The coolest reading lamp
Posted by Antigone in Information, Interests, Things on April 19, 2015
I love to read while lying down, in the middle of the night. I can do this until dawn if the book is good that the only time I can put it down is when I am done reading it. To be able to do this, I need and want a good reading lamp. So, I’m always on the look out for one. I have tried a lot. But still, there was something lacking in the ones I got.
I also tried the tablets/phones offering a Kindle app. But I found out that reading that way was hard on the eyes. The new models of Kindle have a backlight feature, but I’m still loyal to my old basic one. Also, most of the time I still prefer ‘real books’. I like the feel of them on my hands. I like turning the pages and folding the corner of the current book I am reading to mark the page I last read.
Recently, I found myself inside this huge Wilcon Builders’ Depot in Balintawak, Quezon City as I was looking for something for our kitchen. I didn’t find what I was looking for, but I found the coolest reading lamp ever.
It looks like an eyeglasses case. About the same size too. Very compact!
Then it opens into this.
It can also be used as a flashlight.
It is rechargeable via a USB cable.
Isn’t it the coolest and the most convenient reading lamp ever! It is made by Philips and has small LED bulbs. Now, I can read to my heart’s content, comfortably.
Buying stuffs online
Posted by Antigone in Information on April 19, 2015
Instead of using a credit card, I use a Visa debit card for my online purchases. I find it more convenient.
For me, what works is Union Bank’s EON card, which is a Visa debit card. I stumbled upon it several years ago when I got my first Kindle. I have been using it since then.
I applied for my EON card at a Union Bank branch. But now, you can apply for this card at the Union Bank’s website, just fill out the form, then just get the card at a Union Bank branch. It is quicker and faster. One of my friends got hers the day after she applied for one.
I have used EON in buying stuffs at Amazon, both at Amazon US and UK, aside from Kindle books I buy from time to time (and usually, in the middle of the night!). I’m a big fan of Downton Abbey so every time a season is finished, I pre-order the season’s DVD at the Amazon UK’s website.
I have also used my EON at the Apple Apps Store for my kid’s apps, and at iTunes for hard to find recordings of the musicals I like or old albums not available anymore in the local shops.
I bought a bag at Cath Kidston’s website using this card as at that time, there was no Cath shop in the country.
To fund your purchase, you can just deposit the amount you need approximately to buy the item that you want. But you can also put more than that and use the card as a form of a savings and spending account. However, just be aware that the bank limits your transaction to Php 20,000.00 per day. If you need to purchase something more than that amount you have to request for an increase in your daily limit. The bank said it is for the protection of the card owner. Kinda makes sense!
The annual fee is Php 350.00 and you don’t need a maintaining balance for EON. When I wanted to buy something, I just go to the nearest Union Bank branh and deposit the approximate amount I need to pay for my purchase. I usually check on my card’s transactions and charges by logging in to my online banking account at the bank’s website.
Nowadays, I have been using this card also to pay for my groceries, and other purchases in the malls and supermarkets. It is easier than carrying cash or using my regular ATM. The cashier either swipes it like a credit card, then you sign the slip or like an ATM where you need to input your PIN number. It really depends on the store and the terminals. So, be sure to sign your card too.
Just thought of sharing this. I have recommended the card to several friends who wanted to buy stuffs online too. I think there are other local debit cards available now, but since this one works me, I didn’t check the others anymore.
Windblown – Chapter 20
Posted by Antigone in Richard and Maya Fiction on April 18, 2015
Nesting
Welcome to my place!” Richard said as he and Maya entered the penthouse of an upscale condominium complex two streets away from Maya’s place. “Come, my sweetheart, make yourself comfortable.”
“Wow, this is a certainly huge place for one person, sweetheart! It’s also very beautiful!” Maya looked around as she followed Richard towards the living room of his spacious place which has two levels. She likes the hardwood floors used for the flooring instead of marble or tiles, and the floor-to-ceiling windows of the place, taking advantage of the light and highlighting the view. Hardwood was also used for the stairs that lead to the open second level of the beautiful place.”Did you design the interior of this condo?”
“Yes, I did. I got this unit bare. I requested the developer to leave the designs of the unit itself to me. I want to make it airy and laidback, for the place to flow. You know, comfort before useless aesthetics. I like to be able to move around comfortably since I also use this place as an office. I like thinking of new designs here than the office in Eastwood.” Richard explained as he guided Maya towards the sofa and sitting beside her, hugging her to his side.
“When I bought and designed this place, I also thought that it would be a suitable place to start a family, initially at least. Though at that time naman, wala pa akong planong magpakasal. I was not even in a serious relationship.” Richard added with a big loving smile for Maya.
“Really, sweetheart! No serious relationship!” Maya said lovingly.
“Nope, kasi I was pining for this beautiful princess. Mabuti na lang she came back and made my life full of colors.” Richard looked at Maya like she is the most beautiful girl in the world. At times, there is still a part of him that find it hard to believe that they are together now and that it had happened.
“Sweetheart naman talaga. Ikakasal na lang tayo para ka pa ring nanliligaw sa akin sa sobrang sweetness and pa-kilig.” Maya said, very thrilled.
“Of course, sweetheart! Hindi naman natatapos ang lahat sa proposal and sa marriage. Dapat araw-araw pa rin ang courtship and until our last breaths. That’s part of me, loving you, very, very much!” He cupped Maya’s face, then gave her a sweet kiss.
“Thank you, my sweetheart. I’m the the luckiest girl talaga. I love you very much.” Maya replied, giving Richard tiny kisses. “So, how about giving me a tour?”
“Sure, sweetheart.” Richard stood up and offered his hand to Maya. He showed her around the first level of the place first, which aside from the living room, has the dining room, kitchen, laundry area, an entertainment room, and a medium size room which Richard said is for a kasambahay. He made it bigger than the usual maid’s room by gutting out a storage room and combining it with the builders’ original very small maid’s room. The kitchen is a cook’s dream. However, Richard told Maya
Richard guided Maya to the second level of the house. The stairs led to a family room which has floor-to-ceiling windows too, then beyond it are two guest bedrooms. At the other side of the family room is Richard’s small gym, his study, then at the end is his bedroom. It is the best and the biggest room in the house, decorated in understated elegance.
“So, what do you think of the place, sweetheart?” Richard asked Maya as he led her to the sitting room of his bedroom. This part of the room led to a small balcony which Maya can see has a small lanai.
“I love your place, sweetheart, especially the way you have designed it. You are very talented. The place also has this positive feeling in it. I don’t know, hard to explain but I feel the positive aura of the place. Maybe, because I can feel the talent you have put in order to make this place a home. It is certainly big enough, not just for a family, but a big family!”
“Do you think you can live here? We can just also live in your place. I like it din and we have wonderful memories in that place already.” Richard told Maya, wanting to leave the decision to her as she has just started nesting, so to speak, after living abroad for years. He can adjust, for her. Besides, they need a house when their family expands. He wants kids. He is looking forward to the coming of his and Maya’s adorable angels.
“Thank you for saying that Ricky. I really appreciate your willingness to move to my small unit. But I know how you love this place too. It is evident in the way you made it a home. We can also make a home here. Kahit saan naman we can do that basta magkasama tayo. Us and the children we will have.” Maya said, putting her hand on top of Richard’s. “We can live here. I love the place already.”
“I’m glad, sweetheart. I look forward to sharing this place with you. In the meantime, let’s live in yours while you redecorate it the way you want to be.” Richard suggested. “Make this place your home too.”
“Oh, I don’t think it would need changes much. But let’s just live here after we got married.” Maya smiled sweetly at Richard. She, too, is looking forward to sharing this place wih Richard. She looks forward too, to children’s laughter that will fill the place, hers and Ricky’s beautiful kids.
“I can already see you here, with the kids we will have.” Richard said dreamily. “Siguro, maganda if we will have four kids, or six like what we have discussed before.”
“Four to six kids! Kaya ba natin iyan, sweetheart.” Maya said smiling, thinking already of three cute boys and three beautiful girls who will make her and Ricky crazy, but whom they will surely love to pieces.
“Why not. Mas marami, maganda. Malay mo, abutin pa talaga ng six ang kids natin. Why not?” Richard said, smiling.
“Six talaga, sweetheart!” Maya exclaimed, but not oppose to the idea. She would like a big family too. She got lucky with having cousins, but nevertheless, there are times that it is difficult to be an only child, especially of you have lost your parents at a very young age.
“Yes, baka nga we have started na on number one.” Richard said, touching Maya’s tummy. “We have not use any form of protection. How do you feel about that, sweetheart. Okay with you if we start having a family promptly.”
Maya blushed, but is liking the idea of a little Richard or a little Maya already in her tummy. “Of course, sweetheart, I’m okay with it. Product of our love iyon. Pero, baka naman wala pa.” Maya added, blushing.
“Hmmmm, then we have to be sure that there will be soon.” Richard grinned naughtily. He stood up, then put his left arm on Maya’s ankles and the other arm on her back, then lifted her towards his big bed. “I also imagine you here.” He said in a bedroom voice that sent tingles to Maya’s senses.
“Ricky….” Maya said breathlessly, still catching her breath, after Richard has put her down slowly, on his big bed. She interwined her hands on his nape, then lowered his head to hers, and gave him a searing kiss.
“Maya….” Richard returned the kiss heatedly.
The kiss turned into several kisses, with the two of them, touching each other urgently, heatedly, until they became one and managed to tempered down the ever burning fire between each other.
Richard kissed the top of Maya’s hand as he cradled her in his arms as they rest in the afterglow. He also touched her stomach reverently. Maya smiled at him. “So, did it live up to your imagination.” Maya teased Richard.
“More than, sweetheart. But I need a validation, you know, para sigurado.” Richard said naughtilly as he started caressing the underside of Maya’s right breast.
Maya gasped at the feeling. “Again, sweetheart?” She asked, smiling, but with an equally mischievous expression on her face.
Richard simply nodded. His eyes full of passion. But when he was about to move, Maya gently extricated herself from Richard’s embrace and with her hand on his broad chest, she motioned him to keep still. She then moved on top of Richard and started pampering him, first with tiny, loving kisses from his face to every part of his beautiful body, then driving him crazy with her maddening touch, until he can’t take it anymore. “Sweetheart…..” Richard said breathlessly. Maya then moved again, and drove the two of them to fulfillment.
“I love you very much, Maya. You are my life now.” Richard said after he had managed to catch his breath from Maya’s wonderful and unexpected treat to him. This is the first time she had done this. “Thank you, and I will not get tired of saying that, for making me so very happy. And I just want you to know I have never brought anyone here, before. It never felt right. Kaya pala, ikaw lang kasi ang para rito.”
“Oh, you made me very happy, too. You continue to make me happy. Ricky. Sobra-sobra.” Maya said lovingly, hugging Richard tight as her head rests on his chest, appreciating him telling her about it, getting his meaning and she felt very happy to know. Yes, intellectually, she knew that Richard could have not lived like a monk the past seven years. But she was really glad to know that no one has shared that bed with him, except her. “I love you very too, Ricky.”
Richard and Maya stayed like that for a while, content. They only moved when it got a bit late. Maya helped Richard packed his stuffs. They returned to Maya’s place around midnight, then promptly fell asleep in each other’s arms.
The following morning, Maya woke Richard with a breakfast in bed, and all the things he needed for work, laid down at the divan near the bathroom. He told her he will take care of the dishes since she cooked. He tidied up the kitchen while Maya was taking a bath.
“Thank you for the breakfast, and for preparing my things, sweetheart.” Richard told Maya, cupping her face when she was about to open the door of condo, then giving her a ‘thank you’ kiss that lasted several long seconds.
“You’re welcome, sweetheart.” Maya is happy to be taking care of Ricky. “Halika na, pasok na tayo.”
Richard and Maya rode down to the parking basement where Richard parked his car the night before. Maya has still a week to go to the office in Eastwood before she moves to her office in the new hotel in BGC. More than an hour of traveling, which the two of them spent chatting about their plans for the evening and the dinner with the families, they arrived at the offices of Lim Corporation. The employees are still not used to Richard Lim lovey-dovey with someone, as some of them said to their colleagues, but they find it so romantic. Richard deposited Maya at the entrance of Emerald’s, as he needed to see his father at the executive offices that morning.
“I’ll see you for lunch, sweetheart.” Richard kissed Maya on the lips, lightly. “Puntahan na lang kita sa conference room.”
“Okay, sweetheart. Have a great morning. Hello to Papa.” Maya said, then waved at Ricky. She waited until he boarded the elevator before going in. When she reached the conference room where they brainstormed the day before, she saw that there is only on person there, and its Diana. Maya hesitated a bit, but she realized that it is her chance to talk to Diana too. She sensed her coolness the day before.
“Good morning, Ms. Diana.” Maya greeted Diana cheerfully.
Diana looked at her with a raised eyebrow, then returned her greetings politely. “Good morning Ms. Dela Rosa.” Then she went back to the opened laptop before her.
“Ms. Diana,” Maya started.
Diana looked up inquiringly. “Yes, Ms. Dela Rosa.”
“May I talk to you about something.” Maya asked, then proceeded to do so when Diana nodded motioning for her to continue.
Maya opted to be straight with Diana as well. It was one of the things she learned while working and dealing with people of different nationalities in Macau, especially her colleagues and bosses who came from Australia, the States and some parts of Europe. While like with Ina, she knows that she does not need to explain, but she would like to. She wants to concentrate on her and Richard’s happiness and not on things like this, especially if can be smoothed out.
“I know that the fact that seeing Ricky and I together was a surprise to everyone, especially to you and Ms. Ina since it didn’t come up in my interview with you. Ricky also told me that he didn’t mention to you and Ina that he knows me when you gave him the resumes of the candidates. Yes, I have known Richard Lim from seven years ago, but at the time I was applying for a job here, he was not my boyfriend and I didn’t realize that his family owns the company. My headhunter took care of the job hunting for me. I didn’t tell him either since I wanted to be hired on my own merit. He, on the other hand, wanted to give you and Ina a free hand in deciding who is the best person for the job.” Maya said, then she told Diana the rest of wht she had told Ina too. Looking at Diana, she can see her expression changed.
“Maya, thank you very much for telling me. I appreciate it.” Diana said more warmly, then contritely, “I’m so sorry for reacting the way I reacted. On a level, I knew I was being unfair to you. You did get hired because of your excellent qualifications. I guess, my only excuse, or defense, is that I have been burned before by someone I hired who I thought was on the level with me. Like you, I really liked her. But because of what she did just so she got hired, and the bad judgement I thought I did, she cost me my job. Since then, I had a strong dislike of people who are not honest with me.”
“Thank rin for telling me, Ms. Diana. I understand.” Maya said, smiling at Diana. She is glad to have cleared the air with Diana too.
“Oh, please call me Diana.” Diana said, smiling now. “And I heard congratulations are in order.”
“Thank you Diana. Yes, Ricky and I are getting married soon.” Maya said happily.
