E.R. – Chapter 2 – Confrontation and Confirmation

Note: nakita ko pa lang mga nagcomment sa pagbalik ko, kahit hindi pa nabasa,  tumalon na puso ko dahil lalo ako nasabik sa inyo.  Dahil sa kagustuhan kong makapag post agad as a way of returning your warm welcome, ito na muna ha. Pinaka madali dugtungan kasi 1 chapter lang binalikan ko.    sa susunod naman yung iba. Happy ma-traffic Saturday 🙂

 

“Really? Since when Marra?” Richard sarcastically asked while looking intently in her eyes.

 

“Yan din ang tanong ko, Maya. Since when naging kayo, at since when ka pa naging Marra? So, girlfriend ka nga niya?” Eman continuously asked without thinking, while Richard stared  at Maya’s nameplate.

 

Maya took a deep breath and managed to respond to her friend. “Ex na nga Eman eh, you see, we’re not together anymore. So, pwede? Be a friend at tumahimik ka na lang muna, please.”

 

“No! We’re very much together. You simply left without a word but I do not remember breaking up. And….the last time we talked? You only did not agree to get married but it does not mean that it’s over between us!”  Richard argued out of spite, forgetting that there were other people around.

 

Just like the rest, Maya could not believe what she just heard. She was dumbfounded and confused. She could not say a word in response to Richard. Maya lost her mind seeing his handsome face and hearing the tone in his statement, not to mention the deafening silence that came with the facial expressions of her co-interns and superiors standing before her.

 

“Ahem.” Dr. Ryan Molina made the discreet sound to call the attention of his friend.

 

Dr. Buenaflor, who was also astounded for a moment, struggled to break the silence and introduced the doctors to the interns. “Ahh…interns, uhm…these are our ahh….other consults, uhm…Drs. Richard Lim, Ryan Molina and Liza Aguilos.”

 

Richard came to his senses and followed her lead. “I apologize Dr. Buenaflor, that was very unprofessional of me…mixing my personal life with work. I was just so surprised to see her here because obviously, she also did not tell me her internship plans.”

 

“Dr. Lim, things happen for a reason, including the unexpected ones. So, let’s leave it at that and move on from here. You two can deal with the matters of the heart somewhere else at some other time, not here, not now.”

 

“Yes, of course; some other time, somewhere.” Richard said looking at Maya, as if giving notice and warning that she has to face him sometime.

 

“Eh-excuse us interns…Dr. Buenaflor.” Ryan managed to push Richard away to make a smooth exit.

 

“Richard!” Celeste called and motioned his group to come to where she is.

 

“If that intern is your girlfriend, what happens to Celeste now? Does she even know about her?” Liza asked Richard.

 

“Whatever she wants to believe and tells you, are only conclusive to her but in no way will bind me. As far as I am concerned she does not have any role in my life and so she does not have any right to know anything about it! You should know that.” Richard snapped at his long time female friend.

 

“Hey! Don’t take it out on me, Lim!” Liza snapped back at him. “Kaya ka siguro inayawan eh, ang sungit mo kasi! Apparently, you also did not tell us about your girlfriend. Nakuuuu Lim! Pasalamat ka, wala si Raffi. Kainis!”

 

“Liza’s right, Lim. Huwag mo daanin sa init ng ulo. Kawawa tuloy yung intern kanina. You snapped at her in the presence of her superiors and co-interns, eh first day pa lang nila ngayon. To think, she’s your girlfriend…teka, t-talaga ba brod? ” Ryan tried to squeeze out some information.

 

“Sorry. Let’s not talk about this now.” Richard apologized immediately. He glanced at Maya one more time before proceeding to the other side of the room.

 

Maya looked pale and distraught. She could not believe what just happened on the first hour of her first day of internship. “Are you okay, Dr. dela Rosa?” Dr. Buenaflor asked out of concern.

 

“Y-yes Ma’am, I am.” Maya forced her answer to come out with a smile.

 

“Are you sure? You look pale.” Dr. Buenaflor informed her, aware of what Maya could be thinking and feeling after the public confrontation.

