and Maya’s work in between. An hour later, they parted in front of Maya’s building. Doris took a cab to her office which is an hour away from Maya’s.

The afternoon passed like a blur for Maya as she got engrossed in drafting all the contracts for LAS, for Ryan’s review later and for Richard’s signature when she gets back to LAS the following day. However, despite her busy schedule, she was very much aware of the coming evening, and her dinner with Richard. She felt happier going over the papers on her desk as she looked forward to that. In fact, there were times that it was hard to concentrate! James tried to chat her up and invite her to dinner too when they saw each other at the office pantry, both wanting to get some water. However, she declined and told him politely that she already had made plans for the evening.

Richard was the same. Even Abby’s presence was not able to take his mind off completely from the dinner with Maya. He tried though as there was a time that his daughter, and Liza caught him staring into space at one point. Abby complained good-naturedly, while Liza on the other hand, smiled at him.

Liza thought she had an inkling on what’s distracting her boss. She, after all, made the reception to that romantic French restaurant for him and his ‘date’. Imagine, three months of working for him, and this is the first time he had asked him to book a dinner for him. Call it woman’s intuition, but she had a pretty good idea on who the dinner date is.

Liza’s thoughts was interrupted by Joma, her boss’s driver.

“Hi Ms. Liza!” Joma said with a big smile. Sabel was behind him.

“Hi Joma!” Liza gave the driver a big smile. Cute rin naman itong family driver nina Sir ah. May sariling charm. “Hinihintay ka na nga pala ni Sir. Hello Sabel.”

“Hi po, Ms. Liza. Susunduin lang po sana namin si Abby kasi may lakad pa pala si Sir Richard.” Sabel said.

“Oo,  Sir Richard mentioned it. Sige, tuloy na kayo sa office niya. Wala naman siyang ka-meeting.” Liza said.

Richard looked up from the document he was reading when his driver and house helper entered the room by way of knocking at the door.

“Joma, Sabel, tamang-tama ang dating ninyo, medyo inaantok na nga si Abby.” He said, standing up and going to the couch where Abby was playing with her iPad. “Baby, Ate Sabel and Kuya Joma will take you home na. Di ba, Daddy told you earlier na may pupuntahan pa siya later.”

“Yes, Daddy, you will have a date with Tita Maya, iyong ninang ni Lance. The beautiful girl I saw at school yesterday!” Abby said artlessly, which made Richard turned red and his employees, looking at him curiously. Joma was trying to hold his smile. Sabel was trying to catch his attention with a face gesture, asking what’s it all about.

“Errr, yes, not a date, baby, just dinner with Tita Maya like I have mentioned to you earlier.” Richard always made it a point to explain everything to Abby so she does not have to deal with unexpected things and situations.

“But Daddy, isn’t when a girl and a boy go out to dinner and eat, it is called a date?” The little girl insisted to her dad like a grown-up.

“Welll, yes, pero pwede rin naman na they just go out to enjoy each other’s company.” Richard explained as Joma and Sabel looked on. “Where did you learn about dates and stuffs like that about a boy and a girl?”

“It is still a date, Dad! Friendly date.” Abby still insisted. “I learned it from the movies that Manang Fe and Ate Sabel were watching.”

“Ha, Sir, pero hindi naman po namin siya pinapanood noon.” Sabel quickly protested.

“Chill, Ate Sabel. You and Manang Fe didn’t know. You both thought I was taking a nap.” Abby said giggling. “I woke up all of a sudden. You and Manang were very funny while watching so I watched what you were watching also.”

Richard smiled at his precocious and bright daughter. Yes, she has developmental delay, but in most aspects, she is very much advanced. To sum it, her brain is just wired differently. “Okay, baby, friendly date it is. Di ba, you said, it is okay for Daddy to do so.”

“Yes, Daddy.” The little girl nodded, then looked at her father. “Do you think she will like me?”

“Of course, baby, she will like you, and love you like I do. Di ba, love niya si Lance and Lance loves her too.” Richard quickly said. His daughter seemed to be full of questions all of a sudden, considering that she just nodded when he mentioned earlier about the dinner with Maya.

“Okay, Daddy. Have fun,” Abby said while nodding. “Lance said that Tita Maya is the best ninang in the whole world.”

“Yes, she is. Okay, go now to Ate Sabel and be a good girl to her and Manang Fe. Sleep early.” Richard told his daughter while hugging her. Then to Sabel, he said, “Sabel, okay na lahat ng homework ni Abby, nagawa na namin earlier.”

“Okay po, Sir Richard. Aalis na po kami. Halika na Abby.” Sabel said, taking hold of Abby’s hand and some of her school stuffs in another hand. Joma on the other hand, carried Abby’s school bag.

When the three of them left, Richard looked at the time and realized that it was almost six o’clock. It will take him an hour or so to go to Maya’s office. He decided to finish the papers on his table. When he was done with that, he called Engineer Enrique Gutierrez from the site and asked for a status updates on the planes they are doing maintenance on. Finding that everything was in order, he finished the day. He knew that he would be early, but better that than be late. He can still wait at the lobby of the building.

More than an hour later, Richard strode through the lobby of the building where RRMA is. He opted to wait for Maya at the reception area of the building. As soon as he sat down, he took out his phone and sent her a message.

Maya was in the process of saying goodbye to Attorney Ryan after they have discussed the contracts she was working on when her phone beeped. She had a pretty good idea who it might be. Actually, she jumped a little. She hoped Atty. Ryan didn’t notice it. Kalma lang, Maya Dela Rosa, dinner lang ito. Kagabi rin naman nag-dinnner kayong dalawa di ba? She admonished herself. However, for some unexplainable reason, her heart is jumping with joy. Parang iba ang dinner na ito kasi it was set, hindi katulad kahapon parang impromptu lang.

“O sige, Maya, you can leave na. Natapos mo na namang lahat ang mga dapat nating gawin. You area fast worker. Malayo ang mararating mo Attorney Dela Rosa.” Attorney Molina told Maya. He really likes this young lawyer and her work ethics.

“Thank you, Sir, for releasing me early and most especially for the vote of confidence. Good night Sir. Ingat po kayo sa pag-uwi.” Maya said.

“You too, Maya, enjoy your evening.” The older lawyer said. He thought of asking her how she knew Richard, but maybe, they don’t know each other that long for him to do so.

When Attorney Ryan left, Maya checked her message and she was right, it was from Richard, informing her that he is at the lobby of her building already.

“Wow, ang aga niya.” Maya said, smiling while looking at her phone. She texted back that she will be along shortly as she is finished for the night too. She hurriedly put away her things and shutdown her laptop.

Richard smiled when he saw Maya’s message. Looks like they can have an early start on their dinner. Great! Since Maya will be along shortly, he decided to wait for her by the elevator. However, when the elevator opened, it was not Maya he saw, but Ryan.

“O Brod, nandito ka? May meeting ka ba kay Attorney Rafa? Wala naman siyang nabanggit sa akin?” Ryan said, surprised to see Richard at RRMA’s building.

“Hi Brod, wala naman. I’m just waiting for Maya. We will have dinner somewhere.” Richard replied.

“Maya? My new associate? Brod, feeling ko talaga may hindi ako alam.” Ryan said with a teasing smile.

“Hahahaha, ikaw talaga, kahit kailan.” Richard laughed. “Maya and I went a long way back, Brod, college days pa natin. Friends kami. We lost touch lang mula noong bigla kaming umalis papuntang China.”

“Wait, wait, parang naaalala ko na siya. Nabanggit mo na siya sa akin, dati. Iyong kapitbahay mo sa Mirasol Street na gusto mong pormahan noon. Siya ba iyon?” Ryan asked, putting two and two together.

“Yes, that’s her Brod. Kaya I was so glad that we have seen each other here last Monday. I was really planning to look her up when things have settled down.” Richard said, then he saw Maya coming out of the elevator. “Brod, there’s Maya na pala.”

“O sige Brod. I’m happy for the two of you meeting each other again.” Ryan said. His brod looks different when he gave Maya a smile and a wave.

“Thanks a lot, Ryan.” Richard said as Maya reached his side.

“O paano, Brod, Maya, I will go ahead ha. Enjoy your dinner.” Ryan said giving the couple a smile. Hmmmm, bagay naman sila.

“Sige po Attorney Ryan, thank you!” Maya said.

“Brod, sige, kita na lang tayo soon. I owed you a drink.” Richard said, tapping Ryan on the shoulder.

Soon after, Ryan made a final wave at them then left them. Maya and Richard then gazed at smiled sweetly at each other.

“Hi Ricky, kanina ka pa ba? Napaaga ka yata? Nasaan si Abby?” Maya asked as Richard escorted her to where he had parked his car.

“Joma and Sabel picked up Abby. The dinner will be a bit late for her. May school pa siya bukas.” Richard and then smiled and told Maya about his conversation with Abby before she was picked up. “Imagine, she concluded that we will have a friendly date.”

