Chapter 13
‘First night’

The night has gotten darker, the wind stronger, making the night cooler. But Richard and Maya felt very warm because of the passionate kiss they just shared.

Maya’s lips was swollen from Richard’s kiss. Richard gently caressed the lips he had kissed thoroughly, with his thumb.

“I love you.” Richard said. Every time he looks at Maya, he is filled this overwhelming love for her. “I will never get tired of saying that you, my love.”

“Babe, I will never get tired of hearing it.” Maya touched Richard’s face. “I love you too. All my journeys paled in comparison to the journey I’m having with you.”

They shared a loving smile.

“Come, let’s go back to the house. Baka akala nina Manong at Manang kung napaano na tayo rito.” And because he can’t resist teasing her, he said with a naughty smile. “O kaya, baka akala nila kung ano na ang ginagawa natin dito. You know…..”

“Rickyyyy, anong you know….?” Maya, laughed and blushed at the same time, remembering their passionate kiss. “Halika na nga, dinner na tayo. I need to wash pa my clothes from earlier.”

They walked back to the house, their arms around each other’s waist.

“Sir Richard, Ma’am Maya, ready na po ang dinner niyo.”  Manang Linda greeted them. “Doon ko po inilagay sa veranda sa itaas. Mas maganda po roon kapag ganitong gabi, presko pa. Mukha naman pong hindi uulan.”

“Maraming salamat po, Manang Linda. You are the best talaga.” Richard told the caretaker. “Magpahinga na po kayo ni Manong Benito. Kami na po ang bahala ni Maya sa mga sarili namin.”

“Oo nga po, Manang Linda. Kaya na po namin ito. Maghapon niyo na po kaming pinagsisilbihan.” Maya added. “Maraming salamat po sa lahat.”

“Kayo po ang bahala, Sir, Ma’am. Maraming salamat din po. Sige po uuwi na kami ni Benny.” Manang Linda said with a smile. “Enjoy po. Sana po magustuhan niyo ang inihanda kong hapunan. Text na lang po kayo o kaya tawag kung may kailangan kayo.”

“By the way Manang, kamuntik ko ng makalimutan. May alam po ba kayo kung may naiwan si Mama rito na extra clothes or stuffs na pwedeng magamit ni Maya kasi wala na siyang extra clothes?” Richard asked the caretaker. “Ako po, okay lang kasi I have old clothes in my room here.”

“Pagkakaalam ko po, meron, Sir Richard.” Manang Linda replied. “Baka po nandoon sa room na ginagamit nila ni Sir Roberto. Alam niyo na naman po ang Mama niyo, parating may pa-sobra sa lahat ng bagay at lahat ng emergencies gustong paghandaan.”

“Okay po, check na lang namin ni Maya pagkatapos naming mag-dinner. Thank you very much po, Manang Linda.”

The caretakers left soon after. Maya and Richard went to the second floor veranda where a feast awaits them.

“Grabe na ito! Feeling ko tataba na ako ng husto! Hindi na yata kaya ng powers ko ang mga ito, Babe!” Maya remarked upon seeing boiled crabs and halabos na prawns on the table, mussels soup and grilled fish with soya, sili and calamansi dip.

“Well, no matter what, you are still my sexy Honeybun.” Richard teased Maya. “Feeling ko ikaw na ang bagong paborito ni Manang Linda, hindi ako.” Then he pretended to pout like a child. “Lahat ng ito, paborito mo di ba. What about me?”

“Hahahaha, Babe, di bagay.” Maya laughed at Richard’s antics. “Salamat din sa bola.”

“Hindi kaya bola iyon, Honeybun.” Richard smiled, then guided Maya to the table. Manang Linda was right, the view here is much better in the evening. “Pero, paborito ko rin naman ang mga ito. Halika na nga, kain na tayo.”

Richard poured Maya and him a glass of white wine each.

“Cheers, my Honeybun. Here’s to the best first date ever and the best ‘stranded’ moment ever.” Richard said.

“Cheers, my Babe.” Maya smiled. “Ngayon lang ako sobrang happy na ma-stranded!”

They gazed at each other and smiled meaningfully.

Maya and Richard had a leisurely dinner, punctuated by happy laughter, and sweet sharing of food. Maya taught Richard how to eat with his hands. While his technique of peeling shells of the prawns with a knife and a fork was, sort of, effective, it was a slow process, so Maya suggested that Richard just use his own hands and showed him how to eat rice that way too.

“That was very good.” Richard said, once again, replete. “Hindi lang yata ikaw ang lolobo dito sa food dito, ako rin.”

Maya smiled. “Di bale, Babe, guwapo ka pa rin naman.”

“Thanks my love.” Richard toasted his Honeybun, then kissed her lightly on the lips.

Maya and Richard brought the dishes downstairs and cleaned, in sync, like an old married couple.

When they were done tidying up, they went to the room that Donya Esmeralda and Don Roberto use when they stay here. Inside one of the closets, Richard found t-shirts of different sizes, leggings, jogging pants, socks, toiletries and other stuffs. Maya and him also found undies for both sexes. The clothes are sealed in vacuum packs to protect them.

“Wow, I know Mama is OC, but this is too much yata! But I’m so glad that she is.” Richard remarked. “You don’t even have to wash the clothes you have worn on the way here. Just get whatever you need from here.”

“Oo nga. Okay na sa akin itong two loose t-shirts and two pairs of leggings.” Maya was happy to find clothes she can wear for the night and for going home. When she got stranded in Batad several years ago, she just washed her clothes and at times, wore her pants twice, to conserve on clothes.

Richard and Maya got the clothes, put them in the room that Maya will use for the night. Since it was still early and they don’t want yet to turn in for the night, they returned to the veranda with their wine glasses. They half-reclined on the day bed, with Maya leaning against Richard. They gazed at the stars, listened to the sound of the waves crashing to the shore, sipping their wine, and enjoying the quiet surroundings. The night envelope them in a cocoon of sorts.

“Imagine, who would have thought we would find each other here after tayong magkaagawan ng taxi.” Maya remarked, remembering their remarkable and funny first meeting.

Richard smiled. “Oo nga. I asked nga Cris for a copy of the MMS you sent her.”

“Talaga! What for?” Maya asked puzzled.

“Wala lang, for remembrance.” Richard smiled. “Malay mo, makita natin ulit si Manong Driver para mapasalamatan.”

“Babe, awwww, may pagka-sentimental ka rin pala. But I like it very much.” Maya took Richard’s hand and intertwined it with hers.

“Can I ask you something?” Maya said.

‘Sure, my love, just ask anything.” Richard assured Maya. He had an idea what she will ask him. Tama siya.

“In all those time, hindi ka pa talaga na-in love, maliban sa akin?”

“No. What I had before, or thought I had before, lalo na kay Natalie, paled in comparison to what I feel for you, wala nga sa one percent! Walang katulad ang feelings ko sa iyo, my love.” Richard shifted position, then cupped Maya’s face and looked her in the eyes. “I love you more than life itself. Ikaw lang. I know this early na hindi na ako magmamahal ng iba, maliban sa iyo.”

“Babe…..” was all Maya managed to say. Her heart so overwhelmed with the love Richard is feeling for her. She was the same. She took a deep breath.

“Ricky, my love, I feel the same. Kahit tanging ikaw lang ang naging boyfriend ko. Ikaw lang din. Wala nang iba, until I die.”

“Thank you, my love, for your love.” Richard smiled. “Pero kinabahan talaga ako diyan sa Tristan mo, Honeybun. Tapos nasundan pa ng Jeremy na iyan.” He teased Maya. “Baka may sumunod pa ha. Sabihin mo sa kanila taken na taken ka na, please.

“Ha, ha, ha, Babe. Kung sa kanila lang naman, mas guwapong-guwapo itong Babe ko.” Maya smiled, then cuddled to Ricky. “Hindi ko nga sila ‘nakita’, tanging ikaw lang. Saka oo naman. I can even wear a shirt that’s says, ‘I’m taken. Sorry na lang!'”

“Silly! Nahahawa ka na yata sa pagiging corny ko.” Richard laughed, then asked seriously, “Di nga, Honeybun, hindi ka na-tempt magka-boyfriend before me?”

“Hmmm, hindi talaga. The guys who courted me, they never made my heart skipped a beat like you do. Saka parang may kulang.” Maya said, turning serious. “Sa iyo, dumadagundong talaga, lalo na when you kissed me at the airport. Saka the way you make me feel, so full of love. Ngayon ko lang talaga naramdaman iyon.”

“Honeybun, my love….” Richard lowered his mouth to Maya and kissed her with all that he was feeling at the moment.

Maya opened her lips for Richard. He deepened the kiss. It ignited the simmering passion between them. They angled their faces to share a scorching kiss, and  as if they have a life of their own, their hands started moving, to caress each other’s body.

“Maya, my love…..” Richard moaned in Maya’s mouth. “The way you make me feel. I’m barely holding on….”

“Ricky….” was all Maya managed to said. She felt warm all over. Her body was singing for Richard and his touch…..”Oh, I feel so much, my love….”

Richard seared Maya’s lips with another scorching kiss, then moved lower to trail kisses on her neck, her collar bone, then the valley between her breasts.

Maya felt, and shivered at, every kiss Richard made. She felt its effect to her core. She made known to Richard that she liked what he was doing with the little sounds she unconsciously made.

Richard’s hand found its way inside Maya’s blouse. He cupped Maya’s breast through the thin material of her bra. He played with it, massaging it. Maya moaned as Richard’s touch electrified her. She likes what he was doing. Her other breast received the same treatment. They swelled from his touch. Maya felt very hot.

She wanted to return the pleasure he is giving her, so Maya started touching Richard under the shirt he was wearing. She caressed his back, planted little kisses on his neck, bit it a little, unconsciously, innocently, because she can’t help it. Richard’s reaction was immediate. He sucked in air. The thin control he was holding on was close to breaking.

But before it did, nature intervened Richard and Maya suddenly felt giant splats on their heads. It is going to rain.

They looked at each other, grinned sheepishly, trying to control their barely bridled passion for each other. Their foreheads touched, hearing each other deep breaths, then looked up and felt the rain coming in stronger before they had time to really recover.

“Come, my love. Ligo tayo sa ulan.” Maya said the first thing that came to her head. She dragged Richard to the end of the veranda after they pushed the daybed where it will not get very wet.

Richard felt like scratching his head. He grinned wide, and went with Maya. He might as well take the nature’s version of a cold shower!

They had fun frolicking in the rain. However, Richard’s breath got caught in his throat when he noticed the effect of the rain water on Maya’s blouse. He can clearly see the outline of her breast, and despite being drenched, he was starting to react to it. Maya noticed Richard’s heated gazed and it evoked a corresponding response in hers. She felt it from her core up to her breasts.

Maya and Richard stood without a space within them and amid the pouring rain, shared another mind blowing kiss. Richard also started playing with Maya’s nipple, already pebbled from the cold rain, and because of his heated gaze, with his thumb, through her blouse that was plastered on her body like a second skin. He caressed it one after the other, giving it equal attention, while they kissed, tongues dueling, as if they can’t get enough of each other.

“My love, I think we need to stop soon.” Richard barely managed to say. “I promised to be a gentleman….”

“Rickyyy….” was all Maya managed to say in response, so overwhelmed with the passion she was feeling.

Richard gave Maya one more heated kiss, then try to temper down their passion for each other. Maya equally fought for control. They hugged, catching their breaths. When they thought they have some semblance of control, they loosen their embrace.

“Honeybun, what you do to me! You are lethal” Richard said, smiling lovingly at Maya.

Maya just smiled at Richard, blushed and buried her face on his chest. She likes what she tasted so far of passion. But maybe, it is better to slow down. Things has already progressed too fast between her and Richard, as if they can’t help it but go with what they feel. She know that had Richard and she didn’t stop, she would have given herself to him, and not regret it, because she loves and trusts him. But maybe, this is not the time for it.

Shivering, they went inside the house and went straight to shower. Richard, to a very cold one.

Maya dressed in one of the pairs of t-shirt and leggings she got from Donya Esmeralda’s room.  She heard a knock in her room when she was combing her hair.

“Yes, Babe.” She asked Richard when she opened the door. She gulped. He looked so hot in his white v-neck t-shirt and gray checkered pajama. He smelled so nice too.

“I just want to say good night, Honeybun.” Richard said after he caught his breath, looking at Maya who was wearing a loose t-shirt, without a bra and her face, freshly scrubbed and still pinkish from the shower. She looked so beautiful.

“Good night, Babe.” She gave him a sweet and loving smile, then a quick kiss. They both turned to go inside their respective rooms, then turned again….

“Maya……?”

“Ricky……?”

They laughed.

“Go ahead, Honeybun.” Richard said smiling.

“Ikaw na, Babe.” Maya said. “Ano ba iyon?”

“Well,I was just gonna ask if you would like to sleep in my bed. Kasi I missed you already.” He started, grinned sheepishly, and lovingly. “Kung okay lang naman sa iyo. Promise, I will be a good boy. I just want to cuddle with you to sleep. I like having you beside me.”

Maya smiled. “Okay!”

“Okay, as in okay?” Richard said, glad, not believing at first that he heard correctly.

“Oo na nga, Babe. Kulit mo.” Maya pinched his nose lovingly.

“Thank you, Honeybun. Promise, I will behave, unless of course, ikaw ang mauna.” He teased Maya.

“Rickyyy….!!! Do you want me sleep in your bed or not?” Maya retorted, smiling.

“Okay, titigil na nga.” Richard grinned, then remembered. “O ano nga pala ang sasabihin mo?”

Maya blushed a bit. “Ah, eh, iyon din sana. That I don’t think I want to sleep alone. Pero, sleep lang talaga, ha.” She smiled. Richard grinned. Both happy that they were thinking of the same thing.

Richard led Maya to his much bigger bedroom, pulled down the comforter and asked Maya to choose which side she would like to sleep in. He turn off the lamp, then went to the bed. Maya cuddled up to him. Maya and Richard went to sleep with her head pillowed on his chest and his arms around her.

