Archive for category Richard and Maya Fiction
On The Street Where You Live – Chapter 21
Posted by Antigone in Richard and Maya Fiction on July 12, 2015
Chapter 21
“Maya, Richard, kain muna kayo.” Nanay Tessie said when she returned to the living room, followed by Manang Maring, carrying a tray. “Nag-order ako ng paborito mong palitao, anak. Nagpahanda rin ako ng suman sa latik dito kay Maring, para matikman ni Richard. Richard, kumakain ka ba ng mga ito, pala?”
“Yes po, Tita Tessie. Matagal ko na pong gustong matikman ang mga paboritong kakanin ni Maya. Madalas niya pong makwento sa akin ang mga iyan kahit noong una pa lang kaming nagkakilala.” Richard assured Nanay Tessie. “Thank you very much po.”
“Hi Manang Maring!” Maya greeted their kasambahay, a distant relative, who also helps out in the restaurant. “Ako na po ang maglalagay niyan dito sa table.”
“Maya, natutuwa naman ako at nauwi ka ulit dito, anak. Ako na ang gagawa niyan.” Manang Maring said. “Masarap kasama nitong suman at palitao, itong ipinahanda ni Ate Tessie na kapeng barako. Bagong giling lang iyan, galing sa kapihan ni Kuya Fernando sa Batangas.”
“Wow, ang sasarap nga ng mga ito, Nay, Manang Maring! Thank po talaga. Sobrang na-miss ko ang mga ito.” Maya said. “Ricky, si Manang Maring pala, kasama ni Nanay dito sa bahay, also katuwang ni Nanay sa restaurant sa ibaba. Manang Maring, si Richard po, boyfriend ko.”
“Magandang hapon po, Manang Maring. Maraming salamat po dito sa masarap na merienda.” Richard offered the older lady a big friendly smile.
“Ikinagagalak ko po kayong makilala, Sir Richard. Walang anuman po, Sir. Tiyak pong magugustuhan ninyo ang mga ipinahanda ni Ate Tessie na kakanin.” The middle-aged lady said, then she grinned and looked at Maya. “Ka-gwapo naman nitong nobyo mo, Maya.”
“Siyempre naman, Manang.” Maya said, laughing.
Richard was also smiling. “Richard na lang po, Manang Maring.”
“O siya, maiwan ko na kayo, Richard, Maya, Ate Tessie.” Manang Maring said. “Ate Tessie, babalik na ako sa restaurant at baka marami nang tao roon. Para rin makapag-merienda na sina Melinda at Chona.”
“Ricky, kain na.” Maya gave Richard a plate with a big serving of palitao and suman sa latik. Then she gave the second plate she made to her mother, who told her while she was preparing it that she would only like a small serving as she was still full from the big lunch she and Maring had.
“Thank you, sweetheart.” Richard said. “Ikaw?”
“Heto, kakain na rin. Handa ko lang itong kape natin.” Maya said, pointing at the third plate, then made coffee for the three of them. “Wow, ang sarap nga. Grabe, Nay, na-miss ko ito talaga!” She exclaimed after she took her first few bites of the kakanin.
“Tama po si Maya, Tita Tessie! This palitao is very delicious, also this suman sa latik! I’m sure magugustuhan din ang mga ito ni Abby!” Richard said while enjoying his third helping of the delicious rice cakes.
“Ilang taon na nga ang daughter mo Richard?” Nanay Tessie asked as she took a sip of her coffee.
“She is almost eight years old po, Tita Tessie. Same age as Lance. I think nabanggit din po ni Maya na Abby has the same condition as Lance. Pero despite that, she is a very bright girl. Most of the time, she seems older for her age kung mag-isip!”
“Naku, Nay, may tawag na nga pala sa iyo si Abby. Sabi niya sa amin ni Ricky kanina, she wants to meet daw po Lola Nanay Teresita!” Maya told her mother.
“‘Lola Nanay Teresita’! I like that a lot.” Nanay Tessie smiled happily. “Nakakatuwa naman ang anak mo Richard. Please tell her, I’m also looking forward to meeting her. Sabik nga ako sa apo eh. Ito kasing nag-iisa ko na lang anak, eh, hindi pa ako mabigyan ng apo eh.” She teased her daughter.
“Nay naman!” Maya said, blushing and getting self-conscious, taking a big gulp of her coffee. “Ikaw talaga, mother.”
Richard grinned. He almost teased Maya and her mother about Maya and him giving her an apo soon. But he stopped himself, too soon, and Maya was already blushing. Instead, he said, “She asked me po a lot of questions when I told her that Maya and I will visit you. Tapos nung nagpaalam kami ni Maya kanina, iyon ang sinabi niya. Matutuwa po iyon na makilala kayo and makapunta rin sa San Nicolas. Sabik po iyon sa probinsya.”
“Naku, next time, isama ninyo rito si Abby. I’m sure, she will enjoy going around San Nicolas.” Nanay Tessie said. “Maya, bukas ipasyal mo si Richard diyan sa mga tourist spot natin. Pero, baka nga pala, Maya, hindi mo madala si Richard doon sa ‘most romantic place mo’!”
“Bakit po Nay?” Maya asked as she was really planning on taking Richard there the following afternoon.
“Sabi kasi ni Fernando, may special event daw doon bukas. Nabanggit ko kasi sa kanya na darating ka at for sure, pupunta ka roon kasama nitong si Richard. Sabi ni Fernando, iko-cordon off iyong area hanggang tomorrow evening. Pero, baka naman sa Sunday, pwede na. Hapon pa naman iyong flight niyo pabalik. Richard, itong si Maya, favorite place niya iyon, iyon kasi ang lugar kung saan nag-propose ang tatay niya sa akin. She used to tell Cristina Rose na isang araw, madadala rin niya sa lugar na iyon ang prince charming niya. Hayon, alaskado siya sa ate niya parati.” Nanay Tessie narrated, laughing. “May pagka-romantic kasi itong bunso ko. Iyon namang panganay ko may pagka-pragmatic! Hay, nakaka-miss din ang ate mo Maya!”
Richard smiled and hid it behind the cup of coffee he was taking a sip from, upon hearing about the most romantic place. “Nabanggit nga po ni Maya ang place na iyon, Mukha naman pong it’s a very nice place and romantic since doon nag-propose ang husband ninyo. And yes, romantic po ang anak ninyo, which I like very much.” He added, gazing at Maya lovingly. maya flushed a bit.
Maya smiled at Richard, then touched his hand, affectionately. “Ganoon po ba, Nay! Di bale po, baka next time ko na lang ipasyal doon si Ricky kung may event pala roon. Madalas po bang may ganoon na doon sa ‘most romantic place, Nay? Parang dati, kami nga lang ni Ate Cris ang nandoon kapag namamasyal kami roon. Well, maliban sa ilan na nagde-date rin doon na nakikita namin!”
“Hindi. Actually, this is the first time na may narinig ako na may event doon! Nagtaka nga rin ako.” Nanay Tessie said. “Oh well, baka may nakakita ng potential ng place na iyon for an event. Maganda naman kasi, and relaxing.”
“Siguro nga Nay,” Maya replied, shrugging, then she remembered something. “Nay, pupunta nga po pala kami ni Ricky bukas ng umaga sa puntod ni Ate Cris, baka gusto ninyo pong sumama.”
“Sige nga, anak. After breakfast bukas, punta tayo sa kapatid mo. Medyo matagal na rin akong hindi nakakadalaw sa kanya.” Nanay Tessie said. “O kumusta nga pala ang work? Good thing also that you work with Richard also in certain days.”
“Naku, Tita Tessie, sobrang galing po na lawyer ng anak ninyo, and sobrang sipag. I’m saying that po as her client and not as her boyfriend.” Richard said smiling. “And as a boyfriend naman, I’m proud of her and what she had accomplished. Alam ko po na noon pa man pangarap na ni Maya na maging lawyer.” He added, looking at Maya with pride and love.
“Sweetheart naman eh.” Maya said softly, giddily, thrilled at Richard’s praise and his blatant show of love for her and pride in her achievement. “Thank you.”
Seeing this, Nanay Tessie felt giddy as well and really very happy for her daughter. “Thank you, Richard. When I went with Maya to her oathtaking, I felt very emotional kasi alam ko kung gaano katagal nang pangarap nitong si Maya na maging abugada, saka ang mga sacrifice at pinagdaanan niya para ma-achieve ito.”
“Nay, hayan naiiyak ka na naman.” Maya said. “Hala la, papangit ka,” she teased. “All behind us na po iyon. Dito na tayo sa present and sa future. Maayos na tayo, di ba?”
“Oo nga naman, anak.” Nanay Tessie said. “Pasensya ka na Richard at may halong drama itong pamilya ng girlfriend mo.”
Richard smiled. “Okay lang po iyon. I know what you meant. When Maya and I got together again, we had our share of heart to heart talk also.” He said, looking at Maya and both of them shared a smile of understanding.
The three of them continued enjoying their merienda until late in the afternoon. It was agreed also that they will have dinner at the restaurant with Maya’s cousins, Simon and Melinda and their Dad, also Doris’ father, Fernando, as all of them also wanted to meet Maya’s boyfriend and to welcome Maya back home. Maya and her mother updated each other on what had been happening to their lives the past weeks, while Richard mostly listened. He enjoyed listening to his girlfriend’s witty and animated kwentos. He joined in from time to time, especially when Maya told her mother about their trip to Tagaytay. Before the three of them knew it, several hours have passed!
“Nay, ako na po ang magliligpit nitong mga plate.” Maya said, when they realized that it was almost twilight. Richard stood up to help him. But both Maya and her mother objected. “Dito na lang, sweetheart, samahan mo si Nanay.” Maya was then off to the kitchen, like her mother did earlier, before her mother can object to that to!
“Mana, talaga sa akin itong anak ko!” Nanay Tessie said, seeing a repeat of what she did earlier, her gaze on her daughter. She turned, then looked closely at Richard and saw his serious expression. She also noticed that he seemed a bit nervous. She waited what he would say next.
Richard is indeed nervous, for he realized several minutes ago, that this is chance to talk to Maya’s mother alone. Knowing Maya, he knows she would wash the dishes herself instead of leaving it in the sink. He took a deep breath and then plunged in to what he wanted to say to Maya’s mother. “Tita Tessie, pwede ko po ba kayong makausap?” He started.
“Sure Richard.” Nanay Tessie said, puzzled as they have been chatting the past several hours, then her heart started to beat faster, realizing something, judging by Richard’s serious expression, she needed to be sure, though even if she has an inkling on what is this all about.” Tungkol ba sa saan iyon, anak?” She asked gently, and calmly after taking deep breaths too.
“I would like to ask for your permission po sana.” Richard said. “I would like to ask for your daughter’s hand in marriage. Gusto ko po sanang mag-propose kay Maya.” He finished looking at Maya’s mother, waiting for her reaction.
Nanay Tessie smiled broadly at Richard, then gets teary-eyed. “Sabi ko na nga ba, Richard, iyan ang sasabihin mo. Nung sinabi mo pa lang na gusto mo akong makausap, kumabog na ang dibdib ko. Of course, oo ang sagot ko diyan. Actually, you and Maya are old enough, hindi mo naman na talaga kailangan ang permiso ko, pero maraming salamat pa rin, anak, sa respeto at pagpapahalaga sa akin. Pasensya ka na at medyo naluluha ako. Masayang-masaya lang kasi ako para sa inyo ng anak ko.”
“Thank you very much po Tita Tessie! Kaya nga po gustong-gusto ko na kayong makilala at makapunta rito sa San Nicolas para po makapagpaalam sa inyo. Dito ko rin po sana gustong mag-propose kay Maya. Like ten years ago, when I was planning to follow her here in San Nicolas, kung hindi po nagkaproblema iyong family ko, to declare my feelings for her and court her. Siguro po, nabanggit ni Maya na biglaan kaming umalis pa-China ten years ago. Nakidnap po kasi ang Mama ko and kapatid and my father uprooted us abruptly after that. Pero noon pa lang po, mahal ko na talaga ang anak ninyo.” Richard said, and Nanay Tessie can see in his eyes, how much he loves her daughter.
“I know po that Maya and I just saw each other again and we just started our relationship, but I don’t want to waste time na po. We have waited long enough. And I have never been surer of something in my life than the fact that I want to spend the rest of my life with her. She is my forever.” He added, his voice ringing of complete sincerity and conviction. “Nasabi ko na rin po sa Mama at Papa ko ang tungkol sa amin ni Maya and my plan to propose to her. They told me that they are looking forward to meeting Maya again as their future daughter-in-law. They have met her na po kasi, ten years ago. Both my parents are happy for us. But if not naman po, Tita Tessie, I would have stood by Maya.”
“Richard, I’m sorry to hear about what happened to your family. Nabanggit lang ni Maya sa akin na biglaan kayong umalis. I didn’t know na nakidnap ang Mama mo and kapatid. It must have been a very traumatic experience for your family.” Nanay Tessie said, understanding more about what happened in the past, then she continued, “Thank you, for loving my daughter so much. Iyon lang naman ang mahihiling ng isang magulang na katulad ko. Ang makita na magiging maayos ang anak niya at may isang taong magmamahal sa kanya, gaya ng nakikita kong pagmamahal mo sa kanya. Masayang-masaya ako. Both of you have my blessings! You two deserve to be happy after what the two of you had been through!” Nanay Tessie said emotionally. “Saka, ang swerte ninyo ng anak ko, natagpuan ninyo ulit ang isa’t isa after all these years. Welcome to our family, anak. Now I will have a son. I’m happy to have you as my son!”
Richard was touched at Nanay Tessie said. “I would be honored po to be your son.” He said. “Maraming-maraming salamat po ulit sa pagtanggap sa akin ng buong-buo.”
“Halika nga ditong bata ka.” Nanay Tessie said, standing up. When Richard reached her side, she gave him a big hug.
“Kailan mo pala balak mag-propose kay Maya? Sabi mo dito? You mean, bukas? Or sa susunod ninyong balik?” Nanay Tessie asked as she and Richard settled back again into their seats.
“Tomorrow afternoon po.” Richard admitted, smiling. “I made an initial plan po with Doris. Pero sabi ko sa kanya magpapaalam po muna ako sa inyo, then I will call her pagkatapos para if ever, i-execute na our plan.”
“Really!” Nanay Tessie said, though, not that surprised anymore.
“Opo sana! And I also need your help din po sana kung okay lang.” Richard said with a big smile.
“So, what, exactly, is your plan?” Tita Tessie asked, her eyes twinkling. She felt that this weekend is really going to be exciting and interesting. Mukhang pinaghandaan ng husto ng magiging son-in-law niya ang proposal sa anak niya!
Richard smiled at Maya’s mother, then told her what he was planning for the following evening, saying that he would like to give Maya a proposal that they can tell their children and grandchildren, something they will remember until they are old and gray. He would to make her very happy. When he was finished, Nanay Tessie’s face was wreathed in smiles.
“You really know my daughter and what she would like, Richard! She would be very happy with what you will do. Sigurado ako, sasagutin ka ng yes ng anak ko with that plan!” Nanay Tessie remarked, smiling happily, liking Richard’s plan, very much. “Mabuti at libre iyang si Doris. So iyon pala ang sinasabing event ni Fernando? Alam din ba niya na may plano kang mag-propose sa anak ko?”
“Hindi po. Si Doris lang po ang nakakaalam. Iyung dad niya po, ang pagkakaalam, may photoshoot for Doris’ magazine. She asked his help para ma-secure iyong place kasi friend niya raw po iyong mayor ng San Nicolas.”
“Yes, kumpare nga niya si Mayor Villanueva.” Nanay Tessie said, nodding. “So what would be my part?”
Richard told her what he would like to request from her, and when he was finished, Nanay Tessie said, “Consider it done, Richard. O siya, tawagan mo na si Doris, para ma-finalize na niya iyang proposal mo.”
Richard did that. Maya returned when he was putting his phone in his pocket. All she saw was her mother and Richard sharing a smiles. They seemed to have gotten along very well while she was in the kitchen and in the restaurant.
“Sorry, natagalan ako, Nay, Ricky.” Maya said as she returned to her seat beside Richard. “Pagkatapos kong maghugas ng mga plato, bumaba ako sa restaurant to check on Mely. I realized na hindi umakyat si Mely like she promised. Nawala na sa isip nating lahat. Hayun kaya pala hindi nakaakyat, may dumating na isang coaster na tourists. They needed all the hands they can have.”
“Hmmmm, bakit kaya hindi ako tinawag ng batang iyon.” Nanay Tessie said distractedly, gazing at her daughter.
“Hindi ka na raw po niya tinawagan kasi kaya na naman nila nina Chona and since bumaba na rin naman si Manang Maring.” Maya explained. “So what did the two of you talk about while I was away?”
With thay question, Richard and Nanay Tessie automatically shared a look and a secret smile. “Wala naman anak, nagkwentuhan lang kami nitong si Richard.”
“Oo nga, sweetheart.” Richard hastily added.
“O paano, maiwan ko muna kayong dalawa rito.” Nanay Tessie said, standing up. “Ipahanda ko lang ang dinner natin. Maya why don’t you show Richard to his room first, para makapagpahinga bago tayo mag-dinner.”
“Sige po, Nay.” Maya said, standing up as well. However, she ws surprised when her mother hugged her tight and caressed her hair, before she went to the kitchen.
“I’m glad you are home, Maya. I’m so happy for you.” Nanay Tessie said enigmatically. She escaped to the kitchen before her daughter sees her getting teary-eyed. She does not want to ruin Richard’s wonderful plan for the following evening. She thought she had managed to compose herself before her daughter returned, but the seeing her and realizing that her daughter is about to embark into a new chapter of her life, made her emotional.
Maya was puzzled at mother’s action, but before she can think much of it, Richard asked her if she would like to rest as well, before dinner or they will just stay in the living room.
“Halika, pahinga ka na muna, sweetheart. Ang aga mo pa namang gumising kanina. I’ll show you to your room.” Maya said.
“How about you, sweetheart?” Richard asked. “Rest ka na rin. Actually, I’m not tired naman. I would rather spend the rest of the day with you.”
“Hmmm, sabagay. I’m not that tired nga rin. Saka, sayang ang moment natin dito, limited na nga ang time natin sa San Nicolas, itutulog pa natin.” Maya said, then she smiled broadly. “Alam ko na sweetheart! Doon tayo sa likod. May azotea itong house. Parang iyong veranda sa bahay mo! We can have coffee while relaxing.”
“That’ sounds great! Halika doon na lang tayo!” Richard said, taking hold of Maya’s hand and intertwining it with his. “Fresh air and beautiful company, sounds like a wonderful plan, sweetheart!”
Maya and Richard took a detour to the kitchen, made coffee and cup in hand, the two of them went to the azotea. The place was full of plants, mostly roses and sunflowers, and there is a coffee table by the corner, overlooking a beautiful garden.
“Now I know where you got your love for sunflowers!” Richard remarked. “Mahilig din pala ang nanay mo sa sunflowers!”
“Yes, mahilig siya diyan, also sa roses. Mahilig siyang mag-garden din. See that garden below, si Nanay ang nagku-cultivate niyan. Diyan galing ang herbs na ginagamit na pantimpla sa mga food sa restaurant. Lahat na yata ng klase, nakatanim diyan, basil, oregano, parsley, may tomatoes din, eggplants at kung ano-ano pa.”
“That’s great! I think people would really come to a restaurant which serves good, fresh food, not to mention the very nice ambiance. My first impression about your restaurant is that it is very homey and warmth.”
“Yes, I agree. And the ambiance, iyan ang gusto ni Nanay na ma-feel ng mga kumakain na para lang silang nasa bahay, eating delicious home cooked meal with their loved ones.” Maya said.
While sipping coffee, the two of them chatted about food and other specialty restaurants in San Nicolas. From there, the topic switched to Abby, and Richard’s promise to call her. Richard called her. He put the phone on speaker so he and Maya can talk to the little girl together. Abby was happy to hear from there and asked them to describe where they were, also what they ate. It was a nice chat. Maya and Richard stayed at the azotea until Manang Maring told them that they will have dinner in 15 minutes time.
Doris’s father was the first among the guests to arrive, followed by Maya’s Tito Rollie, Melinda and Simon’s father, and of course Simon who is Mely’s kuya. Everyone gathered at cordoned off area of Cristina’s and have a hearty dinner, punctuated by lively conversations, with all sorts of topics. Fernando and Rollie also drew Richard into a conversation about starting a new business, with Simon listening on as he would like to expand the family’s car parts stores. Maya, her mother and Mely also talked about the restaurant and additional food they can add on their new menu. After dinner, everyone moved upstairs and continued their chat over dessert and coffee. It was almost midnight when the impromptu party drew to a close.
“Maya, ihatid mo na si Richard sa room niya.” Nanay Tessie said as she and Maya took the plates, cups and saucer to the kitchen. “Iyong room na ginagamit ni Simon kapag nandito sa atin. Ipinaayos ko na iyon kay Maring kahapon. Check mo na lang if she missed something. Baka may kailangan pa si Richard. Tapos, anak, request ko naman na sa tabi kita matulog, please. Na-miss kita ng husto.” She added with a little lambing to her daughter. The truth is that she is also feeling sentimental, knowing that her daughter will get married soon.
“Sige po, Nay. I like that. Na-miss din kaya kita ng husto.” Maya said smiling. “Mauna na po kayo, linisin ko lang ang mga ito.”
“Naku, iwan mo na ang mga iyan. Maaga namang nagigising si Maring.” Nanay Tessie said. “Late na late na. Kayo nga ni Richard itong galing sa biyahe. Saka di ba dadalaw pa tayo sa puntod ng kapatid mo ng maaga.”
“Okay po. Balikan ko lang si Richard. Sunod na lang po ako sa inyo sa kwarto ninyo.” Maya went back to the living room. Richard gave her a loving smile when he saw her. “Sweetheart, halika na, I will show you to your room.”
