My Sunflower World

Birthday Date

“Maya, anak, gising na, alas kwatro na ng hapon!” Manang Fe said as she knocked continuously on Maya’s door.

Maya stirred from the bed, yawning, then suddenly she remembered why she asked Manang Fe to wake her up. She wanted to be sure she will get up at 4PM as she wanted to have enough time to get ready for her and Richard’s birthday date. She didn’t want the risk of sleeping through the alarm she had set. She took a nap two hours ago as she felt very sleepy due to her late night with her staff. She wanted to be well-rested and fresh for her evening with Richard.

“Manang Fe, thank you po. See, hindi ako nagising sa alarm clock that I set.” Maya said when she opened the door to Manang Fe. She had set the alarm at quarter to 4 o’clock. She must have been still sleeping off the effects of the alcohol she consumed the night before.

“O siya, sige anak, maghanda ka na para sa lakad niyo ni Richard. Anong oras ba siya darating?” Manang Fe asked.

“Mga around 6:30PM daw po, Manang. Sige po, maghahanda na ako. Salamat po ulit.” Maya smiled at her old yaya, happiness in her eyes. From where Manang Fe was standing, she can see Maya’s excitement for the evening ahead.

Maya took a long, cool shower to wake her up. Then after that, she took out from her closet a calf-length strapless dress in deep blue with beads adorning the top and the waist area. The bodice hugged Maya’s body perfectly. The dress also showed a bit of her cleavage. She decided to dress up more than the usual since this is the first date she and Richard are having that they will not be coming directly from work. Besides, technically, this is still part of her birthday celebration. She wanted this night to be special, the first birthday she will be celebrating with the man she loves with all of her.

Maya applied minimal make-up. She just accentuated her best feature. As a finishing touch, she put on the butterfly necklace that Richard gave her the night before. She looked in the mirror and she felt like a princess on the way to a ball. She hummed ‘The Blue Danube Waltz’ as she looked for her evening bag and her pair of shoes that will go well with her dress.

Manang Fe knocked again on Maya’s door several minutes after, while she was still debating on whether to put a pair of stillettos or a pair of wedges. She opted for the wedges, then went to answer the door.

“Maya anak, nandito na si Richard.” The old lady informed Maya.

Maya opened the door, clutching a small purse. “Thank you po, Manang. Bababa na ako.”

Manang Fe touched Maya’s face lovingly. “Ang ganda naman talaga nitong alaga ko. Natutuwa ako talaga na lumaki kang hindi lang maganda sa panlabas na anyo, kundi pati ang iyong kalooban. Masayang-masaya rin ako na nakatagpo ka ng lalaking mahal na mahal ka at alam kong mahal na mahal mo rin.”

“Manang Fe, salamat po. Dahil po iyan sa inyo iyon at kay Mommy. Pero malaking parte po kayo kung ano ako ngayon dahil mula pa ng pagkabata ko kayo na ang kasa-kasama ko.” Maya said hugging her old yaya. “Wait pala, Manang. Mauna na po kayo. I think I would like my other pair of shoes for this dress. Pakisabi na lang po kay Ricky na bababa na ako. Thank you.”

Maya went back inside the room. She put on the stillettos. She looked and twirled around the mirror, grinning for no reason at all, except that she is very happy this evening for some reason she can’t explain. Several minutes after, she walked down the stairs.

Hearing the sound of Maya’s steps, Richard stood up from where he was sitting, with the intention of meeting her by the base of the stairs. When he caught sight of her, he was speechless. He just gazed at the woman he loves with all his heart.

“You are so very beautiful, Sweetheart.” Richard said, giving Maya a heated, admiring look. “You take my breath away, literally. This is the first time I have seen you like this. Hmmm, and the necklace fitted perfectly. I’m glad you are wearing it.” Then he gave her a quick kiss on the cheek.

“Thank you very much, Sweetheart. I just thought of dressing up since this is our first date that we will not be coming directly from work. About the necklace, I really love it and I will wear it always and treasure it since it was a gift from you.” Maya replied, blushing a bit with the way Richard is looking at her, then seeing his outfit, she gave Ricky a brilliant, loving and admiring smile too, “And you look more handsome this evening, Sweetheart. We are on the same wavelength, huh!”

Richard, indeed, looked dashing and dapper in a dark suit, with white dress shirt without a tie and the top button opened. He gave Maya a lopsided smile, showing the dimple on his left cheek. Maya’s heart went aflutter again, as it always does every time he smiles like that.

“Thank you too, Sweetheart. I want this evening to be extra special. Looks like we were thinking the same. By the way, these are for you.“ Richard handed Maya a huge bouquet of sunflowers, but this time, the flowers are mixed with tulips of different colours!

“Oh, they look so beautiful. Let me just put them in a vase.” Maya was about to go to the kitchen when Fely, Manang Fe’s niece saw her.

“Let me do it na lang Ate Maya, so you and Kuya Ricky can go na.” Fely offered. She met Richard before, when she and her aunt returned from Bulacan.

“Maraming salamat, Fely.” Maya handed the flowers to Fely. Richard also thanked Fely, and they went on their way. Before he started the car, Richard gave Maya a big smile again, gazing at her with so much love that Maya got a bit self-conscious and very giddy.

“Sweetheart, baka matunaw na ako.” Maya teased.

“Hmmm, masama bang tumingin sa beautiful girlfriend ko.” Richard said, giving Maya another smile, before kissing her hand.

Richard is very excited for their evening and how he hopes it would turn out to be. He hopes it will be as he envisioned. He hummed Tonight, tonight/Won’t be just any night…as he drove Maya and him towards McKinley Road.

Richard and Maya went inside the parking basement of an upscale building in BGC, an hour later. After parking the car, Richard led Maya to a private elevator. It led to the penthouse unit of the building. Maya had a pretty good idea now where they were going. Richard led Maya next to a big door on the left.

“Sweetheart! Welcome to my place.” Richard said when he opened the door, then turned on the lights.

“Sabi ko na nga ba, dito tayo pupunta!” Maya exclaimed, smiling at Richard. “Tapos na palang ayusin, Sweetheart! Have you moved back here na? Parang wala ka namang nabanggit sa akin?”

“Not yet, Sweetheart, but I hope soon! Depends on something that I’m hoping to happen.” Richard said obliquely. “Please make yourself comfortable. I will just check on our dinner.” He said leading Maya to the side of the room with a big sofa by the floor-to-ceiling window.

Maya looked around after Richard disappeared towards the direction of what she presumed is the kitchen. It was then that she noticed that the unit is sparsely furnished and decorated. Aside from the sofa she was sitting on, the only furnitures are the floor lamp on the side, then a big coffee table in front of her.

“Hmmm, mukhang hindi pa talaga tapos i-decorate ni Ricky itong unit niya.” Maya thought to herself.

Several minutes after, Richard came back. He grinned at Maya. “Come, Sweetheart, let’s eat first!”

Richard led Maya to the door he disappeared to earlier, which led not to the kitchen as she had presumed, but to a beautiful dining area, even if like the living room, it was sparsely decorated too. The table is beautifully set for two. The  magnificent view from the floor-to-ceiling windows providing a nice backdrop to the table set-up.

“Wow, this is very nice! How did you accomplish this in such a short time?” Maya asked amazed, when she saw all the mouth-watering food on the table and the beautiful decorations, with a vase of sunflowers in the middle.

“Hmmm, after I left you earlier until the time I picked you up, I worked on this. My cousin Rafi helped with the food. She asked a friend who is a well-known restaurateur to make the food and her staff set it up here before we arrived.”  Richard explained.

“I would like to meet that cousin of yours na soon!” Maya said happily, giving Richard a quick kiss. “She seems a very nice cousin.”

“Yes, she is. Para ko na iyong younger sister. I told her about you na. Saka noong una pa lang, alam na niya kaagad that I liked you a lot, that I love you. I’m sure she will tell you about it. Magkakasundo kayo noon.” Richard said, smiling. “Bayaan mo Sweetheart, you will meet her soon.”

Richard pulled the chair for Maya, then insisted to Maya that he will do everything that evening as part of his birthday treat to her.

“Happy birthday, Sweetheart!” Richard offered a toast to Maya with the wine that goes with their dinner before they eat. “I love you!”

“Thank you, Ricky. I’m having the best birthday ever because of you. My heart feels like it will burst from sheer happiness these days, and it is because of you.” Maya smiled and looked lovingly at her wonderful boyfriend. “I love you very much.”

Maya and Richard enjoyed their dinner very much. Rafi’s friend Rina lived up to her reputation as one of the best chef in Metro Manila. Both of them laughed and groaned at the end of their meal, as their tummies were so full they can barely move.

“Coffee and dessert, Sweetheart?’ Richard asked Maya after they finished the last of the wine. “Rina, also included her special flourless cake with the food she sent.”

“Oh, sweetheart, I can’t na, for now! Coffee na lang siguro. My stomach is groaning na from too much food. That was the best dinner I tasted.” Maya said.

“Me, too, Sweetheart! Okay, coffee is coming up. Why don’t you go to the sofa in the living room, and wait for me there.” Richard suggested. “That side of the place has a better view than this one actually! It  is very relaxing. That is the reason why I put the sofa there. It is my favorite spot.”