“Hmmm, why do I sense that there is a beautiful love story behind that smile.” Diana teased Maya. She did like Maya a lot the first time she saw her.
Both of them laughed, with Maya promising that maybe, one day, she will tell her about it. Soon after Donya Esmeralda, Ina and the other managers arrived and the hours of the morning flew by. As he had promised, Richard picked her up for lunch. They were on their way to the elevator going up when someone called Richard.
“Brod, aakyat ka na ba? Sabay na tayong mag-lunch.” Ryan Molina asked Richard, then he noticed the beautiful girl beside him, his hand interlaced with hers. “Oh, sorry, I didn’t notice you right away, you must be Maya. I’m Ryan Molina….”
Richard continued the introduction. “Maya, sweetheart, this big lug, is Ryan Molina, our corporate legal counsel and a good friend of mine. Fraternity brothers din kami nung college and ninong ako ng anak niyang si Raymond. Brod, the beautiful lady is my fiancee, Maya dela Rosa, also Emerald’s new operations manager for our hotel in BGC.”
“The last one I know of, Brod, but not as your fiancee, until the office grapevine buzzed with it yesterday. Lakas ha.” Ryan said smiling, teasing Richard. “Now I understand, why. I’m very please to meet you Maya.”
“Hi Ryan, please to meet you too. Ikaw iyong kasama ni Ricky sa Macau, di ba? And a woman.” Maya realized why the lawyer looks familiar.
Now, it was Ryan’s turned to be surprised. “You saw us in Macau? I was with Richard nga there and also my wife Ivy sometime last year. Hmmm, feeling ko may mahaba-habang story diyan sa Macau na iyan. I now remember, my brod here, looking sad and pensive while we were there.”
“Hahaha, ikaw talaga Brod.” Richard laughed. “Halika, sumama ka na nga sa aming mag-lunch ni Maya and we will tell you all about Macau and our love story.” He gazed at Maya and the two of them shared a loving smile, remembering Macau.
Ryan looked at them. “Hmmm, baka naman mainggit lang ako sa sobrang sweetness niyong dalawa.” He teased, “Maya, pasensya ka na sa amin ng brod ko. Ganyan lang kaming magkulitan. If you don’t mind, sama na lang ako sa inyo ni Richard sa lunch, I want to hear the whole thing.”
“Of course, Ryan. Please do join us for lunch.” Maya said graciously, liking Richard’s jolly friend immediately.
The three of them went to the company restaurant in the top floor of the building. The place offers a wonderful view. At that time of the day the place was a bit full. Richard led Maya to a corner table, and Ryan followed them. It took them a while to get there as a lot hailed Richard and he introduced Maya to other company executives.
While they were eating lunch, Richard and Maya alternately told Ryan of their love story. Ryan listened with rapt attention. Then when they were finished, he said, “Hayun, kaya naman pala parang feeling ko pinagsukluban ng langit at lupa si Brod sa Macau. Now I also understand Brod, kung bakit ilang dates lang, goodbye na ang mga date mo. Pero don’t worry Maya, ikaw lang ang nag-iisa rito kay Brod. Sa iyo lang siya nagkaganyan.” Ryan assured Maya, smiling. “Pero Brod, Maya, grabe ang love story niyong dalawa, parang iyong paboritong teleserye lang ni Ivy. Masayang-masaya ako para sa inyong dalawa.”
Maya gave Ryan a big smile. “I know. Otherwise, hindi ko siya sasagutin.” She said in jest, then looked at Richard lovingly. “Thank you, Ryan.”
“Sweetheart, thank you. Love you.” Richard smiled atMaya and then addressed Ryan. “Tama iyan, Brod. By the way, talagang pupuntahan kita later this afternoon, to ask if you and Ivy would like to have dinner with Maya and I on Friday. Gusto ko ngang magkakilala kayo formally.”
“Ivy will like that, Richard, Maya. I will tell her. For sure, tuwang-tuwa iyon that you are getting married na and of course, she would like to meet the girl who finally captured your heart.” Ryan said.
“Great, Brod! Then one more thing, will you be my best man?” Richard asked.
“Of course, Brod. Magtatampo naman ako ng todo-todo niyan kung hindi ako ang best man mo, hahahaha.”
“Thank you, Brod.”
The three of them chatted about the wedding during the rest of the meal. Richard and Maya parted with Ryan at the elevator again. He took Maya back to the conference room, agreeing to meet at the lobby after Maya finishes for the day.
Richard and Maya managed to get home at half past seven o’clock that evening.
“Sa wakas, solo na naman kita.” Richard grinned as he reeled Maya towards him, on his lap. “Dalawang beses ng interrupted ang lunch natin ah.” He remarked.
“Ikaw talaga, Mr. Lim. solo mo naman ako. Ikaw at tanging ikaw lang.” Maya said lovingly as she wiggled a bit and settled comfortably into Richard’s lap. “What would you like to eat? I’ll make dinner.”
“Huwag na sweetheart, alam kong pagod ka na rin. Let’s order dinner na lang. When we move to the new house, let’s ask Mama if she can recommend a good kasambahay to us para hindi ka mapagod ng husto.” Richard said. “For now, it is nice to be like this, just the two of us. What do you think?”
“Yes, I agree, sweetheart. Gusto ko the two of us muna, like this.” Maya said. “I’ll order na. Pizza, pasta and salad, okay with you?”
Richard nodded. When Maya put the phone down after ordering. “Now I know the best way to pass the time while waiting for our order.” He then whispered something to Maya which made Maya blushed and raised an eyebrow. “Is that possible, sweetheart, remember normally, 30 to 45 minutes lang ang tagal bago dumating ang delivery.”
“Wanna bet, my love.” Richard grinned naughtily. “If I lose, I will give you the best massage ever. If I win, you have to grant a wish of mine.”
“Hmmmm….” Maya murmured, pretending to think deeply, then she, too, grinned. “Call.”
Richard grinned, then carried Maya to their bedroom to do what he whispered lovingly to her. Thirty minutes later, with Maya cradled in his arms, he said, “I won, sweetheart. Then you have to grant my wish.”
“Okay, what is it?” Maya said as she caressed Richard’s arm, still basking in the afterglow. She felt so relaxed and sated at that moment.
“I’ll think about it.” Richard grinned, and he was about to give Maya another searing kiss on the lips when the in house phone rang. “Oh, that’s our food. Stay in bed, I will get it.” Richard said as he looked for the shirt and pants, he and Maya hastily discarded in their hurry earlier.
Richard and Maya ended up eating their dinner on the bed. It lasted longer than usual as they fed each other slowly, teasingly, and lovingly.
Sunflowers
For Be Careful With My Heart fans like me, sunflowers are the flowers Sir Chief gave Maya on their first date. Not a common ‘date’ flower, isn’t it? Who would have thought!
Seeing that ‘kilig’ episode made me remember how I loved this flower when I was a kid.
Recently, I finally managed to do what I have been wanting to do for a while, take a photo of sunflowers for my other blog, and the same time, buy sunflower plants.
I got two from Dangwa and it cost Php 150.00 each. I found myself in the area one morning and remembered that I wanted to buy sunflowers.
Then, another two at one of the stalls selling flowers and other ornamental plants inside the Quezon Memorial Circle. It cost me Php 75.00 each for the second two plants.
Happiness!
Unexpected Love – Chapter 15
Chapter 15
“Happy, my darling Pippa?” Ethan asked as he and Pippa stood by the railings at the upper deck of a ferry that has been cruising around Manila Bay the past several hours, sipping their drinks and enjoying the beautiful night view before them. His arm was draped over her shoulders and Pippa was hugging him by the waist as she leaned against him.
Pippa and Ethan decided to cap their wonderful evening with a celebration of sorts, a Manila Bay cruise offering a sumptuous dinner and cocktails afterwards. They want to be their first evening as a couple a very memorable one. After reluctantly breaking off the sweet kiss they shared in front of the giant Ferris wheel in Star City, they decided to give the Surf Dance a miss. Instead they walked the length of Harbour Square and along the seawall there and beyond it, while holding hands – enjoying the feeling of being a couple, of loving each other – and drinking mocha frappes from the Starbucks there. They sat on the sea wall, when they found a good vantage point, feet dangling over the water side, with Pippa’s head on Ethan’s shoulder, enjoying the splendor of the Manila Bay sunset. While they were doing it, a ferry boat passed by and that gave them an idea on how they would like to end their wonderful and momentous day.
“Of course, who wouldn’t be happy, with us together like this. This is super happiness, Ethan. I never thought I would feel this way, that finally, I will be so happy like this.” Pippa replied as she sipped her margarita. “I love you, you know, very much, Mr. Ethan Bowman.”
Ethan grinned, then said lovingly, “I love very much too, Ms. Pippa Montenegro.” Ethan lowered his lips to Pippa’s and gave her a searing kiss. Pippa opened her mouth to receive Ethan’s kiss and just like his previous kisses, it felt like a volt of electricity hit her senses when their lips fused. He tasted of the rhum and Coke he have been drinking and so much more. “This has been the most wonderful day of my life! I’m so happy that you are now my girlfriend.”
They soaked in the view, mostly of the beautiful twinkling lights coming from the buildings along the bay, with the gentle sound of the water lapping against the slow moving boat adding to the beautiful evening atmosphere. Everything felt so peaceful. They stayed like that until the boat docked again at the ferry terminal near the Mall of Asia. Ethan and Pippa went back to where they parked the car, hand in hand, as if they didn’t want to be separated from each other’s body even for a several minutes. They headed home for the night.
While navigating the Saturday evening heavy traffic, Pippa marvelled on how life can really change, even in a span of several hours. She feels like she is on top of the world. Ethan felt that he can face anything with Pippa, loving him, even the content of Claudia’s diary. But he doesn’t want to think about the diary at that moment, his and Pippa’s very special night.
“What time do we need to be at the airport tomorrow?” Pippa asked Ethan as she opened the door of her unit more than an hour later. Thank God, no more Martin bothering her! “Ten o’clock ba ang dating ni Ally?”
“Yes, she said around that time. She will be landing at Terminal 2.” Ethan replied. “What time do we need to go there, travel time and all?”
“Hmmm, I was thinking, we should live Q.C. around 8AM kahit na Sunday bukas kasi ang alam ko may road construction malapit sa papuntang airport.” Pippa said, putting her bag down and heading to the kitchen, with Ethan in tow, to drink water. “Would you like something to drink, honey?”
“Just water too, Pippa darling.” Then he smiled. “So, I’m ‘honey’ to you. Hmmm, I like the endearment!”
Pippa blushed. This is the first time she used an endearment for a boyfriend. She never thought of it with her first boyfriend, and with Martin, she was not comfortable calling him with one. Maybe, it should have been a sign she had seen that their relationship was not for keeps. “Errr, yes. I think I prefer calling you, ‘honey’. But I like the way you call me darling in that accent of yours.” Pippa finished grinning, looking at Ethan lovingly.
Ethan walked towards Pippa. “Thank you wonderful Pip. You make me feel so alive. I love you, my darling.”
“I love you too, honey.” See, it is so easy to do say it with Ethan and it thrills her to say it to him.
Ethan caressed Pippa’s face lovingly, then cupped it and lowered his lips to hers. They shared another smouldering kiss that left them red on the face and catching their breaths. “Let’s go sleep.”
“Yes, let’s.” Pippa answered, her lips still tingling from Ethan’s kiss. She took hold of Ethan’s hand and they walked towards the direction of her bedroom.
“Errr, Pip, darling, can I stay with you again?” Ethan asked, suddenly unsure, which is ironic since they have shared a room when they were not yet officially in a relationship!
“Of course, honey!” Pippa said smiling. “Kaya nga dito tayo papunta sa room ko. Why don’t you just bring your bag over to my room. Ally can have the other room, para rin may privacy siya.”
“Really, it is okay with you?” Ethan needed to be sure as he very well know by now that Pippa, before him, has never shared a bed or a room with a guy before.
“Yes. I’m that comfortable with you, Ethan. I trust you too. I know that when something happens between the two of us, it is because we both want to, as you said.” Pippa said frankly. Maybe Ethan’s frankness is rubbing off her. But she feels better saying it. Ethan had already proven to her that he is not the type to take advantage and besides, she loves him to pieces. She also likes waking up with him beside her.
“I must have done something good somewhere in my chaotic, complicated past as now, I have you.” Ethan replied, feeling so humbled and very happy in the trust that Pippa bestowed in him. He promised himself that when, not if, something happens between Pippa and him, the initiative will have to come from her. He will not break her trust. He hopes he will have the strength to do so. He wants Pippa very much, but he can wait. “Thank you, Pippa.”
Pippa gave Ethan a sweet, trusting smile. “You first in the bathroom. You are faster. I take a bit of a time in the bathroom.”
Ethan took a quick shower and several minutes after, he was out with droplets of water still clinging to his face, a towel wrapped around his waist. Pippa gulped, liking what she saw. “It’s your turn now, darling.” He said with a big smile, seemingly unaware of the effect of his barely-clad body on Pippa’s senses.
Pippa hurried to the bathroom. Ethan rummaged into his bag and looked for something to wear. He found his favorite well-worn t-shirt and pair of gray boxer shorts. He leaned against the headboard to wait for Pippa to come out of the bathroom. He had a goofy smile on his face, remembering their Ferris wheel ride. Pippa came out of the bathroom wearing her usual sleepwear, a pair of shorts and a t-shirt several minutes after. When Ethan saw her, he thought to himself, that he need all his willpower to survive the night. She looks so fresh looking and very lovely even without a shade of make-up on. Unbeknown to Pippa, her simple clothes flatters her figure and made her look lovelier in Ethan’s eyes.
“Sorry, ang tagal ko ba?” Pippa asked Ethan, getting a bit self-conscious, especially the way he was looking at her with admiration in his eyes. “Sana nauna ka nang natulog. I know you are tired na rin.”
“No, you were not matagal naman. It’s okay. I wanted to wait for you.” Ethan said smiling. “Come, let’s go to sleep.” He turned down the comforter and made space for Pippa.
Pippa took the right side of the bed. Ethan slid down and put his arms around Pippa. “Good night, Pip. Sweet dreams, darling.” He hope he will be able to sleep soon as Pippa’s wonderful smell and softness suddenly has the biggest effect on his senses.
“Good night, honey.” Pippa said softly, then gave Ethan a soft kiss on the lips, then settled into the crook of his left arm. He smells so nice. She can stay like that forever.
Several minutes after, Pippa was asleep. While Ethan on the other hand, can’t. He was waiting for his body to settle down. Otherwise, he would be needing a cold shower. Good thing that Pippa didn’t notice his body’s reaction to her. He tried to relax, and half an hour later, he too fell asleep, Pippa comfortably cradled like a babe in his arms. He kissed Pippa affectionately before sleep claimed him. She moved a bit and burrowed deeper into his chest and that made him feel content.
