Full Circle

Richard guided Maya to the stairway that goes to the rooftop of the Lim Corporation building where a helicopter awaited them. It was the morning they will fly to Mindoro. Richard had picked up Maya from her place early for the trip as the pilots had to return to Manila promptly for Don Roberto and his friends who will go to a resort in Batangas afterwards.

“Ready, Maya?” Richard asked Maya solicitously, as they made it to the helipad.

“Sure, Ricky! I’m okay. Nandiyan ka naman eh.” Maya replied, smiling at Richard. “Di ba sabi mo, you will even hold the barf bag for me.”

“Of course. Ilan ba ang dala mo?” Richard bantered back, smiling at the lady who makes his heart very happy these days.

“Hmmm, teka, I will check. Sampu yata!” Maya quipped.

“Ha, ten?” Richard exclaimed. “Ganoon ka motion sick?”

“Biro lang, Ricky. Yes, I’m scared of heights, pero mostly when I’m inside glass elevators lang. Sa airplane naman hindi. I will just pretend that we will be riding a plane instead of a chopper.” Maya said as they neared the waiting chopper.

“Don’t worry, I’ll be here to hold your hand.” Richard said.

“Thank you, Ricky.” Maya smiled back.

They were gazing at each other when a voice interrupted them. They forgot where they were again!

“Good morning, Mr. Lim! Richard, ready to fly?” The guy greeted Richard.

Maya turned to look at the face behind the voice and saw who it is.

“Maya Dela Rosa!…..”

“James Ventura!…..”

Maya and James both exclaimed, then went to hug each other, surprised at seeing the other, there of all places.

“Magkakilala kayo?” Richard asked, surprised too. Though, come to think of it, they were both from Mindoro and almost the same age. He can’t remember what part of Mindoro their company pilot hailed from, though. He vaguely remembered his mother telling him that he came from a political family in Mindoro.

“Ricky, hindi mo ba naalala si James?” Maya said happily. “Siya kaya iyong host ng beauty pageant na sinalihan ko at kung saan ka nag-judge! Classmate ko siya noong high school also. James, si Richard iyong Chairman ng Board of Judges. Nag-proxy siya for his mother.”

“May nakalimutan ka, Maya Dela Rosa, dating manliligaw din ako!” James said, teasing. Then looked at Richard. “So ikaw pala iyon, Richard. I didn’t make the connection. Hindi ko na masyadong maalala ang night na iyon. I just proxied too, for my brother who was the original host, kasi he had a modelling assignment in Boracay at that time na biglaan. But good to see you, Maya! When was the last time we saw each other, sa burol ng Mamang mo?”

“Yes, iyon yata. Then I went to Manila na with Tita Lulu and you went to Singapore to continue your studies, sabi nung sister mo nang minsang magkita kami sa Makati several months after I moved to Manila.” Maya replied. “Ikaw pala ang pilot na sinasabi ni Ricky na from Mindoro at sabi niya huwag daw akong mag-worry sa pagsakay dahil magaling ang piloto namin.”

“Thanks for the vote of confidence, Richard.” James said, smiling. “I promise I’ll fly you safely to Mindoro, Maya. Kailan ka pa huling nauwi sa atin? Parang hindi na kita nakita doon in recent years. Sarado rin iyong ancestral house niyo doon.”

“Naku, James, medyo matagal na rin. I worked in Macau, kauuwi ko lang sa Pilipinas.” Maya replied. “But I’m here for good na! I will be working for Richard’s company in January.”

“So, that’s why! Kahit iyong iba nating classmates, walang balita sa iyo. Hindi ka rin daw nila mahanap sa FB.” James said. “So, you will be with Emerald? Great! We will see more of each other then.”

“I never gotten around to creating an account kasi. Ayaw ko rin masyado iyang social media.” Maya said. “Kumusta na ang mga classmate natin?”

Maya and James chatted on about their high school friends.

Richard looked at Maya and James and he felt a tinge of jealousy at the ease in which they were chatting. They shared a history, longer than what he had shared with Maya so far. Tapos manliligaw pa pala ni Maya si James dati. But he tried not to dwell on it and focus instead on what he and Maya have so far. Also, whatever negative thoughts he was starting to feel was erased with Maya’s gesture.

“Richard, sorry! James and I are just catching up.”  Maya held Ricky’s hand then interlaced their fingers. She also gave Richard a loving smile.

Richard smiled back. “It is okay, Maya. Small world talaga, di ba!  Shall we get going, James? Where is Andy?” Richard asked, referring to James’ co-pilot.

Maya’s gesture didn’t escape James, nor did Richard’s answering one. It was then that he realized that Maya and Richard must be more than future employer and employee. It seems like they are in a relationship!

Richard just mentioned that he would like to go to Mindoro today with a very special friend when he called him up the other day. In the past three years that James have been working for Lim Corporation, this is the first time Richard is flying with someone who, now when he take a closer look, is, indeed, very special to him.

“Sure, Richard! Just give us a couple of minutes. May kinuha lang si Andy sa third floor. He will be along shortly.” James replied, still very curious at the exact nature of Maya and Richard’s relationship.

James courted Maya when they were senior in high school, but like the other boys in the private school they went to, nabasted din siya. He tried asking after her a couple of years ago from one of their high school classmates, whom she was friends with, but all that girl didn’t know where Maya was too. He never gotten around to creating a social media account to look for her. It turned out, it would be futile since she didn’t create one!

“There’s Andy na pala.” James said after a while when he saw his co-pilot, striding across the helipad, carrying a big duffle bag.

“Good morning, Sir Richard! Hello, Ma’am! Sorry to keep you waiting, Hininitay ko pa kasi itong mga supply na pinapasabay ng manager ng Emerald Resort.” Andy explained.

“It’s okay, Andy.” Richard assured the other pilot, then he introduced him to Maya. “Maya, this is Andres Rivera, James’ co-pilot. Andy, this is Maya Dela Rosa.”

“Hello, Andy, nice to meet you.” Maya gave the co-pilot a brilliant smile that won him over instantly.

“Please to meet you din po, Ma’am Maya.” Andy smiled. He likes his boss’ girlfriend instantly. He assumed that she is as he saw how they were holding hands and looking at each other lovingly.

Soon after, Richard assisted Maya into the chopper and they were on their way. Like he had promised, Richard was very solicitous of Maya all throughout the flight, asking her if she is okay and not letting go of her hand, even if Maya assured him that she is okay and it was not as scary as she thought.

Maya loves the attention Richard has been showering her. She felt to happy and felt very lucky to be loved by this wonderful guy. Ever since he had declared his love for her on Christmas Day, everything around her is richer and full of colours. She may have not said I love you back that evening, but she considers Richard her boyfriend already.

Richard and Maya enjoyed the rest of the evening on Christmas Day with the sumptuous picnic that Richard brought with him. They fed each other morsels of food, drank the wine, chatted or at times, shared sweet kisses, and just gazed at each other lovingly. They parted reluctantly late that night promising to see each other the following day.

Richard arrived at Maya’s place with brunch again the following day. Afterwards, he helped her put up her new frame, then they spent the rest of the afternoon watching movies and just hanging out, planning their trip to Mindoro this day. In the evening, they went to a nearby restaurant for dinner. Richard took Maya home early, and didn’t come in as they have to leave early for this trip to Mindoro.

“See that, Maya, we are almost there.” Richard pointed to a helipad they can see from the air after a while.

“Oo nga, Ricky. It’s beautiful from here. The ride is not so scary as I thought. Thank you for making it a wonderful one.” Maya said.

“For you, Maya, anything!” He simply said, giving her a loving smile.

Soon after, they descended into the helipad. Andy opened the door for Richard and Maya. Richard got off first, then assisted Maya down.

“Thank you for the ride, James and Andy.” Richard told the pilots.

“Maraming salamat sa inyo, James and Andy. Sobrang nice naman ng first helicopter ride ko.” Maya added. “James nice to see you again.”

“You’re welcome, Sir Richard, Ms. Maya!” Andy replied.

“Richard, Maya, we will go back for you guys on Tuesday!” James said. “And nice to see you too, Maya. See you around. Maybe, we can have coffee one time and catch up on old times.”

Maya looked at Richard, with that invitation. Then decided to play it safe. “Let’s include our other classmates na nasa Maynila para mas masaya. I want to keep in touch with them too. Matagal ko na rin silang hindi nakikita.”

“Sure, sure, I will go round up the gang.” James replied.

One of the resorts service car picked up Maya and Richard from the helipad. After everything was loaded into the car, they said goodbye to James and Andy. They will just wait until the refuelling is done and they will return to Manila too. They declined Richard’s offer to have some refreshments at the resort.

Several minutes after, the car stopped in front of the reception area of the resort, set in the middle of something akin to a tropical garden and facing the beach.

“Hello, Sir Richard! Good morning Ma’am!” Catherine Gomez, Emerald Resorts Mindoro’s manager greeted Richard and Maya effusively. Richard had called to tell her that he will be coming with his special guest. “How was your trip?”

“Hi Catherine, it was okay!” Richard said. “How’s everything here?”

“Everything is great, Sir Richard. We are fully booked at the moment.” Catherine replied. “Most of our guests are staying until after the New Year.”

“That’t good to know.” Richard said, then smiled at Maya. “Maya, this is Catherine Gomez, our manager here. Catherine, this is Maya Dela Rosa” Richard said, gazing at Maya, still holding hands with her, then added, “She will also be the operations manager of our new hotel in Bonifacio Global City.”

Maya smiled at Catherine. “Hello, Catherine, nice to meet you.”

“Hello, Ms. Maya. Welcome to Emerald here in Mindoro. And welcome to Emerald Resorts and Hotels.” Catherine said. She also noticed how sweet her boss is with the beautiful lady beside him, with matching holding hands pa! May girlfriend na si si Sir Richard! Ay, maraming luluha! She mused. “Sir Richard, as you requested the Lim private bungalow is ready for you and Ms. Maya’s stay.”

“Great, Catherine! Thank you. Can you tell Aldrich to bring us refreshments there. Coffee and juice, okay with you, Maya?” When she nodded, he then took hold of his and Maya’s bags. “Let’s go, Maya. We will be more comfortable in the bungalow.”

“Sir Richard, ipapadala ko na lang din kay Aldrich ang mga bag niyo ni Ms. Maya.” Catherine said.

“No, it’s okay, Catherine. Ako na lang. Magaan lang naman ang mga ito.” Richard said.

“Ricky, I can help. Give me my bags. I can carry those naman.” Maya offered.

“No, Sweetheart, I can do this.” Richard said, the endearment just slipping out naturally. He was also surprised at his slip. In his mind, Maya is his ‘Sweetheart’ already.  Then he took hold of Maya’s hand again while carrying all their bags in the other.

Richard led Maya down the path towards the beach area. But instead of heading to the cluster of villas on the left side, separated from each other by huge ornamental plants and trees, Richard veered towards the left, following a private path, until they arrived at an slightly elevated bungalow, more of a log cabin actually, with a wrapped-around porch and tall glass windows and doors. It is also facing the beach and there is a small path that led to the beach from the front of the house.

“Wow, this is a very beautiful house, Ricky. So, very inviting! One of your designs?” Maya asked, admiring the design of the house, which seemed to blend naturally into the tall trees that surround it.

“Yes, I designed a month after we met at the pageant. But only managed to have this built four years ago. This one is not being let out to guests. This is my private home here, available only to family members who would like to stay here at Emerald. So far, only my parents and I and some cousins have used this.”

Maya and Richard climbed the four steps that led to the porch. Richard unlocked the door and dropped their bags in the living room.

“Home for several days!” Richard said, as he led Maya to the waiting couch, in front of the floor to ceiling window facing the beach and the wonderful view beyond. He opened the glass door and a warm breeze blew in.

“It is a very nice home away from home, Ricky.” Maya replied, looking around, liking the place very much.

“So, it is okay with you that you are staying here with me and not at the villas?” Richard asked. It just occurred to him that he has not actually asked Maya if she is comfortable with this arrangement. In his desire to be with her, he assumed and forgot!

“Of course. The way I look at this house, there are plenty of rooms.” Maya said, then added teasingly, “And I trust you, Ricky, to behave you know.”

Richard grinned and bantered back. “Are you sure, Sweetheart?”

“Yes, ‘Sweetheart’ ,” Maya replied, smiling, imitating Richard, then remarked. “Nakakarami ka na ng ‘Sweetheart’ ah.”

“Bakit, ayaw mo ba? You are my Sweetheart. Alam ko, hindi mo pa ako sinasagot and I’ll wait, but can I continue to call you my Sweetheart while waiting?” Richard cajoled sweetly.

Maya smiled. He is really cute when he does that too. “Okay, Sweetheart.”

They smiled lovingly at each other. The knock at the door interrupted them. Richard opened the door to one of the resorts long time employee.

“Good morning Sir Richard, Ma’am!” Aldrich, holding a tray with coffee and juice and some pastries, greeted Richard and Maya. “Pinadadala po ni Ms. Catherine!”

“Hi Aldrich! Pakilagay na lang sa coffee table.” Richard replied. “How are you and your family? Kumusta na sina Manong Juan and Manang Fely?”

“Mabuti naman po sila, Sir. Since naka-graduate na kaming magkakapatid, medyo relax na sila ng kaunti. Nasa Laguna po sila ngayon kasi kapapanganak lang ng kapatid kong si Melba, dumalaw po sila.” Aldrich replied happily. Before the resort was built, his parents were the caretakers of the land.

