Mr. and Mrs. Stag – Chapter SIX – The Parents

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Chapter SIX

The Parents

Previously in Chapter FIVE

“Maya, my house is just a minute from here.” he said with a grin.

“What? Are you serious? So, dito ka rin nakatira sa subdivision?” she was surprised to know.

“Yeah. You see that house up there? Richard pointed to the only house in the hilly part of the subdivision, just a few meters away from Maya’s street. “That’s my house.”

“So we live in the same subdivision? You live there? Ikaw yung may ari ng mansion na yan?” Maya asked with incredulous tone.

**********

Continuation…

Richard looked at her with puckered face. “You sound like you think I’m just joking around.” He held Maya’s arm and led her back to the car. “Come, samahan mo muna ako.”

“Uy, san tayo pupunta? Wait lang hindi pa ako nakaka pasok sa bahay, yung mangga oh.” Maya said while following his pace. They were already seated back in the car before Richard answered.

Richard has just made a maneuver because the street of Maya was a dead end, and was already heading up towards his street. “Samahan mo lang muna ako ihatid yung fruits sa bahay ko, it will take just a couple of minutes.”

“So kaya ka pala kilala ng mga guards kasi dito ka nga nakatira.” Maya thought out loud.

“Exactly. Dirediretso nga lang pagpasok, sinaluduhan pa ako. The car has a sticker, look.” Richard pointed to it.

“Accurate ka ha. Talagang a minute lang nga itong house mo from my place. Bago lang kayo dito? Dati kasi luma na yung paint, tapos after na re-paint, pansin ko na may nakatira na. So, ikaw na yun?” Maya asked while looking at the massive house.

“Hmmm…actually yung house medyo matagal na pero we moved here this year lang. Pina repaint lang before we moved in. Kailangan na kasi ng mas sariwang hangin. So, ang nakatiwangwang naman, yung condo unit ko sa Quezon City.” Richard stopped the car but Maya was quick to open the door for herself and stepped out of the vehicle.

“Wow, mas malaki at maganda pala siya pag malapitan.” Maya gave her observation while Richard took the plastic bag of fruits from the back seat.

Richard unlocked the gate with his key and grabbed Maya’s hand. “Let’s go inside. Watch your step medyo malaki yung gap ng mga path stones, baka mapatid ka.”

Richard let go of Maya’s hand. She was left standing on one of the big path stones on the vast grassy area between the gate and the house, while Richard moved up further towards the main door, skipping a few stones. “Wow, such a beauty to see.” Maya said as she looked up, in awe of the well-designed house in the middle of a beautiful garden.

Richard looked back at Maya and appreciated her beauty. “Yes, such a beauty to see.”

“Anak nandito ka na pala.” The old woman just outside the well-crafted two-door entrance said.

Richard abruptly looked behind. “Good evening po Manang. Uhm, Manang Fe, si Maya po, pamangkin po ni Angelo at kapit bahay natin. She lives in that house.” Richard pointed to Maya’s house. “Maya, si Manang Fe, she’s like my second mother, siya nag alaga sa akin since pagka-bata ko.”

Maya waved at the old woman. “Good evening po Manang Fe.”

Manang Fe was in full smiles at her. “Magandang gabi Maya. Pamangkin ka ni Angelo? Madalas sa amin si Angelo eh. Nito na lang paglipat namin dito, hindi pa nagpapakita.”

“Opo, nakababata pong kapatid ng Mama ko si Tito Angelo. At busy po siya lately, ikakasal na po kasi. Tapos active pa po sa Integrated Bar of the Philippines.” Maya explained.

Manang Fe was still smiling at her. “Ah, yung IBP ba yun? Samahan ng mga abogado?”

Richard joined the conversation. “Yes Manang Fe. Maya is also a lawyer. Fierce lawyer, I must say.”

Manang Fe was impressed. “Talaga Maya? Ang galing mo naman, ang batang abogada! Halika muna sa loob, mahamog na diyan sa labas. Umakyat ka dito at sa loob tayo magkwentuhan.”

“Ay, naku, salamat po pero inaantay na rin po kasi ako sa bahay eh.” Maya politely declined.

Richard panicked. “Oh I’m sorry, I almost forgot. Richard proceeded to the stairs but skipped a few then handed the plastic bag to Manang Fe. Manang, ihatid ko po muna si Maya sa kanila, heto po yung fruits, kumpleto po iyan.”