“Rise and shine, beautiful Pip.” Ethan said cheerfully the following morning while looking at a still sleeping Pippa, carrying a tray. He woke up at seven o’clock on his own. He decided to make a treat for Pippa by making her breakfast. He found some a pack of muesli in Pippa’s food cupboard. He also found yogurt in the fridge. He made coffee and juice and decided to wake up Pippa with his simple offering, a way of pampering and thanking her for taking care of him.
Pippa slowly opened her eyes. The first sight she saw was Ethan carrying a tray and she can see two steaming cups of coffee in it and other stuffs. “Good morning, honey. You are up very early.” She smiled at him sweetly, looking so beautiful lying on the bed with her legs and upper body exposed and even with her hair tousled. Then she looked at the clock as she rose and leaned against the headboard. “Oh, not so early after all! I overslept.”
“I made you breakfast. I just fixed it though, and didn’t cook. You know how I am in the kitchen. Good thing, I found muesli in your cupboard. I hope this is okay.” Ethan put the tray on Pippa’s lap then sat beside her. He handed Pippa her coffee, then lightly kiss her on the lips. “Good morning.”
“Thank you for this Ethan.” Pippa said, touched by Ethan’s effort. Before she took a sip of her coffee, she kissed him lightly too. Then she started putting portions of food on the two bowls that Ethan brought with him. They ate a leisurely breakfast, chatting and planning what they will do that day with Ally, then also the following day.
“I almost forgot, the trip to Palawan has been moved to Tuesday, Ethan. My associate producer texted yesterday. Which is a good thing, as you were supposed to go to Werner’s office tomorrow di ba?” Pippa said. “Bettina said the celebrity we are interviewing has an emergency and can only accommodate us from Wednesday onwards.”
“Oh yes, I forgot about that!” Ethan said, with all the wonderful things that had happened between him and Pippa, he completely forgot about Werner and the office visit. “Then it worked perfectly well then! Will the delay not affect your airing date?”
“If it is only a day or two, not really, though the editors will have to work double time due to the delay. But it is still manageable.” Pippa explained. “Anyway, the editors can also work first on the Batangas shoot, then saka na lang itong sa Palawan.”
“Lovely then. I’m looking forward to watching your pilot episode.”
Pippa and Ethan got ready for their trip to the airport after they have finished their breakfast. Two hours later, they were sitting at the coffee shop at the left side of Terminal 2, waiting for Ally’s plane to land.
Pippa is both nervous and happy at Ethan’s sister’s coming. Happy for Ethan, as he told her that he and Ally are very close and that he is looking forward to spending some time with his sister whom he had not seen in more than six months. And the same time, Pippa is nervous on how Ethan’s sister would react to the fact that she is his girlfriend now. Ethan told her on the way to the airport that he has never gotten around to telling Ally about her and his feelings for her as the phone conversation they had was a short one. But Ethan said, he knows Ally would like her a lot. He also said he hopes she will like his sister. Pippa assured him that she will. The rest of the travel to the airport was spent with Ethan telling Pippa about his and Ally’s childhood.
“Should we check if her plane has landed. It is now past 10AM.” Pippa suggested to Ethan. “Let’s wait for her near the entrance where I think most of the passengers are coming out.”
With coffee in hand, they walked to the area where other people are waiting. Soon after, a steady stream of people came out of the glass door near the waiting area. Ethan scanned the faces in the crowd, saw his sister and waved vigorously at her.
“Ethan, so lovely to see you again. I missed you dear brother.” Ally said when she reached the area where Pippa and Ethan are. She hugged her brother tight.
“Lovely to see you too, Ally!” Ethan said with a big smile. Then he looked at Pippa and brought her to his side, hugging her by the waist. “Pippa, meet my sister Ally.” Then to his sister, he said, “Ally, this is Pippa, my girlfriend and the daughter of Mum’s friend, Tita Marianne.”
Pippa smiled at Ethan’s sister. “Hello Ally! I hope you had a good flight!” Ethan’s sister is very lovely and she looks like a female version of Ethan. She saw that Ally was startled when Ethan introduced her as his girlfriend, but she recovered fast.
“Hello, Pippa. Lovely to meet you!” Ally said smiling reservedly. She is a bit like that with people she just met. But she warms up fast when she sees that everything is okay. She has a lot of questions for her brother. It looks like he had really moved on with the beautiful girl by his side. He looks like a man very much in love. He was never like that with Claudia. Yes, she was surprised as Ethan didn’t even mention about having a new girlfriend, but that’s about it. Pippa seems nice enough and she is not a stranger to the family. She is after all her Mum’s friend’s daughter. “The flight was uneventful. A bit tiring though. I want real food after all the airline food I ate. I’m looking forward to eating some Filipino food.”
“Oh, then Ethan and I should bring you to Maginhawa Street! Plenty of Pinoy food to choose from.” Pippa said. “Shall we get going then. Stay here, the two of you, I will just get the car so that you don’t have to drag your luggage to the parking lot.”
“Pip, darling, I can go with you.” Ethan offered, walking towards Pippa. “Ally can you stay here, we will back fast.” He told his sister.
“No , honey, just stay here and keep your sister company and catch up with her. I’ll be fine and I can manage.” Pippa assured Ethan. “Ally, I will be back in a couple of minutes.”
“Thank you, Pippa.” Ally smiled at Pippa more warmly, at the same time, processing with interest the exchanged of terms of endearment between Pippa and her brother.
With a final wave at Ally and Ethan, Pippa walked to the parking lot.
“Hmmmm, there is a lot I don’t know, brother dear.” Ally said as she looked at Pippa’s departing figure which was followed by several male admiring glances. She does look very lovely. Maybe she is a fashion model, she mused. She carries herself well and dresses well. “When we chatted you didn’t mention that you have a new girlfriend! How long have you been together?”
“Because sister dear, at that time, she was not my girlfriend. She only agreed to be my girl yesterday.” Ethan said, smiling happily. “She made me the happiest guy yesterday. She is a very lovely person, inside out and I know you will like her. And no, I’m not doing this just to move on. I could have done that eventually even without her. I just fell in love so unexpectedly to that wonderful girl.”
Hearing her brother, Ally’s initial impression was correct. Her brother is really, really in love for the first time in his life. He sounded different. “Well, I’m happy for you Ethan. You obviously love her a lot. I hope she feels the same way. I don’t want to see you get hurt again.”
“Don’t worry on that aspect, Ally. Pippa is different from Claudia. She is so giving and she does not go into a relationship lightly. Just be happy for me and Pip.”
“Of course, I do. She seems like a lovely girl. Have you told her about Claudia?” Ally asked.
“Yes, I found myself telling her what happened. I was drawn to her from the start. She had help me enormously to heal, Ally. She is one of a kind.” Ethan finished, his voice full of emotion.
“Really, you did. Then you must think the world of her. You even opened up to her. I’m glad and happy that you found someone like her, Ethan.” Ally hugged her brother affectionately. “So, did you meet in Mindoro? Through her mother? I would like to see the resort where you are staying.”
“Okay, I will tell you more later. But maybe, you should ask Pippa too, and the two of us can tell you about our love story this evening. We are staying at her flat in Quezon City. And yes, Tita Marianne is looking forward to meeting you too.”
“Oh, I thought you had booked us in a hotel. Would it not be a bother, the two of us staying there? Maybe she has other things to do.” Ally said, not wanting to be a bother and beside she does not want to be a third wheel, especially that Ethan and Pippa are just starting their relationship. “Besides, you two just got into a relationship, maybe I’ll be a third wheel. I can stay in a hotel.”
“No worries about staying there. It was Pippa who offered. Besides, I like staying and being with her. She is the reason why I am in Manila currently. She left Mindoro several days ago and I missed her a lot.” Ethan said. “But you are very much welcome to stay there too. Saka, we will go to Palawan with her. She will be working for several days, but after that we can all spend time together.”
“Okay, then, if you are sure.” Ally smiled, happy to spend time with her brother and the lady who made him fall in love for real. “Oh, there’s Pippa. Shall we get going.”
Ethan carried Ally’s suitcases and put in the trunk of Pippa’s car. Ally got into the back seat and Ethan in front.
“Pippa, Ethan said I will be staying in your place too. Thank you very much for putting us up. You are such a lovely person.”Ally said. She has a feeling that she and Ethan’s new girl will become fast friends, unlike she and Claudia. “I’m looking forward to the Palawan trip too.”
“You’re welcome Ally. I’m happy to have you and Ethan in my place.” Pippa smiled at Ally, then looked lovingly at Ethan. “Shall we get going?”
“Okay, darling, and thank you for everything.” Ethan said sweetly, putting his hand on top of Pippa’s, before she put the car to drive, and caressing her a bit. He is just so happy. No matter what Claudia’s diary reveals, he knows he can take it, with Pippa by his side.
Ethan and Pippa smiled lovingly at each other. Ally, seeing this, hopes that this is for keeps and whatever is in Claudia’s diary will not mar the beautiful relationship she was witnessing.
Windblown – Chapter 19
Posted by Antigone in Richard and Maya Fiction on April 13, 2015
Exposed
“Ricky, Sweetheart, wake up na please.” Maya said sleepily as she tried to wake up Richard who had slept through the beeping of the alarm they have set. It has already beeped twice and Maya felt she will have a headache already if she let it ring one more time, just so Richard will be forced to shut it down and get up. “You need to go back to your place and dress for work.”
“Mamaya na, Sweetheart. Maaga pa.” Richard mumbled, burrowing deeply into the comforter, then putting his arm around Maya’s waist, then trapping her with his legs.
Maya scratched her head, then looked at Richard, then she suddenly smiled. She just know the way to wake him up, fast. She started kissing him. She first kissed his eyebrows, then she moved to his nose, his jaw, then she gave him featherlight kisses around his lips. Maya saw Richard’s eyes slowly moving, and she caught him closing them again, pretending to be still asleep. Hmmm, so that is the way you want to play it, Mr. Lim, Maya mused, an impish look about her. She knew that Richard is anticipating a kiss on the lips, instead of that, her lips moved to his neck, leaving little bites, then she removed the blanket covering his nakedness, and started planting little kisses on his broad chest, on his tummy, then moving lower and lower, slowly. Maya heard Richard caught his breath, anticipating where her lips are headed next. But then, she stopped, and waited. She didn’t wait long.
“Continue please, Sweetheart.” Richard said huskily, opening his desire-laden eyes. “Why did you stop? It’s just about to get very interesting.” He complained lovingly, in that bedroom voice that never fails to thrill Maya.
“Nope! It’s wake up time, Sweetheart.” Maya said, sitting on the bed crossed-leg with a big grin, trying to fight the effect in her system of touching and teasing Richard. Her twin peaks are refusing to cooperate, though. They seemed to be begging to be touched, played with. “Sabi ko na effective na panggising iyan sa iyo, Sweetheart.”
“You are so cruel, Ms. Dela Rosa.” Suddenly, he got up and then grabbed Maya by the waist, tumbling her down the bed. “Payback time, Sweetheart.” He grinned naughtily. He saw that Maya was not unaffected at what she did. So he thought of persuading her to participate in a very, very pleasant activity before they face the world!
“Rickyyyyy, we will be late. First day of work ko pa naman.” Maya protested, at the same time, trying to focus as Richard’s hand started wrecking havoc to her system.
Richard didn’t listen to Maya’s plea. He looked at the clock surreptitiously, made a rapid calculation and know that they can still make it to work. It will be a bit tight, but with the short cut he know, they can make it to Eastwood in time for Maya’s briefing with the other hotel managers. Like Maya, he started by kissing her eyebrows, moving to her cheeks, hovering over her lips as his hand slowly crept under the hem of the t-shirt she was wearing, until it reached its target, her breasts. He started playing with them one after the other, at the same time, he swooped in for a searing kiss on Maya’s pouty lips. With the twin havoc to her senses, Maya lost her ability to protest and let her be swept away again in the passion that Richard ignited that morning. They reached the peak together after they drove each other crazy with each touch, each kiss, with each sigh, and moan. Afterwards, they grinned at each other. Maya told Richard then that she will go to bath alone, otherwise, they will not really make it to work in time. Richard just grinned as he leaned against the headboard contently, liking his wonderful morning. What a way to wake up, he mused. He wants this everyday of his life. A plan has started forming in his head!
Despite the fact that hey have indulged in the best ever morning activity, Richard and Maya made it to the offices of Emerald Hotels and Resorts in the Lim Corporation Headquarters in Eastwood, several minutes before 9 o’clock in the morning. They walked towards the elevator with their hands intertwined.
“See, we made it, Sweetheart. Sabi ko naman sa iyo eh.” Richard whispered lovingly to Maya. “So, bukas ulit ng umaga, I want a repeat of the way you woke me up.”
“Ricky, ano ka ba, may makarinig sa iyo.” Maya said, blushing, at the same time, grinning hugely at Richard. “But I’ll think about your request, Mr. Lim.” She said primly, but with mischief in her eyes.
“Thank you, Sweetheart. I love you.” Richard stopped in the middle of the lobby, unmindful of the employees looking at them and gawking, as this is the first time most of them have seen Richard Lim doing this, making a blatant public display of affection in the middle of the lobby to booth. In fairness, some of them thought, the lady with him is very pretty and they look very much in love.
“I love you too.” Maya said, touching his face gently. “Halika na. I think sobra na ang PDA natin in front of your employees.”
They both smiled at each other, then continued to walk towards the elevator, still hand in hand. Unbeknown to them, Ina and Diana were among the people who have observed their tender moment at the lobby of Lim Corporation. Both of them can’t believe what they saw.
“Is that what I think it is?” Diana said with an eyebrow raised, looking at Maya and Richard’s intertwined hands as they got into the elevator reserved for the executives of Lim Corporation. “How come? Kailan pa kaya iyan nangyari?”
Ina was as flabbergasted as Diana at what they saw. She also felt like a giant hand has squeezed her heart. Richard is taken and the lucky lady is their newest employee, the girl who didn’t mention in her interview her connection to Richard, apparently a very close connection! She tried to recall her interview with Maya, and she can’t remember an instance wherein Maya hinted that she knows Richard Lim personally. She did put in the application form that she does not have any relatives working for Emerald, which was what they asked routinely of new employees or applicants, just so they know, not because it is prohibited. Not that it matter if they are in a relationship. Maya was hired on the basis of her qualifications, not because of her connections. Ina just felt that Maya did not do a full disclosure to her. Of course, she admit to herself, her personal feelings is into this as she likes Richard Lim a lot and was hoping that he would ask her out. But on the other hand, Richard also have seen the applicants CVs and he didn’t mention that he know Maya. Now, Ina got more puzzled at the turn of events.
“I don’t know what to think Diana.” Ina said after a while. “I think they are more than boyfriend and girlfriend. I saw the beautiful ring on Maya’s finger when she touched Richard’s face!”
“Oh well, let us see what Maya has to say.” Diana said, unable to help herself, said, “Baka kailangan niyang magpaliwanag sa atin.”