“That’s good to know. Please tell Melba, congratulations and hello to Manong and Manang.” Richard said. “Maya, Sweetheart, itong mga magulang ni Aldrich ang caretaker namin dito, dati! Tinitingnan-tingnan nila iyong lugar habang wala pang nakatayo.”

“Ganoon ba? Hello Aldrich.” Maya said with a friendly smile.

“Hello po, Ma’am Maya. Welcome to Emerald and Mindoro!” Aldrich said to the lady who is obviously the love of his Sir Richard’s life by the way he was looking at her.

“Thank you. I’m actually from here. Diyan sa San Nicolas.” Maya said. “Pupunta rin nga kami roon ni Ricky.”

“Talaga po?” Aldrich replied. “Mabuti naman po at makakadalaw kayo ulit sa inyo. Sige po, Sir Richard, Ma’am Maya. Enjoy your snacks po. Let me know po kung may kailangan pa kayo.”

Richard and Maya thanked Aldrich. Richard then settled back beside Maya. Maya started serving Richard food and then made his coffee too. They chatted while eating.

“If I live here, I don’t want to leave.” Maya remarked after a while, looking at the deepest blue sea beyond the porch and the white sand shimmering under the intense mid-morning sun.

“I like this place a lot too. Of all the developments I did, this has a special place in my heart. Maybe it was because it was my first project or maybe because I was remembering our meeting when I was building this.” Richard said.

“Oh, Ricky! You say the most wonderful things. Thank you.” Maya replied, smiling lovingly at Richard.

“True naman iyon, Sweetheart.” Richard replied, then smiling, said, “Dito ko yata naibuhos ang unrealized meeting natin. I distracted myself, hoping that one day we will see each other again.”

Maya smiled at that. “And now here we are again in Mindoro, where we started.” Maya said enigmatically, her heart beating fast with what she would do next.

“Yes, that is true and I’m happy that you are here with me. I never thought it would happen pa.” Richard said softly, gazing at Maya with all the love he was feeling. Richard was about to sip his coffee when Maya’s next words stopped him. He almost dropped his cup.

“I love you too, you know, very, very much.” Maya said simply, putting her hand on top of Richard’s, then looking at him with all the love she is feeling for this wonderful, wonderful guy. They are indeed so lucky to find each other again. She does not want to waste their precious moments.

“M-maya, does it means?….” Richard gulped and managed to ask.

“Yes, tayo na po!” Maya said with a smile that lit up her whole face.

“YES!!!!” Richard grinned, then went to Maya, pulled her up gently, then touched her  face, lovingly, said softly. “I love you very much, Maya.”

“I love you, very, very, very much too, Ricky.” Maya answered lovingly, caressing Richard’s face too.

Maya and Richard grinned goofily at each other, sharing a heated loving look. Richard then lowered his lips to Maya’s and gave her a kiss that left her breathless. It was followed by another kiss, and another. The coffee was already cold when they broke apart, finally, so full of love for each other. Both of them are excited to see where love would lead them next.

Courtship

Maya felt like Richard was trying to look at her very soul by the way he was gazing at her after his words that shifted their relationship to a beautiful new level. She felt this overwhelming emotion towards him. She also felt like heart was going to burst. Grabe ka Maya Dela Rosa, manlligaw pa lang si Ricky nang lagay na iyon ha! She admonished herself. Kalma lang.

Trying to collect her scattered wits, Maya gave Richard another smile that lit up her whole face.

“So,  let’s watch the movie na, Ricky?” She mentioned the first thing she thought of to bring things to a normal level dahil baka hindi na makayanan ng puso niya. “Unless, you want to have dinner now?”

“Come, let’s watch your movie muna Maya. I want to see it too since you like it.” Richard said, giving Maya one of his beautiful lopsided smiles that make her heart aflutter always.

Maya settled in beside Richard into the couch. Then she played the movie from the start so Richard can watch it from the beginning. They settled in to watch the movie which Maya told Richard, is one of her ultimate favorites. Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck really looked so good on screen. When they kissed for the first time after taking an impromptu swim into the river while escaping, Maya remembered the kiss she and Richard shared the night before. Richard remembered it too. They caught each other gazing at the other after that scene. From then on, they became intensely aware of each other and their close proximity. Both fought the feeling. Maya can’t help it, she was imagining her and Richard sharing that kiss!

When the credits rolled, Richard heard Maya sniffling. “Maya, are you crying?” Richard asked, checking by looking at her closely.

“Sorry, just a little bit! Sobrang touching naman kasi. Ramdam ko ang longing nila for each other, kaso hindi naman pwede, di ba? Like Princess Ann said, she has a duty to her people and country. Hay, I just wish lang that every time na panonoorin ko ito, magkakatuluyan na sila ni Joe Bradley!” Maya said, dabbing her eyes.

“Doon sa last scene, I was wishing na lalabas ulit si Princess Ann and then will go to Joe one more time! Have you not feel his longing for her to come out pa rin kahit alam niyang hanggang doon na lang sila,”  She added.

“Well, depends on how you look at it. The ending was open ended naman, just think  na that they lived in an ideal world and that somehow, love had conquered all!” Richard said, smiling. “Hindi naman imposible na magkita sila ulit. See, it happened to us, di ba. Malay natin, gumawa pala ng paraan si Joe to be near Ann or vice-versa.”

“Wow, Mr. Lim, I didn’t know that you have such a romantic streak!” Maya said, smiling.

“Well, I’m feeling romantic these days.” Richard said gazing at Maya intently.

Maya felt her heart beating fast again. She gave Richard a sweet smile.

“So ilang beses mo nang napanood itong ‘Roman Holiday’?” Richard asked.

“I think this is pang-limang beses na!” Maya admitted.

“You like it that much! But I agree, it is a very good film!” Richard said. “I will get it for Mama, too. Matagal ka na bang mahilig sa classics?”

“I was more into it after Mamang died. I used to watch old movies with her when I was younger. Maliban kasi sa mga beauty pageants, mahilig din siya sa mga lumang film! Bonding time namin ang panonood ng lumang movies. Siya rin ang dahilan kung bakit mahilig ako sa books. She used to teach Literature sa college sa Mindoro.” Maya told Richard. “Maybe it was my way of coping with her death and remembering her. Then the more I watch, the more I enjoyed those movies, hayan I’m collecting DVDs na!”

“You really had a very good role model in your Mamang, Maya!” Richard remarked. “I wish I got the chance to meet your grandmother.”

“Oo nga. But she was gone too soon!” Maya said with a tinge of sadness, then smiling, she said,  “I’m pretty sure my Mamang will like you had she met you.”

“Really, you think so!” Richard said, smiling. pleased with what Maya said.

“Oo naman, Ricky.” Maya said. “What’s not to like?”

“So, palagay mo ba, Ms Dela Rosa, magiging boto sa akin ang Mamang mo?” Richard asked, smiling, teasing her.

“Siguro. Pero sasabihin noon, ligawan mo muna ng husto ang apo ko, bago ka magtanong ng ganyan.” Maya teased Richard back.

“Gagawin ko naman ah.” Then Richard pretended to look up to heaven. “Mamang, liligawan ko naman ng husto itong apo niyo. Pero ilakad niyo ako para sagutin ako kaagad.”

Maya laughed at Richard’s antics, at the same time, she felt very giddy.” You are being silly, Richard Lim. Kain na kaya tayo at gutom lang iyan. Give me a couple of minutes to set up the table.”

But instead of waiting, Richard went with Maya to the kitchen and helped her set the table.

Maya put the flowers Richard gave her on the middle of the table. The bouquet he gave her the other evening, she had put on the table beside her bed. Richard got the wine from the bucket where Maya had put it and, poured a glass for Maya, and then him.

“This is a lot of food for the two of us!” Richard remarked, appreciating Maya’s effort. “Looks so good. Thank you for this Maya.”

“You’re welcome, Ricky. I hope you will like everything.” Maya said smiling.

“I’m sure I will.” Richard seated Maya, then sat on her left.

Maya started serving salad to Richard, but before they ate, Richard offered a toast.

“To us, Maya!” Richard said, looking at her with love.

“To us, Ricky!” Maya replied with the sweetest and brightest of smiles, mirroring the immense happiness she was feeling at that moment.

Maya and Richard proceeded to enjoy their sumptuous dinner. They also chatted while eating leisurely. At times, they would share a look and grinned goofily at each other. When they were finished with their main course, Maya asked Richard if he would like to have dessert.

“Maybe in a while, Maya! My tummy is so full. That was a very delicious meal.” Richard said, drinking the last of the wine in his glass. “You are a very good cook.”

“Thank you.” Maya said smiling. “I like cooking. It relaxes me. How about another cup of coffee? I can bring it to the living room!”

“That would be good. But I will help you clean up muna.” Richard offered.

“Ricky, ano ka ba, okay lang. I can do that later. Kaunti lang naman ito.” Maya protested.

“Nope, it is the least I could do for you after that very nice dinner.” Richard insisted, then started helping out Maya. Maya stopped protesting. They worked in synch until the kitchen and the dining room were in order and very clean.

“O since finished na tayo, go to the living room. I will bring coffee and the dessert. I’m sure we can eat that now.” Maya said. “I made ref cake.”

“Okay, I’m sure I can’t walk anymore after eating that.” Richard teased.

Richard went to the living room and was looking at the view when Maya walked in carrying a tray. She placed it on the coffee table. Richard walked back to the sofa and sat beside Maya.

“Thank you, Maya.” He said after Maya handed him the dessert. He tasted it and said, “Wow!” Then dived in, enjoying the dessert as well.

They ate in companionable silence. When they were sipping their second cup of coffee for the evening, Richard asked Maya her plans for the rest of the week.

“Well, tomorrow, I’m thinking of just walking around the area. See where my feet will take me. Then on the 24th, I will go to Tita Lulu and Tito Mario’s house for the noche buena like I have mentioned before,, then probably return here on Christmas Day.” Maya enumerated. “How about you?”

“Hmmmm, I’m also free tomorrow. Can we go together on that walk, spend the day together, then have dinner at one of the restaurants in the area? That is, kung okay lang.” Richard asked, hoping that Maya would say yes.

“Sure, Ricky! I would be happy to have you as company.” Maya replied. In fact, she was looking forward to that! Another day with Richard!

“Great!” Richard said, grinning. “Tapos isa pang request please.” He said, then plunged in. “Can we spend Christmas Day together? I know you will spend it with your family as I would, pero at least can we spend Christmas afternoon, together?”

Hearing Richard’s request, Maya felt very happy. She would like that too. She wants to celebrate her ‘first Christmas’ with him. Christmastime, especially when you are in a foreign country, made one missed the Philippines more and the loved ones you have left behind. Aside from thinking of her family, she also thought more of Richard during this season. Now, she will be celebrating it with him!

“I would love that, very much, Ricky.” Maya said softly.

“Thank you, Maya. You made me the happiest guy! I’m looking forward to our first Christmas together.” He simply said, making Maya’s heart rate go up with what he said.

Maya and Richard spent the rest of the evening learning more about each other, and chatting about every topic they could think of, so very happy in each other’s company that they quite forgot the time, until Richard accidentally looked at the clock and noticed that it’s midnight!

Richard told Maya that he will get going. He thanked her again for the wonderful time and then they agreed to see each other before lunch the following day. At the door of Maya’s place, Richard gave her a good night kiss on the lips, very gently, but it made Maya’s lips tingle with the lingering feeling of that wonderful kiss. They smiled at each other, then parted for the night.

“Good night, Maya, thank you for another best day.” Richard said, gazing at Maya tenderly. “Sweet dreams!”

“Good night, Ricky! Thank you too for a wonderful and very memorable day!” Maya simply said. “I’ll see you tomorrow. Drive carefully. Sweet dreams!”

Richard texted Maya several minutes after saying that he had arrived home. Just like the night before, they went to bed very happy!

The following day, Richard dressed in well-worn jeans and grey t-shirt that fitted him so well, arrived at Maya’s condo with two tumblers of coffee and breakfast, well brunch, from the cafe they have been to the day before. He was also holding a bouquet of red roses and a beautiful vase.

Richard noticed that Maya has not gotten around to buying one as the flowers he gave her the night before was put in a big jar. Maya explained that she still need to shop for stuffs for her place, as well as some big ticket items for her bedroom and guest room.

“Good morning, Maya!” Richard greeted Maya with a big smile. “I got breakfast. And these are for you.”

“Good morning, Ricky!” Maya said with a big smile. She too was dressed for going out in a pair of skinny jeans and loose cotton blouse and ballet flats. “Thank you for the flowers, and the vase for it! They are beautiful. Uy, nagdala ka rin ng breakfast! I thought we will eat there na lang sa cafe!”

“Well, baka kasi marami ng tao doon kasi too close to Christmas na and besides, I prefer to have breakfast with you like this.” Richard said.

“You have a point there. I like this better too.” Maya said. “Halika, let’s eat na.”

More than four hours later, Maya and Richard hit the streets around their area. They opted to spend the afternoon in Maya’s place. They ended up chatting and getting caught up in each other that they forgot the time again. Realizing that it was still a bit hot to go out, they opted to watch ‘An Affair To  Remember’. When the movie was finished, Richard quietly handed Maya tissue when he heard her sniffling again, loudly this time.