Chapter 12
‘Staying the night’

Maya and Richard went on their separate ways to shower and change when they returned to the house. They still have time as Captain Ventura has not called again since the last time Richard talked to him. Richard was not worried as they still have a window to fly back. He does not like flying when it is already too dark. He led Maya to the room she used earlier, then went to his bedroom.

Inside the shopping bag that Richard gave her earlier, Maya found a printed maxi skirt, a purple baby tee, and a change of undies. Like the swimsuit, this set of clothes fitted Maya perfectly.

She took a quick shower in the big bathroom. When she was finished dressing up and packing her dirty clothes and wet swimsuit, she went down, and looked for Richard.

“Ma’am Maya, kain po muna kayo ni Sir Richard bago kayo bumiyahe. Nakahanda na po ang merienda ninyo sa veranda.” Manang Linda told Maya when she saw her going down the stairs.

“Naku, salamat po talaga ng marami sa inyo ni Manong Benito, Manang Linda.” Maya thanked the nice old lady. “Hanapin ko lang po si Richard.”

“I’m here, my love.” Richard said, coming from the direction of the veranda. “Halika, you will like what Manang prepared.”

“Manang Linda, thank you po ulit.” Richard smiled at the old lady.

“Wala pong anuman, Sir Richard.” Manang Linda told her employer. “Balik na po ako sa kusina. Tawagin ninyo lang po ako kung may kailangan kayo.”

Richard and Maya went to the veranda. Maya saw her favorite Filipino merienda food – pancit with a lot of toppings, lumpiang toge with vinegar dip, tokwa’t baboy and pati her favorite dessert, ginataang bilo-bilo with ube, sago, langka, kamote and saging.

“Wow, Babe! Heto lahat ang inihanda ni Manang? Sobrang dami naman and lahat favorite ko.” Maya exclaimed. “Thank you. Ikaw, hindi ka nagpahanda ng favorite food mo?”

“Makita lang kitang masaya at enjoy sa pagkain ng mga iyan, Honeybun, busog na ako.” Richard said, teasing Maya.

“Babeeee, di na iyan corny, uber sa pagka-cheesy lang ang peg!” Maya laughed.

Richard laughed. “I like those food too. When you were telling me about it several days ago, I realized I haven’t eaten those in a long time. I knew someone who makes them very good, si Manang Linda. Kaya hayan, I asked her to prepare those.“

Maya and Richard enjoyed their merienda. When they were about  to eat the ginataan, Richard’s phone rang.

“Yes, Captain Ventura?” He asked when picked up the call.

“I’m so sorry, Sir Richard. Hindi na po namin kayo mapi-pick-up diyan ni Captain Corpuz. Lalo pa pong lumakas ang ulan, zero visibility, and nag-warning na rin ang PAGASA of intense and very heavy rains for the next three hours.” The pilot explained apologetically.

“Oh, ganoon ba? How’s the city? Baha na rin ba sa maraming areas.” Richard asked.

“Yes, Sir Richard.” Captain Ventura said. “May areas na that people are being evacuated. Sobrang traffic na nga rin kasi the vehicles on the street are not moving na dahil sa baha. Marami na ring stranded.”

“Oh, that is bad. I hope the rain will stop soon and the situation will not turn into another ‘Ondoy’ or the bad monsoon rains we experienced the last two years.” Richard told the pilot. “Better stay put and be safe then, Captain. Okay lang naman kami rito ni Maya.”

“Sige po, Sir Richard. We will pick you up na lang din first thing in the morning as soon as the weather clears. Or kayo po, mga anong oras ninyo kami gustong bumalik diyan.” Captain Ventura asked Richard.

“Hmmm, let me see. I’ll ask Maya first if she has something scheduled tomorrow.” He looked at Maya who was listening intently to his conversation with the pilot.

“I’m good, Babe. Wala naman akong schedule tomorrow. Magpe-prepare lang sana ng gamit for my trip to Vigan. But I can do that fast naman. We can be picked up late morning or after lunch. That way I still have time to see my mother and sister.” Maya said.

“Okay, Honeybun.” Richard said, then went back to Captain Ventura. “Please pick us up na lang around noon, para rin hindi masyadong maaga for us and for you rin.”

“Copy, Sir Richard. Captain Corpuz and I will be there at noon. Have a nice afternoon, Sir.” Captain Ventura said. “And enjoy your unexpected stay in the island. Mabuti diyan, maganda ang panahon.”

“We will. Stay safe, Captain, and I do hope your family are also safe and sound.”  Richard told the pilot.

“Okay naman po sila. Hindi naman binabaha sa lugar namin. Until tomorrow po.” Captain Ventura ended the call.

Richard put his phone at the side table and went back to where he and Maya were eating their merienda.

“Sobrang bad ng weather sa Metro Manila, Babe?” Maya asked.

“Yes. Sabi ni Captain Ventura, marami ng areas na baha, and the weather bureau has warned of more rains for the next three hours. Are your mom and Patty okay where they are?” Richard asked.

“Oh, they are okay. Our place is on the high part of the city. Which reminds me, Babe. Excuse me. I will just call my mom to let her know that I can’t see her this evening.”

Maya walked inside the house and got her phone from where she left it. She has not checked it since they arrived here. She just completely forgot about it, not that she is expecting a call or an important message. Gone were the days where she needed to be glued on her mobile phone because of her work.

“Hi Mom, how are you and Patty? I heard the weather is bad in Manila at the moment.” Maya said when her mom finally answered her call. Mommy Tessie has a habit of forgetting where her phone is.

“Maya, anak. Good to hear from you. Nasaan ka ba?” Mommy Tessie asked. She thought of giving her daughter a call because of the bad weather. But knowing her daughter, she knows that she is okay. And knowing Maya, she will surely give her a call at some point. Malaki na naman and of age ang anak niya, mabait and responsible, kaya hindi masyadong nag-aalala si Mommy Tessie.

“Nandito ako sa Occidental Mindoro, Mom.” Maya told her, as she settled more comfortably in the armchair in the living room. “Dapat pupunta kami diyan ngayong gabi, pero heto na-stranded kami dito.”

“Kami…..?”” That did catch Mommy Tessie’s attention. Parang iba, when her daughter spoke the word. Saka, kasama pagpunta sa kanila. Maya rarely brings home guests. Si Cris lang ang madalas na pumunta sa kanila, also Emman.

Maya then realized that she needed to tell her mom on the phone about Richard. She wanted to do it in person sana, but maybe she can make an intro on the phone. Tutal, like before at madalas, nadulas na naman siya.

“Mom, I wanted to tell you this in person pero since nabanggit ko na rin lang. I will tell you na.” She took a deep breath and told her mother. “Mom, I have a boyfriend na po. He is the most wonderful guy in the world. Gusto ko nga po siyang ipakilala sa inyo in person and gusto niya kayong makilala ng formal. Na-meet ko na rin kasi ang parents niya.”

“Na-meet mo na agad ang parents niya? “Mommy Tessie asked, surprised dahil since last week, wala namang nababanggit ang anak niya na regarding this. Wala pa nga itong nagiging boyfriend sa pagkakaalam niya. For sure naman kung meron, sasabihin ni Maya sa kanya before dahil hindi naman ito malihim pagdating sa mga ganitong bagay.

“Yes Mom. Kasi Richard is a cousin of Cris.” Maya explained.” Last night I attended their family dinner since wala ng time si Cris na i-meet ako before she leaves for the States tonight. Saka di ba parang second parents ko na rin sina Tita Susan and Tito Rafael.”

“Oh, okay. Iyong cousin niya na head na ng company nila and where you also freelances?” Mommy Tessie made the connection. She knows Cris very well since she and Maya were the best of friends all throughout their late teens, into adulthood. She likes her daughter’s friend a lot, parang anak na rin niya.

“Yes, Mom. Mom, I know that this a surprise for you and all seemed so sudden. But Mom, I have never been so sure of something in my life, than this. You will love Richard when you get to meet him.” Maya told her mother passionately. “He is the best boyfriend. I love him very much. I just fell, so deeply and completely in love with him in such a short time! Para ngang feeling ko sobrang tagal na naming magkakilala.”

Mommy Tessie believed her daughter. Besides, she trust her to make the best decision for herself. Maya is a sensible girl and she was also getting worried that at almost 28 years old, her daughter seems to be untouched by love. Hindi niya alam kung may kaugnayan dito ang pagkamatay ng Dad niya, her dear Arturo.

“Maya, anak. Hindi ko man alam ang buong kwento. Kahit mabilis ang mga pangyayari, I’m very happy for you. May tiwala ako sa iyo and I know that this must mean the world to you to make that quick decision.” Mommy Tessie assured her daughter.

“Minsan, anak, may mga bagay na dumarating sa atin kapag hindi natin inaasahan. Saka ang love, wala rin iyan sa tagal ng pagkakilala niyo sa isa’t-isa. You met someone that just make your heart beat so fast, then you connected instantly na parang kahit kakikilala ninyo pa lang, parang ang tagal mo na siyang kilala. Tapos, parang ayaw niyo nang maghiwalay after that initial meeting. Then the more you get to know the person, the more you love him. You just connected and that’s it. You just accept the person, no matter what. Kahit minsan, he is not your idea of the perfect guy. Wala naman kasi talagang perfect or sobrang ideal na guy. You just love that person as he is.”

“Mom, bakit mo alam?” Maya was surprised hearing her mother described what she experienced upon meeting and loving Richard.

“Our circumstances and experiences are different, anak, pero parang ganyan din ang nangyari sa akin pagdating sa Dad mo.” Mommy Tessie, smiled at the other end of the line, remembering her beloved husband. The pain and the sadness linger, but she has accepted that her husband is gone and she is just thankful for the love and the wonderful memories they have shared kahit sa maikling panahon. She thought that they will grow old together, pero it was not meant to be.

“Talaga, Mom. I know you love each other very much. Kita namin namin ni Patty iyon, pero siyempre not the details on how you fell in love with each other.” Maya missed her Dad at that instance.

“O basta, pagbalik mo rito, ipakilala mo sa akin ang lalaking finally nakapagpatibok diyan sa pihikan mong puso.” Mommy Tessie. “Aba eh, kailangan kong makilatis ang magiging manugang ko, at kung deserve niya ang dalaga ko.”

“Mommmm….!!!! Wala pa naman kami diyan.” Maya protested, smiling, happy.

Mother and daughter laughed. Mommy Tessie decide not to tease her daughter about it. But she have a strong inkling, that this is it, for her wanderlust daughter.

“Kailan pa pala kayo sa Mindoro?” Mommy Tessie asked.

“Kanina lang po, Mom. Nandito kami sa island nina Ricky. Pabalik na sana kami ngayon, but the chopper can’t pick us up. Hindi makalipad from Manila kasi masama ang weather.”

“Balikan lang kayo?” Mommy Tessie was surprised to hear that. Akala niya nagbabakasyon doon ang anak niya.

“Yes, Mom. Surprise ni Babe, errr, I mean, ni Ricky for our ‘first date’?” Maya explained.

“First date?” Maya’s mom suddenly got confused. “Eh di ba, mag-boyfriend na kayo?”

“Mom, hahahaha, it is a long story. Huwag kang mag-aalala, hindi lang ikaw ang nahihilo sa amin ni Ricky, pati na rin si Cris.” Maya laughed.

“O sige, hindi na ako magtatanong.” Mommy Tessie laughed. “Pero, Maya, anak, chopper trip to an island for a first date?”

“Yes, Mom.” Maya replied smiling.

Welll…..anak, kinikilig kahit ako!!!” Mommy Tessie teased her daughter.

“Mommmmm….” Maya said, groaning, and laughing. She can’t imagine her very proper mom na kinikilig!

Mother and daughter laughed, then said their goodbyes, with Maya promising to see her mother, with Richard then they return to Manila the following day.

Maya was still smiling when she returned to the veranda. Richard looked up and gave her a lopsided smile that never fails to make her heart skipped a beat.

“O Honeybun, ang laki ng ngiti mo.” He greeted. “Is everything okay in your house in Manila?”

“Yes. And I’m smiling kasi Mom was teasing me about us, and our unusual courtship, told her kasi na nandito tayo on our first date. Nahilo rin siya, like Cris.”

Richard smiled. “You told your mom about me, already?” He asked, happy.

“Of course, Babe. Nadulas kasi ako. Bukas pa sana since I want to tell it to her in person. But at hindi rin ako makahintay. I want to tell her that I found myself a wonderful guy, and that I’m so happy at the moment.” Maya smiled at Ricky and caressed his arm. “Siyempre, na-build na kita. Sabi ko, she will love you when she meets you kasi you are the best boyfriend.”

“Thank you, Honeybun.” Richard told Maya, lovingly. “I’m looking forward to meeting your mother and your sister.”

Maya smiled sweetly at Richard. “Babe, prepare na makilatis ha. My mom said she will check kung sino ang nakapagpasagot sa wakas sa dalaga niya.”

“For sure, Honeybun, papasa ako. Sa bait kong ito, pasensyoso sa makulit na girlfriend, at maasikaso pa na boyfriend.” He teased Maya. “Saka sabi ng mom ko, guwapong-guwapo naman ako.”

“Ha, ha, ha, hayan ka na naman, Honeybun.” Maya laughed. “I’m sure, papasa ka sa mom ko, otherwise, hindi kita sinagot agad-agad.”

“Honeybun, thank you. I love you.” Richard kissed Maya lightly on the lips.

“I love you too, my Babe.”

“Come, let’s go. Since we have all the time in this island now.” Richard said, holding out his hand to Maya.

“Let’s go for a walk and watch the sunset. Inform lang natin sina Manang Linda at Manong Benito na we will be staying the night.”

Richard and Maya informed the caretakers that they will stay for the evening. Manang Linda told them that she will prepare a nice dinner for them and prepare the rooms. She also gave them a mat they can sit on. They brought with them a bottle of wine.

“Babe, where do they live?” Maya asked as Richard assisted her down the path leading to the beach. “I mean, Manong Benito and Manang Linda. Just thinking na since we are staying, then they can’t go home also for the night.”