Manang Fe nodded in agreement. “Sige, ako na bahala dito, tulog naman na ang lahat. Maya, sa susunod hindi pwede na hindi ka papasok ha. Kwentuhan tayo.”

Maya looked at Richard who was already heading down where she was. She looked back at Manang Fe. “Opo, sige po sa susunod na lang po ako papasok, promise.” Then Maya turned her back and headed outside the gate.

“Manang, makiki-kape po muna ako kanila Maya.” Richard informed Manang Fe to give her a hint not to wait up.

“Siya sige, kahit isang litro pang kape ang higupin mo kina Maya, malapit lang naman siya dito eh. Kaya bahala ka na sa pag uwi mo, may susi ka naman eh.” Manang Fe gamely answered, showing her approval.

On the way back towards Maya’s place, Richard gave Maya a reminder. “Maya, you have to mean what you said.”

“Huh? Ang alin?” Maya clarified.

“The one you said to Manang. Sabi mo kanina, sa susunod papasok ka, promise.” Richard repeated what he heard.

“Is that how I said it?” Maya played innocent.

“Yes! Kaya I expect na may susunod nga at papasok ka sa bahay. Don’t give her false hope, a-asa kasi yun sa sinabi mo.” Richard said and stopped the engine of the car. Maya immediately got out, with the plastic of ripe mangoes in her hand.

“Sure, yun lang naman pala eh. Dalawin ko siya minsan. She reminds me of my lola, I want to get to know her. Parang ang gaan ng loob ko sa kanya. Para madagdagan naman ang neighbor friends ko. She looks very motherly. Teka, nagsabi ka ba na magkakape ka pa dito? Baka mag-iintay sa iyo.” Maya turned the key and let Richard in.

“Don’t worry, she knows. Sabi nga niya kahit isang litrong kape pa higupin ko rito, okay lang kasi malapit ka lang pala sa bahay.” Richard watched Maya put the mangoes on the fruit plate display and turned the ceiling fan on.

“Richard, wait lang ha, dito ka muna sa sala, silipin ko lang muna yung anak ko, baka isang litrong kape nga ang mainom natin, mahaba habang kwentuhan yun.”

“Sure! I’ll wait here. Take your time. Sorry, na delay ka tuloy sa anak mo because I dragged you to my house.”

“Grabe ka naman sa choice of words. Kanina vigorously, now dragged. Drag talaga? We rode your car, hindi mo ako kinaladkad.”

“Silly! Sige na go to your child. Baka gising pa.” Richard said while looking at her intently with concern.

Moments later, Maya came back wearing house clothes. “Tulog na tulog na. I hope you don’t mind me changing into house clothes, mas comfortable kasi eh.”

“It’s okay, and I’m sorry, dapat hindi na kita sinama sa house kanina.” Richard said with desolate face.

“Don’t feel guilty. Kanina pa tulog. Kaninang kanina pa raw. Kasama niya si Doris. Dun muna siya natutulog sa room ng bata kasi pinapa-ayos ko yung room ni Doris. Anyway, halika.” Maya walked towards the kitchen to get the coffee beans and took out the grinder. “I like freshly ground coffee beans kasi. Uhm, dun tayo sa veranda ha. Wala naman ako mapagmamalaki na spectacular view tulad sa house mo, pero presko dun. I usually have coffee sa veranda kaya nandun na yung coffee maker ko. Do you want cookies or pastries with the coffee? ”

“Coffee will do. Still full from the party.” Richard immediately inhaled the aroma of the coffee beans. “Hmmm, that smells really nice.”

“Bango no? I combined the Christmas blend from Starbucks and French vanilla flavoured local barako. Do you want your coffee black? Ako kasi with cream and sugar.” Maya kept the conversation as she operated the coffee equipment with ease.

“Just like yours. So, what do you use? Powdered cream or liquid?” Richard asked in detail.

“Ah, ever since I discovered kung ano ginagamit ng isang 5-star hotel, yun na rin ang ginagamit ko. Would you believe, ginagamit nila local brand lang? Its evaporated liquid creamer. Sobrang sarap niya, naubos ko yung nasa small container that they give you sa hotel. And I kept asking for more, kasi pinapapak ko with sugar. Maya giggled while telling the story. “Hayun, eventually, sa kulit ko, nakakwentuhan ko yung mga waiter at sinabi sa akin anung brand yung ginagamit nila.” Richard listened to her, enjoying every movement of her mouth as she told the story animatedly.