Hand and hand, the two of them went to the room that Richard will be using while they are in San Nicolas. Maya opened the door to a room furnished in old wooden furniture, including the big bed with intricate carvings. Someone, she presumed Manang Maring, put his bag inside the room, except for the sling bag that Richard kept with him. Maya also checked the bathroom that adjoins the bedroom, being shared by another guest room, and saw that nothing Richard would need is lacking.
“Sweetheart, good night. Sweet dreams, my love.” Maya said with a big smile, then stood on tiptoes and gave Richard a light kiss on the lips. “I’m so happy that you are here with me, in the place where I grew up, meeting my mother and the rest of my family. This has been a wonderful day! I love you.”
“I love yoo too, very much, sweetheart. I’m very happy to be here with you. Finally, I got to meet your family. There’s no place I would rather be, than at this place, with you. Good night, sweetheart. More wonderful days, weeks, months and years waiting for us.” Richard placed his thumb on Maya’s chin, lowered his lips to hers and gave her a kiss that conveyed the intense emotion he was feeling at that moment. He stopped after a while as he knew that Maya’s mother is waiting for her.
The two of them shared a lingering look, a caress, another sweet ‘I love yous’, and another kiss before they parted for the night.
Maya instantly fell asleep after saying good night and I love you to her mother, more than 30 minutes after. However, Nanay Tessie on the other hand, was not able to do so. She looked at her beautiful daughter’s sleeping form with love. She took a trip down memory lane – from the time Maya was a little girl, so bubbly and sweet; to her teenage years, with her crushes and dreams; and to the grown-up Maya, so determined, beautiful and bright, and the sweetest daughter a mother could ask for. Now, she is about to embark on a new chapter of her life, a wonderful one, with the man she loves and who loves her very much. Nanay Tessie went to sleep happy, when she finally managed to do so. She kissed her daughter on the forehead and settled in beside her.
Richard also had a hard time falling asleep that evening. He was very happy. He smiled in the dark, excited and nervous! In several hours, he will be proposing to the woman he loves with all of him. When he managed to sleep, there was still a ghost of a smile on his handsome face.
Note: Have a blessed Sunday everyone! I can see that the sun is out and the weather is better from my place by the window, with a cup of coffee beside me, sitting cross-legged. Enjoying my quiet Sunday! I’ll write the next chapter in a while. I will post it as soon as I’m done, either this evening or tomorrow. ❤
On The Street Where You Live – Chapter 20
Posted by Antigone in Richard and Maya Fiction on July 10, 2015
Chapter 20
“Good morning, sweetheart!” Richard said cheerfully when Maya opened the door of her apartment! “I brought breakfast for us. Since maaga pa, we have time to eat. Padala iyan ni Manang Fe.” He showed her the paper bag he was carrying. “And these are for you.” He handed Maya a beautiful bouquet of sunflowers.
“Good morning, sweetheart!” Maya replied, giving Richard a kiss on the cheek, trying to shake off remnants of sleep from her system! “Ang aga mo nga, Mr. Lim ah! Hindi ka talaga masyadong excited sa trip natin ha.” Maya teased. “Oh and thank you for the beautiful flowers. Parang espesyal na espesyal ang araw na ito, sweetheart!”
“Sweetheart naman, slight lang! Excited lang talaga. Our first out-of-town trip na tayo lang and sa place pa na special to you. And yes, not only this day, buong weekend, is going to be very special.” Richard said enimgmatically. He is indeed early. It was just seven o’clock in the morning, and their flight is at past 12 o’clock in the afternoon. If you only know, Attorney Maya Dela Rosa how special is this weekend for me. I hope you will like everything I have prepared. He grinned broadly at Maya, slung his arm over her shoulders and started guiding her to the dining room. “Don’t tease me na nga, let’s have breakfast.”
“Wait, wait, wait, hindi pa ako naliligo, sweetheart! Nakakahiya, twice mo na akong nakitang ganito. And where did you leave Joma? Nasa ibaba ba siya?” Maya asked. Joma was supposed to drive them to the airport for their trip to San Nicolas that Friday morning.
“Iniwan ko muna sa bahay. Naglakad lang ako papunta rito. Sabi ko sa kanya, I will just text him when we are ready to leave. Saka nasa bahay pa ang mga gamit ko. Naisip ko daanan na lang natin paalis. Maaga pa naman.” Richard replied, putting the bag he was carrying on the dining room table. “Sweetheart, you still look very beautiful kahit kagigising mo pa lang. You should know that. But knowing you, you would want to take a bath first. Okay, please do so, and get ready na for our trip. I will take care of everything.”
“Thanks a lot, sweetheart. You are the most wonderful sweetheart in the whole wide world.” Maya gave Richard a quick kiss, pinched his cheek lovingly, then said ‘I love you’ before heading back to her bedroom to take a bath.
Richard started preparing their breakfast. By now, he is very much familiar with the lay-out of Maya’s apartment. He had dinners here several times this week. If a talent for cooking runs in Maya’s family, owing to the fact that her mom owns a restaurant and her sister was a chef, then she too, has the talent, a lot of it. The food she made for him were all divine.
The evenings Richard has spent in Maya’s apartment were the highlights of his days this week. Since Maya’s car has not been delivered yet, Richard picked up Maya every morning. Normally they shared a breakfast on the way to work, and then he brought her home in the evening, and they have their private moments before they part for the night. Maya stopped insisting to Richard that she can take a cab. On the days she reported directly to LAS, Richard and Maya even took a delighted Abby to school first before going to the office.
When Richard was finished heating the omelette and the bacon that Manang Fe packed, he toasted several slices of bread, and started brewing coffee. By the time he heard Maya’s bedroom door opened, everything was set.
“Wow, spoiled na spoiled naman talaga ako sa iyo, sweetheart.” Maya looked at the beautifully arranged dining table. He put the flowers in a vase and placed it at the center of the table. “Beautiful table setting, sweetheart, parang inspired na inspired ka talaga ha at masayang-masaya!”
“Of course, naman, sweetheart. I am, sobra, simula ng bumalik ka ulit sa buhay ko and especially noong naging tayo na!” Richard said, looking so handsome in his yellow polo shirt and a pair of well-worn jeans, holding the chair for Maya. “You are the love of my life, Ms. Maya Dela Rosa. I love you.”
Instead of sitting promptly, Maya interlaced her hands around Richard’s nape, caressed it gently. “And you are mine, Mr. Richard Lim. I love you very much.” She stood on tiptoes and locked her lips with Richard. His response was instantaneous. He put his arms around Maya and they shared a searing kiss. They were both breathing hard when they broke apart.
“Breakfast, sweetheart!” Maya smiled through her thoroughly kissed lips! “Baka mahuli pa tayo sa flight natin!”
“You are lethal kasi, Attorney.” Richard retorted, smiling at his girlfriend. He gave Maya a quick kiss on the cheek after he had seated her and before moving to his chair on Maya’s right side.
Maya served breakfast to Richard and the two of them chatted while they enjoyed their omelette, bread, fruits and coffee. Maya felt so happy at that moment. This is the second breakfast that she and Richard had shared in her apartment and it occurred to her that it would be like this everyday of their lives if ever!
Most of her colleagues knew already that Richard is now her boyfriend. Ryan was the first to know, when he saw them holding hands at the lobby of RRMA, Monday morning after their trip to Tagaytay. Richard told him that he and Maya are in a relationship. Several RRMA employees, including Lindsay apparently overheard his declaration and by lunch, the news spread throughout the small firm.
Maya only found out to what extent when she surfaced from what she was doing around lunch and saw James by her door. He asked her directly if the latest office rumor is true, that the tiger of LAS is her boyfriend now. He even said that he know that it is her personal life, but he just wanted to confirm if he is ‘sawi’ na talaga. Maya laughed at James dramatics and admitted it. She does not think that James is that heartbroken. They still went to lunch as friends. They were joined by Ryan.
When Maya returned to her office, it was Lindsay naman who told her that she is kinikilig to know that ang guwapong-guwapong owner ng LAS ang boyfriend niya! Maya just shook her head and took everything in stride, good-naturedly. Anyway people were not mean, just curious, and most are happy for her and Richard. For sure, it has reached the ears of Attorney Reyes as well, but being the professional boss that he is, he didn’t ask her or tease her about it when they saw each other in the corridor, just greeted her warmly and asked how is she doing.
“Sweetheart?….” Richard asked, when he saw Maya staring off with a smile on her face as she sips her coffee. “Hello, sweetheart.” Richard waved his hand in front of Maya’s face.
“Oh, sorry, sweetheart!” Maya said sheepishly. “Seeing us like this, made me happy. Bigla ko tuloy naalala kung paanong ang bilis na nag-spread sa RRMA na tayo na.”
“That one, hahahahaha. Si Ryan kasi. But I don’t mind, sweetheart. Sabi ko na naman sa iyo, I will tell it to the world.” Richard said.
“Katulad na lang kung paano mo sinabi kay Liza!” Maya teased, smiling, remembering the scene at Richard’s office Tuesday morning.
When Maya and Richard arrived at the LAS office that Tuesday after taking Abby to school, the first thing that Liza saw when they entered the executive offices was their intertwined hands. She was about to shriek in delight at what she was seeing, but stopped herself, last-minute, covering her mouth instead to hide her kilig, kasi she thought that she might be jumping to conclusion despite her boss and the lovely attorney’s clasped hands.
Richard and Maya looked at each other, smiled, then when they were at Liza’s cubicle, Richard smiled at Liza and told her that, yes, he and Maya are in a relationship! He also thanked her for booking the tickets for him and Maya. Liza then smiled at the two of them and told them excitedly that she was very happy for the two of them. She didn’t notice that her voice was loud enough for the whole staff to hear! By the time, Richard and Maya made it to their respective offices, the whole LAS knew too that they are in a relationship!
“Hahahaha, ito talagang si Liza!” Richard remarked laughing. Richard had actually told Liza to buy lunch for all the staff that day, seeing that everyone was smiling when they looked at Maya and him when they were on the way out to have an early lunch as they had a meeting at one o’clock that afternoon. Everyone was in a happy mood as they worked! “I was just saving you from her grilling you know. You told me last Sunday that for sure, she will grill you.”
“True, sweetheart. Ikaw pa naman kasi tawagan mo siya on a Sunday just to book tickets, pwede namang Monday. But really, sweetheart, you are the sweetest! Ay parang sobrang sweet ka na, s’weetheart’, ‘sweetest’! Maya teased.
“Eh, why not, talaga namang sweet ako.” Richard quipped.
“Hahahaha, oo nga sweetheart. Halika na, get ready na tayo to go to the airport. Lakad na lang tayo pabalik sa house mo, instead of calling Joma and asking him to come here. I want to say goodbye to Abby. Tamang-tama since nandoon pa pala ang things mo.” Maya suggested. “Doon ka na muna sa living room. I’ll just tidy up the kitchen.”
“I’ll help you.” Richard offered, as he had done so in the past several times he had dinner here.
“No need na sweetheart, this time, I will do it. Ikaw na ang nag-prepare ng breakfast. Partners tayo, di ba? Here’s your coffee, off you go, Mr. Lim.”
“Okay, you are the boss, Attorney!”
Maya tidied up the dining table, put the left over food in the fridge, then placed the dirty plates to the sink. She started doing the dishes while humming, thinking that she was already alone in the kitchen.
Richard, instead of going to the living room, stood at the doorway, holding his cup of coffee, watching Maya went around the small kitchen with graceful movement, humming, lost in the task she was doing. He likes looking at her like this, he likes moments with her like this, overwhelmed by the sudden rush of emotion, he put down his coffee cup, then slowly crept to her, hugged her by the waist and kissed her at the nape.
“Oh….” Maya exclaimed, almost dropping the plate she was rinsing. She put it down and turned to face Richard. Richard was grinning at her, gazing at her! “Sweetheart! Ikaw talaga, kamuntik ko nang mabitiwan iyong plato! Bakit?”
“Wala lang,” Richard shrugged. “You looked so lovely while you were doing that. You sound very happy too. Ayaw mo ba?” He asked, pretending to pout, “I’m hurt.”
“Sus, ikaw naman sweetheart, tampo kaagad! Alam mo na naman ang sagot diyan. Ginulat mo lang ako. O heto, para hindi ka na ma-sad.” Maya stood on tiptoes and gave Richard a kiss. As soon as their lips met, Richard deepened the kiss, which lasted several minutes.
Maya and Richard grinned at each other. Then Maya, put her hands on her waist. “Sweetheart, living room. Hala ka, kapag naiwan tayo ng flight natin, bad shot ka na kay Nanay. For sure, kung ano-ano na ang inihanda noon para sa iyo. Excited na excited sa pag-uwi natin iyon.”
“Okay, okay, I’m going na, sweetheart. Ayoko namang hindi pa ako nakikilala ng future mother-in-law ko, bad shot na ako!” Richard said, then grinning, he went to the living room, not waiting for Maya to react on his future ‘mother-in-law’ statement.
“‘Future mother-in-law’!” Maya repeated softly after seeing Richard’s departing figure. She felt a certain thrill in hearing that from the man she loves with all her heart and is hoping to share a future with. “May binabalak kaya itong si Ricky sa pagbisita namin sa Mindoro! Pero too early pa naman into our relationship for that.” Maya mused, then shrugged, went back to tidying up the kitchen.
Half and hour later, and with Richard carrying Maya’s small suitcase, they entered the living room of the Lim’s family house. Abby looked up from the cartoons she was watching and upon seeing Maya with her father, launched herself into her.
“Tita Maya!!! I’m glad to see you! I thought you and Daddy left already.” The little girl chattered happily.
Maya hugged the little girl. “Not yet, baby. Pwede ba naman kaming umalis nang hindi ako nakakapagpaalam sa iyo. Mamaya pa naman ang flight namin ng Daddy mo.”
“Thank you, Tita Maya.” Abby said, leading Maya to the sofa where she had sat before.
“Maya, I will just get my things.” Richard said, then when Maya nodded, he went to his room. He sat on the bed, opened his suitcase to double-check everything. Then he opened his sling bag and searched for a small velvet bag. He opened the box inside it and looked again at the ring that he is hoping would be on Maya’s finger from the following evening onward. He hopes she would like the platinum ring he had ordered from a well-known jewelry designer. He closed the box with a big smile on his handsome face.
“Ricardo, hindi pa ba kayo aalis?” Manang Fe asked when she saw him getting out of his room.
“Paalis na po, Manang Fe. Kinuha ko lang itong mga gamit ko. Si Maya naman, hayun nagpapaalam kay Abby.” Richard replied.
Manang Fe looked at her old alaga, smiled and hugged him. “Good luck anak. Masayang-masaya ako para sa iyo.” Richard had told her several days ago about his plan to propose to Maya while they are Mindoro visiting her mother. He also told Manang that he would like to ask Mrs. Teresita Dela Rosa’s permission first before he does so. The old lady was overjoyed with his news.
“Maraming salamat po, Manang Fe.” Hugging back the old lady whom he considers as his second mother. “Kayo na po ang bahala sa bahay.”
“Oo naman, Ricardo. Huwag kang mag-alala. O sige, lumakad na kayo at baka mahuli pa kayo sa biyahe ni Maya.”
The two of them walked to the living room, where they saw Abby in Maya’s arms, half-lying on her chest, as they watch the adventures of Dora the Explorer and her friends! Manang Fe and Richard shared a look, both thinking that Abby and Maya look like the very picture of a mother and daughter having a bonding moment.
“Sweetheart, let’s go.” Richard said by way of calling Maya’s attention.
She gave her a loving gaze, then faced Abby. “O baby, magpapakabait ka ha. Babalik din kami ni Daddy mo sa Sunday.”
“Yes po, Tita Maya. I hope I will get to meet Lola Nanay Teresita also in the future.” The little girl said.
“Lola Nanay Teresita….?” Maya asked, surprised.
“Yes po, di ba po, Nanay ang tawag ninyo sa kanya, and magiging grandmother ko siya, kaya Lola Nanay Teresita. I asked Daddy po kasi kung ano ang pangalan ng mommy mo Ate Maya.” The little girl explained.
“Oh okay! I’m sure Nanay will like the name your name for her. Sa bakasyon mo sa school, you can go to Mindoro with your Daddy and I to meet her or kapag nandito siya sa Manila, ipapakilala kita.” Maya smiled at the cute and super bright little girl before her, as Richard looked on, also surprised at what his daughter said. She did ask him all sorts of questions again when he told her that he and her Tita Maya are going to Mindoro to visit her mother.
“That’s a nice name for Tita Maya’s mommy, Abby.” He remarked, then stooped down and gave Abby a kiss. “Good bye, baby. be a good girl to Manang Fe and Ate Sabel. I love you.”
“I love you, Daddy. I love you, Tita Maya.” Abby said sweetly.
Maya gave the little girl a kiss too. Then she stood up and went to Manang Fe, gave the old lady a hug. “Hello po, Manang Fe! Good morning po.”
“Hello Maya!” Manang Fe said, touching Maya’s face affectionately. “Mag-ingat kayo ni Ricardo sa biyahe ah. Ako na ang bahala kay Abby.”
Richard and Maya, after several more minutes, left the house, with Abby, Manang Fe and Sabel, sending them off by the gate. Joma took them to NAIA Terminal 2 where they will take their flight to San Nicolas.
“So, this is it, sweetheart! Happy to be going home?” Richard asked as they settled in into their seats after their plane has taken off. He intertwined his hand with Maya’s.
“Oo naman, sweetheart. I’m really looking forward to seeing Nanay, and importantly, I will be introducing to her the love of my life.” Maya said sweetly. “Sweetheart, I’m so happy. Walang pagsidlan. Thank you for making me so happy.”
“Me, too, sweetheart. My heart is overflowing and I’m really looking forward to meeting your mother and being with you in this wonderful weekend.” Richard said softly, with a broad smile on his face, while caressing Maya’s hair. Ah, this is going to be the best weekend ever, Richard mused. I hope everything goes according to my plan. Richard pulled Maya closer to him. She leaned against his chest. They passed the time chatting about the things they can do while in Mindoro, with Maya completely unaware of Richard’s beautiful plan for her that weekend.
More than an hour later, they exited the San Nicolas Airport. Maya looked around, searching for her cousin Melinda. Her mother said Melinda will pick them up from the airport.
“Cuz, here!” Melinda waved vigorously at Maya from the side entrance of the airport. She met Maya and Richard halfway.
“Mely, nice to see you. Kumusta na ang makulit kong pinsan?” Maya said, hugging her young cousin whois like a younger sister to her, instead of a cousin, then she looked back at Richard, took his hand. “Mely, this is my boyfriend, Richard Lim. Ricky, this is my cousin Melinda Dela Paz, Mely for short.”
“Hi Mely, nice to meet you.” Richard greeted Maya’s cousin with one of his bone-melting lopsided smiles.
“Hello po, Kuya Richard. Glad to meet you din po.” Maya’s cousin said, staring at her cousin’s boyfriend and thinking to herself how handsome he is and mukhang mabait! “Welcome to San Nicolas. Speaking of, tayo na po, kasi si Tita Tessie, kanina pa excited sa pagdating ninyo. Kung maiiwan nga lang niya ang Cristina’s today, feeling ko sasama iyon sa akin.”
“Sweetheart, you go ahead with Mely. Sunod ako. Ako nang bahala dito sa mga bag natin.” Richard said, so that Maya can chat a bit with her cousin.
“OMG, Ate Maya, ang guwapo ng boyfriend mo!” Mely whispered to Maya, after checking if Richard is just behind them, seeing him lagging a bit behind, she blurted out what she wanted to say when she saw her cousin’s boyfriend. “Wala bang kapatid, o kaya pinsan iyang si Kuya Richard na pwede sa akin?”
“Hahahaha, ikaw talaga Melinda, puro ka kalokohan. Pero I agree, guwapong-guwapo nga iyang Kuya Richard mo.” Maya said laughing giddily like her cousin. “Saka sobrang bait pa and wala na akong mahihiling pa. Kaso sorry ka, isa lang siya.”
“Hay, ako kaya kailan makakahanap ng ganyang prince charming.” Mely sighed dramatically. “I’m so very, very happy for you Ate Maya. I’m sure kung nabubuhay si Ate Cris, masayang-masaya rin iyon para sa iyo.”
“Thank you Mely.” Maya said simply, then looked at Richard, pointed at the silver car parked near the big acacia tree. “Mabuti, nahiram mo itong kotse ni Tito Fernando.” Maya told her cousin.
“Oh, alam mo naman iyang si Tito Fernando, para kay Tita Tessie and sa iyo, softie. Siya kaya ang nag-offer na gamitin ko na lang ito sa pagsundo sa inyo. Otherwise, gagamitin ko sana iyong owner ni Kuya Simon.” Melinda said.
“Talagang super nice naman iyang si Tito Fernando.” Maya said, as the cousins waited for Richard.
They loaded everything in the trunk of the car. Melinda insisted that the two of them sit in the back, so Maya can point to Richard interesting places in San Nicolas as they traveled to the Poblacion where Maya’s family home is. Half an hour later, Melinda stopped at a beautiful and well-maintained two-storey old house. The ground floor of the house, which would have been the ‘silong’ in the old days was converted into a homey restaurant, with a simple sign that says ‘Cristina’s Place’.
Teresita Dela Rosa who have been on tenterhooks, eagerly and nervously, anticipating her daughter and her daughters boyfriend’s arrival jumped a bit when she heard the car stopped. She took a deep breath then walked towards the entrance of the restaurant. Her first glimpse of her daughter’s boyfriend was him helping her out of the car, caressing her hand tenderly as if to reassure her that everything will be okay, and looking at her with so much love. Ay ngayon palang, hijo, pasado ka na sa akin!
“Nay!!! Maya exclaimed happily, when she caught sight of her mother standing at the entrance of Cristina’s. She ran to her.