“Here also. They have a cottage at the other side of the island. They also have a small boat that they use to visit their kids and get supplies from the town, around thirty minutes from here. From there also, one can take a trip by land to other parts of Occidental Mindoro.” Richard said. “They like staying here in the island. Tahimik daw kasi and saka sabi nila mabuti na iyong merong 24 hours na bantay.

“I know you don’t have any more change of clothes pala, Honeybun. But we can check one of the rooms, baka Cris has left something the last time she was here. But I think my mom has some supplies here. May pagka-OC iyon, always having something extra, just in case a family member forgot to bring something.”

“Oh, that is good. I have basic toiletries in my bag. I think I just need something to sleep in. I can just wash the clothes I was wearing earlier. Don’t worry about it, Honeybun. I’m used to all the unexpected kinks while traveling and also bring the basics, like toothbrush, everywhere I go.” Maya assured Richard.

The island is really beautiful, with an overabundance of trees and all kinds of plants and flowers. One part of it, looks like it is still a forest, untouched. The beach is unspoiled, the sand perfectly fine white, and inviting. Richard and Maya found the best vantage point to watch the setting sun. They spread the mat they got from Manang Linda. Then put the bottle of wine and wine glasses beside it.

“Wow, this is the best ever.” Maya sighed contently while leaning against Richard, sitting in between his legs. He was hugging her from behind, with his chin on her shoulder. “The best island experience ever, my love.”

“For me, too, my love.” Richard simply said, very happy to feel Maya in his arms. “Would you like some wine, my love?”

“Yes, please.” Maya said.

Maya and Richard sipped wine as they watched the setting sun. Everything was just beautiful.

“In all my years of traveling, there couldn’t be any more perfect trip than this.” Maya remarked.

“I’m glad, my love. For me too.” Richard said. When they grow and old, this moment will be part of the wonderful memories they will reminisce, something to tell their children and grandchildren. Yes, he want a future with Maya. He wants a forever with this wonderful woman.

“Have you always wanted to travel, like what you have been doing the past years? I sensed that something triggered it. It all seemed to happen after your father died.” Richard asked after a while, lying on the mat at that instance, his head pillowed on Maya’s lap. He knew that traveling and moving around is a big part of Maya’s life and he wouldn’t want to curtail or change that. He loves her to much to restrain her like that, or make her feel that she needed to cut back on those because of him.

Maya looked at the horizon, then settled more comfortably, caressed Richard’s head, then started talking.

“Yes. But I only decided to do it fully when my Dad died. Before that I didn’t really have time because of my demanding work. I barely had rest days. I was so busy establishing a career. I didn’t have time for my family. Then one day, Dad just suddenly collapsed while I was having one of my rare dinner with my family.  Mom and I rushed him to the hospital. He had a heart attack. Imagine that. A heart attack in his 40s! He was too young, Before he died, he told me to live my life the way I want it. Enjoy it to the fullest. At that point, I realized that while I love the written words, being a reporter was not what I really wanted. Dad wanted to be one, it was one of his unfulfilled dreams, and I think without him knowing, his telling me about it, influenced my choice. I thought that I loved it too.

My Dad’s death made me re-examine everything. To deal with my grief, I went on my own to Sagada, stayed there for several days, talking long walks, sitting for hours in a boulder in Echo Valley, communing with nature, and thinking amid the beauty and quiet of the place. I realized that is what I wanted to do, travel and write about it. Not that it would bring me a lot of money or make a real living out it in the beginning. But I’m luckier than most, and I know I have the means to do it, since I have the family wealth to fall back to. But I don’t want to be dependent on the money we have. I did use it a means to achieve my dream, including the cafe. I feel so free when I travel and my heart sings, seeing the beauty around me. I mean the beauty beyond the usual tourist attractions or picture perfect sceneries. I mean seeing people live. I love the people I meet. Sometimes, I’m amazed and how happy people are in the countryside, even if they have so little.”

Maya took a deep breath. “Sorry, got carried away. This is something I feel passionately about.”

“My love, you don’t have to apologize. I know traveling is a vital part of you. I can sensed in the way you write, even before I met you that there is a depth to you that spoke beyond what you have written. I was also drawn to it. You have a wonderful gift for storytelling. For visualizing for people what you see. Something like what a great photographer see through the lense of his camera or a gifted filmmaker manages to transport to our screen, and that made us feel like we are there with the characters, celebrating their victories, cheering them overcoming odds, and feeling sad with them when they are.” Richard said lenghtily.

Maya looked at Ricky with so much love. How did she get lucky to find a wonderful guy like him! “Ricky, my love. I’m astounded at your perceptiveness. I’m so happy you understood me and what I do. Thank you. I love you very, very, very much.”

“I love you with all my heart too, so I want to support you in everything you do. I know there will be moments where we will be apart because of your trips. I just want you to know that you don’t have to worry about me feeling neglected. I perfectly understand what you need to do. Maybe, I can even join you in some of your trips. You are not alone anymore. I want to be a part of your journey, too.”

Maya cupped Ricky’s face. Look deeply in the eyes. “Babe, of course I would love you to be a part of it. My journeys would be more wonderful and more colorful with you beside me. Thank you for being with me, for loving me.” Then she lowered her lips and kissed Richard with all the happiness and love she was feeling at that moment.

Richard returned the kiss, wanting to show Maya through the kiss, how much he loves and treasures her.

With the sound of the waves hitting shore and the stillness of the night, they shared a very passionate kiss, silently promising forever to each other.

Chapter 10
‘First date’

Maya woke up with a start, feeling disoriented, as she realized that she was not in her own bed. The bed cover is different. The room decor, leaning towards yellow, then her lavender-hued room. She tried to shake off sleep which was very hard as she felt she just went to bed. In between sleep and wakefulness, she wanted to bury herself under the blanket until noon. She and Cristina chatted most of the night. Sheer tiredness forced them to finally go to sleep. A persistent sound woke her up. Maya tried to absorb the sound she was hearing. She realized it’s The Proclaimers’ ‘I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles), her current ringtone. She looked for her phone, finding it under her pillow. She smiled when she saw who is calling.

“Hello Ricky, my love.” She said sleepily, smiling. “Good morning. Ang aga mo ah. Are you going here na? Anong oras na ba! OMG,  eight o’clock na pala!”

“Maya, my love! Good morning, Honeybun. Did I wake you up?” Richard asked. He had been awake for hours, arranging his special treat for Maya. He wanted their ‘first date’ to be the most memorable day ever and something to add to their wonderful and very unusual courtship. “I’m sorry. I thought eight o’clock is a decent enough hour to phone you.”

“It’s okay, Ricky. I needed to get up, anyway. Though, Cris and I went to bed at close to four o’clock in the morning!” Maya told Richard. “Don’t worry, Babe, coffee lang ang katapat nito.”

“Is it okay if I pick you up in an hour or so?” Richard asked. “You know for our ‘first date’, Honeybun.”

“I think it would be okay. I can manage that. Let me just get a cup of coffee and take a shower.” Maya stood up, gathered her toiletries to go to the bathroom. “Check ko rin kung gising na si Cris. Saan nga pala tayo pupunta?”

Richard smiled. He is excited. Kaya rin siguro ang aga niyang nagising. The night before pa niya sinimulang iplano ang lahat. He hopes Maya will like his surprise for her.

“It’s a surprise. I hope you will like it, para naman wala na talagang bawian iyang sweet yes mo sa akin, dear Honeybun!”

“Babe, you are still on probation kaya.” Maya teased Richard.

“Honeybun, I’m sure, pagkatapos nitong date natin na ito, permanent na ako. Permanent na ako diyan sa puso mo.” He countered, smiling.

“Naku, nagsisimula na naman ang mga corny line mo, Mr. Lim.” Maya smiled. “But you know what…..?”

“What, Honeybun?”

“I love you very much, Babe, kahit minsan corny ang mga linya mo.” Maya told Richard.  This is really a nice to wake up, she mused, very happy.

“Ganyan daw talaga kapag love mo ang isang tao. You love the person, warts and all.” Richard said. “I love you too, Honeybun.”

If people will look at them at that moment, they would see two people sporting goofy grins, and with so much love in their expressions. Maya and Richard were so happy to be reconnected. It felt like a very long night since they last talk, when it fact it was just several hours since they parted.

Richard picked up Maya as scheduled. He had another bouquet of flowers for her, this time, a very beautiful arrangement of tulips. He also brought Maya her favorite brew from Cafe M. It was in a small thermos so it was still hot.

Richard kissed her on the cheek and handed her the coffee and the flowers. “I asked Eleonor for that. She told me you always have that every morning. So, para hindi mo ma-miss, dinala ko na.”

“Thank you, Babe. You are the sweetest boyfriend. Ilang pogi points din ito sa panliligaw mo sa akin.” Maya hugged her boyfriend tight, teasing him.

“You’re welcome, my love. Basta para sa iyo, anything.” Richard said lovingly.

Maya and Richard smiled at each other, and was about to kiss when someone said ‘Oopps’….

“I’m so sorry, love birds. Nakalimutan ko na nandito nga pala kayo sa lanai. May naiwan kasi ako dito kagabi.” Cristina smiled and looked at her cousin and Maya with a teasing smile. “Naku, teka, baka wala na pala akong madaanan sa dami ng langgam sa paligid niyong dalawa!”

They both smiled at Cris. “Naku, Cousin, Maya and I will get going na nga rin. Paano, goodbye na, in the meantime.” Richard said, his hand on Maya’s back as they stood up, then the of them approached Cris.

“Bes, we will just see you, in two months.” Maya said as she hugged Cris. “Let me know if you need anything from here and I will send it promptly. We can just talk on Facetime or Skype if you have time.”

“Thank you, Bes. I will take you up on that.” Cris said, feeling both sad and happy at the same time. Happy that she will finally be with Stephen, but sad since she will be far away from her family and friends. “Lalo na about the clothes for you and the other bridesmaids who will be coming from Manila.”

“Kuya Ricky, Maya, enjoy your ‘first date.”  Cris smiled. “Feeling ko talaga, baligtad ang mundo pagdating sa inyong dalawa. Para talaga kayong may sariling universe.”

“Have a safe flight, Cousin. Maya and I will see you in two months.” Richard said. “Malay mo by that time, baka hindi na lang ikaw ang ikakasal.” He gave Maya a mischievous smile.

“Babe, hep, hep, hep, teka, teka, anong wedding? Kaninong wedding?” Maya asked, though she knew Richard is teasing her, trying to get a rise out of her.

“Hmmm, kanino sa palagay mo, my dear Honeybun.” Richard touched Maya’s chin lovingly. He was actually, half-serious with that statement. Many things can happen in two months and he knew already that is where he and Maya will be heading. He had not felt this way before. He also knew that Maya wouldn’t have said yes to him, if she is not serious about their relationship, considering that he is her first boyfriend, despite the fact that a lot courted her. In fact, di ba dalawa nga ang karibal niya recently!

“Ha, bakit ang feeling ko, parang nasa warp speed ka, pagdating sa ating dalawa, Babe.” Maya teased Richard, remembering the term from watching old Star Trek films with her Dad.

“Hindi naman, Honeybun. Hindi naman ako si Captain Picard o kaya si Captain Kirk. Saka sabi ko lang naman, baka…..baka sakali, you know. Di ba, sabi nga sa hinaba-haba man ng prusisyon sa simbahan din ang tuloy!” He finished, grinning, which earned him a loving pinch from Maya. Maya’s heart also beat faster, hearing Richard mentioned a wedding between them.

“Hahahaha, kayo talagang dalawa. Third wheel na naman ang peg ko.” Cris said as she hugged Maya again, then Richard. “I will surely miss your witty and loving repartee. I love you both. I’m happy that my two favorite people ended up together.”

“Bes, awwwww, I will miss you. Basta chat chat tayo ha. Take care. Have a safe flight.” Maya was a bit teary-eyed. She really have a difficult time dealing with people leaving, to saying goodbye. But she is trying to overcome it as Cris is just moving somewhere, not dying like her Dad. And she is very happy for her best friend.

Several minutes after, Maya and Richard were on their way.

“Maya, don’t feel sad. Makikita mo pa rin naman si Cris and you can always see each other.” Richard put his hand over Maya’s as he comforted her. He  sensed she is feeling sad at the moment.

“I know, Ricky.” Maya said, caressing Richard’s hand. “Thank you.” She simply said, touched by his perceptiveness.

“Saan nga pala tayo pupunta? Hint, hint, hint, please Babe.” She asked, deciding to concentrate on their ‘first date’.

“Secret!” Richard simply said, grinning. “But I do hope you will like it. Take a nap muna, Honeybun, so you have enough energy for our first date.”

“Marathon ba itong first date natin, triathlon, o kaya mountain climbing at kailangan ko ng enough energy.” Maya asked trying to trip Richard to reveal where they are going.

“Ha, ha, ha, ha, Honeybun, hwag nang makulit. Nap na please.” Richard told his love. Alam niyang hinuhuli ni Maya kung sasabihin niya kung saan sila pupunta.

Maya at first refused to take a nap. She kept trying to tease Richard into saying where they are going, but he just smiled at her, sometimes caressing her face. There was heavy traffic on the way due to a stalled car and a minor accident. Because she really had little sleep, Maya eventually dozed off.

Richard noticed that Maya became quiet and when he checked, he saw her nodding her head off. He supported her head as much as he could until they arrived at their first destination an hour later.

Richard parked the car in the basement of his company’s building. Maya was still sleeping. He looked at her beautiful sleeping form, and just like in the fairy tale, and because he can’t resist it, he woke her up with a light kiss on the lips. She slowly stirred, opened her beautiful, expressive eyes. She smiled sweetly and sleepily at him.

“Babe, where are we?” Maya, still drowsy from her nap, sat upright, and noticed that they are in a basement parking.

“In the LC, headquarters, my love.” Richard replied, touching her face gently. “Are you okay? If you are too tired, we can just have our ‘first date’ when you return from Vigan. Wala ka pa nga ring pahinga since you came from Bangkok.”

“Babe, I’m okay. Coffee lang ulit ang katapat nito.” Maya assured Richard. “Saka, I want to know what’s your surprise for me. I’m not good at not knowing.” She admitted sheepishly.

