Posts Tagged On the Street Where You Live
On The Street Where You Live – Chapter 7
Posted by Antigone in Richard and Maya Fiction on May 7, 2015
Chapter 7
“Ricky, iyong kamay ko.” Maya whispered to Richard when they were about to enter the executive offices of LAS after exiting the elevator. “Baka makita tayo ng mga staff mo.” Maya had noticed some of the employees looking at them earlier, curiosity on their faces.
“Oh!” Richard said, looking at his and Maya’s clasped hands. He gave her another of his lopsided smiles. “Just like old times, huh!”
Maya blushed at Richard’s words. She, too, was remembering instances where Richard would intertwined their hands while walking.
“Okay, I will let go.” Richard gently let go of her hand, but added impishly, “Not that I mind them seeing, you know.” Then he blurted out before he can stop himself, “Pero baka pala sa iyo may magalit na nakitang magka-holding hands tayo!” Oops, and you sounded like you are fishing for information, Richard Lim, he muttered to himself. You were not even subtle about it. Richard felt himself turning red!
“Hmmm, wala naman.” Maya frankly said, then seeing that Richard getting red in the face, knowing that his statement was a slip of the tongue, she teased him too, to put him at ease. “Pero baka sa iyo, meron.” Then she gave him a mischievous smile.
He smiled back, as their banter felt like old times too. Then he turned serious and gazed at her intently before saying, “Wala naman!” He didn’t elaborate or say anything else, just continued looking meaningfully at Maya.
Maya felt unnerved at the way he was looking at her. Her heart beating faster. Her face heating up. “Halika na nga, kailangan pa nating mag-prepare for the meeting.” She managed to say.
Richard let her be at that moment. He smiled happily. He felt so much happier now than the first time he stepped back on Philippine soil. He was still smiling when they entered the offices. Like this morning, there were quite a number of stares at them. The simple curiosity of the employees turned to surprise when they saw their boss smiling, with a smile that lit up his face. A smile from Richard Lim! Wow, milagro, some of them thought! The employees’ surprise at their boss’ behavior didn’t end there, as Richard LIm greeted them with a cheery, good afternoon, followed by the beautiful lady he was with that morning, a gesture that left some of them in slack-jawed amazement!
“Maya, I’ll see you later.” Richard told Maya when they arrived at the entrance to their offices. “Thank you for a wonderful lunch. I love the company.”
“See you, Ricky. Thanks a lot again for the lunch.” Maya said with a big smile. However, instead of going inside her office, she detoured to Liza’s cubicle.
“Yes, Atty. Maya?” Liza asked when Maya reached her cubicle . She, too, had observed the change in their boss’ demeanour this afternoon. “Anything I could help you with?”
“Oh, I will ask lang sana where is the restroom, Liza.” Maya replied. “I need to freshen up.”
“Just at that corner, near the pantry.” Liza said, gesturing towards the corridor beside the room where Maya heard people chatting earlier. “But I’ll take you there. Papunta pa lang din ako doon. Habang wala pa ang mga taga-Coastal Airlines!” Liza offered.
“Thank you, Liza.” Maya said with a grateful smile.
The two of them walked towards the restroom.
“Sa labas kayo nag-lunch ni Sir Richard, Atty. Maya?” Liza asked conversationally while they were walking. Well, she was a bit curious too, seeing the drastic change in the serious Richard Lim she had known for the past several months. Tao lang, she muttered.
“Yes. diyan sa may Spanish restaurant na malapit dito.” Maya replied. “I got engrossed with what I was doing earlier and didn’t notice the time. Kinatok lang ako ni Ricky and he reminded me na lunchtime na! Otherwise, nalipasan na ako ng gutom. I’m like that when I get too concentrated into something I’m doing.”
“Talaga, so nice naman of Sir Richard!” Liza remarked, and because she can’t really help herself anymore, hearing Maya said ‘Ricky’ again, she decided to ask the nice lady lawyer what she had been dying to know since she saw them came back from lunch. “Atty. Maya, may I ask you something personal, kung okay lang?”
Maya looked at Liza and she saw curiosity in her eyes. “Sure, ano ba iyon, basta ba kaya kong sagutin eh.”
“Well, I just want to know lang po sana kung matagal na kayong magkakilala ni Sir Richard.” Liza said, then explained, “Kasi kanina parang so at ease kayo with each other. Pasensya na sa kulit, Attorney. Promise sa akin lang ito, cross my heart, hope to die.” Liza even put her hand over her chest. “Oh and saka I heard that you called him ‘Ricky’ earlier, tapos ngayon din. I didn’t even know that Ricky is his nickname.”
“Hahahaha, Liza, okay lang.” Maya laughed, opening the door of the restroom so that she and Liza can enter. “Yes I have known Ricky before. Friends kami dati. Though, I haven’t seen him for around ten years na yata. Nagkagulatan na lang kami sa RRMA yesterday.” Maya continued.
“Wow, ganoon na katagal! Small world naman talaga na nagkita kayo ni Sir Richard!” Liza said with a big smile, happy to hear about this. “Thank you for telling me Atty. Maya. Stop na ako, hindi ko na tatanungin kung naging kayo ni Sir.” She added, jesting.
“Ikaw talaga, Liza, showbiz na iyan ha!” Maya said, but she was smiling. For some reason, magaan ang loob niya sa executive assistant ni Richard kahit personal na ang mga tanong nito, considering na ngayon lang sila nagkakilala. She reminds her of Doris.
“Joke lang, Atty. Maya.” Liza laughed. “In fairness, bagay kasi kayo.”
“Halika na nga, let’s freshen up na. Malapit mo nang malampasan ang mga beteranong showbiz reporters at anchors sa pagtatanong.” Maya said, still grinning.
“Okay, stop na po ako, promise.” Liza said, smiling, liking the lady lawyer who gamely answered her kulit queries.
While Maya and Liza were in the restroom, Richard was sitting on his desk, just staring out of the window. He still have a ghost of a smile on his face. He just can’t concentrate on the papers on his desk awaiting his review and signature. Who would have thought that today, especially his lunch would turned out so wonderful! He finally started clearing the air with Maya. The bridge to the past is slowly being built! They still have a long way to go, but their lunch and what transpired there was a very good start.
When Richard to moved back to the Philippines with Abby more than three months ago, his first goal was to get his daughter settled down, complete his company’s move here, and then at the back of his mind, he wanted to see if he could find Maya after all these years when everything has settled down. He thought among the toughest, aside from making sure Abby is okay with the move to another country, would be finding Maya after all this years as he didn’t know where to start. Mindoro perhaps! With the business, it was not so difficult he had established a very good reputation in the region and have quite a number of big airlines as client. He still have those in the China office. However, he wanted to shift everything to the Philippines long-term. He never thought that by ditching his plan of hiring a corporate legal counsel, he would find her!
Richard is very happy that everything is falling into place. Maybe, it is his and Maya’s destiny to meet again after all these years. There was really something special about their shared short past. He had never forgotten her. He would think of her from to time, especially when he watched a movie or a TV series with a lawyer as a heroine or when he go to a bookstore and saw her favorite bodice-ripper novels on display!
He is willing to take it from where they are at present. He smiled, remembering Maya’s answer when he probed if someone will get mad at her holding hands with him! Boy, he was happy to know that she is still single. After Alexandra died, he never thought of looking for another life’s partner. There was no one he got interested in and all his efforts, he poured towards Abby’s welfare. It has taken most of his energies, worrying if his daughter will be okay as the experts say there is no ‘cure’ for autism.
While he and Alexandra had a good relationship, considering the circumstances of their marriage, both of them knew that it was not the grand love that was depicted in the movies, in the romance books, or the kind of love that poets waxed about in sonnets and verses. It was a comfortable marriage brought by understanding and companionship of two lonely souls. Truth to tell, she was more of a very good friend to him, and he to her. They actually both realized it halfway through their married life.
Richard felt so sad at her untimely passing at the same time, he had wished then that he was capable of giving her the love she deserved. But he and Alex understood each other. They had happy times. He was loyal to her. She to him. They took care of each other despite the fact that it was really not their intention to get married to each other.
When Alexandra was dying, she told him to be happy. She told him she wished that he would find a love that would last a lifetime, that he would find someone who would also love their beautiful angel, Abigail Ruth, someone who would make his heart beat faster, iyong parang sa movies, she said with a big, tired smile, and make him feel that he can scale mountains with just a smile from that wonderful person.
Richard had hoped too that one day, like Alexandra had wished him years ago, just before she succumbed to breast cancer that he would find the woman who will make his heart beat faster by just the mere sight of her, someone whom he can’t stop thinking about, someone he would do everything for, and someone who will make him happy with just the thought of her. He did find that someone a long time ago, he admitted to himself as he dealt with the sadness of Alexandra’s passing. With Maya! But the seed of the love they were starting to nurture then, didn’t have the chance to grow. He also had to put those thoughts aside because of Abby. She needed him big time, especially after her mommy died and she was diagnosed with autism. Now, she is doing much better.
“Sir Richard, Sir Richard!” Someone calling him from the doorway of his office cut into Richard’s thoughts of the past. He swiveled his chair towards the direction of the voice, and saw Liza standing by his office’s entrance.
“Yes, Liza?” Richard asked, giving his secretary a smile.
Liza at first, was not able to say anything, seeing that smile directed at her. “Errr, Sir, magsisimula na po iyong meeting ninyo nina Atty. Ryan, Atty. Maya and ang mga representative ng Coastal Airlines. Nandito na po si Atty. Ryan, dumiretso doon sa office na ginagamit ni Atty. Maya para they can review the contracts and other documents before the meeting. ”
“Oh, sige, I’ll be along shortly.” Richard said. He gathered his things, then went to Maya’s office.
“Brod!” Ryan greeted Richard when he saw him standing by the door. “Dito na muna ako ako dumiretso kay Maya kasi baka may mga kailangan pang i-ready for our meeting. I also looked na at the contracts that she had finished, and they are ready to go. Very nicely done. Walang loopholes! Mas maayos ang pagkaka-phrase kaysa sa akin.” Ryan added with a smile.
“Great! I know naman Maya can do it, with flying colors!” Richard said, smiling, looking at Maya. His voice was tinged with pride.
Maya blushed at the implied praise. She smiled at Richard and he did the same. Ryan looked at the two of them, and observed that there seemed to be a new undercurrent between his brod and his new associate.
Maya tried to collect herself by gathering her papers, then took out her iPad from her bag, and stood up. Ryan did the same and the three of them walked towards the conference room.
Several minutes later the head of operations of Coastal Airlines arrived, the head of maintenance, and their company lawyer, together with his associate arrived. Introductions were made, and after which they all buckled down to work and discussed the nitty-gritty of Coastal getting the services of LAS for its fleets maintenance in details for the next two hours. Maya was mostly observing and taking down notes for the contract she and Ryan will make for LAS. By half past 5pm, everything was settled and the content of the contract each party will sign has been agreed on. Everyone shook hands on the verbal agreements, and the agreed routing date of the contract to be signed by both parties.The Coastal Airlines team left LAS soon after.
“Brod, Maya, I need to get going. May isa pa akong client meeting. Dinner meeting after this. Sa Makati pa eh.” Ryan said. “Maya, bukas na lang tayo magkita sa RRMA and work on the contract. Kahit hindi ka na sumama on this one. Tapusin mo na lang muna ang mga ginagawa mo rito sa LAS since you are here na.”
“Yes, Atty. Molina, I would just do that, Sir.” Maya said.
“Okay, Brod. I’ll see you soon, kapag may libre na tayong oras. I haven’t seen some of our barkadas mula ng bumalik ako.” Richard shook Ryan’s hand and they did their frat’s shoulder tap greeting thing. “Ako na ang bahala kay Maya.”
“Sige Brod.” Ryan left with a wave of his hand. Not missing his brod’s statement. Hmmm, there is really something there, he thinks!
Richard and Maya both looked at Ryan’s departing figure. Then they both returned to their offices. Richard to review the documents on his table that needs his signature. Maya to finish working on the rest of the papers she got from Liza that morning.
More than two hours later, Liza knocked on her opened door. “Attorney Maya, hindi ka pa ba uuwi? It’s almost 8pm na! Sabay na tayo.”
“Oh, oo nga ano! Hindi pa kasi ako ginugutom because of the snack at the meeting kaya siguro hindi ko namalayan ang oras. Sige Liza, please go ahead, tatapusin ko lang itong hawak kong papers. Palipas-traffic din. Kapag ganitong oras, traffic pa pauwi sa area ko.” Maya said. “Thank you for everything ha I’ll see you the day after tomorrow.”
“No worries, Atty. Maya, I’m glad you are here nga. Mauuna na ako ha.” Liza said, then smiling, she told Maya.”Huwag masyadong subsob sa work, First day mo pa lang dito. Hinay-hinay. Para kang si Sir Richard, hayun hindi pa rin tumitigil sa work. He told me na nga to go ahead of him dahil he can manage naman daw.”
“Ganoon ba, Ricky is still here.” Maya replied, smiling, not really sure what to make of Liza’s statement, including Richard’s name and the fact that he was still at the office too. Hmmm, is she playing matchmaker? “Thanks again, Liza, for everything!”
Liza left and Maya went back to her papers. Like that afternoon, a knock on her door made her jump more than an hour later.
