Chapter 12

“Brod, baka naman matunaw na si Maya niyan sa mga titig mo.” Attorney Ryan whispered teasingly to Richard after their meeting with Mr. Christopher Dy, the operations manager of Time Airways and his team has ended. The meeting took two hours, but they were successful in agreeing to a service agreement between TA and LAS.

Richard asked Maya and Ryan to stay after the meeting as he wanted to discuss the finer points of the contract they will draft for his company. Before they resume, Richard suggested a short break. Maya excused herself to go to the restroom, and get something from the office she was using. He and Ryan stayed in the conference room. Richard had asked Liza to buy food and make some coffee.

Ryan had seen Richard gazing at Maya intently just before she left the room. He had been doing so, the past hours, when he thought that no one was looking at him. Earlier that afternoon, he heard Maya thanked Richard for the flowers and the coffee. He had seen the flowers when he knocked on Maya’s office to tell her they needed to be on their way to LAS. Hmmm, things were really progressing fast, huh, he mused.

Richard flushed at Ryan’s teasing. He thought that he was doing the looking, surreptitiously, and that no one noticed. He can’t help himself. Maya looked so lovely today in the purple sheath dress she was wearing. Her face was almost completely devoid of make-up. But that made it highlights her best features such as her expressive doe-shape eyes, pouty lips and high cheekbones. He had a hard time concentrating.

“Ikaw talaga, Brod, ako na naman ang nakita mo!” Richard quipped at his friend, grinning broadly. “Last time I checked, it’s not a crime to look at the woman you will marry!”

Ryan almost fell from his chair, hearing that. “Ha, magpapakasal na kayo? Magpo-propose ka na? Nag-propose ka na? Kailan pa? Dapat akong best man mo ha!” He fired in rapid succession, astounded at how fast really were the developments between these two the past several days. Daig pa ang whirlwind sa tingin niya! Tornado lang, Richard Lim!

“Brod, you should see your expression. Close your mouth, baka dapuan ng langaw.” Richard said, laughing so hard. “Brod, speedy kung speedy ako kasi nga making up for our lost time, pero hindi naman ako si Flash Gordon! I wish, pero naman, Brod, Maya and I just saw each other again! Nanliligaw pa lang ulit ako. Nanunuyo. It has been ten years! Pero of course, I’m sure that I’ll marry her if she will have me.”

“Richard naman kasi, linawin mo ang statement mo! You can’t blame me for jumping to conclusion! Malay ko ba! Para kasing tuwing makikita ko kayo, may sarili kayong mundong dalawa.” Ryan said laughing hard too. “But Brod, hindi naman ako magtataka na doon nga kayo papunta. It’s a matter of time, kahit pa ang bibigat ng mga karibal mo,” he added.

Before Richard can react again, and ask Ryan about his ‘karibals’ in Maya’s heart, Liza interrupted them. “Coffee Sir Richard, Attorney Ryan!” She offered. “Gawa po iyan ni Attorney Maya! Nasa pantry kasi siya when I went there. She offered to make coffee for you two. Iyong sandwiches po na pinabili ko, to follow na lang, pabalik na siguro si Benjie.”

“Thank you, very much Liza. Nasaan na pala si Maya?” Ryan asked before Richard could.

“She will be along shortly daw po. She will work on something lang daw po while having coffee.” Liza replied, then she excused herself and left the room.

“Oh, okay. Sipag talaga nitong bagong associate ko, parang inspired na inspired.” Ryan said, sipping his coffee, teasing Richard. “Hmmmm, ang sarap nitong kape ah. Parang kakaiba. Parang tinimpla ng may halong pagmamahal.”

“Brod, ikaw talaga, hindi ka nagbabago, still incorrigible, alaskador!” Richard replied. “Hindi pa nga ako sinasagot eh.” He added in between sips of coffee. “And yes, masarap talaga ang coffee ni Maya. You are lucky to have her as your employee. Kahit noong unang kilala ko pa lang sa kanya, masipag siya, responsible and driven.Working student na siya noon. Hindi na bago sa kanya ang dalawang work na magkasabay like she did while in law school, though, that one was tougher on her kasi demanding din naman ang maging journalist. And see, she made it!” He finished, the pride in Maya’s achievements evident in his voice.

“Really, she is really admirable!” Ryan said nodding. “Brod, may I ask, if you don’t mind? Hindi ba talaga naging kayo dati ni Maya? Para kasing naging kayo, base sa mga nakikita ko.”

“If what happened did not happen, then we would have been.” Richard said, sipping his coffee. “I was really planning in following her to Mindoro that semestral break! Hindi ba isinasama pa nga kita sa Mindoro pero hindi ka pwede! Manliligaw pa lang sana ako ng husto when Mama and Grace were kidnapped. Kaya hayun, naunsyami ang panliligaw ko.”

“Yes, I remember that. I can’t remember why I begged off from going with you. Pero hindi na na natuloy di ba?” Ryan asked.

