In Motion

“Happy, sweetheart?” Richard whispered to Maya as they swayed to the music among the throng of well-dressed people enjoying the fabulous party that Emerald Hotels and Resorts has thrown for the opening of their newest hotel, a boutique hotel in the heart of the Bonifacio Global City, an area that has grown a lot the past several years. From a cluster of restaurants and ‘gimik’ places many years ago, the area is now dotted with tall buildings, upscale condominium complexes, several shopping streets featuring known international brands, and a lot of new restaurants and watering holes. Emerald Hotel has joined the boom in the area with a much needed hotel.

The Who’s Who of Manila’s society turned up at the opening, not only to check out the hotel’s beautiful architecture designed by Richard, furnitures by top Filipino designers, the top performers who were invited to grace the event, but to take a closer look at the lady that captured Richard Lim’s heart.

Several weeks before the opening of the hotel, and alongside the promotions that Maya and her group did, it spread like wildfire within the Manila social circle that the younger Lim, one of the country’s most eligible bachelors is engaged to be married to the operations manager of the new hotel the Lim family was about to open at BGC. Maya had stayed in the background during the promotions, letting the hotel’s PR manager to do all the information campaign for the hotel, however words still got out that she is engaged to Richard Lim. Some lifestyle writers had requested an interview from her and Richard, but they begged off due to their busy schedule leading to the hotel opening. Richard also asked Maya if it is okay with her that she was suddenly thrust into the limelight. Maya assured him that it is okay and the important thing is them, together and the opening of the hotel is her first priority at that point. She just concentrated on putting everything in order so that the opening of the hotel will go glitch-free and that their first batch of guests will have an experience they will not forget and will tell their friends and families about it.

“Yes, sweetheart, I’m very, very happy. Everything is going well. Seeing all of these, parang bawi na rin all the long hours we poured the past more than one and half month into getting Emerald ready to welcome its first guests!” Maya said as she caressed Richard’s nape with her hands, giving him a beautiful, loving smile. She and Richard had worked like crazy the past weeks. Added to this, they also met, during their free time, with their wedding coordinator. They decided that they will get married early April in the place where their love story started, in Mindoro. “Ikaw, sweetheart? I heard several oohs and ahhs from our guests seeing the lobby of Emerald. You really did a wonderful job. The nod to Philippine Spanish heritage with the design you did is brilliant.”

“Thank you, sweetheart. Of course, I’m very happy, not only because people loves the design I made, but because I’m sharing this special moment with you.” Richard said softly and lovingly. “Iba ito kaysa sa mga nauna kong projects kasi nandiyan ka na.”

“Sweetheart, talaga, grabe mo na akong pakiligin ha.” Maya replied, moving closer to Richard and putting her head on his chest as they dance to the beautiful music being sang by the country’s well-known stage actress and singer. “I love you, Ricky and this job is more meaningful too, because of you. I’m so glad that I am here with you. Sharing this and looking forward to our future together.”

“Me too, sweetheart, me too.” Richard murmured. It felt like they were alone in the middle of the dance floor. He felt so happy, to be like that with his beautiful fiancée. Soon, his wife in less than two months!

Everyone else paled in comparison to the vision that greeted him when he finally saw Maya going down the stairs that led to the ballroom, in her deep violet strapless evening gown that showed off her beautiful figure, with barely there make-up that highlighted her cheekbones, doe-shaped eyes and heart-shaped face, carrying an intricately designed minaudière evening bag. Most people in the ballroom took a second glance too at the vision before them, radiating poise, beauty and confidence.

Maya was a bit embarrassed to be the center of attention, without intending to! But she was late in joining the party as she had last minute things to oversee and had to deal with a minor crisis with their kitchen staff before she can join the party. Richard offered to wait for her, but she insisted that he went ahead so he can mingle with their guests. Maya also caught her breath when she saw Richard waiting for her at the base of the stairs, looking so handsome in the tuxedo he was wearing, with a smile only for her. He took hold of her hand and steered her towards the guests, first introducing her, with all the love in his voice as his very lovely fiancée, and also the new Emerald’s very capable operations manager. Donya Esmeralda did the same. Maya’s family was also invited to the opening of the hotel and the Franciscos came full force, minus Cris as she was nearing her due date.

The Lims and the Franciscos really bonded in the dinner that Donya Esmeralda organized for the two families at the Manila Polo Club. Now, Don Roberto and Maya’s Tito Mario are golf buddies, together with Don Roberto’s friend Probo. The ladies go to lunch once a week since then to discuss the wedding. The group also included Ryan’s wife, Ivy as she also offered to help in the wedding preparations. Maya and Ivy became fast friends after they met over dinner in early January. Maya and Richard couldn’t be happier with the turn of things. Since they moved together, they became closer and their lives just meshed without a glitch. Their nights were always filled with wonder and it was always like the first time they made love. Their desire for each other insatiable. As they get to know of their wants and desire and what sparks each other’s passion, they moved on to trying new things and experimenting, testing the limits of their passion in the privacy of their bedroom. Sometimes, when Maya remembers the things they do together, she blushes, like she was doing at that moment.

“Hmmm, why are you blushing, sweetheart?” Richard whispered naughtily. “Do you want to get away from here? We can try the penthouse room of the hotel.” He teased.

“Ricky, ikaw talaga. As if! Gusto mo ba na maging topic tayo ng mga staff natin, hahahaha.” Maya blushed more. “At paano mo naman nahulaan na iyon ang iniisip ko.”

“Hmmm, kasi iyon din ang iniisip ko.” Richard retorted. “Unfortunately, we can’t escape yet. Kailangan pa nating mag-mingle. Di bale, sweetheart, I’ll take really good care of you when we get home.” He added with a mischievous smile.

“Really, sweetheart.” Maya smiled lovingly at Richard as they continued swaying to new music that followed the first one they danced to.

“Really, really, really.” Richard said, then stole a quick kiss on Maya’s lips. “Your wish is my command.”

“Hmmmm, I’m looking forward to all the possibilities that statement carries.” Maya teased back.

Maya and Richard smiled at each other, still lost in their world. However, they were jolted out of it when someone tapped Richard’s shoulder. Maya and Richard looked and they saw Linda Borromeo, holding a wineglass. The model was swaying a little bit as she looked at Richard.

“So, may I dance with my Ricky. How about a twirl around the dance floor, honey!” Linda asked in a challenging way. It was also obvious to Maya and Richard that she already had too much to drink. Like when they were formally introduced earlier, Linda ignored Maya. But Richard will have none of it.

“Oh, hi Linda! Actually, Maya and I are about to sit this one out. We do need to mingle again. I just want an opportunity to dance with my lovely wife-to-be before we mingle again. After all, this is our first outing in society and I want it to be a wonderful and memorable one. May I just escort to your seat. Would you like a cup of coffee?”  Richard offered politely. Then he looked at Maya, “Sweetheart, why don’t you go to Mama and her friends, I will just take Linda to where her friends are.”

Maya nodded at Richard. “Okay, sweetheart. I will go to Mama na, also check on the staff. I’ll see you later. Bye Linda.” She then tiptoed and gave Richard a peck on the cheek.

Linda was about to react negatively, seeing red. Richard, seeing this, acted fast, held Linda by her elbow firmly and guided her towards the direction of her friends’ table. “Linda, please don’t make a scene. It will not do you any good. Besides, we just dated. I thought it was clear to you that it was just a casual thing.” Richard whispered as they walked across the ballroom.

“But Ricky, I love you. What does she has that I don’t?  Mas maganda ako kaysa sa kanya.” Linda whined, the effects of the alcohol making her say things that she wouldn’t normally say to Richard.

“I’m really sorry, Linda. Someday, you will find the right guy for you. I’m not that. My heart belongs to Maya. It has always been.” Richard said, looking at Maya across the room. Their eyes met and shared a loving smile. “She is my world now.” He added softly. “She is the most beautiful girl in the world, inside out.”

What Richard was saying finally penetrated Linda’s alcohol-laden brain. Seeing the palpable love between Richard and Maya, she sighed heavily. “Okay, okay, I get it.” She then stormed towards her friends.

Richard sighed, and rubbed his neck. He never thought that Linda would be like this until now. He thought they understood each other when they were ‘dating’. He ran into her the week before at the coffee shop near his building. She invited him for coffee. Since they haven’t seen each other since December, Richard agreed. He also wanted to tell her that he is engaged to be married, even if he is sure that she had already heard about it. Linda didn’t react much when he was chatting with her. She even offered her congratulations. She also asked Richard about Maya. Richard told her how they met again. They parted as friends, so he had thought!

He had told Maya about Linda before that meeting. He knew that Linda will be one of the invited guests to the opening of the hotel. He didn’t want to conceal anything from her. Not that his ‘dates’ with Linda went beyond having dinner. At that point in his life, he had given up meaningless sex. For Richard, there was always something missing after those encounters, so he had stopped, until Maya came back to his life and made it very meaningful in every sense of the word. Maya assured him again that whatever happened before them, was just that – a part of the past! And it does not affect her and what they have.

“Is everything okay, Ricky?” Maya asked gently when he reached her side. “Okay lang ba si Linda?”

“Yes, she is fine. I think marami lang siyang nainom.” Richard assured her. “I will tell you about it when we get home.”

“Okay!” Maya said, then someone greeted them, a friend of Tita Lulu, and they ended up chatting with her.

Several hours later, the party winded down. Everyone was happy. Maya checked on the staff and the night shift before heading home with Richard for the night. Home was still Maya’s condo, as they have agreed several weeks before. While Maya insisted that Richard’s place is okay and they didn’t need to redo it, Richard pushed through with some changes, a surprise for Maya. He  included a space for her in his office. He enlarged the library and the entertainment rooms for Maya’s books and DVD collection and he had one of the rooms, converted into a nursery!

“Home, sweet home sweetheart, finally!” Maya said  as she opened the hall lights, still in high spirits despite the lateness of the hours, due to the success of the opening of Emeralds BGC. Everything went smoothly until the last guests have left at around 1AM.

“Yes, finally! Are you tired, sweetheart? Do you want a nightcap? Wine?” Richard offered.

“Maybe, juice na lang sweetheart. I can’t take the smell and taste of wine recently. Kanina nga I tried to take a sip, pero parang my stomach was rejecting it so I stopped.” Maya said.

“Okay, juice it is!” Richard went to the kitchen and poured a glass of mango juice for Maya and opened a can of SanMig light for himself. He also got something else for Maya, a big bouquet of sunflowers. He ordered it earlier after Maya had left for Emerald.  ahead of him. He just followed with their clothes for the party and changed at the hotel. He walked back to the living room with a big smile. “Happy Valentine’s Day, sweetheart!” He handed her the juice and the flowers.

“Happy Valentine’s Day din, sweetheart! ” Maya said with a big, loving smile to Richard. She stood up and gave him a kiss. “Oo nga pala, 14 na!”

“Our first!” Richard said. “I love you very much, Maya.”

“Yes, sweetheart, our first among the many, many, many Valentine, we will celebrate.” Maya lovingly said. “And I love you very much too. Thank you for these lovely flowers.”

Maya put down her drinks, then went to Richard and sat on his lap, put her arms around his neck, then she lowered her lips to him, giving him a searing kiss. “Thank for being the most wonderful fiance.”

Richard smiled at Maya. Her kiss stoked up his desire for her. He traced the seams of her lips with his thumb. Then his thumb was replaced by his lips, giving Maya a smouldering kiss to match the one she gave him a minute ago. “Shall we go to bed, sweetheart.’ He murmured huskily, several long seconds after. “Remember, your wish is my command, sweetheart.” He added teasingly as he stood up, with Maya in his arms.

Maya interlaced her hands on Richard’s nape, then when he was putting her down gently on the bed, she whispered to Richard what her wishes are for that evening. Richard grinned. “Sure you are not tipsy, sweetheart,” he teased.

“Nope.” Maya said, looking heatedly at her husband-to-be. Then she sat up and started removing his clothes.

Richard spent the rest of the evening, fulfilling Maya’s wishes. They slept as dawn was breaking, sated and naked in each other’s arms.  Maya sleepily thanked her fiance before succumbing to much-needed sleep in his arms. Richard kissed her one more time before tightening his arms around her and putting the blanket over their nakedness.

The sound of a ringing mobile phone woke up Richard. He grabbed the phone and checked the caller. “Yes, Mama. Napatawag ka po.” He also looked at the clock and realized that it was already 11 o’clock in the morning.