“I assume that you are a coffee drinker, you give so much effort making it.” Richard said after getting down from one of the kitchen stools to follow Maya who was heading towards the veranda.

“Ito lang naman ang luho ko, coffee. Natural uppers ko sha, physically and otherwise. Amoy pa lang, gising na gising na dugo ko.” Maya motioned Richard to take a seat while she continued to talk. After pouring water in her Bar Italia espresso/cappuccino maker, Maya switched it on.

“Did you know that coffee can make you cheerful and happier? It can help ward off depression. They said that just by being exposed to the aroma of the coffee can help relieve stress! Galing no?” Maya dominated the conversation. She was steaming the liquid creamer for frothing while waiting for the coffee to brew.

“I find you a cheerful person, siguro sobrang coffee drinker ka. Eh bakit ako, coffee addict pero you find me suplado.” Richard asked.

“Eh ang suplado naman talaga kasi ng dating mo eh. Malay ko ba na you can be friendly naman pala.” Maya said while pouring the froth on top of the brewed coffee.

“Glad to know that you find me friendly now. Did you know that coffee can strengthen your brain function and energy? So it improves energy level, moods, reaction time and brain function in general.” Richard gave his share on coffee information.

“Yes, I have read about it too. Sana your mood will improve at mawala ang pagka pikon mo, at mag function well ang brains mo pag natikman mo yang coffee ko.” Maya sat down beside Richard and brought her cup up to smell the coffee.

Richard looked at his cup with astonishment. “Wow! What a creation, may design pa talaga yung froth ha? Do you have sugar?”

Maya took a slurp and savoured the coffee. “Taste it first. If kulang then you ask for sugar. Nilagyan ko na yan kanina.”

Richard obliged. “Hmmm, this is really good. Pwedeng ilaban sa high end coffee shops. Mukhang mapapadalas akong maki-kape dito ah. Okay lang ba?”

“Sure! Basta alam ni Tito Angelo at nandito ako, kasi hindi alam ni Doris gawin yan.” Maya answered without thinking.

“I don’t think that’s even necessary. I wouldn’t have any problems with Angelo. Matutuwa pa yun”. Richard declared confidently. “Sino nga si Doris?” Richard asked with raised brows.

“Yung super angel ko. Yaya ng anak ko.” Maya clarified.

Richard cleared his throat. “Maya? I hope you don’t mind me asking, uhm…kayo lang tatlo ng yaya at anak mo dito?” Richard boldy asked.

Maya was really getting comfortable with their conversation, observing that having a child was no big deal to Richard and that he seemed to be very much aware that the father of her child is not around. “Yes, may weekly na pumupunta for laundry and plantsa. Malaki naman na yung bata, kaya pag nasa school, nakaka trabaho naman si Doris dito.”

Richard went further. “And you can fully trust her with your child? Do you know her that well? Paano pag nasa work ka?”

Maya saw the concern and worry in Richard’s furrowed face. “Atty. Lim, masyado ka ata maraming child abuse case na hina-handle kaya you have those concerns. Yes, matagal ko na kilala si Doris. Kasama na namin siya kina Mama. I grew up with her, she started sa amin teens pa lang sha. She’s already part of my family kaya I can trust her with my child.”

Richard’s face turned smooth and normal. “You’re lucky may parang Manang Fe ka rin pala.”

Maya laughed. “Si Manang Fe ba matandang dalaga? Kasi si Doris mukhang duon ang punta eh.”

Richard answered immediately. “Yes she is! Pero hindi ko kasalanan. It was her choice not to have a family of her own.”

“Ang defensive mo naman.” Maya said laughing then she stood up. “Wait lang ha, may kukunin lang ako, nagutom ako eh.”

“Sure, I am enjoying this, I am not going anywhere.” Richard said coyly.

 

Minutes later, Maya came back with a tray. “Tagal ko ba?” She asked right away as she put it down on the table.

“Hmm, I already finished my coffee at malamig na yung kape mo …. and akala ko nakatulog ka na sa taas. Matagal na ba yun?” was Richard’s answer.

“Ay, matagal nga. Pina init ko pa kasi uli, malamig pa kasi yung loob. Then nag toast pa ako ng garlic bread.” Maya put a slice of lasagna on her plate. “Teka tikman ko muna baka malamig pa rin yung gitna.”