“No, hindi na. Bigla na kaming umalis. Nag-sorry na nga ako kay Maya when we saw each other again. Kasi kahit sa kanya, hindi rin ako nakapagpaalam, mahigpit ang bilin ni Papa na huwag kong sabihin kahit kanino na aalis kami, lalo na kay Maya.”

“You know what, I understood your father and his knee-jerk reaction to what happened to your Mama and Grace, pero to tell you specifically not to inform Maya, parang may kakaiba naman sa instructions niya.” Ryan said, thinking, his lawyer mind going in gears.

“I did wonder about that Brod, for years. There were times I wanted to ask Papa about it, pero ang dami na rin naman niyang worries, and besides, I got married na rin so I let it slide na lang. Pero naiisip ko rin na baka kasi nakita niya how Maya and I were getting closer at that time. That I was acting differently towards her than my old girlfriend, si Inez. Alam mo naman iyon, he didn’t like for me to get distracted while studying. But it is water under the bridge now. Ang importante na lang, nagkita kami ulit ni Maya. Fate made us meet again.” Richard said, took another sip of coffee.

“Tama ka naman doon, Richard. Kasi ang importante ang ngayon and what you are having with her. Tutal naman, nangyari na ang mga nagyari.” Ryan said, nodding his head in agreement.

“By the way, you were saying about my ‘karibals’?” Richard asked, not being able to help himself. He just wants to know, hindi naman masamang malaman, di ba? Actually, may idea na siya doon sa isa, that Attorney James Ventura. But who are the others?

However, before Ryan can reply, Maya returned. “My apologies for taking so long. Have you started? I had to email a document to a client. He texted while I was making coffee.” Then looking at Ryan, she explained, “Attorney Ryan, ito iyung pina-check ko sa iyo kaninang umaga and you told me okay na for sending. I just saw rin your e-mail to me. When Mr. Fernando texted, I e-mailed it to him promptly.”

“Oh, okay. He texted you ha!  I did tell him naman that I will have you e-mail it as soon as we are finished with it. Mabuti we did na.” Ryan remarked. “Anyway, hindi pa naman kami nag-start ni Richard. We are chatting a bit and enjoying your delicious coffee. Thank you for this Maya.” He said, holding up the cup.

“Thank you for the coffee, Maya. Masarap as always.” Richard added, giving her a big smile.

“You’re welcome, Attorney Ryan, Richard.” Maya still finds it a bit awkward to call Richard by his first name when they are in a business setting, but he insisted.

Before, she could say more, her phone rang. She grab it, hoping to put it on silent fast. Nakalimutan niya. However, she saw the name of the person calling, and thinking that it was business related, she started asking to be excused.

“Go ahead, Maya, please answer your phone call.” Richard said.

When Maya was going out of the room, Richard and Ryan both heard her saying hello to a ‘Jason’.

“Iyon Brod, isa iyon sa mga karibal mo.” Ryan said. “Bago naming client. He is the CEO of a company that brought a lot of big name foreign brands in the Philippines. From the prominent Fernando family, one of those young entrepreneurs. He and Maya knew each other before. Maya also disclosed to me that dati iyong nanligaw sa kanya. Siguro, she told me kasi nga magiging client namin. Alam mo naman iyang si Maya sobrang honest.”

“Oh!” It was all Richard managed to say, looking at Maya from the glass window of the conference room and saw her still talking on the phone.

“Brod, hwag kang mag-aalala.” Ryan said, breaking into whatever thoughts Richard’s mind was going into. “Ex-manliligaw ang sabi ni Maya. Saka feeling ko naman nasa iyo ang puso ng beautiful lady ng RRMA.”

“Sorry about that,” Maya said, returning to where she was seated earlier, curtailing Richard’s reply to Ryan. “Sir, si Mr. Jason Fernando po ang tumawag. He just wanted to thank me for sending the documents.”

“He called pa just to thank you!” Richard blurted out before he could stop himself.

Maya, and also Ryan was surprised at what he said. Ryan because he always see Richard as a very affable guy, Maya because she was not expecting him to comment as it was nothing to do with him and LAS, except that she and Ryan are officially on LAS time that moment.

Realizing what he said, and seeing Maya’s surprised expression, and Ryan’s now teasing expression, he flushed a bit and modify his statement. “I mean, errr, he could have texted na lang or replied to Maya’s e-mail since she is in a meeting.” He managed to say, then ended it with by saying, “Oh well, let’s go back to our meeting.”

Maya was puzzled by Richard’s action. Was he jealous? But how would he know about Jason Fernando? Then she looked at Ryan Molina and saw him smiling to himself. Aha, I know why, she mused. Ikaw, Attorney Ryan ha, may pagka-mischievous ka rin ha! Maya let it passed for now. She will just tell Richard about Jason when they have dinner later. Hmmm, jealous much, Mr. Lim! I didn’t know you have it in you. Para kasing steady ka lang diyan. Baka kapag nalaman mo na he called me on the pretext, lalo kang magselos. Jason, after thanking Maya for the mail, did invite her to dinner that evening. However, she declined as she already is going to have dinner with Richard. Besides, she is not interested in going to dinner with Jason.