“Ricky, Happy Valentine’s Day sa inyo ni Maya! Sorry did I wake you up, son?” Donya Esmeralda belatedly asked, realizing that Richard sounded sleepy pa.

“Yes, Mama, pero it’s okay po. Tanghali na pala.” Richard said. “Happy Valentine’s Day din po sa inyo ni Papa.”

“Oh! Anyway, napatawag ako kasi baka gusto niyo ni Maya na dito mag-dinner bukas.” Donya Esmeralda said. “I would like to prepare a small salo-salo for key hotel officials to thank them for their hard work and for the success of our opening! Maya said we are fully booked this weekend. Good move ang suggestion niya na on the eve of Valentine tayo mag-open instead of the day itself! Hit din ang promo that she suggested as part of our opening.”

“Sure, Mama. I’m sure it will be okay. Wala naman po kaming lakad ni Maya. I will tell her paggising niya. Medyo napagod po siguro, she is still sleeping.” Richard said. His parents and Maya’s family know that they are living together. They have told them in the family dinner they had at the Polo Club. Both families assured them that it is okay with them, and that their lives are theirs to live. Besides, malapit na rin naman silang ikasal.

“Great, son! I will expect you and Maya na ha.”  Donya Esmeralda said goodbye after that.

Richard looked at his sleeping fiancée. He smiled, full of love for her. Since it is Valentine, he decided to treat her to a breakfast, or rather, brunch in bed. He grabbed some clothes then went to the kitchen. He spent half an hour making champorado for Maya. Good thing the packaged one they discovered is as good as the one you can make from scratch. As for tuyo, he found a bottled tuyo in the fridge from a well-known tapa restaurant. Maya likes it very much. He returned to the bedroom carrying his offering. Richard found Maya slowly moving from the bed.

“Good morning, sweetheart. Rise and shine. I have breakfast for you.” Richard said cheerfully. He sat on the bed.

“Ricky, good morning.” Maya said, feeling very, very lethargic.

“Sweetheart, are you okay?” Richard asked, noticing that Maya sounded very tired and sluggish.

“Not sure, sweetheart. Parang ang sama ng pakiramdam ko. Baka magkaka-flu ako. Lahat yata ng pagod natin sa opening ng Emerald ngayon ko nararamdaman.” Maya replied, leaning against the headboard.

“Oh, you better eat then, sweetheart, para may lakas ka and makainom ka ng medicine.” Richard suggested. “Heto I made coffee for you, then champorado and tuyo.” He put the tray on Maya’s lap.

The smell of freshly brewed coffee assailed Maya’s senses and her stomach started to feel queasy. She looked at the tuyo and champorado, and she can’t help it anymore, she ran to the bathroom. Her stomach heaved but nothing came out. Richard followed her and he massaged her back as she heaved over the sink. “Sweetheart, are you okay? Do you want me to bring you to the doctor?”

“I don’t think I need one, sweetheart. Baka flu lang ito or may nakain ako na hindi nag-agree sa tummy ko. I think I will just lie down for a while.” Maya said, holding on to Richard’s arm as they moved back to the bed. “Can you get me tea and crackers, please. I think my stomach can take that. Kapag hindi na lang bumuti ang pakiramdam ko saka ako iinom ng gamot.”

“Okay, pero kapag masama pa rin, I will bring you to the hospital ha. Baka kasi may nakain ka kagabi sa party na hindi nag-agree sa tummy mo.” Richard said.

“Baka nga. Promise, I will tell you kapag mas sumama pa ang pakiramdam ko.” Maya said.

Richard went back to the kitchen and made the tea for Maya. He also got some crackers from the cabinet. While he was on the way back to the bedroom, he suddenly stopped, a thought entered his head. “Hindi kaya……?” His heart beat faster. He returned to the bedroom.

“Sweetheart, hindi kaya, magkaka-baby na tayo?” He blurted to Maya as soon as he had given her the tea and the crackers, and she started eating. Hindi maalis sa isip niya. “Come to think of it, it has been a while since you last had a period.”

Maya was about to bite on the crackers when her hand stilled, upon hearing Richard’s question. “Sweetheart….” Then she recalled the last time she had a period. It has been….. “Sweetheart, it has been since before Christmas! But sometimes I’m irregular so I didn’t notice! Tapos na-busy pa tayo sa opening ng hotel. I didn’t realize that….Do you think…..?”

Richard grinned. “Sweetheart, there is only one way to find out. Diyan ka lang, I’ll be back very quickly.” Richard hastily kissed Maya, and in his house clothes, grabbed his house key and was out of the condo in a flash.

Several minutes after, Richard returned carrying a small paper bag which has the logo of a big drugstore chain. “Here, sweetheart, we can check.”

Maya opened the back and saw a pregnancy test kit. She looked at Richard. Suddenly she felt nervous and excited too. She got  up. “Sandali lang, Ricky. I will set it up. Gusto ko dalawa tayong titingin.”

“Okay, sweetheart.” Richard said, getting excited as well.

Several minutes after, Maya called Richard to the bathroom. She dropped her urine sample in the slot indicated in the test kit. They didn’t wait long, two purple lines started forming in the slot in the plastic kit.

“Yes!!!!” Richard exclaimed, hugging Maya very tight. His joy at the news, unequalled.

“Sweetheart, magkaka-baby na tayo!!!” Maya said, overcame by emotions, and  with tears of happiness flowing. She hugged Richard tight. Richard twirled her around while the two of them laughed joyfully.

“Sweetheart, magiging mommy ka na at magiging daddy na ako!!!” Richard said, wonder in his voice. Then he carried back Maya to the bedroom.

Richard laid down beside Maya, then reverently touched her tummy. “Hey there, little buddy.”

Maya laughed. She put her hand on top of Richard’s. “Sweetheart., I’m so happy. I love you very much.”

“Me too, sweetheart. I have no words for what I feel at the moment. I love you very much too and ang magiging anak natin.”  Richard said, his voice choking a bit with the overwhelming emotions he was feeling at the moment.

He kissed Maya’s tummy. Then with their hands on her tummy, they shared a sweet kiss. Both of them agreed that their first Valentine is the most memorable ever, with a new life, the product of their love, growing inside Maya.

Fireworks

“Happy New Year, Sweetheart!” Maya stood on tiptoe and gave Richard a kiss on the lips while cupping his face. “Thank you for the best ending to my 2014. I’m so looking forward to the new year with you. I’m sure it will be the best ever, and also the coming years. Looking forward to us, together!”

“Happy New Year, Sweetheart!” Richard grinned and caressed Maya’s hair lovingly. “We will have a very good one, especially now that you agreed to be my wife. I love you my Mrs. Lim to be, very, very much! You made me the happiest guy this evening! I’m looking forward to our long and happy life together, with the beautiful children that we will have.”

“Ditto, Mr. Lim! I love you very much. My heart is so full!” Maya replied lovingly with her arms around Richard’s nape, teasingly caressing him. “ And how many kids do you want Mr. Lim?”

“Hmmm, how about half a dozen, Sweetheart!” He replied, grinning.

“Kalahating dosena!!!” Maya exclaimed. “Sweetheart, parang ang dami naman yata.”

“Well, sabi nga, di ba ‘the more, the merrier’! Richard kissed Maya’s lips lightly. “Since we are both only kids, I want a big family. But of course, it depends on you too, and what God will give us.”

“I agree, Sweetheart. Malungkot ang mag-isang anak. Though, lucky rin ako since nandiyan sina Ate Cris and Lino. Basta kung saan ka, doon ako. Six kung six!” Maya said, grinning at her husband to be.

“So, Sweetheart, maybe, we should work on it now, para makarami.” Richard whispered teasingly, naughtily. “Simulan na natin.”

“Ha!” Maya said, surprised, at the same time, she blushed, getting Richard’s joke, her imagination conjuring Richard and her in a bedroom, making passionate love. “Sweetheart, ikaw talaga.” She managed to say, lovingly pinching Richard on the side.

“Welll, ang sa akin lang…” Richard said, with a huge smile on his face, teasing, loving the way, Maya is reacting to his teasing.

Maya and Richard shared a heated look, then smiled at each other lovingly. Richard hugged Maya from the back, his arms wrapped around her waist, and they both looked up at the sky and the infinite stars decorating it and felt this overwhelming happiness, looking at the future with so much joy. The fireworks joined the stars in lighting up the night as they continue celebrating their engagement, in their own private world.

When the noise from the firecrackers had died down, and only the stars decorating the night after the beautiful fireworks to celebrate their engagement, Richard and Maya, arms around each other returned to the house which had been like a real home for the two of them the past several days.

Upon reaching the veranda, Richard surprised Maya when he put his arm around her knees, then the other one on her back, and carried her across the threshold!

“Sweetheart!!!” Maya blurted out as she held on to dear life.” What is that for?”

“Well, isn’t that what the tradition says?” Richard replied with a big grin on his face.

“Yes, but that is for newly-weds! We just got engaged!” Maya smiled, looking up at Richard’s handsome face.

“Well, you know what, Sweetheart, I feel like we are this evening, that we did, with the commitment we made to each other. I’m committed to you for life. You are the only one until I die. I do want us to get married, the soonest if you will agree with me, as I want God to bless our union and share our happiness with our families and friends.” Richard said passionately as he put down Maya, then cupping her chin to look deeply into her eyes.

“Oh, Sweetheart! I feel the same way too. Yes, we can get married the soonest.” Maya assured Richard. She too does not want a long engagement as they have waited long enough to be together. She wanted to start their life together the soonest. “Is in three months time, okay with you?”

“Hmmm, how about tomorrow, or next week?” Richard countered, grinning. “Para we can start na talaga on our half a dozen kids.”

“Sweetheart! It’s too soon! Saka, ikaw ha, one track mind!” Maya pouted and protested good-naturedly. “I’m sure your Mama and my Tita Lulu will protest too if we just elope and have the wedding next week!”

“Biro lang, Sweetheart. Three months is okay with me.” Richard lightly kissed Maya. “I can wait, Maya, for everything.” He added meaningfully.

“Thank you, Ricky.” Maya replied as they walked towards their rooms. When they reached Maya’s room, she said good night to Richard.

“Sweet dreams, my love.” Maya said lovingly.

“Of course, Sweetheart! For sure, ikaw ang magiging laman ng panaginip ko.” Richard cupped Maya’s face, then lowered his lips to hers. “Soon, we don’t have to part for the night.” He said heatedly.

Maya blushed suddenly, imagining waking up with Richard beside her, and more. She smiled at him sweetly, trying to still her fast beating heart and her physical reaction to Richard’s heated gaze. “I’m so looking forward to waking up beside you, Ricky.”

They shared another searing kiss before parting for the night.

Maya looked at her engagement ring one more time, before she proceeded to take a shower. It was probably past one o’clock in the morning, but she was very much wide awake. Maya guessed it was because of hers and Richard’s unforgettable evening, coupled with the long nap she had in the afternoon.

Maya tried to sleep, but every time she relived the events of the previous night, the harder it was to sleep. After half an hour of tossing and turning, she decided to go to the kitchen and make herself a glass of warm milk. Maybe it will relax her and make her fall asleep finally.

She stopped just before she opened her bedroom door, debating whether she would change into regular clothes or just go down in her chosen sleep wear that night, a tank top and short shorts. She opted not to since it was in the middle of the night and besides it was just Richard and her there, and he is probably very much in sleep land by that time.

Maya opened her bedroom door at the same time Richard was opening his. They surprised each other at the hallway leading to the kitchen!

“Sweetheart!”

“Sweetheart!”

“Hindi ka rin makatulog?” Maya asked Richard who was only clad in pajama bottoms, his muscled chest bare to her gaze. She felt herself catching her breath. The effect of a shirtless Richard in the middle of the night was double than what she usually feel at the sight of him wearing his swim shorts!

“Hindi eh, Sweetheart! I was remembering our wonderful evening!” Richard replied, noticing that Maya was only clad in a very sexy tank top and shorts that showed off her endless legs. He also noticed that she was without a bra! Heat pooled in inside him at the sight before he can stop his reaction to the lovely view she presented to him. “Ikaw rin ba? Saan ang punta mo?”

Maya getting self-conscious with her skimpy attire and Richard’s heated gaze which he tried to mask, had to take deep breaths before she can reply. “Sa kitchen, magtitimpla sana ng milk. Hindi kasi ako antukin. Naalala ko rin ang evening natin.”