“Thank you, Ricky!” Maya said smiling. “Sobrang touching naman kasi. Pero at least, sila pa rin in the end!”

“True. Now I truly understand you and Mama, and Mamang’s fascination with old movies. They reached out to your emotions without all the fancy stuffs nowawadays, just pure emotion and there is a kind of beautiful and innocent romance in those old movies. Aside from the very good actors that had starred in them” Richard said.

“I agree! I like rin naman contemporary movies, pero iba pa rin ang pull sa akin ng old movies. I just wished I managed to go to the top of the Empire State Building when I was in New York.” Maya said. “Hanggang sa tapat lang ako kasi walang time to go up!”

“You haven’t? Me too. Never had the opportunity or the time to do while I was in the city.” Richard remarked, then said, “Maybe, one day, we can go there together!”

“I would like that!” Maya smiled happily, feeling giddy, hearing Richard planning like this for the two of them. “So, shall we get going. Medyo hapon na kaya masarap nang maglakad.”

Maya and Richard went out several minutes. They were not planning to go far so they just took a leisurely walk while chatting. They ended up at the park beside The Mind Museum with a cup of coffee in hand.

“Ricky, do you always want to be an architect. and an engineer?” Maya asked while sipping the latte Richard got for her before they ended up in the park.

“Yes, I love to draw and at a young age, was interested in designs, even in painting. I like looking at buildings, houses, studying the lines. My father was more into me taking a business course. In the end, you see we managed to compromise. Though I leave most of the operations side of things to Mama.” Richard said. “Speaking of Mama, how about the dinner with my parents the day after Christmas?”

Maya paused and thought for a while. She is okay with meeting Richard’s parents, but she is also kind of shy to do so as she and Ricky had just started. “Sure, it would be okay to do so, Ricky?”

“Yes, it is perfectly okay, Maya. Pero it does not have to be on the 26th.” Richard said, sensing that Maya is having misgivings about it. Maybe, because everything is still so new to her and happening very fast. Besides kasisimula pa lang naman niyang manligaw, Richard mused.

“If it is okay, can we just do it after our trip to Mindoro or before the New Year? Before they leave the country. Di ba sabi mo, they will go abroad for the New Year.” Maya said.

“Sure, no worries, Maya.” Richard assured Maya.

When it got a bit dark, Richard and Maya went to one of the restaurants at Bonifacio High Street to have dinner.

The following day, Richard was back in Maya’s apartment around five o’clock in the afternoon to take her to her family’s home. He also brought a gift for Cho and pastries for the Franciscos. He only stayed a bit at her family’s home, as he will go to Quezon City to celebrate Christmas with his parents, some aunts and cousins on his father’s side of the family.

It was a wonderful Christmas celebration for the Franciscos since Maya was finally home! The food, drinks and merriment were overflowing. After noche buena, they exchanged gifts. Maya saw what Richard gave Cho, a Lego Star Wars set!

Maya’s phone also beeped after midnight, which made her jump as she was waiting for it to beep, sort of. Cris teased her after seeing her with a big goofy, smile. It was Richard wishing her Merry Christmas and telling her, he wished they were together that moment. Maya texted him back, saying that this is her best Christmas ever, with her family celebrating with her and with him in her life too. She also told Richard that she also wished they were together. But told him, they will see each other in a couple of hours. Maya’s reply earned the biggest grin Donya Esmeralda had seen from her son.

Richard picked up Maya from the Francisco’s after lunch. Tita Lulu and Tito Mario asked him to have dinner there. Maya told her aunt and uncle that she and Richard would love to, but some other time, as that day, they have already made plans. Her Tita Lulu smiled and teased her a bit on the side, which made Maya blushed. Good thing her Ate Cris and Kuya Jeff already went home as they will be going to Jeff’s family pa, otherwise, she would have been teased by them too!

Richard and Maya arrived at Maya’s place less than 30 minutes after.

“Maya, I’ll follow na lang! I will park the car first.” Richard suddenly said when they were in front of the building.

Maya was a bit surprised as usually Richard just go up with her. But she just shrugged it off. “Okay, I will just tell the reception that you would be along.” She just carried the food her Tita Lulu sent with her.

Several minutes after, Maya’s bell rang. When Maya opened the door, she saw Richard carrying a big flat rectangular gift, beautifully wrapped, also a huge picnic basket, and another beautiful floral arrangement!

“Ricky, ang dami mo pa lang dala! You should have told me para natulungan kita!” Maya exclaimed, as she helped him by carrying the gift and the flowers inside.

“It is okay, Maya. My surprises for you!” Richard said smiling. “But first thing first, I thought it would be nice to have a picnic kahit indoors so here it is.”

“Oh, this is wonderful Ricky!” Maya said liking the idea. “I know of the perfect spot.”

Maya then carried the picnic basket to the big floor to ceiling window. When she looked inside the basket, she saw that it contained a table cloth with a Christmas design, a bottle of wine, assorted cold cuts, bread, a big box of chocolate and bone china tablewares, silver knives and forks and two delicate wine glasses in protective casing so they will not break in transport.

Richard looked on as Maya arranged everything a big smile on his face.

“Ricky, this is, wow!” It was all Maya managed to say after laying down their picnic together, touched at Richard’s gesture for their first Christmas together.

“I’m so glad you like it, Maya.” Richard sat down on the table cloth beside Maya, then handed her the flowers and the big gift. “For you, Maya, Merry Christmas!”

Maya looked at the gift and the flowers. Her happiness is overflowing with Richard’s thoughtfulness. “Oh, Ricky, thank you for these. I’m so touched.” She said, then remembered her gift for him too. “Wait, I will just get something.”

Maya returned holding a big gift bag. “For you, Ricky! Merry Christmas!”

Richard was touched to have received something from Maya too. “Thank you, Maya.” He said with a big smile. “So shall we open our gifts to each other?”

“You first, Ricky!” Maya said smiling.

Richard removed the card attached to the gift bag. He opened it and smile, looking at Maya with so much love and happiness.

Dearest Ricky,

The best gift I received this Christmas season is seeing you again.

Merry Christmas!

Maya

“Maya, seeing you again is the best gift I have received this season too.” Richard said softly. Then he opened the bag and saw a  big hardbound book, doodle art book, and a big case of colored pencils. He took out the book and saw it is Douglas Adams ‘The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy”, and the doodle art book which features famous castles and houses.

“Thank you for these, Maya.” Richard said again. He remembered him telling Maya that he would like to read the complete ‘Hitchhiker’s’ book in one of their chats and he understood the whimsy of giving him the doodle art book. “I hope you will like my gift too!”

Maya removed the card attached to the big gift. Like Ricky, she read it first before opening her present from him. Her heart somersaulted.

Dearest Maya,

This is the best Christmas ever. I can’t wish for a more wonderful gift than finding  you again after all these years. Now, my Christmas is no longer lonely.

I love you, Maya! 

Ricky

“R-ricky….” Maya said breathlessly, her gift temporarily forgotten. She looked at him, wonder in her eyes. Her heart beating so loud. He had told her he will court her, but she was not expecting this declaration this evening.

“Yes, Maya, I do! I think I have started falling, seven years ago.” Richard said softly, lovingly, putting his hand on top of Maya’s then looked deep into her eyes. “I know we just met again, but I have never been more sure of what I feel. I know also that it may be too fast for you, I just want you to know that I love you very much. I’m not expecting an answer now. I’m just so very happy that we are together. Now open your gift, please.”

Maya felt her hands were very cold and she can’t breath from the thump thump of her heart. She gave Richard a heart melting smile. “Thank you, Ricky.” She said simply, so overwhelmed, gazing at Ricky, then put her hand on top of his. “I’m so happy we found each other again.”

Then, she opened her gift. “Awwww, this is so beautiful! Where on earth did you find this! Thank you for this.”

Richard  got her a frame movie poster of Roman Holiday!

Rchard grinned. “Through a friend of a friend who has a shop at Cubao Expo. I’m so glad you like it.”

“Maraming salamat ulit Ricky. You are making me so very, very happy.” Maya looked at Richard with love too. She may have not said the words, but Richard can see it from her eyes.

“For you, Maya, anything! “ Richard said, gazing at Maya with all the love he was feeling.

Slowly, of their own volition, they gravitated towards each other, until their faces were so close, then Richard lowered his lips to Maya and gave her a searing kiss. Maya responded.  They broke apart after several long seconds, both catching their breaths.

“Merry Christmas, Maya!”

“Merry Christmas, Ricky!”

They said it with big smiles on their faces. Indeed, it was the best Christmas ever!

Note: Happy Valentine’s Day!!!! ❤ ❤ ❤

Moves

Richard arrived at the Francisco residence less than an hour after he left his parents’ house in La Vista Village in Quezon City. He parked his car beside Jeff’s Honda then took a deep breath and rang the bell. Maya opened the gate several minutes after. Richard gave her a heart melting smile, very happy to see her again.

“Ricky, I’m glad you are back na. You are just time for coffee and dessert!” Maya greeted Richard with a big smile too. In such a short time, she realized she had missed his company and had been watching the clock since he texted, the minutes seemed longer before he arrived! That is why when the door bell rang, she jumped a bit, earning her a teasing look from her cousin Cris.

“Hi Maya!” Richard said, then gave Maya another peck on the cheek, making Maya self-conscious. Wow, bakit iba ang pakiramdam ng simpleng social kiss pagdating sa kanya. Maya mused.

“Sure, it is okay that I join you and your family? Kasi di ba, family celebration ito for you?” Richard broke into Maya’s thoughts and kilig. “I can just wait for you outside. No worries.”

“Of course, Ricky. Ano ka ba! Don’t worry. Besides, they want to meet you to thank you for helping Cho.” Maya assured Richard. “Besides, they want to meet a friend of mine.”

“Okay, then, let’s go.” Richard said, smiling. “I’m also looking forward to meeting the rest of your family.”

They walked towards the main house, then from the living room, crossed to the dining room, with Richard’s hand on Maya’s back, until they reached the back veranda where everyone is. Before Maya can introduce Richard, Cho ran to them.

“Tito Richard, Tito Richard!” The boy then gave Richard a big hug.

“Cho, buddy! Kumusta ka na? Mabuti naabutan pa kitang gising.” Richard said, smiling fondly at the little boy, at the same time ruffling his hair. Then he looked at Maya’s family. “Good evening po sa inyo.”

“Okay naman po ako Tito Richard. Malapit na po akong maging Kuya! Talaga pong hinintay ko kayong dumating bago ako matulog, di ba Daddy and Mommy?” Cho then looked at the pregnant woman with short hair beside Jeff.

Cristina Rose stood up with Jeff’s help. “Hi I’m Cris, nanay niyang si Cho and cousin ni Maya. Maraming salamat for helping our little boy last Sunday.” Cris told the handsome chinito guy before her. Now she understand why her cousin got torete yesterday when they were chatting on the phone.

“I’m please to meet you Cris!” Richard said, giving Cris a big smile. Hmmm, ka-guwapo naman pala talaga nitong special friend ni little cousin, lalo na kapag nag-smile, she thought to herself, and mukhang ang bait-bait. Kung na-meet niya si Richard habang naglilihi siya, baka napaglihian niya!

“Ricky, let me introduce you to the rest of the family.” Maya said, guiding Richard by the arm into the other side of the veranda. “Tita Lulu, Tito Mario, Lino and Lindsay, my friend Richard Lim! Ricky, my aunt and uncle, Lourdes and Mario Francisco na like I have told you, para ko na ring mga magulang. Ito naman si Lino eh parang kapatid ko nang bunso, and ang wife niya na si Lindsay. Then you know Jeff na naman and hayan nag-self introduce na si Ate Cris na my ate in every sense of the word!”

“Good evening po ulit, Mr. and Mrs. Francisco. Lino and Lindsay, Cris and Jeff. I’m pleased to meet Maya’s family. “ Richard said smiling at everyone. “Thank you for inviting me in. Sabi ko nga po kay Maya baka I’m intruding na on a family get together.”

“Naku hijo, dapat nga dito ka na nag-dinner!” Lulu said. “Please have a seat. Thank you very much for helping Cho! Gusto ka rin naming ma-meet para mapasalamatan in person.”

“Naku, I’m glad to have helped Cho po. Saka because of him nagkita kami ulit ni Maya after seven long years.” Richard said. “Nabanggit niya po ba na ako iyong isa sa judge sa sinalihan niyang beauty pageant sa Mindoro?”

“Really! Maya said nga na nagkakilala kayo years ago. She never gotten around to mentioning that” Lulu said, curious as Maya only managed to mention earlier that she met Richard from way back. Lulu handed Richard a serving of buco pandan. Then said, “Di ba iyon, Maya iyong pageant before namatay si Mamang. You really made her very happy that evening, when you won.”

“Thank you very much po Mrs. Francisco.” Richard said, getting the dessert from Lulu.”Yes, that is where we met po, I was one my Mama’s proxy since she got sick that night.”

“Naku, please call me Tita Lulu and Mario, Tito Mario since you are a friend of Maya.” Lulu told Richard, liking Maya’s young man instantly. This is actually the first time her niece introduced a guy to them. Hmmm, parang magkaka-boyfriend na ang pamangkin ko ah. Then she decided to test a bit if her intuition is right on. “You are the first male friend pati Maya introduced to us.” She remarked offhand.