Teresita Dela Rosa met her daughter halfway. “Maya, anak, good to see you! I missed you!” Nanay Tessie said, teary-eyed as she hugged her daughter tight. “Sa susunod nga ‘nak, baka pwedeng dalas-dalasan mo ang uwi mo kapag may pagkakataon.”
“Opo, Nay! Na-miss ko rin po kayo ng husto at saka itong bahay natin.” Maya said, then she looked up, gazed at Richard and silently beckoned him to her. When he reached her side, she introduced him to her mother. “Nay, ito nga po pala si Ricky, Richard Lim po, boyfriend ko. Ricky, ang nanay ko, si Mrs. Teresita Dela Rosa.”
“Ikinagagalak ko po ngayong makilala, at last, Mrs. Dela Rosa.” Richard said formally, respectfully. “Mano po.” He said as he took Maya’s mother hand.
“Richard, ako man, ganoon din. Mula nang sinabi sa akin ng anak ko na may boyfriend na siya gustong-gusto na kitang makilala.” Nanay Tessie said, smiling at the man who finally caught her daughter’s elusive heart. “Welcome to our place. Please call me Tita Tessie. Masyado namang formal iyang Mrs. Dela Rosa. At saka, teka, bakit nga ba, nandito tayo sa kalye. Tara sa itaas.”
“Sige po, Tita Tessie, ako na ang bahala dito sa Cristina’s,” Melinda said. “And Kuya Richard, Ate Maya ako na rin ang bahala sa mga maleta ninyo. Ipapaakyat ko na lang kay Bugoy. Sige, umakyat na kayo at ng makapagpahinga and merienda. Susunod na lang ako kapag dumating si Chona.”
Nanay Tessie, Maya and Richard thanked Melinda and they all went up to the second level of the beautiful house via a grand staircase at one side of the restaurant.
“Maupo muna kayo, Maya, Richard, mga anak.” “Nanay Tessie said. “Magpapahanda lang ako ng merienda kay Maring. And Richard welcome to our house!”
“Thank you very much po Tita Tessie, for having me.” Richard said simply.
“Nay, ako na lang po kaya, maghe-hello na rin po ako kay Manang Maring.” Maya offered.
“Naku, ako na, Maya anak. Ikaw nga itong galing sa biyahe. Samahan mo na muna rito si Richard. Pwede ka namang mag-hello kay Maring mamaya.” Nanay Tessie insisted, then before her daughter can protest, she was off to the kitchen.
Richard looked around the beautiful sala, filled with antique furniture, and framed photos of Maya and another girl, whom he presumed, is Cristina Rose. “You have a beautiful home, Maya!”
“Thank you Ricky. It was my mother’s maternal family’s ancestral home, passed on by my grandmother to my mother. It was an unwritten agreement through generations from that side of the family, that the houses passes on to the eldest female daughter. In the case of my mother, siya lang, kasi isa lang siyang babae. Iyong kapatid niya na mas bata sa kanya, iyong father ni Melinda.”
“It’s a very nice tradition.” Richard remarked. “Ensuring the continuous care of this house. I’m sure the women in your family love this house so much kasi well-maintained and very homey.”
“Yes, and it would have been passed on to my Ate Cris had she lived.” Maya said. “Bukas nga pala, can we visit her grave muna bago tayo mamasyal? Dapat kasi mamaya, pero parang mas okay bukas, para makapagpahinga tayo ng husto today and makapag-bonding with Nanay.”
“Sure sweetheart.” Richard assured Maya, taking hold of her hand. “Gusto ko rin ngang dumalaw sa puntod ng sister mo. Magpapakilala ako. Sasabihin ko na ako ang very lucky guy na sinagot ng sister niya.”
“Matutuwa iyon. I did confess to her before, in one of our e-mails I think that I’m crushing big time on this wonderful guy. I told her about you, kaya.” Maya revealed.
“Really, sweetheart! I’m glad to know.” Richard said, holding Maya’s hand. “I love you, and I’m happy to be here with you.”
“I love you too, sweetheart. With you here with me, I feel so happy at the moment, wala na akong mahihiling pa.” Maya said, gazing at Richard. Richard lowered his lips to her, before he can stop himself and remember where they are. They shared a sweet kiss, broke apart smiling, and remembering belatedly that Maya’s mother would come back anytime.
Unknown to them, Nanay Tessie overheard a part of their conversation, and saw them sharing that tender kiss. She smiled. Ah love! She knew for sure that she had already met the man who her daughter will spend the rest of her days with. Her daughter’s forever! And as a mother, she couldn’t ask for more, she is very happy for her daughter!
Note: Happy weekend everyone! 🙂
On The Street Where You Live – Chapter 19
Posted by Antigone in Richard and Maya Fiction on July 4, 2015
Chapter 19
“Wow!” Both Abby and Lance exclaimed when they got inside the spacious room with a beautiful view of Taal Volcano. “Daddy, can Lance and I play with my iPad while we are resting?”
“Hindi ba kayo inaantok ni Lance? Ayaw ninyo bang mag-nap para mas may energy kayo later?” Richard asked, then when Abby and Lance both shook their heads, he gave his consent, “Okay.”
“Lance, heto o, I brought my iPad with me para tig-isa kayo ni Abby. I downloaded na rin some new apps for you. Maybe you and Abby can also exchange at some point.” Maya handed Lance her iPad, ruffled his hair.
“Yes! Thank you Ninang!” Lance hugged Maya and gave her a big kiss.
The two kids stayed in the living room of the suite, settling into the two armchairs there, while Richard and Maya went out to the balcony and admired the view. The sun was pretty intense at that time of the day, but they can see the lake and the volcano clearly. It was very relaxing seeing that wonderful scenery just outside their room.
“Coffee, sweetheart? Hindi tayo nakapagkape sa ibaba kanina! I thought also na mas okay dito, tahimik and we have the view to ourselves pa.” Richard said. Maya nodded, so he went inside the room and ordered coffee and dessert for both of them, and orange juice for the kids. He returned to the balcony. From the door, he admired Maya’s beautiful silhouette, looking at her with all the love he was feeling for this wonderful woman.
“Nice view and place, di ba?” Maya remarked, sensing Richard behind her. She just knew that he was there. She knew for certain when two arms engulfed her in a sweet hug and kisses were planted on her bare shoulder. She turned and smiled at him sweetly and lovingly. “We didn’t go here when my law classmates and I went to Tagaytay several months ago. This place is on the expensive side for law grads who have not yet pass the bar, and still jobless!”
“Mama and Papa used to take Grace and I to Tagaytay when we were kids, and we used to stay here, in the old Taal Vista Lodge. Hindi pa ganito ang hitsura noon. Pero that viewing deck outside, medyo ganyan na rin iyan noon. Na-spruce up lang.” Richard said pointing to the viewing deck which offers the best view of the lake and the volcano along the Tagaytay ridge.
“Iyung Mama and Papa mo, you mentioned to Mrs. Melendrez that they are coming back here after ten years? That’s good news!” Maya remarked, upon hearing Richard mentioned his parents. She had been meaning to ask him about them when she heard him mentioned them to Mrs. Norma Melendrez earlier.
Before Richard could reply, their orders arrived. Richard went to answer the door. He asked the hotel staff to place their coffee and dessert on the coffee table in the living room, and the kids drinks on the small dining table. Maya went back inside, opened the curtain so they can still look at the beautiful view outside while drinking their coffee and eating their pasties in the cool room. She and Richard shared the sofa. The kids were very much engrossed in their games. The two of them have also moved to the bedroom and got comfortable on the big bed with the TV on.
“Lance, Abby, I ordered juice for you. Nandito sa table sa dining room.” Richard informed them, standing at the doorway.
His daughter looked up, thanked him sweetly, and told him that they will just drink it later. Lance also thanked him, and said he will just drink the juice when he and Abby get thirsty. Richard returned to the living room.
“Going back to Mama and Papa,” Richard started as he sat down again. “Yes Mama said they are planning to go home. She said about time na that they do. She called up this morning para kumustahin iyong paglipat namin. Siya nga ang gumising sa akin. Nalito sa oras! She and Papa are in San Francisco at the moment. And since she called, I also told her about us. I have been meaning to call her to tell her, and Papa too, that I have found you, and that we are in a relationship now.”
“Really, you told her? What did she say? Anong reaction ng Mama mo?” Maya asked, then suddenly took a big sip of her coffee, nervously waiting for the answer to her questions.
“Well, of course, I did. I was very happy to tell her, sweetheart! She is very happy for us, so don’t fret.” Richard said, smiling, then he put his hand over Maya’s. “And she said she is looking forward to meeting you.” Hopefully as my fiancee, Richard thought to himself, smiling secretly at the thought of his ring on Maya’s finger, finally, hopefully very, very soon!
“How about your Papa?” Maya asked, remembering that Don Roberto seemed to be against a relationship between her and his son years ago. She sensed in the one and only time she met him, and judging by what Richard told her, he seemed to have told him specifically not to tell her that they were going away.
“I was not able to talk to Papa as he went outside with my uncle. But Mama said it will be okay with him too. Wala na naman siyang issues na, sweetheart. I did what he told me to do. I finished school and took over the management of the business, built my own company too in the process. I will also talk to him din. Wala na rin namang time kasi kaninang umaga. Balak kong tawagan siya pagbalik natin sa Maynila.” Richard said. “Besides, sweetheart, whatever my father will say, it will not change my feelings for you and I will be by your side no matter what. I think if what happened did not happen and the circumstances were different, kung tayo ang nagkatuluyan at that time, I would have fought for you. And I’m pretty sure, my father will relent in the end. Hindi ako bibitiw sa iyo, sweetheart. I love you very much, you know, and I would fight for that love.”
“Oh, sweetheart! Thank you very much. I love you very much too.” Maya hugged her boyfriend, overwhelmed by his declaration. “But I want your father to be happy for us too. I know it is important to you. Bayaan mo, if he has objections pa, the two of us will convince him otherwise, walang sukuan.” Maya vowed.
The two of them shared a loving smile, then they kissed. However, they stopped reluctantly after several long seconds as the kids might see them, or get out of the room suddenly. They did actually, after several minutes. They told Richard and Maya that they would rather be with them in the living room. Lance and Abby sat on the floor in front of the sofa and continued playing there after downing their glasses of orange juice.
Richard and Maya were content to watch the kids playing, marveling at their abilities to manipulate and play the apps on their iPads without assistance from the adults, while they enjoyed their coffee time and private moment.
“Ricky, I’m planning pala to go home to Mindoro next weekend. I remembered last night na holiday pala dito sa city natin! Nakalimutan ko na, actually. Makakasama ka ba?” Maya asked all of a sudden, suddenly remembering that she was going to tell this to Richard today. Nawala na sa isip niya ang holiday with all the wonderful things that had happened.
“Really, holiday next Friday! That’s great!” Richard said, happy to hear this. “Of course, sweetheart. I will. Let me arrange everything, okay.” Before Maya could react, he was on the phone with Liza.
“Hello Liza, sorry to bother you on a Sunday, but could you please book a flight for Maya and I for next Friday, returning on Sunday afternoon.” Richard said. “Yes, the earliest flight on Friday, to San Nicolas, Mindoro. Sa Time Airways na lang. Please call our contact there.”
“Okay po, Sir.” Liza replied. She was surprised to hear from her boss on a Sunday and his request is on the odd side. For Maya and him, ha! Hmmm, mukhang may napakagandang nangyari over the weekend na hindi niya pa alam. She is so looking forward to seeing Attorney Maya on Tuesday!
“Thanks a lot Liza.” Richard said, and ended the phone call.
“Sweetheart, di ka naman masyadong excited sa trip natin ha! Flash Gordon talaga ang peg mo.” Maya said smiling. “Naku, feeling ko lang I’m in for a grilling from Liza on Tuesday.”
“Slight lang, sweetheart.” Richard said, putting his arms around Maya. “I’m just happy, finally, we can go to Mindoro. Don’t mind Liza. Besides, she is bound to know that we are in a relationship. Feeling ko naman, alam na niya na doon tayo papunta noon pa man. For her, I may have acted out of character din since I hired her. Saka siya ang nag-book ng lunch and dinners natin.”
“Tama ka diyan, sweetheart. She is like a reporter kung magtanong ha. But I don’t mind. I don’t think she is making tsismis lang. I like her.” Maya said. “So, Friday ng umaga, aalis tayo? I will call Nanay and tell her pagbalik natin ng Maynila. Matutuwa iyon.”
“I’m really looking forward to meeting her and finally seeing where you grew up. What’s your favorite part of San Nicolas? I head maraming magagandang tourist spots sa inyo.”
“Iyong most romantic place!” Maya replied quickly, then got dreamy on Richard. “It’s a small park beside a lake, may malaking punong mangga sa may pampang, very nice and peaceful, and most romantic kasi doon nag-propose ang Tatay ko sa Nanay ko. Madalas kami doon ni Doris noong mga teenager pa kami, bago kami nag-Manila. Nandoon pa sa punong mangga ang mga pangalan nina Tatay at Nanay na naka-enclose sa heart na may pana.”
“Talaga, sweetheart! Can you bring me there?” Richard asked, a most beautiful plan forming in his head, and he needs Liza’s help to execute it, also maybe, Doris too, if she is not too busy.
“Sure, sweetheart. I would love to. Iyon yata ang favorite spot ko.” Maya looked up at Richard and gave him a beautiful smile.
“I’m looking forward to seeing that.” Richard grinned, happy at this development.
“Ricky, nagri-ring yata ang phone mo.” Maya suddenly said, hearing the distinct ring tone that Richard uses.
“Oh, I didn’t notice!” Richard said, looking at his phone. “Unknown number, baka si Grace ito! Nalaman na kay Mama ang tungkol sa atin. Sandali lang sweetheart.”
Richard stood up near the balcony as he answered his phone. Maya sat on the floor with the kids and asked them to show her the games they were playing.
“Hello Ricky, your Mama told me the news!” Don Roberto Lim told Richard after Richard picked up the call and had said a tentative hello to whoever was on the other line.
“Pa, ikaw pala ito! I thought si Grace!” Richard was surprised to hear from his father promptly. “I called up Mama earlier. She said you were outside the house with Tito Carlos.”
Maya heard that it was Don Roberto on the phone. Her heart beat faster. She is hoping that the outcome of the phone call is a positive one, especially for Richard.
“Yes, yes, we grilled some meat kasi. Toka namin ng tito mo. Kanina pa sana ako tatawag sa iyo, pero kumain muna kami and then tumawag iyong isa kong business partner after that.” Don Roberto told his son. “Your mama mentioned that you have a girlfriend there? Si Maya, iyong neighbor natin dati sa Mirasol Street, is that correct.”
“Yes Papa, she is now my girlfriend. She is the one and only woman I love. Hindi ko naman siya talaga nakalimutan kahit after ten years. Alex and I we understood each other, but it was not the kind of love I have with Maya. It is Maya I love very much. I’m lucky to have found her again and have this second chance with her. I’m sure you knew how I feel about her ten years ago.”
“Yes I did, I do, Ricky, son, and I’m happy for you and Maya. Really I am. Iyon ang dahilan kung bakit ako tumawag. Kasi sabi ng Mama mo you were worried na baka iba ang maging dating sa akin, that I may oppose your relationship.” Don Roberto paused, then plunged on. “I would have wanted to say this in person to you, but since it not possible at the moment, I would like to tell you son na all I want is for you to be happy after all that you have been through. I’m glad that you have found Maya again. I knew, yes, that you felt differently for her, and I’m sorry son, for being hard on you ten years ago. I was a different man then. After the biggest crisis in our family, yes, it was difficult to trust people again, but I also realized the most important thing, it is our family and what makes us – you, your Mama, and Grace happy. Forgive me son? And son, hindi mo na rin naman kailangan ang approval ko, but I would like to give it.”
“P-pa!” Richard gulped, collecting his thoughts, surprised at what his father said. They haven’t had a father and son talk like this the past ten years. He was not expecting this at all. It was not also in his father’s character. “Thank you, Papa. Thank you! What happened had happened. Wala na naman tayong magagawa roon. The important thing is Maya and I found each other again and we have this chance. Yes, I do wish you to be happy for us, pero hindi naman kita pipilitin if ever. No matter what happens, I love you and Mama, and Grace too.”
“Thank you, son, thank you.” Don Roberto said, his voice breaking a bit. “I hope your Mama and I can get to meet Maya soon, son. She must be a very wonderful lady. I want to get to know better ang magiging manugang ko. Kailan ba ang kasal?”
“Pa, hindi pa nga ako nakakapag-propose eh. Next weekend I will, hopefully.” Richard said in a whisper, taking care that Maya did not hear what he was saying to his father. He checked and saw her engrossed with what she was doing, while Abby and Lance looked on. As if sensing his gaze, she looked up and gave him a loving smile. He returned it and mouthed ‘I love you’ to her. She made a flying kiss and sent it to him, mouthing, ‘I love you too’.
“That’s great! Good luck, son! I’m very, very happy for you and Maya.” Don Roberto said. “Your mama said nasa Tagaytay kayo kasama ng mga bata. Please say hello from me na lang at baka mamamasyal pa kayo. Please tell my apo that I love her and tell Maya that I am looking forward to meeting her formally as your girlfriend or fiancee.”
“I will, Pa. Thank you for this call. You don’t know how happy you have made me.” Richard said emotionally.
“Me too, son. O sige, I have to go na. Enjoy your excursion and see you soon.” Don Roberto said.
Richard pocketed his phone with a big smile. He went down to where Maya was, and gave her a big, happy hug.
“What is it, sweetheart. Is everything okay? Ano sabi ng Papa mo?” Maya said, sensing that the outcome is good as Richard looks very, very happy!
“Sweetheart, halika sa balcony, I will tell you about it.” Richard stood up and extended his hand to Maya. “Kids, dito muna kayo ha. Get ready na rin kasi we will be leaving for the amusement park in a while.”
When they reached the balcony, Richard put his arms around Maya, while he told her about his meaningful and surprising conversation with his father.
“Sweetheart, I’m so happy everything is okay now!!!” Maya said happily, hugging Richard tight, and giving him a quick kiss on the lips after he had finished telling her the gist of the conversation and how his father is looking forward to meeting her too.
“He said, he is looking forward to finally meeting his future daughter-in-law.” Richard finished, making Maya’s heart skipped a beat. “Ganoon din ang sabi ni Mama sa akin, you know.”
“Daughter-in-law talaga, sweetheart!” Maya smiled, then an imp seemed to have possessed her, she asked, “Bakit, sweetheart, are you planning to propose to me?”
“Hahahaha, sweetheart, ikaw ha hinuhuli mo ako. Secret!” Richard said, then he teased back. “Kapag ba nag-propose ako, sasagutin mo ako ng matunog na YES! Make sure that you do, sweetheart!”
“Hmmmm, pag-iisipan ko,” Maya bantered back. “Pag-iisipan ko kung husband material ka talaga, Mr. Richard Lim.”
“Ha, sweetheart, wala ka na yatang makikitang katulad ko, mabait, guwapo at mahal na mahal na mahal ka. Nag-iisa lang kaya ako sa mundo.” Richard said, grinning at Maya.
“Wow, Mr. Lim, parang babagyo rito ngayon sa Tagaytay! Biglang lumakas ang hangin ah! Ikaw talaga, sweetheart! But siyempre, nag-iisa ka lang talaga.” Maya affectionately pinched Richard’s cheek. “Halika na nga, dalhin na natin ang mga bata sa amusement park.”
Richard laughed and slung his right arm over Maya’s shoulders as they went inside the room.
“O kids, close your iPads! Aalis na tayo. Pupunta na tayo sa amusement park. ” Maya told Abby and Lance who by then were lying on the floor with their iPads up.
“Yehey!!!” Both Abby and Lance shouted as they hastily ended the games thy were engrossed with. They got ready in speed time.
Maya, Richard and the kids were on their way to the lobby of the hotel several minutes after Richard called Joma and told him that they will just meet him, Sabel and Lea at the lobby. Joma drove everyone to the nearby Sky Ranch where the amusement park is, even if it was just a short distance from the hotel.
The kids were overwhelmed, upon entering the park grounds, when they saw the various rides they can take. Maya asked them to agree on what they want to ride first. The kids wanted to try the Wonder Flight first, then followed by the Nessie Coaster, Express Train, Red Baron and then the Carousel. The kids wanted to ride the Sky Eye, the giant Ferris Whee,l with Maya and Richard, and all of them agreed that it is best to do that when the sun is about to set.
Sabel and Lea accompanied the kids to the rides, while Richard and Maya watched them from the sidelines, and took tons of pictures, happy to see the kids, and Sabel and Lea too, screaming happily, especially while at the Nessie Coaster. Joma on the other hand, just walked around the place, watching those who were brave enough to try the zipline along the Tagaytay ridge. Lance and Abby loved the Nessie Coaster so much that they rode it several times.
They were in the line for the Sky Eye when the sun was about to set. However, when the four of them were about to board their gondola, Abby and Lance told Maya and Richard that they didn’t want to go up as it looks scary up there! There was no time to convince them to ride as they didn’t want to hold the line. Sabel and Lea offered to take the kids to the Express Train, and back to the Nessie Coaster again. Richard and Maya ended up riding the gondola, just the two of them.
“Sweetheart, sure ka bang okay ito? I didn’t try this one when we were here last!” Maya asked, suddenly getting nervous as the gondola slowly ascended. “Medyo scared ako ng kaunti sa glass elevators and Ferris Wheels!” She admitted to Richard, smiling nervously. “Ayaw ko rin lang ipahalata sa mga bata kanina kasi baka matakot sumakay. Hayun, natakot nga sila! Baka nakakalula ng husto sa taas. Masukahan pa kita!”
Richard took hold of her clammy hands. “Don’t worry, sweetheart, I’m here. Saka mabagal lang naman ang ascend nitong Ferris Wheel. I think this is similar to what I have tried once with Alexandra in Nanchang. Nandito lang ako. Kapit ka lang sa akin.” Richard assured Maya.