The three of them concentrated on the documents before them, while having their second cups of coffee and Liza’s sandwiches from a nearby deli. Two hours later, they were done.

“So, everything is good to go. Maya and I will just draft the whole thing and send it here by Tuesday morning, sa next punta sa LAS ni Maya.” Ryan said as he gathered papers and put them in his briefcase.

“Yes, that’s about it. TA and LAS in partnership, long-term! Great.” Richard said smiling.

“So paano, Maya and I will get going. Maya, sumabay ka na sa akin pauwi, Friday ngayon, suweldo pa, mahirap sumakay.” Ryan offered. “On the way ko naman ang place mo, I think.”

Before Maya could react, Richard spoke. “Brod, if Maya is done for the day, ako na lang ang maghahatid sa kanya.” Richard offered, not noticing a silent Maya. “Anyway, we will have dinner later.”

“Maya….” Ryan asked, looking at Maya. He did notice.

” Yes, Attorney Ryan, I will go home later na lang. I will just work from here.” Maya said instead.

“Oh, you don’t have to. You can go home also, anyway it’s a Friday and you have finished the work I assigned to you way ahead of schedule. But it is up to you.” Ryan said. “O paano, Brod, Maya, mauuna na ako. Have a nice weekend.”

Ryan left the two of them in the conference room. At first there was a bit of silence as Richard realized something. Maya got uncomfortable in front of her boss with his offer!

“Maya, I’m so sorry. I should have let you speak for yourself.” Richard said, looking at her contrite. “I know, Ryan is still your boss even if we are friends and he knows I’m courting you.”

“Yes, Ricky, I was going to talk to you about that nga. I know you two are friends, but he is still my boss. As much as possible, I want to separate my personal life from my professional one, which I had just started several days ago..” Maya said, imploring Richard to understand where she is coming from.

“I want to be discreet as much as possible when our personal relationship is concern since you also happen to be a client, even if we have known each other from years back. The other day was different when I saw you two talking at the RRMA building lobby since it was beyond office hours. This one, not yet. I’m still, technically, on company time and I went here to LAS on official business. Had you let me speak for myself, I would have declined and stay here pa rin, to work from here, until we are ready to leave for our dinner. I do have some things I want to finish before I call it a day. The other associates of the firm are working hard, baka nga most of them are still at work hanggang ngayon, and I want to do the same. I don’t want to be accused of slacking because I’m friends with a friend of my boss or the partners of the firm.”

“I’m really sorry, Maya. I understand. That will not happen again.” Richard said, then admitted sheepishly, “I guess hearing about that Jason Fernando unsettled me a bit.”

“See, you even know about him! Judging by your reaction earlier, I know you knew who Jason is. Attorney Ryan had told you di ba?” Maya asked. “I’m planning to tell you about him naman during our dinner this evening, and if you had asked.” Maya continued. “But let’s forget about it. I just spoke because I don’t want to have any misunderstanding between us. I have to juggle our personal and professional relationships. I don’t want to be always explaining to other people that you are a friend, a special one at that, even before you became a client.”

“Yes, Attorney. Sorry na nga.” Richard said with a charming smile. “Forgive me.”

Maya smiled at him. “Oo naman. Kaya nga ha, no holding my hand on company time. Especially if my boss and your employees are around, okay?.”

“Yes po, talo na po ako Attorney.” Richard said, raising his hands in mock surrender, giving Maya one of his cute lopsided smiles.

“Sige na Mr. Lim, pupunta na muna ako sa office ko. I’ll see you in two hours.” Maya said smiling sweetly at Richard. When she was at the door, she had a parting shot at Richard. “And Mr. Lim, you have nothing to worry about Jason Fernando.” With that, she left.

Richard had a huge grin on his face after hearing that. He gazed at Maya’s departing back with a loving expression. Then, he too, stood up and went back to his office, humming a happy tune. Liza, when she heard her boss doing so, smiled and shook her head. Iba na talaga ang in love, was her bubble thought!

Two hours later, Richard knocked on Maya’s door. His employees have all gone home, an hour ago, including Liza

“So, dinner time na Attorney.” Richard said by way of a greeting. “Let’s go na, Maya, I’m hungry na.”

“Okay. I was about to tidy up my desk na nga.” Maya said. She gathered her things and several minutes after they were on their way out of LAS. “Saan tayo magdi-dinner?”

“I’m thinking of trying that nice Italian restaurant in Makati that Ryan has recommended. Friday naman. I had Liza made a reservation earlier.” Richard replied as he opened the car door for Maya.

“Sounds good.” Maya said as she fastened her seatbelt. “So, all set na ba kayo sa paglipat ninyo tomorrow? By the way, I talked to Doris pala this morning. Yes daw, makakasama sila ni Lance sa Tagaytay on Sunday.”

“That’s great! Matutuwa si Abby niyan.” Richard said as he navigated the road going to Makati. “Have you been to that Sky Ranch?”