“Maya, nandito ka pa pala! I thought you umuwi ka na kasabay ni Liza kanina!” Richard, his back against the door and his arms folded on his chest. He was about to go home when he noticed the light in the office that Maya is using. He thought she just forgot to turn off the light.
“Ricky! Ginulat mo ako! Naku, it’s almost 9PM na pala! Hindi ko namalayan ang oras. Tahimik kasi. Ikaw, ginabi ka rin?” Maya asked, removing her eyeglasses.
“Tinapos ko na lahat ng kailangan kong i-sign so I can go to work late tomorrow. May aasikasuhin kasi ako bukas ng umaga. I have been putting this off for the past weeks. I need to do this na.” Richard said. “Halika na, sumabay ka na sa akin. I’ll bring you home. Let’s have dinner first, please. Gutom na ako.” He suggested.
“Naku, Ricky. Huwag na. I can manage. Baka out of your way rin ang place ko sa iyo.” Maya protested.
“Maya, please. Hindi pa nga natin natapos ang catching up natin kanina.” Richard insisted. “Don’t worry, traffic is lighter na naman at this time of the night. Saan ka ba umuuwi ngayon? No arguments, I will bring you home.”
Maya stood up, gathering her things. “I still live in Mirasol Street.” She said softly. Suddenly, the street where she lives evoked something she has not felt in a long time, parang a combination of saya and lungkot sa lahat ng mga nangyari sa kanya sa kalye na iyon.
Richard was surprised to know. Had he known that she is just there! “Really? You do? I thought after college that you and Doris might have moved somewhere. How I loved that street and our house there, so many good memories!”
“Doris did, kasi she got married soon after. Pero since I went to a university near PUS for my law degree, I continued staying there. Saka iyon na kasi ang nakasanayan kong home dito sa Maynila.” Maya explained. “Hindi na ako umalis doon kasi accessible naman kahit saan. In all the time I was living there and since you left, I haven’t seen someone staying at your house, except for the occasional visits of your caretakers before, sina Mang Lando and Aling Lucing.”
“I haven’t been there since we left, and since I returned to the country . Since umalis din kasi kami ng Pilipinas, ito pa lang ang balik ko after all these years. Iyong logistics for the transfer of the LAS Corporate headquarters here from China, inasikaso ng cousin ko whom I have left naman in our China office now. Palitan kami.” Richard said. “Nakilala mo pala sina Mang Lando and Aling Lucing?”
Maya looked at Richard, deciding whether she will admit it or not. She decided to be upfront so they can completely clear the past. “I met them one time, pagkabalik ko ng Maynila, when I asked them kung alam nila kung nasaan ka na. Hindi ko na kasi napigilan, sinubukan ko lang alamin. I have wondered kasi kung okay ka lang ba? Iyong family mo? Kasi nga bigla kayong umalis. But I think your Papa instructed them not to say anything.”
“Maya, you did?” Richard was surprised to know. It felt like someone pinched his heart hearing the tinge of hurt in Maya’s voice and at the same time glad, as she cared enough to ask, and to worry about him. “Maya, I’m really really sorry for not telling you. If only….”
“Ricky, no more of that please! I didn’t tell you that so that you will feel bad pa. We can’t live in the present and go forward if we indulge in ‘what ifs’. All the things that have happened, belonged to the past and no matter what, we can’t go back and undo everything. We can just go forward and put everything behind us. Both of us experienced something monumental and life changing that semestral break and it shaped us. Let us move forward with that in mind. Everything happened for a reason, sabi nga di ba?” Maya told Richard eloquently, touching his arm as they were walking out of the building to comfort him and let him know that everything is okay now. “Thank you for apologizing again. But knowing now what happened, you don’t have to say that. It was beyond your control and you had to do what you were asked to do then.”
“Thank you, Maya.” Richard said gratefully. He also stopped walking, and in a move that surprised, Maya, he touched her chin, looking deeply into her eyes, he said simply but meaningfully, “I’m so glad fate made us meet again.”
“Me too, Ricky. Me too!” Maya gave Richard a brilliant smile. “See, the important thing is we met each other again and here we are. Good vibes lang. Life is too short to dwell on things we don’t have a control of from the start and that had happened already.”
Maya and Richard shared a look of deep understanding and a sweet, gentle smile, for each other before they boarded Richard’s car. They drove into the night, first stopping at an Italian restaurant to have a late dinner, and then an hour after, they were on the road again, driving towards the direction of Mirasol Street, the street where they started.
On The Street Where You Live – Chapter 6
Posted by Antigone in Richard and Maya Fiction on May 5, 2015
Chapter 6
Richard led Maya to an office with an open, airy floor area in the top floor of the four-storey building housing the executive offices of LAS. Some of the employees looked up when they saw their boss coming and especially so, since he was escorting a pretty lady in a business suit. They greeted Richard politely but kept the curiosity to themselves. Richard returned their greetings politely. Something that the employees have been used too since they started working here. Richard Lim is a fair boss and the compensation he offered them is above the industry standards, however, he rarely smiles. They haven’t seen him smile spontaneously, one that lit up ones face.
Richard stopped at the table in front of a big office with glass walls, his office, Maya presumed.
“Good morning, Sir Richard!” The tall lady, dressed in a business suit, seated at the table greeted Richard with a friendly smile that also included Maya. “Good morning Ma’am!”
“Good morning Liza! This is Atty. Maya Dela Rosa from RRMA. Dito muna siya mag-office sa atin on certain days, starting today. Can you give her an office where she can work? May bakante pa sa tabi ng office ko, di ba?” Richard said, taking a look at the smaller office besides his. “Maya, this is my executive assistant/secretary, Liza Romero.”
“Hello, Ms. Romero.” Maya said with a warm smile. Then she looked at Richard. “Thank you, Ricky.” She didn’t realize that she had used his nickname. But it didn’t escape Liza’s notice. Nor the fact that her boss call her by her first name too, which he didn’t do with the other associate that was sent to them. Liza had never heard of the beautiful lawyer before, from Richard nor from Attorney Molina whom they have been dealing with the past months. Hmmmm, this is interesting! Her aloof boss getting friendly with someone on a short notice. Maybe, it will make him less serious. Sayang naman ang kaguwapuhan, Liza thought!
“Hello, Atty. Dela Rosa. Liza na lang po.” Liza said with a big smile, responding to the lawyer’s warm smile. She likes her already. Magaan ang pakiramdam niya with Atty. Dela Rosa. Then addressing Richard, she said, “Sige Sir, ako na po ang bahala kay Atty. Dela Rosa. Naka-ready na naman ang office na iyon. I-double check ko lang.”
“Thanks a lot, Liza.” Richard said. Then to Maya, “Maya si Liza na ang bahala sa iyo. If you need me for anything , I will just be next door. I will just send you the contracts for review and the other stuffs you need to work in this morning.”
“Okay, Ric-…err, Mr. Lim.” Maya corrected herself. She realised her earlier slip up. “Thank you.”
“Call me Richard please, since ayaw mo ng Ricky sa office. Di ba, we agreed na.” Richard gave her a lopsided smile. Like before, it made her heart beat faster, and she turned self-conscious. She then looked at Richard’s secretary and caught her giving them an interested, surprised look, before she schooled her expression to a neutral one.
“Sige, Richard. Let me know if there are other legal matters I need to attend to. I can manage. Thank you again.” Maya gave him a smile that lit up her whole face. Then turned to Liza. “Lead on, Liza.”
“This way po, Atty. Dela Rosa.” Liza said, now more curious than ever with the interplay between her very handsome boss and the beautiful and young lady lawyer. In all the months she had known Richard Lim, she hasn’t seen him smile like that. She led Maya to the corner office with big windows beside Richard’s.
“Wow, this is a very nice office! I like the view.” Maya remarked, admiring everything – from the subdued decor, big table, comfortable chair, a small bookshelf and the stunning view of the distant mountains from the office. “Sure ka ba, Liza, na walang gagamit nito. All I need naman is a chair and a table, and a computer with an internet connection, for today, as I have yet to received my company issued laptop.”
“Sure na sure po ako, Attorney Dela Rosa! It was originally intended for our corporate legal counsel. However, Sir Richard said that he would rather use the services of RRMA than hire our own. Here’s the password for the computer. You can use this while working here. Palitan mo na lang ng password para hindi mo na rin dadalhin ang laptop mo if you want.” Liza suggested, handing out a piece of paper to Maya. “That computer pala is connected to my printer so if you need a print out of anything, just send it and I will retrieve it for you.”
“Thank you very much, Liza, and please call me Maya, and no more ‘po’.” Maya said, as she walked towards the desk.
“You’re welcome Atty. Maya. Okay.” Like Lindsay at RRMA, Liza opted to use her title with her first name. “Basta if you need anything please let me know. Sandali pala, kukunin ko iyong contracts na gagawin and other legal stuffs you need to review. I have both soft and hard copies for you.”
With that Richard’s executive assistant was out of the room. Liza returned several minutes after with a ream of documents for Maya, and also a cup of coffee and pastries. Maya was touched.
“I thought you might want something to fortify you, Atty. Maya.” Liza said with a smile. “I hope coffee is okay, or would you rather have tea?”
“This is very nice of you, Liza. Thank you very much.” Maya said with a big, grateful smile to Liza. She needed a cup of coffee nga. “Coffee is fine.”
“No worries, Atty. Maya. Iginawa ko rin si Sir Richard. By the way, favourite pastries din niya ang mga iyan.” Liza said with a big smile. Then she waved at her and was out of the office in a flash.
Maya buckled down to work and didn’t notice the passing of the hours. She was so engrossed at what she was doing, that she jumped from her seat when there was a knock on the door. She looked up from the documents she was reading with her glasses perched on her nose. She saw Richard, minus his coat leaning against the door. He looked he was posing for GQ, with the pale blue shirt and dress pants he was wearing.
“Maya, how about some lunch?” Richard asked, smiling warmly at Maya. He was surprised to see Maya wearing eyeglasses. But maybe, it was not surprising with the amount of books she was devouring then, added to that, were all those thick law books. She looks lovely with it. The whole morning, he was unable to concentrate, thinking of her and the past, even if he was not consciously doing so. He also wondered when and where they could talk so they can move from there. Richard thought they needed it as there was ten years they needed to bridge, aside from the fact that he just disappeared from her life abruptly.
“Oh, is it lunch time! I didn’t notice the time.” Maya looked at her watch and notice that it was 15 minutes past 12NN! “I think I will just grab something on the way to RRMA then, Richard.” Maya stood up and started gathering her things. “I will submit Ryan the draft copies of the contracts for his review. Is there anything else you want me to do or relay to him?”
“Maya, wait, wait. Let’s have lunch first. I guess Ryan hadn’t manage to give you a call yet on the change of plans or adjustment in your work schedule this afternoon. Coastal Airlines requested a meeting kasi. It was a bit on a short notice pero I agreed na rin since wala naman ako naka-schedule. Ryan also said he can come.” Richard said. ” I called Ryan to sit in kasi this is our major contract negotiation. He suggested that you should sit in as well.”
While he was saying this, Maya’s phone rang. She checked who was calling and saw that it was her immediate superior. “Richard, excused me, please, si Attorney Molina.”
“Okay, go ahead, Maya.” Richard said, then moved to sit at one of Maya’’s visitors chair.
Maya picked up the call, conscious of Richard’s presence. The office felt smaller with him in it too. Her boss told her basically what Richard had started telling her before her phone rang. He also asked her if she can stay put at LAS and sit with him in the meeting which will be held at 3PM. Maya, of course, said yes and told her immediate superior that she will wait for him in LAS.
“So, Ryan told you the same thing?” Richard asked after Maya ended her conversation with Ryan Molina.
“Errr, yes, Richard! The meeting is at 3PM, right?” Maya asked.
“Yes, so we have time to eat lunch.” Richard said. “Let’s go.”
“Lunch with you?” Maya asked. She needed to be sure that, indeed, Richard is inviting her to lunch.
“Yes, we, Maya! Join me for lunch please. Ayaw mo ba iyon, we can catch up. It has been ten long years since I last saw you!” Richard cajoled Maya. “ I was actually hoping we will have free time soon, this week, to catch up. Please, Maya. Pagkakataon na natin ito.”
Maya looked at Richard. He said, ten long years. Ah, Richard, you don’t know how long it really was for me, especially the first years you just disappeared into thin air. Maya thought to herself. She sighed inwardly. They didn’t make promises naman to each other, that’s true. He was not even her boyfriend when he disappeared! But even friends merit a proper goodbye, di ba, especially if you felt that you were more than friends. But maybe, it was just her who felt like that. Water under the bridge, Maya Dela Rosa!
“Maya, lunch!” Richard called Maya’s attention, smiling, as she seemed to just went off somewhere in her head. “Im here, inviting you to lunch.”
“Oh, okay! Lunch! Sorry, Ricky! My mind veered off somewhere. Let’s go.” Maya said, grabbing her bag and getting up.
Like what he did that morning, Richard escorted Maya by putting his hand on her elbow. Most of the cubicles including Liza’s were empty. Maya can hear some people chatting from the direction of one of the rooms at the left, which she presumed, is the office pantry.