“No Diana, let it be. Whatever Maya’s relationship with Richard is, that’s between them. It has nothing to do with her hiring. She was hired because of her excellent qualifications.” Ina said, taking the moral high ground.
“But Ina, she was not completely honest with us.” Diana protested. “She should have disclosed her connection to the Lims.”
“Diana, let’s give her the benefit of the doubt. Maybe, there is a perfectly good explanation to what we are speculating about. They seemed to be very happy. You know, as much as I want Richard to notice me in a romantic way, he didn’t. Besides, setting that aside, it’s nice to see him finally with someone whom he obviously love to pieces.” Ina insisted. “Besides, Maya didn’t do anything wrong. Whether she is connected to the Lims or not, she would still get hired as she has excellent qualifications. You know also that Donya E and Richard do not influence or meddle in our hiring process.”
“Hay naku, Ina, bahala ka na nga. Di na uso ang pa-martir effect. Fight for your man.” Diana said, still not letting it go, for some reason that Ina can’t understand. Siya nga ang dapat na masama ang loob since she has feelings for Richard!
“Diana, Diana, he was never mine.” Ina insisted, wanting her colleague to understand. “Halika na nga. Enough of that.”
Mocha frappes in hand, Ina and Diana took the elevator to their floor. By that time, Richard and Maya were at the entrance of the suite of offices that Emerald occupies in the building.
“Do you want to stay in my office while I find out from Mama where are you suppose to go and report this morning?” Richard asked, still holding her hand in his.
“No, Ricky, don’t please. I can manage. Thank you, Sweetheart. But I need to be like a regular employee even if you are my fiance. Would that be okay?” Maya asked Richard, pleading prettily to him to understand.
Richard smiled gently. “Of course, Sweetheart. I just carried away. I just want your first day at Emerald, your first day at work to perfect.”
Maya looked lovingly at her fiance. “Sweetheart, the fact that I know you are there, so very supportive makes it perfect already even if I haven’t started. I can take on all the challenges and whatever I will encouter today, because I know you are there, supporting me and loving me.”
“Thank you, Sweetheart. O sige na nga, I will let you be. Pero, I’ll pick you up at lunch ha.” Richard said, giving Maya a quick kiss. “That’s for luck, Sweetheart.”
Richard then left Maya at the reception to go to his office at the other side. Maya was about to introduce herself to the receptionist when she got called simultaneously, by Donya Esmeralda and Ina. Donya Esmeralda got to Maya first.
“Good morning Ma’am.” Maya greeted Donya Esmeralda formally while accepting her mother-in-law-to-be’s beso.
“Hija, anong Ma’am! Di ba sabi ko sa iyo call me Mama. After all, you will be my daughter-in-law soon. I don’t think it would make the two of us less professional if you call me Mama,” Donya Esmeralda said. “Where’s Ricky?”
“Nagpunta na po sa office niya, Ma – errr, Mama.” Maya replied shyly, conscious of the fact that Ina and Diana unintentionally heard what Donya Esmeralda said. She wonders what is going on in their heads as when she applied she didn’t mention anything about being connected to the Lim family, to Richard at least. She acknowledged the two. “Hello Ms. Ina, Ms. Diana, good morning.”
Diana just gave Maya a polite smile and acknowledged her greeting with a tilt of her head. Ina was friendlier. She gave Maya a smile. “Good morning, Maya! Ready for for work?”
‘Yes, Ms. Ina.” Maya replied.
“Tamang-tama, let’s go na to the conference room and meet the other managers and the general manager of the new Emerald Hotel you will work for. I need to brief all of you, then you can brief your respective staff.” Donya Esmeralda said as she linked her arm with Maya’s. The two of them walked ahead of Ina and Diana.
“Hmmm, and the plot thickens.” Diana muttered under her breath.
“Diana, shush, enough na.” Ina told her. Diana shut her mouth reluctantly.
Seeing Maya with Donya Esmeralda, and the way they interacted convinced Ina that Richard found his true love at last, and that Maya will be a very much welcome addition to the Lim family. But it added to big puzzle that greeted her this morning as she knows for a fact that Donya Esmeralda only met and knew Maya the day she interviewed her. She even asked Ina to brief her on the background of the applicant that she and Diana vetted and chose for the operations manager’s position in their new hotel in Bonifacio Global City. But oh well, she thought, in the scheme of things, it is none of her business!
Maya spent most of the morning in the briefing room with Donya Esmeralda, Ina, Diana and the managers of the hotel which will open the following month. They are targetting February 14 as its opening. The public relations manager did a presentation of the promotions that they will do. Maya was tasked by the general manager, Anton Magno to make sure that everything is in order in time for the opening.
When the meeting was about to break for lunch, Donya Esmeralda excused herself as she needed to go to another meeting in Makati. Maya was about to head out of the room too, when Ina called her. Diana was not with her then.
“Maya, I guess congratulations are in order.” Ina said, smiling. “Sorry for eavesdropping ha, pero I heard Donya E saying that you will be her daughter-in-law.”
“Errr, thank you Ms. Ina. Yes, Richard and I will get married in three months time.” Maya said happily. “Ikaw pa lang dito sa Emerald ang nakakaalam.”
“Oh, thank you for telling me.” Ina said, then because she can’t help it, asked, “Matagal na ba kayo ni Richard? Sorry for asking ha.”
“I’ve known Richard years ago and it’s a long story, pero everything that led to our engagement happened over the holidays.” Maya said with a smile. She knew that she does not owe Ina an explanation but she has a pretty good idea why she started asking that question – the fact that she knew Richard even before during her interview and didn’t mention it. She decided to clear the air. “Ms. Ina, may I be frank with you?”
“Yes, of course, Maya. And please do call me, Ina.” Ina offered encouragingly.
‘The thing is, I didn’t tell Ricky I ended up applying in his family’s company in the beginning. I didn’t know actually, I just found out when my headhunter told me I had an interview with you guys. On the other hand, Richard didn’t tell me either that he saw my resume. You see, I want to be hired on my own merit and not because I know someone. Ricky felt the same way. He wanted you and Diana to weigh in the candidates base on merits. We only told each other about it after you and Donya Esmeralda hired me.”
“Thank you for explaining Maya. You don’t have to, you know. And yes, you were hired because of your excellent qualifications. In fact we are lucky to have you. What’s between you and Richard is personal and hindi na kasama sa work. But I do appreciate you telling me.” Ina said, then teased Maya to lighthen the mood. “Paano ba iyan, maraming ladies na malulungkot when they find out that Richard Lim is taken for life.”
Maya laughed at that. She is secure enough in Richard’s love that she does not feel jealous at all. “Talaga. Marami ba sila, Ina.”
“Well, for sure maraming may crush and may gusto, pero Richard was not interested. I think the whole company is already buzzing with the fact that he is not only in a relationship, but he is engaged! Of course, the engage part, they don’t know yet. But I think people will put two and two together when they see your beautiful ring. And most will be happy for the both of you, for sure.” Ina finished with a smile. She does not have it in her to hate Maya. She is a very nice girl and I think she has a pretty good idea why Richard fell for her. She will just need to move on. She just wish that she will find her own Richard! “Halika na nga, Maya, let’s have lunch. Are you free? O baka pala may lunch kayo ni Richard!”
“Wait lang, Ina, let me just make a phone call.” Maya excused herself, then called Richard to tell him that she will have lunch with Ina instead, and that she will explain about it later. Richard said it is okay as he is not finished yet with his meeting. He also knew instinctively that Maya may have a very good reason for doing this.
“Halika na, Ina.” Maya said with a smile. “Nasaan pala si Ms. Diana?”
“Oh, I think she went ahead. Baka may lunch siya kasama nung isang manager sa kabilang department.” Ina said, steering Maya towards the elevator and the employees restaurant on the second level of the building.
Maya and Ina had a great lunch and they became fast friends. Maya is glad that she took the time to get to know the HR manager. She is a nice person. They returned to the conference room after lunch and buckled up on their planning sessions for the new hotel.
“Ricky, have you been waiting long?” Maya said as she strode to where Richard was waiting for her at the lobby of the building. “Sorry, may mga tinapos pa kami.”
“It’s okay, Sweetheart. I finished early.” Richard said, smiling lovingly at his fiancee. “So, how’s your first day of work, my Mrs. Lim-to-be?” He asked her as he interlaced their hands while steering her towards the direction of the parking garage. “Nagkita ba kayo ni Mama? I called her this afternoon and she told me she was in a meeting in Makati.”
“It was great, Ricky, very interesting. You know this is the first time that I will be working in a hotel even before it opens. I like the challenges and the opportunity. It is a whole new experience for me.” Maya said excitedly. “And yes, I have seen your mother. She conducted the first part of the meeting/planning session this morning. Funny, I called her ‘Ma’am’ when we saw each other at the reception and she promptly told me to call her Mama still.” Maya then narrated the rest of her conversation with Donya Esmeralda to Richard.
“Mama is right.” Richard said as he opened the passenger door of the BMW for Maya. He closed the door and got in the driver seat. “By the way what’s with the lunch with Ina?” He asked when they were on the road, going to BGC.
Maya told Richard about the gist of her conversation with Ina and the fact that she and Diana heard Donya Esmeralda called her, her future daughter-in-law.” Yes, I know I don’t have to explain to her, but I wanted to. I like her. I’m glad I had lunch with her. Now I have a friend at Emerald.” Maya finished happily.
“Yes, our relationship is our business Maya and you were hired because you are the best candidate for the job. But I understand where Ina is coming from.” Richard said. “But if the whole company knows, I don’t care. I want to shout it to the world, Sweetheart that I’m the lucky guy you will be marrying soon.”
“Oh Sweetheart, you are the sweetest fiance ever. Thank you. I love you.” Maya said, giving Richard a quick kiss, then putting her hand on top of his while they were waiting for the traffic light to turn greeen.
They shared a loving smile, then continued driving on, towards Maya’s place. It was Maya’s turn to ask Richard how his day have been. Richard told her, then asked her opinion on some of the plans he wanted to execute for the company. They discussed the pros and cons of his plans all the way home. Richard liked the fact that he has Maya to share his day like this. He feels so happy. He hopes Maya will agree to his proposal. He just wants to be with her always and he does not think he can wait.
“So, what would you like for dinner?” Maya asked when they entered her place more than an hour later. “I could rustle something up, maybe a simple pasta dish and salad.”
“Sweetheart, I know you had a full day, let’s just order dinner.” Richard suggested. “Is Italian, okay with you?”
“Yes, that would be fine. Sabagay, I’m a bit tired na nga rin.” Maya told Richard what she would like to have if he will be ordering from the Italian restaurant they have been too before.
While waiting for their food, Maya poured a glass of wine for each for them. They cuddled on the sofa enjoying their quiet time together, sipping their wine and snacking on cheese and crackers.
“Maya, I have something to ask, if it is okay.” Richard said after a while. He then took another sip of his wine for courage, he mused. He hopes Maya will agree.
“What it is Sweetheart?” Maya asked a bit intrigued, brows knitted.
“Well, since I practically live here and I want to stay with you always and anyway, we will do it in three months time, can we move in together now, please?” He asked, then added as if his meaning is not clear. Truth to tell, he is a bit nervous in asking. “I mean can we live together as a couple while we are preparing for our wedding, even before our wedding.”
Maya was not surprised Richard had asked this as she likes being with Richard all the time, spending moments like this, or just being a regular couple, watching movies, sharing a meal or sleeping with their arms around each other. “Yes, Sweetheart.” She said simply with a smile, looking at him with so much love.
“Really!!!!” Richard asked with a big grin. He can’t believe that Maya will agree promptly. He was kinda prepare to plead his case lengthily. “Thank you, Sweetheart. You made so very happy. Now where do you want to stay, here or my place?”
“How about here, then we decide later on whether we will live in your place or this one after we get married?” Maya suggested. “By the way, come to think of it, I haven’t been to your place!” She finished with a smile.
“That’s easily rectified! After dinner, we can go there and pack my things.” Richars suggested..
“Okay, it’s a deal.” Maya said, burrowing deep into Richard’s chest. She is very happy at hers and Richard’s decision. Richard felt the same.
The doorbel rang. Richard stood up to get the food. He told Maya he will set up the table. They had another wonderful dinner. at ease with each other like an old married and still very much in love couple. Both felt very content at that moment as they both know that their life together will be like this everyday from then on – together in good times and in bad times, in sadness and happiness, in taking care of each other when the other is sick or down, and most of all in loving each other for always.
On The Street Where You Live – Chapter 3
Posted by Antigone in Richard and Maya Fiction on April 12, 2015
Chapter 3
2005
Maya, in shorts, a sleeveless blouse and flip-flops was standing at the corner of Mirasol and Cadena de Amor Streets, waiting for a jeepney that would take her to the nearest bookstore, when a car stopped in front of her. She instinctively took a closer look. Her eyes widened and her heart beat faster when she saw the driver.
“Hi Maya, may I give you a ride?” Richard Lim asked from the opened window of the car. He was wearing casual clothes, a white shirt and jeans. He is as handsome as ever when she had seen him up close and finally met him several days before, after all the time Doris has been crushing on him. Doris was so envious when she told her that she met her Mr. Dreamboat. She pretended to be hurt. But she assured Maya it is okay as she just like how Richard looks and is just passing her time, crushing on him when he passed by. Her bestfriend even speculated that maybe Richard has a crush on Maya since he is aware of her and where she lives. Maya brushed it off, but deep inside, her heart went aflutter.
“Hi Ricky, naku huwag na. Makakaabala pa ako sa iyo. Diyan lang naman ako sa shopping center pupunta. May bibilhin sa bookstore there.” Maya said, her heart skipping a bit at the lopsided smile he was giving her. “Baka may pupuntahan kang importante. Really, I’m okay, magko-commute na lang ako. Thank you.”
Instead of driving off, Richard got out of the white vintage Volkswagen Beetle he was driving. He went to where Maya was standing. At last, he had seen Maya again. He never got the chance to see her again after meeting her at the fast food place where she works. His schedule has been quite tight and he need to work doubly hard on his studies as it was his last year in college. His father expected him to be the best and to top the board examination when he take it.
“Tamang-tama, doon din ang punta ko.” Richard said smiling beguilingly at her, then opening the passenger door for Maya. “Halika na. Baka mahirapan kang mag-jeep. Umulan and rush hour na.”
“Okay, sige na nga! Thank you very much, Ricky.” Maya got into the car, folding her long frame into Richard’s small cute car. She liked it. She has never ridden a Beetle before nor have seen one in recent years.
“Wala ka bang work ngayon?” Richard asked as he started driving towards the direction of the shopping district where the bookstore is located.
“Tapos na. I took the early shift. Ikaw, saan ang punta mo?” Maya asked.