Richard smiled at his fiancee lovingly. “I’m glad, hindi pa ako nag-iisa na hindi makatulog. Halika, let’s make your milk and I will get my glass of water,” he said as he put his hand on Maya’s back to propel her to the kitchen. Maya shivered at Richard’s touch. Richard felt a jolt also, but he tried to control his body’s reaction.

Maya went straight to the kettle and filled it with water, while Richard on the other hand, poured himself a glass of water which he gulped in one go. Several minutes after, Maya was stirring her glass of milk. She put it down on the table to get herself a glass of water too. Apparently, Richard was intending to do the same. They collided. Richard steadied Maya.

“Sorry, Sweetheart!” He said, holding Maya in the arms with only a small space separating them. “Are you okay?”

“Y-yes, I’m okay.” Maya managed to say, very much aware of Richard’s proximity and the fact that he was not wearing a shirt, and her hand encounted bare flesh when she steadied herself against him. She sounded breathless.

Richard, on the other hand, was unable to take his eyes off Maya’s twin peaks, clearly outlined by the form-fitting top she was wearing.

Richard and Maya’s eyes met and the awareness of each other which has been simmering since the afternoon at the back waterfall, rose to the surface with a force they were unable to stop anymore. They looked heatedly at each other. They were overcame with a desire so strong, which they can’t fight anymore.

“Maya….” Richard whispered longingly before lowering his lips to hers.

Richard gave Maya a searing kiss, putting all the love, want and desire he was feeling for her in that one kiss. Maya opened her lips to accept Richard’s kiss. She responded in kind. Richard kissed Maya thoroughly before seeking entrance to her mouth. Their tongues sought each other and engaged into a love duel. They can’t seemed to get enought of each other. Their passion so strong, that they forgot everything else and their awareness was centered on each other.

Richard’s hand crept into the hem of Maya’s tank top and sought her twin peaks.

“Ricky….” Maya said breathlessly as Richard’s questing hand found her breast and fondled it lovingly. She felt electrocuted when his thumb found her aching peak and tweaked it. Richard gave the same loving attention to the other one. The twin assault on her mouth and her breasts was almost too much for Maya. She felt like she was on fire and her knees are going wobbly on her.

Richard too felt like he was on fire, wanting Maya very much. He too had a hard time controlling his desires as Maya caresses leave a trail of hot want in his system.

“Sweetheart, I want you very much.” He managed to say to her in his desire-laden voice. “I’m losing it. I think we better stop while we still can. I promised to wait.”

“Ricky, Sweetheart. I want you very much too.” Maya replied. “We don’t have to stop.” She managed to say, then she initiated the hot kiss that had their desires for each other spiking and sending them off to the place where they both wanted to be.

Richard gave in to the heat of the moment. He trailed hot kisses on Maya’s neck, while his hand was busy loving her breasts and teasing her maddeningly. Maya was going crazy with the assault to her senses. If not for the kitchen counter behind her, she would have been a puddle on the floor. Her knees were just about to buckle under. She caressed Richard and gave him a trail of hot kisses to on his shoulder, then mimicked what he did to her by touching him there too, which almost made him totally lose it.

With both of them wanting more, Richard carried Maya back to her bedroom. He put her gently on the bed, then looked at her well kissed mouth and breasts that were aching to be touched and be loved again and again.

“You are so beautiful and so desirable, Sweetheart.” He said lovingly, before slowly removing Maya’s top while giving her another searing kiss.

When Richard saw Maya’s perfect breasts, he looked at her with so much heat that Maya felt an answering heat that travel from her breasts to her core. Richard removed his pajama and it was Maya’s turn to gasped, loving the way her fiance is built, all muscles, so beautiful, and she too wanted to kiss that muscled chest lovingly.

Richard proceeded to love Maya after slowly removing her last piece of clothing, her shorts. He trailed kisses all over her face, neck, the valley between her breasts, her twin peaks and below, to her core. His passion driving them wilder and wilder until they both can’t take it anymore. They needed relief.

“Richard….” Maya moaned so swept away with the tide of passion she was feeling in the arms of the only man she will ever love. “I want…..”

“Maya, Sweetheart…” Richard muttered in his passion-laden voice. He understood what Maya meant but unable to verbalize. He positioned himself on top of Maya and slowly slipped into her, taking into consideration her innocence.

Maya felt the initial pain, but after she got used to Richard’s size and length, she nodded, and they moved together. It was slow at first, then it built up, until it reached a frenzy and their passion for each other became too much. They reached the peak together. Their sighs and moans where the only sound in the dark room as they flew to fulfilment, physically melding.

“Sweetheart, are you okay?” Richard asked Maya lovingly and gently after he managed to catch his breath after that soul altering experience with Maya. What he felt when they finally reached the height of pleasure together was indescribable. He caressed her hair.

“I’m okay, Sweetheart.” Maya managed to say. She too was still feeling the after effects of what she and Richard experienced moments ago. She felt like she was one with him, body and soul. She knew that both of them didn’t plan for this, but she never regret it. “Thank you for being gentle with me, my love.”

Richard smiled and looked at his future wife lovingly. “Sweetheart, I love you very much. Being with you like that, was indescribable. Only you made me feel like that.”

“The same for me, Sweetheart! I felt joined to you, body and soul.” Maya lightly kissed Richard’s lips.

Richard moved to get a better angle and gave Maya a searing kiss. Their desires for each other rekindled again. But Richard knew that it maybe to soon for Maya. He stopped, put his arms around her and then the blanket over them. They didn’t bother to put their clothes back on. They slept in each other’s arms without a stitch on.

Richard woke up before Maya. The sun was very much up. It was probably around nine o’clock in the moving. Maya was still sleeping so soundly beside him. The comforter barely covering her nakedness! They must have both kicked it off during the night. She looked so beautiful sleeping peacefully with a ghost of a smile on her lovely face.

He reclined with his head supported by his hand as he looked at his beautiful fiancee. He was very much looking forward to making love to her, but he never expected it would happened on the night thy got engaged, the happiest moment of his life so far and it got happier the physical expression of their love for each other. Indeed, it was a wonderful start to a beautiful year for him and his beloved. Waking up beside her like this is the best feeling ever.

Richard slowly caressed Maya’s cheek with the back of his hand, remembering their  night together. His passionate love. He will never get enough of her and the love for her is just overflowing. Maya slowly opened her eyes and when she saw Richard, she gave him the most beautiful smile.

“Good morning, Sweetheart!” Maya said, looking at Richard with so much love. So this is how it feels, she mused. She felt like she was at the top of the world and that she can take on anything.

“Good morning, Sweetheart! How are you?” Richard asked solicitously. In th light of day, he also wants to be sure that Maya is not regretting them making beautiful love during the night.

“I’m okay, Sweetheart.” Maya replied, then realized, what was Richard’s underlying question. “And I don’t regret us making love last night. It was the most wonderful thing, to be joined to you like that. I love you and like you, I’m committed to you for life, with or without a ring. We have proven that the past seven years we were apart.”

“Oh, Sweetheart. Thank you. I love you so. I don’t want you to have regrets, thinking that what happened was too soon.” Richard cupped Maya’s face, then lowered his head to give her a kiss.

“Ricky, hindi pa ako nagto-toothbrush!” Maya suddenly became self-conscious, covering her mouth.

“I don’t care.” Richard said, smiling. Then proceded to give her a searing good morning kiss.

However, the kiss was like a match that sparked off the fire between them again. Before they knew it, they were at each other, wanting to temporarily slake off their unquenchable thirst for each other.

It was already around noon, when Maya and Richard managed to get out of bed to satisfy their hunger for food, this time. The shower took longer than usual as Richard surprised Maya by joining her there. They spent the rest of the first day of 2015 in each other’s arms, so completely lost in their own world. Indeed, it was the best new year celebration ever for the two of them.

Note: Happy Sunday to you all! Thanks for the comments! ❤ 🙂

Culmination

“Wake up, my Cinderella!”  Richard said softly, looking lovingly at his sleeping girlfriend, or if his heart’s fervent desire will be granted tomorrow, his fiancee. Not contented with just looking at her, he started giving her feather kisses on her brows, eyes, cheeks and finally her pouty lips.

Maya at first thought, she was dreaming, and what a very nice dream it was!  She dreamt that Richard was kissing her oh so softly and lovingly after he called her his Cinderella. She mumbled, “Yes, my Prince Charming.” Then slowly, she opened her eyes and the first thing she saw was her boyfriend’s handsome face, with a big, loving smile on his lips.

“Hello, Sweetheart!” Richard said. “ I hate to wake you up when you are sleeping so peacefully, but it is getting late and it looks like it’s going to rain. The roads going down may turn muddy and slippery.”

“Hi Sweetheart! I thought I was dreaming. In my dreams I heard you called me ‘Cinderella’!” Maya said cupping Richard’s face affectionately. “That’s why I called you, Prince Charming!”

“I did. When I first met you, I thought that you were like Cinderella. You disappeared into the night after you captivated me.” Richard said, smiling. “The difference was, she left a glass slipper for her prince, and you just disappeared into thin air, as if I just imagined you! But I can’t be, since I was never the same since then.”

“Ikaw talaga, Sweetheart, grabe ka talagang magpakilig. Akala ko ba nagmamadali tayo at uulan na?” Maya kissed Richard’s lips lightly. Then looked him in the eyes with so much love. “You know what, you looked like Prince Charming too, the first time I caught a glimpse of you from the stage.”

“I love you, Maya. I thank God every day that we found each other again.”  Richard said, overcame with emotions. He will never get enough of loving her and thanking God and fate that they met again and is having this second chance.

“Me too, Ricky! I love you very much.” Maya replied, touching his beloved face.

Maya and Richard shared a kiss, then another, and another, until they got lost in their world again. They only realized it when the sound of the rain interrupted their interlude.

“Naku, Ricky, inabutan na tayo ng ulan!” Maya sat up from the hammock, her lips so well-kissed.

“Okay lang, Sweetheart. Mukhang hindi naman malakas at matagal. Palipasin lang ng natin ng kaunti.” Richard laid down on the hammock more comfortably and reeled Maya back to his chest and cuddled with her.

“This is the nicest!” Richard remarked, smiling broadly. “You in my arms like this, as we watch the falling rain and in a world of our own. I can stay like this forever!”

“Forever, Sweetheart?” Maya asked suddenly, liking the idea of a forever with this wonderful guy.

“Yes, why not, Sweetheart?” Then whispered lovingly, “I want a forever with you, Maya.”

“Oh, Sweetheart! I would like that too.” Maya hugged Richard tight, then gave him a quick kiss. “I would like that too, Ricky.”

Richard grinned broadly, hearing that. His heart somersaulted with joy. He is so looking forward to the evening he had been planning for Maya and him tomorrow.

Maya and Richard stayed an hour more in the hut, contented to watch the rain with their bodies intertwined, closer not only physically, bt emotionally as they felt they have unconsciously stepped into another level of their relationship that afternoon.

It was tricky going down the mountains with the road muddied. But Richard turned out to be very skilled at navigating the tricky road. He told Maya that during his 20s, he used to do a lot of dirt bike riding with his friends from the university. Like going up, it was an exhilarating ride going down with Maya holding on to Richard’s waist tight, their thighs rubbing as they navitaged the rough road.

Richard and Maya reached the resort, both slightly wet and muddied as there was still a bit of a drizzle when they left the falls and there were puddles of water on the road which they hit quite a lot, and every time they did so, Maya laughed and shrieked happily, waiting for the splash of the muddy water. There were instances where Richard teased Maya and deliberately hit the puddles, which earned him loving pinches from her.

They were a sight. Catherine just shook her head when she saw them. She also envied their obvious happiness at how their afternoon turned out. They waved at her, then went straight to the bungalow and took a shower.

Richard was coming out of the kitchen, wearing navy blue loose cotton pants and a polo shirt, with two steaming cups of coffee when Maya went down after her refreshing shower. She was dress in a long flowing skirt with ethnic prints and a salmon coloured sleeveless blouse.

“Just what I need, Sweetheart.” Maya took the tray from Richard and brought it to the veranda. She put it on the coffee table and made a cup for Ricky. “What are our plans for this evening, Sweetheart?”