Maya laughed at Richard’s anecdote about Abby. “Nakakatuwa naman si Abby! Please tell her, I would like to meet her rin! She seems like a very bright and bubbly kid, kaya pala magkasundo sila ni Lance. Super bright din for her age ha. Ganoon talaga sila. May qualities na beyond their age group.”

“True, ngayong more than seven years old na si Abby, almost eight actually, mas nakikita ko kung gaano siya ka-advance.” Richard replied as he navigated the evening traffic. “Kung hindi siya na-diagnose, you would think that she like a normal kid. Parang genius pa nga.”

“Ricky, at what age was Abby diagnosed? If I may ask?” Maya asked.

“She was diagnosed when she was two and half years old. Six months after her mother died. Noong una akala namin, she was just grieving, pero noong tumagal, Grace suggested that I have her tested. Anyway, she said, kailangan din naman iyon since I would like to enroll Abby in a play school at that time.” Richard explained.

“Oh, it must have been a very difficult time for both of you.” Maya said, unconsciously touching Richard on the arm. She feels for Abby, and for Richard too, having to cope with the death of his wife and his daughter’s condition.

“It was, but we managed, with the help of my family.” Richard said softly, then he added, “Anyway, Alexandra, my wife, didn’t want us to grieve for her.” He didn’t elaborate and Maya, even if she wanted to know about that aspect of his life, stopped herself from asking more questions. If Richard is ready and if he wants to tell her, for sure, he will, at some point.

Instead, the two of them talked about Abby and Lance, as well as how their day had been on the way to the restaurant. Before they knew it, they arrived at the building where the restaurant is. Richard escorted Maya to the elevator that would take them to the penthouse after entrusting his car to a valet.

Richard led Maya to a beautiful restaurant when they reached the penthouse.

“Beautiful place.” Maya remarked as Richard seated her at the table reserved for them, looking around and admiring the restaurant..

“Thank you. I had Liza booked this place earlier. She told me that it is a very nice place for dinner when I asked her what place she can recommend for me. Medyo lost na rin ako sa mga place here kasi matagal na akong nawala.” Richard said as he sat. “Liza seems to know a lot of good places.”

“Medyo marami na ring nag-change. Marami na rin akong hindi alam. I haven’t been out much. Lalo na past year kasi review lang ang naging life ko.” Maya told Richard.

“Really! So we can explore together pala. Check out places to have dinner or lunch.” Then he admitted, “This is actually the first time I was out like this, you know, on a date, as Abby said.”

“Date? This is a date talaga?” Maya asked, blushing a bit and heart beating faster than usual.

“Yes, isn’t it? Our first, since the last time, a decade ago.” Richard said as he gazed at Maya, meaningfully. “Ayaw mo ba?”

Before Maya can reply and serving as a respite for her galloping heart, their server arrived to take their order. They both opted to try the degustation menu that the restaurant offers. Richard also pick a wine that goes with the meal. When their server has left, they resumed their earlier conversation.

Maya smiled at Richard. “Okay as Abby said, this is a date! Sabi ko nga, date!”

She and Richard shared a smile. They chatted about places they have been, books with Maya telling Richard that she still likes bodice ripper novels as they served as her stress reliever, to movies they have seen and like, finding that they have the same taste in movies. They continued chatting in between tasting and enjoying their wonderful dinner, leisurely. By the end of the courses that were served to them, Maya and Richard felt stuffed. Maya was also feeling the effects of the wine. She was not much of a drinker so she felt its effect after the first glass she had. She and Richard opted to have coffee to go with their dessert.

“So, how have you been the past ten years?” Richard asked Maya as he stirred his coffee.

“Ha, di ba, I have told you na about that, yesterday and earlier?” Maya was surprised  at Richard’s question. She thought they have managed to catch up on each other’s life in the lunch, dinner and the car ride earlier. “Sobrang kwentuhan na nga natin the past hours.”

“Oh, what I mean is….” Richard hesitated a bit, then forged on. “Okay, this is going to be very personal, what I meant was, what I would like to ask is that, how come you are still single, until now? You are very beautiful, bright and a wonderful person.”

“That!” Maya said, blushing a bit. “Well, I was busy with law school, and work. I never really thought of having a relationship. There was no one that I liked, too.”

“None at all? You mean, you didn’t have any relationship at all?” Richard asked surprised. His heart suddenly beating very fast while waiting for Maya’s reply. Does it really meant Maya didn’t have a boyfriend in the decade they have been apart.

“Wala talaga!” Maya said simply as she took a big sip of her coffee. Then took a deep breath, then admitted candidly, “After you, sort of, there was no one who made me feel the way you made me feel. Maybe, my heart will feel that way again, but I consider myself still young, so I’ll just wait until it does. Hindi naman ako nagmamadali.” She stopped at confessing that since she had seen him again, her poor heart is getting overworked with giddiness.

“Really!” Richard replied, suddenly feeling very nervous at what he is going to say next. Maya gave him the perfect opening for it and he does not want to waste his chance and opportunity. “Maya…” He started.

“Yes, Ricky…” Maya said softly and breathlessly, seeing the way Richard is looking at her.

“Would it be okay if I try to make your heart beat like that again?” Richard asked before he lost courage. “May I make it up to you? Can we continue where we left off?”

“What do you mean, Ricky…?” Maya asked wanting to be sure that she is getting Richard’s message right.

“Maya, pwede ko bang ituloy ang panliligaw ko sa iyo?” There he said it, crystal clear.

Maya looked at Richard and see something in his expression that made her heart galloped. Taking a deep breath, she said softly, “Yes, you may.”

Richard put his hand on top of Maya’s. “Thank you, Maya, ” he said, gazing at Maya like she is his whole world.

They shared a look and amid the backdrop of the romantic restaurant, feelings were communicated. Both of them looked flushed and have goofy grins while they continued enjoying the night.

Chapter 9

“Good morning po, Manang Fe.” Richard greeted his old nanny who was putting a bowl of fresh fruits on the table, when he went to the dining room of the service apartment where they are currenlt staying, to have breakfast. “Si Abby po? Wala na siya sa room niya when I took a peek.”

“Magandang umaga rin, Ricardo! O umupo ka na at ng makakain ka ng breakfast.” Manang Fe said, directing Richard to the usual place where he sits. “Tamang-tama, kakatukin na nga sana kita ulit. Si Abby, nasa school na. Ipinahatid ko na kina Joma and Sabel bago sila mamalengke.”

“Kanina ninyo pa po ako, ginigising Manang Fe?” Richard asked, the he looked at the clock. He forgot to do so when he left the room. “Oh, past 8 o’clock na pala! I overslept ngayon! I thought maaga pa. I forgot to open the drapes in my room like I usually do kaya feeling ko madilim pa! Nakapasok na pala si Abby!  Sayang hindi ko siya nakita this morning. I did manage to kiss her good night pagdating ko.”

“Oo nga. Mabait naman talaga ang batang iyan at nakakaintindi na talaga. Matapos kong sabihin na gagabihin ka at matulog na siya, ang bilis nang natulog. Kanina pagkagising, gustong pumasok sa kuwarto mo to kiss you good morning, pero sabi ko baka tulog ka pa. Di ba sabi mo pupunta ka sa lumang bahay kagabi? Natuloy ka ba? Ginabi ka yata ng husto? Kasi noong lumabas ako ng kwarto ko para i-check si Abby at uminom ng tubig nang magha-hatinggabi, wala ka pa. Sabi ko sa kanya huwag ka na munang gisingin.” Manang Fe said. “Mga 30 minutos ang nakakaraan, kinatok na kita kasi di ba, may pasok ka sa opisina ngayon, pero noong hindi ka sumagot, minabuti ko na munang maghanda ng agahan mo.”

“Opo, Manang Fe. Medyo late na nga po ako nakauwi. Pasado ala una ng madaling-araw na po ako umalis nang Mirasol. Napasarap po ako sa pagmuni-muni sa lumang bahay. It was nice to be back there, Manang. Bumalik sa alaala ko lahat ng beautiful memories natin doon. Richard said, smiling, remembering his trip to his old home, happily. “Pero, prior to that, inihatid ko pa po si Maya sa bahay nila.” He added offhand, not realizing that his statement perked his old nanny’s radar and curiosity.

“Maya? Iyong nobya mo noon na nakatira rin dati sa Mirasol?” Manang Fe asked, surprised. “Doon pa rin pala siya nakatira! Nakakatuwa naman! Saan kayo nagkita ulit? Di ba, nawalan na kayo ng komunikasyong dalawa nang umalis tayo pa-China nang biglaan?”