“Hmmm, tamang tama lang yung init nya. Baka gutom ka rin. Hindi kasi ako naka kain kanina ng maayos kaka entertain ng ibang guest sa party ni Tito Angelo.” Maya asked then put another mouthful of lasagna.

Richard automatically got a paper napkin on the tray and wiped Maya’s chin that was smudged with red sauce. “There, may red sauce kanina eh.”

Maya shivered with the touch of Richard’s fingers on her skin. Not expecting such gesture, Maya was forced to swallow the food down her throat. “Hmm, thank you. Messy siya kainin eh. Lagyan kita sa plate ha? Luto ko yan.” Maya just put some on the other plate without waiting for Richard’s answer. “Sabayan mo na ako, di ba sabi mo, may gusto ka pa ikwento?”

“Sige nga, nagutom na rin ata ako.” Richard put some in his mouth. After a while, Richard stared at Maya who was busy getting more lasagna from the pyrex dish. “Maya?” he called her attention.

“Hmmm?” Maya asked while chewing her food.

“You should also be in the food business. Did you really make this?” Richard asked before taking another fork full of lasagna.

“I used to have a made to order food business actually. Limited lang naman sa lasagna, chicken pastel, pata tim, mga ganyan, may kare-kare, callos, yung mga pwede i-freeze then reheat. Yung ibang orders for parties. Best sellers ko yung paella, roast beef, kare-kare and a few Korean and Chinese dishes. May desserts rin like mga cheesecake, super soft ensaymada, cream puff tower, mga ganun and give aways like mga cookies. Nung hindi na kinaya ng time management ko during law school, I stopped.”

Richard lifted the chin of Maya and wiped the sides of her mouth this time. Then, he looked at her in the eyes. “You know, you continuously amaze me.”

Maya shivered again. “Continuously amaze you?” she asked as if asking for a more elaborate statement.

Richard stared at her for the nth time. “Sabi ko nga, I have seen you around and mahabang kwentuhan yun.”

Maya raised her eyebrows. “Oh, I thought you wanted to tell me something pa, yan ba yun? Simulan mo na, dami pang lasagna oh, at wala pang isang litro na kape ang na consume natin. Marami pang time. At! 1 minute drive lang ang bahay mo from here.”

“Ah yun ba, iba naman yun. They’re more of information, just wanna let you know, ganun.”

Maya was intrigued. “Ano ‘to, para lang tayong nasa korte, manifestation, for your information and guidance, ganun?”

Richard pursed his lips, revealing his dimple. “Yes, parang ganun na nga. Manifestation your honor, for your information and guidance. Perfect way to put it. Since this night has been full of confessions for me, lubosin ko na para wala ng matira pa.”

“Go ahead Atty. Lim, I’ll be listening. You have the floor.”

“Why do I suddenly feel nervous with that statement?” Richard said with creased forehead.

“Atty. Lim, para ka namang hindi pa nakasabak sa korte. Ako lang ito, why would you feel nervous? Eh, pwede mo namang hindi ituloy, if you don’t feel comfortable with it.”

“No, I want to do this. I keep on bumping into you so often in Court, even if you’re not aware of it. And I am definite, we’ll be seeing each other very often. Other than being neighbors, we have Angelo as our common link, lalo pa ngayon na active tayo sa IBP. So I think it’s just right to come clean, I mean, to let you know about some events in the past.” Richard became serious.

“Noted Atty. Lim!” Maya playfully replied.

“Okay! Remember the time when your daughter had a field trip and you waited sa school with her because a little girl did not want you to go?” Richard watched her facial expression.

FLASHBACK

It was late in the afternoon and the school parking area was full of vehicles. Students are seen disembarking from the bus positioned at the drop off fronting the lobby of the school. Passengers of the other tourist buses are also seen eagerly waiting for their turn. Maya chose to park along a small road near the canteen because she planned on checking the school bookstore for some school supplies. She walked fast to make sure she reaches the drop off in time for the turn of bus #3, where her daughter was.

Students from bus #2 were still going down from the bus so Maya walked further on the path way to get a view of bus #3. Her daughter saw her and immediately waved at her with a wide grin. Maya waved back and motioned that she will be at the center of the drop off.

Bus #3 finally moved to the center and one by one, little girls and boys disembarked from the vehicle with the assistance of the teachers and other school personnel.

“Mommy!” the little girl ran to Maya and hugged her.

“Sunshine!” Maya genuflected and hugged her daughter. “Kamusta? Did you have fun?” Maya asked while checking on the child’s back. “Hindi ka ba nabasa ng pawis?”