“Hmmm, so when you were a kid, you sneaked to the Christmas tree and try to find out what’s inside the gift boxes your mom and dad had for you.”

“Ha, ha, ha, hindi lang iyon Babe. My mom and dad was not able to detect din that I already opened the gift and knew what was inside. You should know na may pagka-impatient ako. Tapos, I want to know everything din.”

“Okay, okay, we better get going then, so that my Honeybun wouldn’t get impatient.” Richard smiled at his lovely girlfriend.

Richard assisted Maya out of the car, pressed the elevator up, to the topmost floor. Then he assisted her to a short flight of stairs, to a waiting…..

“Helicopter? We are going to ride a helicopter!” Maya asked, gaping at the big machine before them, complete with a waiting pilot and a co-pilot.

Richard smiled at her. “Liking my surprise, so far, Honeybun?”

Maya smiled, looking forward really Richard’s surprise. Looks like her Babe had really planned something extra special for their date. Good thing she had ridden a helicopter before, during the course of her traveling around the country and writing for various magazines. Otherwise, Richard’s surprise will be spoilt.  She mentioned to Richard, during their chats while in Bangkok, about the helicopter ride somewhere North and that it was an exhilarating experience. Besides, she have tried several zip lines around the country, and even went bungee jumping once, so she is not really scared of heights.

“Good morning, Sir Richard, Ma’am.” A good looking guy in a pilot uniform greeted Richard and Maya. “Ready for our trip?”

“Good morning Captain Ventura, Captain Corpuz.” Richard greeted the two pilots. “Maya, meet our company pilots, Captain James Ventura and Captain Simon Corpuz. Gentlemen, this is my beautiful girlfriend, Maya Dela Rosa.”

“Hello, Captain Ventura, Captain Corpuz. Nice to meet you.” Maya smiled at the two pilots. They looked quite young, maybe the same age as Richard.

They both smiled at her. “Nice to meet you Ms. Dela Rosa.” They both told her, one after the other, then shook the hand she offered. Both were also thinking at the time that their boss’s girlfriend is very lovely. Mukha pang mabait. Captain Ventura even thought that she would be someone he would normally be attracted to and pursue. Sayang taken na!

Richard assisted Maya to the chopper. They settled in. Several minutes after they were off to their destination. Maya was very excited at what awaits her at the end of the trip. She and Richard held hands all throughout the flight and looked at each other lovingly. Both were very excited to reach their destination. Soon after, they descended into a helipad situated at the edge of a small island with white sandy beaches, in Occidental Mindoro.

Richard got off first, then assisted Maya out. He thanked Captain Corpuz who opened the door for them. He also handed Richard a small suitcase. Richard and Maya thanked Captain Ventura, who waved at them, before the chopper took off, and flew back towards the direction of Manila.

When everything had quieted down, and they can hear each other well, Maya asked Richard where they were.

“We are in a small island in Occidental Mindoro, which my Dad bought a long time ago, and had developed as a family vacation place. I thought it would be a good place to spend the day, for our first date, quiet, peaceful, and relaxing. The chopper will come back for us this afternoon.”

Maya looked around the beautiful place. It looks like a paradise! It is a place she can spend day after day, just lolling around. From where they were standing, she can see the outline of a beautiful house.

“This is a beautiful place.” Maya said admiring the view.

“Come, my love. Let’s walk to the main house. We have a husband and wife who take care of the place. I told them we are coming and that we will just walk to the house when we are here. We will just call them when we need them.” Richard told Maya as he held her hand while walking along a path with abundance of beautiful plants and flowers.

“Wow! What a beautiful house! ” Maya exclaimed when they rounded a corner, and saw the two-storey house white house, with a wrap-around veranda and all-glass front, both on the first floor and the second floor. At the second floor veranda, there are also very inviting lounge chairs and a hammock.

“I’m glad you like it! ” Richard smiled. “Come, let’s go inside. Manong Benito and Manang Linda prepared lunch for us at the veranda.”

The house is even more beautiful and very inviting inside. It is like all those beautiful beach houses being featured in house magazines, wherein you feel like jumping into the page, wanting to be there, in the instance you were seeing those beautiful photos.

The all-glass living room offers a wonderful view of the beach and the vast, blue sea. It has a big veranda where one can just relax, getting lulled by the sound of the ocean. The big table there was beautifully set for a lunch for two.

“Now, I’m really hungry. And all my favorites!” Maya saw an assortment of seafood on the table decorated with sunflowers. “Babe, I love this. I think this is going to be the best ‘first date’ ever. Thank you!”

“For you, Honeybun, anything. I want us to have a very memorable first date.” Richard said, giving Maya a quick kiss, then handing her a glass of white wine. “To us. I love you. I’m so glad you came into my life.”

“To us. I love you too. This is more than I dreamt of having, Babe. I’m so happy, I’m bursting with joy, being here with you, like this.” Maya said, too full of the love and happiness she is feeling.

They toasted, took a sip of their wine, then proceeded to have a very enjoyable and leisurely lunch amid the beauty around them and the tranquil ocean in a distance. The lunch was punctuated with them feeding each other little morsels, holding hands, and exchanging kisses.

“Oh my, I’m stuffed.” Maya touched her tummy. “That was the best lunch ever!”

“Me too, I haven’t eaten like that in a long time.” Richard said, replete. “I think we need to balance our lunch with a cup of coffee.” He stood up and went to the coffee maker set in the corner and poured a cup each for Maya and him. They enjoyed their coffee, looking at the view, happily enjoying each other’s company.

“Come, Honeybun, let’s go for a walk.” He told Maya after a while.

Fingers interlaced, they went out from the veranda, through the garden, and ended up at the other side of the island. This side also offers a wonderful view, with the white sandy beach, glowing in the heat of the sun, and with a cool breeze blowing, it was a perfect spot.

Richard let Maya to a big hammock, tied on two big trees. The old trees giving shade, making the place cooler.

“We can rest here, and pass the afternoon, just relaxing.” Richard said. This is his favorite part of the island, very tranquil and he always felt like he was in paradise. He told Maya so.

“It is so beautiful, Ricky. I like it very much also.” Maya said, hugging Richard.

Richard assisted Maya to the hammock, then laid beside her, cuddling her. “I can stay like this forever. You, me, in a hammock, in a paradise island.”

“Me too. I’m content. This is the best date ever, Babe. Thank you very much.” Maya embraced Richard tightly, then lightly kissed him on the lips. “I love you. You are the best Babe in town.”

“I love you too. And you are the love of my life, my Honeybun.” Richard said, as Maya laid on his chest, perfectly content.

Maya and Richard spent the whole afternoon  there. In between relaxing and simply absorbing the beauty and quiet around them, they kissed, touched, and napped.

It was a perfect ‘first date’.

Chapter 9
‘Family dinner’

Maya and Richard arrived at Cristina Rose’s house just in time for the dinner she had organized for her immediate family. Richard and Maya cut it too close. Maya earlier called Richard to suggest that they leave at five o’clock, instead of the six o’clock they agreed on, that day, being Saturday again. They were too caught up with each other, and their declaration of love earlier, that they completely forgot that fact! Maya said that Cristina will tease them a lot if they are late again! Especially so, when she finds out that they are a couple now.

“Ikaw kasi, hayan tuloy, kamuntik na tayong ma-late.” Maya teasingly told Richard as he helped her out of the car.

“Ha, bakit ako lang! Ikaw din kaya.” Richard smiled at his girlfriend.

“Eh, sino ba ang nagsimula ng lahat.” Maya retorted. “Tell me, tell me, Babe. Ergo, it is your kasalanan!”

“Eh ako lang ba ang involved doon. Dalawa kaya tayo!” Richard grinned, remembering the heated kisses they shared, that caused their long delay in leaving Maya’s place. Mabuti na lang, traffic was not as heavy as they expected.

Richard was not able to resist kissing Maya when he saw her looking so lovely in her simple, figure-hugging crimson sheath dress. She looked at him with her expressive eyes, and gave him a beautiful smile as soon as she opened the door to her place and saw him standing there carrying a bouquet of sunflowers. His heart felt so full, knowing this beautiful lady loves him. The single kiss, turned into several. Both of them reveling in their feelings for each other.

Maya’s heart sang when she saw Richard standing outside her door, looking so handsome in his blue dress shirt and jeans, carrying the big bouquet for her. She was amazed he managed to find those flowers in such a short time. When he started kissing her, she had this need to show him, in deed, how much she loves him and appreciated his ‘courting’ gesture.

Maya and Richard looked at each other, grinned, fingers still intertwined. Here they go again! It seems like eons, they were bantering like this, outside Cristina’s house, when it fact it was just a week ago! Amazing. It felt like they have known each other forever.

“Kuya Ricky, Maya! Sabay kayo ulit?” Cris asked, a bit surprised and got more surprised, seeing their interlaced fingers.

“OMG, talagang may hindi na ako alam! Kayo na???!!!  She shrieked happily. Then, she asked them questions in rapid succession, wanting to know everything. “Paano nangyari? Kailan pa? OMG, OMG, I feel like I’m Cupid.” She hugged Maya tight, then Ricky.

“Cousin, kalma lang! Maya and I will tell you about it.” Richard said smiling, very happy. He looked at Maya lovingly. “I’m sure exempted naman itong pinsan ko at bestfriend mo sa ‘don’t-tell-it-yet-to-them’ rule mo.”

“May ganoong rule si Maya? Kanino bawal munang sabihin?” Cris asked.

“Itong Honeybun ko, kasasagot lang sa akin kanina, embarrassed nang ipakilala ako.” Richard teased Maya.

“Ha, ha, ha, very funny, Babe.” Maya slapped his arm affectionately.

“O hindi ba?” He grinned at her, really loving their banters.

“Ehemmm, ehemm, feeling deja vu talaga ako sa inyong dalawa. Nandito po ako. Hello, I’m Cris Uy, pinsan mo, Richard Lim, and your bestfriend, Maya Dela Rosa!”

Maya and Richard looked at each other sheepishly and both said, “Sorry, Cris” at the same time.

“O Honeybun, ipaliwanag mo na nga sa pinsan ko kung bakit ayaw mong ipasabi.” Richard lovingly asked Maya.

“Well, it’s like this, kailangan munang tapusin nitong cousin mo ang panliligaw niya sa akin.” Maya told her bestfriend, smiling.

“Ligaw pa lang? Eh di ba kayo na? Explain, explain, parang na-twilight zone ako sa statement na iyon ah.”  Cris said, her brows knitted. Nahilo siya ng kaunti sa statement ng best friend niya.

“Kasi sabi ni Maya, Cris, kahit sinagot na niya ako, kailangan ko pa rin siyang ligawan, kundi babawiin niya raw ang sweet yes niya.” Ricky smiled, remembering that.

“Ito kasing pinsan mo, parang tornado, swept me off na lang bigla and agad-agad.” Maya smiled, teasing Richard. “Hayun, napa-oo tuloy ako kahit hindi pa siya tapos manligaw.”

“Ha, dear Honeybun, ikaw kaya….”

“Ha, anong ako, Babe….”

“Ikaw kaya, kasi, you were so beautiful, I was not able to resist you.” Richard cupped Maya’s face, then caressed it. “Hayun, kahit gusto kong maghinay-hinay, hindi ko na kinaya.”

“Oh my God, limang colony na ang  mga langgam sa tabi ko, all of a sudden!” Cris jested, happy seeing her cousin and her best friend like this, so happy and so in love. “Naku, pasok na nga tayo at naghihintay na ang mga parent. You two owe me a lot of kwento, lalo ka na, Bes. Tamang-tama ang girl talk natin.”

“Sabi ko na nga ba, ako ang subject sa girl talk na iyan.” Richard said as they walked towards the lanai where dinner was set. “Cris, no mention pala muna sa parents, as per my girlfriend’s request. ha. We will have dinner with Mama and Papa bago umalis ulit itong lagalag kong Honeybun.”

“Okay, promise, promise. Basta you will stay longer din, Kuya Ricky, ha, and tell me the complete kwento on how ‘Honeybun’ and ‘Babe’ ended up together.” Cris insisted. Kinikilig talaga siya sa love story ng pinsan niya at best friend! Sabi na nga ba, she mused.

“By the way, alam mo ba, Maya and I live pala in the same building?” Richard remembered that he was planning to tell his cousin that.

“Really, Kuya Ricky, Maya! So, kaya pala kayo nagkaagawan ng taxi. Ayyyy, this must be fate at work talaga.” Cris said, smiling, feeling kilig. “Imagine, talagang pinagtagpo kayo. Maya, I’m sure, taob lahat ng mga romance novel mo sa real life love story mo.”

Maya smiled at her friend, then teased Richard. “Hmmm, tingnan natin. I haven’t check kung pasado na sa criteria ko ng ideal man itong si Babe ko.”

“Ha, Honeybun, I’m sure, kung job application iyan, over qualified pa ako.” He teased.

“Babe, ang confidence level, di naman masyadong mataas ah.” Maya pinched Richard’s cheek affectionately.

They continued to tease each other, while Cristina Rose was just happy to observe them. She never thought her Kuya Ricky can be like this, so carefree and happy, and she never thought that Maya will be so at ease with someone like this, and in such a short time. Sometimes, there is an innate shyness in Maya that not many people know, seeing only her outwardly very confident self.

The three of them were still smiling when they reached the lanai. Several pairs of eyes looked at them when they entered. They all smiled and greeted Richard and Maya.

“Everyone, kilala niyo na namang lahat si Maya, except si Tito Roberto. Tito Roberto, this is my best friend Maya Dela Rosa. I invited her to join our family dinner since I don’t have time to meet her separately this evening. Saka, para ko na rin itong sister. We go a long way back.” Cristina told Richard’s dad. “She also writes articles for some of the magazines that LC is publishing, among other things that she is doing.”

“Hello, hija, I’m please to meet you.” Roberto Lim stood up from where he was sitting and then offered to shake Maya’s hand. “Yes, I know you by name. Mula ng mag-retire ako, I have more time na to read and to do other stuffs. I enjoyed reading your travel articles.”