“Yes, one time with my law school classmates, after the bar exams. We felt like celebrating after four weekends of exams, so we took an impromptu day trip to Tagaytay and went around the place. Our last stop was that amusement park. Nagmukha nga kaming bumalik sa pagkabata lahat.” Maya smiled as she narrated that trip. “I’m sure magugustuhan doon nina Abby at Lance. Meron namang mga ride na pang-age nila. I’m looking forward to meeting her formally and getting to know her better.”

“She is looking forward to that too, Maya.” Richard said. “She had asked me, actually, out of the blue, if you will like her. I told her you will and that Lance loves you.”

“Oh she did!” Maya replied, smiling. “Well that is true, I like her already. She seems like a very smart and sweet girl, Ricky.”

“She is that, Maya.” Richard said. “Abby is worth everything. She is the best of Alexandra and I.”

“Ricky, may I ask a personal question?” Maya ventured, him having brought the name of his wife up.

“Sure, Maya, anything.” Richard said.

“Filipina rin ba ang naging wife mo or Chinese?” She asked. “You met each other in Beijing?”

“Filipino-Chinese like me. We met at the university, but our parents were friends, it turned out. We just gravitated towards each other since we have a similar background. We became good friends. Upon the prodding of our families, I guess, and because we clicked well, we became a couple and then we married. However, after we had Abby, we had realized that what we felt for each other was affection, as one good friend to another, and not the kind of love between a man and a woman that we see in movies, in literary works or, in our friends who are very much in love.”

“Oh!” Maya said. She never expected that Richard will open like this when she asked a bit about Alexandra. But she was glad he did.

“Yes, but Alexandra and I were okay with it at that moment since we didn’t have anything else and there was Abby to think of. Some marriages, we said was built on less. We loved each other in our very own way. Then she got sick. She was diagnosed with breast cancer. After Abby turned two, she died, as if she just waited until Abby had her second birthday.” Richard narrated. “She was a good person and a good friend. She told me to be happy,” he finished.

“I do believe she was, Ricky. You were lucky to have her and she had given you your angel Abby. Thank you for telling me.” Maya simply said, putting her hand on Ricky’s arm. Richard nodded and put his hand on top of Maya’s, driving with one for a minute or two.

Soon after, they arrived at the restaurant. They were immediately led to the table reserved by Liza, at a secluded part of the beautifully decorated and relaxing restaurant. Maya and Ricky started their dinner with mushroom soup for Maya and a seafood one for Richard, followed by two different kinds of pasta and grilled fish, with one glass of white wine each, and for dessert they had Crème brûlée and Panna cotta, with cappuccino.

“I’m so stuffed, Ricky.” Maya remarked while they were sipping their coffee. “That was a very good meal. In fairness to Attorney Ryan, this restaurant is great!”

“I’m glad you like the place, Maya.” Richard said smiling. “So, tomorrow, we will buy your car, don’t forget din.”

“Oh, that. Yes, I need one.” Maya said. “I’m a bit rusty, though. I have not driven one in a while.”

“That’s easily remedied. You can drive on the way home. Do have your license with you?” Richard said, and offered.

“Ha, naku, baka maibangga ko ang car mo, BMW kaya iyan. I’m used to driving a simple sedan.” Maya sounding nervous. “I do have my license and it is current, but I wouldn’t dare!”

“It’s only a car, Maya. And I’m sure, you will do okay.” Richard assured her. “I will be with you.”

“Okay, but don’t kill me ha, if by the end of the evening it has scratches.” Maya said.

“I will not, promise.” Richard said, smiling. “Cross my heart.”

“Okay.” Maya said, gulping.

They chatted some more, had another cup of coffee each and soon, they were on their way out of the restaurant. However, before they reached the door, someone called Maya’s name.  When Maya looked at the source of the voice, she saw Jason Fernando getting up from the table where he was having dinner with three other guys.

“Fancy seeing you here, Maya!” Jason said by way of a greeting. Then he noticed that Maya is with a tall, good-looking Chinito guy, he introduced himself. “Hi, I’m Jason Francisco, a friend of Maya’s.” He offered his hand to Richard.

“Richard Lim,” Richard said, shaking Jason’s hand. “I’m a friend of Maya’s, from way back!” He added.

“Jason, hello!” Maya said politely.

“So you will be here rin pala. Had you agreed to have dinner with me, I would have brought you here too.” Jason remarked, gazing at Maya intently.

“Oh. Well, like I have told you earlier, I had plans for this evening. Ricky and I agreed to have dinner tonight kasi. Di ba, Ricky?” She asked Richard, gazing at him, and taking hold of his hand and slowly interlacing it with hers.

“Yes, we did.” Richard said, surprised at Maya’s gesture that did not escape Jason’s notice.

“O paano Jason, Richard and I need to get going. Nice seeing you again. Have a nice evening.” Maya said.

“Okay Maya. See you around!” Jason said, then politely to Richard, “Nice meeting you, Richard.”

“You too!” Richard said.

Jason returned to his table and Maya and Richard went to where he parked his car.

“So, what was that all about? Not that I’m complaining that you initiated holding my hand.” Richard said, smiling, teasing Maya while they were walking. “Parang feeling ko, you were driving a message across.”