Richard grinned, liking Lulu’s revelation. While Maya on the other hand, turned crimson, which Lulu saw. Hmmm, I’m correct!

“Okay po, Tita Lulu.” Richard smiled at Maya’s aunt, liking her instantly. He had an inkling that Maya’s aunt was, sort of, fishing. She probably sensed something and he is happy to rise to her bait.

“Ricky, coffee?” Maya asked, then poured Richard a cup, then put two teaspoons of brown sugar, trying to regain her composure and hoping that she is not as red as she feels at the moment, getting self-conscious.

“Thanks a lot, Maya.” Richard gave Maya another of his bone-melting smiles. They shared a look, gazing at each other until Lulu broke into it before they completely cross over into their own private world.

“Im glad naman that you and Maya saw each other after all these years.” Lulu remarked. “Nakakatuwa naman.”

“I’m so happy nga po to have finally see her again last Sunday.” Richard replied, leaving out the missed connections between Maya and him through the years. He is leaving it to Maya to tell it to her family. Baka she gets very conscious na, lalo na at feeling niya, Lulu knows that something more than friendship is brewing between him and her niece.

Maya and Richard had a wonderful after dinner time with the Franciscos. Tito Mario and Lino asked Richard about building resorts and which one would he considers the best place he had built on. Richard told him it was Palawan and also Mindoro. Lino is an Electronics and Communications Engineer so the conversation also shifted from resorts to technology. Lindsay just listened on while the two chatted or sometimes, she, Maya, Cris and Tita Lulu talked about other stuffs on the side. Jeff also joined the conversation while holding a sleeping Cho in his arms. Like Lino, he is an ECE.

“Jeff, mabuti yata dalhin na natin si Cho sa guest room.” Cris suggested after a while.

Maya looked at the time then. “Naku, almost midnight na pala! Baka bedtime mo na rin Ate Cris and ni baby girl pamangkin. Dito pala kayo matutulog.”

“Yes, we decided to stay the night na kasi wala namang pasok na si Cho. In fact, speaking of, dito na kami hanggang Christmas!” Cris said as she stood up. “O paano, I think Jeff and I will say good night na and put our little boy to sleep.”

“Okay, Ate Cris. Richard and I will get going na rin.” Maya said. “Good night.” Then she went on to hug her cousin.

“You still owe me kwento, little sis.” Cris whispered to Maya when they hugged each other. “In fairness, I like your boyfriend-to-be!” Cris teased her cousin.

“Ikaw Ate Cris, ha.” Maya smiling.

Cris smiled, then looked at Richard, whom she caught looking at Maya with something akin to love in his eyes. “Richard nice meeting you! Thanks again and good night.”

Richard smiled at Maya’s cousin and the same time, got curious what the cousins have whispered about that cause Maya’s face to turn red. Hmmm, something to find out later. “Good night Cris, Jeff.”

Maya and Richard also said goodbye then to her aunt, uncle and Lino and Lindsay who will go home to their house beside the Franciscos. Tita Lulu told Richard to come to dinner next time. She also said Richard can come with Maya to their Christmas dinner if he is free. Richard thanked the gracious, old lady and told her, he would have taken her up in if  he does not have a dinner too with his parents. Richard thanked Maya’s whole family for inviting him as well.

Maya hugged her family, so happy that evening and thanked them again for the wonderful treat for her. Soon after they were on their way home too.

“I like your family, Maya. You are lucky to have such a big one!” Richard said as he navigated the late evening traffic on the way back to BGC. “Kami, tatlo lang nina Mama and Papa. I have cousins pero nasa abroad most of them.”

“Yes, I feel so blessed that I have them.” Maya replied, sighing contently against the seat. “Mom and Dad must have been watching over me from above, giving me a wonderful family pa rin kahit wala na sila.”

“Saan pala sila nakalibing?” Richard asked.

“Sa Himlayang Pilipino sa may Tandang Sora. We used to live in Quezon City. Noong namatay sila, of course, Mamang brought me home to Mindoro.” Maya said. “I’m planning to visit their graves sa Friday. Mamang saved all our family photos para raw hindi ko sila makalimutan since they died when I was very young.”

“You really had the best grandmother, Maya.” Richard said. His heart really goes out to Maya for the lost she had experienced while so young. Mabuti she has the best family to support and they love her very much. He saw that this evening.

“I do. I’m so very grateful for that.” Maya said, then noticed that they are almost at her place. “Ricky, thank you again for today. Sa lahat-lahat!” Maya said when they stopped in front of her building. “Sobrang wonderful ng araw na ito for me, I mean ng Sunday ko pala. I think Monday na dahil past midnight.”

“I also had a wonderful time because of you, Maya. The best Sunday for me also.” Richard said, smiling at Maya. “Come, I will take you up to your unit.”

“Naku, huwag na at gabi na. May pasok ka pa mamaya. Safe na naman ako rito. Hayun, nandoon naman si Manong Guard.” Maya said.

“Maya, I’ll feel better, knowing that I delivered you right at your door, please.” Richard insisted. “Wait ka lang and I will park the car by the side.”

“Okay, if you insists!” Maya smiled at Richard. No use arguing with him on this. She actually likes the fact that Richard is the epitome of a gentleman. She also likes the attention he is showering her, a lot. Laglag na yata ang puso niya, kung hindi pa. She sighed happily.

Several minutes after, the two of them are at the elevator going to Maya’s floor.

“Wala naman akong pasok tomorrow, Maya.” Richard said while they were walking towards her unit. “Last Friday na iyong last day of work ko sa Emerald before Christmas.”

“So, what are your plans for tomorrow?” Maya asked, an idea percolating in her brain.

“Just stay at home, I think. Sleep,  wake up late, relax or work from home, do some plans for a new resort or something.” Richard said. “Just very loose. Why? Do you want to go somewhere? I can take you.”

“Oh, thank you, Ricky. I do need to buy a car. But I don’t think it is a good idea to do that before Christmas.” Maya took a deep breath and said,  “Errrr, I’m thinking of, maybe I can ask you to have dinner here tomorrow night. Pambawi ko sa iyo?” She finished, looking at Richard, blushing a bit as it is the first time, she invited a guy like that. Normally, they do the asking and she just met her occasional dates in restaurants.

Richard smiled. He is very happy with her invitation. He wants to see her tomorrow too. But felt that maybe, Maya wants some space since maghapon na silang magkasama ng Sunday and most of the evening before that. Ayaw naman niyang i-crowd si Maya ng presence niya.

“I would like that.” Richard said, then added softly, “very much!”

“Really, you will have dinner here tomorrow!” Maya is happy to know also. By that time, they have arrived at her front door. “Great! I’ll see you around 6PM. Or if you want to, come earlier than that. I’ll just be at home too.”

“Okay!” Richard said, grinning. “I’m looking forward to our dinner tomorrow. Good night Maya! Thank you again for a very wonderful day.”

“Thank you too, Ricky for a very great day and for being a sport with my family.” Maya said. “Good night!”

Maya and Richard, it seems, both reluctant to part for the night, gazed at each other, hearts beating faster and just felt very happy. Before he can stop himself, Richard lowered his lips to Maya’s. Maya knew what was coming. She saw it on Richard’s gaze and intent. Helpless to fight the emotions she was feeling at the moment, she angled her mouth to received Richard’s kiss. They shared a quick, gentle exploratory kiss, then slowly parted, wonder in their eyes!

“Good night, Maya. Sweet dreams!” Richard said, gazing at Maya intently.

Maya felt like she was woken again from a wonderful dream.”Good night Ricky.” She replied so very softly, still recovering from the effect of the kiss she shared with Richard.

Richard waited until Maya was inside before leaving. Maya fumbled with the key, and Richard helped her, putting his hand over hers. Then with a  bone-melting smile, he said good night to her, again.

“OMG, paano kaya ako makakatulog nito! Para akong lumulutang!” Maya said to herself after she has closed the door and with weak knees collapsed on the sofa, touching the lips that Richard has kissed.

Richard felt like he was on top of the world. He stopped in front of the elevator with a goofy grin, forgetting to press the elevator button going down, realizing it only when the numbers changed and it passed by the floor he was in. This feeling of overwhelming joy is enveloping him. The kiss he and Maya shared still very much in his senses.

Both Maya and Richard had a hard time sleeping that night. Both of them remembered their wonderful day and how it ended, and too excited to see and experience where the blossoming feelings between them will take them next.

Note: As requested! Happy Saturday everyone!   🙂 

Beautiful Sunday

Since she got home late the night before, Maya woke up a bit later than usual the following morning. She looked at the clock and saw that it was already 10 o’clock in the morning. She certainly slept a long time! Then, while she was trying to shake up of remnants of sleep from her system, she remembered her wonderful time with Richard the night before. She grinned. Welcome to another beautiful morning in the Philippines, Maya Dela Rosa, she told herself! She never thought, when she packed her bags and left Macau for good that this would be what awaits her, another ‘chance’ with Richard! She is very happy.

Maya took a quick shower, several minutes after, then dressed in her most comfortable pair of jeans, t-shirt, flip-flops and then she was off to the nearby shopping district. She wanted to hit the shops early to avoid the crowd later on as it was the weekend before Christmas. She just needed some things for her place and something to bring to her dinner with the Franciscos in the evening. Maybe, if there are not so many people, she can also check other shops. She needs to furnish her place and she had been putting off buying the big ticket items for it until after the holidays. But she could check what she could get.

But before she does all of that, she needed her caffeine fix, and breakfast too! Her tummy is grumbling already. Maya entered the cafe she usually frequents when she is in this area, and was about to order when someone called her name.

“Maya!” Richard called from one of the tables, a big smile on his face. He looks to happy to see her. And to her, he looks so handsome in his faded jeans, t-shirt and sneakers. He looks boyish and so appealing.

“Ricky!” Maya said, with an answering big smile too. The morning just got brighter, she thought. Tama nga siya na another beautiful morning ang araw na ito sa Pilipinas!

Richard was thinking the same. Matapos ang unforgettable evening niya with Maya, heto, a beautiful morning naman ang kasunod. He can’t believe his luck when he saw Maya entering the cafe.

“Good to you see here, Maya! Please join me. What would you like to have? I will just get it for your. I insist, please.” Richard said.

“Oh! O sige na nga. Pero next time, ako naman ha. I would just like the big caffe americano and a tuna and cheese sandwich.” Maya said after looking at the cafe’s menu board. “Thank you very much, Ricky.”

“Okay, your food coming right up. Wait for me na lang at my old table. Naiwan ko pala doon ang laptop ko.” Richard said.

Maya went to the table where she saw Richard earlier. On it, she saw the same type of coffee she ordered and a half-eaten club sandwich. Richard was apparently combining breakfast and work.

“Here you go, Maya.” Richard put Maya’s food in front of her after several minutes, then he sat across her.

“Thank you again, Ricky. What a coincidence naman that I saw you here!” Maya remarked as she put three sachets of brown sugar into her coffee. “Medyo tinanghali na nga ako ng labas ng place ko today.”

“Well, considering the late night we had, ako rin late na nagising this morning. Wala namang pasok so, it was okay. I hope you slept well.” Richard said, gazing at her intently. She was the one he was thinking about before he finally succumbed to sleep. “I’m glad to have ran into you here. Parati ka ba dito?”

“Yes, halos every morning simula nang lumipat ako sa unit ko. I like their coffee and there is a pasta here that I like as well.” Maya replied. “Too much effort to brew coffee at home kung ako lang naman. Saka, I don’t know, parang mas masarap ang coffee sa cafe kaysa sa gawa ko.” She added smiling.

“I agree. I gave up brewing coffee at home too. Marami namang masasarap na coffee ngayon sa mga cafe na in recent years, nagsulputan. Kaya hayun kung coffee machine ko hindi na nagagamit.” Richard said, then asked,  “What are your plans for the rest of the day? Di ba mamaya ang dinner mo sa family mo? Saan pala nakatira ang aunt and uncle mo?”

“Yes. They live in Dasmarinas Village.” Maya took a sip of her coffee and enjoyed the initial rush of caffeine into her system. “I’m just buying some stuffs for the house diyan sa shop selling all kinds of containers and organizers, then go to the bookshop I think, tapos will buy chocolates lang for my aunt. Ikaw?”

“Hmmm, I’m free din today.” Richard remarked and when he saw Maya looking at the papers on the table and his laptop. “Oh, I just brought this since I’m passing the time.” He explained. “Pero, mamaya I will have dinner too at my parents’s house.”

“Oh, it was last Sunday nga pala when we saw each other again, and you were with your mother! Magdi-dinner ka rin sa kanila that day?” Maya asked.

“Oo. Kapag libre ako, I usually go to their house in Quezon City.” Richard said, then smiling, he narrated, “That was one of my best Sundays, seeing you again. Of course, today is another best Sunday! My mother got very surprised when I thanked her for dragging me to S & R! Considering that I tried talking her out of going there dahil baka nga maraming tao. Mabuti she is stubborn, lalo na kapag na-fixate siya sa isang bagay or task na kailangan niyang ma-accomplish, like the stuffs she wanted to buy there!.”

“Really, your Mom is like that!” Maya smiled at that, then somehow imagining Richard’s mother’s expression when he thanked her. It seems too, that Richard is not yet done with all his revelations. Maya felt very happy at that moment.