 

Thankful that she’s under the supervision of a seemingly kind and understanding doctor, she thought she owes her the highest degree of professionalism and instantly regained her rational self from an emotional one. She took a deep breath and answered. “Yes Ma’am, thank you po. I guess, I was not prepared for that. Pero sabi nyo nga po, things happen even the unexpected ones, so I shall move on from it and promise to be more professional Ma’am. I’m very sorry for the disturbance.”

 

Admittedly, Dr. Buenaflor was impressed with the kind of composure and attitude Maya exhibited at the time of an awkward incident and immediately thereafter. If it were another girl, she probably would have retorted, shed tears or walked out. But Maya chose to remain quiet instead of asserting herself even at the moment of an unnecessary humiliation. More importantly, she quickly regained control of her situation by moving forward yet undeterred, especially on how her co-interns would take it.

 

“That’s good to hear from you.” Dr. Buenaflor acknowledged Maya and then addressed the group. “Today is just the beginning of your internship program. I must say, with the training that you will undergo, you’ll be surprised to find here friendships that will last a lifetime. So, be a friend to everyone instead of a burden, be an ally instead of an enemy, because you will need each other to survive the internship.”

 

“Along that line, let us all be mature and professional and put aside what you witnessed a while ago, as if it didn’t happen. Anyway it will not affect your grades, or Dr. Dela Rosa’s grades. In other words, let us learn to respect each other’s privacy. Do you understand what I’m saying?”

 

All in the group answered. “Yes, Dr. Buenaflor/Ma’am.”

 

 

Over the next couple of hours, Maya saturated herself with the work given to her, which was mostly clerical. She worked quietly but efficiently. At noontime, she was allowed to go home to prepare for her first duty scheduled at 9:00 pm – 6:00 am the next day.

 

Maya walked her way home but decided to stop by the coffee shop near her condo. While appetite is low, she has to eat something for her lunch so she chose a sandwich and a Frappuccino to go with it.

 

“One Tomato Mozzarella and Basil bread with grande Mocha Frappuccino to go for Ms. Maya!” called out by the barista.

 

Upon hearing the now familiar name, Richard immediately looked and saw Maya approaching the counter to get her take out. Seeing her blank sad face as she walked to the door pained his heart. It was the same facial expression she had the first time he met her. “Sometime somewhere Richard, not now.” he said to himself mentally. He was with some other doctors anyway and so he just watched her walk until she disappeared from his sight.

 

 

After taking her lunch, Maya went to the nearest mall to shop for toiletries and other essentials for her quarters at the hospital’s call room. She still felt lucky to have the chance to do this the earliest possible time so she could bring them to the call room, and still have time to relax and adjust before her duty. After shopping, she immediately went back to the hospital and reported to the call room where some of the interns have already settled. She was told she could still choose her bed so as soon as she found a good spot, she placed some of her books, her overnight bag and bed sheet set on the bed to reserve it. She also put a lock on the assigned locker nearby.

 

While Maya found the hospital call room comfortable and homey, the air conditioning system was too cold for her. So, since she did not bring any thick blanket with her, she decided to rest in her condo instead so she can also have a leisure bath.

 

Maya was on her bed staring at the TV while the public confrontation repeatedly played in her mind. She realized that while she could avoid Richard for now, she cannot do so forever and sometime soon, she will have to face him again.

 

 

Hello! Na-misssssss ko ito ng sooooobra, at I miss (reading from) you cyber friends :)

HELLO!

Yes, it’s been a long time since my last post/update.

I am very sorry.

I was forced to limit my laptop/computer and internet use for work, research  and legal writing.  As if I had a choice. Actually, there was none.  I had to focus on a case, because I am one of the defendants and my license is at stake.   So, time outside my office hours was limited to working on my defense and cause, all in addition to my family duties. Ang hirap po pala pag abogado na ang nasampahan ng kaso. While it’s not over yet, I submitted my paper (memorandum) today and the matter will soon be submitted for court’s decision.  I just hope , hindi na umabot sa Supreme Court because that will entail a lot of time, work and resources. For now, kahit papano, nabunutan po ako ng isang tinik! Oh what a relief (kahit temporary lang)!