“Well, I just want him to finally take a hint that I’m not interested, not before and not now. Hayun, I wanted to imply lang that I’m taken.” Maya admitted. “I don’t want to lie naman to him and introduce you as my boyfriend eh hindi naman kita boyfriend.”

Richard smiled. “Eh kasi naman that’s easily remedied, sagutin mo na kasi ako.” He teased Maya. “I am not your boyfriend YET! Emphasis on the ‘yet’ Attorney.”

“Hahahaha, confident much, Mr. Lim. Di ba manliligaw ka pa ng husto?” Maya said, bantering with Richard. “Kasisimula mo pa lang ah.”

“Iyon na nga ang ginagawa ko, Attorney.” Richard retorted, then said “Well, sabi niya sa hinahaba man ng prusisyon….”

“So continue, Mr, Lim….”

“Sa hinahaba-haba man ng prusisyon, may naghihintay na ‘Oo’ sa dulo.” He said, grinning.

“Ikaw talaga, corny pa rin. Pero, in fairness hindi halatang nagselos ka sa kanya kanina.” Maya teased.

“Well, di ba sabi mo naman wala akong dapat ipag-worry kay Jason Fernando.” Richard bantered back, gazing at Maya lovingly. “See, tama naman ako kanina, may ibang motive iyang Jason Fernando na iyan when he called you.” He added.

They shared a sweet smile. A horn beeped and that snapped them out of the private world they were in.

“Halika na nga, uwi na tayo. Key please, Mr. Lim.” Maya said, holding out her hand, then she uttered a silent prayer after Richard gave her the key and opened the door at the driver’s side for her.

“Go, Maya, you can do it.” Richard, patting her on the shoulder before moving to the other side and getting into the passenger seat.

Maya started the car. At first her driving was wobbly. But several minutes after she got the hang of it. She laughed, happy to be driving again. Half an hour later, they have reached her place. She parked the car, then made a whopping sound.

“See, I told you, you can do it. It’s just like riding a bike again.” Richard said, grinning.

“Oo nga! Thank you very much for the experience, Ricky! That was fun!” Maya said happily, then hastily unfastened her seat belt, she hugged Richard spontaneously. Richard hugged her back tight.

They loosen their embrace after a while, then gazed at each other intently, meaningfully. Richard can’t help himself anymore, he lowered his lips to Maya’s. Maya knew what was coming and she waited with bated breath, lips half-opened. Their lips met, fused and they shared a searing kiss in the privacy of Richard’s car.

Chapter 5

2005

“Happy birthday, Mama!” Richard greeted his mother the following morning after his first ‘date’ with Maya. His memorable first date with her! He kissed his mother on the cheek and then gave her the gift he bought. “Something for you!”

“Oh, Ricky, thank you very much, son. Ikaw na talaga ang pinaka-thoughtful na son ko!” Donya Esmeralda Lim, Esme to her husband and friends, exclaimed happily, pinching her son’s cheeks lovingly.

“Ma, ako lang kaya ang son mo!” Richard retorted, smiling, hugging his mother affectionately.  “I love you. Happy birthday, I hope you will like my gift.”

“Of course, son, I will like it.”  Donya Esmeralda assured Richard as she started opening his gift. “Basta galing sa iyo, Ricky, I will like it. Happy ako na naalala mo ako.”

“Iyan nga rin ang sabi ni Maya, Ma!” Richard blurted happily, and with a big smile on his face, not realizing that he raised his mother’s curiousity with that statement.

“Maya…?” Donya Esmeralda stopped opening her gift, very curious as his son hasn’t shown interest in any girl recently, wanting to concentrate on his last year of university. “And what did she say exactly, hijo?”

“Oh, Maya Dela Rosa. My new friend. She is a very nice girl, Ma. I gave her a ride yesterday on the way to the shopping district to buy the gift for you. Nagkataon na papunta rin pala siya sa bookstore. Diyan siya nakatira sa apartment complex several houses away from us.” Richard explained, grinning at his mother. His face animated as he tells her about Maya. “I asked her if you would like the thing I was thinking of buying for you and she told me na kahit ano pa iyon, she is sure na matutuwa ka kasi ganoon din daw ang Nanay niya.”

“Ganoon ba? Nag-aaral din siya sa PUS?” Donya Esmeralda asked. “And by the way, tama si Maya. Kaming mga magulang, happy na kapag naaalala kami ng mga anak namin.”

“Yes Ma. She is an AB student, majoring in Journalism. Pero gusto niya talaga maging lawyer after. Very driven kasi imagine she is working and studying at the same time.” Richard said proudly. “She is working as a crew in the fast food place at the back of the university. Next semester, balak niyang mag-apply na student assistant sa school.”

“That’s great to know, son. She does seemed like a nice and responsible girl.” Donya Esmeralda said. She is sensing something different from her son, when he speaks of this girl. But she decided to let things be. Baka naman sabihin ng anak niya, nakikialam siya rito. Besides, she wants him to have a life outside of his studies. Ito naman kasing Papa ni Ricky, parang stage father, gusto ma-achieve lahat ng anak nila and gusto pa na number one! “O siya, dalhan mo na lang ng food si Maya mamayang gabi. I will cook your favorite kare-kare and some other dishes since birthday ko. Inutusan ko na si Fe kahapon na bumili ng mga ingredient.”