Maya went to the sofa as Richard told her. Since it was facing the floor-to-ceiling window, Maya can see the whole city and beyond from it. Richard is right. The lights looked like fireflies twinkling in the night. Or maybe, those are fairies’ lights! She smiled at her thoughts. Maya Angela Dela Rosa, you and your flight of fancy. She just feel so happy and content at that moment. Life couldn’t have been better, so she had thought, not knowing yet what else Richard had planned for the evening.

“Wonderful view, Sweetheart, isn’t it? This was Rafi’s side of the place. Mine was the dining room side.” Richard told Maya as he put two steaming cups of coffee on the big coffee table. “Coffee!” He handed Maya a cup of coffee.

“Thank you, Sweetheart! Ikaw? “Maya asked Richard as she accepted the cup from him. “And you are right about the view,” she added.

“Here, I’m okay na!” Richard said, pointing to the cup he is holding as he sat down beside Maya.

“This is certainly a huge place, Ricky!”  Maya remarked after a couple of minutes of a very companionable silence between them, enjoying the view and each other company as they sipped their coffee.

“Yes, it is!” Richard remarked. He gazed at Maya and marvels at how he loves this beautiful, wonderful lady. How lucky he is to have her love too! The moment was just right for what he had set out to do that evening. He took a big gulp of his coffee to fortify himself. “Share this place with me? Live with me, for always.” He said softly.

“W-w-what!” Maya asked, staring at Ricky with a very surprised expression, not sure what he meant by that. She also almost dropped her cup of coffee in the process.

Richard put down the cup of coffee he was holding, then gazed at Maya, the love for her all over his handsome face. He took hold of her now very cold hands, kissed them. Then, he stood up, got something from the pocket.  He knelt down on one knee before her, holding a very beautiful platinum ring, intricately decorated with multi-colored gems shaped like a butterfly.

“Marry me please, Maya Angela Dela Rosa! Make this place a home, not only for the two of us, but for all the children we would have, God willing!”  Richard said with all the love he was feeling at that moment. “There is no one I want to share my life with, but you.”

Maya just stared at Richard, trying to absorb what he said above the buzzing she was starting to feel, and the loud thump. thump of her now overworked heart.

“Maya…? Richard said as he continued looking at her lovingly.

“R-r-ricky!….Then she too knelt down, held his face tenderly. “Yes!” She finally managed to say.

Richard heaved a sigh of relief upon hearing her reply. He grinned. He actually felt like jumping from the sheer joy of knowing that Maya just agreed to be his wife! He slowly put the ring on Maya’s finger, then kissed her hand lovingly. “Thank you Maya. I thought you will not say yes!”

“Kasi naman ikaw, binigla mo ako! I never thought that you will propose this evening! May pinaplano ka pa lang ganito.” Maya smiled at Richard, very happy. Now she understand the feeling of unexplained excitement she was feeling earlier. Something unexpected and wonderful was going to happened pala, had happened! “This is really the best birthday ever. Thank you for this very beautiful ring. May katerno pala itong necklace na ibinigay mo akin.”

“I have been planning this for a while, Sweetheart. The ring was the reason I went to the jeweller, then I also saw the necklace. Naghihintay lang ako ng right opportunity this evening to propose to you. I got nervous kaya when you didn’t reply promptly. I thought baka nabigla ka or hindi pa ready.” Richard said happily.

Then cupping Maya’s face, Richard said, “Sweetheart, we may not know each other that long, and our relationship is still new, but there is one thing I’m sure of in that short span of time, I am sure that you are the one I want to spend the rest of my life with, the one I want to be with in filling this place with happiness and the laughter of the kids we will have. You are the only one I want to be my love for always. I love you much.”

“Oh Sweetheart, what can I say! I’m at a lost for words, for someone in Communications! What I’m feeling at the moment is indescribable. I have no words except to say that I feel the same, ever since I met you. The more I got to know you, the more I became sure that you are the only one I want to be with. Ikaw lang.” Maya replied lovingly.

“Wala naman sa haba ng pagkakilala natin iyon, kundi kung ano ang nandito.” Maya added, pointing at her heart. “I love you with all of my heart, with all of me!”

Maya and Richard looked at each other with all the love they are feeling. They angled their faces for a kiss. They sealed their engagement with a very long kiss.

‘I did it my wayyyyy’

“Wow, iba na talaga ang in loveeee!” Emman teased Maya after she finished her second love song for the evening. “Feel na feel ang mga love song!”

“Hahahaha, ikaw talaga Emman.” Maya laughed, then handed the microphone to Emman. “Here, it’s your turn na. Kantahin mo na ang national anthem mo!”

Emman started belting out his favorite song ‘I Will Survive’ with matching dance moves. He was followed by Minerva and her ‘Dancing Queen’ anthem, Annie with her ‘Girl On Fire’, then Wilson, Jenny, Melanie, Jason, Francis, Annie and the others, followed soon, one after the other, sometimes in duets. Richard the messenger whom Richard asked Emman to invite sang ‘My Way’, with Emman teasing him about that song being ‘deadly’ as it has been known to cause videoke brawls!

Everyone was having fun and getting merrier because of the beer, other alcoholic drinks, and cocktails they started drinking after their dinner. Maya’s cocktail of choice was Long Island Iced Tea. She noticed Emman drinking it. She sipped a taste, liking it better instead of the SanMig Light and Tanduay Ice on the table, ordered it too. By the their third and final hour in the KTV Bar, Maya was into her third glass of Long Island Iced Tea. It tasted so good, as it tasted like real iced tea! She never noticed that she has already down two and into her third one by the close of the night.

Before the evening ended, she got the microphone, and asked her staff to sing ‘Top of the World’ with her. Since everyone was tipsy, they had a rousing rendition of the song.

I’m on the top of the world lookin’ down on creation

And the only explanation I can find

Is the love that I’ve found ever since you’ve been around

Your love’s put me at the top of the world

“Thank you guys for the best birthday ever!” May said after they hit the last note, everyone shouting it out in merriment. Then she saw Richard standing by the door of the room, clapping at them. “And thank you, my dearest Sweetheart for this unforgettable birthday! I love you very much, you know!”

“Thank you Atty. Richard! We love you too!” Everyone chorused after Maya.

Richard grinned at them. It looked like everyone is tipsy, well probably close to being drunk, including his lovely girlfriend! He was glad that they had so much fun. He came up several minutes before Maya and her colleagues’ allotted time was finished to settle the bill, and see how they are.

“I’m glad you had fun everyone. Now, the coaster will take you all home. Just tell the driver where you live.” Richard said, which surprised Maya, at how thoughtful, generous and considerate Richard have been, all for her birthday, and for the love of her. He even thought of a transportation for her staff. She was very touched and feel so loved by him.

“Sweetheart, you are the best!” Maya whispered at Richard while they were waving goodbye to her colleagues, feeling so overwhelmed with the love she was feeling for this wonderful guy, hugging him by the side.

Richard just smiled. Then he led back Maya to the car. As soon as Maya sat and was about to fasten her seatbelt, the effects of three glasses of Long Island Iced Tea kicked in. She leaned against the headrest.

“Ricky, I feel very dizzy!” Maya told Richard, trying to fight off the dizziness that hit her all of a sudden.

“Oh, Sweetheart! Maybe, you had too much to drink. Did you eat a lot before you started drinking? Did you drink water in between, and lastly, what did you drink and how much?” Richard asked, one question after the other, touching Maya’s face at the same time.

“I ate some of the pica-pica food and that’s it. I was not very hungry so I didn’t eat a full dinner like everyone did. Oh, and I didn’t drink water. I forgot in all the fun. I just took sips of my Long Island Iced Tea!” Maya said as she closed her eyes a bit. “I had three of that, I think. It tasted so good, parang iced tea lang. What’s in it na nga ba?”

“Sweetheart, the fact that you can’t taste all the alcohol mixtures, means it is very good and very strong since to tend to drink more of it. It has gin, rum, vodka, triple sec, tequila, sour mix, and cola normally! And you had three with no water to dilute the effect in between!” Richard said. No wonder, Maya is feeling very dizzy. Coupled with her low tolerance for alcohol, like the time they went to dinner and she blurted out that he was the one making her heart beat faster. Richard smiled, remembering that.

“Basta, Sweetheart, masarap siya!” It was all Maya managed to say. “Arrggh, everything is swirling around.”

“Sweetheart, okay, don’t panic. You will be okay. Just focus on something. Wait here, I will get you a bottle of water.” Richard went back to the KTV and bought Maya two big bottles of water. He gave it to her and ask her to drink slowly.

“Okay, I will drive carefully.” Richard promised. “Just rest and focus, okay.”

Maya just nodded. The next time Richard checked on Maya, she was sleeping. Since she looked okay that way, he just let her sleep.

“Maya, sweetheart, we are here.” Richard said when they arrived at Maya’s gate. He tried to rouse her, but she didn’t wake up. He was reluctant to ring the bell as it was already around one o’clock in the morning. “Where are your house keys?”

Maya just muttered, “bag pocket” and then burrowed more into her corner of the car.

Richard looked for the keys in Maya’s bag. Thank God, Maya is very organized! He found them in the pocket of her bag. He opened the gate, then decided to carry a sleeping Maya inside the house. He locked his car, then the gate after him. He had a hard time opening the front door, but eventually he managed to do it.

“Sweetheart, where is your room?” Richard asked when he saw that there are four rooms on the second floor of the house.

Maya finally opened her still sleepy eyes, then pointed to the room at the end of the house. Then she closed her eyes again.