Give me some time to go over the stories and freshen my mind (and heart!) so I can continue and finish them.

For those who sent email, or posted comments, I hope to be able to reply soon.

TGIF in a few minutes! I will devote my time tomorrow after work in reading your email/comment and responding to them, then marathon reading ng last part posted for all stories.

Na-miss ko ‘to, grabe!  Miss ko kayo, miss ko ng magbasa ng comments at mag-interact sa inyo.

Pangako Sa Inyo, babalik na ako, sana nan diyan pa po kayo.

Mayi  🙂

 

 

 

Mr. and Mrs. Stag – Chapter TEN – The Christmas Rush

A/N:  Hallooooooo!  November 1 pa lang naman po…..sumulat ng isang yugto ng isang kwento dito para lang may maihabol po ako na halloween treat 🙂 pagchagaan na lang po ninyo, makakabawas boredome din sa bakasyong ito. 😮 Booo!

Chapter TEN

Christmas Rush

Previously in Chapter NINE

Without breaking the kiss, he moved their bodies and pushed the door behind. When he heard a little moan from Maya, he swiftly carried her and sat on the couch, laying her on his lap. Maya felt her heart beating faster with blood rushing everywhere in her body. She felt herself getting wet down there as Richard’s tongue played with hers while she felt his right thumb playing circles just below her left breast.

Maya put her hand on Richard’s nape and toyed with his hair, arousing him more. So, he shifted his face and started kissing Maya on her neck, up to her earlobe, then down to her neckline. Again, a moan of pleasure escaped her mouth. When Richard covered her firm nipple with his mouth and sucked on it gently, Maya arched her body and tightened her grip on his hair.

          “Sir Richard?!”

 

**********

 Continuation…

           Richard woke up at the sound of Sabel calling his name. Yes, it was just a dream alright, and he felt very very relieved. He was glad that it was his house help Sabel who called his name and not Doris, just like how he dreamed of. Realizing that he was lying on the lounge chaise chair in his boxer shorts, he sat up right away to hide the bulging muscle in between his legs.

          “Sabel, bakit ba ang ingay mo?!” Richard asked in a casual and grouchy manner, as if everything’s normal.

           “Ay Sir, pasensha na po! Natakot naman po kasi ako. Kala ko po may nakapasok ng lalaki dito sa bahay, eh kayo lang pala yan. Dito po kayo natulog sa may pool Sir? Hindi po ba kayo pinapak ng lamok?”

           Richard answered with a question. “Anong oras na ba?”

          “Mga 8:30 na po. Kaya pala hindi po kayo sumasagot kahit anong katok namin sa pinto nyo kanina eh. Nandito po pala kayo.”

          He wanted to stand and go to his room but he could still feel his Mr. Winky very much alive and bulging. So, he decided to do something else first. “Sabel, paabot na lang muna ng towel please.”

          “Sige po Sir.” Sabel went to the cabinet a few feet away and reached for a towel while Richard removed his shirt.

After handing it to Richard, Sabel stared and waited for further instructions. Bothered by her presence, Richard made another request and waited for Sabel to leave. “Coffee please.”

           “S-sir, pati po ba almusal nyo, dalhin ko na lang po d-dito sa patio?” Sabel squeezed her hands together and stumbled on her words seeing her boss without an upper garment. “B-baka g-gusto po ninyo Sir, dun na lang po kayo mag almusal sa cabana pool bar?!” Sabel excitedly suggested serving food from that area of the house that has not been used since they transferred.

          “Okay, I think that’s a good idea! Paki sabi na rin kay Lea dalhin dito si Abby kung gising na.”

          “Right away, Sir!”

          Soon after Sabel turned her back, Richard rushed towards the pool and jumped in. While doing some laps, Richard’s mind was everywhere. He was thinking of Maya and their new friendship, and wondered if it would and could ever lead to something else. With Maya still being legally married, he wondered if she would even allow anything beyond that friendship. What he knows though, is that she is special to him and he is much happy and contented when she’s around. He’s thankful that their daughters get along so well too.