“Sa bookstore din sana. Birthday ni Mama tomorrow, I want to buy her a gift. Naisip ko na bilhan na lang siya ng cookbook kasi mahilig siyang magluto.” Richard said, conversationally. “Sa palagay mo ba she will like it?” He asked Maya all of a sudden.
Maya looked at him, temporarily getting lost in Richard’s intent gaze and him asking her opinion. “I don’t know your Mama for me to make a definite suggestion or an opinion. Pero sabi mo she loves to cook, so I’m sure she will like it. Besides, I think kahit ano naman ang ibigay natin sa mga mom natin, they will appreciate basta from the heart. My Nanay is like that, basta galing sa amin ng ate ko, she appreciates naman.”
“You are right about that, Maya. Thank you.” Richard said. Maya mentioning about her family was the opening Richard needed, as he really wanted to get to know Maya better. “So, you have a sister. Ilan kayong magkakapatid? Saka, I heard from Manong Tony, iyong may tindahan malapit sa inyo na taga-Mindoro kayo.”
Richard is really aware of her or he is just mighty curious about his neighbors! Maya felt a bit flustered that he seemed to know about her than she knew about him, but there is a way to rectify that, find out about him more. “Yes, I have a sister, older than me. My father died several years ago so it is just me, my sister Cristina Rose and our Nanay. Yes, taga-San Nicolas, Mindoro kami ni Doris, iyong housemate ko. Ikaw?”
“I’m an only son, pero I have a sister too, Grace. She is younger than I am.” Richard said. “Diyan din siya nag-aaral sa PUS, Nursing. I have lived all my life here in Mirasol Street. This is where my parents started and they didn’t want to live that big old house in the corner. Namana kasi iyan ni Mama sa parents niya. Ayaw niyang iwan.”
“Oh, that is where you live. Doris mentioned nga na that you live in one of the houses at the other end of the street. Iyon pala ang bahay niyo. It’s a beautiful house. I’m sure it is full of history.” Maya said with a smile. Like old houses built during the Spanish times, Richard’s house opens and is very closed to the sidewalk. But she had a glimpse of a beautiful garden in the back when the gate opened while she was passing by one afternoon. She always like that beautiful old house.
“Well, I guess. Mama said so. But for me, it is just a house, an old beloved house.” Richard then remembered something. “Doris, is your roommate, right? Do I know her? She knows me?” Richard Lim, you are so fishing for information! He wanted to know whether Maya and her roommate talked or discuss him as it would mean, Maya is also aware of him.
“Welll, errr….” Maya paused, but then find nothing wrong in telling him. ” Well, Doris was the one who pointed you out to me when you passed by. I don’t think you have met her.” Then an imp got into Maya and say, “she calls you Mr. Dreamboat, you know.”
Richard laughed, self-consciously. “Really, me a dreamboat! Baka kailangan na rin ng eyeglasses ng friend mo.” He teased. He does not see himself as one.
Maya laughed and before she could stop herself, she blurted’ “Well, tama naman si Doris ah!” Then she realized what she had said and blushed, “Errr, I mean, you know….” She finished lamely.
Richard gave Maya hs best lopssided smile. He likes seeing her like this, she looks more beautiful in his eyes, with her face red and she, flustered. “Thanks Maya.”
Maya recovered, then teased Richard. “Hmmmp, akala ko ba hindi ka dreamboat. Parang ngayon you are happy to know that you are.”
“Well, if you think that I am, I’ll happily claim it.” He said gazing at Maya meaningfully. Luckily, they were waiting for the light to turn green so he have more time to gaze at her closely and her lovely face. For Richard, it is not so much that he looks good, but that he looks good in Maya’s eyes for her to call him a dreamboat.
Maya got self-conscious with that gaze, aside from the fact that it made her heart galloped. She blurted the first thing she thought of to get out of the sudden fluttery nervousness she was feeling. “Your car is cute.”
Richard had to shake his head from the sudden shift in the conversation, but he let Maya off the hook, plenty of time for other things, she and he live in the same street, go to the same school, so there is plenty of time to get to know her better. He is very much drawn to her ever since he saw her passing one afternoon, laughing with her friend. She seemed so full of life.
“Thank you. I love this car, though hindi ko naman masyadong ginagamit since walking distance lang ang PUS. Ganito lang, when I need to be somewhere saka ko inilalabas. By the way, pasensya na walang aircon itong Beetle ko, hindi ko pa kasi tapos i-restore.”
“Wow, ikaw ang nag-restore nito! Ang galing. I never thought na pwede pa palang i-restore ang mga ganito! I haven’t seen much Beetles around anymore, kahit doon sa probinsya namin. Dati meron pang paisa-isa, pero wala na ngayon. How did you end up restoring one?”
Richard shrugged. “I guess I’m always fascinated with old cars, or anything mechanical for that matter. I got it from my Papa. He is a Mechanical Engineer, though, he is more of a businessman, than an engineer these days. Kaya rin siguro I took up engineering for my college course, though not the same as his field. How about you? What’s your major?”
“Oh, I’m majoring in Journalism.” Maya replied. “Both Doris and I are.”
“So, you want to be a reporter after college! Television, radio or one of the newspapers?” Richard asked as they entered the building housing the bookstore that they will go to, and he was looking for a parking space. “Iyan ba talaga ang dream mo since you were a kid?”
“Whatever I could find after graduation will do. I just want to write. But what I would like to be, eventually, is a lawyer. Iyon talaga ang dream ko since I was a kid. Doris’s dad advised us that being able to write well is a good foundation for taking up Law. So since I like to be a journalist too, why not hit two birds with one stone. so to speak.” Maya explained. “Though, I need to do it while working, as I am doing now. Law school is expensive and baka hindi na makaya ng sister ko and my mother to send me there.”
“Oh, your sister is working in Mindoro or here in Manila too?” Richard asked as he led Maya to the elevator going up with his hand on her elbow , after he assisted her out of the car by offering his hand, a fact that didn’t escape Maya’s notice even if they were so caught up chatting. A gentleman, huh, she thought. She felt thrilled also at Richard’s gestures.
“No, she works in a hotel in Dubai. She has been there for several years now. Her plan is to send me to school, then save enough money to start a business in San Nicolas with my Nanay.” Maya said as the two of them walked inside the shopping center. “Gusto nilang magbukas ng small restaurant sa amin. With the influx of domestic tourists in the area, Ate Cris thought it would be a good idea. My mother is a very good cook, so is she. Iyon ang job niya sa Dubai, chef.”
“That’s a great idea.” Richard said. “I haven’t been to San Nicolas, or Mindoro for that matter, pero I heard from friends na maganda raw sa inyo. Maybe, it is about time I go there. Baka sa semestral break, I can.”
“Really! Let me know if you will be in my area. I will tour you around if you want. Doris and I are also going there for semestral vacation. I missed my Nanay na.” Maya offered to Richard.
“Oh, I will, Maya. Thanks. Looking forward to that.” Richard was happy that Maya offered. Now, he has a chance to see where she grew up and be with her when they are not hurrying back and forth to school. “Paano pala iyong parttime job mo?”
“Okay naman. I’ll be finished with my contract by then. Sa second semester naman, I will apply na lang as a student assistant. I heard from one of my classmates who is an SA, that I can work as one in the library. I will try. It is much better than my fastfood job kasi at least I will be inside the campus and the hours are more regular.” Maya said, then she noticed that they are in the section of the bookstore she wants. “Dito na ako, Ricky. How about you?”
“Oh, I thought we can go around together? I will just buy the cookbook for Mama and the complete Sherlock Holmes book that I wanted to buy.” Richard said, looking at Maya with an expectant expresssion. “Marami ka bang bibilhin. Books also?”
Maya then remembered why she was going to the bookstore. She was going to looking for more ‘bodice ripper’ period romances she is addicted to! She suddenly got shy of telling Richard about it. “Errrr, can we just meet then. Baka mainip ka sa akin. Medyo matagal akong pumili.”
Richard sensed that Maya wanted to be alone and not comfortable with him tagging at her. Hmmm, I wonder why, he asked himself, mukhang okay naman kami kanina and she seemed relaxed in his presence. “Okay, but promise me, we will go home together. Don’t leave the bookstore without me ha!”
Maya smiled sweetly at Richard. “Sure. I promised, crossed my heart. I’ll look for you when I’m done.”
“Better I think if we exchange cellphone numbers.” Richard suggested. He was planning on asking Maya about her number anyway before they parted for the evening. “May I have yours?”
Maya recited the number to Richard. Richard encoded it in his phone. Then he rang Maya’s phone so she can save his number.
“Okay, I’ll see you then.” Richard said, putting back his phone in his jeans pocket.
“See you, later.I hope you will find a good present for your mother.” Maya said.
“You too, Maya. Whatever it is you want you to buy that you don’t want me to see.” Richard said teasingly, which made Maya turned crimson.
“Ikaw talaga, Ricky. Wala naman kaya. Just stuffs.” She said evasively.
“Really.” He teased.
“Really, really. Go na nga. See you later.” She then pushed Richard affectionately towards the direction of the cookbook section.
Maya and Richard shared a sweet smile before they finally parted inside the big bookstore. Maya went directly to the romances section, while Richard headed for the cookbooks. He found two good cookbooks for his mother, one is a coffee table book on the evolution and influences on the current Philippine cuisine and the other one, the latest cookbook by a well-known Philippine chef. Then he went to the Classics section and found his Sherlock Holmes, as well as two James Bond novels omnibus books.
Richard walked around a bit after paying for his purchase, then looked at his watch after a while. Hmmm, I wonder what’s taking Maya long, he mused. He decided to look for her. He went around, and saw her glued to the shelf which has….romance books, not just romance books. He saw him looking at books which is similar to what his sister Grace is reading these days, heroines clad in gowns with a bit of flesh showing, and handsome, ripped heroes holding the heroines! Aha, so that’s why!
Maya didn’t noticed him. She had three books in one hand, and can’t seem to decide whether to get a fourth and a fifth one. Then he saw her put longingly the three other books she was juggling back on the shelf, then chose two only. Richard gathered that she wanted to buy more but only was sticking to two, maybe because that was all she budgetet for. He disappeared into the next shelf before Maya saw him. When she left the section, he took the three books she returned, good thing there was no other person there or they might raised an eyebrow seeing a guy buying those books who are obviously targetted for women readers! He then went to a cash register at the other side of the bookstore so she will not see him.
“There you are, Maya.” Richard said as he sauntered towards Maya, carrying his two packages, when he saw her standing in the middle of the bookstore, holding her phone.
“Ricky! I was about to text you.” Maya said with a big smile. “Tapos ka na ba? I’m done na.”
“Yes. I’m kinda hungry. Can we eat first before we go home!” Richard suggested, and seeing Maya hesitating, he said, “Pretty please, I’m hungry.”
Maya smiled at him. He is really cute when he does that, she mused. How can she resists. She likes being with Richard. She enjoyed their car ride and now, it will be capped by dinner with him. “Sige na nga, halika na, baka hindi ka maka-drive pauwi sa gutom!” She teased.
Maya and Richard ended up in a cafe that serves comfort food. Richard asked Maya what she would like. Maya ordered white sauce pasta with mushroom and iced tea. Richard said he will have the same. While waiting for their food, they chatted nonstop. Maya found out that Richard is taking up aeronautical engineering. He wanted to design and build planes. He know how to fly one already. He said he learned while living in the US during his high school days. He wanted to start his own aeronautics company in the long term. Maya admired Richard and his goals. She also likes his sense of humor and his being down to earth, despite the fact that she sensed, he came from a rich ubpringing.
Richard learned more about Maya when they were enjoying their dinner, followed by desserts and more drinks. He admired her obvious intelligence and her desire to achieve her goals in life despite the odds. She is also a fun person to be with. He didn’t get bored and he likes the fact that her whole face lit up when she tells him stories and stuffs that she likes. She was also full of love when she speaks of her family and even her bestfriend Doris.
The two of them didn’t notice the passing of the time as they shared their life stories, likes and dislikes, dreams and whatever they can talk about. Maya was telling an amusing anecdote when she heard the sound of a closing roll-up door.
“Oh my, Ricky, I think the stores are closing.” She said, then looked around and noticed that they and another couple where the only customers in the cafe. While the cafe closes later than the main shops, Maya realized how late it was. “Maybe, we should get going. May classes pa tayo bukas.”
Richard also realized that he and Maya have been talking for hours! “Oh, okay!” He then called the waiter and asked for the bill. When it was brought to their table, Maya tried to get hold of it.
“Ooops, none of that, Miss Dela Rosa.” Richard said, grabbing the bill. “This is on me.”
“But Ricky, let me share, please!” She pleaded.
“Just say thank you, Maya. This is on me, really. I was the one who invited you to dinner.” He insisted. “You can treat me the next time.”
Maya realized that she will not win so she capitulated. “Okay, pero next time, ha. It will be on me na. Thank you Ricky!”
“You’re welcome, Maya.” Richard smiled at her happily, liking the ‘next time’ thing. Of course, he has no intention of letting Maya pay. He will pay for their next date! Date, he mused, yes it will be that! “Come let’s go.”
Richard dropped off Maya in front of her apartment less than an hour later. Instead of just waiting for her to get out, he got out himself and opened the door of the Beetle for her.
“Thank you for everything, Richard. I have a wonderful time.” Maya said, feeling very happy on how her afternoon and evening turned out to be. She felt like she was floating.
“I had a great time too, Maya. Until next time.” Richard said with his heartmelting lopsided smile. Then he remembered someting. “Wait.” He dove inside the car and got the smaller of his two packages and gave it to Maya. “For you.”
Maya was so surprised, she just stared at the package that has the logo of the bookstore that they have been to. “What is that, Ricky?”
“Hmmmm, just something I hope you will like.” He offered with a big smile. “Say, thank you again, Maya.”
“Ricky naman eh….” Maya protested.
“What is that? I can’t hear you.” Richard, cupping his hand on his right ear, pretended not to hear.
Maya gave up, then said shyly. “Thank you, Ricky, for this and everything.”
“That’s more like it. You are welcome, Maya. ” Richard said, grinning. “Sige, you go in na. Good night Maya.”
“Good night, Ricky.” Maya said smiling at Richard, then waving and started going in, stopped and looked back. She saw him by his car, waiting for her to go in. He waved and smile. She smiled back and then go into the house. After she closed the door, she leaned against it, with a big smile on her face. Good thing the house is quiet. Doris might have gone to bed by then.
Maya remembred the package Richard gave her, she opened it. Awww, she said to herself. Inside were the three books she wanted to buy, but can’t as she only had a budget for two books. Richard must have seen her debating over the books. She ought to get mad at him for doing this, but she can’t. She felt like her heart would burst from his thoughtfulness. She took out her phone and sent him a message.
Maya: Thank you for the books, Ricky, even if you spied on me. 🙂
Richard: Ha, I didn’t kaya. You were taking so long so I looked for you! Now I know why you didn’t want me to know what you will buy. [wink, wink, wink]
Maya: Hahahahaha, busted! :-0 Anyway, thank you for these. I’m touched.