Richard opened the door to Maya’s room and placed her on the bed. He removed her shoes to make her more comfortable. He was debating whether to call Manang Fe, when Maya groaned from the bed and complained that she is feeling very dizzy. Richard gave her water.

“Ricky, don’t leave me please. The room is spinning.”  Maya moaned, waking up a bit.

“Okay, keep calm, Sweetheart. You just need to ride the effect of the alcohol. Drink more water, here.” Richard held Maya’s head as he guided her to the water bottle.

“I want to sleep. So sleepy, Sweetheart! I don’t want to puke.” Maya said half-coherently. “Don’t leave me, please. Stay with me.”

“Okay, Sweetheart. I will just be here.” Richard promised. He also made Maya more comfortable by loosening her clothes, pulled the comforter over them, then cradled her in his arms, until he heard her light snoring. “My poor, Sweetheart!” He gave her a light kiss on the forehead, then gently combed her hair using his fingers, which seemed to relax her, and made her settled more into sleep.

Richard made himself comfortable by removing his dress shirt, placing it on the nearby chair he saw. He went back to bed, checked on Maya and when he heard that she was snoring lightly, he settled in for the night. At the back of his mind, he is planning to wake up early so he can let Manang Fe know that he stayed the night because Maya got sick. Several hours later, he woke up with a start.

Maya also started moving, then she opened her eyes and saw him on the bed with her!

“Ricky, what are you doing here?” Maya asked surprised. She sat up, and felt the pounding of her head! “Owww…..”

“Good morning, Sweetheart!” Richard grinned. “I will not ask if you are okay. Wait I will get you something to relieve the hangover you are probably feeling.”

“You slept here? What happened?” Maya asked. She had a vague recollection of what happened, like she just dreamt it. She looked at Richard and herself, and saw that they are both still wearing the clothes they had when they went to work the day before. Well, sort of. Her clothes were loosen up. While Richard, on the other hand, was just wearing his white inner t-shirt, and his dress shirt was on the back of the chair near her study stable. He was wearing his khaki pants, though.

Richard saw what Maya did and grinned, guessing the direction of her thoughts. “Sweetheart, nothing happened! You didn’t take advantage of me last night.” He teased her.

Maya blushed.”Ha, wala naman akong sinasabi ah.”

“Ha, Maya Dela Rosa, I saw you checking kaya. See, heto pa rin ang suot nating clothes. Saka, my Sweetheart, when it happens, we will both know it.” He teased again.

“Rickyyyyy, enough na kaya!” Maya said turning bright red. “Ano ba talaga ang nangyari? May ginawa ba akong super embarassing?”

Richard smiled, then cupped Maya’s chin. “Wala naman, Ms. Maya Dela Rosa. I just think you just had too much to drink. Sabi mo sa akin kagabi, nakailang Long Island Iced Tea ka. Tapos you felt dizzy and ayaw mo na iwan kita. Not that I would leave you naman in that condition. How’s your head? Sandali, I will get my sure cure for hangover from the car.”

“Sorry for that Sweetheart! My head is pounding and my stomach feels queasy.” Maya said, still embarrassed. “Thank you for staying with me. I kinda remember everything now.”

“Don’t be, Sweetheart. The important thing is you had fun on our birthday!” Richard lovingly! “Dito ka na lang muna. Ako na ang bahala also na mag-explain kay Manang Fe. I’m sure she had seen my car parked outside.”

“Oh!” Maya just remembered Manang Fe. “Okay. Thank you again, Sweetheart. You are the best.”

Richard smiled, gave her a quick kiss on the lips, then, he went down to the kitchen.

“Good morning, Manang Fe!” He greeted the old lady, who was then preparing breakfast.

“Good morning Richard!” Manang Fe asked. She had seen Richard’s car outside but she thought that Richard just arrived early. “Nasaan si Maya? Hindi ko na nga namalayang dumating ang batang iyon.”

“Manang, nasa room pa po siya. Medyo nalasing po siya from the party last night. Kukuha nga po ako ng gamot sa car for her.” Richard said. He was about to say to Manang Fe that he stayed the night, when the old lady suddenly asked.

“Dito ka ba natulog, Richard?” Manang Fe asked as she finally noticed his crumpled clothes.

“Yes po, Manang Fe. Binantayan ko po si Maya kasi she felt very dizzy last night. Hindi ko na po kayo ginising kasi medyo gabi na. Don’t worry po, Manang, binantayan ko lang siya talaga.”

“Hijo, tiwala naman ako sa iyo.” Manang Fe assured Richard, getting what he meant.”O siya, kunin mo na ang gamot. Maghahanda rin ako ng breakfast for you and Maya. Maluluto na ito.”

“Maraming salamat po sa tiwala, Manang Fe. Kung pwede po, juice, toast bread and water po ang ihanda niyo for Maya.” Richard suggested. “Kunin ko lang po ang baking soda ko sa car.”

“Baking soda? Meron noon dito sa kusina!” Manang Fe said.

Richard smiled. “Tablets po ito, Manang. Sodium bicarbonate tablet po ito. Inirekomenda sa akin ito dati ng friend ko nang minsan nagkainuman kami at maraming nainom. Ako na nga po pala ang magdadala ng breakfast ni Maya.”

Richard got the medicine, then took the tray that Manang Fe handed to him when he returned to the house. He knocked on Maya’s door, and a freshly showered Maya opened the door. She looks so lovely even devoid of make-up.

“Sweetheart, wow! Pati breakfast! Thank you very much. You are so sweet. The best boyfriend ever.” Maya said smiling, then ushered Richard in, taking the tray from him.

“Of course naman, Sweetheart. Eat ka na and then take two of these. Quesy pa ba ang tummy mo?” Richard asked.

“Slight na lang. Nakatulong ang shower. Halika, mag-breakfast na tayo.” Maya said. Manang Fe, included food not only for Maya, but for Richard in the tray.

Maya led Richard to a side door in her room, that led to a back veranda, overlooking a bigger garden than the one in front of the house, this one not visible from the road side. She put the tray on the coffee table in the veranda. Richard pulled the seat for Maya and she started serving breakfast.

“It’s so quiet and nice here.” Richard remarked. “I really like your gardens. Manang Fe told me that you did most of the gardening.”

“Yes, I like doing it during my free time. Nakakatanggal ng stress!” Maya said as she poured a cup of coffee for Richard. “What’s our plan for later?”

Richard smiled mysteriously and mischievously. “Hmmm, secret.”

“Ricky, surprise again! Isang buong araw akong hindi mapapakali niyan.” Maya pouted prettily.

“Basta, Maya. Huwag na kasing makulit, Sweetheart.” Richard said. “Kain na lang tayo.”

“Okay, sige na nga, surprise me.” Maya finally said. She know Richard will not tell her, anyway.

The two of them had a leisurely and very enjoyable breakfast. Maya took the baking soda and Ricky was right. It relieved her upset stomach after a while.

“Maya, I’ll get going na. I’ll pick you up, later, Sweetheart.” Richard said as he and Maya stood up in front of the Dela Rosa’s gate.

“Okay, Sweatheart! See you later. Looking forward to our evening together.” Maya said then gave Richard a quick kiss on the lips. “I love you. Drive carefully!”

“I love you too. I hope you will like my surprise!” Richard said, smiling happily at Maya. He made a final wave, then drove off, leaving Maya puzzling what it could be, but knowing Richard, she know that he is planning something she will not forget.

Maya was right, Richard is planning something extra special that night. When he arrived home, he just took a quick shower, said a quick hello to Donya Esmeralda and then set off again as he still have a couple of things to do for his and Maya’s special evening.

Happy Birthday, Sweetheart!

“Happy Birthday, Sweetheart!” Richard greeted Maya as soon as she opened the gate after he rang, the morning of her birthday, which fell on a Friday and a work day. He gave her a quick kiss on the lips, then he handed her a big bouquet of sunflowers and  a box wrapped in purple paper with pink ribbons.

“Thank you very much, Sweetheart!” Maya said grinning. “Hmmm, what’s this?” She asked, shaking the box a little bit, curious as always.

“Hmmm, just something I think you would like!” Richard said happily. He hopes Maya will like his gift. He is really grateful to his cousin Rafi who is a wiz at ordering stuffs online.

“I’m sure I will like it. Galing kaya ito sa iyo, so kahit ano pa ito, I will treasure it very much.” Maya said, looking lovingly at Richard.“I will open it in the car, ha. Let’s go na after I’ve put the flowers in the house, so we have all the time to eat breakfast before our meeting with the other executives and your Papa.”

Maya went back to the house quickly and handed the flowers to Manang Fe. She was back outside after a minute or two.

“Okay, let’s go.” Richard opened the door for Maya and when she was settled in, he went to the driver’s side of the car.

Maya fastened her seat belt and when they were on their way out of the village, opened Richard’s present. She had a huge grin on her face when she saw what was inside.

“OMG, Ricky, thank you very much for this!!!” Maya was holding the latest e-book reader from Amazon, the one with the built-in light and has more advance features for easier reading. She had been meaning to get this one, but decided to wait out a little bit. “Now, I can read in the dark! How did you manage to get one so fast?”

“I have to thank Rafi for that. She ordered it online, then shipped it to a cargo forwarding company in the States, and then I picked it up from their office here.” Richard said. “I thought nga na baka hindi makaabot sa birthday mo. I know how you love to read kaya I wanted to give you one.”