They went to where Richard’s car was park and soon, they were on their way to a nearby Spanish restaurant. Richard asked Maya which she would prefer, that one or a Filipino restaurant. She said the Spanish one and Richard agreed as he wanted to try that one too. While in the car, they chatted about Abby and Lance. Maya asked Richard who will pick up Abby. Richard told her that he had asked Joma, the Lim family driver to pick her up, with Manang Fe, of course. He also mentioned that the Lim’s other household helper at the time they have known each other, Sabel, is working for him now. Soon after, they have arrived at the restaurant. The waiter escorted Richard and Maya to one of the booth tables by the window marked ‘Reserved’. Maya looked at Richard with a raised eyebrow and he admitted that he had Liza reserved it an hour before lunch.
“Oh!” It was all Maya managed to say, not wanting to read too much into that lunch invitation.
“I was really hoping you would have lunch with me.” Richard admitted sheepishly, as their waiter approached them. “Tamang-tama kasi since you will stay at LAS the whole day.
The waiter told them of their options for lunch, ordering from the menu or they can try the restaurant’s buffet. Richard and Maya looked at the mouth-watering food arrangement at one corner of the restaurant, then looked at each other, smiled and they said simultaneously to each other, “Buffet it is!” It sounded like old times. Both of them thought, remembering their many food trips.
The waiter smiled at them, liking the couple. Mukha silang mag-boyfriend, he thought. He guided them towards the buffet station after asking what they would like to drink. They both ordered mango shakes.
Maya and Richard opted to try have most of the appetizers that appeal to their palates – from gambas al ajillo, champignon al ajillo, croquetas de pollo, pate and others, then the sopa de calabaza to the main course – mainly Paella Valenciana, to a host of other delicious dishes that had their tummies groaning in protest after. But still, they found a space for desserts, and a cup of coffee each, in their tummies.
In between courses, they chatted about food they like very much, and restaurants in the city that offers the best food. Richard remarked that a lot has changed since the last time he was home.
“Really, how long have you been away?” Maya asked while eating her dessert. “The last time I saw you was the end of the first semester, when you took me and Doris to the Batangas Port, remember.”
“Maya, yes I remember that. How can I forget! That was my last image of you.” Richard said, gazing at Maya meaningfully. “I left the Philippines several days after I took you to Batangas, and that was not by choice, Maya. I haven’t been in the Philippines these past ten years. I only moved back here more three months ago, mainly because of Abby and also because I want to settle here for good.”
Maya was surprised at the same time, her heart started beating faster, realising that her moment of truth is coming. Her questions will finally be answered!
“Why? What happened, Ricky? Why did you leave abruptly? Hindi mo nga natapos ang course me sa PUS. Graduating ka pa naman noon?” Maya asked softly, looking at him with so many questions in her eyes. “Tell me, please.” She half-pleaded, not being able to stop herself from doing so.
“Maya, I know that it was bad that I didn’t even let you know. That I left without saying goodbye. I really, really, really wanted to. If I had a choice, I would have. But I felt at that time that the only option left for me was to disappear without a trace or without letting people know where I went. Not even Ryan knew, initially. I only contacted him last year. You see, my father insisted that I shouldn’t let anyone know, including you, that we were leaving the country and where we were going. After what had happened to my mother and Grace, I didn’t question his order. On hindsight, I should have questioned why he specifically mentioned you. I never knew why.
You see, Maya”….Richard started telling her, when his phone rang. He checked and saw that it is from Manang Fe. “Maya, please excuse me. Si Manang Fe, tumatawag. Baka may emergency kay Abby.”
Maya inclined her head to indicate that Richard should answer his phone first. She heard him asked Manang Fe what’s wrong, then he asked his old nanny to give the phone to Abby. Maya heard him assuring Abby that they will go out together that coming Saturday. He was smiling indulgently and Maya can see how much he loves his daughter.
Richard was still smiling when he ended the call. “That was Abby in the end, reminding me that I promised to take her to an amusement park this Saturday. Ewan ko ba kung anong naisipan, nangulit kay Manang na tawagan ako! Ito kasi ang first time na hindi ko siya nasundo. I thought it would be a good time also na masanay na siya na si Joma ang sumusundo sa kanya. She is comfortable now with Joma and kasama naman si Manang Fe.”
Maya smiled at that as Lance is also like that with Doris. Once Doris had promised something to Lance, she better make good of it as he never forgets. Maya told Richard about it and Richard said, Abby is like that too.
“So, where were we?” Richard asked Maya as he took a sip of his coffee. He took a deep breath and continued, “We left for Beijing in the middle of the night – Mama, Papa, Grace and I, midway through our semestral vacation, abruptly, and in secret because Papa was already paranoid and so shook up with what happened by then. You see Maya, Mama and Grace were kidnapped the day after I took you to the Pier.”
“Oh my God, Ricky!” Maya exclaimed. She never thought that something terrible might have happened to Richard also when he just left.
“Yes, it was a very difficult time for our family. As it has been with yours, di ba, since it was also around this time that your sister died.” Richard said.
“Yes, it was.” Maya said, suddenly feeling very emotional. She can’t just imagine what Richard and his father went through a that time, their loved ones at the mercy of a kidnap for ransom group.
“In the beginning, my father wanted to cooperate with the police, despite the fact that the kidnappers warned him not to. However, they seemed to have known his every move. When he talked to his general friend, they knew and they threatened to kill my mother and Grace. What broke my father and made him give in to the kidnappers was when he heard my mother and sister crying in the background. They didn’t know that the kidnappers were talking to Papa. He imagined all sorts things, what were they being subjected to. He bowed to their demand and paid the huge ransom they were asking. The same evening that Mama and Grace were released, we left for China. My father has started working on it as soon as he had learned that my mother and sister have been kidnapped. He only informed me when we were about to leave.”
“Ricky, I wish I was there for you.” Maya whispered, putting her hand on top of Richard’s to comfort him somehow. “Thank you for telling me this. I appreciate it. I did wonder what happened to you kasi bigla ka na lang nawala.”
“Maya, I wish I was there for you too. If there is one thing I wished I was able to do then, it was being able to say goodbye to you at least no matter how hard it was.” Richard replied, putting his hand on top of Maya’s. “Mama and Grace were not harm physically, but they suffered emotional abuse and mental torture in the hands of their kidnappers. But still they lived, and recovered from their ordeal, though in Mama’s case, it took a long time. She had nightmares and was depressed for more than a year. The first couple of years, she was afraid of crowds and people she does not know very well.”
“The same thing happened with Nanay, Ricky when Ate Cris died. She just went into a world of her own. Kaya nga hindi na ako nakabalik noong second semester. I had to take care of her, as well as handle the return of my sister’s body to the Philippines and the funeral services.” Maya said. “Noong gumaling na si Nanay, when she snapped out of her depression, noon pa lang ulit ako bumalik ng Maynila. Nakita ko nga na sarado na ang bahay niyo. Sinabi rin naman sa akin ni Doris.”
“Oh, Maya! You handled all of that alone!” Richard felt for Maya. It must have been very difficult for a 17-year-old girl to take. Tapos, added to that, she must have wondered why I just disappeared from her life, just like that. “Maya I’m so sorry for not saying goodbye. I wish I was there to share your burden.”
“Thank you Ricky, bayaan mo na iyon. It was in the past na. Di ba sabi nga, what does not kill you, makes you stronger. Minsan pala, kapag dumarating ang ganoon sa buhay natin, kapag nandoon na, nakakayanan. Sabi nga, God will not give you something which you cannot surpassed. It made me a stronger person. Kaya ko na lahat after what happened that semestral break.” Maya said eloquently. What she left out was that – that Richard’s disappearance also contributed to her sadness and the feeling of extreme loneliness at that difficult time in her life, but knowing what he went through that same period, she doesn’t want to burden him with it by telling him about it pa. Besides, it was already part of the past.
“Doris and her dad naman were there for me. Parang kapamilya na rin kasi ang turing nila sa akin. I can never thank them enough. I wish there was someone there for you, too Ricky. Kumusta na pala ang parents mo, si Grace?”
“Okay naman na sila. After a while, naging okay na rin si Mama. Si Grace naman medyo matatag kasi siya. Mas madali siyang nakarekober kaysa kay Mama. Though, noong una, she had nightmares too and would just wake up in the middle of the night, screaming. Sa China na niya tinapos ang pag-aaral niya. Papa was never the same, hirap pa rin siyang magtiwala hanggang ngayon. Pero parang ganoon na rin naman siya before we left. Iniintindi ko na lang.” Richard added, then he noticed the time. “Shall we get going? Almost 2PM na pala!”
“Errr, yes!” Maya literally forgot the present, as they talked about the past! “Naku, oo nga pala, we have a meeting pa.”
“No worries, Maya”, Richard smiled at Maya. “We have enough time. Baka lang ma-traffic tayo pabalik.”
While they were waiting for their bill, they would sometime gaze at each other in silent understanding, then smiling, as if they were both seeing the rainbow after experiencing the rains that touched both their young lives.
On the way back to LAS, they chatted about their college days. With Richard telling Maya how he managed to finish his studies in China and the work he did for his father’s company there. Though, he didn’t mention to her about how Abby came to be. But Maya does not mind. For sure, Richard will tell her about it when he is ready. The good thing is they managed to clear the past, sort of, and they are in the process of bridging it to the present. Where it would lead, she does not know yet.
“Maya, thank you for this very wonderful lunch.” Richard said softly after he had park the car at his usual spot in front of the LAS building. “Magaan na ang pakiramdam ko ngayon.”
“Me too, Ricky! I really appreciate you telling me what happened to you. For years, I would think about you from time to time.” Maya admitted candidly, getting what Richard was trying to convey, and at the same time, telling him that he was never out of her mind.
“I was the same, Maya. I never forgot you, you know, and what we had then.” With that statement that left Maya’s heart galloping like a pack of wild horses, he went out of the car to open the door for her.
Richard opened the passenger door to assist Maya out. He held out his hand for her to take. She did. He kept holding her hand as they entered the building. It surely felt like old times.
On The Street Where You Live – Chapter 5
Posted by Antigone in Richard and Maya Fiction on April 27, 2015
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.
On The Street Where You Live – Chapter 4
Posted by Antigone in Richard and Maya Fiction on April 20, 2015
Chapter 4
2015
Maya was packing her things, having finished and survived her first day of work at RRMA, when her mobile phone rang. She jumped a bit, thinking it might be Richard. Meeting him that morning unsettled her. She can’t get him out of her mind. It was a good thing she had a light load in the afternoon, mostly orientation and discussion on work loads. Ryan did the orientation in the beginning, however, one of the clients assigned to him called and requested for a meeting. Sonny Martinez, a senior associate took over. Maya is thankful to Sonny for the detailed walk through she received from him. He is also a very nice guy, albeit on the serious side. He told Maya to ask him if there is something she would like to know and he would be there to help her anytime.
Maya checked the screen of her phone and saw Doris’ name. She does not know whether she felt disappointed or relieved to find out that it was not Richard. But come to think of it, she mused, why would he call her all of a sudden, if it is not work-related and she just started with his account, and they just met again that morning. “Hello Doris! Napatawag ka!” She greeted her best friend.
“Maya girl, I know you have just been through your first day of work and must be very tired, but I need a super, super favor, please. I’m in a bind. I need to be at an event this evening, kaso hanggang ngayon, wala pa si Lea, hindi pa bumabalik. Hindi na yata babalik iyon. Walang magbabantay kay Lance. Hindi ko naman pwedeng hindi puntahan itong event kasi kasama ito sa next issue namin. Deadline na. Hindi ko naman pwedeng isama si Lance doon.” Doris said, a note of desperation in her voice. “Saka, alam mo naman pati na hindi ko rin basta-basta maiiwan si Lance sa kung sino lang na hindi niya kilala or hindi siya kabisado. Pasensya ka na talaga BFF.”
“O sige, ako na ang bahala sa inaanak ko. Don’t worry na. Mahihintay mo ba ako? Pauwi na rin na ako. What time mo ba kailangang umalis?” Maya offered, knowing that Doris is requesting if she could watch Lance for her. She had babysat for Lance before so she knows the drill. She is glad to help Doris and she loves Lance like he is her son. He is a sweet, little boy, a very special angel.
“Maya, BFF, super thank you talaga ha.” Doris said, thinking once again that Maya is really the best friend a girl could have. “Before 8PM sana. O kumusta nga pala ang first day of work mo? Hindi man lang muna pala kita natanong kung kumusta ang unang araw mo bilang lawyer! Hilo na talaga ako. Bakit naman kasi itong si Lea, nakisabay pa. Maayos naman ang usapan namin.”
“Walang anuman iyon, Doris, para ka namang others. Basta, ikaw, anytime!” Then she paused and thought for a bit on what she would like to tell her BFF about her day. Nah, meeting Richard again is not something she can tell her best friend now, knowing that it would require at least a long serious session between friends to discuss that. “Okay naman ang first day of work ko. I will tell you about it when I see you.”
“Okay. I will expect that ha.” Doris replied. “Can you stay the night pala kasi baka gabihin ako ng husto? Dito ka na lang matulog?”