“Yes, she is. Pero sanay na kami ni Papa sa kanya. My Mama is a very lovely person, and very jolly.” Richard said, his love for his mother obvious in his tone of voice.

Richard and Maya ate and chatted as they enjoyed their brunch. Richard, upon Maya’s proddding, talked about his parents and Richard also asked how’s Mamang as a parent.  Maya forgot that she was supposed to be hitting the shops early as she enjoyed Richard’s company. They shared anecdotes about their families. And just like last night, they got into talking about all kinds of stuffs too.

“Maya, would be it be okay if I go around with you? Sasamahan na kita sa shops. Unless you prefer to be alone, of course.” Richard asked after a while, gazing at Maya with a hopeful expression. “You know, I could be your taga-bitbit.” He added with a grin. He does not want yet to part with Maya. In fact, he wanted to spend the rest of the day with her.

Maya looked at Richard, her heart beating fast again. Hayan na-exercise na naman ang puso. Grabe na ang mamang ito, sobra na akong pakiligin, she mused.

“Sure, Ricky! I would be happy to. Kung sure ka na wala ka namang gagawin at kung okay lang na umikot-ikot. I know guys don’t like doing that.” Maya said smiling. “Pero promise, kaunti lang ang bibilhin ko.”

“Well, I’m not most guys!” Richard said, teasing! “I like your company, Maya. I’m sure being with you as you flit from shop to shop will not be a chore.”

“Thanks a lot, Ricky.” Maya is now definitely feeling warm and giddy again. Imagine, the rest of the morning and the rest of the afternoon with Richard! Kahit makpagsiksikan pa sila sa mga tao, okay lang. Kayang-kaya. “Shall we get going?”

They left the cafe and then walk to the first shop on Maya’s list. She bought soap dispensers and organizers for her stuffs. Along the way, they also entered a house furnishing shop that has interesting displays. They looked like a couple out on a shopping trip for a new home. Richard was very solicitous of Maya. He held Maya’s elbow at times to assist her and so that she does not get jostled by people passing by, in a hurry too. However, later on he took complete hold of her hand when, in the volume of people hurrying from all directions almost separated them. Maya liked the feeling of their hands together.

In the book shop, Richard and Maya browsed through the shelves happily. After 30 minutes, Maya had five books in her hand, aside from several children’s books, as well as cute notebooks, and other stuffs. Richard on the other hand, was holding two hardbound books. They paid for their purchases and since Maya needed to get ready for her dinner with her family soon, they went to the chocolate shop that was last on her list for the day.

Maya bought a box of sugar-free chocolate for her Tita Lulu, regular ones for the rest of the family. Richard, when they came out, was also holding several bags from the shop.

“Maya, how are you going to your aunt and uncle’s house with all the stuffs you bought?” Richard asked when they were in his car going back to her place. Maya told him earlier that she found some books for Cho too. She can’t just resist buying them.

“I’m going to take a taxi. Hindi kasi ako madadaanan nina Ate Cris dahil by now, nandoon na sila. Then si Kuya Jeff naman may kausap pa this afternoon bago ang dinner.” Maya said. “I’m planning to get a car naman, pero hindi pa ako maka-decide kung ano. Saka inuna ko na munang ayusin ang house. Kuya Jeff promised to go with me rin pero busy pa siya.”

“Hmmm, I think it will be a tall order in this area, lalo na ngayong last weekend na ng mga tao to shop for their Christmas needs.” Richard said. “I can take you there before I go to Quezon City.” He offered.

“Ricky, sobra-sobra na naman yata akong spoiled sa iyo today. I’m taking up too much of your time na. Heto, sinamahan mo na nga akong mag-shop, pina-brunch and coffee pa.” Maya protested.

“No, Maya, you are not taking up my time. In fact, I’m making up for lost time, seven years to be exact!” Richard said meaningfully. “Let me just do this please.”

“Ricky, what do you mean?” “Maya asked as he remember him saying something along that line before.

“Well, like I have mentioned before, us getting to know each other is long overdue. Seven years in the making nga eh, if you come to think of it.” Richard said, then taking a deep breath, continued, “Maya, I was drawn to you from the moment I saw you. Di ba sabi ko naman sa kagabi, I wondered about you and I can’t explain why. The thing is from the moment you entered that stage I was drawn to you. Hindi ko maipaliwanag, pero my heart was beating faster than usual that night.”

“Really, Ricky!!!!” Maya said, very surprised at another revelation, and before she could stopped herself as she was very happy by this revelation, she blurted out, “Ako rin, ganyan ang pakiramdam ko ng makita kita.” Then she realized at what she has revealed, and blushed profusely.

Richard gazed at Maya intently, happy with what he just heard. He gave her a big lopsided smile. “I’m so glad, Maya. Thank you. Hindi pala ako nag-iisa.”  Then added, “You know the only reason why I attended that after pageant party was because I want to find out what drew me to you.”

“Ricky…..!” Maya blurted out, very surprised again and at the same time, her heart was beating double time.

“Yes, Maya! So we can we make up for seven lost years together?” Richard asked, gazing at Maya meaningfully.

Maya felt like she can’t breath, and only managed to say “yes” very softly.

They gazed at each other for several minutes, until a very loud honk broke their silent but momentous connection. It felt like their ‘getting-to-know-each-other’ has shifted to a new phase with that admissions on both their parts.

Maya realized then they were in front of her building and they were blocking the driveway.

“Oh….” Maya exclaimed.

“Oh….” Richard said too as he realized that he just automatically stopped the car in front of the building and got so lost in the feeling Maya was evoking in him. ‘Wait, Maya, I will just park at the guest parking and accompany you to your unit.”

“Ricky, better siguro itabi mo na lang doon sa may side, then I will get my stuffs na lang. I can manage. Di ba uuwi ka pa muna and babalik for me!” Maya suggested, still recovering from that revelation.

“No, I will accompany you upstairs. Marami kang bitbit.” Richard insisted.

Before they entered the building, Richard got something from the big bag from the chocolate shop. “Maya, for you.” He handed Maya a beautiful arrangement of chocolates.

“Oh, ito iyong gusto ko sa shop kanina and thought of buying the next time I’m there! Thank you very much, Ricky.” Maya said, appreciating Richard’s thoughtfulness.

“You’re welcome. I saw you looked at it, twice pero iniwan mo rin. I just thought of getting it for you.” He said, smiling.

Several minutes later, they were in front of Maya’s unit, looking at each other. What they admitted in the car was very much in the air.

“Pasok ka muna and have something to drink.” Maya asked.

“Thanks Maya, next time na lang. You will get ready pa for your dinner di ba. Baka makapos ka sa time. What time should I return to pick you up?” Richard asked.

“Hmmmm, how about 6PM. Malapit lang naman dito. Pero ikaw, hindi ka pa ba hihintayin ng parents mo. Sa Quezon City pa iyon.”

“It’s okay. I will call Mama and tell them that I will be there a little past 7PM. I think kaya naman. Don’t worry about me. Loose naman ang arrangement namin ng parents ko every weekend. I’ll see you in an hour.” Then Richard did something Maya was not expecting. He kissed her on the cheek. “Bye for now.” He said sofly, the gave her a heart melting smile, and off he went back to the elevator.

Maya was not sure how she managed to open her door. Inside, she walked like she was in a trance and just dropped her parcels. They hit the floor with a soft thud. Good thing there was nothing breakable in those. She touched her cheek, felt very warm, then she grinned.

Richard was also grinning foolishly as he took the elevator down. He was not really planning on giving Maya a kiss on the cheek. But he just felt so compelled to, especially after her admission that she was drawn to him from the beginning too. His throat constricted and he felt a shortness of breath as his heart beat double time when he heard those words.

Both Maya and Richard are looking forward  to seeing each other again in an hour or so even if they will have to go on their separate ways for the evening. Still, they will be together again. Making up for seven lost years, indeed!

Blending

“Sige na Ate Cris, I have to go na.” Maya told her cousin who called up as she was about to get ready for her dinner with Richard. His text woke her up that Saturday morning. He said he just wanted to greet her good morning and that he will see her later. The text made her morning. She found herself with a silly grin as she cleaned her condo, humming Oh, what a beautiful mornin’/And oh, what a beautiful day/I’ve got a wonderful feelin’/Every thing’s goin’ my way….from one of the old musicals she likes, Oklahoma!

“Hmmmm, may date ka ano! Kaya ka nagmamadali!” Cris told Maya, teasing her. “Feeling ko oo ka lang ng oo sa akin.”

“Uy, Ate Cris, nakikinig kaya ako sa sinasabi mo.” Maya insisted, smiling. “Saka hindi naman ako talaga nagmamadali, slight lang, hahahaha!”

Cris decided to test and tease her cousin further. She already detected with the way Maya was answering that her attention was not completely with her. She called up to ask her cousin if there is a special food she would like her and her Mom to prepare for tomorrow’s dinner.

“So, siya, siya, paano na, Mom and I will prepare morcon, embutido and grilled fish for our dinner tomorrow.” Cris said.

“Sure, masarap lahat ng iyon.” Maya replied, cellphone on speaker while trying to check what she could wear for the dinner with Richard from her opened closet.

“Hahahaha, huli ka, little sis! Sabi ko na nga ba, hindi ka nakikinig!” Cris laughed.

“Ha, di ba, iyan naman ang pinag-uusapan nating mga food kanina.” Maya said, trying to recall what they agreed on earlier.

“Cousin, we agreed on grilled fish, kaldereta and menudo.” Cris said, still laughing.

“Hahahahaha, busted. Sorry naman Ate Cris.” Maya said sheepishly.

“So, may date ka nga? Parang alam ko na kung sino. Ito ba eh nagngangalang Richard Lim!” Jeff told her that Maya and Richard, the guy who rescued Cho know each other and seemed to be happy to have met again. Her husband also confided in her that there seemed to be something more between the two, but he is sure the two of them are unaware of it yet.

“Ha, anong sinabi ni Kuya Jeff sa iyo about Ricky!” Maya asked, curious to know how Jeff read her meeting Richard again.

“Wala naman, maliban na lang na siya ang nag-rescue kay Cho sa S & R last weekend. Saka sabi niya magkakilala kayo. Sabi ng husband ko, aminado siya na mas guwapo raw sa kanya si Richard. Hahahahaha.” Cris said, at the same time thinking, so it’s Ricky, huh, and not Richard, indicating that her cousin and the guy who rescued Cho are not just casual acquiantances.

“Si Kuya Jeff talaga!” Maya said smiling, then admitted to her cousin that she is going out with Richard. “Yes, Ate Cris, Ricky invited me to dinner this evening.”

“Sabi na nga ba, eh! How long have you known him? Saan mo nakilala? Parang wala ka namang nakwento sa akin.” Cris asked, just wanting to know as it was from Jeff that she first heard about Richard and not from Maya. Pero baka rin naman sa abroad niya nakilala si Richard.

“It’s a long story, Ate Cris. Bayaan mo I will tell you about it tomorrow evening kung may pagkakataon.” Maya said. “Basta, I’m so happy that Ricky and I met again and that was through Cho ha.”

“Okay, hindi na ako magtatanong at baka ma-late ka pa sa date niyo ni Richard.” Cris said. She can feel her cousin’s happiness by the tone of her voice. She looks like she is on the way to falling in love for the first time in her life. She is glad. Maya has so much love to give and the guy whom she will finally decided to give her love will be a very lucky one.

“Thanks Ate Cris. Hindi ito date, dinner lang. Sa totoo lang, I’m a bit nervous! Paano if after all these years and all the anticipation….” She said almost to herself and not to her cousin.

“Maya, whatever it is, set it aside. Just enjoy the moment. I haven’t seen you this giddy and aligaga about something. Savor the feeling. Iyon bang anticipation and sobrang kabog ng dibdib mo sa saya kasi makikita mo siya. Yes, I don’t know the whole story, but I kinda think that it is that way. Tama ba ako?” Cris told her younger cousin.

“Tama ka, Ate Cris. Thank you. I will. O sige, I really have to go na. Baka sa kahahanap ko ng isusuot eh buong closet na ang mahalukay ko.” Maya said, smiling. “See you tomorrow.”

“See you and enjoy your night with your Chinito Prince Charming, na sabi mo eh hindi date!” Cris said, teasing her cousin one more time to ease up her nervousness, before she ended the call.

Maya was still smiling when she put down the phone. She checked the time and found that she still have ample time to get ready. She took out a lace classically cut dress from the closet. The dress has a Sabrina neckline and a fitted bodice and an A-line skirt that reach above the knee. It is one of her favorite cocktail dresses, not too dressy. It reminded her of the jade green dress who used to belong to Audrey Hepburn she saw online while she was looking for old articles on her, so she readily bought it when she saw it in a boutique store in Macau.

Maya got ready. Wearing the midnight purple dress she check herself in the mirror, thirty minutes later. Then she smiled. This is it! After seven long years! She got her evening bag and decided to wait for Richard in the living room. She was a bit early. To calm her nerves, she decided to continue watching Hepburn’s Roman Holiday.

Richard at that moment was also getting ready for his date, errr dinner with Maya. Like her, he was a bit nervous. The meeting and getting to know each other is seven years in the making, after all. Earlier, Donya Esmeralda asked Richard if he would like to have dinner with her and some relatives, but he declined. Just like Maya with Cristina Rose, he, too, was unable to concentrate on what his mother was saying.