“It was fun mommy! Nag-play rin po kami kaya pinawisan po ako. Pinalagyan ko po kay teacher ng lampin yung back ko. Mommy she also put some powder!” the little girl informed her mother.

“Ha? Hindi ka pwede sa powder, may allergy ka baka matrigger. San kumuha ng powder?” Maya worriedly asked.

“Don’t worry mommy, I told her so and she said, kaunti lang para lang ma-absorb yung pawis agad. She put some on my back very slowly kaya wala naman po ako na sniff.” the little girl assured Maya.

“Ahh, okay. Halika muna sa bookstore, it might still be open, we need to get you more PE t-shirt and other supplies.” Maya took the bag and held Sunshine’s hand. “Iwan na muna natin yung bag mo dito sa lobby para wala akong bitbit. I still want to read the bulletin boards here for announcements pero unahin muna natin ang bookstore baka magsara.”

Fortunately for Maya, the bookstore was still open. She bought PE t-shirts for Sunshine because she seems to have outgrown the ones at home. She also got supplies like the required paper which can only be bought in the school bookstore.

“Mommy na-wiwiwi po ako.” Sunshine informed her mother who was already paying for her purchases.

“Sige anak, wait lang. Dun na lang tayo sa gym mas malapit dito. Hold on.” Maya quickly put the money handed to her by the cashier inside her bag. She grabbed Sunshine’s hand and proceeded to the gym area. “Uy, parang bukas pa yung canteen oh. Let’s go there after you make wiwi, baka we can have some snack pa and buy food for dinner, para hindi na ako magluluto.”

More than half hour has passed when Maya and Sunshine came back for the bulletin boards. The area was clear of students and fetchers, except for a few little girls sitting on the floor. “Sunshine, upo ka muna sa tabi ng bag mo. I’ll just read some of the announcements sa bulletin board.”

“Hala, maiiwan ka ng mag-isa dito. Kawawa ka naman. Parating na daw ang mommy ko, ikaw wala ka pa ring sundo.” said one of the little girls.

“Hoy Hannah, huwag ka nang manakot diyan! Ang lapit lang kaya ng bahay ni Abby. Baka wala pa lang makuhang tricycle yung yaya nya.” said the other one.

“Eh totoo naman Bea eh. Yaya na nga lang na naman ang susundo, wala pa hanggang ngayon. Baka nakalimutan na siya ni yaya. Hindi na siya masusundo. Bakit ka kasi walang mommy? Kawawa ka naman. Siguro ayaw sa iyo, o baka ampon ka lang.” Hannah forced her opinion.

“Eh ikaw ba may mommy? Siguro bad yung mommy mo, kasi bad yang ugali mo eh.” Sunshine joined the conversation.

Bea looked at the direction of Sunshine and agreed with what she said. “Oo nga, bad ka Hannah. Hindi nice yung mga sinabi mo. Abby, huwag mo na lang siya pansinin.”

Hannah glared at Sunshine and Bea. “Eh bakit ka ba sumisingit sa usapan? Hindi ka naman namin kakilala. At bakit mo naman siya kinakampihan Bea, kaklase mo ba siya?”

Bea smiled at Sunshine. “Eh di kakaibiganin ko. Hi! Ako si Bea, ano pangalan mo? Grade 1 ka rin ba?”

Sunshine smiled back. “I’m Sunshine. Kinder pa lang ako eh. Siya ano pangalan nya?”

Bea stood up and sat beside Sunshine. “Siya si Abby, isa siya sa mga best friends ko. Sayang wala na si Cheska, may brother yun sa Kinder eh. Abby! Siya si Sunshine, new friend natin.”

Abby looked at them and smiled. “Hello Sunshine. Naghihintay ka rin ng sundo mo?”

Sunshine pointed at Maya who was standing before the bulletin board but was listening to their conversation. “Hayun si mommy, may binabasa lang. Sino ba ang susundo sa iyo?”

Abby shrugged her shoulders. “Sabi ni Daddy he will pick me up. Pero wala pa siya. Hindi naman din pa dumadating si Ate Lea.”

Bea saw an approaching car and yelled right away. “Nandiyan na sundo ko!” She stood up abruptly and gathered her things. “Paano Abby, I’ll go home na. Sunshine anong section mo? Kami ni Abby 1-12, pati yang si Hannah.”