“Good evening po, Mr. Lim. Please to meet you rin po.Thank you po. I’m glad you liked my articles.” She shook Richard’s dad hand, then greeted everyone. “Good evening po sa inyong lahat. Pasensya na po at kasama pa ako sa family dinner niyo.”

“Hija, ano ka ba. Hindi mo kailangang humingi ng dispensa. Pamilya ka na rin.”  Mama Esmeralda said. She likes Cristina Rose’s friend, magalang, mabait, matalino, maganda, and she was fun to be with when she took them to the Sunday market in Makati.

“P-p-po? Family?” Maya asked, surprised, thinking that Richard’s mom, for some reason, already knew that she is her son’s girlfriend. She looked at Richard meaningfully.

Mama Esmeralda noticed the look her son and Maya shared. Hmmm, there is something there, she thought and smiled inwardly, happy, if her guess is true, she would be the happiest mother. About time that son of hers finds love and settles down, she wants apo, lots of it.

“Family ka na, since best friend ka nitong si Cristina Rose.” Donya Esmeralda clarified, though she can sense that Maya is more than that now, judging by the way her son is looking at this beautiful and very nice young lady. “Di ba mula college pa kayo magkaibigan nitong si Cristina Rose?”

“Tama ka diyan Ate Esmeralda.” Cristina Rose’s mom said. “Para ko na ring anak itong si Maya since wala namang kapatid itong si Cristina Rose. Saka, pagkabait-bait na bata! Maganda pa at saka matalino.”

“Errrr, oo nga po. Thank you po, Mrs. Lim.” Maya said shyly. “Thank you po, Tita Susan. Alam niyo naman para ko na rin kayong parents ni Tito Rafael, since my family was in Mindoro while Cris and I were in college, then, especially rin po after Dad died.”

“Naku, Tita Esmeralda na lang.” Richard’s mom insisted. “Saka itong si Roberto, Tito Roberto na lang. Hindi ba, sweetheart?” She asked her husband.

“Yes, yes, hija.” Don Roberto added. “Call me Tito na lang. Feeling ko nasa opisina pa rin ako when you say, Mr. Lim. Retired na ako, retired na.” He added, smiling.

“Oo nga naman Maya, hija. You’ve met Luke’s parents na rin, di ba? Tita Pamela and Tito Danny.” Tita Susan said. “O have a seat na, kids. Let’s have dinner.”

“Thank you po, Tita Esmeralda, Tito Roberto, and Tita Susan. Hello po ulit, Tita Pamela and Tito Danny, Luke Andrew.”

Richard was quick to seat Maya, then sat beside her, which strengthened his mom’s suspicion that she is someone special to her son. Interesting, she thought. And if it is true, she will be very, very happy. Looks like her Ricky has finally found love!

“Hi Ate Maya.” Luke greeted his cousin’s friend, after he sat down on her other side. He also noticed his Kuya Ricky’s special attention to Maya.

“Hello Luke, kumusta na? Nakuha mo na ang car mo sa casa?” Maya asked the youngest Lim.

“Yes, Ate Maya, kaya hindi ko na itatakas ang car ni Kuya Ricky, hahaha. Well, until next time. Pero feeling ko the last time I did, happy pa nga siya sa ginawa ko.” Luke said with mischief in his voice.

“Luke Andrew Lim.” Richard said, then smiling at his cousin. “Forgiven ka na sa ginawa mo. Huwag na lang uulitin ha.”

“Okay, okay, stop na ako Kuya. Peace!” Luke made the peace sign, still grinning at his cousin. His Kuya Ricky is really the best and the coolest cousin! Looks like, he will always be smiling from now on, especially after his bad experience with that Natalie. He was in the States when it happened. One drunken evening, the cousins talked about it. Luke wished then that his cousin will find the best girl for him, and he thinks his Kuya Ricky found her in his Ate Maya. He is very happy for them.

“Enough na iyan, kids. Let’s eat.” Tita Susan said as their mayordoma, Ibing and her assistant, Ginny started serving dinner.

Everyone chatted happily while eating dinner, mostly about Cristina’s wedding in New York in two months. The Lim clan will all fly there. Maya, Richard and Luke will be part of the wedding entourage. The family is also planning a quick vacation while there.

“Maya, is there anything else, I can get you?” Richard whispered to Maya while the elders were reminiscing about family vacations when their kids were very young. “Do you want more wine? Coffee?”

“No more na Babe, I’m good. Thank you.” Maya said and there was silence at the dining table after that statement as she spoke a bit louder than she intended to. Everyone looked at Maya and then at Richard. Maya realized what she said. Oppps!!! OMG. OMG, she muttered, blushing. She can’t really blame her slip on the wine since she hasn’t even finished the one Richard got for her earlier.

Richard grinned at Maya. Sometimes the best laid plans go awry, for the best! He rescued her. “Since the cat is out of the bag, so to speak! Everyone, Maya is not just Cristina’s best friend now, she is also my dearest girlfriend. Kasasagot lang niya sa akin. Sorry, for not telling everyone earlier.” He smiled at Maya and then took her hand, kissed it in front of his family, causing her to blush some more.

“Mama, Papa, we were planning to tell you first in a dinner with you sana the day after tomorrow.” Richard added.

Donya Esmeralda went to Maya, and hugged her, very happy. “Sabi ko na nga ba eh. Iba ang kutob ko ng makita ko kayo kanina! Tama ako. I’m glad Maya na ikaw ang girlfriend nitong si Ricky. He is a lucky guy to have you. Kahit prior to this, isang beses pa lang kita nakasama ng matagal, sobrang gaan ng loob ko sa iyo, hija.”

“Talaga, Mama.” Richard said and then teased his mother affectionately. “Para ka palang psychic ‘Ma. Na-sense mo agad. Sabagay when I was growing up, wala akong maitago sa iyo, nade-detect mo agad.”

Don Roberto also went to Maya all smiles, then hugged her. The other Lims and the Uys, did the same. Maya was overwhelmed with their warm reception to hers and Richard’s relationship. She felt very happy. She and Richard shared a looked that silently communicated their love for each other.

“Thank you po sa inyong lahat, lalo na po sa inyo Tita Esmeralda, Tito Roberto.” Maya simply said as Richard held her cold hand. “Thank you po sa pagtanggap. I’m so touched and happy.”

“Don’t be nervous na, Honeybun.” Richard whispered.

Maya nodded and then pressed his hand, as if to let him know how much she appreciated his moral support, and his love.

“See, Ate Maya, iyan ang dahilan kung bakit hindi nagalit masyado si Kuya Ricky when I failed to returned the car.” Luke said, grinning, teasing his older cousin. “Imagine, dahil doon, nagkakilala kayo.”

“Ikaw talaga, Luke Andrew!” Richard grinned at his cousin, very happy with the turn of events.

The elders asked what Luke was talking about, so Maya and Richard, with Cristina Rose, recounted to the family how they met.

“How romantic naman! Parang tayo lang noon, Roberto.” Donya Esmeralda sighed.

“Oo nga Esmeralda. Ganyan ka rin noon. Sinupladahan mo ako. Noon pala gustong-gusto mo rin ako.” Don Roberto teased his wife.

“Parang mali yata ang alala mo sweetheart. Ikaw yata ang may gustong-gusto sa akin agad, sa simula pa lang.” His wife insisted.

Richard’s parents continue to tease each other, recounting their courtship, which made everyone laughed. At that instance, Maya missed her dad. Her parents used to do that as well. Richard noticed it.

“You’re missing your Dad?” He asked Maya, seeing the way she was looking at his parents.

“Yes, a bit. But it was good memories naman so I am not sad.”  Maya smiled and assured him. Her Ricky is really very perceptive.

They gazed at each other, as if it was just the two of them there, forgetting for a while that they were not alone.

The family looked on happily.  Richard’s family was happy he found the girl for him.  Based on their story earlier, it looked like they had a whirlwind courtship. But those who were there that evening believed that their love was for keeps. Their love for each other was palpable to all of them.

The Lims, Uy,s and Maya moved to the living room after their dinner and continued chatting. At about close to midnight, Richard’s parents called it a night. Donya Esmeralda and Don Roberto bid everyone good night. Donya Esmeralda gave Maya a big hug and invited her to the Lim family dinner when she returns from Vigan. Soon after, Luke and his parents, did the same. The elder Uys also retired for the night.

“Ha, ha, ha, akala ko ba hindi niyo pa sasabihin.” Cristina teased the couple when it was just the three of them, sitting in the lanai again, having coffee.

“Eh paano, nadulas itong Honeybun ko, hahahaha.” Richard said, teasing Maya.

“Talagang, mahirap sa ating dalawa ang pinagpaplanuhan ang lahat. See, what happened.” He added, still smiling and happy at the turn of events. Kasi, if it was up to him, the moment they arrived, he will introduce her as his girlfriend. He would like to shout it out to the world, so to speak!

Maya laughed. “Ewan ko ba, ako naman ang biglang nadulas. So, Ricky, Babe, even na tayo ha.”  She said, remembering Ricky’s slip when she was about to sing at the impromptu videoke session, last weekend.

They all laughed. Then Cris told her cousin and her best friend, on with their kwento on how they became boyfriend and girlfriend. Richard and Maya told her that it just happened when he picked her from the airport.

Cristina Rose was smiling, all the time they were taking turns telling her their unusual courtship, as the two of them were at their lively repartee while doing the kwento. She is really very happy that the two people she cared deeply about ended up with each other. Now she know,  in whose direction she will deliberately throw her bridal bouquet. She smiled inwardly.

Past midnight, Richard said he will say good night so the two friends can finally have their girl talk! Cristina Rose, excused herself on the pretext that she will just check the room Maya will use. When in fact, she wanted to give the couple a private moment.

“Good night, Babe. I love you. I’m so happy.” Maya lovingly told Richard, with her arms around his neck. “Text me when you arrive home ha. Drive safely.”

“Good night, Honeybun. I love you too.” Then he cupped Maya’s face and gave her a long kiss. “I’ll miss you.”

“Sus, Babe, we will see each other pa for two days before I leave ulit. Unless you are busy, of course.” Maya told Richard as she caressed his nape.

“For you, my love, I will have time for you no matter what.” Richard assured her. “I will pick you up tomorrow. No arguments please. And since it is Sunday, can we spend the day together? Our first ‘date’.”

“Yes. I’m looking forward to our ‘first date’! Ang weird natin’ no. Or, if not weird, unusual.” Maya said smiling. “In the evening, would it be okay if we see my Mom and say hello?” Maya asked, remembering her promised to her mother that she will see her and Patty after she return from Bangkok.

“Of course, my love. I want to meet your family too, very much.” Richard said, gazing at Maya with so much love. “I’m looking forward to that.”

Maya and Richard embraced tight and kissed one more time, and one more time, and one more time….

It took them a while to say goodbye and part for the night. Both were looking forward to being with each other again the following day.

Note : My apologies for the typos! Ayay, I was more tired than I thought. 🙂

Chapter 6
Back roads and detours

Richard was sitting at the lanai in his parents’ house, enjoying the quiet of the night. Dinner was finished more than two hours ago. His parents had retired for the evening as they needed to wake up early the following day for their trip to Cebu. He was waiting for Sabel and Doris, their two long time housemaids, to finish packing the stuffs he needed to bring with him, the books he promised Maya. In the meantime, he thought of passing the time in the lanai where it was very cool and quiet.

He wondered how Maya is doing in Bangkok. She has arrived there several hours earlier. Thailand is one hour behind the Philippines, so she and her friend were probably still eating dinner by that time of the night. He hoped she is having fun.

“Ricardo, heto ang kape mo.” Manang Fe, Richard’s long time nanny, handed him a steaming cup of coffee to and put a serving of his favorite rice cake on the table. “Pinabili ko ito kanina kay Lem kasi alam kong dito ka maghahapunan.”

“Maraming salamat po, Manang Fe. The best talaga kayo. Hindi niyo nakakalimutan ang paborito ko.” Richard said smiling. “Sama na po kaya kayo sa akin doon sa condo ko nang may nag-aasikaso sa akin. Medyo settled na ako doon sa nilipatan ko.”

“Sa akin hijo, walang problema. Sabihin mo sa Mama mo.” Manang Fe told Richard.  She does not mind moving and taking care of him. Richard is like a son to her since hindi na rin naman siya nakapag-asawa.

“Talaga po, Manang! I will tell Mama, ha.” Richard is happy and touched that his long time nanny is willing to move, for him. “Manang wala nang bawian ha. Susunduin kita next week ha. I’m sure papayag si Mama.”

“Oo. Ikaw talagang bata ka. Pumayag na nga ako, di ba? “ Manang Fe smiled at her old alaga. Hindi pa rin nagbabago ang batang ito, malambing pa rin. “Matatapos na nga pala sina Doris at Sabel sa paglalagay sa mga box ng mga libro mo. Saan mo ba dadalhin ang mga iyon?”

“Ibibigay ko po kay Maya, for her coffee shop sa building namin. May small library siya sa cafe, to promote reading.” Richard replied, not knowing that the mere mention of Maya’s name, triggered his nanny’s curiosity.

“Maya? Parang ngayon ko lang narinig ang pangalang iyan sa iyo. Nobya mo?” Manang Fe asked. “Ikatutuwa ko ng husto kung nobya mo na siya.”

“Naku, Manang. I wish! Pero, I just met her.” Richard said smiling. “Best friend siya ni Cristina. I went to Cris’s despedida party for her friends yesterday and that was where I ‘officially’ met Maya. Officially, kasi Manang, nagkaagawan kami ng taxi sa harap ng tinitirhan naming building. Tapos iisang house pala ang pupuntahan namin. We got along pretty well when we found out na siya ang best friend ni Cris na ikinukwento sa akin at ako naman ang cousin na madalas ding ikwento sa kanya. Tapos it turned out,  we live in the same building pa pala.”