Donya Esmeralda noticed his inability to concentrate which was not like Richard at all. Her son has always been successful in compartmentalizing everything. It must have been the architect and engineer in him. He is also known for his cool and a bit of aloofness. So, she told her son, his thought might be filled with a woman he really, really likes this time. His mother’s insight startled Richard and his mother just laughed at the end of the line when he asked her why would think that. Unbeknown to Richard, Donya Esmeralda also know that he made a reservation at the Lim family’s special place. She found out by accident when she was asking their hotel manager to prepare the place for the dinner she was planning for this evening.

Wearing a pair of dark jeans, pale blue shirt, and a matching sports coat, Richard boarded his car for the short ride to Maya’s place after promising his mother that he will make it up to her. He also said that they have other stuffs to discuss. He is going to tell her about Maya Dela Rosa.

Several minutes after, Maya’s intercom rang. The building reception told Maya that she has a guest. She told the girl who sounded breathless on the phone to send Mr. Lim up. Her door bell chimed several minutes after.

“Hi Ricky!” Maya said with a big smile when she opened the door, trying to control her fast beating heart. Richard looks so handsome with the big lopsided smile he is giving her.

“Hello Maya!” Then he handed Maya a big arrangement of sunflowers and roses. He just guessed what flowers she might like. “For you!” He was also gazing at her with admiration. She looks very lovely in that dress she is wearing, and also because of the smile she bestowed him that lit up her whole face.

“Oh, thank you very much for this, Ricky. They are lovely. Sunflower is my favorite flower!” Maya said happily, at the same time getting a bit self-conscious. “Come in please.”

Richard entered Maya’s spacious but still quite bare unit. He can see boxes still piled in the corner, with only her book case in order in that side of the room, together with the nice looking sofa and a big flat screen television.

“This is home. Medyo magulo pa!” Maya remarked. “Would you like something to drink before we leave?” She asked Richard.

“No, thank you, Maya. I’m good.” Richard replied.

“Okay, let me just put these flowers in a jar in the kitchen so we could get going.” Maya excused herself, trying to remember if she has a jar that would fit the flowers. She definitely didn’t have a vase in the house.

Richard gravitated towards the bookshelf while waiting for Maya to return. Judging by the books, and DVDs, on the shelves, he deduced that they have the similar tastes in reading materials and also movies, except that Maya seems to love the classics.

“I’m a pack rat when it comes to books. Hayan, wala na tuloy akong mapaglagyan.” Maya remarked when she returned to the living room and saw Richard checking the titles of the books in her collection. “Kasama ang mga iyan sa paglipat ko ng mga bahay.”

“Really. But that is nice! Hindi ka mahilig sa e-books?” Richard asked.

“I do rin, mas convenient kasi, pero only when I’m traveling or kung hindi ko makita ang title na hinahanap ko sa book shop. But if I have a choice, I still prefer ‘real books’. I like the feel of the pages in my hand and the ‘smell’, so to speak.”

“I agree with you. Well, can have the best of both worlds, courtesy of modern technology. I have also read some of the books in your shelf.” Richard remarked.

“Really! Which ones?” Maya said as she grab her bag. “Shall we get going?”

“Offhand, P.D. James and Philip Kerr.” Richard replied as he opened the door for Maya.

“They are two of my favorite authors!” Maya said as they walked towards the elevator chatting about the books, and also the movies they both like. As if by tacit agreement, they reserve the more serious discussion over dinner, one was planning to tell the other.

Maya wants to tell Richard that she will be working in his company and Richard on the other hand, wanted to tell Maya that he knew about her job application before they talk about the past seven years fate seemed to have conspired to keep them apart. But now that they met again, fate is forgiven!

“Where are we having dinner?” Maya asked as she was fastening her seatbelt after Richard escorted her to a dark blue BMW parked at the building guests’ parking.

“I know of a very nice place fronting Manila Bay. Would that be okay as it requires a bit of a travel?” Richard asked.

“Sure, anywhere is okay. I have been out of the country for four years so I’m sure there are a lot of new places that I don’t know of.” Maya remarked. Then she can’t wait until they get there, she decided to mention to Richard about her new job. “Do you know that I got interviewed by your company for a job? Actually I got hired and will start after the New Year.”

Richard was glad that Maya opened this line of conversation. He was about to do so himself since they will have a bit of a travel from BGC to Roxas Boulevard. He replied as he navigated the Saturday evening traffic from Taguig. “I was about to tell you about it. Yes, I have seen your application. I called for a meeting kasi of our HR officers since my mother who is handling the operations side of Emerald went on leave. Diana told me that among the three sent by our headhunter, one stood out because of that person’s credentials. I got very curious and asked for the folder and when I opened it, I was suprised to see that it is you. I didn’t tell our HR that I know you. I thought that it is better that way. I know naman that you will get the job because of your impressive credentials.“ Richard said.

“Oh, so you saw my CV and such. Only when I was told by my recruiter that I have a job interview with Emerald did I check your complete company profile. I was also surprised to see you listed as one of the officers. About not telling them, I agree with you.” Maya said. “Thank you, Ricky for the vote of confidence. I’m happy to be working in your company and in the Philippines na rin. It’s good to be back home!” Maya added.

“I agree, and I’m glad that you are home too. See, nagkita ulit tayo after that beauty pageant ages ago.” Richard smiled. “I thought I would see you next in Binibining Pilipinas or Miss World Philippines or Miss Earth.” He said, smiling. “How was it working in Macau? Sa Macau ka lang ba nag-stay all throughout na umalis ka ng Pilipinas?

“Talaga! That pageant was a one night deal for me. It’s a long story why I joined. About Macau, yes, iyon ang naging base ko, pero I sometimes travel to the other hotels in the region that my company owns. Then minsan, I got sent to trainings in Europe and the States!” Maya narrated. She enjoyed going places. “Working in Macau was great. Marami rin kasing Pilipino doon. Except for missing my family and our food, okay naman doon. Hayun I also learned how to speak Mandarin and Portuguese.”

“Really, so we can converse in Chinese!” Richard said, smiling.

“Well, I guess, basta don’t speak too fast and too accented ha. Kapag kasi sobra ng bilis magsalita ang isang Chinese native, nahihirapan na akong sundan.” Maya said smiling, teasing Richard.

The rest of the trip to Manila, they chatted about working and staying in different parts of the globe, learning and absorbing languages and cultures in the process, meeting new and interesting people. Soon, they have arrived in front of the Emerald Hotel fronting Roxas Boulevard. Richard ushered Maya in after he handed his car key to the valet who greeted him familiarly. Richard explained to Maya that the valet, Edwin, is a long time Lim employee.

Maya thought Richard and her will dine at one of the hotel’s two dining rooms. But instead of going to the either of the directions indicated at the lobby, Richard ushered her inside a waiting elevator. The elevator took them to the topmost floor, into a private door which he opened using his key card. As soon as he did, a beautiful garden came into view.  In the gazebo, in the middle of the garden, a table was beautifully set for two.

“Wow, what a beautiful place!” Maya remarked.

Richard smiled. “My mother thought of putting this on top to take advantage of the magnificent view. The view of the Manila Bay sunset from here is incredible. She, however, limited the access to this place to our family and for special occasions only.”

“Your mother has a great idea.” Maya said, liking what Mrs. Lim did to the place. “Speaking of your mother, I met her yesterday. She interviewed me too, just a short one.”

“She usually does that for employee candidates that already passed Diana and Ina’s hiring process.” Richard explained. He then led Maya to the table already set for a sumptuous dinner for two. Richard seated Maya and then he moved and sat across her.

“Wine, Maya?” He asked. “Red or white?”

“White, please Ricky and thank you very much!” Maya replied, settling more comfortably into her chair. She also noticed the attention to details that Richard did for this evening’s dinner.

“Okay, white it is.” Richard opened the bottle of white wine cooling in a big bucket at the side of the table, poured Maya a glass and handed it to her. He also poured one for himself.

“Here’s to meeting finally, after all these years!” Richard said as he offered Maya a toast.

“Here’s to meeting again!” Maya replied, smiled at Ricky. Then realized that he had said, ‘finally’, instead of ‘again’. “Ricky, how come you said ‘finally’! We have met nga seven years ago, di ba?”

“Maya, yes. But this is our first actual meeting. We just saw each other and interacted in the pageant itself. Remember you missed the party afterwards because of your grandmother.” Richard gazed at Maya meaningfully, before saying, “We have several missed meetings actually. Now, looking at you, sitting there, about to have dinner with me, I never imagined it would finally happen!”

“Really, when, where? Ilang beses na?” Maya asked, surprised, then she remembered something. “I remember seeing you in Macau, I think! That was you, di ba, with a guy and a lady with a short hair, walking through the shops connecting the luxury hotels in Cotai?”

Now, it was Richard’s turned to be surprised. “You saw me in Macau with Ivy and Ryan?”

“Yes. I thought it was you. I was walking around the shops, as I can’t sleep after taking my cousin and her family back to the hotel where I work and where they are staying. I thought I saw you. Then you disappeared from my line of sight. I followed, but I can’t find you anymore.” Then she admitted, “It bothered me, not knowing if it was you, so when I was checking out my cousin and her family I asked our front desk personnel, a Filipina rin, if someone with your name is a guest. She confirmed that you were and that you have checked out already.”

“Oh Maya! Fate really teased us a lot, huh!” Richard said with a big smile. His heart is also beating fast, because if his reading Maya’s statement is correcct, it seems like he was not the only one who was unable to forget that pageant a long time ago, that, that night made quite a mark on both of them. “I also saw you in Macau, taking a gondola ride with Cho and Jeff. I thought Jeff is your husband and Cho is your son.” He admitted.

“Oh!” Maya exclaimed! “Really, akala mo husband ko si Kuya Jeff and anak ko si Cho! I guess medyo hawig nga ng mga Dela Paz, my mother’s side of the family, iyang si Cho. My cousin Cris was with us then. But she was feeling sickly due to her early stage of pregnancy so she waited for us in one of the restaurants. Sana, you wave at me, para nagkita tayo doon pa lang.”

“Errrr, I thought you were with your family kaya I didn’t bother you na.” Richard said, then looked at Maya meaningfully. Maya felt her heart skipped a beat with that look. It seems like Richard is telegraphing a subliminal message to her that she can’t fully grasp at the moment.

“Hindi lang doon tayo kamuntik na nagkita!” Richard continued. “Pati sa airport sa Singapore, four years ago! I think we were on the same flight that evening.”

“Ha, pati doon?” Maya said getting more and more surprised with their missed meetings. Remembering that she also thought of Richard while in the plane, especially after that foreigner chatted her up. “I was there for several days, visiting a friend, before I went to Macau to work there.”

“Oh, that’s why! I saw you at the travelator pero bigla kang nawala sa maraming tao. Kaya pala hindi na nakita, you exited the terminal!”

“Hindi nakita? You mean, you looked for me?” Maya asked, her heart now is definitely beating faster with each of his revelations.

“Yes, I did, until I boarded the flight to Frankfurt that night.” Richard admitted, gazing at Maya. He decided to leave out the fact that he also looked for her in Mindoro. He will tell her about it at some point in the future. For now, they are still in the getting to know each other stage. When he is more sure of everything, of what he feels and what she feels.

“It’s amazing, we have several missed meeting! But I too, was glad that we bumped into each other at S & R. I just volunteered to go with Kuya Jeff and Cho since Ate Cris was not feeling well. Tapos baka marami pang tao, mahirap makipagsiksikan for a buntis like her.” Maya said.

“Really, me too. Wala akong planong pumunta roon. Hinila lang ako ni Mama kasi umalis iyong driver niya at mga kasambahay.” Richard said, smiling.

“See, to meeting finally.” Richard said, raising his wine glass again.

“I agree, to finally meeting again!:” Maya replied, smiling. Happy that fate made them met finally.

Richard and Maya proceeded to have a very wonderful dinner amid the beauty and quiet of the Manila sky, full of stars that night and with a cool breeze was blowing from the direction of the bay. Throught the evening, they got to know more about each other, unmindful of the passing of hours, making up for seven long years.

Note: Happy weekend. 🙂 I will see if I can do pa today the next installment of Unexpected Love, para triple treat, of sorts! 

Same Plane

Richard strode hurriedly through the lobby of Lim Corporation’s Headquarters in Eastwood City, wanting to arrive at his office promptly as he had scheduled a meeting with Emerald’s HR people at 9 o’clock that Monday morning. He hates being late. However, this morning, despite the fact that he left his place early, he got caught in a traffic jam somewhere in C5 due to a traffic accident. He took the elevator reserved for executives and was just in time for the meeting when he reached his office.

“Good morning, Sir Richard!” His secretary Minerva greeted him. “Nandoon na po sila sa conference room.” Then she too, stood up as she will be taking minutes.

Richard entered the conference room and greeted Emerald Hotels and Resorts HR Head, Katrina Ruiz, and their recruitment manager, Diana Ramos. “Good morning, Ina, Diana! I’m sorry I’m a bit late. There’s an accident at C5 this morning, involving three vehicles. I hope no one died or got seriously hurt.”

“Good morning, Sir Richard!” Ina greeted her boss. “Based on the news tweet I got, four were injured, but thankfully, no one died. Minor injuries lang din pati ang mga nasugatan.”