 

Moments later, Sabel returned pushing a food cart, walking along side Manang Fe with Abby and Lea trailing behind. Richard on the other hand was swimming towards the cabana area, pondering whether going on a trip together would be an acceptable idea to Maya and Angelo. His thoughts were interrupted when Abby called his name.

         “Daddy! Daddy!” Wearing her Hello Kitty swimwear, Abby shouted at the top of her lungs, so eager to join her father.

Richard looked up and proceeded to the side of the pool. “Abby!”

          “Ricardo! Anu ba ang nakain mo at dun ka pala sa patio natulog kagabi? Kanina pa kami katok ng katok sa kwarto mo eh. Nasaan ba ang cellphone mo?” Manang Fe continuously asked.

           “Eh…nakatulog po ako eh, nagpahangin lang sana kasi mainit sa kwarto. Parang ang bigat po ng hangin dun eh. Manang Fe paki palinis po ang aircon sa room ko.” Richard answered.

           “Siya sige. Malamig ang panahon Ricardo, papaliguin mo pa ba si Abby?”

            “Maaraw naman po, maganda po for vitamin D.”

            “Lampas alas 9:00 na. Hindi na healthy ang sikat ng araw para sa bata. Hala sige, mag almusal na kayong mag-ama.” Manang Fe said as a matter of fact, leaving Richard with no other choice. But seeing the sad face of Abby, Richard bargained.

           “Manang Fe is right Abby. But don’t be sad, dun ka na lang sa Jacuzzi area maglaro, tutal shaded area naman and we’ll heat up the water too. Pero mag breakfast muna tayo, okay?”

          “Okay po Daddy!”

           “Tawagan mo agad ang Mama mo. Dalawang beses tumawag kanina, akala namin tulog ka pa dahil katok kami ng katok. Hindi ka raw sumasagot sa cellphone mo kaya sa landline na tumawag.”

          “Bakit daw po Manang? May ibinilin ba?  Is there a problem? May sakit ba isa sa kanila?”

          “Wala naman sinabi, basta tawagan mo raw agad siya. Tinanong lang kung kailan ba daw ang bakasyon ng bata.”

         “Okay po, I will call her pag akyat ko mamaya sa kwarto.”

 

Later, Richard watched his daughter play in the Jacuzzi while he sat comfortably, enjoying the heated water massaging his back. “Are you having fun Abby?”

        “Yes Daddy! But I think it would be more fun if I have a playmate here with me…like Sunshine!”

          “I think so too. Why don’t you invite her to come here so you can play?” Richard suggested the idea to his daughter right away.

         “Really Daddy?”

            “Yes! Why not? Anyway, there’s just few more days left and it’s already your Christmas vacation. You can spend time together then.” Richard went back thinking of spending a vacation together somewhere like Hello Kitty Land in Malaysia, or Disneyland in Hongkong. He got excited at the thought of spending time with Maya. He wondered then what time she went home last night and what she could be doing right that moment.

       “Ricardo! Kausapin ka na ng Mama mo. Hindi na nakaantay sa tawag mo.” Manang Fe handed over to Richard the cordless phone.

        “Hi Ma! Sorry for not calling back agad. Abby and I are spending time together here in the Jacuzzi.”

          “Ricky, that sounds fun! Can’t wait to see you both soon!”

          “So, are you coming home for Christmas? You’ll love the house.”

           “I’m sure I will but no son. We’re not coming home. We’re spending Christmas in Hongkong with you and Abby!”

           “W-what? W-when? How?”

            “I couldn’t wait for your call so I took the liberty and booked you and Abby for the 18^th!”

            “Ma, I would love to spend Christmas with you pero I can’t leave on the 18^th! I’ll just have it re-booked to some other date, maybe on the 23^rd instead. I have an important hearing on the 19^th.”

        “Well I’m sorry Ricky, fully booked na, you know naman peak season. Buti naka singit pa ako ng 2 persons sa 18^th. Besides, naayos na rin ang accommodations natin. Yung hearing mo ang i-pareschedule mo. May pasok pa ba ng December 19?”

           “Of course Ma, it’s a Monday and malayo pa ang holiday dito, it’s still on the 23rd.”

          “Gawan mo ng paraan. I will text you your flight details.

