My Sunflower World

Chapter 29

“Do I look okay, sweetheart? Is this okay for the dinner with your parents?” Maya asked Ricky as she walked towards where he had been waiting for her as she got ready for the dinner with his parents. She was wearing a beautiful, violet shift dress, clutching a small black beaded evening bag, paired with her favourite black designer shoes. Her hair was in a chignon. Her makeup, understated.

Ricky who have been playing a game on his mobile phone while sipping the coffee that Manang Fe served him 30 minutes earlier, looked up upon hearing her voice. He smiled at his very beautiful, but obviously, very nervous girlfriend. “You look very beautiful, sweetheart. You always are. But this evening, you look radiant. And you are perfect and beautiful no matter what you wear. It is you and the way you carry yourself!”

Ricky stood up and walked towards Maya. Then cupping her chin, he kissed her lightly on the lips. “You don’t have to worry a single thing. My father already loves you and I’m sure my mother will. In fact, I think she already does. I told you, di ba, she had been badgering me to bring you to dinner ever since she heard about you.”

“Thank you for the vote of confidence, sweetheart. I just want your parents to like me. Last week they were expecting you to marry Lorraine, and now, out of the blue, there’s me!” Maya admitted. It occurred to her that it might be what Ricky’s parents have been thinking as everything happened so fast and sudden, kahit pa may history ang grandparents nila!

“Oh, sweetheart, please don’t think about that. And please, please, let us forget about Lorraine. She belongs in the past.” Ricky said, caressing Maya’s face. “Come let’s go. I’m sure my parents are counting the minutes until they meet the love of my life. They were so looking forward to this evening.”

Ricky took Maya’s hand and intertwined it with his tightly. They went to the kitchen and said goodbye to Manang Fe.

“Manang Fe, please don’t wait up for me po. I have susi naman.” Maya told her old nanny who looked teary-eyed, seeing her old ward so beautiful, with the man she loves.

“Sige, mag-iingat kayong dalawa sa biyahe. Enjoy your dinner.” Then as if she can’t help herself, she went to Maya, and touched her face. “Masayang-masaya ako para sa iyo, Maya anak! Masaya akong makita kang ganito kasaya. Ricky, ikaw na ang bahala sa dalaga namin ha.”

“Maraming salamat po, Manang Fe.” Maya said, hugging the old lady. “Sige po, aalis na kami ni Ricky.”

“Manang Fe, huwag po kayong mag-aalala. I’ll make sure that Maya is home safe after the dinner with my parents. I’ll take good care of her, always!” Ricky assured the old lady.

Hand in hand, Ricky and Maya walked towards Ricky’s car. They put the bouquet of roses that Maya bought for Ricky’s mother, and the box of blueberry cheesecake she got from Cafe Arts in the back seat. Ricky mentioned that his mother and her friends have been to the cafe several times and that cake was their favorite.

“Sweetheart, anong oras pala ang arrival ng parents mo on Tuesday?” Ricky asked Maya as he navigated the main road just off Maya’s house. Traffic was getting heavier as people had started hitting the streets after the offices closed down for the day. It was also payday Friday!

While they were having their wonderful lunch at the cafe’s garden, Maya excitedly told Ricky that her parents are going home earlier than expected and that she was very much looking forward to seeing them again, and introducing him to them. She also mentioned that she had told her mom about them and by that time, Maya was sure her father also knows about her daughter having a boyfriend.

Ricky was happy to know that her parents are coming home soon. He would like to meet them the soonest time possible, and asks for Maya’s parents’ blessing in proposing to her. Ricky knew it would seem a lot to ask of his prospective in-laws  on first meeting but it was something he want to do very much and the soonest. He is also a bit nervous in meeting them as they may not approve of him for their daughter, just like his father initially did. But he will cross the bridge when he get there, so to speak, he told himself. He is holding on to his and Maya’s love to see him through that. In the short time they have been together, they have already hurdled a lot.

“I don’t know yet, sweetheart. I forgot to ask Mom actually sa kakakwento naming dalawa about us.” Maya said sheepishly. “But I can find out from Manong Dindo kung anong oras sila nagpapasundo, or I can call Mom again. Bakit mo pala naitanong?”

“Wala naman, I just want to know. I’m looking forward to meeting them.” Ricky said, then smiling, he added, “If you are nervous about meeting my parents, I am too, in meeting your Mom and Dad. At least, ikaw nga na-meet mo na si Papa.”