“Hmmm, I’m thinking, we can just stay in tonight. Have dinner brought here, then we can watch movies. Parang with this weather, it’s just very nice to stay indoors.” Richard sipped his coffee and enjoyed the first rush of the hot drink through his system. “Unless of course, you want  to do something else.”

“Your plan is perfect Sweetheart, just what I have in mind as well.” Maya smiled. “It’s nice like this, just the two of us!”

“Great! I will just order our dinner, Sweetheart. What would you like?” Richard fished his mobile phone from his pocket.

“Hmmm, how about sinigang na hipon or anything na may sabaw. Parang masarap kainin in this weather!” Maya suggested.

“Okay, I like that as well.” Richard called the restaurant and order sinigang na hipon, as well as grilled pork with ensaladang mangga and bagoong, grilled eggplant, and calamares for their appetizer. For dessert, he ordered buco pandan.

“Kaya ba nating lahat na kainin iyan, Sweetheart?” Mara remarked smiling when Richard put his phone down.

“Kaya iyan, Sweetheart. We haven’t eaten since our picnic.” Richard sat down again and resumed drinking his coffee.

“Sabagay.” Maya said she said smiling. She also realized that she was very hungry and her tummy was grumbling a bit, just thinking of the food they will have.

More than an hour later, their dinner arrived. It was a lot of food for two people but surprisingly, they worked an appetite for everything. Maya felt like her tummy was groaning from all the delicious food she and Richard enjoyed eating as the dining room of the house overlooking Donya Esmeralda’s flower garden. They left the door opened, to let in the smell of the roses, and other flowers which she can’t identify in the dark, in bloom.  The screen door served as a deterrent to small insects and mosquitoes. Maya remarked to Richard that they never gotten around to fully exploring the garden. Richard promised that they wil do so the next day.

Soon after the restaurant staff tidied up and pick up the dishes, Richard and Maya settled into the living room and watched an old movie musical, ‘Gigi’, which Richard borrowed from his mother’s collection of movies in the house. When the movie was ending, Richard noticed that Maya was not saying anything much and when he checked from where she was half-lying, on his broad chest, he realized that she had fallen asleep. Too much activities in one afternoon, plus their sumptuous dinner lulled her into sleep!

Richard smiled lovingly at his sleeping girlfriend. He carried her to the guest bedroom. Maya didn’t even stir when he put her down the bed. he made her comfortable, covered her with comforter, then gazed lovingly at his sleeping beloved before kissing her good night and closing the door softly.

Unlike Maya, Richard found it difficult to fall asleep. His mind was full of his upcoming proposal to Maya. He smiled happily, several more hours and their journey to forever will start. When he managed to fall asleep, he dreamt of two kids playing with him and Maya in the spot where they have been near the falls, a beautiful girl with mischief in her eyes and cute little boy with an angelic expression on his face as he looks at his mom.

The following morning, Maya woke up with a start. “Oh no, I slept on Ricky again!” Maya muttered, seeing that it was quite bright outside and she was still wearing the clothes she wore the night before. She got out of bed fast and took a quick shower, with the intention of making breakfast for Richard to make up for conking out on him again.

Several minutes after, she walked down towards the direction of the kitchen. The house was very quiet. She was hoping that Richard was still in bed. However, when she walked into the kitchen she noticed the coffee being brewed in the coffee maker in the corner. But no signs of Richard. She walked towards the opened sliding doors that led to Donya Esmeralda’s flower garden and that’s where  she saw him, putting finishing touches on the breakfast he had been putting on the table.

“Good morning, Sweetheart! Glad that you are up! I was about to get you.” Richard smiled at Maya as he put forks and spoons on the placemats he had put on the table.

Maya walked briskly towards Richard, gave her a hug. “Sweetheart, tinulugan na naman pala kita. I’m so sorry.” She said in a contrite tone. Then proceed to help him.

“It’s completely okay, Maya. You must have been tired from our outing at the falls.” Richard caressed her face. “Besides, I like putting you to bed like that.”

“Sobrang swerte ko naman talaga sa iyo, Sweetheart. I love you so.” Maya said. “I feel so love and cherished. Thank you.”

“Sabi ko naman sa ito, Maya, for you, anything.” Richard said lovingly. “Halika na breakfast na tayo. I had the restaurant staff cooked us champorado and tuyo for breakfast! Parang masarap din this morning!”

“I agree with you. Medyo matagal na rin akong hindi nakakain ng mga ito.” Maya thanked Richard as he seated her on the chair facing Donya Esmeralda’s magnifiicent garden. “Wow, your mom’s garden is really very beautiful! I can spend hours here. Who maintains it when she is not here?”

“Mama hired a very good gardener who tends it lovingly. We got lucky with Mang Jaime.”  Richard sipped the coffee Maya made for him, savouring the taste. Maya really has a knack for making it better. “I thought the best time to see this place is in the morning , when the sun is just coming out from that direction, so I had breakfast set up here.”

“Thank you, Sweetheart.” Maya said simply, lovingly, putting her hand on top of Richard’s. “You are making me so very, very, happy everyday.”

“You don’t have to thank me all the time, Sweetheart. It makes me so happy to see you happy. I love making you happy.” Richard put his other hand on top of his and Maya’s clasped hands. “I will be happy to do it for the rest of our lives.” Richard added obliquely, looking at Maya intently as if looking deep into her soul.

Maya’s heart made a lurch. This is not the first time Richard hinted of a forever between them. Her heart sang. She smiled at him lovingly. “And I the same, Richard! I would like to make you happy too!”

“You are, Maya! You are! You don’t know how much.” Richard lowered his lips to Maya and gave her a sweet kiss.

They resumed eating several long moments later. After the breakfast that they had enjoyed so much, Richard and Maya opted to stay in the bungalow, just lazing around. After lunch, Richard told Maya that he will just meet someone again. Maya said to go ahead as she would just read a book.

Richard went to the main resort to talk to Catherine and Aldrich and to check if everything is in place for his special evening with Maya. His two co-conspirators were beside themselves in excitement with what is about to take place that evening. There is even an added kilig on Catherine’s part. Richard smiled at them. His happiness was overflowing!

When Richard returned to the house, he found Maya in the day bed in the garden, her half-read book lying on her chest. She was napping. He gave her a quick kiss, then joined her there. They had a very restful nap amid Donya Esmeralda’s flowers and the centuries old trees that shelter the bed and made the place cooler.

They were woken up from their nap by the loud sound of a firecracker going off. That early, someone was already welcoming the new year. Maya realized that it was already twilight.

“Ricky, Sweetheart! Grabe, ang haba ng tulog natin!” Maya exclaimed. “Pagabi na pala.”

“It’s so nice here with you, Sweetheart. I slept like a babe.” Richard stretched his muscular arms upwards, shaking off sleep.

“We forgot to talk earlier about our plans this evening. I assumed that we will just go the resort to welcome the new year, with the other guests?” Maya asked. “Or do you have another plan in mind?”

Richard gave her a mysterious smile, then looked discreetly at his watch. “Just get ready, Sweetheart. I’ll see you in an hour or so.” Before Maya could ask more questions, he took hold of her hand and led her inside the house. He deposited her in front of her room and with a big smile left her there, whistling a line from West Side Story, “Tonight, tonight/ It all began tonight/ I saw you and the world went away….”

“What happened kaya kay Ricky? Parang nagmamadali at sobrang excited!” Maya mused, but shrugged it off. She too felt very excited for this evening for some unexplainable reason. Maybe, because this will be hers and Richard’s first new year’s celebration together.

Maya took a bath. She was at a lost on how to dress for dinner as she forgot to ask Richardif they need to dress up. Come to think of it, she mused, he was a bit evasive!  Since it was New Year’s Eve, Maya decided to dress up a bit. Good thing, she always brings a more dressy outfit every time she goes somewhere as she never knows what will happen. She likes being prepared and that help during this trip, when Richard and her decided to extend! This time, she packed a violet cocktail dress that reached to her knees and hugged her curves. The dress is sleeveless and classically cut, with a deep V neckline.

When she had finished dressing up, Maya went out of the room and looked for Richard. His room was opened, and yet no sign of Richard. He was not in any of their usual meeting places. When she reached the front porch, she noticed the big bouquet of sunflowers on the hammock there. Attached to the beautiful flowers was a note from Richard that they will have dinner by the beach, and that he would be waiting for her there.

Maya took the flowers with her. She walked down the path leading to the beach. By then, she had realized that she was in for another surprise treat from Richard. What it was she had no clue, but is looking forward at finding out! The path was lit by candles in colourful glasses. When Maya was nearing the beach, she saw a table,  inside a tent festooned with capiz lanterns, beautifully set for two, with flowers of all variety decorating the middle. The table also sat on a big platform with red carpet. When she reached it, she asaw a group of musicians by the far side of the tent. She was about to check where Richard is, when he came behind the musicians. He was dressed in jeans, shirt and a sports jacket, similar to what he wore the first time they saw each other in San Nicolas all those years ago. He had a big smile on his face.

“Ricky, this is so beautiful!” Maya remarked, looking around with wonder, placing the flowers she was carrying on the table. “What a wonderful surprise! Thank you, Sweetheart.”

“I’m glad you like it.” Richard gazed at Maya, lovingly. “May I dance with you, Ms. Maya Dela Rosa!” He held out his hand to her.

“Here, Sweetheart?” Maya said smiling, with her heart beating so fast.

“Yes!” Richard simply said, and waited for her to take his hand.

When Maya did, the musicians started playing the melody from ‘Love Has Come of Age!

“Oh , Sweetheart, I so love that song! We will dance to our song!” Maya went into Richard’s arms and they danced to the beautiful music being sang by the two singers in the group, as close as two people could be, cheek to cheek, body to body and heart to heart.

“You know, if this was seven years ago and this was the main room of the San Nicolas Golf and Country Club, this was the first thing I would have done the first opportunity I got, ask you to dance with me.” Richard murmured softly to Maya as he savoured this moment with her, caressing her hair.

“Really!” Maya looked up at Richard’s handsome face. “And if you did, I would have said yes, to the exclusion of anyone else there.”

“I would have danced the night away with you,” Richard continued. “Then I would have asked if I could take you home, and see you again, and again until we got to know each other better. Then, I would court you and declare my feelings for you. Then if you had agreed to be my girlfriend, I would have proposed to you and ask you to be with me for always.”

“Oh Ricky….” By this time, Maya’s heart was galloping from the emotions she was feeling, waiting on what he would say next and where this would lead.

“Then if you had said yes, we would have been married and probably have several kids now.” Richard continued saying in his voice, full of love for Maya. “It didn’t happen seven years ago, but as we are meant to be, what we have started seven years ago, came to fulfilment this time. We are having another opportunity for that love that didn’t come to a culmination the first time around. I’m so glad to have a second chance with you, Maya.”

Richard then let go of Maya, knelt on one knee before her, got something from his pocket, and asked her with all the love he is feeling what he had been wanting to ask her fervently, “Marry me, please. Let’s not waste our second chance. I want a forever with you, Maya.”

Maya felt tears in her eyes from sheer happiness. She had difficulty breathing from the loud thumping of her heart. Here it is the promise of forever with Richard. She didn’t have inkling that Richard is planning a proposal, this evening. But the night is so perfect for this, the moment so right. Filled with emotion, she knelt before him too, touched his beloved face, then softly said,”Yes!”

Richard grinned, so very happy that Maya agreed to be his wife! He gently put the beautiful platinum ring on her finger, kissed her hand, then guided her up. He caressed her face, then lowered his lips to her. They shared their first kiss as an engaged couple, with all the love they are feeling, as the singers where singing the most beautiful part of the song. ‘I never knew that I could feel such wonder/I never dreamed that love could be like this/Yet in this rapture I’m swept away/Lost in your eyes/For tonight, Love has come of age….”

“I love very much my beautiful fiancee.” Richard whispered lovingly, so full of love for his Cinderella.

“I love you very much too, my husband to be.” Maya whispered back. She felt like she was floating on air. She felt like she was dreaming, but seeing Richard’s handsome face so full of love for her, she knows that this is real.

Richard led Maya to the table, while the musicians quietly faded away into the night. Richard prepared a feast for his proposal dinner, including a bottle of the best champagne that Donya Esmeralda could get hold of. While they were eating, Maya asked Richard how did he pull the proposal in such a short time. Richard told her that he had help from his mother and told her of James’s special trip to Mindoro the day before for all the things he needed for this.