Richard felt frustrated that he practically lost control over his schedule for the next days to come because of his mother’s surprise. “Abby, we’ll spend Christmas with Lolo and Lola in Hongkong. We’ll visit Disneyland!”

          “Wow! I’m excited Daddy!”

           “Me too. But now, Daddy has to make an important call. You can still play, but don’t stay too long ha.”

          “Okay po daddy.”

           “Lea, ikaw na muna bahala kay Abby, bantayan mo ng maigi.

           “Opo, Sir.”

Richard immediately went to his room and searched for his phone. He looked over the window while he called some people to make some arrangements. He noticed that Maya’s car is not parked in her garage. He looked at the time and made some more calls. As his efforts to ask assistance from his colleagues at the firm turned futile, he decided to call Angelo.

        “Stag! I was about to call you. So how did it go with Maya?” Angelo asked about it right away.

           “It went okay. Nagulat na magkapit bahay lang kami. Her house is actually about a minute from mine.”

          “That’s good to hear. Madali kong mapapatignan sa iyo si Maya. Anyway, ano ang kailangan mo?”

          “Oh yeah, that. Well I was hoping you could help me ka – ”

          “Stag, kung manliligaw ka na, gawin mo mag-isa. You have my blessings, and I’m sure Ate won’t mind at all.”

Although that was not his concern at the moment, he felt relieved with the statement of Angelo. “Brod, hindi yun ang itinawag ko. As I was saying, I was hoping you could help me kasi si Mama, bigla nag-decide mag Christmas sa Hongkong and booked our flight for the 18^th.  Baka pwede mo naman isingit sa schedule mo sa 19 yung personal case ko. No one could help me sa firm.”

          “Meron pa ba maghe-hearing ng 19? Anung kaso? Saang Court yan?”

          “Sa Pasig Brod. Rape. Nakakulong yung akusado eh. Pamangkin ni Mang Lem, napag-initan ng among babae. Kasi, he saw her with someone else in the act while the husband was in Singapore for business. Nabuntis kaya sa kanya sinisi, he was set up to cover the truth.”

          “Anung oras yan?”

          “Umaga Brod. 8:30. It is the last opportunity for them to present evidence. Hindi kasi nagpapakita yung mga amo na nagreklamo.  Sayang baka pag hindi represented yung akusado ma re-set uli. Pwede naman ng ma pa-dismiss, mapapalaya na yung tao, pamilyado Brod eh. Magpapasko.”

          “Na-ngonsensha ka pa. Okay, I will squeeze it in my schedule. Mabuti na lang sa Shangrila Mall lang ang meeting namin with the wedding coordinator.”

          “Thank you! I owe you one.”

           “Big time! At marami-rami na yun ha. O magkwento ka na. So, hinatid mo lang si Maya?”

           “Hmm, nagkwentuhan over coffee. Magaan siyang kausap. Uhm…I told her what happened.”

           “You mean, the accident?”

             “Yes.”

            “Well, that’s a step. What was her reaction?”

             “Umiyak, sakit daw sa dibdib.”

              “Hindi mo pa nga nililigawan, pinaiyak mo na pamangkin ko?”

               “She’s so nice, I wouldn’t want to see her cry again.”

               “Hahaha! You sound so serious! Iba na yan Brod! So, what else did she say?”

                Annoyed, Richard refused to say more. “Wala na.”

               Angelo knew he vexed his friend with his teasing. “Okay! Kay Maya na lang ako magpapakwento. Tamang-tama, she’s here now.”

             “Sh-she’s with you?”

            “Yup, kararating lang, it’s our monthly family lunch. Sige na, just text me the details of the hearing.”

 

The following days went crazy for both Richard and Maya. While most trial courts do not conduct proceedings during the second half of December, cases with detention prisoners are squeezed in the tight schedule of the courts with the view of the possibility of their release from jail in time for Christmas. Both attended hearings here and there, and rushed pleadings to beat deadlines. Richard however, never missed checking if Maya’s car is where it is usually parked, satisfied with the knowledge that she’s safe home every night.