Richard smiled while telling his nanny his adventures with Maya yesterday. Manang Fe noticed something different in her alaga. He sounded very happy when he was speaking about this girl. Mabuti naman, she thought. She knew that something must have hurt Ricardo a lot while in the US. She knew her ward and he looked sad, very serious, and rarely smiled, like he used to, when he moved back to the Philippines after his Papa requested him to. Alam niya na hindi naman ang paghawak ng mga negosyo nila ang sanhi ng kalungkutan nito. Sabi sa kanya ni Donya Esmeralda, hindi naman pinilit ni Don Roberto si Richard na umuwi at pamahalaan ang mga negosyo. Hiniling lang niya kay Richard ito kasi nga gusto na nitong magretiro.

“Nakakatuwa naman. Sadya kayong pinagtagpo ng tadhana.” Manang Fe told Richard. “Kailan ko naman makikilala si Maya at ng masuri ko kung karapat-dapat dito sa guwapo kong alaga ko.” She teased Richard.

“Manang Fe, I’m sure, 101 percent, magugustuhan mo siya.” Richard smiled at his old nanny. “Bayaan mo, when you move in with me, makikilala mo siya. She is in Bangkok at the moment. Inihatid ko nga siya sa airport.”

“Ricardo, natutuwa ako. Ngayon lang kita ulit nakitang ganito kasaya, hijo. Noong bagong dating ka kasi dito, hindi ka man nagsasalita, bakas ko ang lungkot mo.” Manang Fe told Richard. “Hindi na ako magtatanong kung ano man iyon at mukha namang okay na okay ka na.”

“Salamat po, Manang Fe.” Richard said. “Tapos na po ang chapter na iyon sa buhay ko. I never thought I would be like this again, that I would believe in love again, pero, biglang heto, suddenly, I do.”

Manang Fe smiled at Richard and touched his hand, to give comfort. “Talagang ganyan, Ricardo. Minsan ang pag-ibig, dumarating kapag hindi natin inaasahan, at wala ring pinipiling lugar at panahon. Saka kung kapalaran mo talaga, pagtatagpuin kayo ng tadhana kahit anong mangyari. Kung minsan nga lang, nakakaranas din tayo ng sakit bago natin matagpuan ang talagang para sa atin. Minsan, marami rin tayong kailangang daanan at pagdaanan, bago tayo makarating sa ating paroroonan. Bahagi iyan ng buhay natin.” The old lady told Richard.

“I know that now, Manang.” Richard said thoughtfully. “I have learned a lot from a very bad experience. But in a way, I don’t want that to completely colored and affect my life, in the long run. I’m glad that I am finally being able to move on and be happy again.”

“Tama iyon hijo. May tamang panahon para sa lahat ng bagay. Ang importante, maging bukas ang puso at isipan natin sa lahat ng mga maaaring mangyari.” Manang Fe added. “Samahan mo rin ng panalangin sa nasa itaas.”

“Sir Richard, Manang Fe, excuse po, okay na po naming ilagay sa mga box iyung mga libro.” Doris said, interrupting their conversation, followed by Sabel who was holding some coffee table books.

“Sama pa po ba ang mga ito, Sir Richard?” She asked.

“Yes, please.” Richard replied. “Pakisabi na lang kay Mang Lem, ilagay sa kotse iyong mga box. Then, I will bring those coffee table books, Sabel. Thank you sa inyo ni Doris.”

Doris and Sabel smiled at their amo. Guwapo na, mabango pa, at sobrang bait sa kanila kahit medyo tahimik noong unang dumating kaya inakala nilang suplado. Kaswerte naman talaga nitong mamahalin ni Sir Richard, they both thought.

“Manang Fe, aalis na po ako.” Richard kissed his old nanny on the forehead.”Next week po ha, susunduin ko kayo. And thank you po for the words of wisdom.”

“Naku, bata ka, walang anuman. Ingat sa pagmamaneho.” The old lady accompanied Richard up to his car.

Richard parked his car in front of the coffee shop, more than an hour later. He went inside and saw Emman and another barista.

“Hi Emman, good evening.” He greeted them, carrying the coffee table books.

“Hi guwapong friend ni Maya, este Richard pala.” Emman said. “Mabuti, napadaan ka. Maya is in Bangkok.”

“I know Emman. I took her to the airport this afternoon.” Richard said conversationally. “Books pala for the cafe. I promised Maya I will bring these.”

“Inihatid mo si Mayabels sa airport?” Emman was surprised. Wow, parang tama ang kutob niya sa dalawang ito. He took the books from Richard.

“Yes. She was going to take a cab kasi so I insisted that I will just bring her to the airport.” Richard replied. “I have several boxes of books pa in the car. Maybe, someone can help me unload, kasi I’m double parked in front of the cafe.”

Emman, shook himself out of his thoughts of Maya and Richard, and the something that he is sure is blossoming between them, to attend to the task at hand. “Of course, of course. Thank you for these Richard ha. Malaking tulong sa cafe and our campaign. Allen, Dane, please help Richard.” He told the barista he was talking to earlier and another guy in the counter. “I will just put these books in the shelf.”

Richard parked his car in his slot, then took the elevator to his penthouse unit, after he and the cafe employees unloaded all the books. He told Emman one of their messengers will bring the magazines from his company the following day.

He got himself a can of beer from the fridge and went to his window seat, his favorite place in his living room, to relax a bit. Normally, he likes the solitude but suddenly, he felt lonely. He looked at the dark penthouse unit across his, and felt lonelier, missing Maya. He never thought he would missed someone like this, especially after Natalie. His conversation with Manang Fe made him remember the woman whom he thought would be the one he would share his life with. He couldn’t be more wrong.

He met Natalie through his American friend John, in a gallery opening he managed to drag him to. Natalie is Filipino-Chinese like him, beautiful, poise and classy. She was studying fashion design at that time. Her family was based in Cebu. They got along okay on first meeting. However, he didn’t think of her as someone he was really attracted to. She was just someone he met, a friend of a friend.

The following day, he got a call from Natalie, inviting him to dinner.  At loose ends at that time, he agreed. They seemed to have many things in common, aside from them being both Filipino-Chinese, when they got to chat longer. At that time, he was also tired of the casual dates he had, of women more interested in what he could give them and how good they look together in parties they like to frequent. He thought that Natalie was different. After that night, they started dating. By the third month, they were living together in his apartment in Fifth Avenue. While it was not all-consuming love, he was content and happy since Natalie’s life seemed to revolved around him. He thought he loved her in his own way. He also thought she loved him. They were compatible in bed, too. He thought those were enough and that all-consuming love probably just existed in books, in romance novels, and in the imagination of Hollywood scriptwriters.

By the sixth month of living together, he was ready to make his and Natalie’s arrangement more permanent. He thought that it was about time he settle down. He thought that her being a Filipino-Chinese would sit well with his parents, too. Not that they were compelling him to marry one. After his business trip to Washington, he was planning to propose to her. He was home one day early and it proved to be fortuitous. He heard Natalie talking to someone in the patio of the apartment. He overheard her telling the other person, who turned out to be her sister, that she would live like a queen when Richard finally propose to her and she becomes Mrs. Richard Lim. She told her sister she felt he would ask her to marry him soon, that she got him hooked and can’t escape. She even told her sister that Richard being very good looking was a big bonus, and that made up for him being serious and a bit boring, in her book as he was not much into parties and hitting the clubs. However, Richard’s main attraction for her, and the only thing that mattered, was the fact that he is the heir to the Lim fortune in the Philippines. He felt like the rug he was standing on was forcefully pulled out all of a sudden, and he fell without any support. He never thought that he had been played.

Natalie saw him from the doorway and she lost all the color from her face. She asked him what he has heard and whatever it was, she didn’t mean it. He told her he heard enough. She pleaded with him, up to the point of saying that it all started like that, but that she had grown to love him in the process. That she loved him very much. He found that hard to believe, and told her it would be better if she pack her bags.

He drown his sorrows in alcohol. But when he managed to think things through, he realized that he was more hurt that he was duped, that he was that gullible, that he had let his guard down to someone he thought he loved, than being so brokenhearted. He went back to their time together and he remembered signs that she was not being true to him. But in his infatuation with Natalie, blinded by her beauty and the charm she had shown him, among others, he failed to see those at that time. Besides, she was very good at hiding things.

He learned from John later on, that Natalie asked specifically to be introduced to him. John thought that Natalie was just attracted to Richard. She was a friend of John’s then girlfriend. John also learned from his girlfriend, who admitted it to him because she felt guilty to being a party to the whole thing, that he was a ‘project’ to Natalie. She wanted a rich husband so that she can continue the lifestyle she got used to and to continue to be a part of the Philippine social set in New York and in Manila. Her family in the Philippines lost their fortune in a series of bad investments. She ‘studied’ him, his likes and dislikes and what made him tick. He was targeted to fall for her, which he did.

Since that incident, he shied away from serious romantic entanglements. He doubted his ability to love, find real love and thought that true love didn’t exist really. He went back to his casual relationships. He was pretty straightforward with the women he dated that he was not into something permanent. But after a while, that too, bored him. He was reaching a state of ennui, when his father visited their offices in New York and talked to him. He told him he had plans of retiring and maybe it was about time he took over the reins of the company from him. He agreed promptly and returned to the Philippines. Still, he shied away from the dating scene and romantic entanglements. He had stopped looking for love, until he met Maya.

Maya is like a breath of fresh air to his staid and colorless life. Cris mentioned her several times, but he didn’t really pay attention in the beginning until he came across an article Maya had written for one of his company’s magazines. He found her prose very engaging, full of life and fun. Then he got to read her blog and learned a bit about her and her way of thinking. He also knew there is more depth to Maya than what was coming across her writing. He started asking Cris a bit about her, like where they met, what course she took in college and what was she like as a friend.

When he was riding with Maya in the taxi, there was an instant awareness, which strengthened as he spent more time with her. He likes her a lot. And as if there is a strong force drawing him to her. In all his relationships, including the one with Natalie, he has not felt this way, especially with someone he just met. Maya was fun to be with, especially when they did the ‘Babe’ and ‘Honeybun’ act! She made him smile again and he felt his old, laid back self, coming out to the fore . He also admitted to himself that he is starting to have feelings for her, strong ones. He was serious about courting her, of finding out, if they have something to build on. Despite his experience with Natalie, he is ready to take a chance again. Maya is different, he believe so. He feels so. There was an instant connection between them that he very much wanted to explore and pursue so that they will end up together. He can and wants to take things slowly this time.

Richard’s quiet introspection was disrupted by the beeping of his phone. A text message from Maya, which he read promptly.

> Good night, Ricky Got here safe. Just finished dinner with Phailin and some of her friends. Having fun. Hope the dinner with your parents was okay. 

Richard smiled, a smile that lit up his whole face. He typed a reply.

> Nice to hear from you, Honeybun. I’m glad you are having fun. Dinner with the parents was okay, just the usual Sunday night family dinner. Nice to see Papa and Mama. Now, drinking alone at home. 😦

The reply from Maya came promptly.

> Oh. 😦 Di bale, pagbalik ko diyan, sasamahan kita sa pag-inom para hindi ka na alone, Babe. 🙂

Hmmm, he likes the sound of it.

> I will hold you on that, Ms. Maya Dela Rosa. Got the books for you pala. Dropped the boxes at the cafe.

Maya smiled.

> Thanks a lot, Ricky. See you in several days, Babe. 🙂

Richard just can’t resist adding it.

> See you. Enjoy your vacation. Missing you a lot, my dearest Honeybun.

Maya grinned and blushed, and as her friend Phailin will tell her later, she looked like a woman in love at that moment.

> And I’m NOT missing you at all, Babe! [ wink, wink]    🙂 

Richard grinned. He is going to bed happy. Maya is still grinning when she put her phone down.

Chapter 5
Roads diverging

Despite the fact that she went to bed at past 2AM, Maya woke up at around 9AM. She smiled, remembering her wonderful afternoon and night with Richard. She never thought, nor expected, that it would turned out to be the best day of her life when she dragged herself out of bed yesterday to go to her best friend’s house. Amazing that it all happened in less than 24 hours! And in several hours, she will see him again.

Since she he can’t sleep anymore, maybe due to the feeling of anticipation of seeing Richard again, she got up to have coffee and light breakfast.  She called Cafe M and asked Emily, one of the baristas on duty to bring her a tall Americano and two slices of French toasts. The staff will not be surprised with her call as she has a habit of doing that every morning due to her abnormal sleeping hours. Several minutes later, Emily rang her bell. She thanked her, then went to the coffee table by the window for her ‘morning ritual’.

While sipping her favorite brew, she opened her Mac and went online, checking on the latest news from the news websites she had bookmarked. It was a habit she got from her old job. While she had left that job more than four years ago, she never shook off the habit of being news savvy.

When Maya finished reading the headlines, and the entertainment section of the news sites, she finished her breakfast. While about to sip her coffee again, she unconsciously stared at the unit in the other tower, Richard’s. She smiled, remembering their jokes about opening the window and waving each other. While possible, she doubted whether they can see each other that well as there is a big open space in between the towers, where the huge swimming pool and a garden was built, on the 5th level of the building.

The sound of her mobile phone beeping interrupted Maya’s thoughts. It was Richard, checking if she is awake already. Looks like she was not the only one who woke up relatively early considering their late night. Richard wanted to know what time they will meet as they forgot to agree on  a specific time they will meet for lunch. On impulse, and as a way of thanking him as he is taking her to the airport, and since she has time for it, Maya told Richard, they can just have lunch at her unit. Her phone suddenly rang.

“Hello, Honeybun, good morning.” Richard said, smiling as he moved a little bit on his bed, finding a comfortable spot, having just woken several minutes ago. The first thing he did, was to look for his phone and sent Maya a text message. She was his last thought when he went to sleep, smiling and his first thought when he woke up.

“Hello, Babe!” Maya said, smiling. “Ang aga nitong asaran natin ah.”

“Ha, sinong may sabi na nang-aasar ako. Serious endearment iyan Ms. Maya Dela Rosa.” Richard bantered.

“Ha, ha, ha, ha, parang hindi naman. Walang kalambing-lambing.” Maya teased.

“Hindi pa malambing iyan, Honeybun. Sige, mamaya kapag nagkita na lang tayo.” Richard felt happy that he will see Maya soon. At least, he will, then five days of not seeing her!