“Sweetheart, you are the best ever when it comes to surprises.” Maya said as she and Richard were enjoying their dessert. “I’m looking forward to meeting your mother, I mean meeting her as your fiancee, and thanking her too!” Maya felt very happy saying the word, fiancee! She and Richard are now engaged and it fills her with so much happiness.

“She is looking forward to meeting you too, Sweetheart. She told me, I better bring you to the house as my fiancee.” Richard said smiling.

Richad and Maya walked down the beach barefooted, enjoying the cool breeze after their long and leisurely dinner. They also brought the rest of the champagne with them, and a mat. They laid down on the mat when they found the perfect spot, and watched the countless stars, waiting for the coming of the new year, in their own private world. At midnight, the sky was lit by a thousand fireworks. Richard told Catherine and Aldrich to make it extra special that evening as they will not be just be welcoming the new year, but celebrating his and Maya’s engagement as well, if everything went according to plan, which it did, beautifully.

“To us, Sweetheart!” Richard said, hugging Maya tight and kissing her hair.

“To us, Sweetheart.” Maya replied lovingly, giving Richard a quick kiss too.

Richard and Maya toasted each other. Both of them grinning goofily. Then they shared a long, heated kiss, so full of love they have for each other, as the old year gave way to the new one, and with it, the start of their beautiful life together, finally!

Note: And finally, I’m back! 🙂

Rhythm

Richard woke up early the following morning and just like what he did Sunday morning, he made breakfast for Maya. He could have ordered something from the resort’s restaurant, but he likes doing these little touches for the love of his life. This time, he made pancakes for her. When it was done, he put everything in a tray, including a long stemmed red rose that he cut from the garden at the side of the house.

“Come in, Ricky!” Maya said after Richard’s third knock on her door. She has an idea that Richard is bringing her breakfast in bed again. She planned on doing it for him again that morning, but it seems her sweetheart beat her to it.

Richard entered the room with a big smile for Maya. He just feels to happy, seeing her like this, with him. Maya also had a big smile for Richard. She loves his thoughtfulness and them being together like this, enjoying their special moments.

“Good morning, Sweetheart!” Maya greeted Richard, still in bed and she had obviously just woken up. She looks very beautiful to Richard with her hair all tousled from sleep. “Wow, breakfast in bed again! Hanap-hanapin ko ito pagbalik natin ng Maynila.”

“Hmmm, I can go to your place every morning.” Richard said, grinning. He likes that idea very much.

“Ikaw na talaga, Sweetheart ang the best boyfriend in the world!” Maya replied, getting out of the bed to help Richard with the tray. “Thank you very much. I love you very much, Ricky.”

“I love you more, Maya, Sweetheart.” Richard replied lovingly. “Halika na at ng matikman mo na ang pinakamasarap na pancake na matitikman mo.” He said in jest.

“Hmmm, I’m pretty sure, iyan nga ang pinakamasarap na pancake na matitikman ko kasi ikaw kaya ang may gawa niyan.” Maya said, giving Richard a quick kiss on the cheek.

Instead of the bed, they opted to have breakfast that morning at the coffee table by the window.

“Maya, would it be okay if I leave you here for an hour? I just need to meet someone at 9 o’clock. Siguro, it will take me an hour or less. Then when I come back, I’m yours!” Richard said as he and Maya were enjoying their coffee after finishing their breakfast. “May gusto ka bang puntahan in particular today?”

“Sure, Ricky, take your time. I will just read a book while waiting for you. I will make us lunch.” Maya suggested. “Wala naman akong ibang gustong puntahan or plans maliban doon sa trip natin sa San Nicolas the other day.”

“Okay, good. About lunch, don’t cook na. I think I know where we could spend the day.” Richard said smiling.

“Saan?” Maya asked, curious.

“Basta, Sweetheart! It’s a surprise. Just get ready. I’ll be back around 10 o’clock. Wear comfortable clothes and put your swimsuit under.” Richard told Maya. “You will like the place.”

“Okay, just surprise me.” Maya said smiling. She is getting used now to Richard’s  spontaneous gestures and surprises for her. “I’ll take care of the dishes and tidying up the kitchen. Get going na at baka ma-late ka pa sa kausap mo.”

Richard looked at his watch. “Hmmm, maaga pa naman. I’ll help you.”

“Ricky, let me do it na lang.” Maya insisted.

“Okay, sige. I’ll just go take a shower.” Richard said. “Thank you, Sweetheart. Oh, by the way, sorry the kitchen is a bit of a mess. Hindi ko na masyadong na-tidy up.” Richard said apologetically.

“I’ll take care of it. It’s not a problem.” Maya assured him.

Maya and Richard left the bedroom together. Richard went back to his room to get ready. James is arriving at 9 o’clock with the ring and other things he had requested from his mother.

When Maya went to the kitchen, she understood what Richard meant. The kitchen counter was covered with the stuffs he used in making the pancakes. She buckled down to work.

Several minutes after, Richard sought Maya to say goodbye. From the doorway leading to the kitchen, he saw her so concentrated in washing the dishes while singing the song he played to her last Saturday. She had taken an instant liking to it and told him that it will be their ‘theme song’.

He slowly approach, then gently put his arm around her waist from behind, then nuzzled her hair lovingly. “You sound very happy belting out our ‘theme song’.” He said softly.

“Ricky! Yes I like it a lot.” Maya said smiling, tilting her head to look at Richard. “Are you going na?”

“Yes, I’ll see you in an hour or so. Bye, I love you.” Richard said as he gave Maya a quick kiss on the lips.

Maya continued with the household chores with a very happy heart. With this time in Mindoro, she felt that she and Richard are like a husband and wife having a wonderful moment together.

Richard was also whistling a happy tune as he drove to the helipad to meet James and Andy. He passed by the main resort and took Aldrich with him to meet the pilots. They didn’t wait long, as several minutes, they heard the sound of the chopper.

“Good morning, Richard!” James greeted after the chopper has settled in. “Your mother said you and Maya are staying longer. Here are the stuffs Mrs. Lim sent for you. Iyung iba ibababa na ni Andy.” James handed Richard a small bag.

“Thank you for this James.” Richard said, getting the bag. Yes, it is here! He thought to himself, excited to see the ring, and for his proposal to Maya the following day.

Then Andy approached them with another bag.“Thank you, Andy. Aldrich can handle that.” He told Aldrich who was standing by his side to help Andy with the other things he requested from his mother.

“No worries, Richard.” James smiled. “How’s Maya?”

“Oh, she is okay, very happy to be back in Mindoro after so many years. I left her in the house.” Richard replied. “Last Sunday, we went to San Nicolas to visit her Mamang’s grave and walked around the poblacion.”

“That’s nice! I still remember her Mamang, a jolly woman and thought the world of Maya.” James said. “Please say hello to Maya from me.”

“I will.” Richard said. He then shook both pilots hands and thanked them again.

“Sir Richard, Sir James, excuse po, nailagay ko na po lahat sa kotse iyong mga ibinigay ni Sir  Andy.” Aldrich said.

“Thanks, Aldrich. O paano James, I will go back to the resort na.” Richard said. “Hindi ka ba uuwi ng San Nicolas this holiday?”

“No, sa Manila kami sasalubong sa new year. My parents are staying at our house there. Doon na lang kami magkikita ng mga sister ko.” James replied. “O paano, Andy and I will go back to Manila na. We will just pick you up on January 3?”

“Yes, that’s correct. Thanks a lot again and Happy New Year to both of you. Enjoy the celebration” Richard said.

Richard and Aldrich went back to the main resort as James and Andy were taking off.

“Please give these to Catherine, Aldrich.” Richard told Aldrich when he dropped him off at the resort’s office, pointing to the stuffs from the chopper. “She knows already what she would do with those.”

“Okay po Sir Richard.”  Aldrich said as he got most of the stuffs from the back seat of the car. “By the way Sir, nag-text po si Robert, okay na raw po iyong pinagagawa niyo sa kanya.”  Aldrich said, referring to his cousin who also works at Emerald.

“That’s great! Please thank him for me.” Richard said, grinning. He is looking forward to seeing Maya’s expression when she sees his next treat to her.

Before he drove off, Richard opened the small bag that James gave him. He rummaged inside and look for the small velvet box that he knew would be there. He slowly opened it when he found it, excited at seeing the engagement ring for Maya that he asked his mother to buy. He smiled when he saw the beautiful platinum engagement ring for the love of his life. His mother really knows his taste. Richard put it back in the box and in the bag and drove off, humming ‘Love has come of age’!

Several minutes after, Richard arrived back at the house. He put the bag in his room and changed into jeans and a t-shirt before he looked for Maya. He found her at the back veranda, reading a book. Like that morning, he greeted her by nuzzling on her neck.

“I’m back, Sweetheart,” Richard said with a smile, hugging her from behind. “Nainip ka ba?”

“Hi Sweetheart, hindi naman. Inihanda ko pa ang things natin. I gather we will go swimming somewhere so I have towels for us and a change of clothes. Nasaan na ang mga gamit mo, I will put it in my bag.” Maya said, giving her boyfriend a kiss on the cheek. “Are we leaving na ba?”

“Yes, Sweetheart. Halika na.” Richard helped Maya up from the wicker chair where she was sitting. “Thanks, Sweetheart. Here. Pakilagay na lang ang mga ito.” He handed her his change of clothes.

Maya and Richard left the bungalow hand in hand. They stopped at the resort’s garage. Ricky asked Maya to wait for him outside and when he came out, he was riding a motorcycle. He looked like Tom Cruise in ‘Top Gun’ in his jeans, shirt and helmet!

“Wow, Sweetheart, magmo-motor tayo!” Maya asked, smiling. “I haven’t ridden one in a very long time.”

“Yes, we are going to a waterfall up in the mountains st the other side of the resort. Ito lang ang makakaakyat doon. Put this on please.” Richard said as handed Maya a helmet.

Maya climbed behind Richard after putting on the helmet. She held on tight to his waist and they were on their way. It was an exhilarating ride up the rough road that lead to the base of the mountain. Richard liked the feel of Maya’s arms around him. Maya felt the same, so very close to Richard.

They left the motorcycle at the entrance of the place. Richard opened the gate and after a short trek, they arrived at the base of a  beautiful waterfall. Before the rocks that surround the edge of the falls, Maya saw a picnic table laden with food. It even has a checkered blue and yellow table cloth and a vase of flowers in the middle.

“May picnic pa tayo!” Maya exclaimed, surprised at the treat before her.

“Yes, pinahanda ko ang mga iyan sa cousin ni Aldrich na staff din sa resort kanina. We can spend the day here, just relaxing, communing with nature and being with each other, alone. Off limits pa ang place na ito kasi hindi pa naaayos ang mga railing. Baka kasi may mga batang guests na hindi mapansin, dumiretso doon sa tubig.” Richard pointed to the side, ringed with slippery rocks.

“That’s a good idea! Pero this place will be a nice place for picnics nga and the water looks so cool and inviting.” Maya said. “Swimming muna tayo before eating? Hungry ka na ba?”

“Not yet. I was about to suggest that.” Richard said. “Suot mo na ba ang swimsuit mo?”

“Errr, yes.” Maya said, suddenly feeling shy about disrobing in front of Richard, even if it just meant removing her shorts and the loose top she was wearing over her swim wear, that is on second thought, but too late now, seems skimpy, and too sexy. Richard noticed Maya’s hesitation. He smiled.

“Hayan, sige, tatalikod na ako.” Richard simply said, smiling. He also started removing his shirt, then his jeans until he was only clad in a swimming trunks that fitted him so well.

Maya turned and saw him. She gulped. She should be used to his bare chest by now. But this is the first time she had seen him in a skimpy swimming trunks. Richard did the same when he saw Maya in her two-piece swimwear, the top tied at the back of her neck and the bottoms held together with ribbons!

“Let’s go.” He managed to say, trying to control his reaction to his sexy girlfriend’s body. He held Maya’s hand and led her to the steps built on the side. He went into the cold water first then assisted Maya down.

“Brrr, it’s cold!” Maya gasped. The shock of the cool water from the falls hitting her body full blast.

“You will get warm soon, Sweetheart. Just submerge yourself.” Richard assured Maya. “Let’s swim up to the ledge behind the falls.”

“Sure, is it safe to do so?” Maya looked nervously at the strong curtain of water falling from several feet above.