 

It was finally Friday and Richard was looking forward going home, with the hope that he could invite himself again for coffee at Maya’s place like the other week. He knows Maya would be home than out with friends and toyed with the idea of keeping her company. Not that he wanted to make his dream real, but really just to catch up after a week’s work. Unfortunately, it was also a Friday night out with the boys and he couldn’t find a way to excuse himself.

 

It was past 3:00 o’clock in the morning when Richard entered the subdivision premises. He slowed down at the approach of the end of the road. He looked to his left to see again if Maya’s car is already parked. He frowned upon seeing none and flexed his neck to look further. He felt relieved to see it inside the garage this time, and not along the road where teh car usually is. As he was about to turn right towards his house, he saw Maya coming out of her balcony drinking a glass of water while looking at her mobile phone. He smiled and immediately pulled out his phone and pressed some keys.

The sudden sound released by her mobile phone surprised Maya, and was even more surprised to see the name of Richard flashing on her phone screen.

        “Richard?”

        “Yes, Maya, it’s me. Why are you still up at this time?”

        “Huh? Sigurado ka talaga na gising ako? Tumawag ka kaya.”

         “Yes!”

         “Really?”

           “Yes! I’m very sure because you were drinking water while looking at your phone just before I called.”

          “You can see me here from your house?”  Maya asked incredulously.

          “I can actually see you from the house but now, I can clearly see you from here at the corner of the street.” Richard flashed his head lights to make the signal.

          “Oh I see. So, why are you still out on the road at this hour? Is that your usual time ng pag-uwi?”

          “I was out with the boys –“

          “Kasama mo si Tito Angelo?”

           “No, kami lang from the firm. What about you? What are you doing out in the balcony at this hour? Is that your room? Kaka uwi mo rin lang ba?”

          “Yes, it’s my room. Actually, kakagising ko lang. Nakatulugan ko yung pleading na ginagawa ko kanina. Hindi talaga dapat dinadala sa bedroom ang work, nagiging unan lang. Sa pagod na rin siguro kaya nakatulog ako. It was a hectic week for me.”

             “Same here. It was a very busy week for me too. Halos wala ng pahinga, pati laptop ko halos 24/7.”

          “Yun naman pala Atty. Lim, eh bakit dumadaldal ka pa sa kalye? Go home na, baka hinahanap ka na ni Manang Fe.”

           “Okay, you’re right. I’ll be on my way home now. But, uhm…can you keep me company? Kausapin mo ako, baka makatulog ako sa daan eh.”

         “Hahaha! Atty. Lim, nakakatawa. Sige na, hangang sa makarating ka sa bahay mo, ang laaayo pa naman.”

          “Thank you! So why are you out in the balcony? Hindi ba mahamog na?”

        “Yeah, lamig na ng simoy ng hangin.  Amoy pasko na talaga.”

         “Sounds weird but I agree. There is something peculiar at this time of the year…you can feel and smell Christmas in the air.”

          “Lalo na dito sa bahay, because of the goodies I bake.”

         “Baka pwede naman maki-amoy ng Christmas air mo jan so I can understand what you’re saying.”

          “Hahaha, sure. Chirstmas brings a lot of childhood memories.”

           “Yeah, kahit only child ako, marami rin akong childhood memories ng pasko.”

          “Yes, kaya I make sure I bake some particular goodies only during Christmas, so it will also bring lots of childhood memories to my daughter.”

          “Aray, naawa naman ako sa anak ko. She does not have much memory to identify Chrismas with. I told you, mas maswerte ang anak mo kesa kay Abby because she has a mother like you.”

           “Then make memories with her during this season.  If you can’t bake, you can make other memories in so many other ways. Like… make hot cocoa milk with her in the middle of the night and read to her Christmas strories near the Christmas tree.”

            “That’s a very nice i–”

            “Ricardo!  Ano ba’t nasa telepono ka pa ganitong oras ng madaling araw?!  Inumaga ka na, ni-lock mo ba ang gate?”

             “Hahaha. Atty. Lim, madaya ka. Nasa bahay ka na pala. Sige na, baka mapalo ka pa ni Manang Fe. Ang ingay mo siguro, ayan nagising.”

             “Okay Maya, thank you. It was nice talking to you. Good night Maya.”