“Wow, thank you Mama! I think Maya will like it. Siguro miss na nga rin niya ang home-cooked meals since malayo siya sa Nanay niya.” Richard gave his mother a kiss. “Taga-Mindoro kasi sila noong housemate niya. I’m lucky nga na nandito pa rin ako sa house natin while studying, and you, Manang and Sabel take care of everything. Hindi katulad nina Maya and Doris.”

“Oo nga. Mahirap ang malayo sa pamilya. Kaya nga ako, hanggang pwede ko pa kayo i-hold ni Grace sa poder namin ng Papa mo I will do.” Donya Esmeralda said as she resumed opening her gift. “Oh, son, thank you very much for these.” Donya Esmeralda exclaimed, finally seeing the cookbooks that Richard got for her.  She hugged and kissed Richard.

“You’re welcome Mama. I’m glad you like it.” Richard smiled. “Oh, I will have to get going. May usapan kami nina Ryan na maggu-group study today bago ang class namin. Malapit na kasi ang exams namin. Mahirap na ba, baka sa last year pa ako sumabit. Alam mo naman iyang si Papa. Malaki ang expectation for me. Lahat yata ng mga hindi niya na-fulfill, gusto gawin ko.” Richard said matter of factly. He is already used to Don Roberto and his lofty expectations.

“Naku, son, breakfast muna, anak. Sige, go take a bath na and I will have it prepared by Sabel.” Donya Esmeralda told her son. “Mahirap mag-aral ng walang laman ang tiyan. Hinay-hinay rin. While it is a very nice thing to do, following all your Papa’s wishes, take time rin to smell the flowers, so to speak. Huwag masyadong subsob sa pag-aaral. Minsan ka lang maging young.”

Richard promised his mother he will. It has been an ongoing thing for the two of them. He is more open to his mother than his father. Most of the time, it is Donya Esme who go between father and son when the pressure gets too intense for Richard and when she feels like her husband is getting out of hand. Richard also knows he can’t skip breakfast as his mother will nag him about it, so he nodded to her and went back to his room to take a bath and get ready for school. The first thing he saw was his phone when he entered his room. He smiled.

Richard: Good morning Maya!

Maya: Good morning, Ricky. Ang aga mong gising ah!

Richard: Ikaw din kaya. Full schedule ka ba today?

Maya: Yes. Have classes this morning. Tapos after lunch, library ako. Then work ako ng ilang hours.

Richard: Wow, full nga! Rest rest ka rin ng kaunti ha. What time will you be home.

Maya: Yes, I will. Meron namang free time in between. Siguro I will be home around 8pm. Bakit?

Richard: Wala lang. Okay, have a great day sa kabila ng sobrang busy mo na schedule. I’ll see you later.

Maya: See you?…

Richard: Basta. Bye Maya. Take care! 🙂

Maya: Bye, Ricky. Have a great day too! 🙂

Richard dropped his phone and looked out of the window, smiling, lost in thoughts. He was remembering the day he had seen Maya for the first time. He was studying by the window when he unconsciously looked out, watching the people passing by while resting his tired brain from all the mathematical calculations he was doing. She was laughing at what her friend said, Doris, he thought now, and her merriment lit up her whole, beautiful face. She seemed so full of life and so pretty that she took his breath away. His heart skipped a beat. She was wearing the uniform of her college so he had known what course she was taking at least, though not her major.

From then on, he always looked out of the window when he is at home and knew that Maya might be passing by. He was also thinking of how he can meet her when the opportunity presented itself that day at the fast food place. He can’t believe his luck when he saw her at the counter, looking so lovely even in her uniform. Up close, he had seen that she as a heart-shaped face with doe-shaped eyes fringed by lush lashes. Her smile was so lovely. Her lips, pouty. Her movement so graceful.

Seeing Maya again the day before was one of the best things that happened to him. Call it fate! Pinagtagpo ulit sila to get to know each other more. He didn’t notice the passing of the time as they chatted over dinner.  Maya is really a lovely person inside out. He managed to gauge that during the course of their conversion. He would like to get to know her more. At that point in his life, he can’t really afford having a girlfriend and he promised his Papa that he will concentrate fully on his studies. He was really insisting on him topping the board exams and it is putting undue pressure on him.

Richard does not have the heart to tell his father off as he knew how important that thing is for him to top the exams. However, he can’t also help himself, he is very much drawn to Maya and her bubbly personality. She is like a ray of sunshine. More like a sunflower. Isn’t it apt that she ended up living in ‘sunflower’ street! Mirasol, after all is, is the Spanish of sunflower. That much he got from a short  Spanish course he took a long time ago.

Richard ’s thoughts was interrupted with Donya Esmeralda calling his name and telling him that breakfast is ready. Richard hastily went to bath. Yes, he has a full schedule that day, but he has the evening to look forward to, very much.