Manang knew that not being able to say goodbye to Maya affected Richard, maliban ba sa naging epekto sa pamilya ng pagkakakidnap nina Donya Esmeralda at Grace. Siya ang nag-alaga rito mula sa pagkabata, pati na rin kay Grace kaya, kabisado niya ang mga ito. Alam niyang may nararamdaman ang alaga niya kay Maya noon. Unang dinig pa lang niya nang banggitin ni Ricardo ang pangalan nito, parang may kakaiba sa kanyang boses. Narinig din niya minsan sina Don Roberto at Donya Esmeralda, sa hindi sinasadyang pagkakataon, na pinag-uusapan ang pagkahulog ng loob ni Ricardo kay Maya. Para kay Donya Esme, pabayaan na lang si Ricardo na umibig kay Maya kasi mabait na bata naman daw, responsable at masikap sa buhay, at siguradong hindi makakasagabal sa plano ni Don Roberto para kay Ricardo. Pero, ayaw ni Don Roberto. Medyo nagtalo pa nga ang mag-asawa noon.

Richard smiled at his old nanny. “Yes po, Manang Fe. Lawyer na po siya ngayon. Natupad na niya ang pangarap niya, Manang! Hindi lang iyon, Manang, she topped the bar exams pa!  Nagkita kami noong isang araw sa law firm ni Uncle Rafa, iyong kaibigan ni Papa, naaalala niyo po? Doon siya nagtatrabaho ngayon. In fact, naka-assigned siya sa LAS at doon siya nag-o-office twice a week simula kahapon. She is very good kahit bago pa lang siyang lawyer, Manang, and still as lovely as ever. Nalaman ko lang na doon pa siya nakatira sa Mirasol when I offered to bring her home kasi ginabi na kami sa office. Sobrang sipag din kasi niyang mag-work.” Richard said, his voice was tinged with pride and happiness that Maya has achieved her dream, a fact that didn’t escape his old nanny. “Pero Manang, correction, hindi ko naman siya naging girlfriend noon, although I wanted her to be! Umalis na kasi tayo, di ba? Liligawan ko pa nga lang.”

“Oo nga, pero parang nobya na rin ang turing mo sa kanya noon eh. Iyon ang aking obserbasyon, hijo. Kilala kitang bata ka.” Manang Fe said, smiling. “Gusto ko nga rin ang batang iyon para sa iyo. Unang kita ko palang sa kanya, magaan na ang loob ko. Lalo na nung nabanggit mo na masikap siya kasi nagtatrabaho, habang nag-aaral. Maganda siya hindi lang sa panlabas na anyo, kundi pati ang kanyang kaloooban.” Manang Fe said, as she put a cup of coffee, in front of Richard, and started serving him breakfast as they chatted.

“Salamat po, Manang.” Richard said, then after taking a sip of his coffee, he continued, “Yes, she is that, Manang. Di bale, you will see each other again this Saturday. Pwede na tayong lumipat ulit sa Mirasol. Maayos na maayos na ang bahay. Sabi ko kay Maya, punta sa bahay after lunch. She actually offered to help us when we move. But I told her na everything is arranged na. Na-meet na rin pala niya si Abby kasi nagkataon iyong anak ng friend na special needs child din, sa school pala ni Abby pumapasok. Nagkita rin kami doon kahapon kasi siya muna ang naghatid doon sa anak ni Doris, iyong kasama niya dati sa Mirasol.”

“Talaga, Ricardo! Salamat naman at makakauwi na tayo sa lumang bahay. Mas gusto ko nga doon kaysa rito sa pagkataas-taas na apartment building na ito.” Manang Fe said. “Sige, gusto ko ring makitang muli si Maya. Nakakatuwa naman na ilang beses na pala kayong pinagtatagpo mula nang magkita kayo ulit at natutuwa ako at nakilala na rin niya si Abigail. Ano pala ang balak mo ngayong nagkita kayo ulit? Wala ba siyang nobyo ngayon? Sa ganda at bait ni Maya na iyon, sigurado akong maraming nanligaw diyan sa nakalipas na sampung taon. Hindi imposibleng wala pa siyang nobyo hanggang ngayon.”

Richard grinned at his old nanny. “Welllll, Manang…..” Then, taking another sip of his coffee and after digging into his breakfast, he said, “I have a plan.” That was all Richard said to his old nanny.

Manang Fe smiled, seeing the happiness on her old alaga’s face. “O siya, hindi ko na tatanungin pa, parang alam ko na.  Anong oras tayo lilipat sa Sabado?”

“Kahit mid-morning na po, Manang.” Richard replied. “Anyway, clothes lang naman and other personal stuffs ang dadalhin natin.”

“O sige, ako na ang bahala sa lahat.” Manang Fe assured Richard. “Papasok ka na ba sa opisina mo ngayon, pagka-almusal? Magkikita ba kayo ulit ni Maya sa opisina mo?”

“Yes po, Manang, I will, papasok ako. Pero after lunch na siguro kasi ako na ang susundo kay Abby. I missed her. Wala siyang therapy today, di ba? Isasama ko na lang siya sa office.” Richard replied. “Si Maya naman po, bukas pa ang balik niya sa LAS.

“Wala today. Bukas pa.  Matutuwa si Abigail niyan na ikaw ang susundo sa kanya at makakapunta siya ulit sa opisina mo.  Ihahanda ko na ang ekstrang damit para sa kanya para madala mo na pag-alis mo.” Manang Fe said.”Pati na rin ang iPad niya.”

“Thanks, Manang Fe, for that, and the breakfast. I’ll be in my room lang po. I need to check some e-mails pala this morning.” Richard said. He walked back to his room with a fresh cup of coffee in hand.

However, checking his emails was the last thing Richard did when he sat on the small table by the window that he is using as a temporary office table in the apartment. He looked out, took a sip of his coffee, and remembered the night before again, especially the time he took Maya home and ‘stole’ a kiss from her. He knew he surprised Maya with that. But he was not, just able to help himself when with the emotions he was feeling last night.He felt very, very happy being with her. He smiled happily at the memory, then, he hastily looked for his phone, to text her.

Richard: Good morning, Maya! I hope you slept well kahit pinuyat kita with the side trip to the old house. Are you at RRMA na?

Maya: Good morning to you too, Ricky. Yes, I am. I slept okay. I think will survive the day with several cups of my favorite brew. And you, what time did you manage to go home from Mirasol?

Richard: I left the place at past one o’clock in the morning. Traffic was non-existent naman at that time of the night so I got home fast.

Maya: Wow, that late, huh! Looks like hindi lang ako ang kailangan ng maraming kape! Are you at work now?

Richard: I’m drinking my second cup now. No, I’m still at home. I’ll work from here this morning. I’ll go to work after lunch. I’ll pick up Abby from school and take her with me to work.  Hindi pa kami nakakapag-bonding simula last night. I woke up late kaya hindi kami nagkita kanina.

Maya: That’s nice. I’m sure Abby will like that. And lucky you, having your second cup! I haven’t had one here at the office. Just the one I had at home and that was two hours ago. Sonny, the other lawyer assigned to Atty. Ryan and I have a meeting with him, in just about now. I’ll have coffee after that, hopefully!

Richard: Okay. I will not keep you. Have a nice day, Maya. I’ll see you tomorrow at LAS.

Maya: You too, Ricky. See you. Have a great day and have fun with Abby later!

Richard: I will!

Richard put his phone down with a big smile on his face. He just felt very happy. He was humming and was about to open his laptop when he thought of something.

“Joma, nasaan na kayo ni Sabel?” Richard asked when his driver picked up the call.

“Sir Richard, paakyat na po kami ni Sabel, Sir. Dala po namin iyong mga pinabili ni Manang Fe pagkatapos naming ihatid si Abby sa school niya.” Joma said, holding two eco bags while Sabel held the phone to his ear.

“Great! Knock on my door when you get here. May iuutos lang ako sa iyo.” Richard said.

“Sige po, Sir.” Joma replied.

Several minutes later, Richard heard a knock on his door. “Come in, Joma.”

“Sir?….”

“Joma, could you please go to the Starbucks near Uncle Rafa’s law office, iyong RRMA, then buy the stuffs listed on this.” He handed the driver a piece of paper. “ I have instructions there for the barista also. Ibigay mo lang ito doon sa counter ng Starbucks. Tapos, ilagay mo itong envelop sa loob ng paper bag from the coffee shop, kapag nakuha mo na ang order mo, and please  deliver everything to Atty. Maya Dela Rosa sa RRMA. Oh, and by the way, kapag wala iyong nakalista diyan, please find another Starbucks na meron ang mga iyon.”

Joma tried very hard to hide his curiosity at his boss’ order, but he is mighty curious. In the three months or so he started working for Richard Lim, this is the first time he is having him deliver something for a lady, who seems like a very important person in his life, judging by the way he was giving him all these instructions. This is a bit out of character for his boss. Sabagay, wala namang masama, and mabuti nga iyon, para hindi masyadong serious ang employer niya, at saka single na naman siya ulit, Joma thought. He used to work for Richard’s cousin, and he had mentioned before that he is a widower. In all the time he had been working for him, Richard Lim’s life had just revolved around his office and his daughter. Bahay-opisina lang talaga ang employer niya!

“Sige po, Sir. Gawin ko na po kaagad, Sir.” Joma said.