“Thank you again, Sweetheart.” Maya said happily, then good thing, they were waiting for the light to turn green, she gave Richard a quick kiss on the lips. “I love you very much.” This is her first birthday that she will be celebrating with her boyfriend, with Richard the man she loves very much and she just feel so full of happiness.

“I love you too! Anything to make you happy, Maya. I will do.” Richard said sweetly.

They gazed at each other, getting lost in their world. But the honking of the cars behind them pulled them back to the real world. They have been holding the traffic for the light has already turned green several seconds ago!

Like what they have been doing the past two weeks that they have been traveling to work together, Richard and Maya chatted nonstop on the way to Ortigas from Makati. Maya gave up driving herself to work as most days, she ended up leaving her car at her parking slot in LC. Richard was very happy with her decision. He likes traveling to work with her and going home with her. Luckily, their schedules mesh. Most of the time, they ate dinner somewhere, or in some instances at Maya’s house.

Since that lunch in Richard’s office, the week before, their relationship has gotten stronger and deeper. Maya also met Donya Esmeralda and Don Roberto as their son’s girlfriend two days after that. Richard and Maya went to dinner at the Lim family house in Dasmarinas. Maya felt nervous when they arrived, but whatever nervousness and self-consciousness she was feeling was vanished by Donya Esmeralda’s exuberance. Maya was welcome very warmly, not only by Richard’s mother, but also his father, her boss. Both of them insisted that she calls them Tita Esmeralda and Tito Roberto.

When Donya Esmeralda found out that Teresita Dela Rosa was in Manila at that time, she asked for her number and the two of them went to lunch the following day, while Maya’s father was meeting with the owners of the restaurant who are interested in sourcing their fresh, organic food requirements from the Dela Rosa Farm. The two mothers had a wonderful time apparently as both Richard and Maya heard a lot about it.

The day before Maya’s parents returned to Mindoro, they invited Richard to dinner. Richard got to know Maya’s parents better. Manang Fe was also back by then, and like Maya predicted, she very happy when  she found out that Richard is now Maya’s boyfriend.

Through Skype, Maya also introduced Richard to her Ate Cris, her brother-in-law Jeffrey, and their son Pocholo. Cris teased her sister about making Cho the ring bearer at her wedding. Maya blushed as Richard was beside her at that time. Richard told Cris that her son will make a very cute ring bearer. Then teased Cris about making sure her sister will say yes when he proposes. Maya elbowed him, but inside, she was thrilled with the idea of her and Richard together forever. She loves him so much. Life couldn’t be better! She is sure that Richard is the only one she wants to spend the rest of her life with.

Maya’s phone rang while they were approaching Boni.

“Hello, Mom!”

“Maya, anak, happy, happy birthday!” Mommy Tere said. “I will put the phone on speaker ha. Wait ka lang, may iba pang maggi-greet sa iyo.”

“Thank you Mom.” Maya said smiling.

“Maya, anak, happy birhday!”….

“Bunso, happy birthday!”….

“Tita Maya, happy birthday po!”….

“Maya, happy birthday sa iyo!”….

“Wow, kumpleto kayo!” Maya said happily, looking at Richard, then she thanked her family. “Maraming salamat po, Mom, Dad, Ate Cris, cute na cute na pamangkin ko, Cho, and sa iyo rin Kuya Jeffrey.”

Richard gestured to Maya that she should say hello from him.

“Hello din daw po sa inyong lahat, sabi ni Ricky. Papasok na po kami sa office.” Maya said.

Everyone in San Nicolas said hello back to Richard. They chatted a bit, then said goodbye.

“Maya, anak, enjoy your special day ha. I’m sure you and Richard have plans.” Mommy Tere said. “Sayang, hindi na namin nahintay ng Dad mo ang birthday mo!”

“Thank you again, Mom.” Maya said. “Okay lang po iyon! Alam ko naman po na kailangan niyong bumalik ng San Nicolas kaagad.”

“O sige, enjoy anak ha. I love you. Sabihin mo kay Richard drive carefully.” Mommy Tere said.

“Bye, Mom,  Dad, Ate Cris, Kuya Jeffrey and Cho! Thank you again and see you all next month!” Maya said. She going home to San Nicolas for her parents wedding anniversary. “Bye din daw po sabi ni Richard.”

When Maya finished the call, she grinned at Richard. “Sweetheart, I’m having the best birthday ever. With you here, with me celebrating it, and then my family greeting me en masse!”

“I’m glad, Sweetheart. This is will be a birthday to remember, I will make sure!” Richard remarked, but didn’t elaborate. “Uuwi ka pala sa Mindoro next month?” He asked instead.

“Yes, 35th wedding anniversary nina Mom and Dad! They will renew their vows. They were not able to do it before. Now that they are both retired, they decided it is a good time to do so, with all the blessings that came their way, and their marriage as strong as ever.” Maya said. “Would you like to go with me?”

“Wow, 35! Amazing, isn’t it? My parents did that during their 25th.” Richard said, then added, “I want something like that with you, Sweetheart, and more.” Then he took Maya’s hand and kissed it. “And yes, I would like to go with you, please.”

Maya’s heart went aflutter with that statement. It is what she wants too. She smiled at Richard, not sure how to read his statement. She decided to let it pass for now. “It will be towards the end of the next month. I will remind you na lang.”

“Great. Looking forward to seeing San Nicolas!” Richard said.

Soon, they have arrived at their office. Richard parked his car in the usual slot, then he and Maya went to the deli on the ground floor and had breakfast. One hour later, with hands intertwined, they rode the elevator to their floors. By now, everyone in LC knows that their chief lawyer and the beautiful communications officer are in a relationship. Richard carried Maya’s stuffs up to her office.

“Happy birthday Ms. Maya! Good morning Atty Lim”…..

“Happy birthday po, Ma’am! Hello, Sir Richard!”….

Maya’s staff greeted her and Richard, one after the other, when they entered her department. By this time, Richard is also a familiar sight there. Minerva and Emman being the number one fans of their ‘love team’. Maya thanked them and Richard said hello to everyone with his usual charming smile.

“I’ll see you in an hour in the boardroom, Sweetheart.” Richard said, giving Maya a quick kiss before he left.

“See you Sweetheart.” Maya said. “Thank you again.”

Maya’s phone rang again after Richard closed the door.

“Hello Tita Esmeralda, good morning po.” Maya greeted Richard’s mother.

“Good morning Maya! Happy birthday hija, from Roberto and I! I hope you will have a great celebration. I’m sure it will be with Ricky.” Donya Esmeralda said smiling.

“Thank you very much po, Tita Esmeralda.” Maya said smiling. “Baka po we will eat dinner na lang. Hindi naman po ako ma-celebrate. I will do so na lang doon sa outreach program namin nina Richard.”

“Oh, the one you mentioned over dinner. That’s a good idea actually! Basta, ask your friend if there is something our foundation can to do help ha.” Donya Esmeralda offered again.

“I will po. Thank you po again, Tita Esmeralda.”

“O sige, hija. Hindi na kita aabalahin pa. Nasa office ka na ba?”

“Yes po. More than an hour ago po kami nakarating dito ni Ricky. Kalalabas nga lang po niya ng office ko.” Maya replied. “Have a nice day po!”

Maya grinned when she finally managed to sit down on her desk. The best birthday ever! Richard is the best birthday gift ever from God! She never thought she would suddenly find herself with a boyfriend so soon after shifting careers, but being in love is the best feeling ever! Se is looking forward to her evening with Richard, celebrating her birthday with him.

Unbeknown to Maya, Richard was cooking something else for her birthday. On the way out of her department, Richard stopped by Emman’s cubicle.

“Emman, good morning!” He greeted Maya’s staff and friend with a big smile.

“Good morning, Atty. Richard!” Emman greeted. “Parang naubos na naman yata ang mga sunflower sa suking florist ni Liza ah.” He teased.

“Ikaw talaga, Emman. Hindi naman masyado, hahahaha.” Richard laughed, then asked,  “Are we set for this evening?”

“Yes, Sir, okay na okay na ang lahat.” Emman said.

“Great! Thanks Emman, I want Maya to have the best birthday ever. See you later.” Richard said.

“See you, Sir Richard.” Emman said. “Thank you again, too.” Richard asked Emman to call him Richard, but he is more comfortable calling him Atty. Richard or Sir Richard, being the son of their boss, and from what he heard, the future CEO of LC. But he is very happy for him and Maya. He is so glad her friend had found true love. Hay, siya kailan? Emman mused.

Richard left Maya’s office with a big, excited grin. He is so looking forward to seeing Maya’s expression this evening. He made the plan with Emman after he overheard him and Minerva discussing their birthday treat for Maya. The two of them didn’t see him when they entered the elevator from their floor one day. He heard them talking about giving Maya a surprise birthday treat since it is her first birthday in LC, something I long the lines of her plan for the staff and her. They were discussing on how best to execute it without her knowing. Tamang-tama they said, it will be on a Friday. However, Emman mentioned that Maya may have a plan already with Atty. Lim on that day. When they got off from the elevator, he called them and offered to help if it was okay with them, sort of, part of his birthday treat to Maya too.

Thirty minutes after Richard left Maya’s office, Minerva knocked on Maya’s door.

“Ms. Maya, happy birthday po! Delivery po pala para sa inyo, galing sa mga executive!” Minerva said carrying a big arrangements of sunflowers into her office.