Maya, on the other hand, was still holding her phone with a big, goofy smile on her face when Doris saw her.

“BFF, di ba, maliligo ka na?” Doris asked. She thought that Maya, by then would be finished with her bath as they needed to leave the house in half an hour for their classes. “Hala, kilos na kaya. Alam mo namang terror iyang si Ms. Diaz sa mga late.”

“Oh, ah errr, yes Doris! Bath! Oo nga pala!” Maya suddenly remembered that it was what she was supposed to do when her phone beeped and the exchange of text messages with Richard. “Okay, sandali lang. Naku, nakabihis ka na pala. Wait lang. Quick lang ako.”

“Naku, BFF, bilis. Grabe, parang wala ka talaga sa sarili this morning. Parang alam ko na kung bakit, dahil iyan kay ex-Mr. Dreamboat ko!” Doris said, pretending to be hurt. “Hay, hindi ko pa man nakikilala ng pormal, sawi na ako.”

“Doris, ikaw talaga, hahahahaha.” Maya laughed. “Sige na, maliligo na ako.”

“Wait, wait, wait. Isang tanong muna Maya Dela Rosa. Nag-text siya ‘no? Kaya ka ganyan. Saka hawak-hawak mo kaya iyong phone mo habang parang lumulutang ka sa alapaap diyan.” Doris teased.

Maya gave her a brilliant smile, then said “Yes,” before closing the bathroom door.

Doris settled into the couch while waiting for Maya. She is happy that her friend seemed to be on her way to being in love. Parang gaya lang sa mga pocketbook na binabasa nila! Maya told her about meeting Richard the day before after she asked her why she looked dreamy when she saw her last night. Hayun her BFF was napilitang magkwento sa unexpected meeting nila ni Richard papuntang bookstore, na nauwi sa dinner and mahabang kwentuhan.

Doris squealed with delight when Maya admitted that Richard took her home and even gave her the books. Doris said, noon pa lang pasado na si Richard dahil grabeng magpakilig, considering first date pa lang. Maya corrected her and said unexpected meeting and not first date. Doris insisted na pareho na rin iyon.

Maya was so animated when she talked about her day with Richard, Doris recalled. Mukhang mababali ng BFF niya ang pangako sa sarili na hindi muna magbo-boyfriend hanggang hindi natatapos ang law school! Maya however insisted that she and Richard are just friends at kaka-start pa lang nila ng kanilang friendship.

Doris told her na ibibili niya si Maya ng sampung favorite niyang romance novels kapag mali ang kanyang hinala na papunta na si Richard sa panliligaw sa kanya. Maya said she will list down the titles of the books she wants. Doris also teased Maya that Maya will have to clean the apartment for a whole month if she right. Of course, they were not serious about betting. But it would be fun to know who will be right in the end. Doris was sure that it will be her. Richard will be Maya’s first boyfriend! Sa dinami-dami ng nanligaw sa BFF niya noong high school sila, walang pumasa kahit isa.

The two friends went to school soon after, with Richard still the main topic of conversation. The whole day passed like a blur with all the academic requirements they needed to deal with. Doris went home after their classes while Maya went directly to the fast food place. She was walking home from the street corner at around 8PM that night when someone called her.

“Maya!…She looked and saw Richard with a big smile, coming out of the gate of their house. He was carrying a paper bag. “Hi! I have been waiting for you to pass by.”

“Hi Ricky!” Maya greeted Richard, surprised. “Sana you texted me na lang to know.”

“It’s okay. I know you were at work. Wala naman akong gagawin. Napag-review na ako kanina.” Richard said. “May I walk you home?”

“S-sure!” Maya said, her heart skipping a beat. “Pero, ang lapit na lang naman. But, ikaw bahala ka.”

“Thank you, Maya.” Richard said. “Kumusta ang work?”

“Okay naman, maraming customer. Pero masaya naman kaming mga crew.” Maya said. “Ikaw, kumustang studies mo. Natuloy ba ang group study mo with your brods?”

“Yes, we did. Na-cover naman naming lahat. Iyon nga lang, medyo intense na talaga ang lahat kasi last year na namin ito. Tapos after graduation naman, we will review pa for the board exams.” Richard said. “But it is okay. I’m just looking forward to hurdling everything.”

“Mabuti ka nga, patapos ka na. Me, I’m just starting. After four years of AB, there is four years of law school plus review rin like you. Matagal-tagal pa ang bubunuin ko.” Maya said.

“I’m sure, you can do it, Maya. I admire your determination. One day, I will call you Atty. Maya Dela Rosa.” Richard looked at Maya smiling.

Maya smiled back. “And I wll call you Engineer Richard Lim.”

They shared a smile. Only then they realized that they have reached Maya’s place.

“Richard, pasok ka muna. I’m sure, Doris would like to meet you.” Maya said.

“Okay lang?” Richard asked with a smile.

“Oo naman.” Maya repied as she unlocked the front door. She immediately saw Doris sitting in the living room, watching a teleserye. “BFF, may bisita tayo.”