Richard: Enjoy! But don’t stay up too late. We have school tomorrow. Good night. Sweet dreams! 🙂
Maya: Sweet dreams, Ricky.
Richard grinned after he put his phone done. He felt so happy. He studied that evening, very inspired. Looking forward to seeing Maya again. Maya was the same. Though, she had a hard time concentrating on the book she started reading after studying, imagining the hero to be Richard, and the heroine, her!
Note: Happy Sunday! ❤
On The Street Where You Live – Chapter 2
Posted by Antigone in Richard and Maya Fiction on April 9, 2015
Chapter 2
“Shall we get started?” Atty. Reyes asked, breaking into the world Richard and Maya were starting to get into when their gazes met – the past and all the unanswered questions it has. Reading their expressions, Atty. Reyes, a wise, old man, can see that there is a wealth of a past between these two. He felt, though, that it is a very private thing between Maya and Richard. It was not the time or the place for it. But he was wishing then that they will be able to bridge the past and the present soon as he can see the palpable vibes between the two. Observing and experiencing the best and the worst of human nature and actions most of your life, you tend to get to read situations and people better.
“Errr, yes Uncle Rafa,” Richard shook his head and pulled himself out of the brink of a complicated past that was pulling him in. He does not want to go there yet. He hoped his voice sounded steady and confident, for he is not. He is still trying to regain his equilibrium and composure which turned topsy-turvy upon seeing Maya again after all these years. But alas, his and Maya’s ‘reunion’ has to be conducted in private and not in front of the curious eyes of the other people in the room no matter how well he knows them.
The four of them filed into the conference room of RRMA, with Uncle Rafa in the lead, followed by Ryan, then Maya who walked so gracefully. She does not seemed to be as affected as him in their unexpected meeting. While he was a mass of nerves. He was having a hard time concentrating on the agenda at hand, on why he requested this meeting. Out of habit, he pulled a seat for Maya, just like the used to when they go on ‘dates’.
Maya looked at him, surprised at his action, this after all is a business meeting and not a social one. There was something in her eyes, before she managed to conceal it that told Richard that she was as affected and as rattled by this very unexpected meeting.
“Thank you, Mr. Lim,” Maya said softly, powering up her iPad after she sat down.
“You are welcome, Atty. Dela Rosa.” He replied, gazing at her intently. Then, instead of sitting beside Ryan Molina, Richard took the seat beside Maya, making her very conscious of him, the perfume he wore, his distinct manly smell, and the nearness of him.
Richard cleared his throat, took a deep breath and try to concentrate on the meeting that he requested from RRMA. Who would have thought that this day would turn extraordinary! When he left his place that morning, and a taciturn Abby, he thought he would just go to a run-of-the-mill meeting with his lawyers. He need to pull himself together or else, Ryan and his Uncle Rafa will be full of questions. As it is, he felt that his Uncle Rafa has a very clear reading of the situation already.
“Well, Uncle Rafa, Brod, Maya, errr Atty. Dela Rosa….” He started.
“Brod, Maya na lang kaya. Di ba okay lang Maya, since magkakilala naman kayo. Masyado namang formal iyang Atty. Dela Rosa. Tayo-tayo lang naman.” Ryan suggested, seeing that Richard is getting flustered by Maya’s presence. Richard has always been the king of composure and seriousness. He really needs to invite his Brod to drink and get the whole story out of him. Come to think of it, parang may naaalala siya. Was Maya the same girl Richard told him years ago? Parang siya nga. He tried to recall where Maya studied for her undergraduate degree and managed to connect the dots. Pupusta siya na si Maya nga iyon.
“Well, errr, yes Mr. Lim. Maya na lang please.” Maya said, getting self-conscious, not wanting the attention of her bosses on her and Richard. Who would have thought that her first day as a lawyer would be more personal than professional! Her heart is getting overworked with Richard’s nearness. After all these years, naman, may poor heart, sa kanya ka pa rin ba tumitibok, she mused!
“Well, then, please call me Ricky. Like I have requested you to do the first time we met.” Richard said, gazing at Maya, at the same time, smiling as he was remembering that meeting. That finally, they met at that fastfood place, after weeks of watching out for her every time he was at home and when he knew she might pass by. He had an idea of her class schedules so he knew when she would possibly pass by from her classes in the university. Usually, he passed by her place when he goes to school, but on the way from school, his house is first so Maya passed that way on the way home.
“Oh, if it is okay, I will call you Richard, since this is a business setting.” Maya replied, thinking that calling him Ricky is just too personal, too intimate, and too many memories associated with it.
Richard nodded, understanding and letting Maya off the hook, this time. “Okay,” he said simply. Then he went back to what he was about to say.
“Uncle Rafa, Brod, and Maya, I asked for the meeting as I need RRMA to handle several contract negotiations LAS is making with several airlines who are getting our services for their maintenance as well as a host of other legal work. Iyong iba naman minor lang. So far, I’m in negotiations with Time Airways, Seafare Airlines, and San Nicolas Air. Aside from that, there are also the contracts to be drafted for our suppliers, employees and other legal stuffs.”
Maya was surprised that he has that many clients already, considering that he just started his operations here. She needed to research more on Richard, err, LAS if she will be permanently assigned to his account.
“That’s not a problem, Richard, I will assigned Ryan, and also Maya to your account. They can draft all the contracts, review them, the works and everything else you need RRMA to do.”
He paused, then continued. “How about Maya going to LAS twice a week on a regular basis so you have a lawyer at hand, say mornings, then she will be reporting to Ryan on your legal requirements every afternoon. Then if there is some complicated negotiations that has to be done, Ryan can also join in the meetings. Di ba, you told me that you will not be getting in house lawyers for your company and is just getting us as your regular counsel and you do need a lawyer to handle the regular stuffs. Maya here was a business journalist before she became a lawyer so I think she is more than capable of handling your regular day to day requirements.”
Richard was surprised at Attorney Reyes’s unusual offer. His heart skipped a beat when realized that it would mean seeing Maya on a regular basis. But his father’s friend’s offer would work as he needs a lot of legal work at this stage of LAS’s operations. Ryan is okay but he knows he handle a lot of cases for the firm and some of his requirements are just the usual legal stuffs. He did not like Ryan’s other associate before, Fred. He seemed unable to concentrate on the job. He never doubted for instance Maya’s abilities as he had known her to be a beauty and brains girl in the months they were going out on ‘dates’.
“That would be great, Uncle Rafa! Thank you.” Richard said, then he looked at Maya and see how she is taking all of these, knowing that this is her first day on the job. She seemed so concentrated on the notes she was typing on her iPad. Then, she looked up.
“Thank you for the vote of confidence, Sir, Atty. Molina. I will do my very best.” Maya said. She was surprised that Atty. Reyes would trust her this much at the early onset of her career. It is not an opportunity she thinks a new junior associate gets. “Richard, I will do my best for your company.”
“You can do it, Maya.” Ryan added. “Besides, I will be there with you also kahit most of the time, ikaw lang ang pupunta sa LAS. Brod here, needed an in house one, sort of, early in the operation of LAS here. You can draft and review employees, suppliers contracts and others when you are there, instead of Richard sending it here. The other cases that you will handle outside of LAS, you can do in the afternoons and let’s see, how else we can fit it in. For now, prirority mo muna ang requirements ni Richard.
“Okay, we are agreed.” Atty. Reyes said. “Richard, is there anything else you want to put on the table. I heard you need to be somewhere this afternoon.”
“That’s about it Uncle Rafa. I should get going soon. Abby has a piano recital. I enrolled her in a music class this summer. Her therapist suggested it.” Richard said. “Thank you, also to you Ryan and Maya, for accommodating me this morning.”
Richard stood up, and that was also Maya’s and the rest of the party’s cue to to do. Richard shook Atty. Reyes and Molina’s hands, but when it came to Maya, much to her surprised, he gave her a beso. While it was a perfectly harmless social gesture in most cases, her heart skipped a beat at the gesture. Maya stop it, heart stop, stop that, she muttered. He is married! May anak nga na may recital di ba, she told herself.
“Maya, it’s nice to see you again. I’ll see you at LAS, tomorrow?” Richard said. He is looking forward to that. Maybe that is a better time to catch up than in this meeting. Besides, he needed to run soon or else, he would be late for Abby’s recital.
“Nice to see you too, Ricky. I’ll be there bright and early.” Maya gave Richard a smile, that sort of reminded him of her first smile to him. She also unconsciously used Richard’s nickname which made him feel happy.
Richard and Maya ended up walking together out of the conference room as Atty. Reyes and Atty. Ryan got carried away discussing one of the cases the firm is handling for a big client.
“Maya, may I have your mobile phone number?” Richard asked suddenly, then added hastily, “Para madali kita makontak kung may kailangan ang LAS.”
“Oh sure, Ricky! I can give you my personal number muna. I haven’t been issued a mobile phone by RRMA. Lindsay said I will get it tomorrow.” Maya recited her personal number to Richard, which he typed directly into his phone book. Then he pressed the call button.
“Got it and that’s my number! Thanks a lot, Maya.” He then gave Maya a lopsided smile, his lopsided smile which made her young heart aflutter every time he did ages ago. “By the way, would you like to….”
Before Richard can ask Maya what he was supposed to ask her of, someone called her name, a tall, good looking guy coming from the direction of the offices.
“Maya!” James walked briskly towards Maya. “You are done na with your meeting. Lindsay said your meeting was moved to this morning. Tamang-tama, lunch na.” Then he noticed Richard looking at him. “Oh hello, Mr. Lim. I’m Atty. James Ventura, a friend of Maya’s. Sorry for barging in! Maya and I will have lunch kasi.”
Huh, Maya thought to herself. My friend! Kanina nga ko lang siya nakilala!
“Hello! Richard Lim!” Richard said politely, and because he can’t resist it added, “I’m an old friend of Maya.” He saw James surprised expression. Guess, he was not expecting that, huh!
Richard had seen James before in RRMA, but was never introduced to him, nor was he assigned to him previously as he thinks he is handling criminal cases for the firm. He is also wondering how he became friends with Maya, when as he gathered Maya just started today with Uncle Rafa’s firm. But maybe, they have known each other in school or through her previous work. Nevertheless, a part of him dislike and bristles, at the fact that James is taking a proprietorial attitude towards Maya. Richard never thought he had it in him to act like that!
“Really, small world!” James remarked, then added whether innocently or not, Maya nor Richard can’t ascertain, “Parang kanina wala ka namang nabanggit Maya na kilala mo pala ang client natin and LAS owner.”
“Oh, I didn’t realize that the Lim you mentioned is Richard. I did wonder when I heard the last name but there are a lot of Lims in the country.” Maya said guilelessly, not realizing what she had admitted, that Richard is still in her thoughts after all these years. Richard felt doubly happy.
Richard, for some reasons, took an instant dislike on James so he added, “Maya and I were friends and neighbors in Mirasol Street, the street leading to the Philippine University of the Sciences and the Arts front gate.”
“Oh!” James managed to say. Now he is the one wondering what sort of past Richard and Maya have.
“Maya, I will get going. I need to pick up my daughter for her recital. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Richard said, then added with a polite nod, “James!”
Unbeknown to Richard, he left Maya wondering about his marital status. There is a part of her that felt sad that he is taken already. But it had been a lot of years, and it is bound to happen. He is handsome, a fun person to be with, a gentleman and sweet. He had what she was looking, and still looking for until now, in a guy, but unable to find. There is still a part of her that needs closure about a love that was not realized. She has so many unanswered questions.
“Maya shall we get going.” James cut into Maya’s thoughts.
She just nodded absently to James. Her mind was still full of Richard. She let him escorted her to the waiting elevator.
“Magkakilala ba iyang si James and Maya, Uncle Rafa.” Ryan asked, his gaze at Maya and James departing figures.
“No I don’t think so.” Uncle Rafa said, his brows knitted, then added, “But on the other hand, they might kasi they went to the same law school. Or baka naman it is James, being James, very friendly. Why do you ask?”
“Just wondering. Hayun kasama na si Maya na mag-lunch. As usual, parang may heat seeking missile yata iyang si Panyero pagdating sa beautiful ladies.” He remarked. “Idagdag pa diyan ang Brod ko, hindi maalis ang tingin kay Maya kanina.”
“Ikaw talaga, Ryan, walang nakakaligtas sa iyo.” Atty. Reyes laughed, then added, “Don’t worry about Maya, she seems like a sensible, level headed girl.”
“Sabagay.” Ryan said, then shrugged off. “Let’s have lunch.” The two of them went up to the top floor of the building where the law office has a small restaurant. Sometimes, this is where they meet ther clients.
On the way to the service apartment where he and Abby are currently staying with his old nanny Manang Fe, Richard’s thought was still on Maya. He is wondering if she is still single or unattached. She is not wearing a ring and she just finished law school. But even if she is not married by this time, she must have a boyfriend. She is beautiful and very intelligent to booth. When he knew her, she was also the most open, the sweetest, and the kindest and the most fun person he knew. Masikap rin sa buhay, juggling her studies and work. Walang arte, unlike some of the girls on campus who were not shy in letting him know how interested they were on him. Of all the things and events from his past, the times he spent with Maya were the best memories he stored in his “memory bank’. Now, he and Maya, they came full circle, and he is very much looking forward to finding out where they will go next. He hope it would be in the direction, he is thinking, despite Abby’s presence now in his life.
Time to bridge the past and the present. With that thought, Richard felt very happy and there is is feeling of anticipation in his heart, feelings and emotion he has not felt since his wife Alexandra died.
Windblown – Chapter 18
Posted by Antigone in Richard and Maya Fiction on April 8, 2015
Blessings
“Sweetheart naman, good night na, really, really!” Maya whispered lovingly, giving in to another smouldering kiss from Richard that left her catching her breath. They have been trying to say good night for the past several minutes. But both of them were very reluctant to part for the night as it will be the first night since they have been to Mindoro that they will be sleeping in different places, and the first night they will be sleeping on different beds.
“Okay, okay, I’m going. I’ll you see tomorrow for our dinner with my parents.” Richard stole another kiss, then grinned naughtily. “I need something to tide me over, until tomorrow.”
“Sweetheart, ikaw talaga. Humirit pa!“ Maya pinched Richard’s cheek lovingly. “I’ll see you tomorrow. Sweet dreams.”
Richard gave in and with a wave of his hand, left Maya’s condominium unit to go back to his own. He has not been home for a week now. He was reluctant to go home as he just wanted to stay in Maya’s place. He wanted to be with Maya, always. Soon, it will happen, he sighed. He just needed to be patient pa. Three months na lang, and he and Maya can be together under one roof for the rest of their lives.