“Oh by the way, Joma, ako na ang susundo kay Abby mamaya. Isasama ko na lang siya sa office. I think Maya is in a meeting now. Hintayin mo na lang matapos and then give the bag to her. Make sure na sa kanya mo mismo iaabot ang mga iyan.”

“Okay po, Sir Richard. Areglado po.” Joma nodded, then gestured to Richard that he would get going.

Richard nodded, and thanked the driver. When Joma was out of the door, he grinned. He is very happy at his idea. He opened his laptop whistling.

When he returned to the old house after taking Maya home the night before, Richard went inside his old room again. He sat by the window and thought of his wonderful day, and evening. At the same time, being there, he remembered the time he would see Maya passing by the window and his heart beating faster than usual with the sight of her, that just the sight of her made his day complete. He thought of the time he had seen her again at RRMA, the day before, and he remembered feeling the same, a feeling that was reinforced when he spent the day and most of the evening with her, including the emotional trip to the old house.

In the middle of the night and amid the quiet but oh so familiar surroundings, he came to a realization, something that he knew all along, after their paths crossed again, that he still loves her, that his love for her has not changed through the years, but that just laid dormant, and that in all his relationships, including the good one with Alexandra, Maya is the only one who made him feel this way. His heart sang with the realization. He was drawn to her again, like a magnet as soon as they met, and despite the passing of a decade without seeing or hearing from each other.

He thought of her from time to time. She was never out of his mind completely. However, circumstances both personal and professional prevented him from looking for her when he can already. Until the other day, with fate bringing them together again. There is really a truth in the adage that there is always a right time for everything, and this is the right time for him and Maya!

There in his old room, in the place where he first caught a glimpse of her, he came to a plan to court her again earnestly and to continue where they left off ten years ago. He does not want them to start anew, so to speak, as what they had before was already great, he would like to built on that beginning. They have laid down the foundation and it is now time to build the whole beautiful structure, albeit, it is ten years after! He went home the night before in a very high spirit and it was a while before he managed to sleep.

Now, he just hopes that Maya is of the same page as him. She did admit indirectly that she does not have a boyfriend at the moment. But Manang Fe is right, she is very beautiful, inside out, for her not to have a relationship in the last decade. Did someone make her heart aflutter in all the years that they have been apart? While he does not care about her past relationships, on a level, he would like to know a bit about those, so he knows where he stands, where he could continue on with her. She seems to enjoy his company. He is banking on the fact too, that Maya admitted last night that she would have said yes, if he had courted her ten years ago. That kind of feeling does not disappear completely, isn’t it? There is only one way to find out, Richard thought, his resolve firmed, and that is to make an all out campaign to win Maya’s heart again, starting now. With that in mind, Richard happily went through his e-mails again.

More than two hours later, Maya went out of the conference room where she had the meeting with Atty. Ryan and Atty. Sonny. She was about to go to her office when Lindsay waved at her, and called her attention.

“Good morning again, Atty. Maya! May naghahanap po sa inyo, medyo kanina pa nga po siya.” Lindsay said. “He insisted on waiting for you. Nasa waiting area po siya.”

“Ha, sino, Lindsay, wala naman akong ini-expect na guest? Saka not so many people know pa that I work here na.” Maya asked, curious on who is her guest be since it is just Doris, and two of her law school friends, know where she works.

“Driver daw po siya ni Mr. Lim.” Lindsay replied. “Hindi ba po sa kanya ka naka-assign? Baka may ipinadala pong papers si Mr. Lim. Though I offered naman to the driver na pwede niyang iwan sa akin  kung ano man iyong ibibigay sa iyo at ako na lang ang magbibigay sa iyo, pero sabi niya bilin daw po sa kanya ni Mr. Lim na hintayin ka.”

“Oh, baka nga papers.” Maya simply said. Her heart started beating fast since she had an inkling that the driver’s mission is something personal. Kagabi lang naman sila naghiwalay ni Richard, wala namang nabanggit sa kanya. Then, kanina sa meeting, wala ring nabanggit si Attorney Ryan sa kanya. Pero, Maya Dela Rosa, huwag kang assuming, she admonished herself! “Thanks a lot Lindsay. I’ll go and see him na para malaman na natin.” Maya said with a smile.

Maya saw a guy, wearing a polo barong, and holding a big paper bag, sitting on one of the arm chairs in waiting area. He looked up and smiled when she entered.

“Good morning, ikaw ba iyong driver ni Mr. Lim?” Maya greeted the guy, with a big, friendly smile. “I’m Maya Dela Rosa.”

Joma looked at the smartly dressed lady before him, and smiled. Now, he understands why his boss is acting this way. She is very lovely! Mukhang mabait at siyempre matalino, abugada nga eh. “Good morning po, Atty. Dela Rosa, yes po, ako po si Joma Adriano, iyong driver ni Mr. Lim.”

“Nice to meet you, Joma. Ikaw ang naghahatid kay Abby sa school, di ba?” Maya asked conversationally. “May pinadala raw si Ricky….errr, si Mr.Lim for me. You could have left it with Lindsay para sana hindi ka na naghintay.”

Joma was a bit surprised at that question, and the almost use of a nickname for his boss, realizing that maybe, his boss and this lawyer know each other very well talaga. “Yes po, may pinadala po si, Sir Richard. Pero bilin din po niya sa akin na hintayin kayo. Okay lang naman po kasi libre naman na ako dahil si Sir na raw ang susundo kay Abby.” Joma offered the information without intending to, liking the friendly lawyer.

“Yes, he did mention that this morning.” Maya replied, but didn’t elaborate.

“Heto po pala ang padala ni Sir.” Joma gave Maya the paper bag he was holding.

“Oh, thank you for this, Joma.” Maya smiled at Joma and then looked at the bag closely and noticed the logo. She has an inkling now of what’s inside the paper bag, and it has something to do with her conversation with Richard that morning.

“Walang anuman po, Attorney. Mauuna na po ako.” Joma said. He also noticed the lawyer’s face lighting up when he handed  her the bag. He has a feeling that there’s more to this really than what he sees. Parang masayang-masaya rin si Attorney ah sa padala ni Sir Richard!

Maya went back to her office after Joma left. Lindsay saw her carrying the paper bag and just uttered a silent “Oh.” She is very curious, though.

When Maya looked inside the bag, she found a hot thermos, a slice of blueberry cheesecake, and a bottled water. When she opened the beautiful purple thermos, with a floral design done in watercolors, the smell of her favourite brew wafted into the air. Richard was very observant, and very thoughtul, parang noon lang una siyang binigyan nito ng books! It was the coffee brew she had ordered for lunch the day before. The blueberry cheesecake harks back to the time they were going out ten years ago. He still remembers that this is her favorite dessert!

She saw a small envelope inside, and grinned broadly, her heart somersaulting with joy, touched by Richard’s sweet gesture, when she read what he had written, and the way he wrote it.

Dearest Maya,

Thank you very much again for last night. I hope the coffee will be enough to fortify you for the day! I remember that you have a weakness for blueberry cheesecake! I hope that you still do! 🙂 If you are not too tired by the end of your day or too sleepy, would you like to have dinner with me? Let me know.  

Enjoy your coffee!  

Yours, 

Ricky

Maya took a sip of the still very hot coffee. Then she took out her phone and called Richard.

“Hi Maya,” Richard greeted Maya with a smile in his voice, when he picked up the call. He is very happy to hear from her this soon. “Tapos na ba ang meeting mo?”

“Ricky, thank you very much for the coffee and the cheesecake. You are a lifesaver.” Maya told him happily. “I was not sure nga if I could grab a cup pa kasi may pinatatapos si Attorney Ryan, pronto, this morning. And yes, katatapos lang ng meeting namin.”

“You’re welcome, Maya. I thought as much na baka hindi mo na maasikaso.” Richard said. “Your workload must be heavy. Minsan kasi, kapag nagkukwentuhan kami ni Ryan, nababanggit niya kung gaano kabigat ang workload sa firm.”

“Oo nga. But I don’t mind. I like keeping myself busy and the work is very interesting.” Maya said. “About the dinner, would 8PM be okay? Sorry, medyo late na ha. Baka kasi mga ganoong time pa ako matapos.”

“Yes, it is okay with me. But sure, you are not too tired by then? I know that the schedule at the firm could be very gruelling, especially for new associates.” Richard replied, thinking that maybe, going out on a weekday twice in a row is too much for Maya. He does want to be with her, but he understands the demands of her job and a career she just started. Baka kasi nahihiya lang tumanggi sa kanya. He told her so.

“Yes, I will be okay. Thanks Ricky. No worries. I’m used to long hours and a lot of hard work. Remember, I worked and studied at the same time. Sanay na ako sa ganitong schedule at sa deadlines and demanding na job.” Maya assured him. She likes the fact that Richard understands the nature of her work and is willing to adjust. But she wants to see him too.