“K-11 naman ako. Pwede ko ba kayo tawagin na Ate? Hindi ba mas matanda kayo sa akin, kaya dapat ate tawag ko sa inyo?” Sunshine asked shyly.

Bea cheerfully answered. “Sure! Gusto ko yan. Ako kasi ang bunso sa amin eh, wala tumatawag na ate sa akin.”

Sunshine was happy and clapped her hands. “Yehey! May new friends ako. Abby pwede rin kita tawagin na ate?”

“Ate? Hindi naman kayo magkapatid. Eh wala ngang mommy yan eh, makiki ate ka pa.” Hannah butt in.

“Hoy Hannah ang yabang mo! Ikaw nga walang daddy eh. Kasi lagi nandun sa mga anak nya sa ibang mommy na ayaw patawag ng ate sa iyo!” Bea blurted out.

“That’s not true! Isusumbong kita sa mommy ko!” Hannah said defensively.

“Anong not true! Yan ang sinabi ng yaya mo sa yaya ko!” Bea insisted.

Shocked with what she heard, Maya immediately meddled to take control. “Mga bata, hindi kayo dapat nag uusap ng ganyan. Pag nalaman yan ng school authorities malalagot kayo sa deportment. Baka ipatawag pa ang parents nyo. Sunshine halika na.”

“Mommy, new friends ko po, si Ate Bea at Ate Abby. Grade 1 po sila.” Sunshine informed her mother.

“Hello Bea, Hello Abby! Nandiyan na mga sundo nyo? Uuwi na kami ni Sunshine eh.” Maya knelt to talk to the girls.

“Sorry po, kasi yang si Hannah eh, sama sa kaibigan ko. Babay na po ako Mommy of Sunshine! Hayan na po yung car namin oh.” Bea said.

“Mommy of Sunshine? Tita Maya na lang Bea!” Maya laughed and tapped the little girl’s chin.

“Okay po Tita Maya. Babay na po. Babay Sunshine, babay Abby!” Bea waved them goodbye. “Babay na rin Hannah. Maging nice ka na ha, at Abby, lumaban ka naman kasi.” Bea then rushed to her fetcher.

Immediately thereafter, Hannah excitedly announced the arrival of her mother. “Nandiyan na si mommy ko! Mommy! Mommy!” Hannah waved at the car while jumping.

A blue car stopped at the center of the drop off and a lady called out from the window. “Hoy Hannah! Halika na! Sakay na sa kotse! Bilis! At bakit ang dumi ng uniform mo? ”

Maya and the two girls just watched Hannah approach the car with a sad face and helped herself in putting her things at the back seat. “Bilisan mo na Hannah! May pupuntahan pa ako eh. Alanganin naman kasi ang balik nyo! Dapat hindi na lang kita pinasama sa field trip eh.” Hannah didn’t say a word until she finally went inside the car.

Maya shook her head feeling sorry for Hannah. “Abby, nakita mo yun? Hindi porke may mommy ang isang bata, better na yung life nya. Gusto mo ba ng ganung mommy?” Abby shook her head. “Don’t mind what Hannah says. Now you know how her mommy is, hindi ka dapat mainggit. Kung wala kang mommy, don’t be sad, I’m sure marami ang love ka. Okay?” Abby nodded and looked at her meaningfully. Then Abby started crying.

“Oh, why are you crying?” Maya worriedly asked.

“Natatakot po ako mag intay dito mag-isa eh. Wala na pong ibang bata dito. Abby answered honestly.

“Bakit ka matatakot, nandiyan naman ang guard eh. I’m sure parating na rin ang sundo mo.” Maya tried to pacify Abby.

“Pero hindi po lady guard. I’m scared. Pwede po ba mamaya na po kayo umalis ni Sunshine?” Abby politely requested. “Kung may mommy siguro ako, baka nandito rin yun kagaya nyo.”

Maya felt sorry for Abby. In her mind, maybe one of these days, Sunshine would be feeling the same for not having a father around. “Sige Abby, sasamahan ka na lang namin muna ni Sunshine.”

“Thank you po, you’re so kind. Sarap siguro ang may mommy. Pero ayaw ko po yung mommy like Hannah’s mommy.” Abby said.

“Abby nagugutom ka ba? Do you want to eat?” Maya asked.

“Thank you po Tita Maya, busog pa po ako eh. Dami ko pong baon. Hindi ko pa nga po naubos eh.” Abby answered.