“Enough na nga, Ricky.”  Maya told him, still grinning. “Can we meet at 11AM? That way, we have plenty of time to eat, then have ample travel time to the airport. Dito na lang sa unit ko. I will cook a special brunch for you as a way of thanking you.”

“Really, you will cook for me?” Richard asked, but glad to know that Maya will do that for him. For him, it is so much better than eating in a crowded and noisy restaurant as today is a Sunday, family day. “Hmmm, on a scale of 1 to 10 Ms. Dela Rosa, gaano kasarap ang luto mo?” He teased.

Maya smiled. “Mr. Richard Lim, 11. Off the scale kaya! Hindi lang pang-fastfood take out itong beauty ko. Kapag sinisipag naman ako and when I feel like it, I can cook.”

“Okay, okay Ms. Dela Rosa, I will take your word for it.” Richard is looking forward to tasting Maya’s cooking. “I’ll see you in two hours or so.”

“Bye, Ricky. See you.” Maya gathered her things after putting the phone down. Then she check her pantry if she has enough ingredients for the food she wanted to cook. Luckily, she went to the supermarket the other day.

By 11AM, everything is set. Right on cue, the bell rang. When Maya opened it, her heart galloped and she suddenly felt breathless. Richard looked so handsome in his shirt, jeans and loafers. He gave her a brilliant, lopsided smile that made her heart doubly aflutter.

“Hi Maya! Tama lang ba ang dating ko?” Then he gave her a big bouquet of roses and sunflowers.

“Thank you very much, Ricky.” Maya smiled happily. “I love sunflowers!”

“Really! I just thought of sunflowers all of a sudden when I was ordering flowers for you. Thought it fits you, and your sunny personality.” Richard was also  happy he followed his hunch.

Richard looked at Maya’s place and liked what he saw. The place looks homey and happy with the decors and the colors she chose. It looks inviting and relaxing. It has the same lay-out as his place, but Maya managed to make hers a home. Her view is the opposite of his, so it is interesting to see an unencumbered view of Rizal from her side of the building.

“I like your place, Maya.” He remarked.

“Thank you. Too big for one person, like yours I think, but I like the big, open space.” Maya said. “I can think better this way, uncluttered. I also feel like I’m in a world of my own, with just the sky and the view of the mountains. I fell in love with this place and the view the first time I saw this. My mother was not so keen in the beginning, but she relented in the end.”

“How long have you been here?” Richard asked.

“I think more than four years, just after the building was finished.”  Maya replied as she led Richard to the dining table.

Rchard nodded. A pattern was emerging. It seems like all the major changes in Maya’s life happened after her father died. He understood that on a level,  the need to  make all these changes when something bad or sad happened.

“Come, let’s eat. I hope you are very hungry. I ended up cooking a lot.” Maya said.

Richard pulled the chair for Maya first, before sitting on her right.

“Naku, I think it will be sulit since I skipped breakfast. Hindi na yata ako naka-breakfast sa excitement sa cooking mo.” Richard said with a smile, suddenly feeling very hungry with the wonderful smell coming the dish on the table. “Wow, that looks good.”

“I hope you like this. One of my specialties. Baked potatoes with mushroom, tomatoes, bacon, cream and pork chops.” Maya proudly said. She likes to cook, though with just her, she sometimes gets lazy, and just go to one of the restaurants in the area to eat. Or there were times, she just whipped something simple. “Sorry, no salad.”

“This is perfectly fine, Maya.” Richard said, then said thank you when Maya heaped a big serving on his plate. “And I’m not much into salad din naman.”

“What would you like to drink?” Maya asked after putting some food on her plate. “I have mango juice, wine, beer and some soda.”

“Just water, please, since I will drive.” Richard said.

Maya got a pitcher of water from the fridge and put it on the table. “We can just have coffee again in Cafe M before we hit the road.”

“Oh, that would be perfect. That I need. Thank you, Maya.”

Maya and Richard ate companionably. They chatted a bit. Maya told Richard that she will visit her friend Phailin in Thailand as she promised to be there for her birthday. Richard was glad to find out that the friend is a girl Maya met in one of the seminars she attended in Malaysia while she was working as a reporter. They became fast friends as they both like to travel and read romance novels.

“That was very, very good Maya. I’m stuffed. I never realized I was that hungry.” Richard said, his tummy groaning. He and Maya finished everything.

“I’m glad you like the food. Iyon na ang pinakamagandang compliment sa aming mga mahilig magluto.” Maya said smiling. “Minsan nga lang nakakatamad magluto kapag mag-isa ka lang kakain.”

“Well, you can surely invite me anytime you feel like cooking. Just open your window and wave.” Richard offered, half-serious. He likes spending time with Maya.

“Hmmm, that’s a thought Mr. Lim. Humanda ka nang tumaba with my cooking.” Maya said as she started gathering the plates they used.

“Basta, ba ikaw ang magluluto, okay lang akong tumaba.” Richard said, grinning, then offered to help Maya do the dishes. Maya shooed him away to the living room. She told him she will take care of everything as it is faster that way.

Thirty minutes after, they locked Maya’s door. Richard took hold of her suitcase, then they took the elevator down to the coffee shop.

“Good morning Ms. Maya, Sir Richard.” Eleonor greeted them. Wow, magkasama na naman sila. She is happy for her boss, but hmmm, wait. This should be interesting.

“Good morning, Eleanor.” Richard greeted the girl, remembering her from last night.

“Good morning, Eleanor.” Maya smiled at her. “Duty ka na ulit?”

“Yes po, Ms. Maya. Maysakit po kasi si Allen. Tinawagan ako ni Sir Emman.” Eleonor explained. “Okay lang naman po since I live nearby. ”

“Thank you, Eleonor, for pitching in. I will have the same pala. How about you, Ricky?”

“I’ll have the same. Thanks.” Richard said as he took out his wallet to pay for the drinks.

“Ricky, hwag na. I’ll take care of this.” Maya stopped him.

“But Maya, you paid for our drinks last night. Then you fed me lunch today.” Richard protested.

However, Maya prevailed. Richard let it pass. He will just take Maya to a nice dinner when she returns. Hmmm, a proper date. He likes the sound of it. He knows of a special place to take Maya.

“By the way, Ms. Maya….”Eleonor started saying, but she was not able to finish.

“Maya!” A tall, handsome, mestizo guy called Maya, then approached her, not noticing Richard. He gave Maya a hug. “Good to run into you here. I was hoping I would.”

“Tristan! Anong ginagawa mo rito sa area?” Maya was surprised as Tristan lives and works in Makati. In fact, neighbor ng mom niya ang parents ni Tristan sa Bel-Air.

“I went to Antipolo to play golf. One of our valued clients invited us. Naisipan kong dumaan dito sa coffee shop on the off chance na nandito ka. Eleonor mentioned that you were here late last night. I was still thinking whether I will call you to let you know I am here when I saw you.” He finished, then noticed the guy with Maya.

“Oh, you were with someone, pala.” Tristan looked at the silent guy whose hand was on Maya’s elbow.

“Yes. Ricky this is Tristan Romero, the one I mentioned last night. Tristan, this a good friend of mine, Richard Lim.” Maya introduced the two. She didn’t notice them sizing one another.

“Nice to meet you Tristan.” Richard said politely.

“Richard Lim? Do you happened to be the son of Mr. Roberto Lim? Tristan asked.

“Yes. He is my Dad.” Richard replied at the same time, he can’t remember if his Dad mentioned a Tristan Romero.

“Our fathers are friends. Tito Roberto mentioned you the last time he was at our house with your Mom.” Tristan said. “You just moved back from the States, di ba?”

“Oh, okay. I haven’t met your parents, though.” Richard nodded., thinking that his parents might have met the Romeros when he was in the States. “And yes, I just moved back late last year.”

“Small world naman! Magkakilala pala ang parents niyo. I mentioned you to Ricky last night, Tristan, when we were talking about the coffee shop.” Maya said as she picked up the coffee that Eleonor put on the counter.

“I still think this cafe is not a good business, Tiny, but it’s your money.” Tristan said, slipping into Maya’s childhood nickname in their neighborhood as she was really small when she was a kid, compounded by being name after a small bird.

Richard’s eyes narrowed with the nickname and Tristan’s familiarity with Maya, but kept quiet.

“Tristan, Maya please. You know I hate that nickname.” Maya said. “Would you like to join Richard and I for coffee, or tapos ka na? After kasi nito, ihahatid niya ako sa airport.”

Tristan took a closer look at Richard Lim. Hmmm, looks like I have a new competition, he thought. Mukhang kanina pa rin sila magkasama ni Maya. He would like to stay longer and check him out, but his mom just called, she needed a favor.

“Oh, maybe next time, Maya, Richard. My mom needed me to run errands for her. You know, Mom, Maya. May kakulitan. Saan ka nga pala pupunta. You and your itchy feet talaga.” Tristan said with a hint of disapproval in his voice.

“I’m going to Bangkok for several days to see a friend.” Maya said. “O paano, Ricky and I will go to my sitting room na. Nice to see you and hello to Tito Frank and Tita Loida.” She hugged Tristan, who hugged her back. “Take care and ingat sa pagmamaneho.”

“You too. Enjoy your vacation.” Then Tristan looked at Richard and offered his hand. “Nice meeting you, Richard.”

Richard shook the other guy’s hand. “Nice meeting you too, Tristan.”

Maya told Richard to go ahead, as she needed to discuss something with Eleanor before she leaves. Richard offered to carry the coffee and went ahead.

“Eleonor, bahala na kayo nina Emily sa cafe ha, habang wala ako, and kapag wala si Emman.” Maya instructed Eleonor. “Basta if there is a problem, just call Emman. I will be back in a couple of days.”

“Enjoy your vacation, Ms. Maya. Hwag po kayong mag-aalala. Kami na ang bahala rito.” Eleonor said. “Ms. Maya, by the way, Team Richard ako.”  She added smiling.

“Team Richard????” Maya asked puzzled.

“Team Richard. Mas bagay po kasi kayo ni Sir Richard, kaysa kay Sir Tristan.” Eleonor said, then put her hand in her mouth, then checked if her boss got mad. “Ooops, sorry po!”

Maya laughed,. “Ikaw talaga, Eleonor. Pero friend ko lang si Richard. Baka naman may pustahan na pala rito sa cafe tungkol diyan ha.”

“Naku, Mam, wala po. Nadulas lang ako. Natutuwa lang po kasi ako sa inyo ni Sir Richard.” Eleonor said, relieved. “Nakakakilig po kasi kayo.”

“Hahahaha, o sige, I would like a slice pala of our lava cake. Ipapatikim ko kay ‘Team Richard’.” Maya teased Eleonor, who also laughed as she got Maya a slice of their bestseller cake.

Maya was still smiling when she went to her office.

“O bakit ka naka-smile, Tiny?” He said as he pulled the chair for Maya.

“Ha, ha, ha. don’t call me that. It is my day to be teased ba talaga. Pati si Eleonor, eh.” Maya said as she cut Richard a piece of the cake she brought with her.

“Hmmm, eh kasi naman hindi lang pala ako ang may TOE sa iyo, Honeybun.” 

“Naku, Babe, wala iyon. Mas gusto ko na ang Honeybun kaysa sa Tiny. I hated that nickname.”  Maya artlessly said, which made Richard happy. “O kain ka na lang nitong bestseller naming cake.”

Richard and Maya enjoyed their coffee time, like the previous time they were there. Soon after, Richard took Maya to NAIA Terminal 2. On the way to the airport, Maya called up her Mom to let her know that she was about to fly. She also promised to see her and Patty when she returns.

“Ricky, thank you talaga for taking me to the airport.” Maya said, holding on to her trolley, while standing at the Departure Area of the terminal.

“The pleasure is mine, Maya. I’ll pick you up when you return since it is a Saturday naman.” He stated.

“Naku, hwag na. Baka Emman is free naman noon. Magpapasundo na lang ako.” Maya protested. “This is more than enough, Ricky. Thank you.

“No, Maya I insists please. I want to see you as soon as you land, Honeybun.” He said, adding that last bit to tease her.

Maya smiled. “O sige na nga, Babe. Thank you again.”

They hugged each other.

“Enjoy vacation, Maya. I will miss you a lot.” Then he kissed her on the cheek.

Maya felt that the kiss was iba. It made her heart beat faster. She just looked at Richard, who was just gazing at her. They shared a warm, tender smile.

Maya entered the terminal. When she looked back one more time, Richard was still there, gazing at her. She waved. He gave her his lopsided smile and waved back, then gestured for her to go in.

Maya usually feels excited every time she is in the airport as it would mean, new places to see, new adventures, new experiences, and new people to meet. But this time, she has ambivalent feelings. She admitted to herself that she is already missing Richard. She mused, how can someone you just met had that much impact in your life in such a short time. She just took comfort in the fact that she will see him again after five days. She is looking forward to seeing her Babe again. She smiled, the endearment growing on her.

Richard waited until he can’t see Maya anymore, then boarded his car. He already missed her and she was just about to fly! It will be a very long week despite his busy schedule. But he does look forward to her return, very much. He had never felt like this, before, even with Natalie. He is already missing his Honeybun a lot!

Chapter 4
‘Getting to know you’

Maya and Richard entered the coffee shop on the ground floor of their building more than hour after they left Cristina’s house. The cafe, which is open 24 hours, was still doing brisk business at that time of the night. It has a good location as there is a continuous flow of people from the nearby shops, offices, and ‘gimik’ places in the area. The coffee shop was also set up like a very inviting living room of a country home with comfortable sofas, throw pillows, big windows, and with a floor to ceiling open bookshelf filled with all kinds of books and magazines.

“Good evening po, Ms. Maya.” One of the baristas greeted Maya as soon as she and Richard entered the cafe.

“Good evening, Eleanor. How’s everything?” Maya smiled at the barista, who had just finished taking the orders of two customers.

“Okay naman po, medyo maraming tao. Aside from our usual Saturday night crowd, umulan po kasi ng malakas so marami ang nagpalipas muna ng time dito, nagbasa and also borrowed books.” Eleanor chatted with Maya as she prepared the orders of the previous customers.