“Great! I’ll be seeing you then. Sunduin na lang kita sa RRMA.” Richard said, his voice tinged with happiness and he was smiling broadly.

“Okay, I’ll see you then, Ricky.” Maya replied, a smile in her voice too.

“O sige, work ka na. Enjoy your coffee. Don’t forget, again, to eat lunch.” Richard said, then added softly, “I’m looking forward to our evening, Maya.”

“Thank you, again, for the coffee.” Maya said, then with her face turning crimson from the kilig she was feeling, added sofly too, “I’m looking forward to that too, Ricky. See you later.”

Both of them have big smiles plastered on their faces when they ended the call, anticipation for the evening ahead crowding their minds.

Richard took another sip of his third cup of coffee, and Maya, hers, both of them were with dreamy smiles on their faces, as they savored their caffeine fix.

Chapter 8

“This is Mirasol Street now?” Richard exclaimed, amazement in his voice when he finally saw the street where he had lived since childhood, after ten long years! “Amazing! I like the new look of the street, with all the plant boxes and the old-fashioned lamps! I’m very sure, Abby will like it here!” The street looks neat even at night, and wider. On closer look, he noticed that the plant boxes were filled with bougainvilleas and sunflowers!

Maya looked at Richard. “You are planning to bring Abby here? Kailan?” She asked, not sure if him saying that Abby will like it here, means that Abby would like it when he takes her here for a visit or something much more permanent. Her heart beat faster, waiting for his answer.

“Oh, not just bringing her here, Maya! We are actually moving back here!” Richard said with a grin. “Iyon nga dapat ang aasikasuhin ko bukas kaya ako late papasok. I’m planning to inspect the house in the morning. I need to be sure na makakalipat na kami nina Abby, Manang and Sabel this Saturday. I’m tired of living na rin in a service apartment. Saka I want a yard din where Abby can play, like Grace and I used to do when we were kids.”

“Really! That’s great! You have a beautiful house and I’m sure Abby will like it there. Tapos, for sure naman, si Manang Fe, also Sabel, will be happy to go back here. This is a pretty quiet neighborhood still, kahit malapit sa gate ng PUS. As you can see, medyo OC ang bagong kapitan ng barangay sa lugar na ito. Inayos lahat at she made sure na malinis ang paligid. Bawal ang kalat.” Maya said smiling, at the same time, it also finally registered in her brain that Richard will just be several houses away from her again! Her heart was surely, and truly, beating faster!

“That’s why I decided to move back here, for Abby. I’m sure she will thrive here. Kaya nga when you told me earlier that you still live here, I’m happy. What a wonderful coincidence, Maya! Like the fact that I met you unexpectedly again yesterday, and now, I found out that you still live here! Isn’t it great!” Richard said happily, as he slowed down in front of his old house. On impulse, he asked Maya, “Are you sleepy na? Maybe, we can just both check the house now, since nandito na tayo.”

“Ha, kasama pa ako?” Maya asked, surprised. She was not expecting that. For some reason, she felt nervous and excited to be going into that old house with Richard!

Richard looked at Maya intently. “Kung okay lang sana sa iyo, Maya. I must confess, I have been putting this off a bit, kasi nga I was not sure if I’m ready to deal with all the memories, when I see the old place again. But after having met you again, thank God, this seems to be easier now. I don’t know why.” He finished softly.

Having put it like that, Maya didn’t have the heart to say no. She understood completely what Richard meant when he said that. It felt like looking at old photographs in a photo album, there are those you can just take a look and smile readily, remembering the instance those photos were taken. The emotions and the happiness. There are photo albums where you need to prepare yourself when you look at it. There are just things and situations where you really have to take a deep breath and fortify yourself before you can go, look, and dwell into those that ask too much from you, emotionally. “Okay, sige, I will go with you. Hindi rin naman ako sanay matulog kapag hindi pa past 12MN, maaga pa naman! I guess, remnants of my law school days and puyatan for exams or recitations.”

“Really Maya? You will go with me?” Richard asked with a big grin. “Thank you so much. I appreciate it very much.”

Richard parked his car in front of the tall gate of the house. He asked Maya to stay in the car while he opened the gate with a key he fished from his messenger bag. Then he drove inside and stopped at the car port of the huge, dark house.

“Maya, sandali lang ha huwag ka munang bumaba, I will switch on some lights lang.” Richard said as he hastily unfastened his seatbelt, then got out of the car.

Several minutes after, the whole place was illuminated. Richard opened the door for Maya and assisted her out of the car.Maya took his hand. His hand felt a bit clammy. She pressed it reassuringly. Richard smiled at her and mouthed, ‘Thank you.’

“Wow, parang hindi ten years na walang nakatira!” Maya remarked, looking around the beautiful grounds, and the stairs that led to the second floor of the house which, like old houses built during the early 1900s, serves as the living area of the house.

“Mama and Papa made sure that the house is well-maintained kahit walang nakatira. Kaya nga they hired Manong Lando and Manang Lucing. Tapos, before Abby and I moved back to the Philippines, I asked my cousin to have the house renovated para pagbalik namin dito na kami titira ni Abby for good. Iyon nga lang, there was a delay in the works being done here, kaya hindi kami nakalipat kaagad. We had to stay in a service apartment muna. Last week, Manong Lando and the decorator that my cousin hired said everything is okay na, pero I want to see first bago ko i-uproot si Abby from that apartment.” Richard explained. “Halika, let’s go up and see the rest.” He put his hand on Maya’s elbow and escorted her upstairs, to the small balkonahe there. He unlocked the big narra doors.

Richard gestured for Maya to step inside first. The first thing that Maya saw was the living room of the Lims, looking as it was before, except for the sofas, which are now done in light colors, maybe because of Abby. However, the gleaming hardwood floor is the same. The floor lamps are new additions too. The grand piano is still there. Maya remembered Grace playing the afternoon she finally met Richard’s parents.

Stepping into the house is like stepping into a time machine that takes her back to the past, to ten years ago. Maya suddenly remembered her one and only time inside the house. It was towards the end of that semester. She remembered Donya Esmeralda welcoming her warmly, Richard’s sister Grace who was very friendly, as they have met the week before that in PUS. Grace saw her and Richard eating at one of the kiosks inside the campus. Richard introduced them and they got on very well, especially after Richard told her that Maya loves those bodice ripper novels that she devoured too. She remembered thanking Donya Esme, who insisted on being called Tita Esme, for the food she sent to her and Doris on her birthday. Maya smiled at her fond memories.

“O bakit ka naka-smile?” Richard asked, smiling as well, as the two of them walked around the spacious living room. He was actually looking at Maya’s facial expression instead of the insides of the place as he noticed her looking around and then, she got lost in her thoughts and has this dreamy smile on her face.

“Wala lang, naaalala ko lang iyong time na pumunta ako rito, nung kukunin natin iyong books na ipapahiram mo sa akin, and your Mama welcomed me so warmly, pati  na si Grace. Nagpa-piano pa nga siya nang dumating tayo, di ba? Though, iyong Papa mo parang serious ng kaunti, as far as I could remember. Di ba, he just nodded when you introduced me to him?” Maya recalled. “Medyo nakakatakot nga siya. Tapos iyong Mama mo naman, so warm and accommodating talaga.”

“Yes, I remember that.” Richard smiled at the memory. He actually wanted Maya to meet his parents. So, on the pretext of getting the books, he asked her to come inside one afternoon when he had picked her up from her college and they walked home together.

Richard gazed at Maya, then made a decision to admit something.“Mama acted like that kasi I think she was sensing something, call it mother’s instinct. Papa also acted like that since I think he was reading something in the situation, especially into my actions those days.” He took a deep breath, and proceeded with his admission.

“They were like that kasi ikaw pa lang ang unang girl na isinama ko sa house to meet my parents. Mama thought I was courting you or that you were my girlfriend na, I think. Papa reacted that way, kasi he thought that too. He didn’t approve of me having a girlfriend in college kasi raw madi-distract lang ako. Then he saw me with you. Prior to that, he had seen us together, walking down the street. Grace also mentioned in passing while we were eating dinner, the same day you met her, that she have met you. She really liked you and even teased me about courting you seriously as she would like you to be her sister-in-law in the future.”

Maya looked at Richard and felt herself blushing, the blood rushing to her head, making her feel dizzy. “Really, Ricky! I never knew! Wala ka bang ibang friends na girls at that time? Wala kang dinala rito, close friends na girl. Sa birthdays mo?”

“I have, pero hanggang school lang. Saka they were more of my classmates.”  Richard said. “I never thought of bringing them here, to the house because this is something private and personal to me.”

“How about iyong girlfriends mo noon?” Maya asked, wanting to know after all these years! Come to think of it, they never discuss much that aspect of Richard’s life, the life before they met each other and became very good friends or more than that, maybe, if the things that had happened didn’t happen.