“I’m sure, Sweetheart! Don’t worry, I will take care of you. I have been there several times. The feeling is incredible. It is like you are in a world of your own.”

Richard then swam towards the curtain of water, with Maya in tow. He was gently gliding along, keeping escort to her. He led her to an opening where the water was not so strong. When they were behind the curtain of water, he went up the ledge and assisted Maya up. They sat on the ledge, feet dangling, and their arms around each other, marvelling at the beauty of the nature around them.

“Ricky, this is so beautiful!” Maya remarked. She can’t see beyond the falling water, but it was like being cocoon in a private world.

Richard grinned at her, so happy to see the wonder and amazement in her face. “I told you, Sweetheart.”

Richard and Maya keep still for several seconds, just enjoying the sound of the falling water and the quiet between them.

“Thank you for bringing me here.” Maya said after a while. “Thank you for this wonderful trip.”

“The best is yet to come, Sweetheart.” Richard said enigmatically, cupping her chin and rubbing his thumb along the seams of her lips.

Maya felt breathless, all of a sudden. Her senses suddenly reacted to that soft touch, coupled with his heated gaze. “The best? And what do you mean by that, Mr. Lim?” Maya asked, fighting the sensation she is starting to feel. She also realized that she and Ricky are barely clothed and here they were in a very romantic, secluded place. It felt like they were in a paradise of their own.

Richard gave her a lopsided smile. “Secret!”

“But….”Maya started to say, protesting, wanting to know.

Before Maya could finish asking and making kulit, Richard lowered his lips to hers, then shut her up with a searing kiss. He too, had been fighting the sensation it evokes in him, seeing Maya clad only in skimpy swimwear, with her nipples outlined by the wet swimsuit that clung lovingly to her beautiful body.

Maya returned Richard’s kiss and yielded to the sensation she was feeling. Richard sought entrance into Maya’s mouth. Maya let Richard in. He explored the inside of her mouth, caressing it with his tongue. His tongue sought hers, and their tongues duelled heatedly, passionately. At the same, Richard hand found its way on Maya’s skimpily clad breasts and started caressing one.

“Ricky….” Maya gasped at the feeling he was evoking in her. She felt like a current went through her. She started caressing Richard’s back and all the exposed skin she can touch.

“Maya, Sweetheart……” Richard’s lips left Maya’s mouth and trailed kisses to her neck, nipping here and there. It reached the valley between her breasts and like a heat seeking missile, zeroed in on a pebbled nipple.

“Oh, Sweetheart, that feels so….” Maya suddenly was at a  lost for words and just drowned in the sensation of Richard lips and tongue on her already sensitized nipple. His seeking mouth moved to her other breast and nipple, and gave them the same loving, maddening attention.

Richard felt like he was going to explode from the sheer reaction his body is experiencing from Maya’s touch and kisses. He took a deep breath and try to control his raging desire. He knows that this is not the place and the time to initiate Maya into the physical expression of their love for each other. He wanted to wait.

“Maya, Sweetheart, I think we should stop. I’m barely holding on to my control.” Richard managed to say, trying to breath normally and stopping himself from touching Maya’s delectable thoroughly kissed lips and her beautiful breasts that seem to be begging for his touch.

Maya looked at Richard with dazed expression too, trying to control her fast beating heart and her body’s reaction to Richard’s heated touch. She too, knows, that this is not the place and the time for taking their relationship to the physical level.

Richard hugged Maya to him, kissed her hair, then caressed her arm gently and slowly as they tried to fight the intense desire they are feeling for each other. Then they shared a loving smile.

“Let’s go cool off.” Richard said, smiling lovingly at Maya. “Nature’s version of a cold shower!”

Maya laughed at that, then said ruefully, teasingly, “Okay. I think I also need one.”

Richard and Maya dove into the cold water from the side of the waterfall. They swam to the middle, then floated, relaxing as they looked at the blue skies above. They also played like children, dunking each other, then when they can’t help it, shared kisses.

When Richard and Maya got tired of swimming, they went up and ate their delicious lunch. Robert also packed a thermos of coffee for them, which they enjoyed very much having after their delicious lunch. They sipped their coffee companionably while enjoying the sound of the water falling from several feet above.

Their swimsuits were almost dry after they have finished with their coffee. Richard put on a pair of shorts and another white t-shirt. Maya on the other hand, wrapped herself with a sarong loosely tied around her neck, like a halter dress.

“Come, I will show you something.” Richard took hold of Maya’s hand and led her to a clearing at the other side of the waterfall. In it, Maya saw an open hut with a hammock in the middle.

“It looks so inviting!” Maya remarked, seeing that the hut is in the middle of a small garden and overlooking the falls from another angle.

“I thought of putting several of these all over the place for relaxing. This is the first one.” Richard said. He then led Maya to the hammock. He climbed after her. “Now, we can have a very nice siesta!”

Maya hugged Richard and laid her head on his chest. Richard put his arms around Maya, cushioning her. “I love you very much, Sweetheart.” He said softly as he made the hammock swayed a bit. He just felt so happy with Maya in his arms like this.

“I love you very much too, Ricky.” Maya said, caressing him, getting lulled by the very relaxing place and with Richard’s arms around her.

“Go nap.” Richard told her. “We have the whole afternoon pa here if you want.”

“Okay, I feel sleepy nga.” Maya replied yawning. “Ikaw?”

“I will too. It is so nice, with you in my arms like this.” He said, smiling, then kissing the top of her head.

Richard and Maya fell asleep soon after, with their arms around each other, savouring the bliss in the little paradise they have found that Tuesday afternoon, very, very happy.

Unbeknown to Maya, her happiness will be doubled the following evening, with the best of all of Richard’s surprises for her.

Plans in motion

“Maya Sweetheart, what do you think of us staying here at the resort until after the New Year!” Richard suddenly asked while he and Maya were lying on a beach mat, and enjoying that nice, sunny and breezy Monday afternoon at the beach in front of their bungalow.

“Ha, why did you think of that all of sudden?” Maya asked, getting into a half-reclining position to better look at Richard, even if both of them were wearing sunnies at that time.

“Well, I just thought na parang bitin ang trip natin. I like here it here, very relaxing. I want to spend more time with you like this.” Richard said, as he too looked at Maya from he was lying down, with her his arms. Truth to tell, he had a hard time concentrating on the view with her looking so sexy in her swimsuit. “Di ba sa January, both of us will be busy na with work, lalo na at malapit nang mag-open iyong hotel sa BGC.”

“Hmmm, you may have a point there. I’m enjoying our time here too, very, very much.” Maya replied, then thinking out aloud, she said, “Sabagay, we have spent Christmas with our families na naman. Tita Lulu and Tito Mario are planning to celebrate the New Year in Tagaytay pero wala pang definite, sabi ni Tita Lulu kanina. Tapos, di ba your Mom and Dad are going abroad for the New Year?”

“Yes, Mama and Papa are spending the New Year in Hong Kong with some of my aunts and uncles. Seniors lakad daw so excuse kami ng mga cousin ko.” Richard said smiling.

“Okay, sige.” Maya said smiling. “I would like us to welcome the New Year together, our first as boyfriend and girlfriend.”

“Thank you, Sweetheart!” Richard grinning, hugging Maya tight in his happiness! “Yes, masosolo pa kita ng ilang araw!”

“Hahahaha, Sweetheart, solong-solo mo naman ako parati. Hindi na nga tayo naghihiwalay mula ng magkita tayo ulit.” Maya said laughing, so very happy to be spending more time with Richard in that wonderful place.

“Hmmm, bakit ayaw mo ba Sweetheart! Basta promise ko dati sa sarili ko, kapag nakita kita ulit and both of us feel the same, hindi na kita pakakawalan.” Richard said, helf-jesting, half-serious.

“Really, Ricky! You thought of that!” Maya amazed. She really thought that she had heard everything Ricky said to say about the times they were apart.

“Oo naman! Why not? Ikaw kasi eh.” Richard said.

“Ha, bakit ako?” Maya asked puzzled.

“Unang kita ko palang sa iyo, you have put me under your spell.” Richard said, smiling.

“Hahahaha, witch pa ang peg ko, Sweetheart. Parang habang papalapit ang paglubog ng araw pang, chumi-cheesy ang paligid.” Maya said grinning, feeling giddy with what she is still finding out from Richard. “But I love you very much, you know.”

“I love you very much too, Sweetheart.” Richard said, gazing at Maya with love in his eyes, then he lowered his lips to hers.

Maya and Richard broke apart several long seconds after. It is getting harder and harder to control the way their bodies reacted every time they kissed heatedly. Richard would like to wait as much as he could before he and Maya express their love physically. Despite her being everywhere abroad, he knew that Maya is innocent in the ways of love, and he wants to take it slow with her.

Maya, on the other hand, felt like she is on fire every time Richard kissed her like that. She wanted more, though there is a part of her that is afraid of the unknown. But she knows, with Richard with her, she can overcome that.

Maya shivered.

“Should we go back? I saw you shivered.” Richard asked Maya solicitously.

“No, I’m okay Ricky. Can we stay here some more, until the sun sets! I like it here.” Maya said.

“Pero, hindi ka pa ba giniginaw?” Richard asked.

“I’m okay. It is not because of that I shivered, but because of your effects on my senses when you kissed me like that.” Maya admitted blushing.

“Oh!” Richard grinned naughtily. “Hmmm, I have that effect, huh!”

Maya smiled. “Errr, yes!”

“Sweetheart, don’t blush. Ganyan din ang effect mo sa akin. Minsan nga, kahit your nearness lang.” Richard said cupping Maya’s chin. “Kung alam mo lang, the control I’m exerting. What we are feeling are normal since we love each other and we are in tune to each other physically as well.”

“Really, ikaw rin?” Maya asked.

“Yes, but expressing our love that way, can wait. Especially, when you are ready.” Richard assured Maya. “Come here.”

Richard sat up, then gestured for Maya to sit between his legs, then hugged her waist from behind, putting his chin on her shoulder. “This is the way I want to watch the setting sun with you. Are you okay? Are you comfortable, Sweetheart? Lean against me para mas comfortable ka.”

Maya was very much aware of Richard’s strong and muscled arms, and bare chest around her as she sat before him, stretching her legs too and leaning against him as he instructed. She felt safe and so very much loved. “Yes, I’m very much okay, Sweetheart.” Maya said half-looking at Richard, and smiling.

Maya and Richard settled in on their mat, enjoying the cool breeze and the beauty around them. So far, like Richard had said earlier, it has been a very wonderful two days. After they have visited Mamang’s grave the day before, Richard and Maya walked around town, holding hands. They smiled when they reached the town’s covered gym where their paths first crossed seven years ago.

“You were really so beautiful that night in that violet dress. You took my breath away.” Richard said as they stared at the structure reminiscing about the fateful night that changed the course of their lives, into what they have at that moment.

“While you, my Sweetheart, looked so handsome in that sports jacket, dress shirt and jeans.” Maya said, equally smiling, remembering her first glimpse of Richard.

They smiled at each other, then continued strolling through Maya’s town. Maya showed Richard the private school where she and James graduated high school. Then they reached a quiet residential part of the town where the ancestral house of the Dela Paz’s still stands. It is a beautiful art deco house.

“Wow!” Richard managed to say, admiring the architecture of the house. “This is where you grew up? Amazing house!”

“It is, isn’t it! That was Mamang’s pride and joy!” Maya said smiling. “I had the happiest memories in that house. For some, it may looked like a museum, but that house was a very homey home for me and Mamang. “I would have asked you to come in, but I forgot to ask the caretaker to meet us here. Maybe, we can return tomorrow?”

“It’s okay Maya, we can go back some other time. I would like to see the inside. It looked well-preserved from the outside, considering na seven years na nang may last tumira dito, di ba?”

“Yes, since Mamang died and I moved to Manila, wala nang tumira dito. But Tita Lulu made sure that the house is well maintained para raw kapag naisipan kong bumalik dito sa Mindoro at mag-stay, intact pa ang house. She told me she knows how important the house is to me.”

“You really have the best family, Maya!” Richard said.

“Yes, and she even told me that she is glad that her mother has left the house to me! Imagine, happy siya for me, considering na siya ang anak ni Mamang, di ba?” Maya told Richard.

“I agree, you’re Tita Lulu is a very nice person, and you are lucky.” Richard said.

“Maybe the next time we found ourselves in Mindoro, we can stay in the house, not that I don’t like your house in the resort. But I know the house will appeal to the architect in you.” Maya told Richard, gazing at him.