“O-okay, if you say so.” Maya said, taking a deep breath.
Richard put his arms around Maya, and distracted her by pointing various landmarks to her as they make their slow ascend. Before Maya knew it, they were at the highest point and the view was incredible!
“Wow!” She exclaimed as she looked around, forgetting her fear of heights. “Sweetheart, sobrang ganda naman dito sa itaas! Tara picture tayo.” Maya took out her phone and took a photo of her and Richard. “Isa pa, sweetheart!” She told Richard and as she pressed the button, Richard suddenly gave her a kiss on the cheek and that was what she captured on camera.
“Send me copies of those ha, I will put them my computer, and my table!” Richard said grinning, looking at the pictures, with Maya gigling, and his lips planted on her cheek at the second photo, and both of them mugging it for the camera on the first one, with big happy smiles on their faces!
“Sweetheart, pati iyong second? Paano kapag nasa meeting ka and you will use your laptop for a presentation. Parang nakakahiya.” Maya said.
“Nope, I’m not ashamed! I’m proud to tell the world that you are my girlfriend.” Richard told her lovingly.
“Awww, sweetheart, you are the best boyfriend talaga!” Maya said, touched. She cupped Richard’s face and as the Ferris Wheel made its slow descend, they shared a long kiss.
“I love you, Mr. Lim!” Maya whispered lovingly when they broke apart.
“I love you more, Attorney Dela Rosa!” Richard replied, caressing Maya’s face.
The kids where waiting when they got out of the Sky Eye.
“Daddy, Daddy, Tita Maya! Was it fun?” Abby asked.
“Yes, it was sweetie! Not scary at all.” Richard replied. “Di ba, Maya, it was super fun?
“Yes, it was Abby, Lance. Do you want to try now? Don’t be scared. I’ll tell you what, I must admit noong una rin, scared si Tita Maya, pero noong paakyat na, I was not anymore. Besides, we can go up with you again. Sama-sama tayo sa isang gondola.” Maya said. “Saka, it is not fast, mabagal lang siya na Ferris Wheel. See, o.” She pointed out, very much wanting them to conquer their fear, but they do get really scared, they will not insist, baka mas lalong ma-trauma ang mga bata.
The kids nodded and they fell in line for the ride again. The kids sat on Richard’s and Maya’s lap. Like Richard did earlier, they distracted the kids by pointing various landmarks. When they reached the top, the kids forgot whatever misgivings they had earlier for the ride, and enjoyed it very much. They even shouted ‘Whee’ during the slow descend.
They walked around the park after that ride, eating french fries and just that once, cotton candies for the kids. Richard and Maya wanted them to enjoy the whole park experience!
When it got dark, they returned to the hotel, had dinner there, checked out of the room, and prepared for their trip back. The kids looked tired and sleepy by then. Lea sat with Lance, and even before they have left for Tagaytay, he was fast asleep. Abby was the same, on Maya’s lap.
Maya and Richard shared a look, and mouthed ‘I love you’ to each other, as they journeyed home, both feeling very happy at the outcome of their first outing. The first of many, many more to come, Richard thought. He smiled as he settled into his seat, He has a proposal to plan, and execute!
On The Street Where You Live – Chapter 18
Posted by Antigone in Richard and Maya Fiction on July 1, 2015
Chapter 18
“Tita Maya! Tita Maya!” Abby shouted as she ran towards Maya when she saw her dad’s girlfriend entering the gate of their house, wearing a pair of shorts, a pale yellow sleeveless blouse and flip-flops, looking so beautiful and fresh with minimal make-up on. “Good morning po! Yehey, makakaalis na po tayo for Tagaytay! Where is Lance?”
Richard ran after Abby. He, too, was wearing a pair of shorts, a polo shirt and loafers, looking very handsome in his casual clothes. “Sweetie, dahan-dahan sa pagtakbo! And isa-isa lang ang tanong kay Tita Maya mo.”
“It’s okay Ricky! Good morning, Abby!” Maya stooped down to Abby’s level, then gave the little girl a kiss on the cheek and hugged her back tightly with a big loving smile. She also showered the cute little girl, wearing a floral dress and Havaianas sandals, with little kisses that had her giggling. “Yes, we can leave na for Tagaytay. We will just pick Lance on the way there. On the way naman ang bahay ni Lance. Naka-ready na ba ang lahat ng gamit mo?”
“Yes, Tita Maya. Inihanda na po ni Ate Sabel. And maaga rin akong nagising!” The little girl said proudly. “I was the one who knocked on Daddy’s door, but he was awake already!”
“Yes, your Daddy was up early. He was the one who woke up me up by sending me a text message.” Maya replied, then remembered Richard’s offer of waking her up with a hundred kisses. She blushed.
Richard grinned. “Abby, why don’t you call your Ate Sabel and Kuya Joma para makaalis na tayo. Say goodbye also to Manang Fe, okay!”
“Okay, Daddy. Wait lang, Tita Maya.” The little girl ran upstairs, and they can hear her shouting and urging Sabel and Joma to please hurry as her Tita Maya was already there and they can leave na.
“Hmmm, I have several minutes!” Richard remarked, then before Maya could ask what is the several minutes for, he was giving her a sweet, long, good morning kiss. “Good morning, sweetheart!”
Maya laughed at Richard. “So, iyon pala ang ibig mong sabihin sa several minutes, Mr. Lim! Good morning din. Beautiful morning isn’t. It’s going to be a wonderful day!”
“Siyempre, sweetheart, kailangang samantalahin ko na. For sure, the whole day na ito na hindi kita masosolo.” Richard said. “Feeling ko pa nga lang sa seating arrangement pa lang sa van, for sure, hindi tayo magkatabi! And yes, this is going to be a wonderful day since I will spend it with the only woman I love and my little darling daughter!!”
Richard was right with his prediction. Abby insisted that her Tita Maya sat beside her. Since Lance would probably want to sit beside Maya too, Richard said he will just sit in front, beside Joma. Half an hour later and after a lot of bilin from Manang Fe, from Joma’s driving to huwag patutuyuan ng pawis ang mga bata, to Sabel making sure that the kids will eat proper, they were on their way to Lance’s house.
Lance was waiting outside his house when they parked in front of it. Lea had texted Maya to ask approximately what time they will be there as Lance had asked her several times to text his ninang and find out out where they were. The little boy was also impatient, like Abby earlier.
“Ninang! Ninang!” Lance jumped with joy when the van opened and his godmother was the first person he saw. “Hello Abby.” He also said upon seeing Abby waving at him.
Lea helped Lance into the van, into the seat where Maya and Abby were. Then she settled beside Doris, introducing herself to her before Maya could do so. She also said good morning to Richard and gave Joma a sweet smile. When Maya asked her about Doris, she told her that her Ate Doris left two hours before they arrived for her flight to Laoag.
“Lance, say good morning to Tito Richard, Kuya Joma and Ate Sabel.” Maya told her inaanak gently. He was already getting caught in looking at Abby’s iPad and checking the app she was playing. “Remember what Mommy and Ninang told you.”
“Good morning po, Tito Richard, Kuya Joma and Ate Sabel.” The little boy obediently said with a big smile. Then charmingly, he said, “Sorry po, I forgot!”
“Good morning Lance! Are you excited about the trip?” Richard asked, smiling at the little boy who looks like a miniature version of Maya’s friend.
“Yes po, Tito Richard.” Lance replied, then looked again at Abby’s iPad.
Seeing this, and Abby just getting concentrated on her iPad again, Richard looked at Maya. They seemed to have understood each other. She nodded.
“Sweetie, I think it is better if you put away your iPad, so you and Lance can enjoy the view and our trip. Di ba, you haven’t been to Tagaytay?” Richard said gently. “You can play with Lance later.”
When Abby was about to protest, also Lance, Maya offered them an alternative. “Gusto niyo kantahan na lang tayo?”
“What will we sing po, Tita Maya?” Abby asked, forgetting about her iPad. “We don’t have a musical instrument with us!”
“Well, we can use your iPad. We can just search online for songs we would like to sing. What would you like, lullabies, Filipino folk songs or original Filipino music. We can also try Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, or songs from Disney movies! So what do you think?” Maya asked the little girl.
“Yes, sing, sing, please Ninang.” Lance said, clapping, before the little girl could reply to Maya with her choices, he then told Abby proudly, “Maganda ang boses ng ninang ko!”
Richard smiled and teased Maya. “Really, sweetheart, maganda ang boses mo? Parang ten years ago, naalala ko pa ang one and only time na nag-videoke tayo nina Doris, yes Lance with your mommy, at saka nung friends niya. Birthday niya iyon di ba?”
“Sweetheart naman, past is past! Nag-improve na ang boses ko simula noon. Saka ang hirap naman kaya nang nabunot kong kanta. Hindi suited sa sultry and pleasing voice ko.” Maya said, laughing, remembering the song she got at that time, ‘Bed of Roses’! Then she also remembered the song that Richard got from the fishbowl, ‘Be My Lady’, which he sang while gazing at her throughout the song, prompting a ribbing from Doris and good-nature teasing from her friends.
Maya and Richard shared a sweet smile, both remembering that wonderful evening, and the growing feelings between them. Seeing them looking at each other, Lea nudged Sabel, who nodded in response to her silent question. Lea smiled. She is happy for Attorney Maya! Kaya pala they are going with Abby and her dad, though her Ate Doris did mention that she and Attorney Maya had known Mr. Lim years ago.
Maya started singing the first line of Eraserheads, ‘Huwag Kang Matakot’ with Lance. Since Abby wanted to join and to learn the song, Maya borrowed Abby’s iPad and they Googled the lyrics. The song was followed by several other Filipino songs which Maya knew by heart. Then the three of them segued into popular Disney tunes. Richard looked indulgently from to time at his beautiful girlfriend singing happily with the two kids. Her voice is good, he must admit. Richard felt like he was seeing a preview of what married life to Maya would be like. He knows, even before this, that she would be a good mother to Abby and the children they will have. He wants a lot actually. However, he also knows that she has a demanding career and he will support her with that. He knows how important is being a lawyer to her. They can make things work, he is sure of that.
Maya and the kids, joined by Sabel and Lea later, continued their impromptu karaoke session until they stopped at a restaurant along the way to eat snacks as the kids got hungry and thirsty from singing. They have brought some sandwiches as Manang Fe insisted on it, but Richard told everyone that they will just stop at a restaurant.
Lance and Abby both requested the adults if they can eat at their favorite fast food place. The adults gave in. Maya and Richard ordered, while Sabel and Lea watched the kids. When they returned to the table with the kids’ food, it was the two nannies turn to buy food for themselves, and Joma, with the money Richard gave them.
“Sabel, ang sweet naman nila. Parang happy family lang ang peg!” Lea said to her instant BFF while holding their trays of food.
They were looking at Maya wiping Lance’s mouth and face, trying to remove remnants of the spaghetti sauce which ended up there. Richard was doing the same with Abby. They looked at each and shared a smile. Richard touched Maya’s hand, then offered her the coffee he made for her. Maya on the other hand, gave him a bite of the cheeseburger they ordered. They shared a large french fries, while the kids were enjoying their chocolate sundaes.
“Oo Lea! Happy naman talaga ako dito sa mga amo natin. Ang sweet, hanggang paakyat ng Tagaytay, hindi hinihiwalayan ng colony ng mga langgam!!!” Sabel said, grinning. “I’m so happy talaga para diyan kay Sir Richard! Ngayon ko lang nakitang ganyan. In fairness, bagay na bagay sila! Maganda at guwapo! Para silang commercial models nitong fast food!”
“Tama ka diyan. Ako rin, masayang-masaya para kay Attorney! Ngayon ko rin lang siya nakitang ganyan at may boyfriend ha, considering mula ng ipanganak si Lance and magtrabaho ako kay Ate Doris, wala akong nakita o narinig tungkol sa boyfriend niya!” Lea said, then remembering something. “Teka may naalala ako, minsan may narinig akong pinag-uusapan nila, narinig ko lang ha, hindi ko deliberately pinakinggan, biruan nila na kaya raw wala pang boyfriend si Attorney eh dahil kay Mr. Dreamboat! Di kaya iyon ang boss mo?”
“Malamang! Kasi matagal nang magkakilala sa Mirasol Street iyang si Sir at si Attorney!” Sabel replied. “Di ba, nakakakilig ang love story nila. Sa hinaba-haba man ng panahon, sa pag-iibigan din ang tuloy! Ayiiii!”
“Hahahaha, truly, new BFF.” Lea said happily. “Naku halika na, mukhang gutom na ang guwapong-guwapong driver niyo o. Hayun, nagsasalubong na ang kilay.”
“Si Joma, guwapo? New BFF, kailangan mo ng salamin?” Sabel asked.
“Oo naman, like na like ko ang kulot niyang buhok.” Lea said with matching kilig. “Malinaw pa naman itong malalaki kong mga mata.”
“Hay naku, gutom lang iyan! Halika na, kumain na tayo.” Sabel replied, and the two of them, with a kilig smile to their employers, sat down on the table where Joma was.
More than half an hour later, everyone was back in the car, stuffed and they continued their journey to Tagaytay with Maya telling stories to Lance and Abby with matching theatrical voice, that had the kids giggling. They arrived in Tagaytay around 11 o’clock in the morning. Since it was a bit hot to go to the Sky Fun Amusement Park in Sky Ranch at that time of the day, they just drove around the attractions in Tagaytay, from Sonya’s Garden to Residence Inn Zoo, Picnic Grove and Caleruega, among others. When they got hungry again, Richard told Joma to take them back to Taal Vista Hotel.
“We will check in pa, sweetheart? Hindi naman tayo mag-o-overnight” Maya asked when they were at the reception. “I thought we will just eat lunch here and walk around the viewing deck.”
“I had already asked Liza to book a suite, sweetheart so the kids and you can rest in between seeing the sights.” Richard said, smiling at Maya. Then he talked to the reception to find out which room belongs to them and to arrange lunch for Sabel, Joma and Lea. “Thank you, Miss,” he said and to Maya and the kids, he said, “So, dito na tayo mag-lunch also, then rest after lunch and kapag medyo malamig na we can go to the amusement park.”
“Okay sweetheart. Tara na kids.” Maya took hold of the kids hands.
“Yes, Tita Maya.” Abby and Lance chorused.
“Sabel, please call Joma. Sama na kayong tatlo. Just go to the cafe and eat buffet. I gave instructions na that you three will eat there.” Richard told his long-time help.”Then after lunch, you are free to walk around. I will just text you kapag papunta na tayo sa Sky Ranch diyan sa tabi. Kami na ang bahala ni Maya sa mga bata.”
“Wow, thank you Sir Richard!” Sabel said with a big smile. Iba na talaga ang in love, Sabel thought. Parating naka-smile and super generous pa na amo, not that her Sir Richard was kuripot before. Para lang talagang sobrang saya niya simula ng maging girlfriend si Attorney Maya!
Maya, Richard, Abby and Lance went to the restaurant that offers international cuisine. Both of them agreed that the buffet will be too much for the kids. They were about to go to their room to rest for the afternoon, when someone called Richard’s name. He looked and smiled broadly at the old lady who greeted him. She was with a woman dressed in a body-hugging dress and fully made up.
“Tita Norma, hello! I thought you and Tito Probo are still in China.” Richard said, giving the well-dressed society matron a beso. “Hello, Gwen.”
“We came back several weeks ago. Your Tito Probo is here somewhere, may nakita ring friend. It seems like everyone we know is in Tagaytay today.” Norma Melendrez said. “Ito ngang si Gwen, may nakita ring batchmate niya kanina, di ba, Gwen?”
Instead of answering her mother, Gwen looked at Maya from head to toe, then ignored her, and zeroed in on Richard.
“Hello Ricky, darling!” Before he could react, Gwen gave Richard a smack on the lips, cupping his face so he can’t escape. “Nice to run into you here. Ikaw ha, more than three months ka na rito, hindi mo pa ako tinatawagan like you promised when we were in China.”
“Ha….” Richard at first was at a lost at what to say, Gwen surprised him, aside from the fact that he didn’t promise her anything! He collected himself, then pulled Maya closer to him. “Tita Norma, Gwendolyn, I would like to introduce to you my girlfriend, Attorney Maya Dela Rosa. Maya, sweetheart, this is Tita Norma Melendrez, friend nina Mama and Papa, and her daughter Gwendolyn. And Tita Norma, you have met my daughter Abby before and the little boy is Lance, Maya’s godchild and a classmate of Abby in grade school.”
“Hello po, nice to Mrs. Melendrez, nice to meet you. Hello, Gwendolyn.” Maya gave mother and daughter a friendly smile. Norma Melendrez smiled back, but her daughter just tilted her head in acknowledgment of the introduction.
The kids murmured their hello shyly, then kissed Norma Melendrez’ hand upon Maya’s prodding, which made the old lady glad.
“You are Ricky’s girlfriend!”Mrs. Melendrez remarked after the children’s mano. “I thought you are Ricky’s wife and Lance is your child! Though wala rin namang nabanggit si Esme sa akin that you got married again. I just needed to find out. You look like a beautiful family out on a Sunday in Tagaytay. Kay gandang pagmasdan, di ba Gwen?”
Richard and Maya gazed at each other lovingly, held hands and smiled at the old lady. “Thank you, Tita Norma, ipinapasyal lang namin ang mga bata. Too hot pa to go to the amusement park. Magpapahinga muna sana kami sa room when you saw us.”
“Ganoon ba! Okay, we will not keep you and Maya. Nice meeting you, Maya. Finally, may nakilala na rin akong girlfriend nitong si Richard. Richard, please say hello to your Mama and Papa the next time you talk to them.”
“Nice meeting you din po, Mrs. Melendrez, Gwendolyn.” Maya said to the smiling old lady and her sulky daughter.
“I will, Tita Norma. Beside, you may be able to do that in person sooner than you expect. Mama said she and Papa are planning to go back to the Philippines, if not sooner, then for Christmas!” Richard said, ignoring the looks he noticed Gwen was giving Maya. She is a spoiled brat and he can’t do anything about it. Maya handled herself well as he knows she could. However, he needed to show Gwen he noticed what she had been doing. He put his arm on Maya’s shoulder and pulled her closer as he continued talking to his Tita Norma.”I talked to Mama this morning. She and Papa are in San Francisco at the moment, visiting Tito Carlos and Tita Bella!”
“Wow, that’s good to know! At least after ten years, babalik na sila rito sa Pilipinas. I’m looking forward to that.” Norma said with an affectionate pat on Richard’s cheek, she turned towards the direction of the restaurant with her sullen daughter in tow.
“Ma, really, family! Eh mukha ngang yaya ng anak niya iyong girlfriend niya!” Gwen said in a loud voice. Maya heard it, while Richard didn’t as he was busy answering Lance’s question about something.
“Gwen hija, stop that! You know that they look good together. Stop obsessing about Richard. He just sees you as a daughter of a family friend.” Norma Melendrez scolded her daughter. “Mukha namang mabait iyong girlfriend ni Richard. Now I know where I have heard her name before. She was in the news several months ago as she topped the bar exams. See, beauty and brains. Stop being a brat. Hindi ka namin pinag-aral sa mamahaling eskwelahan para lang maging ganyan!”
It was the last thing that Maya heard as mother and daughter had entered the restaurant by then. Maya smiled broadly. She likes Norma Melendrez. Not so much the daughter who it seems likes her boyfriend too much and a spoiled brat.
“Sweetheart, why are you smiling?” Richard asked when Maya managed to catch up with him and the kids.
“Wala, sweetheart. Feeling ko lang nalungkot ng husto ang admirer mo.” She teased.
“Sino?…Richard started asking, and then remembered Gwen and what she did. “Sorry for that, sweetheart. I never thought she would kiss me like that. Saka wala rin akong promise sa kanya that I will call, kahit noong hindi pa tayo nagkikita ulit.”
“Sweetheart, you don’t have to explain. I got a good reading of the situation.” Maya said, then smiled at Richard, teasing him. “Next time, bilisan ang pag-ilag sweetheart. Nasapol ka tuloy. Itong lips na ito, para sa akin lang ha.” Maya added as she kissed Richard lightly. PDA kung PDA, she didn’t care.
Richard grinned broadly. “Yes, Attorney. Takot ko lang sa iyo. But seriously, sweetheart, thank you for being you. I love you very much. Halika na let’s go up to our room.”
“Well, I love you more, Mr. Richard Lim.”
They walked towards the direction of their room with arms around each other’s waist, and the two kids ahead of them. They looked at the little ones indulgently, both imagining the little Richards and little Mayas they will have in the future. To the onlookers, indeed, they looked like a beautiful family relaxing together on a Sunday in cool and beautiful Tagaytay.
On The Street Where You Live – Chapter 17
Posted by Antigone in Richard and Maya Fiction on June 27, 2015
Chapter 17
“More wine, sweetheart?” Richard asked Maya, seeing that her glass was near-empty. They were sitting in a two-person garden swing at the back veranda of the Lim family home, an hour after they have put Abby to sleep and half an hour after they have finished their wonderful dinner – Manang Fe’s very delicious binagoongan, and Sabel’s pinakbet with bagnet. They were simply stuffed with the rich dinner they had.
Richard asked Maya if she was already sleepy, and she told him she was not yet. Grinning she even told him, “Remember I was the queen of puyatan while I was in law school.” So they ended up at the back veranda, with the white wine they started drinking during dinner, toasting Richard and Abby’s return to Mirasol Street. They had a glass each during dinner and the ones they brought to the veranda was their second.
“No more na, sweetheart, just this one! Baka hindi na ako magising ng maaga bukas. Madi-disappoint ang mga bata.” Maya said, smiling. “I will just finish this one, then I will go home.”
“I wish you are not going home, that you don’t have to go home at all!” Richard said all of a sudden, half-teasingly.
“Ricky,” Maya protested, flushing a bit with the thought! Well, liking it too, she must admit! “I do have a house.”