“Oh! Wow, how beautiful!” Maya admired the flowers and then smiled, remembering how Richard’s secretary wheedled out from Emman what her favorite flower is. “Thank you Minerva, pakilagay na lang please doon sa coffee table. But may I have the card please.”

Minerva handed Maya the card and left the office. Maya smiled and was touched with the message from Roberto Lim and the other executives, but laughed when she saw how Richard signed in his greetings. She felt warm and giddy. She hoped he was the last one to sign it. She thought, still smiling.

Maya thanked everyone when she met them at the meeting more than an hour later. Richard sat beside her when he arrived instead of his usual place apparently and they got teased a bit. They smiled at their fellow officers and gazed at each other before focusing on the meeting. After the meeting, she teased him about the way he signed the card. And yes, he told her, he was the last one to do so, but for sure the staff handling the birthday flowers saw what he had put, he addded with a grin.

The day passed like a blur. Maya had a quick lunch and coffee with Richard as both of them have urgent matters to finish that afternoon. They wanted to leave earlier than usual for their birthday date, so they cut short their lunch hour. When Maya was about to leave for her date with Richard, she noticed that there was not a single person left in her department. Strange! Normally, some stayed a little longer even if it was beyond office hours. But she shrugged it off, thinking that being a Friday night, maybe, they have gimiks.

Rchard and Maya met at the lobby as usual, then proceeded to the basement parking.

“Saan tayo pupunta, Ricky?” Maya asked as they were driving towards the direction of Pasig.

“Hmmm, diyan lang sa may Kapitolyo.” Richard said but didn’t elaborate. He just smiled at Maya.

Several minutes after, they entered the parking lot of a hotel in the area.

“Hotel? What are we going to do in a hotel? This is where we will have dinner?” Maya asked curiously.

“Basta, Maya! Ikaw talaga, ang kulit.” Richard teased her. He parked the car. But before he got out, he got something from his side of the car. “For you!” He said, handling her a long, flat box.

Maya was surprised, then asked, “What’s this? Di ba binigyan mo na ako ng birthday gift kanina?”

“Just open it Sweetheart, please.” Richard prodded.

Maya slowly opened the long velvet box and out came a beautiful necklace made of white gold and has an intricate butterfly pendant made of different colorful stones.

“You told me you like butterflies so I thought you might like this when I saw this at Mama’s friend’s jewelry shop when I was looking for a gift for you.” Richard said, then got the necklace from Maya, and put it around her neck.

“Ricky, thank you for this. This is so beautiful.” Maya said, touching the necklace. “You are spoiling me too much. I will treasure this very much!”

“Maya, this is your first birthday you are celebrating with me and I want it to be extra special.” Richard replied. “I love you and seeing you very happy makes me very happy too.”

“You are the best boyfriend ever!” Maya touched Richard’s face lovingly. “I love you.” Then she lowered her lips to his and gave him a loving kiss. Richard returned the kiss, which turned into several kisses. They were both breathless when they parted. They grinned at each other.

“Come, Sweetheart, let’s go.” Richard said after a while. He got out of the car, opened the door for Maya, then he led her to a glass door at the edge of the parking lot. The glass door opened into the reception area of a KTV Bar.

“Good evening, I have a reservation under Richard Lim.” Richard told the receptionist.

“Good evening po, Mr. Lim.” The receptionist said with a big, friendly smile. “Doon po sa dulo iyong room niyo, Sir. Samahan na po kayo ni Greg.”

“Sweetheart, ano ba talaga ang gagawin natin nito. Dalawa tayong magbi-videoke?” Maya asked.

Richard just smiled, then still holding Maya’s hand, followed the waiter, who opened the door of the room.

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MA’AM MAYA!”

Everyone shouted when the waiter turned on the lights.

“OMG, nandito kayong lahat! Kaya pala nawalan ng tao kaagad sa department natin!” Maya happily said as she saw all her staff inside the big KTV room decorated in different coloured-balloons and a banner greeting her happy birthday. On the tables in the middle were a lot of food and drinks.

“Siyempre naman, Sis! Matagal-tagal na rin nating pinagpla-planuhan na gawin natin ito, one time, di ba? Bonding-bonding din!” Emman said from behind the group, then went to kiss Maya. “Happy birthday, Maya!”

“Thank you, Emman.” Then looked at all her staff. “Thank you rin sa inyong lahat, Kumpleto tayo.” She said, touched and so very happy that they are all here, for her, celebrating her birthday.

“Mag-thank you ka rin kay guwapong-guwapong Atty. Richard, he is the one who made this possible!” Emman said, teasing Richard in the process.

“Really, Sweetheart!” Maya looked at Richard with a big smile, then whispered to him. “Kaya pala pa-mysterious ka kanina ha. Paano?”

“It’s a long story, Sweetheart.” Richard grinned. “This is my other gift to you. Enjoy the night with your colleagues.”

“Thank you very much, Sweetheart.” Maya gave Richard a kiss on the cheek. “Come, let’s enjoy the night with them.”

“No, Sweetheart, this is your night with them. Enjoy. Ours is tomorrow.” Richard said. “Para sa iyo at sa mga staff mo ito. Emman and Minerva said matagal niyo na itong gustong gawin. I will wait for your downstairs!”

“Stay na lang here, Sweetheart. I don’t think they will mind.” Then, Maya teased Richard. “Ayaw mo ba akong marinig kumanta.”

“Eh kaya nga ayaw kong mag-stay!” Richard bantered back, which earned him a pinch from Maya. “Ouch, Sweetheart, biro lang!”

“Sama mo, sweetheart! Maganda kaya ang boses ko.” Maya said, pouting prettily. “Baka, takot ka lang mapakanta!”

Richard laughted, then whispered to Maya, “Consider this also as part of your team building and bonding with your team! Bumawi ka na lang sa akin bukas sa dinner nating dalawa! Doon, solo na talaga kita.” He added with a teasing, mischievous smile.

“Hmmm, and what do you mean by that, Atty Lim?” Maya asked with a smile, then seriously, she said, “Okay sige, I understand what you mean about me and my staff. Thank you very much again for this. I love you. I will see you later.”

Richard said goodbye to everyone and told them to enjoy the night. He told Maya he will just be at the coffee shop near the lobby, waiting for her. He brought an iPad with him and also some work so for sure, he has plenty to do.

Maya gave him a bright, loving smile and told him that she will see him later. She and her staff, then proceeded to enjoy the night.

Natasha

“Good morning Sir Richard!” Liza greeted Richard with a big smile, as soon as he entered his office after dropping Maya off at the entrance of her office two floors below.

“Good morning Liza! Do I have anything urgent this morning?” Richard inquired, smiling and feeling at the top of the world that morning.

“Wala naman po, Sir.” Liza replied, but handed Richard a big card. “You just need to sign this birthday card. Kayo na lang po ang hindi pa nakaka-sign!”

“Sinong may birthday Liza?” It has been a tradition in LC for the executives to sign the birthday card for whoever executive or company officer has a birthday. It is included in the flowers that is sent to the birthday celebrators.

“Sir! Si Ms. Maya kaya! Even if I know, for sure, you have plans for her birthday, please sign the card na rin para kumpleto na kayong mga executive.” Liza said, smiling. She saw her boss and Maya, earlier holding hands while they walked to the elevators. She was behind them. She almost squealed with delight upon seeing them so sweet towards each other. She concluded na sila na talaga!

“Yes! She did mention that her birthday is coming up when I asked kung kailan. Give me the card.” Richard got the pen that Liza gave him, then signed his name too, together with the other executives, except that he put a heart and a smiley beside his name.

Liza laughed when she saw it. “Sir Richard, ikaw talaga. High school lang ang peg, hahahaha. Pero it’s cute naman!”

Richard laughed too, then went inside his office to start his work day. He was humming a line from a song from the ‘The King and I’…..To kiss in the sunlight/And say to the sky/“Behold and believe what you see/Behold how my lover loves me”….  when he sat on his desk to tackle his paperworks.

More than an hour later, a tall lady dressed in a figure-hugging sheath dress, parked herself in front of Liza’s desk.

“Good morning Ma’am, may I help you?” Liza inquired politely. There is something familiar with the lady which she can’t place.

“I would like to see Ricky Lim, please. Tito Patrick said this is his office now.” The lady asked, her demeanor, a bit haughty for Liza’s taste.

“I don’t recall him having an appointment with you Ms…..” Liza asked.

“I don’t have. But I’m sure, he will see me. Just tell him, Natasha Melendrez.” Natasha said, brooking no argument.

“Sandali lang po.” Liza stood up, then knocked on Richard’s door, instead of calling. While she was doing so, Liza also realized why the lady looks familiar. She is the daughter of Probo and Norma Melendrez, a close friends of the Lims, and an ex-girlfriend of Richard Lim, if what she overheard before was true.

“O Liza, bakit hindi ka na lang tumawag sa intercom.” Richard asked, seeing that Liza was not there to bring documents to him.

“Sir may naghahanap po sa inyo sa labas. Wala po siyang appointment. Si Mr. Patrick Lim daw po ang nagturo sa kanya ng office niyo.” Liza said, hesitantly.

“”Sino raw siya, Liza?” Richard asked. His uncle didn’t mention sending anyone to him when he saw him just before he entered the Legal Department.

“Ms. Natasha Melendrez daw po, Sir!” Liza said.