“Hmmm, I’m not sure, kasi wala akong damit na pang-office. Kapag umuwi pa ako sa bahay ko, baka hindi ka na umabot diyan sa event na pupuntahan mo. Ganito na lang, I will pick up Lance and he can just stay the night with me. Then bago ako pumasok bukas sa work, idadaan ko na siya sa school niya. On my way naman. Di ba the last time your magazine sent you to an event like that, inabot ng madaling-araw. Saka mag-i-interview ka pa ng mga guest diyan di ba?” Maya suggested, as without a yaya, she knew that Doris needed all the help she could get.
“Really, BFF. Naku, maraming salamat talaga. Buti na lang parang pangalawang nanay ka na talaga nitong bebe boy ko. May hahabulin pa nga akong deadline pagkauwi ko. Medyo lamayan ito. Babawi na lang ako sa iyo.” Doris said. “Tama ka naman doon. I will miss Lance pero alam ko naman in good hands siya sa iyo. I will just pick him up from his school tomorrow. Then I will just take him to an amusement park para makabawi rin sa kanya sa weekend.
“Naku, Doris Flores, anong bawi-bawi pa. Wala ito. Ako nga itong malaki ang utang na loob sa inyo ng Dad mo. Para na rin naman kitang tunay na sister and pamangkin ang turing ko diyan kay Lance, di lang inaanak.” Maya said. “O siya, see you in an hour.”
Maya is very grateful for Doris’s friendship. Doris was there for her when her sister died and the difficult times she had afterwards. She also supported her in her law schooling, so was her father. Father and daughter encouraged her to forge on when she felt like giving up. Instead of being a lawyer like Maya, Doris now works as a writer in lifestyle magazine. During their second year in college, Doris decided to tell her father what she would really like to be, and that was be a writer in a fashion or lifestyle magazine and not a lawyer like him. Her father relented and allowed her to choose her career from then on.
Doris got pregnant while working as an editorial assistant in a fashion magazine after she and Maya graduated from college. Her boyfriend was a photographer who also worked at the same publishing company. They got married and moved to his house, leaving Maya in Mirasol Street. However, after more three years of marriage and Lance’s condition, they separated. Joseph Miranda told Doris she and Lance can have the house they were living in, but that was all she can get from him. He told her he fell in love with another girl and he can’t live knowing his son is ‘damaged’, according to him! By this, Joseph meant in his narrow-mindedness, Lance having autism. Doris told him she does not need him in their lives if that would be his attitude. Her son is better off without a father. Since then, she had been a single mother. Maya helped her from time to time, taking care of Lance when his nanny is on vacation or on day-off.
By the time, too, that Doris and Maya finished college, their old apartment where Doris used to check on Richard while he was passing by, and where Maya and Richard spent so many happy times, was no more. The owner had the place demolished. He built an apartment building as a replacement. He offered a unit to Maya and Doris at a discounted rent as they were among his long-time tenants before. Until now, Maya lives in Mirasol Street.
However, in all the time Maya had been living there, nothing was heard of the Lim family who used to live there. Though, from time to time, Maya would see someone taking care of the house. But the caretakers kept to themselves. One afternoon, curiosity and the longing to find answers got the best of Maya, she decided to use her budding journalism skills and interviewed the caretakers, sort of, but they got close-mouthed when she started asking about Richard. In the beginning, there was also a rumor that floated around that the whole family just packed their bags in the middle of the night, and migrated to China, but no one can confirm it.
“Maya are you going home now?” James asked when he saw Maya packing away her things. James would like to spend more time with her. He is drawn to his new colleague. He enjoyed the lunch they had together, even if Maya avoided discussing personal stuffs. “May dala ka bang car? Sabay ka na sa akin kung wala.” He offered.
“Naku, thank you very much, James.” Maya said, as while she likes the good-looking lawyer, she feels like keeping a distance from him. Parang bilis kasi niyang maging familiar samantalang bagong kilala pa lang sila. “Pero, hindi pa kasi ako uuwi. I will meet a friend pa eh. Magta-taxi na lang ako.”
“Well, I can also just drop off where you will meet him.” James persisted. “Saan ba iyon?”
“Naku, huwag na talaga, I need to do something.” Maya insisted, not correcting James that the friend is a ‘she’ and not a ‘he’.
“O sige na nga, next time ha. With dinner, please.” James asked.
Maya thanked him again politely but did not commit to the dinner. She just told him that they should play it by ear as she just started and she is not yet sure of her entire workload. They parted ways at the ground floor of the building. Luckily, she found a taxi promptly. She made it to Doris’s house in time. Mother and son were waiting for her, with Lance bags packed. He was very happy to be staying with his Ninang Maya for the night, and playing games on her iPad. Doris has been meaning to get him one as his speech therapist said there are apps which Lance can play with and help his speech and communication skills development. Doris promised herself that she will do it as soon as she straighten out her yaya problem. She really believed Lea when she promised her fervently that she will return. Maya had already asked Doris before the apps that are appropriate for Lance and downloaded those.
“Be a good boy to your Ninang.” Doris told her little boy as she gave him a big hug and several kisses which had Lance giggling. He nodded and soon after, Maya and Lance left the house.
Half an hour later, Maya and Lance arrived at her apartment. She let him used her iPad while making a meal for him and herself. Amazing how easy it was for him to learn new app. He can figure out by himself how things work. He is a very bright boy. Having fed him an hour later, Maya got Lance ready for bed. Doris had established a routine with him and she would like to stick with it. Bedtime for Lance is at 9PM. Lance knew the routine so he went to bed without a fuss.
Lance was long asleep beside Maya but she was unable to sleep, still thinking about Richard and them meeting again. She still feel something for him. That much she admits to herself. See, she is still this affected when they met again. However, she knows that nothing will come out of it. Nothing had come out of it ten years ago, then the more that nothing will come out of it now that he is married.
Maya woke up from a restless sleep when her alarm went off at five o’clock in the morning. She dreamt of Richard. Maybe because he was her last thought before she finally fell asleep. She dreamed that she and Richard met several years after he ‘disappeared’ from her life and the first thing she asked was why did he leave without a goodbye. It was not the first time Maya dreamt like that. She had several variations of this dream.
She get Lance ready for school. He is studying at a progressive school near where she lives. The school takes in special needs children and integrate them into the regular classroom. The children with special needs are supervised by shadow teachers or shadow aides, individually. Lance’s shadow teacher was waiting for him at the entrance of the school when they arrived.
“Good morning Lance.” Teacher Genevieve greeted Lance, making eye contact with him. “How are you today?”
Lance greeted hs teacher and then told her that he played with his Ninang’s iPad.
“Good morning also to you Atty. Maya.” Gen greeted Maya. They have known each other for quite a while as they were Lance’s secondary caregivers. “Nasaan po si Mommy Doris?”
“Naku, may kailangang tapusin last night na deadline. Nag-offer na ako na idaan si Lance dito sa school. Siya na lang ang magpi-pick sa kanya.” Maya replied. “Speaking of which, I need to get going na rin Teacher Gen, doon kasi ako mag-o-office sa client namin na malapit lang din naman dito. Baka ma-late na ako.”
“Sige, Atty. ako na ang bahala dito kay Lance.” Lance’s teacher assured Maya. “Mag-start na rin naman ang class nila. Kung ma-delay naman si Mommy, pwede siyang makipaglaro sa mga classmate niya na naghihintay din ng sundo.”
“Thanks a lot, Teacher Gen. Basta kung may problema, please text Doris or me.” Maya told the nice teacher, then to Lance, she said, “Lance, Ninang Maya is going now. Mommy will pick you up, okay.” The little boy solemnly nodded, but gave Maya a spontaneous kiss and hug, which touches her a lot.
When Maya rose up again, her peripheral vision caught a guy holding the hand of a little girl about the same age as Lance. She slowly looked that way and gasped in surprise. “Hello, Richard!”
“Hello, Maya.” Richard greeted Maya with a polite smile. He is still trying to recover from seeing Maya here and trying to process the fact that Maya is apparently married and now has a kid. But she was introduced as Atty. Dela Rosa if he remembers correctly.
Before the two of them could talk some more, Lance excitedly blurted, “Abby, Abby, you are here!”
“Hello Lance.” The little girl, who was clinging to Richard greeted Lance with a big smile, then let go of Richard’s hand to hug the little boy.
“Hello Mr. Lim.” Teacher Gen greeted Richard. Then explained to a surprised Maya and Richard that the kids are very good friends. “Fast friends po iyang sina Lance and Abby since she started here. Inseparable ang dalawang iyan. Nakakatuwa nga.”
“Really, Teacher Genevieve, that’s good to know!” Richard said. “I’m glad that Abby has made friends already. I thought she would have a hard time due to the drastic changes she had experienced recently.”
“Naku, for a child like Abby na very affectionate, madali lang po siyang magka-friends. In fact, hindi lang si Lance ang naging friends niya kaagad, pero parang si Lance po yata ang best friend niya talaga.” Teacher Gen said with a big smile. “Sige po, magsisimula na ang class. Ako na rin po ang magsasama kay Abby sa shadow teacher niya.” She offered.
“Thank you, Teacher Genevieve.” Richard simply said, then he talked to the little girl. “Abby, sweetie, si Teacher Genevieve na ang bahala sa iyo ha. Daddy will just pick you up later.” He gave his daughter a kiss on the cheek. The little girl hugged him and whispered “I love you, Daddy” to him. Richard felt like there is a big lump in his throat, hearing his daughter being able to do this now. He told Abby that he loves her too. Then he composed himself and looked at Maya again. “Maya, are you going to LAS na?” He asked her.
Genevieve heard Richard’s question and it was her turned to be surprised that the two know each other that well. Maya saw her expression and felt the need to enlighten the teacher a bit.
“Teacher Gen, si Richard iyong client na pupuntahan ko.” Maya simply said. “Iwan ko na si Lance sa iyo ha. Thank you.”
“No worries, Atty. Maya, ako na ang bahala sa kanila ni Abby.” Teacher Genevieve took hold of the kids’ hands and waved at Richard and Maya.
“Maya, papunta na rin ako ng LAS, sumabay ka na lang sa akin.” Richard offered.
Maya’s heart skipped a beat at his offer. She and Richard in a car again after all the years that had passed by. However, she can’t very well decline as she is, indeed, going to his office. “Sure, Richard. Thank you very much.” She said in what she hoped was a steady voice.
Richard opened the passenger door of a dark blue BMW parked outside the gate of the school for Maya to get in. “Thank you, Richard.” Maya said with a smile. Richard smiled back at her before closing the door.
In the first several minutes after they have both fastened their seatbelts and the car was merging into the early morning traffic, they were both silent as if one is waiting for the other to speak first. Both of them realized that they are alone the car. The first time Richard offered her a ride came rushing back to Maya. Ah, what a sweet time it was, she mused. Richard was also remembering that day, Maya standing at that street corner, looking so lovely.
It was Richard who broke the silence. “Matagal na bang pumapasok si Lance sa Little Angels Center?”
“Yes, several years na rin. Doris found the school through a friend who also has a child with special needs.” Maya replied. “She is happy for the recommendation as Lance is thriving in this school. Mababait lahat ng teachers and they care for the kids talaga.”
“Doris?” Richard asked, surprised that it was Doris who decided on the school for Maya’s child.
“Yes, you remember Doris, my best friend? Siya ang mommy ni Lance.” Maya explained, puzzled at Richard’s question and reaction. Then she realized why. “Oh, you thought….”
Richard smiled sheepishly at Maya. “Yes, I thought Lance is your child.”
Maya smiled back. “I’m his godmother. May emergency kasi si Doris sa work kaya I took care of Lance. Sinundo ko siya sa bahay nila kagabi, then ako na ang naghatid sa school bago ako pumasok sa LAS.”
“I see.” Richard said simply. “That was very nice of you.”
“You know me and Doris, we go a long, long way back! “Maya said, then asked him about Abby. “How about Abby, how long have she been going to this school? Kasi parang hindi ko siya nakikita rito before, though medyo matagal na akong hindi napunta rito noong nagre-review ako.”
“Simula pa lang ng bumalik kami sa Pilipinas, siguro mga three months na.” Richard replied as he navigated the road going to his company’s headquarters. “I was glad to have found a good school for her, in Little Angels. It was recommended to me by Abby’s developmental pediatrician.”
“She is a child with special needs too?” Maya asked, surprised. She also noticed Richard using ‘I’ and ‘me’ when he was referring to the decisions made for Abby’s care, as if he is alone in caring for her.
“Yes. Abby was diagnosed with autism when she was more than two years old.” Richard said, finding it easy to say things to Maya still, despite the fact that he hadn’t seen her in a long time. They had this kind of thing between them, even ten years ago. “I researched on her condition, then worked on all the early interventions I could do, followed all the recommendations of her devt. pedia.”
“That’s what Doris and I did too. I helped Doris researched rin when Lance was diagnosed, about the same age when Abby was diagnosed. Just like Abby, Lance has autism too.” Maya said. “Pero he is a very bright boy and very affectionate din. Early intervention, you know, occupational therapy, speech therapy, had helped him a lot already.”