“Just saying…” Richard said, gazing at Maya lovingly, then grinning, he teased, “But since uuwi ka, I can wake you up tomorrow morning, I can drop by bright and early and wake you up with kisses. I’m sure by my 100th kiss you will be very much awake.”
“Hahahaha, sure ka ba, sweetheart, baka lalo akong hindi magising.” Maya bantered back, riding along Richard’s playful mood.
“I’m sure, sweetheart. Eh si Princess Aurora nga isang kiss lang ni Prince Philip, nagising na kaagad. Iyon pa kayang 100 special kisses ng prince charming mo, sweetheart.” Richard grinned at his joke. It must be the wine or just the sheer happiness at the moment!
“Hahahaha, corny mo talaga, sweetheart! Pataas ng pataas ang corny meter mo.” Maya said laughing. “Pero, kahit ikaw pa ang pinaka-corny na boyfriend, super love pa rin kita. Saka in fairness, sweetheart, you know your Disney princesses ha.”
“That comes with the territory kapag may little girl ka, hahahaha. Pati nga si Dora the Explorer, and her cousin Diego, also Phineas and Ferb, and of course, SpongeBob and Patrick!” Richard said, smiling. Being a parent, he had taken a crash course in the current children’s cartoons so he can watch them with Abby, and understand what they are watching! “Pero siyempre, number one ang Disney Princesses kay Abby!”
“So true. I also did that with Lance. Since I take care of him from time to time, I have to know what kids like to watch these days and to see if they are suitable for his age.” Maya then faced Richard, then cupped his face, lovingly. “You know what, sa lahat ng sinabi mo earlier, may isa roon na hindi corny, pero baka this will sound cheesy naman, hahahaha.”
“Hmmmm, ano? Let me be the judge if it is cheesy or not.” Richard smiled at Maya indulgently.
“Iyong prince charming part. You are my prince charming, Mr. Richard Lim, you know, and just like what happened to Sleeping Beauty, you came back into my life, and woke me up.” Maya said, blushing a bit. “Sabi ko sa iyo, medyo cheesy eh. Basta, since we are talking about fairy tales, why not!”
“Maya, sweetheart, what a beautiful thing to say! Not cheesy at all, slight lang hahaha.” Richard put his glass down, cupped Maya’s face too, then caressed it a bit with his thumb. “I love very much, Attorney Maya Dela Rosa!” Then he added teasingly, “Kahit ikaw pa ang pinaka-cheesy na girlfriend sa buong mundo.”
“I love you very much too, Mr. Richard Lim.” Maya looked at Richard with all the love she is feeling, so very happy at that moment.
Richard lowered his lips to Maya and they shared a kiss. They broke apart after a while, and grinned at each other, very happy to be with each other in such a romantic setting. The Lim household had settled in for the night. The weather was cool, a breeze was blowing and it was very quiet in where they were. They opted not to switch on the lights as the moonlight was enough to illuminate the place, giving it a warm, romantic glow.
“I really like your place, Ricky, it’s so peaceful, especially this veranda! This moment is just perfect. Lahat naman ng moments ko with you, but this is especially so. I just feel very, very content at the moment.” Maya looked around the veranda and all the beautiful flowers that encloses it. Being there, she felt that she and Richard are in into a world of their own.
With that statement, suddenly Richard saw an opportunity to test the water and to let Maya get use to the idea. “Can you see yourself living here, sweetheart? With me and Abby?” He asked all of a sudden.
Maya was startled at Richard’s question. Yes, she had told Doris that she is ready where her relationship with Richard will take her, but hearing this question, she was still surprised. “Ha, why are you asking that, all of a sudden?” She prevaricated as she would like to gather her thoughts first. Saying it to Doris with conviction was way so different from hearing the actual thing, the near actual thing, all of a sudden!
“Because my beautiful and loving sweetheart, me, I can see you living here, with my daughter, our daughter, and the children we will have when the time comes.” Richard got hold of Maya’s now cold hands, and interlaced it with his, then said softly, looking deep into her eyes. “I want a future with you, Maya when the time comes!” Then he kissed her hand gently. “Get use to the idea, sweetheart.”
Maya touched Richard’s beloved face, gently, lovingly, then said softly, “I want a future with you, sweetheart, when the time comes. There is nothing I would rather be, than be where you and Abby are.”
Richard grinned broadly. “Thank you, my sweetheart. You and Abby are my life now.” He put his arm on Maya’s shoulder, then reeled him towards him. Maya leaned against his broad chest, and the two of them enjoyed the night, sharing thoughts, hopes and dreams, talking about the past and their experiences, catching up some more on the time that they were not only apart, but it different countries, at the same time, when they can’t help it, they exchanged sweet kisses.
“You know, parang ang tagal na pero nung Tuesday lang pala nang gabi, when we went here the first time.” Richard said after several minutes of companionable silence. “When I came back to this house after I took you home, I sat in my old room, then nagmuni-muni. It was then that I realized that I feel the same for you. That my love for you is unchanged. It had just laid dormant the past decade. That evening, I vowed that I will court you earnestly and with all of me, until you say yes. I don’t want to waste my second chance with you.”
“Talaga, sweetheart.” Maya was smiling as she listened to Richard narrating this. “So, kahit sinagot na kita, ligawan mo pa rin ako ha.” She teased.
“Of course, sweetheart, never-ending naman iyan eh. As long as we live.” Richard promised, and they have sealed that promise with another kiss.
Richard took Maya home a little past midnight. They didn’t notice the passing of time as they chatted on. Maya asked Richard if he would like to go in when they reached her door. Richard declined, teasing Maya that maybe he wouldn’t want to go home, if he comes in. Maya gave him a big, sleepy smile. They exchanged a good night kiss before retiring to their own beds for the night, for now, as Richard had said. Maya felt into a very nice, dreamless sleep and Richard was the same, considering that he has not sleep in the old house since the night they hastily left for China.
Richard was woken up by the ringing of his mobile phone the following morning. At first, he wanted to ignore it as when he checked the time, it was just 6 o’clock! However, it may be important so he got out of the bed and retrieved his phone from where he dropped it.
“Ma, good morning!” Richard greeted his mother, trying to shake off remnants of sleep from his system. “Napatawag ka po.”
“Good morning, son! Did I wake you up? I thought I had calculated the time correctly! Anong oras na ba diyan?” Donya Esmeralda Lim asked her son, noticing that he sounded sleepy on the phone.
“Ma, di ba pareho lang po tayo ng timezone!” Richard said, puzzled.
“Son, you forgot. Di ba I told you two weeks ago that your Papa and I are flying to San Francisco to visit some of his cousins.” Donya Esmeralda reminded her son. “Sobrang subsob ka naman yata diyan sa work mo, you forgot na!”
“Oh, yes, I remember! Kumusta naman po sina Tito Carlos and Tita Bella?” Richard asked, remembering that particular conversation with his mother. As usual, that time, Donya Esmeralda nagged her only son about getting married again and having someone to take care of him, someone who will love him and Abby. She also made mentioned of Maya out of the blue, telling him to check on her so he can move on. He was surprised at his mother’s statement and asked her why she thought of that out of the blue. She said, why not, mukha naman daw si Maya pa rin ang mahal niya. Since nasa Pilipinas na siya, maybe he can check and malay niya, single pa rin si Maya and available.
“Okay naman sila. Heto, relax-relax lang muna kami sa bahay nila, we are about to have snacks.” Donya Esmeralda asked. I called since I want to know how’s the move? Hindi pa kanina kayo lumipat ni Abby diyan sa bahay sa Mirasol.”
“Kahapon, Ma, Sunday morning na po rito.” Richard corrected his mother.
“Oo nga pala! Bakit ba laki kong nakakalimutan! May jet lag pa yata talaga ako. I haven’t been sleeping well since we got here. But don’t worry, son, it will pass.” Donya Esmeralda said. “O, back to the move? Okay lang ba kayo diyan nina Abby, Fe, and Sabel, and your new driver?”
“Okay na okay lang kami rito, Ma. Abby slept through the night. Otherwise, tumakbo na iyon dito sa room ko.” Richard replied. “Sina Manang and Sabel naman, of course, tuwang-tuwa na nakabalik na kami rito. You know them, ayaw ng mga iyon sa service apartment, lalo na si Manang Fe, para raw siyang nakakakulong. Manang Fe even cooked her specialty binagoongan for Maya and I last night. Tapos si Sabel naman….”
“Maya??? Wait, is she?….” Donya Esmeralda cut whatever Richard was saying next upon hearing the name.
Richard realized that hearing Maya’s name would certainly piqued his mother’s attention. He had been meaning to ease Maya and them being in a relationship now into the conversation at a certain point, but he had unconsciously mentioned her already, preempting himself! “Yes, Mama, the one and the same. She is now my girlfriend. And tama ka nagdilang-anghel ka, I found her again and she is still single. Instead na closure and moving on, we are continuing what we had started 10 yerars ago.”
“Really, son! Saan at paano kayo nagkita ulit ni Maya? Kailan mo siya naging girlfriend? Kasi di ba magkausap pa lang tayo the other week. Pero, son, hindi naman ako magtataka na kayo na, lalo pa at nalaman mo na single pa siya. I have a feeling naman kahit noon pa na siya ang one true love mo. Mabait si Alexandra and all, pero hindi ko nakita sa kanya ang spark and the chemistry na nakita ko noon nang magkasama kayo ni Maya.” Donya Esmeralda said lengthily, while Don Roberto was signalling to her, and asking what was it all about, seeing her with a big smile on her face. Donya Esmeralda signalled to her husband that she will tell him about it later.
“Really, Ma, bakit ngayon mo lang sinasabi sa akin ito?” Richard was surprised by his mother’s revelation. “I never thought you had an idea on how I felt about Maya ten years ago! The other week, out of the blue you started mentioning her.”
“I did son, I do, pero ayaw ko namang makialam sa love life mo before. Then when we were in China, I didn’t talk about it anymore since you already had a new life there by the time I got okay. I felt sad that the first time we were there, hindi man lang kita ma-comfort.” Donya Esmeralda said. “But all these years son, after Alexandra died, I wished and I have prayed constantly na makahanap ka ng happiness and find your true love again.”
“Thank you, Ma. Okay naman po ako. Ang importante naging okay ka after that terrible ordeal. And in the end I still I found Maya and the love that you were wishing for me. I’m so blessed and lucky. I’m so very, very happy with her in my life again for good!” Richard told his mother. “Not all people gets this lucky Ma! I never thought that I would find her again, even if I had plans on searching for her as soon as I get Abby settled here, especially in our house in Mirasol. Ma, not only did I find her, so unexpectedly, we finally have a chance in continuing the relationship we started ten years ago.”
Richard then told his mother how he and Maya met again, and then how he realized how much he still loves her, how he courted her again and how Maya agreed to be his girlfriend the other night.
“Would you believe it Ma, after all these years, walang naging ibang boyfriend si Maya! She told me wala raw kasing ibang nakapagpatibok ng puso niya maliban sa akin!” Richard said. “I have been thanking God Ma, and fate na pinagtagpo pa rin kami ni Maya! Gaano karaming tao ang nagkakaroon ng ganitong chance di ba?”
“I’m happy for you, and Maya, son. I’m sure naman in Maya’s heart, wala ang mga naging karibal mo. Sure ako na marami, sa ganda at talino pa naman na iyon ni Maya. Ricky, you are indeed very, very lucky son. Imagine mo, meeting her all of a sudden like that, and she is still single! Ganyan talaga ang true love. Minsan, there is really one person for us. That no matter what you do or wherever you go, sometimes di mo malimutan iyong taong iyon. Natutuwa rin ako to know that Maya has achieved her dream, and the same time felt sad on the passing of her sister. Pareho pala kayong may pinagdaaan na matindi that year.” Donya Esmeralda said, happy for her son, at the same, she remembered that hellish time in their family’s life. But the good thing is they are all okay, and her son is on his way to his forever with the woman he loves. “And how is my apo Abby taking all of these?”
“Surprisingly well, Ma. I think it was instant love between Maya and Abby. Maya is used to taking care of a special needs child too, kasi iyong inaanak nga niya na classmate ni Abby, ganoon din ang condition.” Richard told his mother about Abby’s question to Maya the day before, when they finally met.
“Hahahaha, ang bright and bibo naman talaga ng apo ko. Akalain mo iyon!” Donya Esmeralda laughed. “So kailan nga ba magiging bagong mommy ni Abby si Maya, son? Sabihin mo lang kung kailan at ng makauwi kami lahat diyan sa Pilipinas. It is about time na rin naman na bumalik kami diyan after ten years.”
“Really, Mama? Is Papa okay with it already? What do you think his reaction would be if he finds out that Maya is my girlfriend, not that it matters much? I respect Papa of course, and I would like him to like Maya and be happy for us, but if not, then so be it. I love Maya and this time I will stand by her no matter what.” Richard vowed.
“Yes, napag-usapan na namin ng Papa mo ang pag-uwi at some point. We are thinking of Christmas. Gusto ko na rin na bumalik diyan. Matagal na naman iyong nangyari. Iba na ang panahon ngayon.” Donya Esmeralda said. “As for you having Maya as a girlfriend, I think okay na okay naman ang Papa mo roon. Yes, I must admit, he was against you having a relationship with her ten years ago. But it is nothing personal to Maya. Ayaw ka lang niya talagang magka-girlfriend at that time. Ewan ko ba sa Papa mo, sabi ko naman noon na pabayaan ka na lang sa love life mo! Nakikita niya kasi na iba ang feelings mo for Maya. I’m sure kung ibang girl iyon and he sees that you love that person a lot, ganoon din ang reaction niya. Anyway, I will tell him about you and Maya pagkatapos nating mag-usap. Nagtatanong na nga kung ano ang pinag-uusapan natin.”
“Good to know, Ma. I hope everything is okay with Papa also. I just want to share our happiness with him as well. Let me know lang po kung mapapaaga ang pag-uwi niyo.” Richard said.
“Well, it depends on you, son. When are you planning to propose to her and when are you planning to get married? For sure, we will be there.” Donya Esmeralda asked.
“I’m planning to propose pa lang Ma. Sana pag-uwi namin sa Mindoro. I want to meet her mother first.” Richard smiled, thinking that ten years ago, he was also planning to go to Mindoro to court Maya. “Baka po in the next couple of weeks. The soonest I can arrange the trip the better.”
“Good luck, son, and the earlier the better, para naman madagdagan na ang apo ko!” Donya Esmeralda said.”Ito kasing si Grace, ayaw pang mag-asawa. I’m really happy for you son. O siya sige, please hug and kiss my apo for me.”
“Nasaan po pala si Papa, Ma? Baka pwede rin ako mag-hello.” Richard asked as an afterthought.
“Naku, lumabas kasama ng uncle mo. Baka tiningnan iyong gini-grill.” Donya Esmeralda replied. “Di bale, I will just tell him you said hello. Ako na bahala sa Papa mo. Please send my regards to Maya also. I hope to meet her again really soon. Call your sister din ha. I’m sure she will be happy for you rin. Balitaan mo ako kung kailan ang wedding!”
“Ma, well, pray that she will say yes sa proposal ko. And yes, Ma, I will call Grace this evening. In a while kasi pa-Tagaytay kami nina Maya, Abby and Maya’s inaanak. Ipapasyal namin doon sa amusement park doon. I love you Ma, Enjoy your vacation.”
“That’s very nice. I’m sure Abby will like that. Thanks son, we will. I love you too. Bye.”
Richard looked at the clock after he and his mother ended the phone call. It was almost 7 o’clock in the morning! They are planning to leave at 8 o’clock. He still have time. He grinned and typed a message for Maya.
Good morning, sweetheart. Rise and shine! 🙂
It took Maya several minutes before she replied.
OMG sweetheart, good thing you texted, I overslept! Tanghali na pala! Good morning!
Richard smiled at that.
Sabi ko naman sa iyo, I should have come over and woke you up with 100 kisses! 😉
Maya replied teasingly.
Hmmmm, maybe I should go back to sleep! 😉
Richard laughed.
Maybe you should. I can be there to wake you up in several minutes.
Several seconds later.
Naku Mr. Richard Lim, baka hindi na tayo makapuntang Tagaytay niyan. I’ll see you in 30 minutes. I love you!
Richard pretended to be disappointed.
😦 😦 Oh well, better luck next time, Richard Lim. 🙂 I love you too sweetheart! See you.
Maya replied with smileys.
🙂 🙂 🙂
Both of them grinned after they have put their phones down, looking forward to spending the whole day with each other and the kids. Both of them were thinking that it would be like this always when they are married!
Note: My apologies for not updating the past days!
On The Street Where You Live – Chapter 16
Posted by Antigone in Richard and Maya Fiction on June 21, 2015
Chapter 16
“Daddy, Daddy, you are back!” Abby shouted as she ran towards Richard when she saw him entering the living room of the Lim family home with Maya. She hugged her father’s pant leg tight. Then she looked at Maya shyly, and gave her a sweet, angelic smile that made Maya fell in love with her instantly. She is just the sweetest girl.
“Hello, sweetie!” Richard let go of Maya’s hand, gave the bag he was holding to Sabel, and lifted Abby into his arms, then kissed her. “See, I have Tita Maya with me na. Why don’t you say hello to her properly, sweetie.” He said with a big smile, then he looked at Maya lovingly. “Maya, sweetheart, this is my little princess, Abby, the sweetest and the most kulit girl in the world.” He said then affectionately pinched Abby’s nose.
“Daddy, put me down first, please.” Abby requested her. Richard did. She then went to where Maya was. “Hello Tita Maya.” Then she raised her arms to Maya, in a gesture that indicated that she wants to be hugged.
Maya crouched down to Abby’s level, then hugged the little girl tight, gave her a kiss on the forehead and established eye contact. “Hello Abby, I’m please to meet you. I have been looking forward to meeting you again. Hindi kasi kita masyadong nakausap sa school eh.”
“Me too, Tita Maya! I have been waiting the longest time for you and Daddy. Tita Maya, Daddy said you are his girlfriend now. Are you going to be my new mommy?” The little girl asked directly. “I would like you to be! That would be the best thing ever!” Abby added artlessly, not knowing that she had put the adults on the spot.
“Oh, your daddy told you about me being his girlfriend.” Maya remarked, gathering her thoughts and thinking on how best to answer the little girl. “Yes baby, I am and he is my boyfriend now, but errr….” She looked at a smiling Richard. She was flushing. She can also see from her peripheral vision that Richard’s staff were observing them, with smiles on their faces, especially Manang Fe, whom she can see very clearly, was all ears and eyes!
“Baby, Tita Maya and I are going to talk about that pa. For now, she is my girlfriend.” Richard told Abby, saving Maya. He never thought that his daughter will ask that! For, he guessed, in Abby’s mind, that is the natural progression of things, kaya pala she was asking all sorts of questions earlier when he told her! “For now, why don’t we look at Tita Maya’s treat for you. I’m sure you will like it.”
“You have a treat for me, Tita Maya?” Abby asked, forgetting her question already, getting distracted and looking with anticipation on what Maya’s treat could be.
“Yes, I have, baby. Your daddy said your favorite food is spaghetti, so I cooked my super special spaghetti for you!” Maya said, smiling at the cute little girl.
“Yehey, thank you Tita Maya!” Then Abby did something Maya was not expecting, she hugged her tight and gave her several kisses, then said, “ I love you already, Tita Maya! Really, really!”
Maya was touched at Abby’s gesture. She got teary-eyed.”And I love you too, baby, really, really, really.” Maya hugged her tight also and showered her with kisses and tickled her, which has the little girl in stitches, giggling a lot. Apparently, she likes being tickled.
“Can we eat it now, Tita Maya. Daddy can we have spaghetti na. I’m hungry na Daddy. I was super hungry na waiting for you. What took you so long?” Abby said after a while, complaining a bit, looking at them innocently.
Richard grinned, then looked meaningfully at Maya. Maya blushed. She elbowed Richard, who continued grinning. She mouthed the word ‘later’ to him, playfully threatening him with retribution.
“Come Abby, naihanda ko na ang masarap na masarap na spaghetti mo.” Sabel said from the doorway leading to the dining room. “Hello po Ma’am Maya. Good afternoon po.” Sabel greeted Maya with deference. Hindi niya ipinahalatang kinikilig siya. Ang ganda naman pala talaga nitong girlriend ni Sir, she mused. Beauty and brains! In love na in love ang amo ko, in fairness, ang lagkit ng tinginan nila. Ay!
“Hello, Sabel.” Maya said with a friendly smile. She didn’t get to meet Sabel when she was in Ricky’s house ten years ago, but she had seen her once on the street. Before she can say something more, Abby tugged at her hand. ‘Yes, baby, ano iyon.”
“Tita Maya, can you go with me to the dining room.” She asked Maya sweetly. “Ikaw po ang gusto kong katabi.”
“Of course, sweetie.” Maya said, touching Abby’s chin affectionately, then whispered to her, “Pero bago tayo kumain, samahan mo muna ako kay Manang Fe. Ibibigay natin itong flowers. Hindi pa kasi ako nakakapag-hello sa kanya.”
“Okay po, Tita Maya.” Then she put her hand with Maya’s then half-ran towards Manang Fe, followed by her father who was just smiling, bemused at the way her little girl is monopolizing Maya’s attention since they arrived. He had not even gotten around to formally introducing Maya to Manang Fe as his girlfriend!
“Manang Fe, Tita Maya has something for you.” She said before Maya could say anything.
“Good afternoon po, Manang Fe! Mano po!” Then she took the old lady’s hand and put it on her forehead. “Kumusta na po kayo? Para po pala sa inyo.” Maya gave the smiling old lady the roses she had bought for her earlier. “Welcome back po to Mirasol Street.”