Maya was already missing Richard too, even before the door fully closed on his departing figure. She is used to being with him everyday, especially when she wakes up cuddled up in his arms. For sure, it would be difficult to sleep without him by her side this evening. She sat on the sofa, and sighed, remembering their wonderful vacation. It was just a week, and so many wonderful things have happened. She looked at her beautiful ring and smiled. She remembered Richard’s unforgettable proposal dreamily and their night together after that. She blushed a bit, remembering them coming together as one, and the fireworks they created in the privacy of the bungalow as they welcome the new year.
If Maya will be asked what would have been the most perfect new year’s day celebration for her, she would say that it was the one she spent with Richard two days before. She and Richard just lazed around the bungalow, ate brunch, took a nap after, made love when they woke up as they couldn’t get enough of each other and this overwhelming passion for each other, then when the sun was not so hot, they spent the rest of the day in the beach, swimming and lazing around in each other’s arms as they watched the sun set, then later, the stars. After dinner, they retired early, not to sleep but to be with each other again, finding out more what pleasures the other. They slept in each other’s arms, naked and sated.
The following day, the last day of their vacation, Maya told Richard she had a special treat for husband-to-be. She told him they will stay somewhere for the night. She also packed their bags so that they don’t have to do it the following day. Maya took Richard to her family’s ancestral home which she had asked Mang Larry to open for their stay. She wanted to give Richard a special treat too after the many wonderful treats he had prepared for her. She wanted to pamper her fiance too.
Richard loved the architecture of the Dela Paz’s house. When Maya mentioned that it needed to be restored, Richard told her he has a friend from university who is into restoration work, especially ancestral homes. They spent the rest of the day exploring more of San Nicolas. It was capped with a dinner at the San Nicolas Golf and Country Club where they met of all people, Rebecca Bermudez, and her family! The elegant older lady was very happy to know, got very teary-eyed in fact, when she found out that Richard and Maya are together and that their incredible love story started the night of the pageant she organized seven years ago.
Richard and Maya spent the night in Maya’s old room in the ancestral home which Manang Vilma and Sabel cleaned to perfection. Maya felt very happy to be sharing that special place with Richard that night.
The following day, it was time to go back to Manila. James and Andy arrived at ten o’clock that morning to pick them up. However, they had to wait 30 minutes more before Maya and Richard made it to the helipad, running. James, seeing Maya’s ring, offered his congratulations. He told them, now he knows what he was carrying several days ago and why! Andy also offered his congratulations. James even teased them that they were forgiven for being late for the pick up.
Maya and Richard thought it was a good thing they packed their bags before heading to San Nicolas, otherwise, they would be very much late from the agreed pick up time, as they overslept. They didn’t exactly go to sleep promptly when they retired to Maya’s antique bed. They made love several times throughout the night, their passion for each other getting more intense.
When Richard saw Maya looking longingly at the place they were leaving behind, when the chopper was taking off, he promised her that they will be back there as soon as possible. Mindoro has became the most special place for both of them. It holds most of their milestones and moments as a couple.
James and Andy let them off again at Lim Corporation’s helipad. Instead of going off on their separate ways when they arrived back in Makati, they went straight to the Francisco’s residence. Maya called her Tita Lulu when they were driving back to Makati from Eastwood and found out that both her and her Tito Mario are home, In fact, the whole family was about to have lunch, and that included her Ate Cris, Kuya Jeff, Cho, Lino and Lindsay! Lulu invited them to join if they are not too tired from the trip. Maya took that as an opportunity to tell everyone hers and Richard’s good news. Everyone was elated at their news, especially her Tita Lulu who cried. She promptly told Maya that it was tears of happiness, and that her Mamang would have been happy for her too. Maya and Richard told the family that the wedding is in three months time, prompting a ribbing and a teasing from Jeff and Lino about the paspasan na wedding. The newly-engaged couple just looked at them and grinned happily.
Realizing that the wedding is quite near, and with Maya, just about to start a new job, Lulu offered to help with the preparations, so did Lindsay. Maya thanked them gratefully. With her Tita Lulu, Lindsay, even her Ate Cris and Richard’s mom, she is sure she will have the best support in preparing for hers and Richard’s dream wedding.
Richard and Maya stayed at the Franciscos not only for lunch, but until dinner earlier as the day became a party of sorts, for their engagement. Tito Mario took out his whiskey, and the guys have a round of drinks in the veranda, while the ladies on the other hand, made food and chatted about the upcoming wedding. Lulu, Lindsay, and Maya had wines, while Cris and Cho had juice. It was only an hour ago that Richard and Maya left the Franciscos to go home to their places. As it was, it was difficult for them to say good night to each other and sleep in different places after being together as close as too people could be.
Maya sighed happily, hugged the throw pillow she kept there, and the same time missing Richard. She took comfort in the fact that they will see each other the following day. She was about to get up and go to shower when her phone beeped. She fished it out of the bag she dropped at the entranceway, very distracted by Richard’s kisses. She checked the message. The text was from Richard.
Ricky: Sleeping now, Sweetheart?
Maya: Not yet. I was about to go to bath.
Ricky: Good. I’ll join you! 🙂
Before she can ask how, there was a knock on the door. Maya knows who it is. She opened the door with a smile. She found a sheepish Richard leaning against the wall beside the door, with a bag in hand, still wearing the same clothes he wore earlier.
“I missed you very much. My place is so lonesome. Can I stay here with you, super please?” Richard asked with a loving, beguiling expression. “I don’t think I will be able to sleep without you by my side.”
“Ricky, ikaw talaga.” Maya said lovingly, but nevertheless, very happy that she will not be spending the night without Richard beside her. “Come in.”
“Thank you, Sweetheart.” Richard said happily, giving Maya a searing kiss. Then whispered naughtily, ‘Now about that bath, let’s go.”
Maya giggled, but led Richard to her bedroom. However, it was an hour after that before they made it to bath and two more hours before they succumbed to a very restful sleep, bodies sated, and intertwined. They both woke in the wee hours of the morning, smiled sleepily at each other, then the awareness again. Richard lowered his lips to Maya and it started another fire between them that needed to be doused.
“Rise and shine, sleepyhead.” Richard rained little kisses on Maya’s face as he tried to wake her up the following morning.
“Rickyyyy, I want to sleep some more.” Maya protested sleepily, then burrowed deep into the warm of Richard’s chest.
“But, Sweetheart, hindi ka ba pa gutom, it is almost noon!” Richard remarked, caressing Maya’s near the underside of her breast, as if his hand has a mind of its own. “Come, I have ordered lunch.”
Richard woke up more than an hour ago as his stomach was already protesting. He didn’t have the heart to wake up Maya who was sleeping so peacefully beside him. He decided to order food as he knew that Maya’s pantry is empty. Then he took a shower. The food arrived 10 minutes ago so he decided to wake Maya up. She also mentioned last night that she wanted to run errands before they go to his parents house. At first he tried calling her name, but she didn’t wake up. Instead, she seemed to have been looking for him in bed the way her hand groped sleepily where he had lain down. It touched his heart very much seeing this. He laid down beside her again and gave her little kisses to wake her up slowly and because he can’t help it.
“Ha, tanghali na!” Maya suddenly sat up. “I slept a long time. Bakit hindi mo ako ginising kaagad.”
Richard grinned. “Sweetheart, kanina pa kita ginigising. Masyado ba kitang pinagod,” Richard added naughtily. And that earned him a loving pinch from his beautiful, sleep-tousled fiancee.
“Ricky, ikaw, ha, ang aga-aga pa.” Maya said with a big smile. “Halika na nga, bangon na tayo. Suddenly, I feel hungry. I will just make myself presentable.”
“Maganda ka na. You are the most beautiful girl in the world kahit bagong gising.” Richard teasead her lovingly. Then he too, got out of the bed, gave Maya a quick kiss. “Okay, do what you have to do. I’ll just wait for you in the dining room.”
Fifteen minutes or so later, and after a quick shower, Maya sought Richard and found him sitting on the dining table, drinking a cup of coffee. Before him, were mouthwatering Chinese food of all sorts. “Wow, a feast! Lalo akong ginutom. Thank you very much for this, Sweetheart. You are the best!”
Richard stood up and seated Maya. “I hope you will like the food. Coffee, Sweetheart?”
“Yes please.” Maya said as she started serving Richard yang chow fried rice, hakaw, siomai, broccoli with garlic, and salt and pepper spare ribs. “Enough na ba ang mga ito, Sweetheart?”
“Sobra na, Sweetheart. Thank you. Here’s your coffee. Sorry, hindi iyan kasing sarap ng timpla mo.” Richard sat down on Maya’s left.
“Thank you, Ricky! Okay naman ah. Kasing sarap na rin ng sa akin kasi with love ito.” Maya said with a smile.
Maya and Richard looked at each other and smiled happily. They proceeded to enjoy their hearty lunch. After they have put away the left overs, they got ready for their trip to the nearby shops and the supermarket to replenish Maya’s pantry. They returned to Maya’s condo two hours after. Since they had time, they just rested on the sofa, watching Maya’s favorite old films while driving themselves crazy with little touches here and there. When they can’t take it anymore, Richard carried Maya to the bedroom and they passed the rest of the afternoon delightfully.
Richard parked his BMW in the driveway of a beautiful and huge mansion at a corner lot inside La Vista, three hours later. Maya felt a bit nervous meeting Richard’s mother, though she seemed very nice when she interviewed her. More so, in meeting Roberto Lim, whom according to Richard does not know yet that they are engaged. He asked him mother to keep it between them as he wanted to tell his Papa himself about it.
Richard opened the passenger door and assisted Maya out of the car by offering his hand. “Don’t be nervous, Sweetheart.” Richard assured Maya noticing how cold Maya’s hand is. “They will love you. Mama does already. I’m sure, Papa will be the same.”
“Okay.” Maya said, putting her other hand on top of Richard’s and smiling at her. “Halika na.”
“Maya welcome to our house!” Donya Esmeralda greeted Maya warmly as soon as the door opened. She was waiting for them by the living room. “Ricky son, so nice to see you. Thank you for bringing Maya here, finally. Congratulations to the both of you.”
“Congratulations, on what or why?” Don Roberto asked, upon hearing his wife’s statement. He walked towards them from the direction of his study. “You must be, Maya. Welcome to our house, hija. Finally, nakilala ka rin namin.” He said with a friendly smile to Maya.
“I’m please to meet you po, Mr. Lim, Mrs. Lim.” Maya said, unsure of whether to make beso or shake their hands. However, Donya Esmeralda made the decision for her. She went to Maya, kissed her on the cheek and hugged her. Don Roberto did the same.
“Thank you for inviting me to your home.” Maya said, a bit overwhelmed at Richard’s parents warm welcome to her.
“Naku, nga pala Maya hija, please call me Mama, and ito namang si Roberto, Papa.” Donya Esmeralda said, then looked at her husband. “Roberto, about that congratulations thing, may wonderful news sa iyo ang mga bata. Ricky, ikaw na nga ang magsabi sa Papa mo, tutal iyan ang request mo.”
Richard took hold of Maya’s hand and intertwined it with his. “Papa, Maya and I are getting married in three months. She agreed to be my wife while we were in Mindoro. I told Mama, ako na lang ang magsasabi sa iyo.” He told his father while looking at his fiancee with all the love he is feeling.
Don Roberto looked at his son, then at his fiancee. He was startled when Richard mentioned that they are getting married already! He thought they were just in the initial stage of being boyfriend and girlfriend, based on what his wife has told him. But he know his son, they may butt heads in business, but he is not the type to rush into something he is not sure of. Besides, from where he was standing, he can see how much his son loves Maya and she is the same, judging by the way she was looking at him and supporting him while he tells him about their engagement.
“Indeed, congratulations to both of you! Welcome to our family, Maya.” Don Roberto said with a big smile. “Son, I’m happy for you. Sa wakas, magkakaapo na rin kami nitong Mama mo.”
Richard breathed easily with that. So far, so good with his and Maya’s road to forever. “Thank you very much, Papa. About the apo, Maya and I need to work doubly hard for that pa.” He said teasingly.
Maya blushed a bit. “Donya…errr, Mama, Papa, thank you very much po, especially sa pagtanggap.”
“Maya hija, this maybe the first time we met you, but I know how much my son loves you. Saka, base sa kwento sa amin ni Ricky, swerte nga siya sa iyo.” Donya Esmeralda said.
“I agree with Esme, Maya.” Don Roberto assured Maya. “Saka, sa tinagal-tagal pumili nitong anak ko ng makakatuwang niya sa buhay, I’m sure, he picked the best girl for him and the one he would love for life. Di ba, Ricky.”
“Yes Papa. Like I have told you before. I will just get married to the girl I will love very much and can’t live without.” Richard said, with Maya’s image entering his consciousness when he was telling his father about it, years ago.
“Naku, teka, bakit ba nandito tayo. Let’s go na nga sa kumedor at let’s have our dinner. Doon na lang tayo magkwentuhan.” Donya Esmeralda said. “Roberto, halika na.”
“See, I told you, everything will be okay, Sweetheart.” Richard whispered to Maya as he accompanied her to the dining room. “I love you. I’m so happy.”
“I love you too, Sweetheart. Walang pagsidlan. I’m happy that we have your parents’ blessings too.” Maya said, looking at Richard lovingly and with a big smile.
Maya and the Lims had a wonderful dinner. Partly, it was them getting to know Maya more as they ate the wonderful food prepared by the Lim’s cook, Sabel, and also celebrating Maya and Richard’s engagement. From their vacation in Mindoro, with Maya and Richard telling the Lims about the trip they took around San Nicolas, to their stay in the resort and the ancestral home of Maya’s family, the discussion shifted to the preparations for the wedding, with Donya Esmeralda offering to help like Tita Lulu did. Maya mentioned that her aunt also offered to help, also her cousin-in-law, Lindsay.
“Maybe, the four of us can have lunch soon, so we can discuss the preparations.” Donya Esmeralda suggested.
“Sure po. I’m sure, Tita Lulu would like to meet you also.” Maya replied.
“I have a better idea,” Don Roberto said. “Maybe it’s better if our families meet over dinner, para magkakilala na rin tayo ng husto. Parang, sort of, pamamahikan nitong si Ricky.” He suggested.
“Brilliant idea, Roberto.” Donya Esmeralda seconded happily. “Isn’t it Maya? Can you please ask your aunt and uncle if they are free next Saturday. We can meet at the Polo Club.”
“Sige po, I will ask them tomorrow.” Maya said. She also likes the idea of the two families meeting each other and getting to know each other. Richard felt the same.
Maya and Richard stayed with the elder Lims until past 10 o’clock in the evening, just chatting and having a wonderful time. As the evening wore on, Don Roberto got more than convinced that his son has found his lifelong mate. Whatever tiny misgiving he had at the start of the evening was gone. He likes Maya a lot. Earlier, he must admit, he had a bit of misgiving due to the shortness of their courtship, but he realized that his son made the right decision. He is looking forward to gaining a daughter and some grandchildren soon. Donya Esmerald was feeling very happy, looking at her son and Maya. It reminded her of the time she and Roberto fell in love and was about to get married. Her son chose well. She is glad to finally have a daughter.