“That’s good to know. I would like to have my usual cafe Americano, please, after you are finished with those orders. Ricky, what would you like to have?” She asked Richard who was just listening to Maya’s conversation with the barista. “By the way, Ricky, this is Eleanor, one of our most efficient, hardworking and longtime baristas here. Eleanor, this is my friend, Richard Lim.”

“Good evening po, Sir Richard. Welcome po to Cafe M.” Eleanor said. “What would you like to have po?”

“Hi Eleanor, nice to meet you. I’ll have cafe Americano, please.”  He replied.

“When you are free, Eleanor, can you just please bring our coffee to my office. Thank you.” Maya told the smiling barista.

Eleonor’s curiosity was piqued. Her boss, except for Sir Tristan, has not brought any male friend to the coffee shop before. Ang guwapo ng friend ni Ms. Maya, she thought to herself. Mukha pang nice and ang bango-bango. Saka parang iba this one, unlike Sir Tristan. Iyon talaga parang wala silang ka-chemistry-chemistry. This one, para silang mag-boyfriend na. Ay, better make those coffee, Eleonor kaysa i-analyze ang lovelife ng boss mo! “Sige Ms. Maya, will do.”

“Ricky, let’s go. I have a special space here.” Maya led Ricky to the a door behind the bookshelf and they ended up in a small private sitting room, with two cozy armchairs, a coffee table and a nice view of a small garden from the big window. The place also has an office table, a Macbook, and other office paraphernalia.

“Wow, this is really very nice!” Richard exclaimed, not expecting something like this. “I presumed, you own the coffee shop and this is your office?”

Maya smiled. “Yes. The coffee shop is my baby. I also wanted to own a bookshop, so I combined both. Though, the books you saw earlier are not for sale, but for the members of our book club to borrow. I want to cultivate rin a love of good old-fashioned reading. Nawawala na kasi, what with all these social networks and gadgets. Besides, maraming hindi na mahilig magbasa. Gusto ko ulit na maging interested sila. They don’t know what they are missing by not reading!”

“That is a great idea actually. It is very commendable, Maya.” Richard likes Maya’s idea a lot. “Those books outside, were they all yours at some point?”

“Yes, most of them were. Actually, the idea started with me seeing my books gathering dust in the shelves at our family home. Sayang naman. I believe kasi that books are meant to be shared kaysa naman naka-display lang, so I thought of incorporating it with the cafe. The minimal membership fee we charged is being used to buy more books. Saka we need to keep a record of who borrowed kaya nagpa-member na lang kami.

We also need to keep track of books. Minsan, may books na hindi na naibabalik kaya kailangan ding mag-replenish. Okay lang din naman as long as those persons na hindi na nakapagbalik enjoyed reading the books they borrowed. Kung may hindi nakakapagbalik, meron din naman na nagbibigay ng books. Some of our regulars also liked the idea so they started dropping off books they have read already, so hayun, our collection is growing pa rin naman.” Maya explained and Richard can see her passion and love for what she is doing. Her face lit it. He admire her more.

“I also like it very much. Sige, ako rin I will bring books. I left those in our house in Alabang when I moved here. I’ll have dinner with my parents tomorrow evening and I’ll see what I can put in some boxes for you. I read mostly detective and crime novels. I also have some business books, travel books, and coffee table books from our company. Then I can also give you copies of magazines we publish. Okay lang ba ang mga iyon?” Richard asked.

“Of course! More than okay and more than enough. We will be happy to have them. It would be a great addition to our collection. Thank you very much, Ricky.” Maya liked that fact that Richard approved of her cafe and library concept.

“I’m really glad you like this Ricky. Tristan wasn’t so keen when I brought him the idea the first time. He said it will not earn me much money and it does not make good business sense. Pero, this is really something I’m passionate about so I prevailed upon him.” Maya smiled, remembering the moment Tristan gave up and greenlighted her project. “Hindi lang naman profit ang purpose ko for this kasi.”

“Tristan…?” Suddenly Richard wanted to know, his ‘competition radar’  is acting up.

“Tristan Romero. He is my family’s investment banker, and a very good friend also.” Maya said by way of explanation. “I have known him for so long since we grew up together in Mindoro, though he is a bit older than me. Naku Ricky, please have a sit. Kanina pa pala tayo nagkukwentuhan ng nakatayo.”

“Oh, okay. I don’t think I know him. Cris mentioned that you are from San Nicolas, Mindoro. Nagkakilala kayo sa first year niyo sa university. Nandoon pa ba ang family mo?” Richard asked, pulling the armchair and sitting Maya first, before he sat in the other armchair. He wants to know everything about Maya.

“Not anymore. When my dad died  five years ago, my mom moved back to Manila. Nandito rin kasi most of her family. Iyong iba naming business, nandito na rin. She just moved to Mindoro before because of my dad. She lives in Makati with my younger sister Patricia. Patty is still in college. Medyo malayo ng kaunti ang age gap namin. Mom had me kasi when she was 21. Maaga silang nagpakasal ni Dad, then got busy with building the businesses they inherited from my grandparents, Dad’s parents. Mom had Patty 10 years after me pa. My sister is a mommy’s girl and I was a daddy’s girl. Though we both love them naman, I just found it easier to tell things to my dad.”

“You still miss your dad.” Richard said, a statement, not a question, as it was obvious that Maya still feel sad losing her dad.

“Every day. He was only in his early 40s when he died. So young. I have accepted that he is gone, but I missed him a lot. Kapag nalulungkot ako, I just think that he is somewhere, like nasa isang beach place, palakad-lakad and masaya. Naka-smile sa akin and waving. Suot iyong favorite clothes niya. Tapos I just remember all our good memories. My dad was like a barkada to me. He was a cool dad. Sa kanya ko nga nakuha ang love ko for every thing old, like movies and music. Then also the love of reading. He always teased me that I get lost in the pages of whatever book I was reading, lalo na romance novels that I got hooked into when I was a teenager and having the usual crushes.

I do read other genres, pero ang mga romance novel ang stress reliever ko. Those romance books are my escape-from-reality default books. Kaya hayun, parati akong puyat like this morning! Natarayan tuloy kita sa taxi!” Maya said, smiling. Kahit paano naka-move on na rin siya sa pagkawala ng dad niya. Her Dad also told her before he died to live life the fullest and that what she is doing at the moment.

“He seemed like a wonderful guy. Now I know, hindi sa romance books galing ang ideal guy standards mo, kundi sa dad mo.” Richard said. “Naku, poor me, hindi yata ako makakapasa.” He said to make Maya smile.

“Hmmm, may point ka diyan Mr. Lim.  Teka, parang napunta na ang usapan diyan sa intentions mo, ha.” Maya smiled. She knew Richard is trying to cheer her up. “Pag-iisipan ko kung papasa ka.”

“Patingin kasi ng list para malaman ko what am I up against.” Richard said. “For sure, I can already put a check in some criteria in your list.” He added, teasing Maya.

“Hmmmp, confident much, Mr. Lim.” Maya said smiling at Richard’s kakulitan. “Nope, feeling ko puro ‘X’ ka sa lahat.”

“What are the standards ba kasi, Babe?” Richard asked, grinning, liking this exchange.

“Ha, I don’t want to tell you, Honeybun! ” Maya also had a huge grin on her face, bantering with gusto.

“Honeybun? Babe?” The guy in the doorway blurted out then covered his mouth. “Ooops, sorry, sorry”….

Then waved at Maya, a bit embarrass for barging in. “Hi Mayabels, Hi handsome Honeybun, este Maya’s friend. Sorry sis, hindi man lang ako kumatok. Na-excite lang ng malamang nandito ka at this time of the night. Hindi rin kasi tayo nag-aabot, lately. Walang nabanggit si Eleonor na may kasama ka palang, boyfriend???”

“Sir Emman, kasi, di ko na nakuhang sabihin sa inyo kasi bigla na lang kayong umalis to go here nang malaman niyong nandito si Ms. Maya.” Eleonor put the tray with Maya and Richard’s coffee on the table between them. “Ms. Maya, Sir Richard, here’s your coffee na po. Balik na po ako sa labas kasi Belle will take a break na.”

“Thank you, Eleonor.” Maya said. “Ricky, please meet my other best friend and my business partner, Emman Castro. Emman, this is my good friend Richard Lim. Cousin siya ni Cristina. Hindi ko siya boyfriend. Nang-aasar lang itong si Ricky.” She clarified, then tapping Richard in the arm affectionately.

“Hello po, Mr. Lim. Nice to meet you.” Emman said, turning timid all of a sudden. Still, he can’t get out of his head the scene he saw earlier. Akala niya talaga may boyfriend na si Maya. Ang sweet kasi nila nitong si guwapong-guwapong Mr. Lim.

“Nice to meet you too, Emman. Just call me Richard.” Richard said smiling at Emman.

Oh my, ang guwapo naman talaga nitong friend ni Mayabels, killer ang smile, was Emman’s bubble thought when he shook Richard’s hand. Hmmm, he can feel something between these too. ‘Woman’s intuition’, he insisted to himself.

“Mayabels, Richard, please excuse me. I will just go back to the counter and help out. Enjoy your coffee.” Then with a big wave, he was gone.

“Emman seems like a very cheerful friend.” Richard remarked, smiling at Maya’s friend reaction earlier. “Matagal na kayong magkaibigan?”

“He is. We worked together in a media company before. When I told him I was leaving to do the things I really wanted to to, he told me sama raw siya. Lalo na when I told him I will be opening this coffee shop. We became partners and share the day to day management of the cafe. It works well naman kasi I travel a lot. Si Emman naman, he is working on his novel. Pangarap iyan ni Emman to be a published author kasi.” Maya told Richard as she served Richard his coffee, unconsciously putting two sachets of brown sugar, and stirring it as she talked.

“Good for you and him. Looks like you two are living your dreams.” Richard said as he took a sip of the coffee. “Hmmm, this tastes good. You stirred it well. Bakit ang sarap ng coffee mo. Thank you,”

Maya smiled. “I just put two sugars and stirred ah. But masarap talaga ang coffee namin. Then added, “I guess, in a way Emman and I are living our dreams nga, but it was not always like that.”

“How about you? How’s everything at Lim Corporation? Cris said you returned to manage your businesses here.” Maya asked as she noticed she was the one doing all the talking and Richard just listened intently.

“Well, the companies are doing well. Dad was happy to retire. He was not getting younger na rin daw. Hayun, pa-golf-golf na lang. I’m glad naman that he trusted me enough to run the business well. Mom was also happy that Dad has more time for her now. My mom is makulit also. I think you will like her when you meet her.”

“I think I did. Your mom’s name is Esmeralda, right? Kasama kasi siya one time ni Tita Susan noong nagpasama sa amin ni Cris sa Sunday Market sa Salcedo.”

“Yes, that’s her.” Richard confirmed.

“She was fun.” Maya smiled as she remembered Donya Esmeralda’s stories. “I like your Mom a lot.”

“Oh good.” Richards simply said. Hmmm, they know each other. I’m pretty sure, Mom likes Maya, he thought.

“Pero di ba you were well-established na in the States when your dad asked you to return.” Maya remembered that from Cris’s kwento. For some reason, they got into talking about the change in the management of the magazines of Lim Publications, then napunta ang usapan kay Richard, the new CEO.

“Yes. I was handling our operation in New York. But it came at a time that I wanted a change in my life, when I needed a change, so I packed my bags and left my life there, and head home.” Richard didn’t elaborate. He feels it is too early to tell Maya about the whole reason why he grabbed the opportunity his father was offering him. He was no stranger to the corporation’s operation so he only needed a bit of adjustment when he took over.

Maya felt that there is something Richard is not telling her with that statement, but maybe it is not the right time to probe about it. Who hasn’t something that at times you can’t tell another person right away, especially if it concerns your inner feelings and stuffs that affected you profoundly or had shaped the direction of your life. Oppps, Maya Dela Rosa, you are getting too serious again, lighten up!

“Good that your dad have you and that you are back here for good.”

“True, otherwise we would have not met.” Richard said, gazing at Maya, making her heart beat faster.

Maya just smiled sweetly at him. He did the same and they silently sipped their coffee. Happy in their quiet time. Then, they resumed chatting like very old friends.

“Ricky, naku, halos 2AM na pala! Baka wala na tayong maitulog.” Maya said surprised, when she noticed the time.

“O sige, uwi na nga tayo. Halika na, I will accompany you to your unit.” Richard stood up and held out his hand for Maya to take so it would be easier for her to get up from the armchair.

“Naku, hwag na. Elevator ride lang naman ito, hanggang taas. Ikaw nga, you needed to cross pa to the other tower.” Maya said.

Richard insisted on taking Maya to her penthhouse unit.  He also told her, he had the penthouse unit too at the other tower. They both smiled and teased each other about opening the windows and waving at each other.

“Good night, Babe, I have fun.” Maya said smiling, was not able to tease Richard one more time. She really did and she can’t remember when was the last time she was this happy.

“Good night, Honeybun.  Enjoy your vacation in Bangkok.” He said, then remembered asking, “Who will take you to the airport?”

“I will take a taxi. Mabilis lang naman ang biyahe since it is Sunday.” Maya replied. “Kaunti rin lang naman ang dala kong clothes kasi ilang araw lang naman ako doon.”

“I will take you.” He said. “Ihahatid na kita.”

“Naku Ricky, thank you. Pero hwag na. Rest ka na lang.” Maya protested, but touched, at his offer.

“I insist, please, and if it will make you feel better, from the airport naman I can go to Alabang na to see my parents.” He told her. “Lunch na rin tayo please before we leave Eastwood.”

“O sige na nga. Thanks a lot. I’ll see you tomorrow. Tulog na tayo. Good night.” Maya capitulated, at the same time feels happy that she will see Richard again in a couple of hours.

“Good decision, Ms. Maya Dela Rosa.” Richard is also grinning, happy at the turn of events. “Good night, Honeybun.”

“Good night, Babe.” Maya bantered.

Maya went inside, with a smile that lit up her whole face. Richard on the other hand, went to the elevator banks with spring on his steps. This has been the best day he had in a very, very long time. The best day he ever had.