“Pareho pala sila ni Abby! Malaki na rin ang naging development ni Abby mula ng ma-diagnose siya. She is a very bright girl din. I thought noong una na baka mahirapan na mag-adjust si Abby sa integrated school kasi new environment and new country, pero mabuti at hindi naman. Dapat nga pasasamahan ko pa siya kay Manang Fe, iyong yaya niya, pero mukhang kaya na niya. Besides, medyo matanda na rin si Manang. Remember I told you before na yaya ko pa siya.” Richard finished with a smile, remembering one of his wonderful chats with Maya over dinner.
“I remember that.” Then Maya asked something before she could stop herself, “So working din ang mom ni Abby like Doris kaya hindi siya nakakasama kay Abby?” Then she realized that medyo personal ang tanong niya. “Oh sorry for asking. Never mind that.” She said, getting red in the face. Baka isipin ni Richard, she was prying.
Richard wa silent for several seconds, then shook his head a bit as if he had made a decision.”Abby’s mom is dead, Maya.” He told her quietly.
Maya was surprised. She was not expecting that answer. She was not expecting that Richard Lim is now a widower in his early 30s. “I’m so sorry for your lost, Richard! It must have been hard on Abby and you, especially for Abby to have lost her mother at a very young age.”
“Thank you, Maya.” Richard said, then he seemed to be lost in thoughts for several seconds. “We are okay now. It happened several years ago.” He simply said, then he shifted the topic. “Ikaw, how are you? I’m glad that you have achieved your dream to be a lawyer. Your Nanay and your Ate Cris must ve very proud of you. Kumusta na sila?”
It was Maya’s turned to look sad and pensive. Richard noticed it. “My mother is very happy when I passed the bar. She lives in Mindoro pa rin. Pinagkakaabalahan niya iyong karinderya niya. She has one na, like iyong pangarap nila ni Ate Cris na maitayo. For Ate Cris, I’m sure she would have been very happy for me too. She must have celebrated in heaven when I passed.” She finished softly with a catch on her voice.
“Oh, you mean….? Your sister is….?” Richard was shocked to know.
“Yes, Ate Cris is gone, Ricky. Naaksidente siya sa Dubai.” Unconsciously, Maya reverted to Richard’s nickname as she held back memories of that difficult time in her young life. “She died in 2005 after my first semester as a freshman in PUS.”
“Oh, Maya, you mean, she died that semester break!” Richard was a lost for words. He doesn’t know what he felt at that moment, knowing what Maya have gone through that momentous and unforgettable time in their young lives. “I’m so sorry.” He finished, knowing that it is not enough.
“Thank you, Richard. Okay na kami ng Nanay ko. Matagal na rin naming natanggap na wala na si Ate Cris and it is just the two of us now.” Maya said, trying not to take the trip down memory lane. She doesn’t know if she is ready yet to ask all the questions in her head, for her closure. Besides, she noticed that they just stopped at the parking space reserved for Richard in front of a four-story building. “Oh we are here na ba?” She asked, looking around.
“Errr, yes. This is LAS.” Richard replied, still processing what Maya had said and what she didn’t say. “Let’s go in.” Richard got out of the car and opened the door again for Maya. He was gazing at her intently, then he smiled at her and guided her towards the lobby of the building.
Richard would like to have a heart to heart talk with Maya, tell her what happened and why he was not there when she needed him the most. But it was not the right time or moment for it. Work first. But as soon as he gets the opportunity, he would do so. He hopes Maya will hear him out. He wants to get to know Maya again, and see if they can continue what was not meant to be, ten years ago.
On The Street Where You Live – Chapter 3
Posted by Antigone in Richard and Maya Fiction on April 12, 2015
Chapter 3
2005
Maya, in shorts, a sleeveless blouse and flip-flops was standing at the corner of Mirasol and Cadena de Amor Streets, waiting for a jeepney that would take her to the nearest bookstore, when a car stopped in front of her. She instinctively took a closer look. Her eyes widened and her heart beat faster when she saw the driver.
“Hi Maya, may I give you a ride?” Richard Lim asked from the opened window of the car. He was wearing casual clothes, a white shirt and jeans. He is as handsome as ever when she had seen him up close and finally met him several days before, after all the time Doris has been crushing on him. Doris was so envious when she told her that she met her Mr. Dreamboat. She pretended to be hurt. But she assured Maya it is okay as she just like how Richard looks and is just passing her time, crushing on him when he passed by. Her bestfriend even speculated that maybe Richard has a crush on Maya since he is aware of her and where she lives. Maya brushed it off, but deep inside, her heart went aflutter.
“Hi Ricky, naku huwag na. Makakaabala pa ako sa iyo. Diyan lang naman ako sa shopping center pupunta. May bibilhin sa bookstore there.” Maya said, her heart skipping a bit at the lopsided smile he was giving her. “Baka may pupuntahan kang importante. Really, I’m okay, magko-commute na lang ako. Thank you.”
Instead of driving off, Richard got out of the white vintage Volkswagen Beetle he was driving. He went to where Maya was standing. At last, he had seen Maya again. He never got the chance to see her again after meeting her at the fast food place where she works. His schedule has been quite tight and he need to work doubly hard on his studies as it was his last year in college. His father expected him to be the best and to top the board examination when he take it.
“Tamang-tama, doon din ang punta ko.” Richard said smiling beguilingly at her, then opening the passenger door for Maya. “Halika na. Baka mahirapan kang mag-jeep. Umulan and rush hour na.”
“Okay, sige na nga! Thank you very much, Ricky.” Maya got into the car, folding her long frame into Richard’s small cute car. She liked it. She has never ridden a Beetle before nor have seen one in recent years.
“Wala ka bang work ngayon?” Richard asked as he started driving towards the direction of the shopping district where the bookstore is located.
“Tapos na. I took the early shift. Ikaw, saan ang punta mo?” Maya asked.
“Sa bookstore din sana. Birthday ni Mama tomorrow, I want to buy her a gift. Naisip ko na bilhan na lang siya ng cookbook kasi mahilig siyang magluto.” Richard said, conversationally. “Sa palagay mo ba she will like it?” He asked Maya all of a sudden.
Maya looked at him, temporarily getting lost in Richard’s intent gaze and him asking her opinion. “I don’t know your Mama for me to make a definite suggestion or an opinion. Pero sabi mo she loves to cook, so I’m sure she will like it. Besides, I think kahit ano naman ang ibigay natin sa mga mom natin, they will appreciate basta from the heart. My Nanay is like that, basta galing sa amin ng ate ko, she appreciates naman.”
“You are right about that, Maya. Thank you.” Richard said. Maya mentioning about her family was the opening Richard needed, as he really wanted to get to know Maya better. “So, you have a sister. Ilan kayong magkakapatid? Saka, I heard from Manong Tony, iyong may tindahan malapit sa inyo na taga-Mindoro kayo.”
Richard is really aware of her or he is just mighty curious about his neighbors! Maya felt a bit flustered that he seemed to know about her than she knew about him, but there is a way to rectify that, find out about him more. “Yes, I have a sister, older than me. My father died several years ago so it is just me, my sister Cristina Rose and our Nanay. Yes, taga-San Nicolas, Mindoro kami ni Doris, iyong housemate ko. Ikaw?”
“I’m an only son, pero I have a sister too, Grace. She is younger than I am.” Richard said. “Diyan din siya nag-aaral sa PUS, Nursing. I have lived all my life here in Mirasol Street. This is where my parents started and they didn’t want to live that big old house in the corner. Namana kasi iyan ni Mama sa parents niya. Ayaw niyang iwan.”
“Oh, that is where you live. Doris mentioned nga na that you live in one of the houses at the other end of the street. Iyon pala ang bahay niyo. It’s a beautiful house. I’m sure it is full of history.” Maya said with a smile. Like old houses built during the Spanish times, Richard’s house opens and is very closed to the sidewalk. But she had a glimpse of a beautiful garden in the back when the gate opened while she was passing by one afternoon. She always like that beautiful old house.
“Well, I guess. Mama said so. But for me, it is just a house, an old beloved house.” Richard then remembered something. “Doris, is your roommate, right? Do I know her? She knows me?” Richard Lim, you are so fishing for information! He wanted to know whether Maya and her roommate talked or discuss him as it would mean, Maya is also aware of him.
“Welll, errr….” Maya paused, but then find nothing wrong in telling him. ” Well, Doris was the one who pointed you out to me when you passed by. I don’t think you have met her.” Then an imp got into Maya and say, “she calls you Mr. Dreamboat, you know.”
Richard laughed, self-consciously. “Really, me a dreamboat! Baka kailangan na rin ng eyeglasses ng friend mo.” He teased. He does not see himself as one.
Maya laughed and before she could stop herself, she blurted’ “Well, tama naman si Doris ah!” Then she realized what she had said and blushed, “Errr, I mean, you know….” She finished lamely.
Richard gave Maya hs best lopssided smile. He likes seeing her like this, she looks more beautiful in his eyes, with her face red and she, flustered. “Thanks Maya.”
Maya recovered, then teased Richard. “Hmmmp, akala ko ba hindi ka dreamboat. Parang ngayon you are happy to know that you are.”
“Well, if you think that I am, I’ll happily claim it.” He said gazing at Maya meaningfully. Luckily, they were waiting for the light to turn green so he have more time to gaze at her closely and her lovely face. For Richard, it is not so much that he looks good, but that he looks good in Maya’s eyes for her to call him a dreamboat.
Maya got self-conscious with that gaze, aside from the fact that it made her heart galloped. She blurted the first thing she thought of to get out of the sudden fluttery nervousness she was feeling. “Your car is cute.”
Richard had to shake his head from the sudden shift in the conversation, but he let Maya off the hook, plenty of time for other things, she and he live in the same street, go to the same school, so there is plenty of time to get to know her better. He is very much drawn to her ever since he saw her passing one afternoon, laughing with her friend. She seemed so full of life.
“Thank you. I love this car, though hindi ko naman masyadong ginagamit since walking distance lang ang PUS. Ganito lang, when I need to be somewhere saka ko inilalabas. By the way, pasensya na walang aircon itong Beetle ko, hindi ko pa kasi tapos i-restore.”
“Wow, ikaw ang nag-restore nito! Ang galing. I never thought na pwede pa palang i-restore ang mga ganito! I haven’t seen much Beetles around anymore, kahit doon sa probinsya namin. Dati meron pang paisa-isa, pero wala na ngayon. How did you end up restoring one?”
Richard shrugged. “I guess I’m always fascinated with old cars, or anything mechanical for that matter. I got it from my Papa. He is a Mechanical Engineer, though, he is more of a businessman, than an engineer these days. Kaya rin siguro I took up engineering for my college course, though not the same as his field. How about you? What’s your major?”
“Oh, I’m majoring in Journalism.” Maya replied. “Both Doris and I are.”
“So, you want to be a reporter after college! Television, radio or one of the newspapers?” Richard asked as they entered the building housing the bookstore that they will go to, and he was looking for a parking space. “Iyan ba talaga ang dream mo since you were a kid?”
“Whatever I could find after graduation will do. I just want to write. But what I would like to be, eventually, is a lawyer. Iyon talaga ang dream ko since I was a kid. Doris’s dad advised us that being able to write well is a good foundation for taking up Law. So since I like to be a journalist too, why not hit two birds with one stone. so to speak.” Maya explained. “Though, I need to do it while working, as I am doing now. Law school is expensive and baka hindi na makaya ng sister ko and my mother to send me there.”
“Oh, your sister is working in Mindoro or here in Manila too?” Richard asked as he led Maya to the elevator going up with his hand on her elbow , after he assisted her out of the car by offering his hand, a fact that didn’t escape Maya’s notice even if they were so caught up chatting. A gentleman, huh, she thought. She felt thrilled also at Richard’s gestures.
“No, she works in a hotel in Dubai. She has been there for several years now. Her plan is to send me to school, then save enough money to start a business in San Nicolas with my Nanay.” Maya said as the two of them walked inside the shopping center. “Gusto nilang magbukas ng small restaurant sa amin. With the influx of domestic tourists in the area, Ate Cris thought it would be a good idea. My mother is a very good cook, so is she. Iyon ang job niya sa Dubai, chef.”
“That’s a great idea.” Richard said. “I haven’t been to San Nicolas, or Mindoro for that matter, pero I heard from friends na maganda raw sa inyo. Maybe, it is about time I go there. Baka sa semestral break, I can.”
“Really! Let me know if you will be in my area. I will tour you around if you want. Doris and I are also going there for semestral vacation. I missed my Nanay na.” Maya offered to Richard.
“Oh, I will, Maya. Thanks. Looking forward to that.” Richard was happy that Maya offered. Now, he has a chance to see where she grew up and be with her when they are not hurrying back and forth to school. “Paano pala iyong parttime job mo?”
“Okay naman. I’ll be finished with my contract by then. Sa second semester naman, I will apply na lang as a student assistant. I heard from one of my classmates who is an SA, that I can work as one in the library. I will try. It is much better than my fastfood job kasi at least I will be inside the campus and the hours are more regular.” Maya said, then she noticed that they are in the section of the bookstore she wants. “Dito na ako, Ricky. How about you?”
“Oh, I thought we can go around together? I will just buy the cookbook for Mama and the complete Sherlock Holmes book that I wanted to buy.” Richard said, looking at Maya with an expectant expresssion. “Marami ka bang bibilhin. Books also?”