“Oh good to know.” Richard said as he sat down at the head of the table with Diana and Ina on his left and right sides. “Coffee, ladies?”

“None for me Sir, I’m good.” Diana replied. “Thank you.

“For me too! I had a latte already earlier.” Ina said. “Thanks.”

“Okay. Just for me then! Minerva, please make me a cup, just the usual. Thank you.” Richard told his secretary who stood up and made him a cup of coffee with two scoops of sugar, just the way he prefers it.

“Okay, Ina, Diana, as you know we will be opening our new hotel at Bonifacio Global City in two months. How are we in terms of the personnel we need to operate smoothly? Can you give me an update, please.” Richard asked. Normally, his mother handles this side of their operations but he decided to check anyway since she has been on leave since last week and will only be returning to work on Thursday. Time flies fast and before they know it, it is opening day already and he wants to be sure they have the best people. Service after all is a big part of a hotel operation.

“Sir, we are on track with our hirings. Diana can give you the details.” Ina said. “Diana, please.”

“Like Ms. Ina said, Sir, we have hired most of the personnel we need for our operations, including the general manager whom your mother had interviewed after Ina the other week. We just need to hire an operations manager. It took a while since we returned the previous batch of applicants to the headhunter we normally use.” Diana explained. “Last Friday, she had sent to us three new candidates and one of them looks very promising. She has an excellent experience working in a five-star hotel in Macau. She also has gone through trainings in Europe and the US, and has a master’s degree.”

“May I see her CV?” Richard asked.

Diana handed Richard a thick folder. He opened it and was surprised when he saw the name of the candidate and her photo. It is Maya! He barely managed to conceal his reaction to what he saw to Ina and Diana. He read through her extensive CV. So, all those time I have been wondering where she was, she was just working in Macau! So near!  Maybe, she finally decided to come home recently after all those years and our paths finally crossed yesterday!

When he had finished reading, he schooled his expression, and looked at Ina and Diana. He decided not to let them know that he knows Maya Dela Rosa personally. He wants them to decide on their own and evaluate Maya base on merits and not because he knows the candidate for the position. For sure, with that credentials, Maya is very much qualified for the position.

“How about the other two candidates?” Richard asked the two HR officers.

“They are also okay and qualified, Sir.” Diana replied. “It’s just that, comparing their credentials to Ms. Dela Rosa, they paled in comparison. But I will also ask them to come for an interview. Maybe, we can hire them for our other hotels.”

“Okay, schedule them for interviews. Then when you and Ina have your final choice, let Mama know. As you know, Mama trusts your judgement and just do the final interview as a formality so please ensure that we will get the best person for the job! She will be back by Thursday.”

“Yes, Sir Richard! We will.” Ina assured her boss whom she wished would notice her beyond the fact that she is the HR Head of Emerald! But no such luck! She sighed and said good day to him. She and Diana went out.

“O buo na naman ang araw mo, nakasilay ka na naman diyan sa crush mo.” Diana whispered to Ina when they were out of the executive offices.

“Hay naku, what’s the use! As always, he does not see be beyond being the HR Head.” Ina said resignedly.

“Bakit nga kaya wala pa tayong nalalamang girlfriend ni Sir Richard? We have been here for three years na.” Diana remarked as they waited for the elevator. “I heard he dates naman, pati nga iyong model na si Linda Borromeo, di ba?

“Naku, Diana, I don’t know!” Ina said. “Let’s not talk about our boss’s personal life na nga, baka may makarinig pa sa atin and it is also not nice na sa atin pang HR people marinig iyan.”

The two HR officers then boarded the elevator to their floor. As soon as they arrived at their office, Diana called the headhunter and told her that they would like to interview all three applicants, at different hours on Wednesday, with Maya Dela Rosa being the last one in the schedule.

From her office in Makati, Regina Alvarez, a friend of Maya’s friend Emman gave Maya a call.

“Maya, you have an interview on Wednesday at Emerald Hotels and Resorts. Their office is in Eastwood. Would you be available?” Reggie told Maya after exchanging pleasantries with her. “Di ba I told you I will give them your CV.”

“Really Reggie! Yes, I will be available. Thank you!” Maya said smiling. She never thought she would have a job interview so soon after she returned to the Philippines. When she had sent Reggie her CV, she also stated that she will be available in December as it was the month she wanted to return home for good.

“Maya, good luck!” Reggie told Maya, as well as the two other applicants who are equally qualified and whom she had called earlier. Reggie thinks Maya will get the job. Her qualifications and extensive experience in Macau are what Emerald is looking for. But it is customary to send more than one CV so she sent three to them. The first time she sent Emerald the first batch of CVs, Maya was not yet in the country, so she excluded her.

Maya put the phone down, opened her MacBook and googled Emerald Hotels and Resorts to get a feel of the company she might end up working with. She knows about Emerald, heard of its excellent reputation in the industry, but hadn’t managed to check their complete company profile. When she got into the website, she looked first for their profile. She was startled to see Richard Lim’s name as one of the officers of the company, together with a Mrs. Esmeralda Lim. Wife? That can’t be!

Maya googled Esmeralda Lim and a picture of a lady in her 50s in some charity function came up. So, She is his mother, the one who was supposed to be a judge in the beauty pageant she joined years ago! The website also said Mrs. Lim handles the operations side of Emerald Hotels and Resorts while Richard Lim handles the building and development of new hotels and resorts for the company.

“Hmmmm, does he knows I’m applying for a job in his company?” Maya mused.

Since the text message they exchanged last night, Maya has not yet heard from Richard Lim. Maya naman, she told herself, halos wala pa nga ngang 24 hours since nagkita kayo ulit, and since that exchange of text messages. Oh well, maybe hindi since it is his mother pala who is handling that side of their company.

Richard at that time, was about to text Maya and ask if he can call. But before he does that, he wants to know what his schedule would be so he is sure that he is completely free when he has that much anticipated and seven years long overdue ‘getting to know’ dinner with Maya Dela Rosa.

“Minerva, how’s my schedule like this week?” He asked his secretary whom he had asked to come to his office several minutes ago.

“Sir, you are scheduled to fly to Catanduanes tomorrow afternoon to inspect the construction of our new resort there. Then from Catanduanes, Cebu po kayo and then Bohol, tapos fly to Manila from there.” Minerva recited from her organizer.

“Oh, that many places in a week! So, I will be back in Metro Manila by when?” Richard asked.

“Friday evening, Sir Richard!” Minerva supplied. “Heto po kasi iyong mga urgent na kailangan niyong puntahan na pina-schedule niyo sa akin last week.”

“Okay, thanks Minerva, you may go.” Richard said. He then took out his phone and was about to send Maya a message when Minerva returned.

“Sir Richard, kamuntik ko ng makalimutan, sorry po. Atty. Ryan called when you were meeting with Ms. Ina and Ms. Diana, he was asking po if he could see you quickly after your meeting with them. Urgent lang daw po. Pasensya na po Sir.” Minerva said apologetically.

“Oh, okay! Please give me 10 minutes, then I will see him.” Richard told his secretary as he wanted to talked to Maya first. He sent her the message.

Maya’s phone beeped when she was putting books in her new book shelves. She just moved to her condo in BGC a week after she arrived back in the country for good. She opted to buy one there so she is near her aunt and uncle’s place. She checked her message, then grinned happily.

Ricky: Good morning Maya, may I call you?

Maya typed in her reply promptly.

Maya: Good morning Ricky! Sure!

Upon seeing her message, Richard smiled happily and called her promptly.

“Hello, Maya! Thank you for the quick reply.” He said. “I thought you might be busy so nag-text na muna ako.”

“Hi Ricky, hindi naman. I’m just at my place, arranging things. I just moved kasi.” Maya said.

“Really, where?” Richard asked.

“In BGC.” Maya replied, then told Richard the name of the place.

“What a small world! I live two streets away from you.” Richard happily!

“Talaga. Nakakatuwa naman! Para na rin tayong neighbors.” Maya is also happy at this development. “O napatawag ka pala?”

“Oh, the reason why I called is to ask you to have dinner with me please on Saturday, 7PM?  Would that be okay? I wanted it sooner sana but I will be out of town from tomorrow until Friday.” Richard said, hoping she would yes.

“Okay. Where do you we meet?” Maya asked, at the same time, thinking that if Richard is going out of town, then he will not be the one interviewing on Wednesday. She wanted to tell him, but changed her mind, saka na lang kapag she gets hired na. Mabuti na rin iyong hindi niya muna alam, Maya mused.

“I will pick you up na lang.” Richard said. “I will be coming from my place din.”

“Okay.” Maya replied.

“Maya, I’m really looking forward to seeing you and catching up.” Richard said happily. Then he added, “it is long overdue!”

Maya didn’t know how to take in Richard’s statement, so she just said, “I’m looking forward to having dinner with you, Ricky! Ingat ka sa biyahe mo.”

“Thank you, Maya. See you soon.” Richard said, reluctant to put the phone down, but he knows that Ryan must have been wanting something urgent if he asked to see him unscheduled. “Have a nice day.”

“Have a nice day, Ricky. Bye.” Maya said, then put her phone down. She felt like dancing a jig, excited on her dinner with Richard. She is much more excited about it than her job interview!

Richard flew to Catanduanes the following day. While in the plane, he though of Maya. Several more days until I see her again, he mused, grinning, just very happy with the way things are developing.

By Wednesday afternoon, Maya was at the lobby of Lim Corporation telling the receptionist that she has a job interview. When she got into the HR offices, she was directed to Diana Ramos’s office and went through half an hour of interview with her. Then she told her that their HR manager will interview her as well. Katrina Ruiz subjected her to half an hour interview as well. Afterwards, she also went through additional screenings in connection with the job she is applying for.

By Thursday afternoon, Maya was asked by Diana to come back to Emerald’s offices the following day. She was told that the Head of Operations will interview her.

By Friday afternoon, Maya was in Esmeralda Lim’s office. Mrs. Lim smiled at Maya.

“So, Ms. Dela Rosa, you have been working in Macau for the past four years!” She asked. “What made you returned to the Philippines?”

“Yes, Ma’am!” Maya replied. “I missed the Philippines, especially my family. In recent years, there was a boom in the hospitality industry here and I thought it was about time I return home.”

“Oh, good decision then! Since you are just what we need for the hotel we will be opening in BGC, The position is yours. Welcome to Emerald!” Esmeralda Lim said with a big smile, then stood up to shake Maya’s hand. She had already reviewed Maya Dela Rosa’s profile the day before and know that Ina and Diana made a very good choice in picking her for the job.

“Thank you very much, Mrs. Lim. I’m looking forward to being part of your prestigious company.” Maya smiled at Richard’s mother. She almost thought of telling her she knows her son, but it does not seems to be appropriate in that instance.

“Good, good! Please see Diana so the two of you can work on your hiring papers.” Mrs. Lim said.

Maya exited the office and went to Diana where she signed all the hiring papers. Diana told her she can start after the New Year.

Maya went home in a very happy mood. Not only she found a job, though she does not really need one that soon as financially she does not need to work at all, with the inheritance she got from her parents. But she hates being idle and she likes to continue working in the hotel industry. She can just develop the land in Mindoro on the side. She called her Ate Cris and her aunt and informed them that she got the job. They offered their congratulations and told her that they will prepare a special dinner for her the coming Sunday to celebrate.

Maya’s phone rang while she was watching the evening news that night. She checked who was calling and saw that it was Richard!

“Hi Maya, good evening! I’m back in Manila. I just landed.” Richard said. Obivously, he was still at the airport as Maya can hear flight boarding announcements in the background.

“Hi Ricky, how was your trip?” Maya asked, happy to hear from him at the same time wondering what part of the country he had been. He didn’t call or text again after the phone call that Monday. He must have been very busy and she was not expecting a text or a call anyway since they already agreed to meet, unless of course, he will reschedule their dinner.

“Good, but quite tiring! I have been to three different places the past days. I will tell you about it over dinner tomorrow. Are we still on? 7PM?” He asked, wanting to be sure.

“Yes, yes! I’ll see you tomorrow. Pahinga ka na muna this evening!” Maya said, doubly happy to know that Richard called her as soon as he had returned to Manila and that their dinner will push through. “I have a good news pala, pero bukas na rin lang!” She can’t help saying!

“Okay. I’ll be seeing you then! Good night, Maya!” Richard said. So, she got the job. He grinned. Yes, they will be working together!

Maya had the same thought after she put her phone down.

Who would have thought that when fate made them meet again, they would be this close, literally to each other. Perhaps they are really meant to be. She hopes so. He hopes so.

Convergence 

December 2014

“Son, good thing you are already here!” Donya Esmeralda Lim rushed to greet her son as soon as she saw him getting out of his car.

“Good afternoon, Mama!” Richard kissed his mother on the cheek. He visits his parents Sunday afternoons and stay for dinner whenever his schedule is free. This day, he arrived earlier than usual since he came from a lunch with Ryan and Ivy in Greenbelt.  Instead of going back to his place in BGC, he decided to go straight to his parents’s house in Quezon City. “Bakit, Mama, you need my help with something? Where are Joma, Doris and Sabel?”  Richard asked after their driver and two househelps.