“Sige, dito muna kayong dalawa ha. May kakausapin lang ako sandali.” Maya stood up and proceeded to the information and talked to the male guard. She asked if there’s somebody she can talk to so they can call up the parent or guardian of Abby to let them know that the girl is still in school and should be picked up.

Maya went back to the girls after about 10 minutes. She assured Abby that anytime now, somebody will come to get her. “Abby, nakausap na ng school authorities yung Daddy mo, on the way naman na pala, naipit lang sa traffic. Pero pupunta na raw dito si Ate Sabel mo.”

“Talaga po? Uhm…pwede po ba antayin muna po niyo si Ate Sabel?” Abby said with a hopeful face.

“Of course. Hindi naman kita basta basta iiwan dito, lalo na friends na kayo ni Sunshine.” Maya smiled at her and her daughter. “Happy ka anak, may new friend ka?”

“Opo mommy, dalawa pa sila! Sabi ni Ate Abby, papakilala rin nila ako kay Cheska kasi may brother siya sa Kinder.” Sunshine sounded so excited.

About 15 minutes later, a tricycle stopped and a woman came rushing. “Abby! Naku Abby! Kanina ka pa nag aantay? Naku, hindi naman kasi sinabi ni Sir eh. Si Ate Lea mo, lumabas, kaya ako na ang pinapunta dito. Parating na si Daddy mo.”

Abby was glad to see Ate Sabel. “It’s okay Ate Sabel. Hindi naman po ako iniwan nila Sunshine at Tita Maya. Sinamahan nila ako mag-wait for my sundo. But now that you’re here, makaka uwi na rin sila. Thank you po Tita Maya and Sunshine. Parating naman na po pala si Daddy eh.”

Sabel approached Maya. “Ma’am, salamat po ha. Pasensya na at nahuli na kayo sa pag uwi dahil sa alaga namin. Excommunication kasi eh. Hindi nagka intindihan sa bahay.”

Maya chuckled. “Hello Sabel, miscommunication ba ang ibig mo sabihin?”

Sabel scratched her head. “Yun na nga po, miscommunication po. Parating na rin po si Sir.”

Maya looked at Abby and Sunshine playing hand game. “Abby! Uwi na kami ni Sunshine ha. Okay ka na with your Ate Sabel?”

Sabel noticed a vehicle approaching from the school gate. “Hayan na po si Sir!”

Abby and Maya looked at the direction of the gate. A white Toyota Land Cruiser was approaching. Abby hugged Sunshine “I’m happy naging friend kita.” She rushed to Maya and hugged her. Maya bent to hug her back. “Thank you po Tita Maya! You’re an angel.” Then Abby kissed her on the cheek and rushed to Sabel. “Babay po, see you Sunshine!”

Maya gathered their things. “Bye Abby! Sige Sabel.” Then Maya walked towards her car with Sunshine in tow.

 

PRESENT

“I was the cause of the delay. Color coding kasi ako and it was close to 3:00 p.m. so pinilit ko makarating sa condo ko sa Eastwood so I can change vehicles. Kaya lang, pag dating sa Ortigas extension, sobrang traffic because of road works. Then there was miscommunication sa house. Dapat nauna ang yaya sa school before dumating ang tourist bus from the field trip, even assuming that I was on time.” Richard explained, conscious of Maya’s facial expression.

“So that little girl… si Abby, she is your daughter? Ikaw yung Daddy niya?” Maya asked in a high tone.

Mr. and Mrs. Stag – Chapter FIVE – The Neighbors

Dear friends,

pasensha na, this is all i could do for now. tight sked and of course, super sad sa remaining days.  i can’t get myself to write for pbmlw yet, lalo na RLRW.  please understand and bear with me.

I will still write, will not stop writing stories about Maya and Sir Chief. That is a promise.  Marami na nga naka line up, wala lang time. 

Thank you sa pagsubaybay.

Chapter  FIVE

The Neighbors

 

Previously in Chapter FOUR

“Ah…okay.” Maya did not push the matter. Instead, she asked “So, why is this common looking car with an uncommon plate number so familiar with me?”

           “You’re still at it? Is it really that important to know why it’s familiar?”

           “Eh, kasi hindi ako makontento if I will not remember it myself. Kaya kita tinatanong, you might know why.”

            “Okay, it’s because this is the same car that almost hit you when you were crossing the street with an old woman. That was the very first time I had an encounter with you.”

             Maya suddenly remembers everything. “So, ito yun, at ikaw? You were the one driving this car?!”