            “Good night Richard.”

 

Richard woke up and saw Abby’s frustrated face. “Hi Abby!”

           “Daddy! Ang tagal mo naman gumising. I was waiting for you but I was really hungry already so I ate again without you.”  Abby complained.

Richard looked at the time right away.  It was already almost 1:00 o’clock.  “I’m sorry baby you had to eat without me.  Sana kanina mo pa ako ginising.”

          “Ang hirap nga po ninyo gisingin eh.  I wanted to talk to you kanina pa po. I have a problem.”

Upon hearing this from her daughter, Richard immediately sat up and held his child. “What is it Abby? Tell Daddy.”

Abby opened her school diary and showed Richard a page where she copied the reminders written on the board by her homeroom teacher.  “Manang Fe said you help me because she cannot understand.”

Richard read the page and stared at it for a moment.  He also could not understand it.   “I also cannot understand but don’t worry, we will ask Tita Maya, she might know this.”

         “Hi Maya!” Richard said immediately upon hearing her voice from the other line.

          “O Richard, don’t tell me you are calling kasi nasa kanto ka na naman.”  Maya said in jest.

           “No, I’m sorry to bother you on a weekend.  It’s rest day but there’s something written on Abby’s notebook and we can’t understand what she needs to bring to school by Monday.  I thought you might be able to help me on this. Something about a gift for a boy classmate, potluck food and  and panuluyan?”

            “Ah…kasi Christmas party na nila sometime next week and kids are required to turn in their exchange gifts to make sure everyone will receive something sa party. Yung potluck kasi there is a salusalo after the Mass and panuluyan show sa gabi, may pinadadala ba na food sa kanya? Like 10 sticks of barbeque?”

           “Yes! I knew alam mo to. Buti na lang. Ano yung panuluyan?”

          “Re-enactment nung time when Mama Mary was about to give birth, dba naghahanap sila ng matutuluyan…kaya panuluyan.  Don’t forget dapat naka wrap na rin ang exchange gift pag dinala ni Abby sa school ha.”

          “She wants me to buy it with her now.  I don’t have any idea what to buy.”

         “May price limit naman.  You can’t go below or above the ceiling price.  Ayaw ng school ng extravagant spending.  By the way, sa na-experience ko last year, mas maganda if you have something for her teachers as well, aside from her homeroom adviser. Kasi baka siya lang walang iaabot sa other teachers, she might feel awkward or mahiya.  Mga anik anik will do, basta may ma-i-abot siya because you see, these teachers give out gifts to the kids as well.  It’s their way also of teaching generosity and sharing on Christmas.”

            “I’m overwhelmed.  I don’t even know how many teachers she has.”

           “I can help you, nasa school diary lang naman ni Abby yan.  Actually Richard kararating lang namin ngayon sa mall ni Sunshine, we’re going to  do some shopping, pwede kita idamay. I just need to know ilan – “

            “Great! I think the better idea is, sunod kami sa inyo ni Abby diyan sa mall.”

            “Uhm…okay!  Dito lang naman kami sa mall pag labas ng subdivision gate at the otherside.  Dun ka na lang mag park sa building B, where the theaters are.  Mas malapit kasi sa bookstore and department store.”

           “Okay, we’ll see you in a while.”  Richard said excitedly.

            “Paki dala na lang nung school diary ni Abby ha.”

 

Richard watched Maya in awe again.  She looked as if she does things effortlessly.  In his mind, what a great woman Maya is.  As soon as they met at the food center, she quickly made a list of what to buy for Abby.  She does things confidently and patiently.  The mall was crowded, the lines were long, and it took them time to finish buying everything but she never complained even when the two girls were being over playful.  She even took turns checking on them and making sure their backs are not wet with sweat.

          “Daddy I’m hungry!”  Abby blurted out as soon as they got out of the store. Richard did not actually have anything because he had to rush out of the house to go to the mall.

          “Me too!” Sunshine echoed.

         “I’m hungry as well! Let’s eat!  Where do you want to eat dinner girls?”

When they reached the chosen restaurant, the girls immediately ran to one sofa bench at the table pointed by the waiter.