“Naku, maraming salamat dito, hija.” Manang Fe said smiling. “Natutuwa nga ako at nakabalik na kami rito. Pero, hija higit akong natutuwa na malamang nobya ka na ni Ricardo. Mahal na mahal ka ng alaga kong iyan, Maya, kahit noon pa man. Masayang-masaya ako para sa inyong dalawa.” Then to add to the surprises and revelation that Maya has been experiencing so far upon entering the Lim mansion, Manang Fe embraced Maya tight. She was also teary-eyed. She then went to Richard and embraced him too. Richard and Maya shared a loving smile, touched at the old lady’s gesture.
Richard had told Manang Fe that morning that Maya is now his girlfriend. The old lady was ecstatic. She told him that she is very happy that he have found love at last, and to a wonderful woman who she is sure will love not only him, but Abby as well. She has not seen proof of this, but she knew the kind of person Maya was 10 years ago and Manang Fe believes that it has not changed. She told Richard na ngayon lang niya nakita na ganito siya kasaya.
It was from Manang Fe that Sabel learned that Maya is now Richard’s girlfriend, after she told her that they will have her as a visitor that afternoon, her Ricardo’s girlfriend. Sabel was also happy for her employer and for Abby na mukhang magkaka-mommy na ulit. Hindi niya na-meet dati si Ma’am Maya pero nakita niya ito sa sala ng mga Lim, kasama ni Sir Richard niya. Nakita rin niya ang dalawa na magkausap at magkasabay na naglalakad galing sa school. Isang beses na rin niyang nakasalubong at nakangitian si Ma’am Maya niya pagkatapos itong ipakilala ni Sir Richard sa mga magulang niya. Tandang-tanda niya kasi nga wala namang ibang isinama noon ang sir niya sa bahay.
Richard told Abby about her Tita Maya as his girlfriend while they were having a father and daughter time that morning while Manang Fe, Sabel and Joma were busy loading everything in the van and doing some last-minute checking on the place they will vacate. Abby jumped with joy. She also asked questions such as if a girlfriend is the first step to getting married and having a new mommy. Richard never thought that he would put forth the question to Maya directly! Uunahan pa siya sa kanyang proposal! Amazing, how biba his daughter is with Maya. Sometimes, she could be shy and reticent with people she just met. He grinned broadly. Everything is going so well. Him and Maya, and now her and his daughter. He can see that she has also charmed his staff.
“Ricardo, uy, Ricardo,” Manang Fe called Richard louder. She shook her head, seeing her alaga with a bemused expression.
“Sweetheart…” Maya also whispered. “Let’s eat na with Abby.”
“Oh okay,” He said with a smile. “Halika na.”
With Maya holding Abby’s hand, and Richard guiding Maya towards the dining room with his hand on her back, everyone trooped to the dining room, where Sabel had put the cake on the table and transferred Maya’s spaghetti into a serving dish. Manang Fe put her flowers in a vase and placed it at the center of the table.
“O kain na kayo. Maraming salamat dito sa spaghetti mo Maya at sa cake.” Manang Fe said.
“Tita Maya, Daddy, can I have cake too after the spaghetti.” Abby asked.
“Of course, baby, pero eat ka muna ng spaghetti at saka kaunting cake lang ha.” Richard said. Abby sometimes gets hyper when she eats too much sweet stuffs.
Maya got Abby’s plate and put a big serving of spaghetti on the little girl’s plate, then she got Richard’s plate, and served him as well. He mouthed a thank you while looking at her with love. Seeing this, them looking like a family already made Richard very happy. Not only him, Manang Fe, who was seated at the nearby breakfast table with Sabel and Joma also looked happily at them. Hay parang totoong pamilya na talaga sila, nakakatuwa naman talaga, she thought. Joma on the other hand, said to himself, sabi na nga ba eh. Masaya rin siya para sa boss niya.
“Tita Maya, your spaghetti is the best po.” Abby said after her second serving of Maya’s spaghetti. “Dad, Tita Maya, can I have cake naman?”
“Thank you, Abby. Alam mo ba paborito rin ni Lance ang spaghetti ko.” Maya said as she cut a small slice of cake for the little girl. She was very happy at the moment. Everything is just perfect.
“Talaga po.” Abby said. “Thank you, Tita Maya.” The little girl then concentrated on eating her cake.
Richard and Maya looked at the little girl with love, then at each other. Richard put his hand on top of Maya’s and caressed it. He was just so happy.
Manang Fe, Sabel and Joma also thanked Maya for the food. The wine they didn’t get around to drinking. When they were finished, they returned to the living room. Richard asked Sabel for coffee for him and Maya and juice for Abby. The little girl sat beside Maya on the sofa. While they were drinking their coffee, Abby was watching her cartoons. She was lost on the current one she was watching.
“Mukhang everything is okay na Ricky.” Maya said in between sips of her coffee, looking around. “Ang bilis ninyong naka-settle down.”
“Yes, since nga inayos na ng decorator. Sabel and Joma were also here yesterday to dust the house and double-checked kung maayos na lahat.” Richard replied. “Thank you again, sweetheart for the food and everything. The wine we can drink later so I can have my way with you,” he whispered naughtily, then hugged Maya to his side.
Maya elbowed him lightly, then whispered back, “Ikaw talaga, sweetheart, marinig ka ng anak mo. Hindi ka pa off the hook for putting me on the spot kanina. Ikaw kaya ang may kasalanan kung bakit tayo natagalan.”
“Really, sweetheart, ako lang. Parang hindi naman ako mag-isa sa mga kiss na iyon ah, Attorney Dela Rosa.” He teased.
“Okay, okay, this time talo sa kaso.” Maya grinned. Richard kissed her lightly on the forehead and smiled lovingly at her.
More than an hour later, they told Abby that they have to go out for a while. The little girl nodded, but extracted a promise from Maya that she will come back to tuck her to bed. She went with Sabel to her room to finish her homework. She didn’t protest this time as she sometimes does, if the homework requires a lot of writing. She has the trip to Tagaytay to look forward to.
“Maya, Ricardo, dito na kayo maghapunan, magluluto ako ng specialty kong binagoongan.” Manang Fe said when they were leaving.
“Sige po, Manang. Sandali lang naman po kami ni Maya. Nakapag-set na ako ng appointment doon sa car dealership.” Richard had told Manang Fe earlier that he will accompany Maya to a car dealership in the evening.
“Thank you po, Manang Fe. Paborito ko po ang binagoongan. Isa iyan sa mga specialty rin ng Nanay ko.” Maya hugged the old lady. “Sige po, babalik na lang kami ni Ricky mamaya.”
“O siya, sige mag-iingat kayo ha.” Manang Fe said.
Richard and Maya walked to where Richard parked his car with hands intertwined. Before they got in, they shared a quick kiss, just so happy at that moment.
“Kailan mo pala sinabi kina Abby at Manang Fe ang tungkol sa atin? I presumed na alam na rin nina Sabel and Joma.” Maya asked when they were on their way.
“Hahahaha, she did put us on the spot ‘no! Kaya pala ang dami niyang questions kanina. I hope you don’t mind.” Richard said, smiling, remembering Abby’s precociousness. There are really moments, where he doubts if she really has autism as she acts like a normal kid, and at times, sounds older and wiser than her age. “Si Manang, I told naman pagkagising ko kaninang umaga. I was just so happy, sweetheart. Then I guess, sinabi niya kay Sabel. It is a small household so Joma is bound to know too.”
“No, I don’t mind, sweetheart. I’m happy and I want to shout it to the whole world that you are my boyfriend na. I told Doris also.” Then Maya remembered Doris’ phone call. “Speaking of Doris, I forgot to tell you earlier, as you distracted me with those kisses, not that I’m complaining, you know,” she said smiling, “She called to tell me na hindi siya makakasama sa atin kasi may interview siya sa Ilocos. Pero si Lance makakasama, with his yaya. Sabi ko okay lang naman.”
“Oh, sayang naman. But I guess it can’t be helped. Mabuti Lance will be there. Abby is looking forward to that trip, lalo na ng malaman na kasama ka and si Lance.” Richard said, then putting his hand over Maya’s, he said, “Sweetheart, thank you again for being so wonderful and loving to my little girl. I’m so happy.”
“Siyempre naman, sweetheart, precious little girl mo iyon. Lahat ng mahal mo, mamahalin ko kasi I love you very much. Besides, she is so easy to love. I love her already.” Maya said, squeezing Richard’s hand.
“Basta, thank you, thank you pa rin.” Richard said as he raised Maya’s hand to her lips and rained kisses on it. “I love you very much too, sweetheart, more than you know.” He said softly, lovingly.
Two hours later, they were back in Mirasol Street. Maya is now the owner of a red automatic sedan. It will be delivered after all the financing paperwork has been accomplished. Richard thought of offering to pay for the car, and if she refuses, offering her a loan instead of her doing it with a bank. But he stopped himself from doing that. He does not think it will sit well with Maya, knowing how independent she is. He wants her to do things her way pa rin even if they are in a relationship.
“Manang, we are back.” Richard called when they were going up the second level of the house.
But it was not Manang Fe who greeted them, but Abby in her sleep clothes. “Daddy, Tita Maya, hug me to sleep please.” It has been Abby’s nightly request, coupled with lullabies that he usually plays from her iPad.
“Okay, sweetie, let me just talk first to Manang Fe ha.” Richard said. “Sweetheart, go ahead with Abby. I will just tell Manang na maya-maya na tayo magdi-dinner.” On the way back, they both were still feeling full from the merienda they had earlier. “Abby will tell you about her nightly ritual.” He kissed Maya lightly on the forehead, the same with Abby. “Run along, sweetie, I’ll follow soon.”
Maya took hold of Abby’s hand and led her towards the direction of her room. “You know where is my room po, Tita Maya?” Abby asked.
Maya was startled at how observant Abby is. But she shouldn’t be surprised, Lance is like this also, when he wants to and when you thought that he does not pay attention to things. Usually he does, like a recorder. “Yes, baby. I was here before with your dad. Halika na, so we can tuck you in to bed. Remember we will go pa to an amusement park tomorrow. Kaya dapat matulog ka ng maaga.”
They entered the little girl’s room and it is how Maya remembered it to be, except this time, there are more personal touches, like Abby’s collection of stuffed toys, mostly cats, and some dolls, Barbie and some dolls with big heads and buttons for eyes. Maya tucked Abby in.
When Richard opened his little girl’s room a short while later, he heard Maya’s soft voice instead of the usual lullabies that Abby likes. He stood in the doorway quietly for a while as he listened to her tell the tale of a princess who met her prince ten years ago. He smiled. She was telling his daughter how they started. Looking at the scene, he thought, if he had not already decided to propose to Maya, this scene alone would make his decision. But he has already made plans for his proposal. He smiled broadly.
Maya looked up then and saw Richard framed at the door, with a big smile on his face. They shared a loving look.
“So what happens, next Tita Maya, did the princess find her prince again?” Abby asked, breaking into the private world they were starting to get into. Abby saw her father then. “Daddy, I requested Tita Maya to tell me a story, instead of the lullabies.”
“I heard part of it, baby. But maybe, Tita Maya can continue the story next time, you need to sleep na.” Richard said, knowing his daughter, she wants to prolong staying awake if she can get away with it. “Para rin you have something to look forward to.”
“But Daddy…..” She started to protest prettily.
“Baby, promise I will continue the story and finish it.” Maya said. “Good night na muna ngayon. Remember, maaga pa tayo bukas.”
“Okay po. Good night Tita Maya. Thank you again.” The little girl said, then asked for another hug from Maya, then whispered to her ears. “I hope you will be my mommy soon.” Then loudly, she said, “I love you, Tita Maya.”
Maya was startled and touched at what the little girl said. “Awwww,” she thought to herself, you are the sweetest little girl ever. ” I love you too, baby girl.”
“Good night, Daddy. You are the best daddy ever.” She said as her father hugged her and gave her a good night kiss.
Several minutes after, Abby’s eyes drooped and she went to a deep sleep. Richard and Maya arms around each other, looked at their sleeping angel, with love.
Note: ❤ Happy Father’s Day! ❤ Mabuti, umabot pa this one sa Father’s Day! 🙂 Hinabol ko, medyo hinihingal pa! 🙂 I hope you had a wonderful celebration with the men in your life – dad, husband, dad-in-law, brothers, uncles, friends who are dads, and those who are both a mom and a dad to their kids!
On The Street Where You Live – Chapter 15
Posted by Antigone in Richard and Maya Fiction on June 20, 2015
Chapter 15
Maya spent the rest of the morning at the nearby supermarket, buying ingredients for the spaghetti that she will cook for Abby. She also decided to buy a chocolate dedication cake from a local bakeshop. She asked the shop staff to write ‘Welcome back to Mirasol Street’ on the cake. She also brought flowers for Manang Fe, red and white roses, and a bottle of wine.
Her mobile phone rang when she was unlocking the door of her apartment. By the time she was in, and about to answer her call, the phone has stopped ringing. She dropped her groceries on the kitchen table and checked her missed call. It was Doris who was trying to reach her.
“Yes BFF, napatawag ka? Sorry hindi ko nasagot kaagad. Kagagaling ko lang sa grocery eh. ” Maya said when Doris picked up her call. “Magluluto kasi ako ng spaghetti.”
“Hi Maya, okay lang naman. I though na baka nga out on errands ka since Saturday or baka kasama mo si Richard.” Doris said. “Tungkol kasi ito sa lakad natin bukas. Unfortunately, I have to go to Laoag early tomorrow morning kasi biglang na-confirm iyung interview that I was trying to schedule with the elusive retired feisty actress na naka-base na sa Pagudpud, si Miriam Bonifacio. Naalala mo, siya iyong sobrang frank na actress na sobrang galing naman sa acting. She is not active in the business for several years now. She just walked away, di ba? We would like to include her in the current issue we are working on, kasama nung lawyer that I interviewed recently.”
“Oh, so hindi kayo makakasama sa amin nina Ricky at Abby sa Tagaytay?” Maya said, a bit disappointed. She was looking forward to seeing her bestfriend and Lance again, to their bonding with Abby, and of course, with Ricky. Para na rin sana maipakilala niya si Ricky kay Doris as her boyfriend. However, she understand the nature of Doris’ work. Mas matindi pa sa demand ng work ni Doris ang naging demand sng dati iyang trabaho. “Sayang naman, but I understand BFF. No worries. Nasabi mo na ba kay Lance?”
“No, Maya, ako lang ang hindi makakasama sana.” Doris clarified. “Kung okay lang ba sa iyo na sina Lea and Lance na lang ang sumama sa inyo nina Richard at Abby sa Tagaytay? Lance is over the moon and counting the hours na until tomorrow since I told him about it yesterday.”
“Okay na okay naman BFF. No worries, ako na ang bahala sa kanila. Kahit nga kami lang ni Lance okay lang.” Maya assured her friend. “Akala ko kasi isasama mo si Lance sa Laoag for a little vacation after your work.”
“Naku, hindi kasi bibiyahe pa ako by land from Laoag to Pagudpud. Saka di ba may school si Lance. Isama mo na si Lea sa trip mo para naman on the side eh magkaroon kayo ng you and me time ni Mr. Dremboat. Para makapanligaw siya ng husto at mapag-isipan mo naman nang husto kung sasagutin mo na siya.” Doris said in a teasing tone. “Alam mo na namang support na support ko iyang lovelife mo.”
“Hahahaha, ikaw talaga BFF, walang kakupas-kupas! Dapat magsama kayo ni Attorney Ryan, iyong boss ko na close friend ni Ricky!” Maya said, smiling “Pero BFF, kami na kasi ni Ricky eh!”
“Kayo na? You mean as in sinagot mo na si Richard? Ibinigay mo na ang matamis mong ‘oo’ sa nag-iisang lalaking nagpapatibok niyang puso mo? May boyfriend ka na rin sa wakas!!!” Doris asked excitedly, in rapid succession. “Kailan pa naging kayo? Parang the last time we talked yesterday morning, wala kang nabanggit!”
“Yes, Richard is now my boyfriend. BFF, I’m so happy!!!!” Maya said happily and giddily. “Kagabi ko lang siya sinagot.”
Maya told Doris about her dinner with Richard the night before and the trip home, him letting her drove his car and him telling her he love her very much after they shared a kiss. “Hayun BFF, pagka-park namin ng car kagabi, I was just so happy to be with him. We kissed, then he told me he loves me very much. It was a perfect moment, so I told him that I love him too! Sinagot ko na! Masyado bang mabilis ang mga pangyayari? For me kasi, I have never been surer in my life than at that moment. I love him very much.”
“Maya’ I’m so happy for you BFF. Imagine sa tinagal-tagal man ng panahon at sa dami ng mga nangyari sa mga buhay ninyong dalawa, in the end kayo pa rin pala!” Doris said. “BFF bilang number one fan ng love team ninyo ni Richard at nag-iisang saksi sa pagmamahalan ninyong dalawa, ito lang ang masasabi ko, KINIKILIG AKO TO THE MAX!!!!” Doris shouted on the phone with matching tili!
“BFF, nabasag yata ang eardrums ko doon, pero salamat ha, for everything, for the support you know at maraming iba pa.” Maya laughed at her best friend’s reaction. “I never felt like this before. Iyon bang sobrang saya ka lang. Bigla kang napapangiting mag-isa and kapag kasama ko siya, parang kami lang dalawa ang nasa mundo. Kapag tinititigan niya ako niya ako para akong matutunaw! Kapag magkausap kami, parang tumitigil ang orasan. Just the thought of him makes my heart sing. Tapos siya ang huling nasa isip ko sa pagtulog ko sa gabi.” Maya finished eloquently.
“Ganyan talaga ang true love, Maya BFF! You are lucky to have found love, with a wonderful guy like Richard. Alam ko he will cherish you. The fact kasi that you have surpassed ten years of being apart and all the trials, then kayo pa rin, malaking bagay iyon. He is also lucky to have you. Ikaw ang yata ang pinaka-loving and most giving person that I know. You deserve all the happiness and blessings coming your way after ng mga unos sa buhay mo.” Doris said. “Saka ten years na rin naman ang history ninyo ni Richard kahit most of it magkahiwalay kayo. Sa buong panahon na iyon hindi nagbago ang feelings ninyo for each other and that is a very good foundation na. It does not happen to everyone.”
“Thank you very much BFF. I agree with what you said wholeheartedly. I love you and again, thanks again for being there with me, you and Tito Fernando. Parang kapamilya na talaga ang turing ninyo sa amin ni Nanay.”
“Naku, BFF, talaga naman. Kung pwede nga lang na maging mag-sister tayo. Kaso, iyung pudra ko, na-friendzoned ng mudra mo!” Doris said, teasing. “Teka, alam na ba ni Tita Tessie na sa wakas, may boyfriend ka na? Baka magpamisa iyon sa lahat ng simbahan sa galak.”
“Eh wala akong magagawa, one man woman yata talaga kaming mga Dela Paz ladies! Kita mo si Nanay, then si Manang din.” Maya said. “Yes, alam na ni Nanay ang tungkol kay Ricky. Tatawagan ko na nga sana siya kanina pero naunahan na niya ako, pagkagising ko, tumawag na siya. Like you said, ang saya-saya niya ng malaman na may boyfriend na ako. I told her also Ricky and I’s history. At hindi lang siya, happy, take note BFF, sabi pa naman sa akin, sa wakas daw magkakaapo na siya! Ganyan ka-advance si Mother!”
“Hahahaha, si Tita Tessie talaga, sabik na sabik na sa apo. Lance is so lucky to have her as an honorary grandmother.” Doris said. “Pero, tama naman siya, apo kung apo the soonest.”
“Sabi nga pala ni Nanay, ikumusta ko raw siya sa iyo at ihalik kay Lance kapag nagkita tayo.” Maya said, suddenly remembering her mother’s bilin. “Miss ko nga na si Nanay nang sobra-sobra, more than two months na nga kaming hindi nagkikita. Plan namin ni Ricky na umuwi sa Mindoro the next free weekend that we have. Di ba may parating na long weekend? Titingnan ko lang ang load ko and his schedule and kapag okay, bibiyahe kami pa-San Nicolas. Gusto niyang makilala si Nanay, and I promised Nanay rin that I will introduce Ricky to her the soonest time possible.”
“Talaga, meet the parent na agad-agad? Nakakatuwa naman iyang si Richard, matapos mawala sa buhay mo ng parang bula sa loob ng sampung taon, dinadaan sa santong paspasan ang lahat! Grand bawi kung grand bawi, kumbaga!” Doris teased her BFF, then seriously she asked, “Paano pala iyan BFF, what if Richard propose na to you kahit bago pa lang kayo because he does not want to waste time. Handa ka na ba?”
“Yes, BFF! I am!” Maya replied quickly and with conviction. “When I saw him again and realized that I still feel the same for him, and then when he started courting me, inihanda ko na ang sarili ko kung saan man kami mapunta, kahit sa simbahan, even if I had just started my career as a lawyer. Siya lang naman ang minahal ko, wala nang iba. Hindi naman magbabago iyon. Sabi mo nga ten years na rin ang history namin kahit most of that decade, magkahiwalay kami. He is the only one for me. Tanggap ko kung ano man siya and all the things that had happened to his life during that time. His first wife Alexandra and his precious angel, Abby. Pero for now, I’m enjoying our relationship muna. Hindi ko na muna iniisip ang engagement and kasal. Kung tuloy-tuloy na ito at kami na forever, I hope so, then I’m prepared na and more than willing to spend the rest of my life with him.”
“BFF, naiiyak naman ko sa happiness para sa iyo!!!” Doris said emotionally, sniffling. “Basta BFF matron of honor ako at ring bearer si Lance.”
“Hahahaha, Doris naman! Of course when that time comes! Pero matagal pa iyon. Kasisimula pa lang namin ulit ni Ricky!” Maya told her best friend.
“Naku BFF, malay mo bukas mag-propose na siya sa iyo!” Doris teased. “Sabihin mo lang kaagad if he did na ha, para makapag-diet ako ng husto at ng sexy ako sa matron gown ko.”