Richard gave Maya one of his charming lopsided smiles. “Yes, I had one during my first two years in college, my high school girlfriend,  but it was nothing serious. We parted okay as we both realized what we had in high school was just that – a teenager kind of thing. Saka nung last years ko sa Engineering, wala,  kasi nga Papa seemed to be against it, tapos wala naman rin akong ibang nakita that I liked very much, until you came into my life.” He finished, looking at her meaningfully. “You were the only one I wanted to introduce to them at hindi iyon dahil dito ka lang nakatira sa same street.”

“Ha, pero hindi mo naman ako girlfriend at that time!” Maya blurted out. Her heart is beating loudly too, hearing these revelations after all these years, out of the blue, and when she least expected it. She felt there is more to come. She wanted to sit down as she felt her knees are getting wobbly.

“Well, may I ask you something?” Richard suddenly said, realizing that now he has the perfect opportunity to get an answer to a very important unanswered question from the past. When Maya, nodded for him to proceed and ask his question, he forged on. “I know it is water under the bridge, pero if I had courted you then, and ask you to be my girl, would you have said yes?”

“Ha, err…..” Maya was suddenly at a lost for words. She took a deep breath and tried to reply, getting tongue-tied all of a sudden. “Well, you see….Well, I…..”

Richard grinned at Maya, encouraging her to reply, and dying to hear her answer too, if he must admit! “Maya Dela Rosa, don’t take the fifth on me……” He teased her to lighten up the mood.

“Well, since it is water under the bridge…..errr, yes! I think, I would have said yes to being your girl then. I liked you a lot and I liked your company.” She finished in a rush.

“Really, really, Maya?” Richard felt suddenly very happy, but at the same time , felt a bit sad that it didn’t happen. Maya felt that too. Pero, what can they do, the circumstances were against them. “Thank you for admitting, Maya. It meant a lot to me. And so that you know, if I didn’t leave I would have courted you properly until you say yes.”

“Oh…..” Maya’s heart somersaulted with that relevation, another bombshell from Richard!

“Yes, I would have!” Richard said softly, seriously. There is really something about the night that makes one confessed one’s innermost thoughts and feelings.

“I was actually going to follow you to Mindoro several days after I took you to Batangas if circumstances didn’t intervene, and I was planning to declare my feelings for you there. I thought it would be more memorable, more special since that place have a lot of wonderful memories for you already. I was really counting the days until the semester was over so I can do that. I had a crush on you even before we, formally, met. I used to watch out for you passing by when I’m home, and when I knew you might pass by. I can’t believe my luck when I chanced upon you at the fast food place. I usually eat at home, but that evening, I studied with Ryan at the library and was very hungry so I gravitated towards the fast food place.”

With that admission, Maya felt like she just lost her breath and she was plummeting weightless, as if she sky jumped and the initial adrenalin rush, and the strong winds, had hit her senses full blast. Ricky had feelings for her that time too! She was not alone with she felt then. She just looked at Richard, who was gazing at her intently with a big warm smile on his face. It took several more seconds to recover her equilibrium.

“Thank you for telling me too, Ricky. You know, I was not really on duty that night. I was covering for someone who was absent. I guessed we were destined to meet that time, huh.” Maya smiled, suddenly feeling shy and a bit out of sort. She felt like she will melt the way he was looking at her, she needed a diversion and to process this whole wonderful day and night!  She blurted the first thing she thought of. “Halika, let’s inspect the rest of the house na so we can go home. Baka wala akong mabasang briefs and contracts bukas sa antok ko. Tapos baka hinihintay ka na rin nina Abby at Manang Fe.”

“Okay…..” Richard said, smiling. He wanted to say more to Maya, but it can wait, everything can wait, but he know, soon and too long. The past is gone but they have the present and he is willing to make the most of it. Seize the day, iyan ang motto niya ngayon. Baka rin he had overloaded Maya na with too much stuffs for the day, and night.

“Halika. Medyo late na nga rin pala. We don’t have to look at the whole house. Iyon lang room ni Abby ang kailangan kong i-check na mabuti, then the kitchen. Downstairs naman are guests rooms lang. Iyong room ko, I think okay naman. It was my old room.”

From the living room, they went to the room at the side, which will be Abby’s room. The room is painted in pale yellow with a mural of princesses and a big castle on the side. It is a beautiful room, fit for a little princess. Then off they took a peek at the next room, Richard’s. The two of them moved to the other parts of the house on the same level, a companionable silence between them. Maya likes the renovations done to the house. It didn’t destroy the charm of the old place. The decorator that Richard’s cousin had hired is very good. When they reached the back veranda, they went down through there to where Richard parked his car.

“Halika na, ihahatid na kita.” Richard said. “Can we just walk, I want to see more of the street? Would that be okay?”

“Sure, pero paano itong car mo?” Maya asked.

“Babalikan ko na lang. Anyway, since I don’t have to go to work early, I may stay a bit longer. I realized now how I missed this house. The good memories came flooding back.” Richard said. “Before kasi, mas naaalala ko iyong one week of hell that Papa and I suffered while Mama and Grace were at the hands of the kidnappers, and our evening flight out of here. Kaya nga I was reluctant to go back here, initially. Of course, I know I have to deal with it since living in this house would be the best for my daughter. I missed this house rin and this street. This is home, no matter where I have been. Mabuti the circumstances were right already and I can come back to this place, to this country.”

“Yes, this street feels like that, to me also. Ako nga ilang years pa lang dito. Ikaw dito ka na lumaki. Saka sa una lang naman talaga mahirap balikan something that touched us negatively and sadly, eventually, okay na rin naman, we adapt and adjust, and I guess, fully accept na rin. Sabi nga minsan di ba, there is nothing to fear, but fear itself.” Maya said.

“You are so correct, there, Maya.” Richard agreed. “Thank you again for helping me out. It means a lot to me, really, you never how much you are making things easier for me. I’m okay na, staying here a bit pa after I take you home.”

“I’m glad to have helped you, Ricky.” Maya said. “O huwag kang masyadong magpakapuyat. You will drive home pa.” Maya reminded him.

“Yes, Attorney Maya!” Richard said smiling, liking the way Maya said it. “I will not. I will go home soon.”

They smiled at each other, then walked down Mirasol Street to Maya’s place. Richard really liked the newly paved street and the clean look. Except for the houses getting newer and bigger, the street didn’t change much in terms of charm. He was also delighted to see the little store near Maya’s place.

“Nandito pa pala ang tindahan nina Manong Tony and Manang Bising!” Richard remarked. “Sayang sarado na. Maghe-hello sana ako.”

“Then you can do that when you move.” Maya said,smiling broadly, seeing the happiness in Richard’s face. “Here’s home na.” Maya stopped in front of a five storey-building with a small terrace in front of each apartment, that is now standing where her and Doris’s apartment and several others used to be.

“Pati pala ito, nabago na! But I think mas maganda ngayon ang place ninyo.” Richard said looking at the place. “Which one is yours now?”

“Iyong nasa dulo, second floor, end unit siya.” Maya pointed to the last unit on the second floor with a small terrace covered with plants. “Why don’t you come up so I can give you a ‘small tour’.” She suggested, smiling since it is a small apartment, especially as compared to Richard’s spacious family home.

“I would love to, Maya, pero gabi na rin. Kailangan mo nang magpahinga. Next time, I will take you up on that. “Richard said. “I’ll walk you to your door.”

“Dito na lang, Ricky. I’ll be okay. Ilang taon na rin akong umuuwi rito.” Maya said, assuring Ricky that she will be okay going up alone.

“Yes, maybe, but I will feel better if I deliver you to your door.” Richard insisted. He was thinking of the long, empty corridor at that time of the night. The place looks safe, but you never know.

Maya didn’t argue anymore. She and Richard climbed up to the second floor of the apartment building, using the stairway at the side of the lobby, instead of the elevator.

“This is it, Ricky! Thank you for bringing me home and for today, and for everything.” Maya said, when they have reached her door. “This has been a very wonderful day!”

“Thank you for today and tonight too, Maya.” Richard said. “You are right. It has been a wonderful and momentous day. I’m so happy. Good night, Maya! I’ll see you on Thursday at LAS.”

“Good night, Ricky! Yes, see you. Then if you need help pala when you move, let me know. Wala naman akong pasok sa Saturday!” Maya offered.

“Really, thank you Maya. I think everything is set. But please, just drop by the house in the afternoon so you can meet Abby properly and say hello to Manang Fe and Sabel again.” Richard suggested. He knows that Abby will like Maya and vice versa.

“Sure, I’ll do that.” Maya said smiling, then unlocking her door. “O paano, papasok na ako. Hindi ka ba talaga papasok, have coffee or juice?”

“No, I’m good. Pasok ka na. Good night, Maya.” Richard said, then he made a move that so surprised Maya. He kissed her good night on the cheek. “See you.” He said softly. Then he gave her a big lopsided smile before walking back to the stairs.

Maya just stared at him, touching her cheek. Her heart rate has not yet recovered from the sudden burst of feelings she felt with that kiss. Yes, it was just maybe a beso, but it felt differently.