“Sana, son. Can you go with me to S & R please, I forgot to get some things when Sabel and I went there the other day. I need those for our dinner this evening.” Donya Esmeralda asked her son. “Doris is out with Joma delivering my Christmas gifts to some friends. Sabel naman asked for a day-off. Mamaya pa babalik iyon, before dinner. I can’t wait for them. For sure, mamaya mas marami ng tao sa S & R.”

“Sure, Ma. Let’s go.” Richard said. “Si Papa baka gustong sumama sa atin.”

“Naku, your Papa is not here yet. He went out this morning to play golf pero hindi pa umuuwi. I think he is with Probo. Nakalimutan na naman akong i-inform. You know how he is. Let’s go, son. For sure being a Sunday and so near Christmas, baka hindi lang maraming tao roon, jampacked pa!”

“Can’t you just buy the things you need from another supermarket Mama? There is also a good one nearby, isn’t it? I think that shop has a lot of stuffs you don’t normally find in a regular supermarket din.” Richard suggested.

“No, no, please son, I want to go to S & R. This is the only place where I saw those stuffs. May iba pa rin akong bibilhin.” Donya Esmeralda insisted.

“Okay, Mama. It is okay with me, wherever you want to go. I just thought na baka mahirapan ka with that shop kasi parating maraming tao doon on a weekend sabi ni Ivy.”

More than an hour later, mother and son were inside the huge membership shopping store, so were tons of people doing their Christmas shopping or families just wanting to eat pizza and hotdogs at the store’s food court.

“Ricky, let’s just meet later. I will just call you when I’m done. Go around on your own, para hindi ka mainip. Saka I want to go on my own din.” Donya Esmeralda suggested while taking hold of the big pushcart that Richard got for her.

“Ma, are you sure? Eh parang ang bigat na nitong pushcart, wala pang laman.” Richard asked. He does not fancy going around the big store, but for his mother, he will do it.

“I’m sure son.” Donya Esmeralda insisted.

Donya Esmeralda forged on and disappeared among the throng of holiday shoppers. Richard, at first, just stood near the entrance playing a game on his phone. But he got tired of doing that. He thought of eating something, but seeing the long line at the food counters, he changed his mind. He decided to walk around and check the store’s merchandise.

Richard was looking at a Spalding NBA basketball when he felt a tug on his pant leg. He looked down and saw a cute little boy, tugging it, wanting to call his attention. He crouched until he was eye level with the boy. It was then that he noticed that there is something familiar with him.

“He can’t be……” He thought. But he looks like him, he thought. The little boy tugging at his pant leg looks like Maya’s son from the gondola ride! He is not completely sure, though, as his focus was on Maya and the guy beside her on the gondola at that time.

“Hello!” He greeted the little boy with a friendly smile.

“Mister, please help me, please. I can’t find my Dad!” The little boy told Richard calmly. Richard has to admire the kid’s composure and alertness. Based on what he have seen before, lost kids usually cry when they get separated from their parents.

“What happened? I’m Richard Lim, I will help you. Can you tell me your name and your Daddy’s name.” Richard asked gently.

“My name is Pocholo Macavinta, but you can call me Cho po. Iyon po ang tawag sa akin nag Mommy at Daddy ko, pati na rin nina Lolo and Lola, Tito Lino and Tita Ninang.” The little boy said, which made Richard smile. “My Daddy’s name is Jeff. Tumingin lang po ako doon sa Matchbox cars, tapos paglingon ko wala na ang Daddy ko.” He pointed to the toys at the other side of the shelf where Richard was checking the basketballs.

“Oh. Di bale Cho, I will help you look for your Daddy. For sure, hinahanap ka na noon. Kayo lang bang dalawa ang nagpunta rito?” Richard asked as he got hold of the little boy’s hand and they started walking.

Richard was thinking of positioning themselves near the exit so Jeff Macavinta can see his son when he exits. It is very difficult to go around the store and look for him as there were tons of people and there was even a traffic of pushcarts. He told Cho of his plan. The boy nodded. Then Richard thought of something.

“Cho, would you know your telephone number at home para makatawag tayo o kaya ang cellphone number ng Daddy mo.” He asked, though the chance of the little boy knowing that is pretty slim.

“Hindi po Tito Richard eh.” Cho replied.

“Okay, di bale, let’s just wait by the exit.” Richard said. “Huwag kang mag-aalala. I’m sure hindi naman aalis ang Daddy mo nang hindi ka nakikita.”

“Thank you very much po, Tito Richard. Saka baka mauna rin pong lumabas si Tita Ninang, kasama namin siya ni Daddy since my Mommy is sick.” Cho chattered on. “Magkakaroon po kasi ako ng kapatid. Malapit nang lumabas.”

Richard smiled at the kid’s chattiness. He also can’t help himself. Cho gave him the opening he needed. He just want to be sure, so he asked. “Cho, anong pangalan ng Mommy mo?”

“Cristina Rose Macavinta po!” The little boy replied.

So, it is not him I saw in Macau with Maya three months ago! Richard thought. Richard move on, he admonished himself. You promised yourself you will.

Richard took a deep breath, then after texting his mother where he would be, he and the little boy started walking towards the exit.

“Cho…..Cho….Pocholo!”  A lady was hurrying towards Richard and Pocholo. She was so concentrated on Cho, and the face of the guy holding his hand didn’t register at first.

While Richard on the other hand, lost his breath and his heart beat so fast, when he realized who came running to hug the little boy. “Maya…..” He muttered under his breath, but she didn’t hear him amid the noise at the shop. It was a good thing they were walking by the side, there was not so many push carts there.

“Cho, kanina ka pa namin hinahanap ng Daddy mo! Thank God, you are okay.” Maya said as she hugged her nephew. Jeff was very worried when he can’t find Cho. He called Maya and they decided to comb the store from one side to the other to look for him.

“I’m okay, Tita Ninang! Nagpatulong po ako kay Tito Richard.” Cho said, smiling. “Richard Lim po ang buong name niya Tita Ninang, sabi niya, di ba Tito Richard? Tapos papunta na nga po kami sa exit para doon namin kayo abangan ni Daddy. ”

The name Cho said finally registered in Maya’s brain. Richard Lim! She slowly looked up from where she was crouching, then got up and  when she is eye level to the man who helped Cho, she lost her breath, her heart galloped. Before her, gazing at her meaningfully and with a big smile on his face, for he heard Cho referred to her as Tita Ninang, is the man who created such an impression on her poor heart, that it was never the same since that night seven years ago.

“Richard…..Mr. Lim of Lim Corporation!” Maya managed to say. She was so breathless and felt there was no air going to her brain at that moment. She felt lightheaded.

“Ms. Maya Dela Rosa, how are you?” Richard said, giving Maya a lopsided smile that overworked her poor heart more. It can’t beat much faster or she will faint already!

Richard felt so overwhelmingly happy at that moment. Maya remembered him too, judging by her stunned expression. “Kumusta na ang Miss Mindoro 2007? And please call me Ricky!”

Maya was surprised and felt giddy that Richard Lim remembers her too after all these years. “Mr. Lim, errr, Ricky you still remember that! Amazing that you still remember me and that night!”

“You are very difficult to forget Maya!” Richard blurted out, then thinking that his statement may sound too forward as they just met again. “ Errrr, I mean, you missed the party after the pageant and Rebecca Bermudez said it was because of a family emergency.” He said, a bit flustered. Him, flustered! Only this girl can do that to him! “Then, I heard later,” Richard continued,  “that your grandmother died just after the pageant. My condolences, Maya. It must have been a very sad and difficult time for you.”

“It was, Ricky. I grew up with my Mamang kasi. Thank you.” Maya said, but before she can ask how did he find out about that as it was not common knowledge, Jeff arrived.

“Maya, you found Cho!” Jeff said relieved. “Cho, anak, I’m glad you are okay.” He hugged his son tight. Then looked up and noticed the tall, very god looking, chinito guy beside Maya.

“Kuya Jeff, sorry, hindi pa kita natawagan kaagad na nakita ko na si Cho. This is Richard Lim pala. Cho asked for his help when he realized he was lost. Ricky, this is my Kuya Jeff, husband ng cousin ko na si Cristina Rose at Daddy nitong si Cho.”

“Thank you, thank you, Mr. Lim for taking care of my boy.” Jeff shook Richard’s hand hard, expressing his gratitude.

“You’re welcome, Mr. Macavinta. You have a very bright and alert boy. He has presence of mind for one so young.” Richard said, smiling at the guy who he thought was Maya’s husband in Macau! Asawa pala ng pinsan niya! Kasi naman Richard Lim, jumping to conclusion ka kaagad!  But who wouldn’t, presented with that image, he asked back! “Please call me Richard. I’m glad to see Maya after all these years!”

“Call me Jeff, please. Maraming salamat ulit.” Jeff said, then got puzzled with Richard’s last statement. “You know each other from way back?” He asked.

“Iyon na nga, Kuya Jeff, kaya hindi kita natawagan kaagad. Nagkagulatan kami nitong si Ricky.” Maya said with a bright smile. “Siya iyong Chairman ng Board of Judges sa Miss Mindoro contest na sinalihan ko years ago.”

“Really, small world naman! Of all people, Richard, ikaw pa talaga ang na-approach ng anak ko.” Jeff said smiling. “Di ba seven years ago na iyon. Amazing that you still remember each other.”

“Well, that was the one and only time I was a judge at a beauty pageant. It was actually my mother who was supposed to be there, but she got sick and sent me instead. I’m glad that she did.  Maya was pretty amazing that night. She was obviously the most beautiful, the most poised, the most talented as she danced to the swan’s dying moment from Swan Lake, and most intelligent of all the candidates that night. I still remember your reply to my question, Maya.” Richard told Jeff and Maya while gazing at Maya in a way that make her heart beat faster and her face suffused with heat.

“Ricky, you still remember all those!” Maya said blushing while gazing at Richard too.

Jeff looked at his cousin-in-law and the guy who is looking at her with admiration, and suddenly, he put two and two together. Now he understood why no one managed to make Maya’s heart beat faster all these years. It must be because of this guy. He felt a strong vibe coming from the two of them. He also thinks they are close to forgetting that he and Cho are there.

The moment was interrupted by the ringing of Richard’s phone.

“Excuse me please, I think it is my mother.” Richard said as he fished his phone from his pants pocket. “Yes Mama. You are done? Okay, give me 10 minutes I will be there. See you!”

“Maya, Jeff, I need to go. I just accompanied my mother here. Apparently, she is done.” Richard said apologetically.

“Okay. Thank you again Richard.” Jeff said, shaking Richard’s hand again.

“Tito Richard, thank you po ulit.” Cho said then gave Richard a big hug.

“Don’t do that again, Cho. If you want to see something, magpaalam ka muna sa Mommy and Daddy mo. Huwag ka ring hihiwalay sa kanila sa public places. You got lucky this time.” Richard told the little boy as he ruffled his hair affectionately. He is so thankful for this little boy. He is like an angel sent by fate so he and Maya can meet again.

“Promise po, Tito Richard. I stay na with my Daddy and Mommy, also with Tita Ninang.” Cho promised.

“Ricky, thank you again for helping Cho out.” Maya said, happy to see him and she hopes that she will see him again but she was a bit shy to ask for his number. “It is great to see you again after all these years.”

“I’m glad to see you too, Maya, very much.” Richard said, giving Maya another lopsided smile that made her heart skipped several beats. “Maya, may I have your number please, so we can catch up more one of these days? If that is okay with you!”

Maya felt giddy with that. She nodded. Richard opened his iPhone and waited for her to tell him her number. After Maya gave him the number and he saved it, Richard called it.

“There, you got my number as well.” Richard said happily.

They smiled at each other, unmindful of all the people around them, especially a grinning Jeff. Sabi na nga ba! He thought.

Maya and Richard said goodbye reluctantly, with Richard promising to give Maya a call within the next couple of days.

On the way to the parking lot, Jeff was humming…Love sweet love/Ohh, love sweet love/Ohh, love sweet love/Mmh, hmm, yeah…. then looking at Maya with a teasing expression.

“Kuya Jeff! Ikaw ha.” Maya said smiling.

“Hahahaha, little sis, tell me if I’m wrong.” Jeff said, but didn’t say anything anymore.

Maya understood what he meant. She just smiled brightly. She was so happy. It is really good to be home!

Richard felt very happy too, and humming a love song while he navigated the road going back to his parents’s house.

“Parang bakit biglang sobrang saya ka, son.” Donya Esmeralda asked, puzzled. She hasn’t seen her son like this.

“Mama, someone just made me very, very happy.” He suddenly stopped the car and hugged his mother. “Thank you for dragging me to S &R, Ma.”

“Oh, okay, son. I’m glad that you are very happy.” Donya Esmeralda said, getting more puzzled by her son’s action. But she decided to let it go for a now. For sure, her son would say something more about this at the right time. She can find it out from him, anyway.

When they arrived home, Richard grabbed a beer and sat at the veranda while waiting for dinner. He got his phone and looked at Maya’s number. On impulse, he texted her.

Maya, it was really great to see you again. Have a great evening.

Maya’s phone beeped while she was helping her Ate Cris cook dinner. A big smile wreathed her face when she read the message.

It was great seeing you also, Ricky. Have a nice evening.

Simple words exchanged, but it made both of them very happy and giddy with anticipation on meeting each other again, and making up for the lost years.

Note: Hayan, super happy weekend na to all of us. 🙂  After this chapter, pwede na ako mag-BCWMH rewind marathon. 🙂