“Hahahaha, impossible iyan, bukas agad, as in. Pero promise ko sa iyo kapag nangyari iyan, when the right time comes, si Nanay at ikaw ang unang makakaalam!” Maya said.
“Okay, BFF. Love you. O paano, paalam na, see you when I see you. Bahala ka sa bebe boy ko ha. Hello na lang kay boyfie, saka na lang kamo kami magkumustahan. O siya magluto ka na ng spaghetti para sa future daughter mo, I presumed para kay Abby iyan. Di ba ngayon ang lipat nila pabalik ng Mirasol? I’m sure hit iyan. Iyan na yata ang pinakamasarap na spaghetti para kay Lance, at siyempre para sa akin din ah!”
“Surely BFF. Ingat ka sa biyahe at good luck sa interview mo.” Maya said. “Yes, the spaghetti is for Abby. Ricky said to drop by around 4 o’clock later. Sabi ko ako na ang bahala sa snacks, tulong ko sa paglilipat nila. Gusto ko ring makilala ng husto si Abby. Kasi di ba, isang beses pa lang kaming nagkita, di pa kami formally introduced. Nandoon rin kasi si Manang Fe sa bahay ni Ricky, maghe-hello ako.”
“Naks naman, mommy na mommy at future wife na talaga ang peg ng BFF ko.” Doris added.
“Hahahaha, Doris, ikaw talaga. O siya, goodbye na tayo at magluluto na ako!” Maya said, smiling.
Maya checked the time after and Doris and she finally ended her phone call! “OMG, pasado alas una na pala, kailangan ko nang magluto!”
Maya got moving briskly. She was finished with everything by 3PM. While she was warming the spaghetti sauce, Maya took a bath. She chose to wear shorts and a floral blouse. When she had checked her phone she saw a message from Ricky.
Hi sweetheart, we are here at Mirasol na! Settling in. I missed you.
Maya smiled at that. “Sus, ito talagang sweetheart ko, sobrang sweet! Para iilang oras pa lang kaming naghihiwalay.” She typed a reply.
Hello my sweetheart. I’m done na. I will be there in 15 minutes. I missed you too. See you!
She was about to put the phone in her bag when it beeped again.
Wait, stay there, sweetheart, I will pick you up. No buts. I’m going out of the house na!
Maya just smiled and shook her head. “Ang kulit talaga ng sweetheart ko!”
Several minutes after, Maya’s doorbell rang.
“Hi, sweetheart!” Richard said with a big grin. He looked very happy.
“Hi sweetheart! Parang ang saya-saya natin ah.” Maya said, smiling lovingly at her boyfriend. He looks so handsome and so mabango talaga. She will never get tired of looking at him like this and seeing him with one of his bone-melting lopsided smiles. “Halika pasok ka muna. I will just put the spaghetti in a container.”
“Of course, I’m here with my beautiful and wonderful girlfriend again.” Richard said as he followed Maya inside. He likes her in shorts. It shows off her long legs. He likes her in everything! She is very beautiful, in whatever she chose to wear!
Maya laughed, looked at Richard. “Ikaw talaga, pinapakilig mo na naman ako eh.”
“Siyempre naman, sweetheart, that’s my goal in life and I have an ulterior motive when I offered to pick you up.” Richard confessed, gazing at Maya intently, with mischief in his eyes.
“What is it?” Maya asked curiously.
“This.” Richard said, then before Maya could react, Richard lowered his lips to her and gave her a searing kiss. Maya opened her mouth to let Richard deepen the kiss. Before they know it, they are sharing one of the most heated kisses they have shared so far. Several long moments after, they were both catching their breaths.
Richard traced the seam of Maya, kiss-swollen lips. “I missed that. I needed my vitamins before we face the troop. For sure, mamayang gabi pa ulit kita masosolo pag dating mo sa bahay.” He said grinning. “I love you very much, sweetheart.”
“Sweetheart, ikaw talaga! But I love you very much, anyway!” Maya said, grinning, pinching Richard lightly on the side.
“Ouch, sweetheart, now you have to give me another kiss to sooth the pain you have caused.” He said dramatically, with a matching pained facial expression, but the smile he was trying to hide from Maya betrayed him.
“Hay naku, Mr. Lim, nagda-drama ka na naman! Halika na, baka gutom na si Abby.” Maya said, as she started walking towards the kitchen. But then she smiled sweetly at Richard, stood on her toes, cupped his face, then she lowered her lips to him and kissed him quite thoroughly, “May masakit ba pa, sweetheart?” She whispered softly.
Richard grinned naughtily at Maya’s innocent question. “Hmmm, meron pa sweetheart, a different kind of pain naman after that kiss.” He said, grinning at her unrepentently.
Maya blushed, getting his meaning. “Naku, Richard Lim, magugutom na talaga ang anak mo!” With a loving smile to Richard, she went to the kitchen. Richard followed and helped Maya with packing the food, the flowers, the wine and the cake that she bought, at the same time, sneaking little kisses to her, which made the task longer.
It was already a bit after 4PM when they managed to get out of Maya’s apartment. Hands, intertwined and with loving gazes, they walked happily towards Richard’s home.
Note: Have a nice weekend everyone! Thank you for the likes and the wonderful comments to Chapter 1 of Beyond Forever! I hope you will like this additional Saturday night treat! GV always!
Beyond Forever – Chapter 1
Posted by Antigone in Richard and Maya Fiction on June 20, 2015
Chapter 1
Present
Something wet hit the page of the journal that Maria Yasmin Ventura Dela Rosa, ‘Maya’ to family and friends, was reading by the beach, then another, and another. Maya closed Ricardo Lim’s journal hastily, and clutched it to her chest tightly. She looked up at the sky and noticed that it has gotten dark the past hour or so. She got engrossed in the journal again, lost in the past, and didn’t notice the changing weather!
“Oh my God, uulan na! Mukhang malakas pa. Ano ba iyan, ang ganda-ganda ng araw kanina! Naku, mababasa itong journal!” Maya exclaimed, panicking. She needed to protect the precious journal that she found while cleaning the attic of the Ventura ancestral house in New Manila, several weeks after her grandfather James died.
The house in New Manila was bequeathed to her mother, but since it was Maya who has been staying there with her grandfather, Marina Ventura-Dela Rosa told Maya that it’s hers, since she loves that house very much. She and Maya’s father prefer their house in Ayala Alabang. Maya’s mother also told her, that eventually, anyway, it will pass on to her as per the term of her grandfather’s will stated. Maya discovered the journal while organizing things in the attic as she would like to put her grandfather’s stuffs there for safekeeping, with her and her mother’s yaya, Manang Fe helping her.
Maya looked around and checked where she really was. She realized that she had wandered a bit farther off from where the beach house her mother’s family owns. The nearest shelter is the white house several meters away that looked abandoned the past several times she passed by it. Manang Miring, the caretaker of the Dela Paz beach house mentioned that the family of the late Ricardo Lim, from Manila, owns it. It turned out, it is the same Ricardo Lim whose journal she was trying to protect at that moment. She should have just photocopied it and leave the original in a safe place to protect the almost 50 years old journal, but Maya like the feel of it on her hands, her link to a past that she is very much drawn to. She did scan all of the journal’s pages and the photos she discovered were inserted in it, to save it for posterity. She ran towards the white house, keeping her fingers crossed that she will reach it in time. The large droplets got more frequent while she was running towards it.
By the time Maya was catching her breath at the covered part the terrace of the beautiful house, it was raining very hard. Seeking a warmer place, Maya tried the glass door that lead to the living room of the house. Luckily, it was unlocked. Maya was a bit nervous entering the empty house as it belongs to another, but the desire to make sure that the journal is completely dry was stronger. For reasons, she can’t explain, Maya was drawn to the journal, which according to her mother, when she asked her about it, belonged to her mother. Marina Dela Rosa never thought much about that journal, that at times, she would see her mother caressing and holding from time to time with a pensive expression on her face. Maya Dela Rosa-Ventura, yes she and her grandmother share a nickname, aside from the fact that she is the spitting image of her grandmother, never knew that her daughter saw her holding the journal, and writing on it at times.
Maya had asked her mother if she had read the journal, after she had read it herself in one go, late at night. She was unable to put it down once she had started reading. Marina Dela Rosa told her daughter that she had been meaning to, when she saw it several years ago, while looking for a vintage Chanel dress she would like to wear for a theme party, among her mother’s things. Marina told Maya, it must have been her father James who boxed her mother’s journal, without knowing what it was, when her mother died when she was 18. Marina told Maya that she accidentally dislodged the box containing it while looking for the dress inside her mother’s old aparador.
Marina then asked why Maya was asking whether she had read it. She asked what was in it. Maya was not sure whether to tell her mother about the content of the journal at that moment, and over the phone. She told her mother she will just tell her about it when she and her father, Antonio return from their business trip. Her parents were in the States for their cargo business. It was a business started by her father’s father, her grandfather Fernando Dela Rosa, no relations to her grandmother’s family who bore the same last name.
Maya suddenly was pulled from her thoughts when the living room was suddenly illuminated by a sharp lightning, followed by a very loud thunder. Maya screamed, surprised at how loud it was. Suddenly, she heard a loud sound from one of the upstairs rooms. That, startled her more than the lightning and thunder, as the house was supposed to be vacant.
“Oh no, sabi ko na nga ba, haunted itong bahay na ito!” Maya said, her heart thumping too much from fear or nervousness, she can’t explain. Her very vivid imagination going into overdrive! She closed her eyes and tried to comfort and calm herself. “Maya, Maya, hayan na naman ang imagination mo. Kalma lang, baka naman daga lang iyon o kaya naman pusa, aso, kambing na nakapasok sa bahay! Mabuti pang makipag-meet and greet ka na lang sa multo kaysa naman mabasa itong precious journal!” In her state, it never occurred to her that she should fear the living more than the dead, na baka may ibang nakapasok na tao sa bahay na bakante, maliban sa kanya.
“Who are you, and what are you doing here?” Someone suddenly bellowed from the balcony, at the same time the huge chandelier above her flooded the living room with bright light.
Maya looked up in surprise and saw a guy rumply dressed in a white shirt and dark-colored jeans. Another lightning lit the sky, and she saw his face clearly from where she was craning her neck. She shrieked. “Oh, my God. Multo nga! Please, please nakikisilong lang po, Mr. Ricardo Lim. Malakas kasi ang ulan. I don’t want the journal to get wet!” She said, trying to be brave, saying his full name comforted her, made him more real to her. That is how she thought of him ever since she had started reading his journal and after she discovered his pictures with her grandmother. “I know you are a good ghost naman!”
“Sandali lang Miss, don’t move, please. I will go down.” The handsome and seemingly very familiar vision told Maya.
“Ganoon ba talaga magsalita ang mga multo?” Maya mused, her heart still beating very fast. “Parang normal lang at modern na modern. Saka naka-jeans din, di ba dapat naka-barong at dark pants, gaya ng sa movies!”
‘Mr. Ricardo Lim’ reached Maya finally. With arms folded, he asked her again, gazing at her intently. “Do I look like a ghost to you? Look closely, Miss. How did you know my name?”
Maya looked closely, and realized that he is no ghost. He looked liked he just got out of bed and still looked quite tired. To be completely sure, she slowly approached him and poked him on the face gently. “Oo nga, tao ka!” She blurted out.
“Of course, I’m human! Why would you think ba that I’m a ghost? Saka, you haven’t answered my question, how do you know me? I don’t think we have been introduced. Do you live nearby? Why are you here?” ‘Ricardo Lim’ asked in rapid succession.
“Your name is really Ricardo Lim?” Maya asked inanely, not quite believing yet that she is meeting this guy who is the spitting image of Ricardo Lim of the journal! Truth to tell, Ricardo Lim was a handsome man in the black and white and sepia photos she had been gazing on the past weeks. But this Ricardo Lim takes it to another notch higher. Maya, looking at him closely, felt her heart beating faster.
“Yes, let me introduce myself properly. I’m Ricardo Lim III. But you can call me Ricky.” He then gave Maya a lopsided smile that made her breathless, her heart galloping with an a feeling she can’t yet fathom. “And you are?”
“The third, this must mean, you are the grandson of Ricardo Lim, Senior, who was married to Alexandra So-Lim-Valderama! You are the current CEO of the family corporation, that is after your father Ricardo Lim Jr. took an early retirement early this year. Your mom is the former Rosemarie Madrigal, the pianist, and you are an only son, just like your dad.” Maya blurted out, her brain suddenly functioning in full gear again, remembering the information she had searched before.
“Now, I’m getting nervous.” Ricky Lim said with a hint of a smile in his voice, an imp seemed to have suddenly possessed him, looking a at the beautiful lady wearing a maxi halter dress, with doe-shaped eyes, pouty lips, and high cheekbones, clutching something to her chest. “Are you a stalker of my family?”
“Of course not. Hello, there’s Google kaya, Mr. Ricky Lim! Anything I needed to know about your family, I found there.” Maya retorted, getting flushed in the face. She does sound like a stalker, isn’t, with that statement? “I mean, I did check on your family several weeks ago.”
“So, stalker nga. Online stalker!” Ricky insisted. He likes seeing her flustered. At the same time, he was trying to cover and make light of the whole thing to drown the instant attraction he was feeling. She looks more beautiful with her trying to explain herself to him, and her witty reply. Now, he is liking the unexpected turn in his afternoon. He smiled charmingly.”So, Ms. Stalker, what is your name?”
“Hmmmp, maybe I should tell you, only if you take me seriously, Mr. Ricardo-not-a-ghost-Lim-III.” Maya said, for some reason, she is enjoying their repartee.
“Okay, serious na talaga. May I know your name and how come you know a lot about my family?” Ricky asked with a friendly smile. “Maybe, we should sit too, since kanina pa tayo nakatayo.” He then led Maya, by holding on to her elbow to the sofa by the big window of the living room overlooking a garden. He sat on one of the armchairs to her left.
“I’m Maya Dela Rosa,” Maya started after she sat down. “I live in the beach house before this one, for now. I don’t really know your family, but I do know of your family because of this.” Maya opened the journal and got a black and white photo from it. She handed it to Ricky. “That is the reason why I checked on the Lim family.”
“This is my grandfather, Ricardo! But I don’t know the lady with him.” Ricky said, then he looked closely at the photo, then back to Maya. “She looks like you. It is really uncanny! Parang ikaw talaga, except that the clothes she was wearing was from another time period. Grandmother mo?”
“That is true. My family has told me that countless of times. And you look like your grandfather! Uncanny. I never realized that when I saw some photos of the family. Medyo iba kasi ang hitsura mo doon. That’s the reason why I thought you are a ghost and also sa katitingin ko na rin sa photo niya! Kamukhang-kamukha mo kasi ang grandfather mo. And yes, the lady in the photo was my grandmother Maya, same nickname as mine. Her name, though, is Maria Eulalia, and mine is Maria Yasmin. Since she died young, 45 years old lang, my grandfather asked my parents if he can call me Maya too, in her remembrance. Everyone did eventually.”
“Maya, Maya…..” Ricky said softly. “Why does the name sounds familiar? I know it is not uncommon name, pero narinig ko na ang pangalan na niyan sa bahay namin. Oh well, I will remember it din siguro in a while. My grandfather died young also. He was 40.”
“Maybe because of a painting she did na nasa family mo, if your family still has it. I guess it is, because it has not turned up in the market after all these years. You see, our grandparents knew each other. According to this journal, the painting was given by my grandmother to your grandfather in 1965.” Maya said showing Ricky Lim the journal.
“Oh, I think I know that! My grandmother Sandra still has that painting. Now I know I remember where I have heard, or rather, seen ‘Maya’ before. It was scrawled at the corner of the painting, a painting of the beach outside actually, with a guy gazing at someone off the frame, with an obvious look of love on his face.” Ricky Lim said. Every time he visits his grandmother, he had stared at that painting. He was drawn to it.
“That’s the one! Your family still has it? I’m glad! Amazing! How’s your grandmother?” Maya asked. She read some articles about Alexandra Lim also and her charity works, but not much about her personal life. She had gleaned also that she got married again several years after having been widowed, to Victor Valderama, a property developer.
“She’s doing well, considering that she is now 79 years old. She and my second grandfather, Victor, actually the only grandfather I have known since Lolo Ricardo died before I was born, now live in Batangas, at their property there.” Ricky Lim said. “Whose journal was that nga pala?”
“Oh, this one! It’s a journal I found among my grandmother’s things. I think it belonged to your grandfather, and was continued by my grandmother after his death. May ilang pictures na naka-insert also.” Maya said. “I asked my mother about it, but while she knows that it is my Lola Maya’s, hindi niya alam na sa lolo mo ito. Manang Fe, my old yaya mentioned that the first time she had seen that journal was after your grandmother visited my grandmother one afternoon in 1975. She remembered well kasi raw sobrang lungkot ni Lola Maya after. That year din nagsimula ang entries ng lola ko sa journal na ito. My grandmother also made mentioned of your grandmother’s visit din sa entry niya, but not much else. I Googled your family, to check if the photos were that of Ricardo Lim. After reading the journal I just needed to find out more.”
“Hmmm, 1975? That year namatay si Lolo Ricardo! Baka it has something to do with that. My dad said that year rin sila umuwi ng Pilipinas from San Francisco to settle here for good.” Ricardo said, thinking and staring out., then he looked at Maya again, who he caught was staring at him. “So, not only our grandparents knew each other, they more than just knew each other, is that correct?”
“Errrr, yes. They fell in love in this very place. This is the place where they met!” Maya said softly. “I guess you have a right to read this also as he was your grandfather. Would you like to?”
“If it is okay with you, yes please” Ricky said. Somehow, he is also drawn to the journal, in the same manner that he is very much drawn to the beach painting, and this place. “Mukha namang matatagalan pa ang ulan na ito and you can’t go to your house yet, not that I’m sending you away, you can stay as long as you want, I can read it now.”
“Okay, that would be best. Honestly, the journal has become precious to me and I don’t want to part with it kahit sandali lang.” Maya admitted. “I guess, because I feel the emotions that came out of the pages of it and it is my only link to the thoughts of a grandmother whom I share a name and looks, but haven’t had the chance to be with.”
“Your grandmother must have been very beautiful.” Ricky said all of a sudden.
“She was. Di ba, kita naman sa picture.” Maya replied. “You should see her photos in some of the clothes she had worn to some parties. She was very beautiful and elegant. She was also a very talented painter.
“Not only because of what I see in the picture, but because you are, very beautiful you know, if I may say so.” He said, gazing at Maya intently.
Maya blushed, her heart beating fast. “Errr, thank you.” She simply said. “Here’s the journal.” She needed to regain her equilibrium.
“Before we go back to the past, so to speak, would you like a cup of coffee?” Ricky asked, giving Maya another of his lopsided smiles.
“Sure, it would be great in this rainy afternoon.” Maya said, returning the smile with one of her own, which lit up her whole face. “Thanks.”
“I’ll be back in a couple of minutes.” Ricardo Lim stood up and walked towards the direction of the kitchen.
While waiting for him, Maya took the opportunity to look at her surroundings. The house feels familiar and she feels at home with it, kahit noong una na akala niya walang tao, also when she passed by it the past several days. Kahit doon sa bahay ng pamilya ng lola niya, ganoon din ang pakiramdam niya. She has not been here before as her mother only told her of this place after her Lolo James died. Marina Dela Rosa said she thought the place has been sold a long time ago.
Since she is at loose end at the moment, Maya decided to take the trip to Ilocos and check the beach house on impulse. Hindi niya inakala na nandito rin si Ricky. Ricky! Imagine, she got to meet the grandson of the man her grandmother loved very much until the end. Magaan ang pakiramdam niya kay Ricky. Normally she is not completely at ease with someone she just met. Kasi nga siguro, they have a ‘shared’ past, their grandparents and their ill-fated love! Hay, she sighed.
“Why the sigh, Maya? Is everything okay?” Ricky asked when he returned carrying two steaming cups of coffee.
“No worries, Ricky, okay lang ako. I just sighed because I thought of our grandparents and their love. You will understand after you have read the journal.”
“Okay, I will do so, now.” Ricky said, giving Maya the coffee and sitting beside her this time.
Both Maya and Ricky took a sip of their coffee, looked out of the window, then at each other, with smiles of instant connection and understanding, before starting the journey to the past, to a love that had come at the wrong time for two people who found it, while not looking for it.
On The Street Where You Live – Chapter 14
Posted by Antigone in Richard and Maya Fiction on June 17, 2015
Chapter 14
Maya woke up early the following morning despite the late night she had. At first, she was surprised to find herself still in her office clothes, but then the wonderful things that had happened the night before came flooding back. She had a huge grin when she got out of bed. Boyfriend! Richard is her boyfriend now! Lord, kung nananaginip lang ako, ayoko ng magising! She touched her lips, remembering the searing kisses and more, that she and Richard shared the night before.
The ringing of her mobile phone interrupted Maya’s beautiful reminiscing. At first, she can’t remember where she had left it. Then she realized that the sound was coming from the living room, where she had left her bag, with the phone in it, when she and Richard arrived at her apartment last night. Good thing, that phone is programmed to ring on full volume if it is inside a bag or a pocket!
She fished out her phone from the bag, and saw that it was her mother calling her. “Hello po, ‘Nay! Good morning!!! Kumusta naman ang pinakamaganda kong nanay ngayong umaga!” Maya greeted her mother cheerfully, happy to hear from her. She had been meaning to give her a call that weekend.
“Maya, anak, parang ang ganda ng gising mo ngayong umaga ah!” Teresita Dela Rosa told her daughter while gesturing to Chona, her helper, to serve the tapsilog and longsilog that two of their regular customers ordered. As usual, Cristina’s, the eatery that Maya and her had name after Cristina Rose was doing a brisk business that Saturday morning. They really need to expand the place to accommodate their growing number of customers.