“Oh…” was all Richard said. He thought for a second, then said, “I guess, just send her in if I don’t have any other appointment that would get affected by it.” His Uncle Patrick has always had a soft spot, rather a blind spot, for Natasha, not knowing her true character!

“Okay po, Sir.” Liza went out of Richard’s office again and returned to Natasha Melendrez to accompany her to Richard Lim’s office.

Richard settled into his seat again, tapping his fingers on the desk, thinking what could bring Natasha to his office, five years after they parted ways. He was also wondering why she had given her maiden name when the last time he heard, it was already Ortiz. She had married one of his ex-closest friends, Nathaniel Ortiz.

“Ricky, so nice to see you.” Natasha said with a big smile when Liza ushered her into Richard’s office. She proceeded to where Richard is, then tried to give him a kiss on the lips. He deflected it, so it landed on his left cheek.

“Please have a seat Natasha.” Richard politely said, gesturing towards one of the two visitor chairs in front of his desk.

“Can we sit in the couch over there?” Natasha requested. “It is more intimate. Sitting on that visitor’s chair, I feel like I’m on a job interview.”

“Why are you here, Natasha?” Richard said, ignoring her request. He decided to cut through her phoney cheerfulness and solicitousness as if nothing bad had happened between them. “After all the things that have happened, I thought we don’t have anything else to talk about.”

“Richard, come on, Honey, you haven’t moved on from that? I regretted what I did. Isn’t it enough? Besides, Nate and I are not together anymore. Our divorce became final two months ago.”

“Please don’t call me ‘Honey’, Natasha. I haven’t been since I caught you in bed with one of my best friends, in our own bed!” Richard said calmly. “I have moved on. I don’t feel a thing anymore. I don’t care whether you and Nate are still together or not.”

“Richard, that can’t be true. You loved me. You were even willing to live in the States permanently for me. You chose me over having a place in your father’s company.” Natasha insisted. She had high hopes for this meeting. What she said was true, she regretted being unfaithful to Richard. Nate is not the person Richard is. She wants to have a second chance with Richard.

“Natasha, please! Let’s not rehash the past. I may say things you will not like to hear and which I don’t like to say to you either. Let’s just remember the happy times. The past is over and done with. Let’s leave it at that. I’m in love for the first time in my life and for me that’s what matters now.” Richard said before he could stop himself, wanting only to convince Natasha that there is no going back for them. “Besides, I did continue living in the States after we broke up and you married Nate. So, it was just not you. I’m sorry, we were not just meant to be, a big part of that was your own making.”

“Ricky…..” Natasha started, but seeing Richard’s firmed and unmoving expression, she stopped. In a way, she knew, deep inside herself that this is a futile effort anyway. She had hurt Richard in the past a lot. She was that immature and selfish. She had her chance. She just thought that she would just have another when she heard from Tito Patrick that Richard is still single and does not seem to have a girlfriend at the moment.

Natasha returned to the Philippines after her divorce became final to start anew. If not for the fact that she was pregnant with Nate’s baby, she would have not married him. Her parents insisted and rather than lose the good life she had, which her parents threatened to do, she did it. They also told her she made a big mistake when she chose Nate, by having an affair with him, over Richard. They were right. She didn’t understand why she stayed in the marriage even after she lost the baby.

Richard and Natasha stared at each other silently. Natasha, at a lost on what do to next. Richard, hoping that Natasha will leave. They had nothing to say to each other.

The door suddenly opened.

“Ricky, sweetheart, dumiretso na ako. Wala si Liza sa post niya. Sabi mo naman…..” Maya stopped when she realized that Richard is not alone. “Oh, I’m so sorry. You have a meeting. I thought it was just you since I didn’t hear a sound when I was approaching.” Maya looked at the lady sitting at Richard’s visitor’s chair. “Hello.”

Maya was about to excuse herself, when Richard got out of his chair, approached her and gave her a kiss on the lips. “Don’t go, Sweetheart. Please meet, Natasha Melendrez, daughter of Tito Probo and Tita Norma, friends of my parents.” He said by way of introduction. “Natasha, please meet my girlfriend, Maya Dela Rosa. Maya is also LC’s Head of Corporate Communications.”

Natasha took a closer look at Richard’s girlfriend. What she saw made her feel more defeated. For she saw before her a beautiful, poised her girl, her eyes shining with intelligence, looking at her with a sincere friendly expression, and looking at Richard with so much love. She swallowed hard.

“Nice to meet you, Maya.” She simply said, then to Richard, “Ricky, I will get going. Mom and I will meet for lunch. Hello to Tito Roberto and Tita Esmeralda.”

“I will, Natasha, and good luck. I hope you will find happiness too.” Richard simply said. He realized he felt tons lighter at that moment. He had forgiven Natasha a long time ago. In fact, he considered himself to have a lucky escape. Doubly so now, that he found Maya.

Maya and Richard watched Natasha walked towards the door and then closed it gently.

“Maya, let’s have an early lunch! Here at my office, if it is okay with you? I will send Liza out for food.” Richard asked. While Maya didn’t ask who Natasha is, he wanted to tell her, to clear the past completely, so to speak.

“Sure, Sweetheart! I’m free na. I just want to give this sana to you.” Maya said, then gave Ricky his favorite brew from Starbucks. “Nagpabili ako kasi kay Richard, the messenger. I didn’t realize na almost lunchtime na pala.”

They both smiled at that, remembering Maya’s wrong text message.

“Palagay ko dapat nating pasalamatan iyang si Richard Lazaro sa progress ng love story natin.” Richard teased Maya.

“Hahahaha, Sweetheart, sa palagay ko rin.” Maya said. “Teka, let me call Minerva lang to tell her I will have an early lunch. May I use your phone?”

“Sure, go I head. I will just go and see if Liza is back. I will ask her if she could order lunch for us from the restaurant downstairs.” Richard said. “What would you like?”

“Just the pasta carbonara that they have there with roast beef on the side, salad and a can of regular Coke.” Maya said. “Thank you, Sweetheart.”

Maya made her call while Richard peeked out to check if Liza is there. She saw him doing so. “Sir, may kailangan po kayo? I had to dash out earlier while you had a visitor.” Liza explained.

“Yes, sana Liza. Would you please call the restaurant downstairs and have them deliver lunch to my office for Maya and I.” Richard then told Liza what Maya wanted and told her what he would like.

“No problem, Sir! Nandiyan pala si Ms. Maya!” She remarked. At the back of her head, she realized that Maya and Natasha must have met each other if she had arrived at her boss’s office while she was away. She shrugged, thinking that it must have been okay. “Dalhin ko na lang po sa office niyo Sir, pagdating. I will just tell the restaurant manager to put it in your tab again.”

“Thanks Liza! I’m on a break na ha.” Richard said. He didn’t want to be interrupted for the next hour or so, while he talk to Maya about Natasha.

“Noted, Sir.” Liza assured her boss.

Richard returned to his office and saw Maya looking out at the view outside while waiting for him. She smiled brightly when she saw him.

“Have I told you lately that I love you very much.” Richard said as he cupped Maya’s chin and looked deep in her eyes.

Maya smiled. “Not in the last couple of hours, Atty. Lim! And I love you too.”

They shared a loving smile, then Richard lowered his lips to Maya and gave her a gentle kiss.

“Come, Sweetheart, before I get totally lost in your very kissable lips, let’s sit on the couch. I have something to tell you.” Richard took hold of Maya’s hand, interlaced it with his and gently pulled her to the couch.

“Hmmm, parang alam ko na kung tungkol saan. Is it about Natasha?” Maya asked she settled down in the crook of Richard’s right arm. “Your ex-girlfriend?”

‘“Yes, and I’m right, I was pretty sure that you will read the situation correctly.” Richard said. “How come you didn’t ask me about her as soon as she had left?”

“Well, I want you to tell me yourself.” Maya replied. “While I admit, I was curious at her sudden appearance, I also know naman that she was from your past na. Otherwise, you would have not courted me like that. I also trust you and you have not given me any reason to doubt that and the feelings you have for me.”

Richard’s heart swelled. He is so lucky to have her. He loves her so very much “Thank you for your trust, Sweetheart. I’m so lucky to have you. Despite having girlfriends before, Natasha being the most serious one from my past since I entertained the thought of marrying her, you are the only whom I feel like this, the only one I ever love.”

“Thank you for that, Ricky.” Maya cupped Richard’s face and kissed him gently. “I love you. I love you. I love you.”

Richard gazed at Maya lovingly. “And I the same! But I don’t want anything between us so I would like to tell you about Natasha.” Maya nodded. Richard took a deep breath and started speaking of the past.

“I shared an apartment with Natasha and my cousin Rafi while studying in the States. They were friends and studying designs. Both of them wanted to be fashion designers. When Rafi met Charlie and moved in with him, they eventually marry of course, Natasha and I were thrown together. Before we knew it, we were living together in the real sense of the word. She was a fun person, and that was the problem, she was like an overgrown child. She was also a party girl, refusing to grow up and accept responsibilities. While me, on the other hand, had to spend long hours studying and then finding my way in corporate America. My plan was to stay there for her as she didn’t want to live in the Philippines. I also entertained the thought of us marrying in the beginning, but was not so sure afterwards because of the way she was and me, realizing that I was not sure then if I really love her.