Maya then remembered why she was going to the bookstore. She was going to looking for more ‘bodice ripper’ period romances she is addicted to! She suddenly got shy of telling Richard about it. “Errrr, can we just meet then. Baka mainip ka sa akin. Medyo matagal akong pumili.”
Richard sensed that Maya wanted to be alone and not comfortable with him tagging at her. Hmmm, I wonder why, he asked himself, mukhang okay naman kami kanina and she seemed relaxed in his presence. “Okay, but promise me, we will go home together. Don’t leave the bookstore without me ha!”
Maya smiled sweetly at Richard. “Sure. I promised, crossed my heart. I’ll look for you when I’m done.”
“Better I think if we exchange cellphone numbers.” Richard suggested. He was planning on asking Maya about her number anyway before they parted for the evening. “May I have yours?”
Maya recited the number to Richard. Richard encoded it in his phone. Then he rang Maya’s phone so she can save his number.
“Okay, I’ll see you then.” Richard said, putting back his phone in his jeans pocket.
“See you, later.I hope you will find a good present for your mother.” Maya said.
“You too, Maya. Whatever it is you want you to buy that you don’t want me to see.” Richard said teasingly, which made Maya turned crimson.
“Ikaw talaga, Ricky. Wala naman kaya. Just stuffs.” She said evasively.
“Really.” He teased.
“Really, really. Go na nga. See you later.” She then pushed Richard affectionately towards the direction of the cookbook section.
Maya and Richard shared a sweet smile before they finally parted inside the big bookstore. Maya went directly to the romances section, while Richard headed for the cookbooks. He found two good cookbooks for his mother, one is a coffee table book on the evolution and influences on the current Philippine cuisine and the other one, the latest cookbook by a well-known Philippine chef. Then he went to the Classics section and found his Sherlock Holmes, as well as two James Bond novels omnibus books.
Richard walked around a bit after paying for his purchase, then looked at his watch after a while. Hmmm, I wonder what’s taking Maya long, he mused. He decided to look for her. He went around, and saw her glued to the shelf which has….romance books, not just romance books. He saw him looking at books which is similar to what his sister Grace is reading these days, heroines clad in gowns with a bit of flesh showing, and handsome, ripped heroes holding the heroines! Aha, so that’s why!
Maya didn’t noticed him. She had three books in one hand, and can’t seem to decide whether to get a fourth and a fifth one. Then he saw her put longingly the three other books she was juggling back on the shelf, then chose two only. Richard gathered that she wanted to buy more but only was sticking to two, maybe because that was all she budgetet for. He disappeared into the next shelf before Maya saw him. When she left the section, he took the three books she returned, good thing there was no other person there or they might raised an eyebrow seeing a guy buying those books who are obviously targetted for women readers! He then went to a cash register at the other side of the bookstore so she will not see him.
“There you are, Maya.” Richard said as he sauntered towards Maya, carrying his two packages, when he saw her standing in the middle of the bookstore, holding her phone.
“Ricky! I was about to text you.” Maya said with a big smile. “Tapos ka na ba? I’m done na.”
“Yes. I’m kinda hungry. Can we eat first before we go home!” Richard suggested, and seeing Maya hesitating, he said, “Pretty please, I’m hungry.”
Maya smiled at him. He is really cute when he does that, she mused. How can she resists. She likes being with Richard. She enjoyed their car ride and now, it will be capped by dinner with him. “Sige na nga, halika na, baka hindi ka maka-drive pauwi sa gutom!” She teased.
Maya and Richard ended up in a cafe that serves comfort food. Richard asked Maya what she would like. Maya ordered white sauce pasta with mushroom and iced tea. Richard said he will have the same. While waiting for their food, they chatted nonstop. Maya found out that Richard is taking up aeronautical engineering. He wanted to design and build planes. He know how to fly one already. He said he learned while living in the US during his high school days. He wanted to start his own aeronautics company in the long term. Maya admired Richard and his goals. She also likes his sense of humor and his being down to earth, despite the fact that she sensed, he came from a rich ubpringing.
Richard learned more about Maya when they were enjoying their dinner, followed by desserts and more drinks. He admired her obvious intelligence and her desire to achieve her goals in life despite the odds. She is also a fun person to be with. He didn’t get bored and he likes the fact that her whole face lit up when she tells him stories and stuffs that she likes. She was also full of love when she speaks of her family and even her bestfriend Doris.
The two of them didn’t notice the passing of the time as they shared their life stories, likes and dislikes, dreams and whatever they can talk about. Maya was telling an amusing anecdote when she heard the sound of a closing roll-up door.
“Oh my, Ricky, I think the stores are closing.” She said, then looked around and noticed that they and another couple where the only customers in the cafe. While the cafe closes later than the main shops, Maya realized how late it was. “Maybe, we should get going. May classes pa tayo bukas.”
Richard also realized that he and Maya have been talking for hours! “Oh, okay!” He then called the waiter and asked for the bill. When it was brought to their table, Maya tried to get hold of it.
“Ooops, none of that, Miss Dela Rosa.” Richard said, grabbing the bill. “This is on me.”
“But Ricky, let me share, please!” She pleaded.
“Just say thank you, Maya. This is on me, really. I was the one who invited you to dinner.” He insisted. “You can treat me the next time.”
Maya realized that she will not win so she capitulated. “Okay, pero next time, ha. It will be on me na. Thank you Ricky!”
“You’re welcome, Maya.” Richard smiled at her happily, liking the ‘next time’ thing. Of course, he has no intention of letting Maya pay. He will pay for their next date! Date, he mused, yes it will be that! “Come let’s go.”
Richard dropped off Maya in front of her apartment less than an hour later. Instead of just waiting for her to get out, he got out himself and opened the door of the Beetle for her.
“Thank you for everything, Richard. I have a wonderful time.” Maya said, feeling very happy on how her afternoon and evening turned out to be. She felt like she was floating.
“I had a great time too, Maya. Until next time.” Richard said with his heartmelting lopsided smile. Then he remembered someting. “Wait.” He dove inside the car and got the smaller of his two packages and gave it to Maya. “For you.”
Maya was so surprised, she just stared at the package that has the logo of the bookstore that they have been to. “What is that, Ricky?”
“Hmmmm, just something I hope you will like.” He offered with a big smile. “Say, thank you again, Maya.”
“Ricky naman eh….” Maya protested.
“What is that? I can’t hear you.” Richard, cupping his hand on his right ear, pretended not to hear.
Maya gave up, then said shyly. “Thank you, Ricky, for this and everything.”
“That’s more like it. You are welcome, Maya. ” Richard said, grinning. “Sige, you go in na. Good night Maya.”
“Good night, Ricky.” Maya said smiling at Richard, then waving and started going in, stopped and looked back. She saw him by his car, waiting for her to go in. He waved and smile. She smiled back and then go into the house. After she closed the door, she leaned against it, with a big smile on her face. Good thing the house is quiet. Doris might have gone to bed by then.
Maya remembred the package Richard gave her, she opened it. Awww, she said to herself. Inside were the three books she wanted to buy, but can’t as she only had a budget for two books. Richard must have seen her debating over the books. She ought to get mad at him for doing this, but she can’t. She felt like her heart would burst from his thoughtfulness. She took out her phone and sent him a message.
Maya: Thank you for the books, Ricky, even if you spied on me. 🙂
Richard: Ha, I didn’t kaya. You were taking so long so I looked for you! Now I know why you didn’t want me to know what you will buy. [wink, wink, wink]
Maya: Hahahahaha, busted! :-0 Anyway, thank you for these. I’m touched.
Richard: Enjoy! But don’t stay up too late. We have school tomorrow. Good night. Sweet dreams! 🙂
Maya: Sweet dreams, Ricky.
Richard grinned after he put his phone done. He felt so happy. He studied that evening, very inspired. Looking forward to seeing Maya again. Maya was the same. Though, she had a hard time concentrating on the book she started reading after studying, imagining the hero to be Richard, and the heroine, her!
Note: Happy Sunday! ❤
On The Street Where You Live – Chapter 2
Posted by Antigone in Richard and Maya Fiction on April 9, 2015
Chapter 2
“Shall we get started?” Atty. Reyes asked, breaking into the world Richard and Maya were starting to get into when their gazes met – the past and all the unanswered questions it has. Reading their expressions, Atty. Reyes, a wise, old man, can see that there is a wealth of a past between these two. He felt, though, that it is a very private thing between Maya and Richard. It was not the time or the place for it. But he was wishing then that they will be able to bridge the past and the present soon as he can see the palpable vibes between the two. Observing and experiencing the best and the worst of human nature and actions most of your life, you tend to get to read situations and people better.
“Errr, yes Uncle Rafa,” Richard shook his head and pulled himself out of the brink of a complicated past that was pulling him in. He does not want to go there yet. He hoped his voice sounded steady and confident, for he is not. He is still trying to regain his equilibrium and composure which turned topsy-turvy upon seeing Maya again after all these years. But alas, his and Maya’s ‘reunion’ has to be conducted in private and not in front of the curious eyes of the other people in the room no matter how well he knows them.
The four of them filed into the conference room of RRMA, with Uncle Rafa in the lead, followed by Ryan, then Maya who walked so gracefully. She does not seemed to be as affected as him in their unexpected meeting. While he was a mass of nerves. He was having a hard time concentrating on the agenda at hand, on why he requested this meeting. Out of habit, he pulled a seat for Maya, just like the used to when they go on ‘dates’.
Maya looked at him, surprised at his action, this after all is a business meeting and not a social one. There was something in her eyes, before she managed to conceal it that told Richard that she was as affected and as rattled by this very unexpected meeting.
“Thank you, Mr. Lim,” Maya said softly, powering up her iPad after she sat down.
“You are welcome, Atty. Dela Rosa.” He replied, gazing at her intently. Then, instead of sitting beside Ryan Molina, Richard took the seat beside Maya, making her very conscious of him, the perfume he wore, his distinct manly smell, and the nearness of him.
Richard cleared his throat, took a deep breath and try to concentrate on the meeting that he requested from RRMA. Who would have thought that this day would turn extraordinary! When he left his place that morning, and a taciturn Abby, he thought he would just go to a run-of-the-mill meeting with his lawyers. He need to pull himself together or else, Ryan and his Uncle Rafa will be full of questions. As it is, he felt that his Uncle Rafa has a very clear reading of the situation already.
“Well, Uncle Rafa, Brod, Maya, errr Atty. Dela Rosa….” He started.
“Brod, Maya na lang kaya. Di ba okay lang Maya, since magkakilala naman kayo. Masyado namang formal iyang Atty. Dela Rosa. Tayo-tayo lang naman.” Ryan suggested, seeing that Richard is getting flustered by Maya’s presence. Richard has always been the king of composure and seriousness. He really needs to invite his Brod to drink and get the whole story out of him. Come to think of it, parang may naaalala siya. Was Maya the same girl Richard told him years ago? Parang siya nga. He tried to recall where Maya studied for her undergraduate degree and managed to connect the dots. Pupusta siya na si Maya nga iyon.
“Well, errr, yes Mr. Lim. Maya na lang please.” Maya said, getting self-conscious, not wanting the attention of her bosses on her and Richard. Who would have thought that her first day as a lawyer would be more personal than professional! Her heart is getting overworked with Richard’s nearness. After all these years, naman, may poor heart, sa kanya ka pa rin ba tumitibok, she mused!
“Well, then, please call me Ricky. Like I have requested you to do the first time we met.” Richard said, gazing at Maya, at the same time, smiling as he was remembering that meeting. That finally, they met at that fastfood place, after weeks of watching out for her every time he was at home and when he knew she might pass by. He had an idea of her class schedules so he knew when she would possibly pass by from her classes in the university. Usually, he passed by her place when he goes to school, but on the way from school, his house is first so Maya passed that way on the way home.
“Oh, if it is okay, I will call you Richard, since this is a business setting.” Maya replied, thinking that calling him Ricky is just too personal, too intimate, and too many memories associated with it.
Richard nodded, understanding and letting Maya off the hook, this time. “Okay,” he said simply. Then he went back to what he was about to say.
“Uncle Rafa, Brod, and Maya, I asked for the meeting as I need RRMA to handle several contract negotiations LAS is making with several airlines who are getting our services for their maintenance as well as a host of other legal work. Iyong iba naman minor lang. So far, I’m in negotiations with Time Airways, Seafare Airlines, and San Nicolas Air. Aside from that, there are also the contracts to be drafted for our suppliers, employees and other legal stuffs.”
Maya was surprised that he has that many clients already, considering that he just started his operations here. She needed to research more on Richard, err, LAS if she will be permanently assigned to his account.
“That’s not a problem, Richard, I will assigned Ryan, and also Maya to your account. They can draft all the contracts, review them, the works and everything else you need RRMA to do.”
He paused, then continued. “How about Maya going to LAS twice a week on a regular basis so you have a lawyer at hand, say mornings, then she will be reporting to Ryan on your legal requirements every afternoon. Then if there is some complicated negotiations that has to be done, Ryan can also join in the meetings. Di ba, you told me that you will not be getting in house lawyers for your company and is just getting us as your regular counsel and you do need a lawyer to handle the regular stuffs. Maya here was a business journalist before she became a lawyer so I think she is more than capable of handling your regular day to day requirements.”