“Sweetheart, you nervous!” Maya looked at Ricky, surprised at his admission. He is the epitome of confidence! “I can’t believe it. You, Mr. Confidence himself!”

“Siyempre naman, they only got to know about me today, and besides, I’m your first, AND only boyfriend ha, ever, and I’m sure by now, they have a pretty definite standards on the person they wish you who would end up with.”

Maya laughed, then touching his arm, she said, “Sweetheart, like you told me earlier, there is nothing to be nervous about. My mother likes you already and she has not yet met you ha, what more kung makilala ka na nila in person. My dad naman is a softie. Besides they only have a couple of things they require from the person they want me to be with.

“Such as…?” Ricky asked, wanting to know very much.

“That my boyfriend would love me very much, that said boyfriend will make me happy, take care of me always, and put me and my welfare first! But most importantly that I love this person very much. And I love you very much naman, more than life itself.” Maya finished, then caressing Ricky’s arm, she added, “See, nothing to worry about as you passed those criteria, Mr. Lim.”

Ricky smiled at his girlfriend. “Thanks so much, sweetheart. I just want everything to be okay. And for the record, I love you more than life itself too and I would do anything and everything to make you happy, always.”

“Thank you, sweetheart. Everything will be okay. Kayang-kaya nating dalawa iyan. See, wala pa naman tayong hindi kinaya, basta magkasama tayo.”

The two of them shared a beautiful smile, full of love for each other. The rest of the trip from Quezon City to Makati, Ricky and Maya talked about their planned visit Ricky’s grandmother. Soon after, they arrived at the Lims place.

“Ready, sweetheart?” Ricky asked Maya as they entered the building. Hands interlaced, they walked towards the private elevator that would take them to the penthouse unit of the Lims.

“Yes, sweetheart! This is it!” Maya smiled tremulously at Ricky.

Several minutes after, the elevator opened to the private foyer of Ricky’s parents’ place. Ricky pressed the bell.

“Good evening po, Sir Ricky, Ma’am.” Cynthia, the Lims long-time housekeeper greeted them warmly. Donya Rosemarie earlier told Cynthia that her son Ricky was bringing his girlfriend to dinner. Cynthia thought she would have to endure another night serving that snooty Lorraine. Donya Rosemarie corrected her when she mentioned her name and told her Ricky is bringing his new girlfriend Maya, much to her surprised. Looking at her Sir Ricky’s new girlfriend, she can sense that she is way much different from Lorraine. Mukhang mabait at magalang, she thought.

Maya greeted Cynthia with a warm, friendly smile. “Hello po. Magandang gabi po, I’m Maya Dela Rosa.” With that, Cynthia was completely won over by the beautiful lady holding hands with her guwapong amo.

“Cynthia po, Ma’am Maya. Welcome po.” Cynthia said smiling. “Sir Ricky, nasa sala po ang Mama at Papa ninyo.”

“Thank you, Cynthia.” Ricky said as he guided Maya towards the living room of the penthouse apartment, carrying the cake and the flowers.

However, before they can reach it, Rosemarie Lim,met them halfway. Ricky’s mother had a big smile, excitement on her face.

“Son, so great to see you.” Then she looked at Maya and gave her a warm smile. She didn’t wait for her son’s introductions. “Hello Maya, I’m so happy to finally meet you. I’m Rosemarie Lim.”

“Good evening po, Mrs. Lim, I’m very happy to meet you din po, finally.” Maya smiled at Ricky’s mother, feeling relieved at her warm welcome. “Para po pala sa inyo.” Maya gave Ricky’s mother the flowers and the cake.

“Naku, hija, thank you very much. How beautiful, and oh, this is the cake I like from your cafe! By the way, call me Tita Rosemarie na lang, o kaya naman Mama. I think Mama is better.” Rosemarie Lim told Maya as she hugged her, then Ricky. “Welcome to our place, Maya. Hello again, son.”

“Iyan din ang sinabi ko kay Maya when I met her, pero she insisted on calling me, Tito Richie.” Richie Lim said as he approached his son, wife and his son’s girlfriend. It seemed he too, can’t wait until they reached the living room. “Nice to see you again, Maya. How about calling me Papa na, hija?”

Like his wife, Richie Lim also gave Maya a hug as Ricky looked on happily. His father nodded at him by way of a greeting.