Richard looked one more time at Maya, smiled again, before disappearing down the stairway. He was grinning hugely and happily as he took the stairs. He was very happy to be back in Mirasol Street!

Chapter 7

“Ricky, iyong kamay ko.” Maya whispered to Richard when they were about to enter the executive offices of LAS after exiting the elevator. “Baka makita tayo ng mga staff mo.”  Maya had noticed some of the employees looking at them earlier, curiosity on their faces.

“Oh!” Richard said, looking at his and Maya’s clasped hands. He gave her another of his lopsided smiles. “Just like old times, huh!”

Maya blushed at Richard’s words. She, too, was remembering instances where Richard would intertwined their hands while walking.

“Okay, I will let go.” Richard gently let go of her hand, but added impishly, “Not that I mind them seeing, you know.” Then he blurted out before he can stop himself, “Pero baka pala sa iyo may magalit na nakitang magka-holding hands tayo!” Oops, and you sounded like you are fishing for information, Richard Lim, he muttered to himself. You were not even subtle about it. Richard felt himself turning red!

“Hmmm, wala naman.” Maya frankly said, then seeing that Richard getting red in the face, knowing that his statement was a slip of the tongue, she teased him too, to put him at ease. “Pero baka sa iyo, meron.” Then she gave him a mischievous smile.

He smiled back, as their banter felt like old times too. Then he turned serious and gazed at her intently before saying, “Wala naman!” He didn’t elaborate or say anything else, just continued looking meaningfully at Maya.

Maya felt unnerved at the way he was looking at her. Her heart beating faster. Her face heating up. “Halika na nga, kailangan pa nating mag-prepare for the meeting.” She managed to say.

Richard let her be at that moment. He smiled happily. He felt so much happier now than the first time he stepped back on Philippine soil. He was still smiling when they entered the offices. Like this morning, there were quite a number of stares at them. The simple curiosity of the employees turned to surprise when they saw their boss smiling, with a smile that lit up his face. A smile from Richard Lim! Wow, milagro, some of them thought! The employees’ surprise at their boss’ behavior didn’t end there, as Richard LIm greeted them with a cheery, good afternoon, followed by the beautiful lady he was with that morning, a gesture that left some of them in slack-jawed amazement!

“Maya, I’ll see you later.” Richard told Maya when they arrived at the entrance to their offices. “Thank you for a wonderful lunch. I love the company.”

“See you, Ricky. Thanks a lot again for the lunch.” Maya said with a big smile. However, instead of going inside her office, she detoured to Liza’s cubicle.

“Yes, Atty. Maya?” Liza asked when Maya reached her cubicle . She, too, had observed the change in their boss’ demeanour this afternoon. “Anything I could help you with?”

“Oh, I will ask lang sana where is the restroom, Liza.” Maya replied. “I need to freshen up.”

“Just at that corner, near the pantry.” Liza said, gesturing towards the corridor beside the room where Maya heard people chatting earlier. “But I’ll take you there. Papunta pa lang din ako doon. Habang wala pa ang mga taga-Coastal Airlines!” Liza offered.

“Thank you, Liza.” Maya said with a grateful smile.

The two of them walked towards the restroom.

“Sa labas kayo nag-lunch ni Sir Richard, Atty. Maya?” Liza asked conversationally while they were walking. Well, she was a bit curious too, seeing the drastic change in the serious Richard Lim she had known for the past several months. Tao lang, she muttered.

“Yes. diyan sa may Spanish restaurant na malapit dito.” Maya replied. “I got engrossed with what I was doing earlier and didn’t notice the time. Kinatok lang ako ni Ricky and he reminded me na lunchtime na! Otherwise, nalipasan na ako ng gutom. I’m like that when I get too concentrated into something I’m doing.”

“Talaga, so nice naman of Sir Richard!” Liza remarked, and because she can’t really help herself anymore, hearing Maya said ‘Ricky’ again, she decided to ask the nice lady lawyer what she had been dying to know since she saw them came back from lunch. “Atty. Maya, may I ask you something personal, kung okay lang?”

Maya looked at Liza and she saw curiosity in her eyes. “Sure, ano ba iyon, basta ba kaya kong sagutin eh.”

“Well, I just want to know lang po sana kung matagal na kayong magkakilala ni Sir Richard.” Liza said, then explained, “Kasi kanina parang so at ease kayo with each other. Pasensya na sa kulit, Attorney. Promise sa akin lang ito, cross my heart, hope to die.” Liza even put her hand over her chest. “Oh and saka I heard that you called him ‘Ricky’ earlier, tapos ngayon din. I didn’t even know that Ricky is his nickname.”

“Hahahaha, Liza, okay lang.” Maya laughed, opening the door of the restroom so that she and Liza can enter. “Yes I have known Ricky before. Friends kami dati. Though, I haven’t seen him for around ten years na yata. Nagkagulatan na lang kami sa RRMA yesterday.” Maya continued.

“Wow, ganoon na katagal! Small world naman talaga na nagkita kayo ni Sir Richard!” Liza said with a big smile, happy to hear about this. “Thank you for telling me Atty. Maya. Stop na ako, hindi ko na tatanungin kung naging kayo ni Sir.” She added, jesting.

“Ikaw talaga, Liza, showbiz na iyan ha!” Maya said, but she was smiling. For some reason, magaan ang loob niya sa executive assistant ni Richard kahit personal na ang mga tanong nito, considering na ngayon lang sila nagkakilala. She reminds her of Doris.

“Joke lang, Atty. Maya.” Liza laughed. “In fairness, bagay kasi kayo.”

“Halika na nga, let’s freshen up na. Malapit mo nang malampasan ang mga beteranong showbiz reporters at anchors sa pagtatanong.” Maya said, still grinning.

“Okay, stop na po ako, promise.” Liza said, smiling, liking the lady lawyer who gamely answered her kulit queries.

While Maya and Liza were in the restroom, Richard was sitting on his desk, just staring out of the window. He still have a ghost of a smile on his face. He just can’t concentrate on the papers on his desk awaiting his review and signature. Who would have thought that today, especially his lunch would turned out so wonderful! He finally started clearing the air with Maya. The bridge to the past is slowly being built! They still have a long way to go, but their lunch and what transpired there was a very good start.

When Richard to moved back to the Philippines with Abby more than three months ago, his first goal was to get his daughter settled down, complete his company’s move here, and then at the back of his mind, he wanted to see if he could find Maya after all these years when everything has settled down. He thought among the toughest, aside from making sure Abby is okay with the move to another country, would be finding Maya after all this years as he didn’t know where to start. Mindoro perhaps! With the business, it was not so difficult he had established a very good reputation in the region and have quite a number of big airlines as client. He still have those in the China office. However, he wanted to shift everything to the Philippines long-term. He never thought that by ditching his plan of hiring a corporate legal counsel, he would find her!

Richard is very happy that everything is falling into place. Maybe, it is his and Maya’s destiny to meet again after all these years. There was really something special about their shared short past. He had never forgotten her. He would think of her from to time, especially when he watched a movie or a TV series with a lawyer as a heroine or when he go to a bookstore and saw her favorite bodice-ripper novels on display!

He is willing to take it from where they are at present. He smiled, remembering Maya’s answer when he probed if someone will get mad at her holding hands with him! Boy, he was happy to know that she is still single. After Alexandra died, he never thought of looking for another life’s partner. There was no one he got interested in and all his efforts, he poured towards Abby’s welfare. It has taken most of his energies, worrying if his daughter will be okay as the experts say there is no ‘cure’ for autism.

While he and Alexandra had a good relationship, considering the circumstances of their marriage, both of them knew that it was not the grand love that was depicted in the movies, in the romance books, or the kind of love that poets waxed about in sonnets and verses. It was a comfortable marriage brought by understanding and companionship of two lonely souls. Truth to tell, she was more of a very good friend to him, and he to her. They actually both realized it halfway through their married life.

Richard felt so sad at her untimely passing at the same time, he had wished then that he was capable of giving her the love she deserved. But he and Alex understood each other. They had happy times. He was loyal to her. She to him. They took care of each other despite the fact that it was really not their intention to get married to each other.

When Alexandra was dying, she told him to be happy. She told him she wished that he would find a love that would last a lifetime, that he would find someone who would also love their beautiful angel, Abigail Ruth, someone who would make his heart beat faster, iyong parang sa movies, she said with a big, tired smile, and make him feel that he can scale mountains with just a smile from that wonderful person.

Richard had hoped too that one day, like Alexandra had wished him years ago, just before she succumbed to breast cancer that he would find the woman who will make his heart beat faster by just the mere sight of her, someone whom he can’t stop thinking about, someone he would do everything for, and someone who will make him happy with just the thought of her. He did find that someone a long time ago, he admitted to himself as he dealt with the sadness of Alexandra’s passing. With Maya! But the seed of the love they were starting to nurture then, didn’t have the chance to grow. He also had to put those thoughts aside because of Abby. She needed him big time, especially after her mommy died and she was diagnosed with autism. Now, she is doing much better.