“Magandang-maganda po talaga, ‘Nay! I had the best night po kasi last night!!! Nayyy, sobrang saya ko po ngayon. Para pa rin akong lumulutang sa saya!” Maya said, grinning happily, while getting a glass of water from the fridge, then taking a sip.
“Hmmm, parang feeling ko in love na ang anak ko!” Teresita Dela Rosa said all of a sudden. Iyon ang una niyang naisip nang marinig ang boses ng anak niya na parang may kakaiba talaga.
“‘Nay, paano ninyo naman po nasabi iyan?” Maya asked her mother, surprised at her statement. She thought her mother would just ask about her job since the last time they talked was the night before she started working for RRMA. It had completely skipped her mind to call her mother after her first day at work and the days after that!
“Para kasing may iba sa boses mo ‘nak!” Maya’s mother told her. “Tama ba ako, Maya? In love ka at may boyfriend ka na, sa wakas!”
“Errrr, ‘Nay, opo. Kagabi lang po.” Maya admitted, then teased her mother. “Daig mo pa si Madam Auring ‘Nay ah. Nahulaan mo agad with matching call pa sa akin ngayong umaga! Ano pa po ‘Nay ang nakita mo sa bolang kristal mo?” She teased her mother.
“Hahahaha, ikaw talagang bata ka! Mas maganda naman akong di hamak kay Madam!” Teresita Dela Rosa bantered. “Siyempre, Nanay mo ako kaya kabisado kita. So, sino naman itong magiging manugang ko? Sa wakas magkakaapo na rin ako! Imagine, ngayon ka pa lang nagka-boyfriend eh malapit ka nang mag-trenta.”
“Nanay naman, advance na advance, kasasagot ko pa nga lang po kay Ricky. Saka Mother, ilang taon pa kaya bago ako mag-30!” Maya said. “Nanay, I’m so happy. I’m sure kapag nakilala mo si Ricky magugustuhan mo rin siya ng husto. He is the best boyfriend in the world!!!”
“I’m sure I will. Maya. I trust your judgment, anak. Sa tinatagal-tagal mo ba naman bago nag-boyfriend, sigurado naman ako na hindi ka pipili ng basta-basta.” Nanay Teresita said. “Saan mo naman nakilala pala si Ricky, anak? Parang wala ka namang nakwento sa akin tungkol sa kanya before. Sa law school?”
“Nanay, actually, I have mentioned him before, pero hindi by name. Remember, noong isang beses na ginunita natin iyong death anniversary ni Ate Cris and the two of us spent the morning sa puntod niya, noong nasa law school na ako, and the one and only time you asked me about a boyfriend?” Maya asked, trying to jog back her mother’s memory to that particular moment.
“Hmmmm, parang naalala ko iyan. Mga 5 years ago? Noong ika-limang death anniversary ng kapatid mo? Iyong huling punta natin sa sementeryo na nagtagal nga tayo ng buong umaga.” Teresita said. “Wait, I think I remember that! I asked you kung wala ka pang boyfriend eh 22 years old ka na, turning on 23! Kasi naman noon ni crush wala akong narinig mula sa iyo simula nang magdalaga ka.”
While remembering thhe good times with her Ate Cris and all the things they wanted to do when she returns to the Philippines after her contract in Dubai is finished, which of course, was not realized anymore, Maya and her mother got into talking how fleeting life is, and that it could be gone in a snap. Hindi mo talaga masabi, they both agreed.
Teresita told Maya that one thing she had learned after Cris died is that life is too short for regrets, for fearing the unknown, for living in fear, and for not taking chances, for setting aside what you can do today, thinking that there is still tomorrow or there is still plenty of time to do the things you want to do, when in fact hindi natin alam talaga if we will still wake up the next morning!
She told her daughter to treasure every moment, and not to shy away from opportunities coming her way, but enjoy life at the same time. She told Maya to live, really live. She told Maya that it includes falling in love, the headiest and most wonderful of emotions, but she must also choose wisely. Maya asked her how would she know if she had chosen the right person. Teresita Dela Rosa assured Maya that she would know when the time comes. Maya admitted to her mother then, that she might have already found the one person she wanted to share her life with, but he disappeared from her life all of a sudden before she can truly find out, and that she had tried to look for him in the other guys she had met, but her heart only beat for that person.
Teresita Dela Rosa, seeing her daughter’s pensive mood while telling her this, and the way her eyes lit up when she spoke of the guy she had fallen in love with, took hold of her hand then told her that if he is really her destiny, then fate will find a way to make them meet again in the future, that some people no matter what the distance and the circumstances are, are just destined to be together, and that love always finds a way! Di ba anak, she told Maya, minsan meron ngang mga tao na hindi mo iniisip na magkikita or magkakakilala dahil sa layo ng kanilang estado sa buhay, magkaibang-magkaiba ng pananaw sa buhay, or magkaiba ng lahi, pero nagkikita, nagkakatagpo and they fell in love. Or kung minsan, may lovers na maraming taong nagkahiwalay, nagkaroon ng sari-sariling buhay at pamilya, pero sa huli, sila pa rin ang magkasama hanggang sa pagtanda nila. Love moves in mysterious ways, di ba, sabi nga ng kasabihan, was her last words to her daughter on the subject.
“Nanay, naalala niyo po iyong lalaki na sinasabi ko sa inyo during that conversation?” Maya asked her mother. “Si Richard Lim, si Ricky po iyon! Siya po ang boyfriend ko simula pa po kagabi.”
“Talaga, anak! Paanong nangyari?” Teresita Dela Rosa asked, surprised, but at the same time, she felt very happy with this development in her daughter’s life.
Maya told her mother how she and Richard met again at the law office where she works and how she ended getting assigned to his account. She also told her mother how she and Richard had picked up from where they left off ten years ago! Maya told her mother din how she and Richard met ten years ago, how his family left the country abruptly, but not the reason for it, and that it happened at the same time they were dealing with the untimely death of her Ate Cris.
“See, anak, tama ang sabi ko sa iyo noon! Kapag kayo talaga, pagtatagpuin at pagtatagpuin ulit kayo ng tadhana!” Nanay Teresita told Maya after she finished telling her a condensed version of hers and Richard’s love story. “I’m happy for you, Maya. I know some people might frown at the speed of your courtship, but I know you anak, hindi ka naman papasok sa hindi mo sigurado, lalo pa at kasama na rin sa pagmamahal mo diyan kay Richard ang pagmamahal sa kanyang anak.”
“Maraming salamat po, Nay! Sobrang saya ko po. Nang makita ko pa lang ulit si Richard, ramdam na ramdam ko na hindi nagbago ang pagtingin ko sa kanya. Nasigurado ko po iyon ng husto nitong nakalipas na araw kahit sandali pa lang po ulit kaming nagkikita. I feel it in my heart, in my soul.” Maya said, conviction and happiness evident in her voice. “Saka po si Abby, kahit isang beses ko pa lang po siyang nakita, mahal ko na po siya at alam ko po na mahalagang parte siya ng buhay ni Ricky. Tanggap ko rin po na widower siya. Naging open naman po sa akin si Ricky tungkol sa naging buhay niya the past ten years. ”
“Natutuwa naman ako sa iyo, Maya. Napalaki talaga kita ng tama. I’m sure kung nabubuhay ang ate mo, tuwang-tuwa rin iyon.” Nanay Teresita told her youngest. “O basta, the first opportunity, gusto kong makilala ng personal iyang nobyo mo. Base sa kwento mo, mukha namang mabuti siyang tao and that you are very lucky that you two found each other again. Hindi nangyayari iyan sa lahat ng tao!”
“Opo, ‘Nay. Kapag may pagkakataon po, and maayos na ang work ko, uuwi po ako diyan sa atin at titingnan ko po kung maisasama ko si Ricky.” Maya assured her mother. She really want to introduce Richard to her mother.
“O sige, asahan ko iyan ha, anak. Mas may linaw iyan kaysa ang pagpunta ko ng Maynila. Hindi ko maiwan itong Cristina’s eh.” Nanay Teresita said. The two of them have talked before of her mother spending a week or so again with Maya in Manila, but unable to have it scheduled because of the eatery and its demands on Maya’s mother time.
“Hindi pa po ba kayo nakakahanap ng magma-manage ng Cristina’s diyan sa San Nicolas? Kumusta na po iyong plano ninyo na magtayo ng branch sa Poblador?” Maya asked. The small restaurant, which had started as a carinderia became a popular eating place not only with the residents of San Nicolas but also those in neighboring towns, as well as the tourists that flock to the beaches of Mindoro, especially during the summer season, since a year ago. A popular food magazine has included it in the list of the things one should do and try while on vacation in Mindoro, making special mention of the kare-kare that Teresita Dela Rosa still personally prepares among the equally delicious dishes that Cristina’s offer. Na-feature rin ang Cristina’s sa isang magazine program sa TV recently. So, because of this, mas dumami pa ang mga customer nila. At times they have a hard time dealing with the influx of customers. They really need someone to manage Cristina’s and also to build a branch in neighboring Poblador para sa mga nakatira roon and to expand na rin now that they can.
“Meron na, Maya. Iyong pinsan mo na si Melinda. Di ba kaka-graduate lang niya ng HRM nitong nakaraang Abril? Ayaw niyang diyan sa Maynila magtrabaho, mas gusto niya raw dito sa atin mag-base.” Teresita said. “Nagpunta sila rito sa atin kagabi ni Kuya Rollie tungkol diyan. Magsisimula nga siya ngayon. Hinihintay ko lang. Dito ko na nga rin sa bahay natin pinatitira para hindi na siya bumiyahe pa at saka maige rin iyon, may kasama ako sa bahay.”
“Ganoon po ba, Nay? I’m happy naman na finally, may kasama na kayo.” Maya said. “Sure na sure po ako na in good hands kayo diyan kay Melinda. Masipag na, matalino pa at saka responsable. Kampante na ako. Naiisip ko nga po na baka nahihirapan na kayo. I will tell you nga sana to slow down na kasi lawyer na ang anak niyo at ako na ang bahala sa inyo”
“Naku, Maya, huwag mo akong intindihin. Okay lang naman ako. Alam mo naman na mas gusto ko itong busy ako. Asikasuhin mo na lang ang sarili mo. Ngayon lang naman sa buong buhay mo diyan na iisa na lang ang ginagawa mo. Mahigit sampung taon mo rin namang pinagsabay ang pag-aaral at pagtatrabaho. Enjoy your life, lalo na ngayon na may boyfriend ka na.” Teresita told her daughter. “Kumusta nga pala ang trabaho mo? Hindi na tayo nakapag-usap simula noong Linggo.”
“Oo nga po ‘Nay. Pasensya na kayo, hindi ko na kayo natawagan pa. Meeting Ricky again turned my world upside down in a very nice way. Tapos po, nag-babysit pa ako kay Doris.” Maya explained. “Okay na okay naman po ang work ko Nanay. Maganda po iyong law firm na napasukan ko. I like the partners, lalo na po iyong senior partner na si Atty. Rafael Reyes, parang grandfatherly, and then iyong senior kung saan ako naka-assign, si Attorney Ryan na nagkataon nga na friend pala ni Ricky since college.”
“Mabuti naman. Good choice nga na diyan ka na lang napasok. Imagine, nakita mo pa ulit ang prince charming mo.” Nanay Teresita said smiling. “Nakakakilig nga ang love story mo anak!”
“Nay, talaga!” Maya said, smiling.
“Pero Maya, aminin mo, parang pang-teleserye ang love story ninyo ni Richard. O kaya naman parang movie ng Star Cinema. Iyon bang mga rom-com anak.” Nanay Teresita said. “O kaya para ba ‘anak na sa mga pocketbook na binabasa mo ng walang bitawan hanggang madaling-araw!”
“Hahahaha, Nay, ikaw talaga, sobrang hilig sa mga romance movie.” Maya said. “Sa iyo ko yata talaga namana ang pagkahilig sa romance stories.”
“Dapat lang. Bakit nga ba hindi, parang pang-pelikula rin naman ang love story namin ng Tatay mo.” Nanay Teresita retorted, smiling, remembering her beloved husband.
‘Nay, alam ko po na si Tatay ang love of your life, pero hindi po ba kayo nakaisip na mag-asawa ulit? Di ba po, nanliligaw sa inyo si Tito Fernando? Hindi nga sumusuko eh!” Doris’ father, a widower, started courting her mother when Maya has just started law school.
“Hay naku, Maya, friends lang talaga kami niyang si Fernando, kahit ano pa ang tukso niyo ni Doris at kagustuhan ninyong magkaibigan na maging magkapatid.” Teresita said. “One man woman yata talaga ang mga Dela Paz women! Tingnan mo si Nanay, ako, and now ikaw. Wala nang ibang nagpatibok sa puso ko kundi ang Tatay mo. Iyon nga lang maaga siyang kinuha sa atin. Tama na ako roon. Hindi na iyon natutumbasan ng iba pa.”
“Well, tama ka naman po diyan ‘Nay. Now, I understand completely. Ganyan din po ako kay Ricky. I will not love another.” Maya said, thinking na wala rin talagang ibang nagpatibok ng puso niya, kundi si Richard. Ganoon din ang Mamang niya, her grandmother Conchita, hindi na nag-asawa pa kahit medyo bata pa nang mabiyuda, mga 50s pa lang siya noon.
Maya’s parents met at the airport in San Nicolas. Nagkapalit sila ng mga bagahe sa pagmamadali. Dayo lang doon sa lugar na iyon si Arturo Dela Rosa. Magbabakasyon sana kasama ng kaibigan niyang si Fernando na taga-San Nicolas, habang si Teresita Dela Paz naman, pauwi noon ng Mindoro dahil semestral break sa college. That incident started a beautiful friendship and an equally nakakakilig na ligawan. Nang magpakasal sila, Arturo, who was originally from Baguio moved to San Nicolas with Teresita, para raw hindi siya malayo sa pamilya niya. Her mother worked at first, but opted to be a stay at home mother when Cristina Rose and Maya were born. Bumalik lang siya sa pagtatrabaho sa kapitolyo nang mabiyuda siya.
“O maiba ako, Maya. Kumusta na si Doris and si Lance? Basta kung may time ka tulong-tulungan mo na lang ang kaibigan mong iyon.” Nanay Teresita said. Parang anak na rin ang turing niya kay Doris and si Lance, parang apo na niya.
“Opo, Nay. Maayos naman po sila ni Lance. Magkikita kami bukas kasi kasama namin sila nina Richard and Abby na pupunta sa Tagaytay. Ipapasyal po namin ang mga bata. I forgot to mention earlier na nagkataon na magkaklase sina Lance at Abby sa progressive school na malapit dito sa Mirasol Street.”
“That’s nice to know, Maya. Maganda iyon at ng makapag-bonding kayo, kasama ng anak ni Richard. Ikumusta na mo na lang ako kay Doris at ihalik kay Lance.” Nanay Teresita said. “O sige, tawagan na lang tayo ulit ‘nak. Nandito na pala si Melinda. Kailangan ko siyang bilinan siya ng mga gagawin bago ako pumunta sa Poblador.”
“Sige po, Nanay. I love you very much.” Maya said.
“I love you din, anak. Be happy. Good luck sa trabaho mo ha.” Nanay Teresita said. “Mag-iingat ka parati and huwag mong pababayaan ang sarili mo.” She added before ending the call.
Maya suddenly realized, with that phone call, one of the longest she had with her mother, that she misses her very much. Maybe, she should go home the soonest possible time she has kahit na weekend lang. Baka sa next long weekend, she could, Maya mused.
Maya put her phone down by the coffee table in the living room and was about to go back to her room to take a bath and do her morning rituals when the doorbell rang.
“Sino kaya ito, ang aga naman!” Maya muttered to herself. “Baka si Edselyn, naubusan na naman ng coffee. Her next door neighbor and friend, a flight attendant at Time Airways always runs out of stuffs. Hindi na kasi nito maasikasong mag-grocery because of her irregular schedule.
But it was not Eds at the door, but a very handsome Richard Lim in a pale blue shirt and jeans that hugged his muscular body, with a lopsided loving smile for Maya, and in his hand was a big bouquet of tulips and sunflower and a big paper bag.
“Good morning, sweetheart! I brought you breakfast.” He said with a big smile, showing her the big bag he was holding.
“Ricky!!!” Maya said, very, very surprised to see him bright and early! “Good morning! I thought maglilipat kayo this morning?”
“Maaga pa naman. May dala na akong ibang gamit, then babalikan ko na lang sina Abby and Manang Fe in a while. I just want to have breakfast first with my beautiful girlfriend.” He gave her another charming smile, then moved to lower his lips to hers.
“Sweetheart, wait! Hindi pa ako nagto-toothbrush man lang.” Maya said self-consciously, putting her hands over her mouth. “More than 24 hours ko nga ring suot itong damit na ito!”
“I don’t care, sweetheart.” Richard smiling, then gave Maya a quick kiss. “Did I wake you up pala? Kagigising mo lang?”
“No. Kanina pa ako gising. Surprisingly, I woke up early. Sorry pala at tinulugan kita. Thank you for putting me to bed.” Maya said, realizing then that Richard carried her to bed. “Nabigatan ka ba ng husto sa akin?”
“Hmmmm, what’s the safest answer to that sweetheart? Slight?” He teased, then laughed. Maya laughed with him. “Kayang-kaya ka pa naman nitong muscles ko, sweetheart.”
“Mukha naman, sweetheart.” Maya bantered back, then said, “Tumawag kasi si Nanay noong papunta na ako sa banyo. Medyo napahaba ang kwentuhan namin. Katatapos lang naming mag-usap nang mag-doorbell ka.”
“Oh really! Kumusta na ang nanay mo?” Richard asked. “I hope I can finally meet her soon. Ano pala ang sabi mo sa kanya? Sinabi mo na ang tungkol sa atin?”
“Yes, I did. She wants to meet you too. I told her about us after she blurted out pagkabati ko na siguro raw may boyfriend na ako.” Maya said, then smiled. “In fairness sa nanay ko, malakas ang radar. Imagine, she guessed na in love daw ako, after I answered her call. I told her that yes I do, that I have a boyfriend, and I’m in love with a very wonderful guy.” Maya said while affectionately pinching Richard’s cheek.
Richard smiled at that. Happy to know that Maya’s mother know about them. “I’m glad you told her, sweetheart. When are you planning to go and visit her?”
“Hmmm, I’m not yet sure. Pero after our phone call, bigla ko siyang na-miss ng todo. The last time kasi na nagkita kami noon pang nag-oathtaking kaming mga bagong lawyer. I’m planning to go to San Nicolas sa next long weekend.” Maya replied. “By the way, have a seat, Ricky and thank you for these beautiful flowers and the breakfast.”
“Really, you will? Okay lang ba kung sumama ako sa iyo?” Richard asked. “Ten years in the making na rin ang meeting namin ng nanay mo. I would like to finally meet the lady who gave birth to my beautiful and very loving girlfriend.” Richard said, gazing with Maya with so much love.
“Talaga, sasama ka sa akin? Sure! Sigurado ako matutuwa si Nanay noon. Saka para makita mo rin kung saan ako lumaki.” Maya said.
“Okay, just let me know when so I can clear my schedule rin.” Richard said. “Thanks a lot Maya. I’m really looking forward to meeting your mother. Halika na kain na tayo!”
“Oh, is it okay if I take a shower first?” Maya asked. “I can get you coffee muna.”
“Sure, sweetheart. No need to get me coffee. I got us coffee. Ako na ang bahala rito. Go take your shower.” Richard offered.
“Thank you, sweetheart. I will be back in a jiffy.” Maya said.
Maya went back to her room, while Richard proceeded to the kitchen and started setting the table. Thirty minutes after, Maya returned, wearing a floral skirt and a white sleeveless top.
“You look lovely, sweetheart.” Richard told Maya when he saw her walking towards him. This is the first time he had seen her again in casual clothes. ” Ready na ang food natin. I hope you will like it.” For breakfast, Richard got them tapsilog, and some fruits, with a big thermos of coffee.
“Wow, looks masarap, sweetheart. Thank you for setting the table.” Maya sat on the seat that Richard pulled for her.
The two of them chatted about the trip to Mindoro while eating, as well Richard and Abby’s move to the big house.
“What’s Abby’s favorite food, Ricky?” Maya asked as they were sipping coffee.
“Spaghetti! Kahit yata araw-araw, hindi nagsasawa doon si Abby.” Richard replied.
“Okay, I’ll bring that when I drop by your house later.” Maya said.
“Sweetheart, you don’t have to. Pahinga ka na lang today, ito na nga lang ang pahinga mo.” Richard said.
“Sweetheart, I want to, please. It is the least I could do to help you out, bring merienda.” Maya insisted. “Besides, Mr. Lim, hindi mo pa natitikman ang spaghetti ko.” She added, smiling.
“Okay, sweetheart, you are the boss. I’m sure, Abby and I will like it.” Richard said. “Thank you, Maya. I have the best girlfriend in the world.” He then took Maya’s hand and kissed it. “I love you very much.”
“I love you very much too, Ricky!” Maya replied, looking at Richard with a big smile.
She will never get tired of hearing those words from him, and her, saying to him. They shared a deep look, and before they realized it, they moved their heads, angling for the sweet kiss they shared, initially, followed by a searing one, then another. They broke up grinning goofily, with faces flushed.
Richard helped Maya with the dishes despite her insistence that she can do it herself. After their second cups of coffee, Richard told Maya that he needed to get going dahil idadaan pa niya sa big house ang mga dala niyang gamit.
“I’ll see you later, sweetheart.” Richard said softly, reluctant to let go of Maya’s hand while they were at the door of her apartment. He wished he could just spend the whole morning, cuddling with Maya.
“See you sweetheart.” Maya replied, gazing at Richard’s handsome face. “Thank you for the wonderful Saturday morning treat.”
They shared another kiss before parting for the morning, looking forward to seeing each other again, and spending the evening together. In several hours, they will live in the same street again!
My Sunflower World 
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