Ricky was amazed at the ease his parents and Maya were with each other! Life is just so great. He couldn’t ask for anything anymore.

“Thank you po, Papa, and also Mama, for the warm welcome.” Maya said shyly, still getting use to calling Ricky’s parents Papa and Mama. She felt very happy at their warm welcome.

The elder Lims smiled at Maya happily.

“Naku, Ricky, Maya, let’s go the living room na nga.  Sorry at in my excitement di ko na talaga nahintay na ihatid kayo roon ni Cynthia.” Rosemarie said.

Rosemarie ushered everyone into to the living room. They chatted for several minutes before Cynthia approached Rosemarie Lim and told them that dinner is ready. Everyone trooped to the dining room set elegantly that evening.

It was a very enjoyable and laid back dinner in which the Lim family made sure that Maya is completely at ease with them. They told her stories of Ricky when he was a boy and a teen. Maya laughed at some of their stories. While Ricky on the other hand, protested at his parents telling Maya of his youthful shenanigans!

The Lims also asked Maya about her parents. Richie Lim mentioned that he actually know his father by name as one the Lim companies have used their cargo business. However, he and her father, or her mother haven’t had the chance to meet in person. Maya mentioned that her parents were abroad but would be home in several days.

“Well, when they are settled here again, maybe we can have dinner with them.” Rosemarie Lim suggested.

“Sige po, I will tell Mom and Dad.” Maya said.

“That would be great, hija!” Richie Lim said. “Maybe your Dad and I can play a round of golf also one day. Naggo-golf ba siya?”

“Yes po, Papa.”

“Great, great!”

The four of them also talked the journal and about Ricardo and Maya’s love story and their meeting in Ilocos. From the journal, the conversation also shifted to vacations in Ilocos and all the beautiful places to see there. By the time dinner ended and they were having dessert in the sitting room, Maya felt that she had known Rosemarie and Richie Lim a long time. Ricky was very happy as well at the way the evening has turned out.

“So, son, tuloy na kayo ni Maya sa Lola mo sa Sunday?” Rosemarie asked her son and Maya as they enjoyed freshly brewed Batangas coffee from the Valderama farm and the cheesecake that Maya brought.

“Yes, Mama, we will definitely visit her on Sunday! I called Lola this morning and told her that we are definitely coming for a visit. She said be there before lunch so we can all have lunch at the farm.” Ricky replied, holding his cup of coffee in one hand and the other one, intertwined with Maya’s.

“Great, great!” Rosemarie said. “And Maya, don’t be nervous okay, I’m sure Mama will like you very much also, like Richie and I do. In fact, I think she would be happy to see you and that finally, the grandchildren of Papa Ricardo and your Lola are continuing their aborted love story. Di ba, Richie?”

“Of course, of course, Maya. In fact she is looking forward to meeting you. I think Ricky mentioned to you that I have been to Batangas the other day.” Richie said. “You have nothing to worry about.”

“Thank you very much po, Mama, Papa. Gusto ko rin po siyang makilala. I’m looking forward to our trip to Batangas.” Maya replied happily, gazing at Ricky with so much love.

They shared a look and for a moment, they forgot that they were with Ricky’s parents. The older Lims looked at them indulgently. Now, more than ever, having met Maya, they know why their son has fallen so hard in such a short time. They can see the palpable love between their son and the beautiful lady he was holding hands with. In a way, they also understand how Ricardo Lim must have fallen like a ton of bricks upon seeing Maya’s grandmother. If she is anything like the present Maya, then it was inevitable, really!

Several minutes after, they realized that they have gone into a world of their own. They smiled sheepishly at Ricky’s parents. They smiled back, gesturing that they understood. They continued chatting as they enjoyed their coffee and cheesecake. They barely noticed the passing of hours. When the clock chimed the hour, Ricky looked at his watch and was startled to discover that it was already midnight. He put down his cup.

“Papa, Mama, I think it is about time Maya and I get going.” Ricky said. “I need to work pa tomorrow, err, today na pala since it past midnight na to make up for my vacation. Maya also needs to be at the cafe early.”

“Oo nga po, Papa, Mama. I need to be at Cafe Arts early kasi nasa hospital pa po iyong friend ko and business partner. Na-dengue po kasi siya.” Maya added. “Thank you very much po for inviting me. I have a very wonderful time.