“Sir Richard, Sir Richard!” Someone calling him from the doorway of his office cut into Richard’s thoughts of the past. He swiveled his chair towards the direction of the voice, and saw Liza standing by his office’s entrance.

“Yes, Liza?” Richard asked, giving his secretary a smile.

Liza at first, was not able to say anything, seeing that smile directed at her. “Errr, Sir, magsisimula na po iyong meeting ninyo nina Atty. Ryan, Atty. Maya and ang mga representative ng Coastal Airlines. Nandito na po si Atty. Ryan, dumiretso doon sa office na ginagamit ni Atty. Maya para they can review the contracts and other documents before the meeting. ”

“Oh, sige, I’ll be along shortly.” Richard said. He gathered his things, then went to Maya’s office.

“Brod!” Ryan greeted Richard when he saw him standing by the door. “Dito na muna ako ako dumiretso kay Maya kasi baka may mga kailangan pang i-ready for our meeting. I also looked na at the contracts that she had finished, and they are ready to go. Very nicely done. Walang loopholes! Mas maayos ang pagkaka-phrase kaysa sa akin.” Ryan added with a smile.

“Great! I know naman Maya can do it, with flying colors!” Richard said, smiling, looking at Maya. His voice was tinged with pride.

Maya blushed at the implied praise. She smiled at Richard and he did the same. Ryan looked at the two of them, and observed that there seemed to be a new undercurrent between his brod and his new associate.

Maya tried to collect herself by gathering her papers, then took out her iPad from her bag, and stood up. Ryan did the same and the three of them walked towards the conference room.

Several minutes later the head of operations of Coastal Airlines arrived, the head of maintenance, and their company lawyer, together with his associate arrived. Introductions were made, and after which they all buckled down to work and discussed the nitty-gritty of Coastal getting the services of LAS for its fleets maintenance in details for the next two hours. Maya was mostly observing and taking down notes for the contract she and Ryan will make for LAS. By half past 5pm, everything was settled and the content of the contract each party will sign has been agreed on. Everyone shook hands on the verbal agreements, and the agreed routing date of the contract to be signed by both parties.The Coastal Airlines team left LAS soon after.

“Brod, Maya, I need to get going. May isa pa akong client meeting. Dinner meeting after this. Sa Makati pa eh.” Ryan said. “Maya, bukas na lang tayo magkita sa RRMA and work on the contract. Kahit hindi ka na sumama on this one. Tapusin mo na lang muna ang mga ginagawa mo rito sa LAS since you are here na.”

“Yes, Atty. Molina, I would just do that, Sir.” Maya said.

“Okay, Brod. I’ll see you soon, kapag may libre na tayong oras. I haven’t seen some of our barkadas mula ng bumalik ako.” Richard shook Ryan’s hand and they did their frat’s shoulder tap greeting thing. “Ako na ang bahala kay Maya.”

“Sige Brod.” Ryan left with a wave of his hand. Not missing his brod’s statement. Hmmm, there is really something there, he thinks!

Richard and Maya both looked at Ryan’s departing figure. Then they both returned to their offices. Richard to review the documents on his table that needs his signature. Maya to finish working on the rest of the papers she got from Liza that morning.

More than two hours later, Liza knocked on her opened door. “Attorney Maya, hindi ka pa ba uuwi? It’s almost 8pm na! Sabay na tayo.”

“Oh, oo nga ano! Hindi pa kasi ako ginugutom because of the snack at the meeting kaya siguro hindi ko namalayan ang oras. Sige Liza, please go ahead, tatapusin ko lang itong hawak kong papers. Palipas-traffic din. Kapag ganitong oras, traffic pa pauwi sa area ko.” Maya said. “Thank you for everything ha I’ll see you the day after tomorrow.”

“No worries, Atty. Maya, I’m glad you are here nga. Mauuna na ako ha.” Liza said, then smiling, she told Maya.”Huwag masyadong subsob sa work, First day mo pa lang dito. Hinay-hinay. Para kang si Sir Richard, hayun hindi pa rin tumitigil sa work. He told me na nga to go ahead of him dahil he can manage naman daw.”

“Ganoon ba, Ricky is still here.” Maya replied, smiling, not really sure what to make of Liza’s statement, including Richard’s name and the fact that he was still at the office too. Hmmm, is she playing matchmaker? “Thanks again, Liza, for everything!”

Liza left and Maya went back to her papers. Like that afternoon, a knock on her door made her jump more than an hour later.

“Maya, nandito ka pa pala! I thought you umuwi ka na kasabay ni Liza kanina!” Richard, his back against the door and his arms folded on his chest. He was about to go home when he noticed the light in the office that Maya is using. He thought she just forgot to turn off the light.

“Ricky! Ginulat mo ako! Naku, it’s almost 9PM na pala! Hindi ko namalayan ang oras. Tahimik kasi. Ikaw, ginabi ka rin?” Maya asked, removing her eyeglasses.

“Tinapos ko na lahat ng kailangan kong i-sign so I can go to work late tomorrow.  May aasikasuhin kasi ako bukas ng umaga. I have been putting this off for the past weeks. I need to do this na.” Richard said. “Halika na, sumabay ka na sa akin. I’ll bring you home. Let’s have dinner first, please. Gutom na ako.” He suggested.

“Naku, Ricky. Huwag na. I can manage. Baka out of your way rin ang place ko sa iyo.” Maya protested.

“Maya, please. Hindi pa nga natin natapos ang catching up natin kanina.” Richard insisted. “Don’t worry, traffic is lighter na naman at this time of the night. Saan ka ba umuuwi ngayon? No arguments, I will bring you home.”

Maya stood up, gathering her things. “I still live in Mirasol Street.” She said softly. Suddenly, the street where she lives evoked something she has not felt in a long time, parang a combination of saya and lungkot sa lahat ng mga nangyari sa kanya sa kalye na iyon.

Richard was surprised to know. Had he known that she is just there! “Really? You do? I thought after college that you and Doris might have moved somewhere. How I loved that street and our house there, so many good memories!”

“Doris did, kasi she got married soon after. Pero since I went to a university near PUS for my law degree, I continued staying there. Saka iyon na kasi ang nakasanayan kong home dito sa Maynila.” Maya explained. “Hindi na ako umalis doon kasi accessible naman kahit saan. In all the time I was living there and since you left, I haven’t seen someone staying at your house, except for the occasional visits of your caretakers before, sina Mang Lando and Aling Lucing.”

“I haven’t been there since we left, and since I returned to the country . Since umalis din kasi kami ng Pilipinas, ito pa lang ang balik ko after all these years. Iyong logistics for the transfer of the LAS Corporate headquarters here from China, inasikaso ng cousin ko whom I have left naman in our China office now. Palitan kami.” Richard said. “Nakilala mo pala sina Mang Lando and Aling Lucing?”

Maya looked at Richard, deciding whether she will admit it or not. She decided to be upfront so they can completely clear the past. “I met them one time, pagkabalik ko ng Maynila, when I asked them kung alam nila kung nasaan ka na. Hindi ko na kasi napigilan, sinubukan ko lang alamin. I have wondered kasi kung okay ka lang ba? Iyong family mo? Kasi nga bigla kayong umalis. But I think your Papa instructed them not to say anything.”

“Maya, you did?” Richard was surprised to know. It felt like someone pinched his heart hearing the tinge of hurt in Maya’s voice and at the same time glad, as she cared enough to ask, and to worry about him. “Maya, I’m really really sorry for not telling you. If only….”

“Ricky, no more of that please! I didn’t tell you that so that you will feel bad pa. We can’t live in the present and go forward if we indulge in ‘what ifs’. All the things that have happened, belonged to the past and no matter what, we can’t go back and undo everything. We can just go forward and put everything behind us. Both of us experienced something monumental and life changing that semestral break and it shaped us. Let us move forward with that in mind. Everything happened for a reason, sabi nga di ba?” Maya told Richard eloquently, touching his arm as they were walking out of the building to comfort him and let him know that everything is okay now. “Thank you for apologizing again. But knowing now what happened, you don’t have to say that. It was beyond your control and you had to do what you were asked to do then.”

“Thank you, Maya.” Richard said gratefully. He also stopped walking, and in a move that surprised, Maya, he touched her chin, looking deeply into her eyes, he said simply but meaningfully, “I’m so glad fate made us meet again.”

“Me too, Ricky. Me too!” Maya gave Richard a brilliant smile. “See, the important thing is we met each other again and here we are. Good vibes lang. Life is too short to dwell on things we don’t have a control of from the start and that had happened already.”

Maya and Richard shared a look of deep understanding and a sweet, gentle smile, for each other before they boarded Richard’s car. They drove into the night, first stopping at an Italian restaurant to have a late dinner, and then an hour after, they were on the road again, driving towards the direction of Mirasol Street, the street where they started.