Richard was surprised at Attorney Reyes’s unusual offer. His heart skipped a beat when realized that it would mean seeing Maya on a regular basis. But his father’s friend’s offer would work as he needs a lot of legal work at this stage of LAS’s operations. Ryan is okay but he knows he handle a lot of cases for the firm and some of his requirements are just the usual legal stuffs. He did not like Ryan’s other associate before, Fred. He seemed unable to concentrate on the job. He never doubted for instance Maya’s abilities as he had known her to be a beauty and brains girl in the months they were going out on ‘dates’.
“That would be great, Uncle Rafa! Thank you.” Richard said, then he looked at Maya and see how she is taking all of these, knowing that this is her first day on the job. She seemed so concentrated on the notes she was typing on her iPad. Then, she looked up.
“Thank you for the vote of confidence, Sir, Atty. Molina. I will do my very best.” Maya said. She was surprised that Atty. Reyes would trust her this much at the early onset of her career. It is not an opportunity she thinks a new junior associate gets. “Richard, I will do my best for your company.”
“You can do it, Maya.” Ryan added. “Besides, I will be there with you also kahit most of the time, ikaw lang ang pupunta sa LAS. Brod here, needed an in house one, sort of, early in the operation of LAS here. You can draft and review employees, suppliers contracts and others when you are there, instead of Richard sending it here. The other cases that you will handle outside of LAS, you can do in the afternoons and let’s see, how else we can fit it in. For now, prirority mo muna ang requirements ni Richard.
“Okay, we are agreed.” Atty. Reyes said. “Richard, is there anything else you want to put on the table. I heard you need to be somewhere this afternoon.”
“That’s about it Uncle Rafa. I should get going soon. Abby has a piano recital. I enrolled her in a music class this summer. Her therapist suggested it.” Richard said. “Thank you, also to you Ryan and Maya, for accommodating me this morning.”
Richard stood up, and that was also Maya’s and the rest of the party’s cue to to do. Richard shook Atty. Reyes and Molina’s hands, but when it came to Maya, much to her surprised, he gave her a beso. While it was a perfectly harmless social gesture in most cases, her heart skipped a beat at the gesture. Maya stop it, heart stop, stop that, she muttered. He is married! May anak nga na may recital di ba, she told herself.
“Maya, it’s nice to see you again. I’ll see you at LAS, tomorrow?” Richard said. He is looking forward to that. Maybe that is a better time to catch up than in this meeting. Besides, he needed to run soon or else, he would be late for Abby’s recital.
“Nice to see you too, Ricky. I’ll be there bright and early.” Maya gave Richard a smile, that sort of reminded him of her first smile to him. She also unconsciously used Richard’s nickname which made him feel happy.
Richard and Maya ended up walking together out of the conference room as Atty. Reyes and Atty. Ryan got carried away discussing one of the cases the firm is handling for a big client.
“Maya, may I have your mobile phone number?” Richard asked suddenly, then added hastily, “Para madali kita makontak kung may kailangan ang LAS.”
“Oh sure, Ricky! I can give you my personal number muna. I haven’t been issued a mobile phone by RRMA. Lindsay said I will get it tomorrow.” Maya recited her personal number to Richard, which he typed directly into his phone book. Then he pressed the call button.
“Got it and that’s my number! Thanks a lot, Maya.” He then gave Maya a lopsided smile, his lopsided smile which made her young heart aflutter every time he did ages ago. “By the way, would you like to….”
Before Richard can ask Maya what he was supposed to ask her of, someone called her name, a tall, good looking guy coming from the direction of the offices.
“Maya!” James walked briskly towards Maya. “You are done na with your meeting. Lindsay said your meeting was moved to this morning. Tamang-tama, lunch na.” Then he noticed Richard looking at him. “Oh hello, Mr. Lim. I’m Atty. James Ventura, a friend of Maya’s. Sorry for barging in! Maya and I will have lunch kasi.”
Huh, Maya thought to herself. My friend! Kanina nga ko lang siya nakilala!
“Hello! Richard Lim!” Richard said politely, and because he can’t resist it added, “I’m an old friend of Maya.” He saw James surprised expression. Guess, he was not expecting that, huh!
Richard had seen James before in RRMA, but was never introduced to him, nor was he assigned to him previously as he thinks he is handling criminal cases for the firm. He is also wondering how he became friends with Maya, when as he gathered Maya just started today with Uncle Rafa’s firm. But maybe, they have known each other in school or through her previous work. Nevertheless, a part of him dislike and bristles, at the fact that James is taking a proprietorial attitude towards Maya. Richard never thought he had it in him to act like that!
“Really, small world!” James remarked, then added whether innocently or not, Maya nor Richard can’t ascertain, “Parang kanina wala ka namang nabanggit Maya na kilala mo pala ang client natin and LAS owner.”
“Oh, I didn’t realize that the Lim you mentioned is Richard. I did wonder when I heard the last name but there are a lot of Lims in the country.” Maya said guilelessly, not realizing what she had admitted, that Richard is still in her thoughts after all these years. Richard felt doubly happy.
Richard, for some reasons, took an instant dislike on James so he added, “Maya and I were friends and neighbors in Mirasol Street, the street leading to the Philippine University of the Sciences and the Arts front gate.”
“Oh!” James managed to say. Now he is the one wondering what sort of past Richard and Maya have.
“Maya, I will get going. I need to pick up my daughter for her recital. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Richard said, then added with a polite nod, “James!”
Unbeknown to Richard, he left Maya wondering about his marital status. There is a part of her that felt sad that he is taken already. But it had been a lot of years, and it is bound to happen. He is handsome, a fun person to be with, a gentleman and sweet. He had what she was looking, and still looking for until now, in a guy, but unable to find. There is still a part of her that needs closure about a love that was not realized. She has so many unanswered questions.
“Maya shall we get going.” James cut into Maya’s thoughts.
She just nodded absently to James. Her mind was still full of Richard. She let him escorted her to the waiting elevator.
“Magkakilala ba iyang si James and Maya, Uncle Rafa.” Ryan asked, his gaze at Maya and James departing figures.
“No I don’t think so.” Uncle Rafa said, his brows knitted, then added, “But on the other hand, they might kasi they went to the same law school. Or baka naman it is James, being James, very friendly. Why do you ask?”
“Just wondering. Hayun kasama na si Maya na mag-lunch. As usual, parang may heat seeking missile yata iyang si Panyero pagdating sa beautiful ladies.” He remarked. “Idagdag pa diyan ang Brod ko, hindi maalis ang tingin kay Maya kanina.”
“Ikaw talaga, Ryan, walang nakakaligtas sa iyo.” Atty. Reyes laughed, then added, “Don’t worry about Maya, she seems like a sensible, level headed girl.”
“Sabagay.” Ryan said, then shrugged off. “Let’s have lunch.” The two of them went up to the top floor of the building where the law office has a small restaurant. Sometimes, this is where they meet ther clients.
On the way to the service apartment where he and Abby are currently staying with his old nanny Manang Fe, Richard’s thought was still on Maya. He is wondering if she is still single or unattached. She is not wearing a ring and she just finished law school. But even if she is not married by this time, she must have a boyfriend. She is beautiful and very intelligent to booth. When he knew her, she was also the most open, the sweetest, and the kindest and the most fun person he knew. Masikap rin sa buhay, juggling her studies and work. Walang arte, unlike some of the girls on campus who were not shy in letting him know how interested they were on him. Of all the things and events from his past, the times he spent with Maya were the best memories he stored in his “memory bank’. Now, he and Maya, they came full circle, and he is very much looking forward to finding out where they will go next. He hope it would be in the direction, he is thinking, despite Abby’s presence now in his life.
Time to bridge the past and the present. With that thought, Richard felt very happy and there is is feeling of anticipation in his heart, feelings and emotion he has not felt since his wife Alexandra died.
On The Street Where You Live – Chapter 1
Posted by Antigone in Richard and Maya Fiction on March 25, 2015
Chapter 1
2015
“Welcome to Reyes, Reyes, Molina, and Associates, Atty. Dela Rosa!” Atty. Rafael Reyes, one of the founding partners of RRMA warmly shook Maya’s hand as he personally welcomed her as the newest lawyer of the firm. “We are so looking forward to having this year’s bar topnotcher as our newest associate.”
“Thank you very much, Sir. I’m looking forward to working for you.” Maya replied warmly, not expecting that she would be personally welcome to the firm by the esteemed Atty. Rafael Reyes. It was not Atty. Reyes who interviewed her for the job, but rather his cousin and the other Reyes in RRMA, Atty. Reynaldo Reyes.
Of all the big firms that tried to recruit her after topping the bar, she chose RRMA because of its very good reputation in the legal circles and because while the firm handles diverse accounts, it specializes on corporate laws, her main interest.
“Lindsay will take you to your office.” Atty. Reyes said, introducing Maya to a lady in her 30s. “Please join me and one of the partners in the meeting with one of our new clients at 2PM in the conference room. Since you mentioned that you prefer corporate law, you can assist Attorney Ryan Molina with the LAS account. You will be one of his assisting associates. I will also introduce you around, but it has to be later. I have an emergency meeting with a client in several minutes. Please excuse me!“
“Yes, Sir! Thank you very much again.” Maya said with a smile that lit up her beautiful face. She really like Atty. Reyes. He had a very grandfatherly demeanor. But she knows that he is one of the best legal minds in the country.
From where he was standing, Rafael Reyes can see Maya’s passion and excitement for the job. She somehow reminded him of his granddaughter Eliza. A pity law is not in that child’s blood, but rather modelling is! Though, come to think of it Maya Dela Rosa can also make a career at her granddaughter’s profession as she is a very pretty girl. Rafa Reyes, as he was called by friends and close associates, was really glad that they managed to recruit Maya Dela Rosa. He has very good instincts and from what he can see, he knows she will be an asset to his firm.
“This way po, Atty. Dela Rosa!” Lindsay led Maya to a cubicle near one of the big bay windows of the place. “Welcome to RRMA. Basta po kung may kailangan kayo, tawag lang kayo sa local ko.”
“Maraming salamat, Lindsay.” Maya put her bag down, then settled into her chair. Lindsay left soon after. She was barely settled into her seat when there was someone poking his head into her cubicle.
“Hi. You must be the new lawyer! The bar topnotcher! Welcome to RRMA. I’m James Ventura!” The tall, good looking mestizo guy with a warm, teasing and friendly smile introduced himself. “We came from the same school, by the way. Pero, medyo ahead ako sa iyo ng six years, I think.”
“Please to meet you, finally, Atty. Ventura! Maya Dela Rosa.” Maya stood up and shook the friendly lawyer’s hand.
“Finally?” James asked puzzled. “And do please call me James. Masyadong pormal ang Atty. Ventura.”
“Yes, James. Your reputation preceded you. Ikaw ang isa sa idol ng mga law student sa campus.” James Ventura is considered as one of the success stories of the law school where she went to. He also happened to be in the news recently due to a controversial case he handled and won.
“Oh, those stories! Urban legends!” He said smiling. The moment he saw Maya entering the premises, he was instantly attracted to her. Good thing he has the pulse of the office rumor mills and had found out the name of the new associate beforehand. He did his research and disovered that they came from the same law school. “So, kanino ka ini-assigned ni Atty. Rafa. I hope sa akin.”
“I’m joining him and one of the partners in the afternoon sa meeting sa owner ng LAS?” Maya replied. She forgot to ask her boss or Lindsay what does LAS stands for. “I think I will be assigned to Atty. Ryan Molina.”
“Oh, you will handle the tiger’s account then.” James said obliquely.
“The tiger’s account? Maya asked, curious.
“Just between you and I, kasi mahirap daw i-please iyang si Mr. Lim, the owner of Lim Aviation Services or LAS for short. Palagi pang nakapa-tiger mode.” James said, repeating what he heard from the firm’s grapevine. “Bago lang ding client ng RRMA ang company niya. Though his dad, Lim Corporation’s owner, used to be a big client. But the elder Lim moved his company to China 10 years ago. That’s what I heard from one of the partners when we took in LAS.”
“Oh!” Maya managed to say, at the same time she suddenly felt her heart jumped when she heard the last name of their client. Pero, ang dami namang Lim dito sa Pilipinas, she mused. Hindi naman siya siguro iyon.
“But anyway, he is fair naman daw. Meticulous lang and perfectionist. Good luck, Maya.” James said. “By the way, if you want, we can go to lunch together. Diyan lang sa restaurant sa 5th floor.”
Maya had misgivings about the invitation as she just met James. But at the same time, friendly naman siya and maybe this is a way to know her colleague better. Saka naisip niya sa 5th floor lang naman, same place, same building. “Okay, sige.”
“Great! I’ll see you at lunch.” James waved, then walked back to his office, the one that has the big bay window.
Maya sighed happily after James left. Finally, she is about to work in the profession she worked so hard for. Ate Cris, I wish you can see me now. Natupad na rin ang pangarap ko. Maya whispered. It has been almost ten years since her sister passed away. She was taken away from her and her Nanay so abruptly.
Maya was on her semestral vacation, her first year in college, when her life turned upside down. They received a call from an official of the Department of Foreign Affairs informing them that her sister was among those killed in a car accident in Dubai. Her mother was distraught and inconsolable. Maya took care of everything after her sister’s body arrived back home. She had to be the strong one. She was not able to enrol for her second semester at the university. Doris was the only link to the life she abruptly left behind in Manila, which had included what she thought was her budding romance with Richard Lim.