“O paano, Ma, Pa, magpapaalam na po kami ni Maya.” Richard said after their last round of coffee and dessert. “May pasok na pala tayong lahat tomorrow.”
“Oo nga, but we can take it easy naman, son. Start pa lang ulit ng office, and we own the company after all.” Donya Esmeralda teased. “Maya, I’ll see you at the office tomorrow. Thank you for coming to dinner. Hwag mong kalimutan ang dinner invitation to your family, and a lunch out, with us ladies lang.”
“Yes po, Mama. I will remember. Thank you for having me. Papa, magpapaalam na po kami ni Ricky.” Maya said as she hugged Richard’s parents one after the other.
“O sige, mag-ingat kayo. By the way, if there will be a ladies lunch out, maybe I can invite your Tito Mario na mag-golf.” Don Roberto said.
“Sure po, he will like that.” Maya replied, smiling.
“Pa, Ma, aalis na kami. See you po sa office.” Richard gave his parents a hug and a kiss.
More than an hour later, Richard and Maya were inside Maya’s condo. They went there by default. There was no question now of Richard going home to his place.
“Ricky, paano pala ang office clothes mo? Did you bring those too?” Maya remembered when they were about to sleep.
“Hmmm, I’ll just go to my place tomorrow morning while you are getting ready for work.” Richard said as he reclined against the headboard. “Kayang-kaya ko iyon.”
“Ikaw, okay lang ba. Di mo naman ako kailangang samahan. Baka kailangan ka ng mas maaga sa work.” Maya said.
“I want to take you to work my Mrs. Lim-to-be. First day mo yata. Siyempre dapat full support ako sa iyo.” Richard said. “Halika na tulog na tayo. Enough of talk about work.” He then reeled Maya towards him, then started planting little kisses on her face, then her neck.
“Hmmm, parang hindi naman tulog ang nasa isip mo ngayon.” Maya said teasingly, liking what Richard is doing.
Richard grinned naughtily, gazing at Maya heatedly, then he shut Maya’s half-hearted protest with a searing kiss as he dimmed the lights with his other hand. It was after midnight when they finally managed to sleep.
“I love you my wife-to-be.” Richard whispered before sleep claim them.
“I love you too, my husband-to-be.” Maya replied as she settled in into the crook of Richard’s left arm.
Unexpected Love – Chapter 14
Chapter 14
“Good morning!” Ethan greeted Pippa with a big smile when he felt her moving from where they ended up together the morning after, in the middle of her bed, just like the last time they shared a bed together. During the course of the night, they just gravitated towards each other again as if there is an invisible magnet pulling them towards each other. Pippa’s head was pillowed on Ethan’s chest and his arms around her.
Pippa smiled, moving a little sideways and looked at Ethan’s smiling, cheerful and so handsome face with a bit of stubble on! “Good morning, Ethan! Did you sleep well?”
“Of course, with you beside me, I slept like a babe!” Ethan grinned, his whole face lighting up. Waking with Pippa by his side, like this, is really the best feeling in the world. “How about you? How are you this morning?”
“I’m good, the best ever. Thank you for taking good care of me.” Pippa replied, then moved to give Ethan a hug. He is the best guy in the world. When they went to bed last night, what had happened when they got home settled in into her system, and her arms just went numbed from the delayed reaction to the ugly scene with Martin. Ethan just held her tight, whispering soothing words to her, caressing her hair gently until she fell asleep in his arms.
“For you, Pippa, anything! You don’t know how much you have comforted me when I had that nightmare. I was glad I was here to comfort you too last night.” Ethan caressed Pippa’s face gently and lovingly with his knuckles as they shared a gaze that spoke volumes, understanding and speaking to each other even without words. Soon after, the caress was replace by something else, something more basic, and yet deeper and more meaningful.
“Pippa,” Ethan whispered as he lowered his mouth to hers. Pippa tilted her head a bit to receive Ethan’s kiss. Their lips met and locked into a smouldering kiss. It went on like forever, so lost they were with what they were feeling at that moment. Ethan found himself caressing Pippa and she was doing the same, caressing his back, his arms, his face, nape and everything she could touch as she tried not to drown in the sensation Ethan’s kisses was evoking in her whole being.
“Pippa, my darling!” Ethan muttered, fighting of the passion which was consuming them, and leading them to the point of no return. “Darling, I think we need to stop, while I still can, while we still can.” He managed to say in between catching his breath and controlling his body’s reaction to Pippa’s touch and kisses.
Pippa at first, just looked dazedly at Ethan with her lips swollen from the kisses they have shared, not comprehending fully what he was trying to say, then the sudden realization. “Oh,” she managed to say and then blushed, burying her face on Ethan’s broad chest.
Ethan cupped Pippa’s face, looking deeply into her eyes. “Pippa, I want you. I want to make love to you,” he said very straightforward. “But I want you to want it too. I want you to be sure, and not because of the heat of the moment or the circumstances we found ourselves in. I know it would be something beautiful between us, but it has to happen at the right moment, at the right time, and most important of all, when you are ready.”
Pippa completely understood what Ethan meant. She nodded. She loves him the more for this, so unlike Martin! Then she realized what she had just said in her head. She loves Ethan, with all of her! Her heart started beating fast and suddenly, she can’t breath with the sudden rush of emotion and with her realization. She never felt like this before. Her mom is right. You just know! She tried to calm herself. “I understand, Ethan. Thank you. I’m so lucky to have you in my life.”
Pippa and Ethan shared a smile, a look and both of them felt at that instance that they crossed into a deeper level of their relationship.
“Halika, let’s get up na. I’ll cook you breakfast.” Pippa said after a while, then tried to leave the bed.
“Hmmmm, mamaya na lang please!” Ethan held Pippa’s arm to stop her and reeled her back to the bed. “Maaga pa naman. I want to stay in bed with you pa.”
“Mr. Bowman, sure ka ba diyan? Sabi mo nga, we needed to stop, tapos heto, we will spend more time pa in bed. Temptation, you know!” Pippa teased him, at the same time, finding the best space in the bed, in his arms.
“Hmmmm, I’m that hard to resist, huh.” Ethan said with a big smile, teasing Pippa with an exaggerated pose.
“Swell head, hahahaha. You looked like Gaston in Beauty and the Beast witht that pose! Strutting like a peacock and flexing his muscles to Belle!”
Ethan and Pippa shared a big laugh, then looked at each other again, then cuddled while they talked about their plans for the rest of the day. They only got up when Pippa heard Ethan’s tummy grumbling.
“Halika na kasi. Hayan, you are hungry na. I’ll make you brunch.” Pippa dragged herself out of the bed. “Bathroom lang ako.”
“Okay, Darling Pip, you are the boss.” Ethan sighed, stretched his arms, then got out of the bed too. “I’ll make coffee. Mauna na ako sa kitchen mo. Sige na, do what you need to do, I’ll just figure out where everything is.”
When Pippa emerged from her room several minutes later, Ethan had coffee brewing. He did manage to find everything. He even took out the cold cuts, bread and jam she bought yesterday.
“I’ll just be a second, Pippa. I need to use the loo.” Ethan said.
Several minutes after, he was back too, then they had a cozy breakfast, or brunch for that matter.
“So, Manila it is for us today.” Pippa said as she buttered her third slice of bread for the morning. She didn’t realize how hungry she was until she had taken the first bite of the sandwich Ethan made for her.
“Yes, we can just drive around and then see what strikes our fancy. Would that be okay, for you to drive me around? I can relieve you, but maybe better if you do it please as I might get us hopelessly lost.” Ethan said with a grin.
“Oh, I don’t mind driving.” Pippa replied. “I’m happy to do it.”
Pippa and Ethan tidied up the kitchen together, then went to their respective rooms to get ready for their Saturday afternoon playing tourists in the city.
Pippa emerged from her room wearing shorts that showed off her long legs, a sleeveless top, a small bag slung across her chest and her most comfortable pair of ballet flats. Ethan admired the casual look she projects from the doorway of his room. “She is really the loveliest girl, inside out.” he mused.
Pippa chose that moment to look at Ethan and gave him a smile that lit up her whole face. Ethan at that moment realized how much he love this wonderful and lovely girl who got into his heart unexpectedly but wonderfully so. His heart skipped a beat and he felt he can’t breath from the rush of love he was feeling at that moment for Pippa. It felt so overwhelming and alien to him. It was way beyond the feelings he thought he had for Claudia. The truth is, he never felt like this before.
“Let’s go.” Pippa said, breaking into Ethan’s bemused expression. He smiled at her and her heart jumped. He looks so handsome in the shorts, t-shirt, and sneakers he put on that afternoon. He was looking at her strangely, wonderfully so. “Ethan,” she called his attention again. “Earth to Ethan!”
“Oh, okay, let’s go Pip.” Ethan said, taking hold of Pippa’s hand and intertwining it with his.
“Hmmm, you just went off. Is something the matter?” Pippa asked Ethan while they walked along the corridor leading to the elevator. At the same time, the scene from last night crept into her thoughts. She squeezed Ethan’s hand, for comfort.
“Don’t think about it anymore, Pip. It’s okay. You were so brave last night. You stood up to him. Forget about him.” Ethan squeezed Pippa’s hand back, wanting her to know that he is just there for her. “As for me, I’m very much okay. I just had a wonderful realization earlier.” He finished with a smile that lit up his face.
“Hmmm, and what is that, Mr. Bowman, if I may ask?” Pippa smiled at Ethan.
“Secret for now. I will tell you about it, Ms. Montenegro when the moment is right.” He replied, at the same time, giving her a light kiss.
“Sige na nga. Promise, you will tell me ha.” Pippa said as she pressed the elevator button going down.
“Promise, cross my heart.” Ethan put their clasped hand on his chest.
They shared a loving smile, and that was what the people inside the elevator saw when it opened to their floor. They can’t help but smile, seeing these couple so in love with each other. So, they thought.
Pippa and Ethan’s first stop turned out to be Pippa’s alma mater. While they were driving along Quezon Avenue, Ethan asked Pippa where she went to school and how it was like the first time she was in Manila alone to study. Pippa drove him towards the University of Santo Tomas campus while telling him of her college life. They walked around the sprawling campus for an hour, hands clasped, eating ice cream, and chatting.
Their next stop was Chinatown where they explored the shops and the interesting streets of the place, then off they went to the other usual tourist spots in Manila – to Fort Santiago, crossing to Manila Cathedral, then around Intramuros by foot – San Agustin Church, Casa Manila, Bahay Tsinoy, and the walled city’s interesting cobblestone streets. Pippa showed Ethan her favorite part of Intramuros, the Puerto Real Gardens. Too bad that section was closed off at that moment. They walked back to where she parked her car when they had her fill of the walled city.
Since it was merienda time, they ended up having coffee and snacks in the newly-restored Luneta Hotel, which Pippa have been wanting to check out since she saw one of her friends Facebook post on the beautiful hotel just after it opened last year.
“Wow, this hotel is really something!” Ethan remarked as they enjoyed their coffee. “I like the architecture.”
“Yes, it is beautiful. I always admire it everytime I passed by, when it was still abandoned. I’m glad it was restored, unlike some of the old structures in the city. Looked at the Metropolitan Theater we passed by, the one I pointed out to you after the bridge.”
“Oh, yes, that one. A pity isn’t it. It has a beautiful facade too.” Ethan remarked, thinking that it is a pity to let go of historical buildings, just like that.
Pippa and Ethan chatted about old buildings, with Ethan said Pippa will like Europe with her love of old buildings and structures. They stayed in the hotel’s cafe for an hour, then took Roxas Boulevard, and ended up in the CCP Complex. When Ethan saw the amusement park there, he cajoled Pippa into going, saying he has not been in one in ages. Pippa, smiling, indulged Ethan as she realized too that the last time she was in Star City was when she was a kid, with her parents.
Ethan wanted to try all the rides, and they did, except for the Surf Dance and the giant Ferris wheel. They opted to save those rides for last.
“Ethan, I’m not sure I can.” Pippa said when they were in front of the giant Ferris wheel. “I haven’t ridden one. Though, I want to try. I’m just a bit scared of heights.” Pippa admitted. “But, I really don’t want to live in fear or not try conquering it, so there is a part of me that want to try and ride it.”
“But would you like to try now? If you are scared, I’m here. I’ll be with you in this.” Ethan said with a reassuring smile to Pippa.
Pippa gulped, took a deep breath, then looked at Ethan. “Okay, let’s go. I know you will be there for me so it should be okay.”
“That’s the spirit, Pip!” Ethan admired Pippa’s determination to conquer her fear.
Soon after, they were inside their air-conditioned gondola, about to ascend. The Ferris wheel started moving up, and Pippa held on to Ethan while trying to control the seemingly thousands of butterflies in her stomach. Ethan put his arms around Pippa. She leaned against his broad chest as the Ferris wheel slowly went up, until the grounds became a small dot. Ethan advised Pippa not to look down as it would make her feel woozy. At the top, the view was incredible!
“Wow!” Pippa remarked as she looked around. She can see the whole Roxas Boulevard, with a magnificent view of the Manila Bay and the setting sun. It was picture perfect, especially with Ethan’s arms around her, keeping her safe, assuring her that he is there for her.
“Wonderful, isn’t it? When we go England, I’ll take you up in the London Eye.” Ethan remarked. “For sure, one day, the two of us will end up there.” He said confidently, at the same time keeping his fingers crossed that they will really do. He wants to show Pippa his world too, if she will allow it.
“That, I want to see and experience. Basta ba kasama kita eh.” Pippa said, gaining confidence. She looked up at Ethan. She feel so full of love for him.
The Ferris wheel started its descend then and before Ethan can say anything else, Pippa let out an exhilarating scream and held on to him for dear life as she felt her tummy getting hollowed from the fast descend. It was fun, though!
Pippa enjoyed the next ascend and descend, and the whole Ferris wheel experience.
“Wooh,” she exclaimed when they were on firm ground again. Her knees were wobbly. Then she laughed while holding on to Ethan’s arm. “That was the best ever, Ethan. Thank you for taking me up there and being with me!” Pippa said animatedly and with a smile that made her so beautiful and alive in Ethan’s eyes. He can’t take his eyes off her vibrant face.
“I love you, Pippa! ” Ethan suddenly said, softly.
“Ethan….” Pippa was surprised at what he said, at the same time, her heart beat like crazy.
“Be my girl, please, Pippa.” Ethan added, with all the love he is feeling for her on his face.
Pippa swallowed heart, then said, “Yes,I will be your girl.” She gave Ethan a tremulous, happy smile. She said softly, “I love you too, very much.”
Ethan smiled. He looked like someone who won the lottery. “Thank you, Pippa. Promise, I will not make you cry. I love you very much!”
The noise around them faded in Ethan and Pippa’s world, as they looked at each other with all the love they are feeling. They moved towards a kiss that sealed their newly-declared feelings for each other.
My Sunflower World 
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