“I would like that. Imagine the sense of history too, in a house like that, Sweetheart. Generations after generations of your family lived there. Thank you!” Richard said.

From the Dela Paz ancestral home, Maya and Richard traveled to one of the outlaying barangays of San Nicolas to look at Mamang’s vacant land by the beach. The place is actually situated at the base of the mountain, sloping down the beach with the whitest sand.

“Maya, you have a very nice place here. It fitted on some of the preliminary sketches I had made after I offered to help you.” Richard remarked, looking around the beautiful nature around them. They were standing at the gate of the property.

“Really, I would like to see it please when we return to Manila.” Maya said. Then she opened the wooden gate by typing in the combination in the padlock that her Tita Lulu gave her. “Sabi ni Tita Lulu, nandito lang nakatira sina Manong Larry at Manang Vilma. Halika hanapin na lang natin. Hindi ko ma-contact iyong cellphone number na ibinigay sa akin ni Tita Lulu.”

Maya and Richard walked a little bit, until they saw a small house at the next turn. Maya called from the wooden fence.

“Maya, Ineng, bakit hindi ka nagpasabi na paparine ka.” Manong Larry greeted Maya with a big smile. “Kumusta na. Pitong taon din tayong hindi nagkita ah.”

“Manong Larry, kumusta na po kayo? Nasaan mo si Manang Vilma at saka sina Simon at Sabel?” Maya greeted their old caretaker. “Hindi na nga po ako nakatawag pa na ngayon kami paparito. Pero bago po kami umalis kanina ng San Bartolome, I tried calling your cellphone number na ibinigay ni Tita Lulu.”

“Ikaw pala iyon, Maya. Mangyari, naiwan ko ang cellphone sa bahay nang pumunta ako sa gawing dalampasigan. Pagbalik ko, may tawag nga ako. Hindi ko naman matanong kung sino ang tumawag kasi wala na pala akong load. Wala pa si Sabel eh, nasa school. Magpapapasa load sana ako.”

“Nasa school po si Sabel? Nag-aaral pa pala siya?” Maya asked surprised. She and Sabel are the same age.

“Hindi na Ineng. Nagtuturo siya diyan sa elementary school.” Manong Larry said, smiling.

“Oh, ganoon po ba.Nakakatuwa naman na malaman na natupad niya ang pangarap niyang maging teacher. Manong Larry, si Richard nga po pala, nobyo ko.” Maya said, introducing Richard who was just listening to her conversation with the old caretaker. “Ricky, ito si Manong Larry, caretaker ng properties ni Mamang dito.”

“Magandang hapon po, Sir Richard. Pasensya na kayo at napakwento na kami ng husto nitong si Maya. Matagal ko na kasing hindi nakikita. Sigurado po ako na kapag nalaman ni Sabel na nandito siya, matutuwa iyon. Magkalaro po sila noong mga bata sila.” Manong Larry said.

“Nice meeting iyo po, Manong Larry. Okay lang po iyon. Kaya nga po nagpunta rito si Maya, para bumisita.” Richard assured the old guy.

“Tuloy nga po, pala kayo rito sa bahay. Ay at hindi ko man lang kayo naimbitihang pumasok. Nandiyan ang Manang Vilma mo, Maya, nasa likod at naglalaba.”  Manong Larry said as he ushered his guests inside the house.

Manang Villma was also very happy to see Maya. She and Richard spent the afternoon with the Vasquez couple. Sabel arrived from school, followed by Simon, the youngest son who is in his last year of college, and the visit got extended to dinner. Maya told Manong Larry of her plans with the beach property, and assured them that they will still have a place in the property as she is only touching the side connected to the beach. Manong Larry was happy to know that. They said goodbye to the whole family after eight o’clock in the evening, arriving back at the resort close to 9 o’clock. They decided to call it a night. After several kisses they managed to part for the night.

This morning, Maya woke up early and it made Richard breakfast. Like he did, she served it in his bedroom, much to his delight. They had a leisurely breakfast sitting on Richard’s bed. After breakfast, Richard told Maya he needed to meet with Catherine and the guy in charge of the maintenance of the resort. He asked Maya if she would like to come. Maya told him she will just stay in the house and said they can just meet for lunch and if he is free, maybe they can go for a swim.

While Richard was away, Maya called her Ate Cris, who happened to be with her Tita Lulu. She told them that Richard is now her boyfriend and that she is very happy.

“Little sis, sabi ko na nga ba! Sure na sure ako na diyan kayong dalawa papunta. I’m happy for you.” Cris said. “I like Richard.”

“Thank you Ate Cris. Grabe ang saya-saya ko.” Maya replied. “Saka na lang ang buong kwento pagbalik ko ha.”

“I will hold you to that, little sis. Pero talagang kinikilig ako diyan sa lovelife mo, parang movie lang ang peg.” Cris said. “Heto pala ulit si Mom.”

“Maya, congratulations, anak! I’m so happy for you. I like Richard too. Boto kami ng Tito Mario mo sa kanya. I’m sure kung nabubuhay ang Mamang mo, ganoon din siya.” Lulu told her niece.

“Thank you po Tita Lulu. I’m so happy. I never expected to find a love like this, but here it is. I know Richard will always make me happy, no matter what.” Maya told her aunt. “Dinalaw nga po namin ni Ricky si Mamang kahapon. Ipinakilala ko si Ricky sa kanya.”

“Talaga. I’m sure natutuwa niyan si Mamang, kung nasaan man siya.” Lulu said. “O siya sige, Maya anak, hello na lang kay Richard and please say welcome to our family from us.”

“Thanks po, Tita Lulu. I will. Magkikita kami in a short while. May tinapos lang po siyang trabaho. Bibisita po kami pagkabalik natin. We haven’t plan pa pala where we will be going for the New Year.” Maya said. The whole family decided to put it off after Christmas as they can’t decide whether to go to Baguio or Tagaytay.

“Well, about that. Loose naman ang plans natin. Di bale, kung saan natin maisipan. But I think Baguio is out though kasi ang dami raw umaakyat and the travel and the traffic may not be good for your Ate Cris. Baka sa Tagaytay na lang tayo if ever.”

“Okay po, Tita Lulu. I’m okay anywhere.” Maya assured her aunt. “Sige po, goodbye for now na.”

Maya met Richard at the resort restaurant for lunch. During lunch, Maya told Richard that she had told her family about them, and what her aunt said. Richard told her, his Mama also told him the same and that he better bring Maya to the house as soon as they return to Manila. They were both very happy that their families are very happy with the development in their relationship.

They returned to the house after their leisurely lunch, and then changed into their beach gears. Maya into a swimsuit that looks conservative but shows off her curves, and endless legs. Richard gulped when he saw her. Maya was the same, when she saw Richard bare chested and clad only in board shorts.

Hand in hand, they walked towards their private beach. They sat on the mat as they took turns in putting sunscreen on each other. They swam like kids, playing in the water, and at times, when they can’t help it, kissed each other heatedly. When they were both reaching the end of their controls, they would stop. They also snorkelled and had laid in the mat  to watch the setting sun when they got tired.

“Sweetheart, maybe we should head back the house.” Richard suggested when the sun was just a small disc in the horizon, kissing Maya’s hair.

“Oo nga. Medyo malamig na rin. Let’s go.” Maya said, untangling herself from her cozy place between Richard’s legs. “I will call Tita Lulu pa pala to inform her of our change of plans.”

“I need to call Mama also.” Richard remarked, not saying anything else.

Richard and Maya walked back to the house with their arms around each other’s waist. Maya said she will just take a shower and will meet Richard in the living room after an hour.

When she got into the room, she called her aunt and told her of the change in her plans. Tita Lulu assured her that it is perfectly okay as they are still not sure about the Tagaytay trip. Maya said goodbye to her aunt and then proceeded to take a shower.

Richard finished his shower faster than Maya. He decided to sit out in the veranda while he waits for her,  and while he calls his Mama. Donya Esmeralda answered on the second ring.

“Hi Mama, good evening!” Richard greeted his mother. “How are you and Papa?”

“Son, mabuti tumawag ka! Your Papa and I are doing good. He said congratulations. Natutuwa ang Papa mo na meron ka nang girlfriend. Finally raw, may napili ka na rin. Of course, hindi ko pa sinabi sa kanya iyong request mo and your other plan, as you requested.” Donya Esmeralda said, the excitement evident on her voice. “Oh ano, matutuloy ba ang plano mo?”

“Yes, Mama!” Richard happily said. “We are staying here until after the New Year. I will propose to Maya on New Year’s eve!”

“Son, I’m really so happy with that news! I can’t wait to meet Maya. By the way, I found the ring along the description you have given me this morning. I called Patricia. She has a design like that. And you are lucky, it is in Maya’s size.”

“Great, Mama! I’m so happy to know. Can you send it with James tomorrow?” Richard asked his mother.

“Sure, son! I will call him after this and tell him that you will stay longer in Mindoro but he still needs to go to the resort as I need to send some stuffs for you.” Donya Esmeralda said, getting into the thick of her son’s plan to propose to the woman he loves.

“Thank you very much, Mama! You are the best.” Richard told his mother. “I love you very much.”

“I love you too, son! I’m so happy for you.” Donya Esmeralda said. “Saka, aba, may vested interest ako dito. Gusto ko na yata ng mga apo!”

“Ma! Hahahaha, magpo-propose pa nga lang.” Richard said laughing. “O sige na, Mama. We will see after the New Year. Enjoy your trip to Hong Kong.”

“See you and Maya, son. Enjoy your stay in Mindoro and good luck on your proposal.” Donya Esmeralda said before ending the call.

Several minutes after he finished his call with his mother, Richard was still smiling goofily, excited about the proposal he is planning. Unbeknown to Maya, he called her cousin earlier. Luckily, he and Jeff managed to exchange numbers when he picked up Maya from the Franciscos before Christmas. He had asked Cristina Rose what is Maya’s ring size. She shrieked in delight upon hearing his request. Richard requested her to keep it a secret. Cris happily assured him that she will. She also told him he is lucky as she and Maya have the same ring size. Cris wished him luck and even called him littlle bro before they ended their phone call!

Richard then called his mother and aside from telling her that Maya is now his girifriend, he told her of his plan to propose to Maya, and asked for her help. Donya Esmeralda was ecstatic and told him that she will take care of everything. Her jeweller, Patricia can work her magic, she assured her son. She asked Richard what kind of ring he wants. Richard told her and his mother assured him, it will be in Mindoro in time for his proposal. They agreed to talk again if he managed to talk Maya into staying in the resort until after the New Year celebration. Luckily, he did. And now, everything is set, more or less, for his proposal. He grinned.

There was still a hint of a smile on Richard’s face when Maya found him sitting at the porch.

“Ricky, sorry, it took me a while.” Maya said, smiling and looking so lovely, without make-up on in another of her maxi dresses. “Shall we get going?”

“It is okay, Maya. I chatted with Mama rin!” Richard said, smiling at his lovely girlfriend and hopefully, his fiancee in two days time! “Let’s go.”

With laced fingers, Maya and Richard walked towards the direction of the resort’s restaurant for their dinner. On the way, Richard lightly caressed Maya’s ring finger. Two more days! He smiled in the dark, very, very happy and excited.

Vows

Maya woke up to a dark bedroom. The only illumination came from the lights filtering through the curtains from the nearby trees. She was disoriented at first, then she remembered where she was. She checked the clock. It was just a little past 6 o’clock in the evening but it was already quite dark. Must be because of all the trees around the place, not to mentioned the shorter days and longer nights during December. She reclined against the headboard, stretching her arms, and trying to remove the remnants of sleep from her system.  She ought to get up soon as she is meeting Richard at half past seven o’clock for dinner.

Richard and Maya spent the rest of the afternoon in each other’s company, basking in the glow of their new status! They ate lunch at the main restaurant of the resort. Then Richard took Maya around the place, their hands seemingly glued together as they walked around. To everyone who saw them, they looked like the sweetest couple, with eyes only for each other. Some thought they were newly-weds on honeymoon!

Late in the afternoon, Maya and Richard  returned to the bungalow. Richard showed Maya the guest room where she could rest. It is adjacent to the room he will use and overlooking the garden. He told her she could take a nap and  he will just return for her for dinner.