She used my long hours of working hard to establish a future for us, as an excuse later on, when I caught her in bed with one of my best friends who also moved to the States to study for a post graduate degree. She told me that I neglected her, and I was so caught up in my career. We parted ways and her parents, from what I heard from Mama, afterwards, pressured her to marry Nate when they found out she was pregnant with his child. Now, she came here to tell me that their divorced was final two months ago.”

“She wanted to see if she could pick up the pieces and have another chance with you!” Maya concluded on her own, understanding the situation she barged in earlier, better.

“Yes, but I told her there is no chance of that, as I already have a girlfriend and for the first time in my life, I’m in love.” Richard said looking at Maya lovingly. “There was an uneasy silence between us after that. I was hoping she would leave. Out of politeness and respect to her parents, I didn’t want to be rude, then you came in, like an angel.”

“Ricky, sweetheart, thank you for telling me. I appreciate it very much. It made me love you more. You know what?  What is important to me is us, our present, and our future together if we are so lucky to have it. The past stays in the past.” Maya said.

“Sweetheart, we will have a future together. We will work on it.” Richard vowed. “We will be together in everything. Thank you for being so wonderful, for being so understanding and for trusting and believing in me.”

Richard and Maya gazed at each other with so much love on their faces, in their eyes. They both felt that their hearts will burst from too much emotions and feelings at that moment, and because they can’t help themselves, they shared another kiss. There was this overwhelming feeling to connect physically. It started as a tame one, but that was not the case several minutes after, as they were kissing heatedly, tongues duelling and mating, their faces flushed.

Before the situation completely got out of hand, the sound of a knock on the door penetrated their world. They broke apart suddenly. Richard remembered that Liza was supposed to bring in their food! Richard and Maya both tried hard to catch their breaths fast. It took Richard several minutes before he managed to open the door for Liza.

Richard and Maya had a leisurely lunch, both were very much aware that their relationship shifted to another level. It just got deeper and more wonderful! They found every excuse to touch each other, feed each other morsels of food or share a quick kiss while having lunch.

Loving

Richard returned to his office late afternoon, tired and was not in a very good mood. He had been in a meeting with his father and the LC Board of Directors which lasted the whole morning and most of the afternoon. It was a difficult, gruelling, meeting as the board and his father have very diverse positions in addressing the problem that one of their subsidiaries is facing. To top it all, he missed the morning coffee break with Maya. He was really looking forward to that.

His father’s secretary called Liza to inform him of the urgent meeting less than an hour after he had settled down in his desk to check on the briefs he asked Fred and his three other lawyers to work on.

Before he left his office for the meeting, he called Maya and informed her that he had to cancel on their coffee break. She already knew the reason why, after he said he will attend an urgent meeting of the board. As the Head of Lim Corporation’s CCD, she knows the flow of information within the company. She said, they can do it some other time, no worries, and that he can just give the pandesal and cream cheese to Liza, which he did.

“Liza, how are things?” He asked his secretary as soon as he sat down on his desk, massaging his forehead.

“Okay naman po, Sir. Here are the contracts that you need to finish reviewing today.” Liza put a thick pile of documents on Richard’s desk. “Sige po, Sir, babalik na ako sa station ko. Let me know if you need anything.”

“I’m okay, Liza, I better work on these papers so I can go home early. Oh by the way, there is one thing you can do for me, can you reserve a table for two at that revolving restaurant in Libis for say, 7-7:30PM?” Richard said, thinking of inviting Maya to have dinner with him to make up for their missed coffee break. If she can’t, he will just cancel the reservation. It would not be much fun without her. He ought to call her first, he knows, but he just want to catch his breath first.

“Yes Sir, right away po. Do you want me to request a romantic dinner set-up?” Liza asked with a big smile.

Richard laughed at that. “Ikaw, Liza, ha! Sure, and many thanks! Ipagdasal mo lang na libre si Maya.”

Liza smiled back and left her boss. She came knocking back several minutes after. Richard thought it has something to do with the reservation he had asked her to do.

“Yes, Liza? Okay na ba ang reservation?” He asked when she was approaching.

“Okay na Sir. I was about to text you na nga about it, when this arrived for you.” Liza placed a big brown Starbucks paper bag on his desk.

Richard looked at it, having an inkling from whom it came from. Now, he has a big, goofy smile on his face, which is a much better improvement on the scowl he had when he went back to his office earlier. “Oh, thank you Liza.”

“No problem, Sir. Sabi ko na nga ba, it will make you happy.” Liza teased before turning back to go her work station again. Unbeknown to Richard, Maya has called Liza earlier, asking her if she can text her when Richard is back at his office, which she did as soon as she saw him approaching. So, that was why Ms. Maya wanted to know, Liza mused. Ang sweet naman nilang dalawa. Sila na kaya? She asked herself.

Richard looked inside the bag as soon as Liza left. In it, was a coffee tumbler filled with his favorite brew and a slice of blueberry cheesecake. He also found a note, tucked into the side of the tumbler.

Dearest boyfriend,

I heard the meeting was a very intense one. Just want to cheer you up a bit. Sorry, I can’t deliver this in person as I have scheduled a staff meeting this afternoon.

Love,

Maya (yes po, your girlfriend now 🙂 )

Richard almost dropped the coffee tumbler he was about to take a sip from upon reading Maya’s note. He read it again, wanting to be sure. The words were the same. “YES!!!!” He shouted.

It was so loud, that Liza came running to his office to check. “Sir, is something the matter? Ano po ang nangyari?”

“Ha, ah, errrr, wala Liza. May natanggap lang akong very, very good news.” Richard said grinning, blushing a bit. Come on Richard Lim, you are acting like a teenager instead of a well-respected lawyer, he said to himself!

“Oh, okay!” Liza said smiling, and shaking her head when she returned to her work station again.

When Liza left, Richard grabbed his phone, intending to call Maya, but then he realized she is in a staff meeting. He just decided to sent her a short message.

Thank you for the coffee and the cake, my beautiful girlfriend!  🙂 🙂 🙂 The best coffee delivery ever! Dinner later? 

Maya was listening and checking on Emman’s presentation when her phone vibrated. She jumped a bit. She already was having a hard time concentrating, waiting to hear from him. She discreetly checked her message. However, upon reading it, she was not able to hide the big smile on her face. She blushed. Good thing the room was dimmed for Emman’s presentation. She typed in a quick reply.

Sure. 7PM?

Great, so very looking forward to our first dinner as a couple ; -) I love you.

I love you too. Magtrabaho muna tayo, baka masisante na ako! 🙂 

Both of them have huge smiles and flushed faces when they put their phone down. It became more difficult to concentrate with work the rest of the day, with that major development in their relationship.

“That concluded my presentation!” Emman said, and Maya was jolted back to the meeting.

“Okay. Good presentation, Emman. Please email everyone a copy of your presentation for reference. If there are no other concerns, our meeting is adjourned.”

Everyone started getting out of the conference room, having no more concerns that needed to be tabled for that week, leaving Maya and Emman alone.

“So, kumusta naman si guwapong-guwapong Atty. Richard?” Emman asked as he started putting the projector in its case.

“Okay naman. Bakit mo naman biglang naitanong?” Maya asked.

“Eh kasi naman, sis, ang ngiti mo kanina. For sure, siya iyon. Nasa direct line of vision kaya kita kahit na busy ang beauty ko sa presentation ko, sight na sight ko.”

“Ikaw talaga, Emman. Walang nakakaligtas sa iyo.” Maya smiled. “Since ikaw ang super bestfriend ko dito sa department natin and you know about this, and since you and Liza played a role in this, sige na nga. Kami na ni Ricky!” Maya admitted to Emman. She was just so happy. She wanted to shout it to the world.

“Kami, as in…..?????” Emman almost dropped the projector. “OMG!!! Talaga, Kailan pa? Grabe naman pala ang tumama sa iyo, parang pana ni Hawkeye ang peg, bull’s eye na bull’s eye! At ito namang si Atty. Richard parang si Superman sa bilis ah.”

“Parang wrong universe yata ang mga superhero sa allusion mo, Emman!” Maya teased Emman. “Parang hindi naman taga-Marvel si Superman!”

“Whatever sis, basta, pareho silang mabilis. Pero one thing I’m sure of, hindi mo naman ibibigay ang matamis mong oo ng hindi ka sure diyan sa nararamdaman mo, and sa intentions ni Mr. Handsome Lawyer. I’m happy for you. Welcome to the land of ‘in a relationship’ status sa FB! Finally! Poor Sir James!”

“Thank you, Emman. Don’t worry about James, friends lang kami talaga noon. Imagine, sa tagal ba naman naming nagkakilala, wala naman kaming ibang naramdaman sa isa’t isa, maliban sa friendship. Feeling ko rin si Diana ang long-time love noon, hindi lang makaporma.” Maya said. “You know me, after what happened to me and seeing that life is too short to dawdle, to waste time, I would rather take things in stride kapag sure na ako. This time, I’m very, very sure. Bakit ko pa patatagalin? I haven’t felt this way before. My mind and my heart are telling me, this is it. It has taken me this long to find that special someone that makes my heart beat faster, that makes me happy with just the thought of him and fill me with so much emotion every time I think of him!”

“Wow, sis, so right and so eloquently put! I’m so happy for you. Wishing you and Atty. Guwapo the best. Teka parang pang-wedding na ang wishes ko.” Emman smiled, then hugged Maya. They both returned to their work stations with happy smiles.

“Ma’am Maya, may naghihintay po sa inyo sa office niyo.” Minerva said as soon as Maya stopped in front of her cubicle.