“I hope your friend gets better, soon, Maya.” Rosemarie said, then going to Maya, she held her face with her two hands, “And the pleasure is ours, hija. Please see us again soon. Ricky please bring back Maya again the soonest. I will go your cafe again, with my amigas. We really like the place.”

“Yes Mama I will bring her back soon.”

“Please let me know po Mama if you will go there, and we can have coffee at my private place in the back.”

“Yes, Mama, you should see that beautiful place. Doon ako sinagot ni Maya.” Ricky said, grinning.

“Oh really! Then I really need to see that place, hija. I’ll text you.”

Maya hugged Ricky’s mother again, then went to his father. “Thank you po again, Papa,” she said.

Richie Lim patted her back and smiled. “Basta para sa inyo ng anak ko, Maya. All I want is for him is to be happy. You have made him so happy, I can see that.”

Ricky and Maya left the Lims soon after. While on the road, they talk the dinner with the elder Lims.

“See, there was nothing to worry about, sweetheart. My parents love you.” Ricky told Maya, touching her chin with his thumb and forefinger while they were waiting for the traffic light to turn green.

“Yes, you are right sweetheart. And I love them already.” Maya grinned happily. “My parents will be like that with you, sweetheart. I’m just so happy that our parents are okay with our relationship. While we are old enough not to need their approval, I do want it.”

“Me too, Maya. Kaya nga I was so happy when Papa changed his tune so fast and imagine ha, complete turnaround pa. Kinausap pa si Lorraine!”

“That’s true. You know what your father told me when I thanked him for talking to Lorraine?” Maya asked. She and Richie Lim were left alone  in the living room for a time as Ricky went to the toilet, and his mother went to the kitchen to ask Cynthia to serve the dessert and coffee in the living room.

“You managed to talk to Papa, about it?”

“Yes, when you went to the toilet and your Mama went to the kitchen. He assured me that Lorraine will not bother us and he also said sorry for sending her to Ilocos. I thanked him, and he told me that it was the least the could do, after unwittingly sending Lorraine to you. He also said that he wanted nothing to mar our relationship from now on. It was really so nice of your Papa to do that.”

“I’m glad too. So, that’s what you were thanking Papa for before we left. Tatanungin ko nga sana sa iyo, what was it all about.” Ricky said, smiling, then he teased his girlfriend. “See, you have completely won him over sweetheart with your charm, wit and beauty!”

Maya grinned. Feeling at the top of the world at that moment.

They arrived at Maya’s place an hour after they have left the Lims.

‘Won’t you come in, sweetheart?” Maya asked Ricky as she opened the gate of her family home.

“Hindi na, sweetheart. Gabi na. Go get some rest. Maaga ka pa rin bukas, or mamaya na pala iyon.” Ricky said. “Just rest early when you get home from the cafe. Maaga pa tayo for our Batangas trip. I wish we can have dinner tomorrow, err, mamayang gabi pala, but I don’t know what time I will be finished at work.”

Maya put her hands around Ricky’s nape, smiled at him sweetly. “Yes, sweetheart, of course! Ikaw din ha, huwag masyadong magpapagod and eat on time. Baka makalimutan mo na sa dami ng work mo.”

Ricky grinned at Maya. “Yes po, Ms. Dela Rosa, I will eat on time and will rest as soon as I get home. I’ll see you bright and early tomorrow. Dream of us!”

“I hope I will. Good night, sweetheart. Thank you again for a wonderful evening. I love you very much.”

“Good night, sweetheart.” Ricky said softly. “I love you very much too.”

Ricky and Maya gazed at each other with all the love they were feeling. Ricky lowered his head, and his lips met Maya’s for a searing kiss under the moonlit night. Long after Ricky had left, Maya was still at the veranda, enjoying the beautiful night, feeling so happy. How can she sleep with all the happiness inside her!

Several decades ago, in the exact spot, another beautiful lady stood and watched the beautiful moonlit night. But instead of feeling happy like her beloved grandchild, she felt extreme sorrow.

Maya Dela Rosa-Ventura was consumed by a very intense longing for the love of her life. She felt him calling her name in the middle of the night. It was what woke her up. It was so vivid. It shook and unsettled her. She can’t sleep anymore so decided to get a glass of milk and stay for a while in the veranda. She felt very sad at that moment, and she can’t explain why.

Unknown to Maya then, it was the day Ricardo Lim died.