           “Daddy I want to seat beside Sunshine!”

          “Of course! Go ahead, sit together.”  Richard responded, leaving the other sofa bench for him and Maya. So he casually led Maya to the inner side so she’ll be facing Sunshine.

         “Thank you.”  Was all Maya could say, feeling a little awkward after she became conscious that she’ll be sitting close to him.

During dinner, Maya appeared normal observing Richard casually but deep inside her, she was thinking of  what she was feeling… she felt contented and happy.  In her mind, there is something about the man sitting close next to her that makes her feel very comfortable, secured and special.  Richard on the other hand, was fighting the urge to show his feelings.  He wanted to touch her cheeks or hold her hand, but he was worried that it would scare away Maya.  He also wanted to be discreet and protect Maya, because she’s still married and the annulment is still being processed.

            “Thank you for dinner Atty. Lim.” Maya said smiling.

            “Thank you for letting us tag along with you and Sunshine.  Na-solve  na ang problema ko, nag enjoy pa si Abby. Thank you rin for offering to wrap the gifts.”

          “Thank you rin for covering the food that the kids will bring.  Pa thank you na rin kay Manang Fe.”

The girls were giggling while they watch their parents exchange words of gratitude.

          “Daddy…”

            “What is it this time Abby?”

          “Let’s watch a movie Daddy!”

           “W-well…you ask Tita Maya and Sunshine if they want to watch too.”

          “Ha…eh, aabot pa ba sa last full show?” Maya asked.

           “I also want to watch a movie and eat popcorn.” Sunshine informed her mother.

 

After putting their shopping bags in their respective cars, the four rushed together to the theater and the girls waited with Maya at the snack area while Richard lined up for the tickets.  It didn’t matter to him what the girls chose to watch.  He was just pleased that the time spent with them has been extended.

Inside the movie theater, Richard let Maya and Sunshine sit first so he can stay at the end seat but Abby immediately occupied it.  “Abby move to the next seat.” Richard said.

           “But Daddy I want to sit here po.” Abby insisted so Richard moved to the next.  “But Daddy we also want po to sit beside each other.  Diba Sunshine?”

        “Can I sit beside Ate Abby po?” Sunshine immediately asked Maya who just looked at Richard.

         “Fine, sit beside each other.  Maya, maybe it is better if dito ka na sa tabi ni Sunshine.  Ako na lang diyan.”

        “Okay, sige. Pag bigyan na sila, tutal pambata naman yung movie mas enjoy nga naman if magkatabi sila.”

          “Pasensha na sa kakulitan ni Abby.  She’s overwhelmed with this.  Wala kasing nakakalaro sa bahay, palagi pa akong wala.”

While the girls, including Maya, were having fun watching, Richard was falling asleep.  Maya felt Richard slowly sliding down from the seat, as if looking for a more comfortable position.  Then, unexpectedly, Richard rested his head on Maya’s right shoulder.  She did not move and instead took a deep breath and inhaled his cologne.

 

Maya softly tugged Richard’s arm to wake him up.  “Atty. Lim, gising na, uwian na po.”

Richard found himself leaning on Maya. “I’m sorry, I dozed off.”  he said a little embarrassed and stood up right away.  Instinctively, he held his hand out and assisted Maya.

        “Napuyat kasi si Atty. Lim.” Maya teased.

         “Daddy! You fell asleep!  You did not see what happened to Olaf!”

          “Did I make some noise?” Richard asked.

          “No Daddy but you fell asleep on Tita Maya’s shoulder!”

            “Hindi ka naman nag snore, pero ang lalim ng hininga mo. Mukhang pagod ka pa.”  Maya shared her observation.

         “Why, hindi ka ba napagod kanina?  We walked and stood for hours.”  Richard said softly as he walked beside her. The girls were walking ahead of them, giggling while holding hands. How he wished he could do the same with Maya.

“It seems like hindi ka pa nakabawi sa pagod mo from the week’s work at puyat mo naman from gimmick last night.  Bilisan na natin maka uwi at ng maka pahinga na tayong lahat.”

 

After a very tiring week, the two slept like babies with smiles on their faces.