Maya thought she will not be able to nap with all the excitement she had that afternoon. But as soon as her head hit the pillow, she fell into a dreamless and very restful sleep.

“Now, time to get moving, Maya Dela Rosa, your boyfriend, the love of your life, is waiting for you!” Maya told herself. Boyfriend, love of her life, words that make her feel giddy by just saying it. Richard is now her boyfriend! Sometimes, it felt like it was just a dream, but looking at her surroundings and remembering all her wonderful times with Richard since they met again, she knows everything is real. That after all these years, she found her Prince Charming again and they are poised to live their happily every after, God willing.

Maya took out a long printed maxi dress from her bag, then took a bath. Thirty minutes after, she was ready for her dinner with Richard. Instead of waiting for him, she decided to just go out of the room and look for him. Richard was not in the living room. She was about to check the veranda when she saw him coming from the direction of the kitchen, holding a wine bucket. He changed clothes, and it looked like he had just been to the shower too. He looked so handsome in blue shirt and khaki pants.

“Sweetheart, good evening! I was about to get you after I put this wine in the porch.”  Richard greeted Maya with a big smile. “Did you have a good sleep?”

“Hi Sweetheart, yes I did. It was so quiet and nice. I woke up around 45 minutes ago. The bedroom was dark but there were lights coming from outside.” Maya remarked as she approached Ricky and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “Is there anything I can do to help?”

“The light is probably coming from the capiz lanterns festooned around the branches of the tree outside your window.” Richard explained. “Everything is set, Swetheart. Come your dinner awaits. I hope you will like everything.”

Richard led Maya to the front porch, the one adjacent to the living room by holding on to her elbow to guide her there.

“Wow!” It was all Maya managed to say when she saw what Ricky had prepared for this evening while she was taking a nap.

The place was transformed. In the middle of the porch, there was a table with red table cloth, and a vase with in different kinds of flowers. Completing the romantic ambiance were candles placed in coloured glasses, swaying to the breeze blowing from the sea. The food – pasta, steak, and appetizers so mouthwatering, that Maya’s stomach grumbled just at the sight of the food before her. Suddenly, she is very hungry.

“I want our first evening as boyfriend and girlfriend to be very special, Sweetheart so I had Catherine and Aldrich prepared this for us.” Richard said, smiling, happy that Maya likes what he had prepared.

“Thank you, Sweetheart. I’m touched and very, very happy.” Maya replied, then tiptoed and gave Richard a light kiss on the lips.

Richard smiled happily. “Parang bitin!” He teased naughtily. He reeled Maya to him gently, then kissed her properly.

“Ricky, ikaw talaga.” Maya smiled, her face redder than usual. “Let’s eat.”

Richard seated Maya, then took the seat to her right. He poured the two of them a glass of wine each then offered a toast.

“To the loveliest and most wonderful lady who made me very, very happy today. I love you Maya. To us!” Richard said lovingly. “To fate for making us together finally!”

“Thank you, my dearest Sweetheart! To the best boyfriend in the world, I’m so lucky  to have you. I love you. To us!” Maya said with a smile that lit up her whole face, gazing at Richard with all the love that she was feeling for him.

Their dinner was marked with their happy comfortable chatter, not running out of things to talk about or just gazing at each other lovingly. They didn’t notice the passing of the hours, so caught up were they with each other.  When dinner was over, they moved to the hammock that was located at the edge of he porch. Richard’s arms were around Maya as she half-laid on his chest as Richard pushed the hammock gently his foot.

“I love this!” Maya said after a while, feeling very relax. “This is very relaxing. I like being in your arms like this, Sweetheart.”

“Me too, Sweetheart! Having you like this is the best feeling.” Richard said. “Do you want to listen to some music?”

“Sure! But do you have a player nearby?” Maya asked, looking around.

“Wait a second.” Richard got out of the hammock, went just inside the living room. Then he returned to Maya as a beautiful music wafted from the speaker embedded in the ceiling of the porch.

“For you, my Sweetheart!” Richard said softly, lovingly, then he started humming with the music.

I had never touched a hand

That felt as soft as rain

Until tonight

I never knew a kiss

Could make me feel this way

Until tonight

But here we are now

Feeling things we’ve never felt before

Richard sang with all his heart, raining little kisses on Maya’s face, until he reached her lips. Maya open her lips to accept Richard, and their lips fused into a hot kiss while the song continued playing in the background.

I never knew that I could feel such wonder

I never dreamed that love could be like this

Yet in this rapture I’m swept away

Lost in your eyes

For tonight, love has come of age

I had never dreamed that I

Would lose my heart so soon

Until tonight

I had never felt my heart

Racing with the moon

Until tonight

Now and forever

Let me live inside your sweet embrace….

Richard and Maya broke apart, both catching their breaths, trying to control the feelings that kiss evoked in each other.

“I love you very much, Maya….

I love you very much too, Ricky….

Maya and Richard whispered to each other as the last lines of the song faded into the night.

For you and I

For tonight, love has come of age

Tonight, love has come of age….

“That was a very beautiful song, Ricky! ” Maya remarked as she settled deeply and more comfortably into Richard’s chest.

“One of my favorite songs, Sweetheart. Bagay sa atin and what I’m feeling for you.” Richard said as he caressed Maya’s hair.

Maya and Richard smiled at each other lovingly and listened to the music from Richard’s iPod, while enjoying the quiet of the night. They stayed in the hammock late into the night, just enjoying each other’s company, basking in the glow of their intense love for each other, reluctant to part.

When it became very windy, Richard carried a sleepy Maya to her room, laid her on the bed, kissed her one more time and with whatever willpower he still possessed, dragged himself to his room. It took a while for Richard to fall asleep, the wonder of the day stayed with him. Indeed, as the song said, his and Maya’s love has come of age after seven years, and he will never let go. It is forever for him and the woman he loves with all of him.

The following morning, Maya was woken up by a knock on her door. She realized where she was. Despite the nap she took, she had felt very sleepy while in the hammock with Richard. It was very nice lying in his arms. She also felt very pampered and treasured when he carried her to bed.

Richard came into the room, when Maya indicated that he could come in, carrying a breakfast tray with a single red rose on it.

“Good morning, Sweetheart!” Richard greeted with a big smile, then proceeded to give Maya a light kiss on the lips. “Did you sleep well?”

“Good morning, Sweetheart!” Maya was all smiles. “Yes, I did! Parang ang saya-saya ng boyfriend ko this morning ah.”

“Of course naman, Sweetheart. Why wouldn’t I. You are my girlfriend now and you are here with me! I made breakfast for the two of us.” Richard said grinning, placing the tray in the middle of the bed.

“Ricky, sobra-sobra na akong spoiled sa iyo.” Maya said.”Thank you!”

“Maya, Sweetheart, I’m happy to do this. Kulang pa iyan. Imagine, seven years in the making nga di ba?” Richard replied, smiling. “Halika na kain na tayo. I hope my omelette is okay. I had Catherine stocked the kitchen here too para we can make our own food if we feel like it.”

“That’s a good idea!” Maya said, then started serving Richard the food he prepared and making his coffee too.

“Sarap talaga nitong coffee mo, Sweetheart! “ Richard said as he took his first sip. “By the way, we can go to San Nicolas today if you want.”

“Really, I would like that.” Maya said. “Can we go hear mass muna sa San Nicolas Church, then visit Mamang’s grave after, magkalapit lang naman iyong church at saka iyong memorial park kung saan siya nakalibing.”

“Sure, Sweetheart, anything you want.” Richard replied.

“Thank you.” Maya said. “Masarap naman itong omelette mo. Marunong ka palang magluto.” Maya teased.

“Welllll, I think my culinary skills is very limited. Iyan lang and spaghetti bolognese ang kaya ko yatang lutuin!” Richard quipped.

“Well, I want to try that spaghetti too. I’m sure kasing sarap nitong omelette mo.” Maya said.

“Sure, pagbalik natin ng Maynila, I will cook that for you.” Richard said. “What time would you like us to leave pala so I can ask Aldrich to prepare one of the company cars?”

“Pagkatapos nating kumain and mag-shower is okay with me.” Maya replied, finishing the last of her omelette and bread.

“Good.” Richard replied. “Ako na lang ang magda-drive para we can spend the whole day ng tayong dalawa lang.” He added with a big smile. Maya smiled back, liking the idea. She always look forward to her and Richard’s time like that.

Richard and Maya chatted some more while finishing their cups of coffee. Several minutes after, and despite Maya’s insistence that she will do it, Richard took the tray back to the kitchen. He just told Maya to get ready.

More than an hour later, with Maya wearing another of her maxi skirts and a baby tee, and Richard in jeans and polo shirt, they were on their way to the church. They arrived at the beautiful centuries old church in the time for the mass. Richard and Maya, both asked God to bless their relationship. They also thanked Him for making them meet again and giving them a chance to  finally love each other. Each of them vowed that they will love the other forever.

Maya and Richard also found themselves gazing each other with all the love they are feeling during the priest’s homily, as being the last Sunday before the Ne Year, he spoke of new beginnings, a better and brighter future for the coming year, of looking forward to 2015 with optimism and spending time with the people you love all the time as life is short and uncertain, and because time flies fast.

They left the church holding hands. They decided to leave the car at the church grounds and then just walked to the nearby memorial park where Conchita Dela Paz was buried. Maya and Richard bought flowers and candles at the shop they saw near the church.

“Mamang, kumusta na po. I still miss you very much.” Maya said softly as she arranged the flowers at the base of Mamang’s grave. “Pasensya ka na kung ngayon na lang ulit kita nadalaw. Bayaan mo mas madalas na ngayon since I’m back in the Philippines for good.”

Richard handed Maya the lighted candles which she also placed at the base of the grave. “Mamang, kasama mo nga po pala si Ricky. Boyfriend ko po. My one and only love.” Maya whispered softly, but Richard still heard. He smiled.

“Mamang, sumama nga po ako kay Maya rito para madalaw ko rin kayo. Kahit po hindi na tayo pinalad na magkita, parang kilala ko na rin kayo sa mga kwento sa akin ng apo niyo.” Richard said, interlacing his fingers with Maya. “Huwag po kayong mag-aalala, I will take good care of Maya as long as I live. I will make her happy always.” He vowed.

Maya felt so happy and so lucky hearing Richard promising this on her grandmother’s grave. She gazed at him with so much love. “Mamang, I’m the luckiest girl, with Ricky as my boyfriend. I’m sure kung makikilala mo siya, you will like him a lot also. For sure Mamang, botong-boto ka sa kanya.”

Richard smiled happily as Maya said those words to her grandmother. He caressed her hand as if to express his thanks and love for her.

Richard and Maya stayed at Mamang grave for an hour, regaling her of their story, as if she was alive and in front of them listening to their chatter.

“Mamang, dadalaw na lang ulit kami ni Ricky ha.” Maya said, touching her grandmother’s tomb as if she needed the contact as she said goodbye.

“Oo nga po, Mamang. Pangako po namin ni Maya, iyan.” Richard added. “Sweetheart, can you give me a moment with Mamang, please.” Richard asked Maya all of a sudden.

Maya was surprised at Richard’s request, but decided to do the asking later. She said goodbye to her grandmother, then waited outside the mausoleum for Richard.

Richard stayed inside for several minutes, then like Maya touched Mamang’s tomb to say goodbye.

“So, ano naman ang sinabi mo kay Mamang na hindi ko pwedeng marinig?” Maya asked as they were walking towards the gate of the memorial park.

Richard just smiled at Maya. “ It’s between me and Mamang muna, Sweetheart.”

“Ricky Lim, ang daya mo ha. May secret ka na ngayon.” Maya said smiling.

“Sweetheart, ito lang, promise, you will know in due time.” Richard appealed to his girlfriend.

“O sige na nga. I’m sure malalaman ko rin iyan.” Maya said confidently.

“Yes you will, Sweetheart. Yes you will.” Richard said enigmatically, looking forward to that moment.

Richard interlaced his fingers with Maya, then raised her hand to his lips and kissed it lovingly. Soon, my love, he vowed silently.

“I love you Maya!”

“I love you, Ricky!”

Richard and Maya shared another loving look as they exited the memorial park. And from somewhere above, an old lady smiled.

Note:  The super beautiful song ‘Love Has Come of Age’ is from the concept album of the musical Jekyll and Hyde! The song is sobrang nakaka-in love!  If you want to listen to the complete song, the link is in my Playlist! ❤ ❤ ❤