Doris looked up and saw Richard. She gave him a big, teasing smile. “Hi, Mr. Dreamboat! Finally, nakilala na kita. I’m Doris.”

Richard reddened a bit, not used to being called a dreamboat, but smiled at Doris. “Nice to meet you too, Doris.”  Then he remembered the paper bag he was carrying. “Maya, I almost forgot, for you and Doris pala. Food galing sa bahay. Bigay ni Mama. May kaunti kasi kaming salo-salo for her birthday. Nakwento ko kasi sa kanya na nagkita tayo kahapon, and about what you told regarding sa gift sa kanya.”

“Oh! Thank you Ricky. Pakisabi sa Mama mo, thank you rin.” Maya said happily, touched and giddy that Richard mentioned her to his mother. “Pakisabi rin sa Mama mo, happy birthday galing sa amin ni Doris.”

“I will. O paano, aalis na ako so you and Doris can eat dinner.” Richard said.

“Hindi ka man lang ba muna mag-stay for a while? Would you like a drink. Saluhan mo kami nitong BFF ko sa dinala mo for us.” Doris asked, wanting to get to know her BFF’s future boyfriend. “Please.”

“Okay drinks na lang. I can’t eat anymore. Kanina pa kami kumakain sa house.” Richard said with a big lopsided smile.

“Coke, Ricky, or iced tea?” Maya asked, glad that Richard is staying for a while.

“Coke, please, Maya. Thanks a lot.”

Maya set the table and the three of us, sat and chatted while the best friends enjoyed the kare-kare, menudo, chopsuey that Ricky brought with him. As she chatted with Richard, Doris got to like him more for Maya. She also noticed the two of them sharing a gaze from time to time. Ah, young love. She was sure the two of them were on their way to experience that most heady of emotions that she only get to read in books.

When dinner was over, Doris excused herself. Maya and Richard stayed for a while in the living room chatting. Richard said good night at past 11PM. The following day, Doris teased Maya about Richard’s thoughtfulness and his mother, being boto to her already. Maya just smiled. Doris teasing was interrupted bu Richard’s text message.

From then on, Richard’s text messages became a part of Maya’s mornings. She looked forward to it, and Richard was the same. There were also times that Richard fetches Maya from her work, or from school, and they walked together to Mirasol Street. They also spend their free time together, watching movies whether at Maya’s place or in the cinema, sometimes with Doris and her date. Maya also got to meet Richard’s sister Grace one afternoon. Then the following week, his parents. Richard asked Maya to his house as he was going to get the books he will be giving her. His father was a bit on the serious side, but Donya Esme, or Tita Esme as she wanted Maya to call her was very friendly.

There was no declaration of love between them in all those times. To their friends, especially to Doris, they looked like and acted like boyfriend and girlfriend already. Maya felt that she was falling more and more for Richard with each time, moment she spent with him. Richard was the same, but he was waiting for the right moment to declare his feelings for Maya. He was planning to do it, while in Mindoro. Yes, he decided to push through with his plan to go to Mindoro. He wanted to do it away from the pressure of the final exams on both him and Maya. Besides, he thought it would be more meaningful if he does it in Mindoro, where everything is dear and familiar to Maya. He wanted it to be special.  He wanted to formally ask Maya if he can court her. Richard felt that he and Maya are already more than friends, but he wanted to formally declare his intentions and love for her. He felt then that they were young and had all the time in the world.

Soon, the semester drew to a close. Maya and Doris packed their bags to go to Mindoro. Richard insisted on taking them to Batangas Pier. He borrowed his mother’s car.

“Ricky, thank you again for driving us up to Batangas. Sobra-sobra na ito.” Maya said as she and Richard stood near his car at the busy port. Doris went ahead to buy their tickets, to give the love birds, she said, a special moment to say good-bye. They smiled at her and thanked her.

“No worries, Maya. I’m happy to do it.” Richard said, gazing at Maya, as if memorizing her face. “I’ll miss you a lot.” He said.

Maya got self-conscious the way he was looking at her. “Me too, I’ll miss you. Enjoy your vacation too. Text text na lang tayo.”

“Sure, I will, everyday like what we have been doing. I promise. Besides, I’ll see you soon.” Richard said meaningfully.

Maya thought Richard meant that the semester break will be over soon. “I’ll see you soon. Mabilis naman ang araw. You take care.” She was having a hard time saying goodbye to him.

“Take care too, Maya.” Then Richard did something unexpected, he kissed Maya on the cheek, and whispered. “I’ll be thinking of you, always.”

Maya was surprised at his action. Her face tingled from the touch of Richard’s lips. She blushed. “You will be in my mind too, Ricky.” She whispered softly.

Maya and Richard shared a loving smile. The hustle and bustle of the people in the pier faded in the background as they got lost in their own world.

Richard was looking forward to seeing Maya in a couple of days. Finally, he can tell her how he feels about her. Maya is looking forward to seeing Richard again when the vacation is over. At least, they can text and call each other. She didn’t have an idea that Richard plans to follow and surprise her several days after that.

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! ❤

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.