Several months after her sister died, her mother got out of the depression she was in. Teresita Dela Rosa insisted that Maya returned to school that summer. She assured her daughter that it will be okay and they have enough to get by as her sister had some money saved and she had an insurance policy. She also insisted to Maya that she was okay and that her sister would have wanted her to pursue her dream of becoming a lawyer.
So in April 2006, Maya returned to Manila, to the apartment she and Doris was sharing in Mirasol Street. But it was not the same, the big house where Richard and his family used to live was still closed down. There was no information on where the family was. Richard left without saying goodbye. Doris said that she found out from the neighbors that the family left while they were on semestral break. There was no email or call from Richard since then! It felt like he disappeared into thin air after making her life brighter and happier.
Maya shook herself out of that particular memory. She was quite young and naive back then and crushing big time on their handsome neighbor in Mirasol Street, but as it happened on top of losing the big sister she loved very much, it made quite a mark in her. She became more determined to finish her degree. She shied away from romantic relationships. She decided to work after college while pursuing her law degree as it would have been difficult for her mother to send her to law school with the money they had then. Law school was not cheap.
She was lucky, she was hired promptly in a major daily after college as she had very good grades and writes well. She worked her way up and became the newspaper’s business reporter. She only resigned when she passed the bar exams. While reviewing for the bar, she took a leave of absence and returned to work after the exams, waited for the results. Maya was happy that she passed, and with the highest score. However, she was sad to leave her boss and mentor who supported her law studies and her colleagues.
Maya booted her computer while waiting for her boss to call her again. She might as well check her e-mails and get productive while waiting for Atty. Reyes to finish his meeting. After she had finished reading her mails, she Googled Lim Aviation Services. She ended up at the company’s webpage. She just started reading on the company’s profile when Lindsay interrupted her.
“Excuse me, Atty. Dela Rosa, tapos na po ang meeting ni Sir Rafa. Pinatatawag po niya kayo sa office niya.” LIndsay said. “Tomorrow po pala, you will have your own landline and I will issue you a mobile phone and a laptop. Tapos po Attorney, feel free to decorate your office. Hindi naman po masyadong stuffy dito sa RRMA.” Lindsay finished with a smile.
“Thank you, Lindsay. Just call me Maya.” Maya liked the friendly secretary already. She walked with Lindsay to their bosses’ office.
“Pasok na po kayo Atty. Maya.” Lindsay said. “They are waiting for you. I will call na lang po kung dumating na si Mr. Lim.”
“Good morning again, Sir!” Maya greeted her boss with a smile.
“Hi Maya. Sorry at hindi na kita na-orient kanina. It has been my tradition to personally orient new members of the firm.” Atty. Reyes told Maya. “Ryan, this is Maya. She will be with you in the LAS account. I assigned her to yo because of her background! Maya, this is Atty. Ryan Molina, our expert on corporate laws. You will learn a lot from him. I gathered you have met before. Ryan said you interviewed him before. I think it was the time I was abroad and leave from the firm.”
“Hi Maya, nice to see you again, and welcome to RRMA. I’m glad that Rafa has assigned you to me.” Ryan Molina, a guy in his late 30s to early 40s greeted Maya. “Rafa, this lady is a brilliant reporter. But Journalism’s lost is our gain.”
“Hi Atty. Molina! Good to see you again too. And thanks!” Maya was all smiles. She had interviewed Ryan Molina several times during the course of her career as a business reporter. “I’m glad to be working with you.”
Before they can chat some more, Lindsay knocked on the door. “Sir, nandito na po si Mr. Lim. Napaaga daw po siya. He said he can just wait for you daw po.”
“Oh, Richard is here then.” Rafael Reyes remarked. “We might as well meet him now. He must really be in a hurry to finish this meeting and juggle his time. Let’s go, Maya, Ryan.”
“Maya, Richard Lim asked that the meeting be moved this morning as he needed to bring his daughter somewhere later.” Ryan explained to a now silent Maya. “Atty. Rafa mentioned that he told you it would be this afternoon.”
Maya’s heart started to beat faster upon hearing the name of their client. It may be a coincidence, but she has a strong feeling that after ten years, Richard and her paths are about to cross again. “Ah yes! He told me that. Matagal na bang client ng RRMA si Richard Lim?”
“Bago lang. He just built LAS here. Sa Beijing siya naka-base dati. I know him personally. We were fraternity brods in college. Nice guy. You will like him. He has a cute little girl named Abby.” Ryan chatted on while they were walking towards the conference room.
When the three of them opened the conference room, a guy who was looking out of the window, turned and offered a big smile to Atty. Reyes. “Uncle Rafa, I’m very sorry for disrupting your schedule. But it slipped my secretary’s mind that I needed to be at my daughter’s recital this afternoon. Mabuti you agreed to an earlier schedule. Tapos heto ang aga ko pa.” The guy wearing eyeglasses and dressed smartly in a gray pants, light colored shirt, without a tie, finished.
“Richard, it’s okay.” Atty. Reyes said, tapping him on the shoulder affectionately as Richard’s father, Roberto, is one of his good friends.
“Hello, Brod.” Richard then greeted Ryan who have been a fraternity brod. He was the one who have helped him with he was a neophyte. “Good to see you again. Kumusta na si Raymond? Nakalipat na ba ng Manila.”
“Okay naman siya, Brod. Next week pa siya nandito.” Ryan replied with a big smile. “By the way, bago namin makalimutan ni Atty. Reyes, meet the newest member of RRMA, and this year’s bar topnotcher, Atty. Maya Dela Rosa. She will be my assisting associate.”
Upon hearing the name, Richard’s heart skipped several beats. Siya kaya iyon? He mused, baka kapangalan lang. He slowly took a closer look at the smartly dressed lady beside Ryan with so much anticipation. When he did, he felt like he can’t breath. He felt sucker punched. It has been ten years but he can’t forget that beautiful heart shaped face, doe-eyes fringed with long eyelashes and those pouty lips. The lovely girl he knew from Mirasol Street has grown into a beautiful, poised lady!
“Hello, Maya!” Richard managed to say. “It has been a while.”
Richard’s voice penetrated Maya’s stunned state. She had been like that since the guy who was facing the window turned and greeted Atty. Reyes. Her first thought was that, “Oh my God, it is really him, after ten long years!” He is ten years older but she will recognize that face anywhere, that lopsided smile, that built. If he was a dreamboat when he was in his early 20s, he is dashing and movie star material in his early 30s!
“H-hello, Ricky.” Maya managed to say, then pulled herself together. He is a client after all. “Nice to see you again after all these years, Mr. Lim.”
“Teka, teka, you two know each other, Brod, Maya?” Ryan asked, surprised. Atty. Reyes was also looking on, curious.
“Yes, we have known each other in Mirasol Street where my family used to live.” Richard said, then he looked at Maya intently. “That’s where Maya and I started, on the street where we lived.”
Maya looked at Richard, unable to discern what he really meant, after all these years. They just gazed at each other, forgetting for a while, the presence of the two other people in the room.
On the Street Where You Live – Prologue
Posted by Antigone in Richard and Maya Fiction on February 28, 2015
Prologue
2005
“Maya, bilis!!! Dadaan na si Mr. Dreamboat! Halika na baka ma-miss mo.” Doris, Maya’s best friend said from the window of their apartment.
“Doris, ano ka ba, sabi ng hindi ako interesado diyan sa Mr. Dreamboat mo.” Maya protested as Doris dragged her to the window.
“I know, pero tingnan mo lang, please. Tell me if I’m wrong.” Doris insisted. “Ganitong oras iyan dumadaan for his class diyan sa College of Engineering.”
“Talagang hindi lang schedule ng daan ang alam mo, pati course ha! Doris, malapit ka nang maging stalker!” Maya teased.
Before Maya was finished with what she was about to say next, a guy wearing black slacks and a white polo shirt was passing by, a backpack slung on his shoulder. He was tall, nicely built and is wearing glasses. When he was in front of their apartment, he unconsciously looked towards their window, and Maya gasped. Doris is right, he is one very handsome Filipino-Chinese guy!
“Friend, tama ako di ba? Super guwapo siya!” Doris said, sounding very giddy as if she had seen her favorite matinee idol in the flesh. “Saka paano ko namang hindi malalaman ang course, eh iyong uniform niya, uniform ng mga taga-College of Engineering.”
‘Well, yes, he is guwapo nga!” Maya reluctantly admitted. “So, pwede na ba akong bumalik sa pagsusulat? You know due na ang research paper natin sa Literature bukas.”
“Ha, bukas na ba iyon! Wala pa akong nasisimulan.” Doris exclaimed, panicking. “Naku, Maya, nanganganib pa naman ako diyan kay Prof. Ramirez.”
“Iyan kasi ang sinasabi ko, Doris Flores. Masyado kang naaaligaga diyan kay Mr. Dreamboat mo.” Maya lightly scolded her friend. “You can borrow my laptop pagkatapos ko so you can write yours. Ipinahiram mo kay Rachelle iyong sa iyo, di ba? Anyway, may pasok ako sa work mamayang gabi, so hindi ko naman iyan gagamitin. Absent iyong isang crew. Sayang din ang overtime pay!”
“Believe din naman talaga ako diyan sa sipag mo, Maya Dela Rosa! Hindi mo naman kailangang magtrabaho, di ba since pinapaaral ka ng Ate Cris mo.” Doris said.
“Yes, pero kawawa naman si Ate Cris sa abroad. Kayod siya ng kayod doon for me and my Nanay. Gusto ko rin naman siyang matulungan kahit pang-allowance ko lang. Kita mo naman lahat na sinagot niya, mula sa tuition ko, pang-share ko dito sa apartment at saka pati itong laptop. Tutal naman, maluwag pa ang schedule natin dahil freshman pa lang tayo.” Maya replied.
“Sabagay, may point ka naman diyan, Maya. Saka kayang-kaya mo naman talagang pagsabayin sa talino mong iyan! Hindi ko katulad na kailangan pang basahin ng ilang beses ang isang book bago ko maintindihan.” Doris said as she sat on her study table.
“Ikaw, talaga Doris! Tiyagaan lang naman talaga ang pag-aaral. O sige, aral ka na rin.” Maya said.
Maya and Doris were both taking up Bachelor of Arts Major in Journalism, in their first year in the university, with the intention of taking up Law after college. Doris, on the dictate of her lawyer-father, even if she is struggling with the demands of their current course. Maya, because it has been her dream to be a lawyer since she was a kid. The two of them both came from San Nicolas, Oriental Mindoro and were high school classmates.
Doris’s Dad got her the apartment and insisted that Maya shares it at a minimal rent. He said he was more after a flatmate for his daughter whom he can trusts. He even talked to her mother, to allow Maya to share the apartment with Doris. Teresita Dela Rosa agreed and offered to pay half of the rent. She told Maya she would feel better if she and Doris share the apartment as she worries, of her being on her own in Manila. Doris’ father prevailed on the rent arrangement though, insisting that it is also the least he could do for the family of his late friend, Arturo, whom he owed a lot.
Doris’ father told her and Maya that the best undergraduate course if they want to be good lawyers would have been Journalism as Law School requires a lot of writing too. Maya followed Doris’s father’s advice and Doris followed her best friend into the university of her choice. Doris is not really a mediocre student. It just that she lacks the drive, not really wanting to take up the course her father told her to take.
The two friends studied the whole afternoon and managed to finish the paper they needed to pass the following day. At around five o’clock in the afternoon, Maya left for her job at the fast food restaurant near the university.
When she arrived at the restaurant, there was quite a number of customers so she hurriedly changed into her uniform . When their manager saw her, she asked her to open another cash register to deal with the influx of customers.
“Good afternoon, Sir!” Maya greeted the first customer with a big smile. Then she stopped as there is something familiar about him. Oh my God, si Mr. Dreamboat pala ni Doris! In fairness, guwapong-guwapo talaga siya sa malapitan. “May I take your order, Sir?”
“I would like a cheese burger please, with large fries and large Coke.” The handsome Filipino-Chinese guy in front of Maya told her with a smile. Then she was surprised at his next words while she assembles his order. “Di ba sa Mirasol Street ka rin nakatira?”
“Ha? How did you know?” Maya asked. She does not recall them passing each other on the street.
“I saw you passed by our house several times!” The guy said. “I’m Richard Lim, by the way.” He introduced with a friendly smile. “Call me Ricky, please.”
“H-hi Ricky, I’m Maya, as you can see from my nameplate. Maya Dela Rosa.” Maya gave Richard a shy smile then gave him the tray containing his order. “Here’s your order.”
“Thanks a lot, Maya. Nice meeting you!” Richard said with a lopsided smile that made Maya’s young heart aflutter.
Maya smiled at Richard, gazed at his departing back, then shook herself out of her flight of fancy to attend to the next customer.
Note: Just something I managed to do several days ago while I was thinking of how I will move along Windblown and Unexpected Love. Updates on both, I’m working on already. I’m just puyat last night so I can’t think straight. Tulog muna ako ng maaga this evening. Hopefully, tomorrow, I will have something for you guys! Have a nice weekend! 🙂
My Sunflower World 
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