“Ha sino? May appoinment ba ako?” It can’t be Richard as they will see each other later. Pero you’ll never know, she mused.

“Si Sir James po.” Minerva added. Hmmm, lately, dumadalas ang mga guwapo sa department namin ah, Minerva thought.

“Oh, okay. Thanks Minerva.” Maya said, a puzzled look on her face as James does not normally go to her office. They usually meet outside for socials, and if it is about office matters, they meet at one of the conference rooms near his office.

“James, hello! Sorry, I didn’t know you are here. I had a staff meeting earlier.” Maya greeted her friend.

“Hi Maya! Sorry if I dropped by unscheduled! I just needed to stretch my legs after the gruelling meeting with the board, earlier. Coffee and Snickers for you! Here! I hope it is okay if I have my coffee break na rin with you.” He said with a big, lost little boy smile.

“Of course!” Unlike that coffee time with Richard, Maya sat on her desk, while James sat on the visitor’s chair while they have their coffee. Maya was about to grab a bite of the Snickers when she was reminded of the time Richard gave her Snickers too. She smiled, lost in thoughts.

“Ehemmmm, Earth to Maya Dela Rosa! Saan ka naman nakarating?”

“Errrr, James, wala. I’m just so happy.”

“Come on, this is your college BFF you are talking to. What gives?”

Maya smiled at that. She did tell Emman and mabuti nang sa kanya na malaman ni James ang balita dahil for sure, magtatampo ito sa kanya ng husto.

“James, I’m in love! Kami na ni Ricky.” She blurted out.

“In love? Ricky?” James asked, then the realization. “Oh you mean, si Richard Lim! Oh my, parang ang bilis naman ng mga pangyayari ah. Ilang araw lang tayong hindi nagkausap ng husto. Kailan pa?”

“Today lang!” Maya said with a smile that lit up her whole face.

Seeing this, James knows that one of his long-time and treasured friends has truly found love and is very much in love. Ngayon lang niya nakitang ganito ka-giddy si Maya!

“Seeing you this happy, what can I say, except that I’m very happy for you, too. Richard is a very lucky guy.” James said, then went to Maya’s side to give her a hug. “Truly, I’m so happy for you, college BFF. Richard is a good guy naman.” Then he added, jesting. “Ikaw ha, ako ang tagal na kitang kilala, hindi ganyan ang hitsura mo kapag ako ang kasama mo.”

“James!!! Ikaw talaga. You know, and I know, you consider me a sister and not a girlfriend material. Ganoon din naman ako since I don’t have a brother!”

“Hahahaha, joke lang.” James said, with a big smile.

“Kasi naman, sa ginuwapo-guwapo mong iyan, stable pa, responsible pa, pero torpe naman. Bakit hindi mo kaya subukan. Malay mo.” Ganoon yata talaga kapag in love, gusto mo rin lahat ng tao ma-in love and maramdaman ang wonderful feeling ng in love, Maya mused.

“Maya naman…..” James protested, scratching his head.

“Ha, anong Maya naman! Hindi ka ba nagtataka kung bakit single pa rin siya hanggang ngayon.”

“Eh bakit, ikaw? Ngayon ka lang naman din nagka-boyfriend ah.”

“Basta, bakit di mo kaya subukan. Tamang-tama, may outreach program ulit si Diana and her group next week. Sasama kami ni Ricky talaga doon, why don’t you join? Birthday gift mo na sa akin.”

“Sige na nga!” James smiled at his makulit na friend. He was really, really glad to have the old Maya back. He does not want to see her like in the state she was in after what she experienced in the Visayas.

The two of them said goodbye after 30 minutes. Maya finally had time to make inroads of the papers on her desk. The beeping of her phone interrupted her after a while.

Hi my lovely girlfriend, see you at the lobby in 15 minutes?

Maya looked at the time and realized that it is now almost six o’clock.

Hi my handsome boyfriend! I can just meet you at the restaurant. I have my car with me, di ba?

Please, let’s go together. You can take your car tomorrow. 

Okay. Sige na nga. See you.

Richard immediately saw Maya when he got into the lobby of LC at 6:15. She was chatting with James. She saw him and waved, at the same time giving him a loving smile.

“Hi. Kanina ka pa ba?” Richard said softly, then gave Maya a kiss in the cheek, gazing at her lovingly.

She was also all smiles for him, as if they were the only two people in the busy lobby.

“Ehemmmm, ehemmm again, Earth again to Maya and now Earth to you too, Richard Lim. Nandito po ako.” James said with a grin.

Maya and Richard looked at each other, then grinned, and were still grinning when they faced James.

“Hmmm, and yes, Maya told me na. Congratulations, Richard! You are one lucky guy, ikaw lang, tanging ikaw lang ang nakapagpasagot dito sa BFF ko. Hwag sanang umiyak itong bestfriend ko ha.” James gave Richard a friendly warning as he patted him in the back.

“Of course, makakaasa ka James. Thank you.” Richard said shaking the other guy’s hand.

“O sige, baka ma-late na kayo sa dinner date niyo! I’ll get going na rin!” James said with a smile. “Enjoy your night.”

Maya and Richard said goodbye to him, then walked towards the elevator banks.

“Let’s go Maya. I will take you home again this evening, please. Promise tomorrow, you can drive na ulit. Would that be okay?” Richard cajoled sweetly. “I really like us sharing a ride.”

“Okay.” Maya said smiling.

They continued walking towards the elevator with hands intertwined. Maya is getting used to Richard being a touchy-feely person, and she likes the feel of their hands interlaced. The sight didn’t escape the notice of the employees who rode with them to the three-level basement parking. When they got off the level reserved for executives, two of the female employees talked about what they saw.

“Sila na ba?” A girl from Accounting asked her colleague.

“I think so. Tingnan mo naman, sobrang sweet. Hayyyy, kinikilig ako.”  Her colleague replied.

“Ikaw naman kung maka-react wagas. Bakit ikaw ba ang niligawan ni Atty. Lim!”

“Hindi nga, pero I’m a sucker for romantic stories. Para silang sa pocketbooks lang na binabasa ko. Hay, sana ako rin makatagpo! Ang swerte naman ni Ms. Maya!”

“Ipagdasal mo kaya sa Quiapo tuwing Biyernes!” Her colleague teased her as the two of them got off on the third level. She continued, “Bakit, swerte rin naman si Atty. Lim kay Ms. Maya. Minerva, her secretary only has good words for her. Saka tingnan mo naman ang beauty-beauty kaya niya. Matalino pa. Dati nga iyang kilalang journalist di ba? Mula nga ng pumasok iyan dito, ngayon ko lang nakitang may kasamang ganyan, so sweet pa.”

By that time, Richard and Maya was about to exit the parking area. Richard drove towards the direction of Libis.

“Hmmm, opposite direction yata tayo ng Makati! Where are we going?” Maya asked, Richard still not letting go of her hand. “Saka, wait, Ricky, pahiram muna ang kamay ko, concentrate ka sa driving.”

“Okay.” Richard said grinning, but before letting go of it, he raised it to his lips. Maya felt a tingle of excitement with that gesture.

“Let’s try the revolving restaurant sa may Libis. I heard masarap ang food doon and the view daw the best kasi nasa top floor.” Richard replied as he navigated the, hopefully, short ride to the place.

They arrived at the building where the restaurant is a little past 7PM due to the traffic. Good thing he had asked Liza to book the place between 7PM to 7:30PM. They took the elevator to the highest floor and when they reached the restaurant, they were led to a table set for a romantic dinner for two, facing the magnificent view of the metro and beyond.

“This is amazing!” Maya said as Richard seated her, then took the seat beside hers.

When their waiter approached, both of them agreed in ordering the chef’s special dishes and a bottle of the restaurant’s best wine vintage that would complement the food. When the wine arrived, Richard poured a glass each for Maya.

“To us! I love you very much, Maya. Thank you for saying yes. You made me the happiest guy today.”

To us, Ricky. I love you very much too, and you made me the happiest girl too.”

They gazed at each other with so much love, the other people in the restaurant just faded away.

The moment was broken when the waiter returned with the first of the food they ordered.

Like their previous meals together, they chatted and enjoyed each other company while enjoying their food, but this time, their heated gazes were added to the mix. Sometimes, they would look at the view while sipping their wine and Richard’s hands on top of Maya’s. They  felt like they were alone in a secluded place, at the top of the world.

Three hours later, after their wonderful dinner, and very enjoyable car ride to Makati, Maya and Richard arrived at Maya’s gate. Richard solicitous as always, opened the door for her.

“Would you like to come in, Ricky?” Maya asked.

“No na, Maya. You need to rest na rin. It is late. I will pick you up tomorrow.”

“Okay, have breakfast here again, please.”

“I’ll like that.”

“Thank you for a wonderful evening.”

“I should be the one saying that. Today has been the most wonderful day of my life dahil sinagot mo ako. I love you, Sweetheart.”

Hearing the endearment, Maya’s heart somersaulted. At that moment she felt so full of love and happiness and it is because of this wonderful guy.

“Me to Ricky. I’m so happy. I love you very much too, my Sweetheart. I never expected to find love like this, so fast, so unexpected. I never felt like this before.”

They gazed at each other, reluctant to part for the night.

Richard cupped Maya’s chin. “I never felt like this either.” Then he lowered his lips to hers, and they shared a very sweet kiss, their first.