 

**********

Continuation…

           “Y-yes, it was me and I’m sorry. That was long overdue, but I had no… I’m really so sorry.” Richard made another confession.

 

FLASHBACK

         Maya was at the last stretch of her weekend morning run. Heading uphill from the clubhouse, she noticed her neighbor, an old woman at the corner of the street, looking disoriented and having difficulty maintaining her balance. Worried, she rushed to her left side and immediately placed her right hand around the waist of the woman. “Mrs. Perez! Ano po ang nangyayari sa inyo?”

“Ay! Atty. Maya! Mabuti nandiyan ka. P-para akong biglang kinapos ng hininga at nahilo eh. P-pwede mo ba ako itawid hija?”

          “Sige po, halina kayo, at ihahatid ko na kayo sa bahay nyo. Pero dahan dahan lang po ha.” Maya took the lead in crossing the street slowly. “Eh saan po ba kayo nanggaling at bakit po kayo naglalakad mag-isa?” Maya asked, trying to keep a conversation with the neighbor to check for signs of an attack.

“Galing ako sa clubhouse, nagbayad ng water bill and association dues. Naiinip kasi ako ng walang ginagawa sa bahay eh. Naku tiyak pagagalitan ako ng apo ko nito, naka abala pa ako ng tao.”

            “Ay, huwag niyo po ako alalahanin. Pauwi na rin naman po ako eh. Dito rin naman po ang daan ko paakyat sa amin.” Maya gave her assurance. “Pwede naman po siguro kayo maglakad-lakad, pero maganda po siguro kung may kasama kayo. Isama nyo po si Inday, tutal mga ganitong oras naka babad lang naman yun sa cellphone eh.”

          “Haay! Sakit sa ulo yang si Inday, hindi nga maka bitaw sa cellphone nya. Alam mo yun iha?”

          “Diba po talikuran po ang likod-bahay natin? Nasa mas mataas po kami kaya nakikita ko minsan si Inday pag nasa balkonahe po ako. Delikado po maglakad mag-isa lalo na paakyat ang kalyeng ito baka ma-aksidente pa ka – OH MY GOD! Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!”

             Out of nowhere, a speeding car from the left almost hit Maya and a loud screeching sound was heard. Instinctively, Maya simultaneously shut her eyes and covered the old woman with her body.

Seconds after, Maya looked up and called the attention of the driver. “HEY! Gago ka rin noh! Wala pa akong balak mamatay! Kaya huwag mo akong patayin! I can’t die yet!” Maya reprimanded the driver and started giving some kicks in the air in an attempt to hit the front bumper of the black vehicle that was at a standstill, just a little more than a meter from her.

She continued lashing out while struggling to see the face of the driver. “Kapal ng mukha hindi man lang bumaba! Siguro kasing pangit ng driving skills mo yang face mo! Do you even have a license?!” Frustrated in failing to see the face of the driver because of the reflected light from the sun, Maya strenuously tried to hit the car without losing her hold of the geriatric neighbor, but unfortunately, her kicks fell short of about an inch, so the black sedan remained untouched.

            Stunned with what just happened, Richard remained motionless on his car seat, still buckled up. He was trying to be calm and rational as he was processing everything in his mind. But looking at the red faced Maya with an old woman in her arms and hearing her scream her lungs out at him, seem to make everything so difficult. So even before he could release his foot on the break and his grip on the hand break, Maya was already throwing flying kicks at his car.

 

PRESENT

             Maya looked at Richard with contorted face while recalling the past. “So ikaw nga yun?!”

“Yes, and I’m sor-” Richard began to apologize again but was immediately cut off.

            “And you didn’t even bother going down from the car to check on us?” Maya asked incredulously.

Richard heaved a sigh and said “Look, to be honest, I was really shocked with what happened. I mean…I almost hit you and that old woman… Naisip ko that time, na I was always driving carefully to make sure safe yung car passengers, pero yun pala I put the lives of other people in danger. I was not really expecting some people crossing that street but admittedly, I was wrong there. I should have been careful, lalo na pataas yung kalye. I did not have full visual of what was ahead. Mabuti na lang naka preno agad ako.”  

            “If naisip mo yun, eh bakit nga hindi ka man lang bumaba?” Maya asked again.

“As I’ve said, nagulat ako sa nangyari, tapos natulala pa ako sa iyo. There you were, a beautiful sight, pero ang ingay ingay mo, lalo tuloy hindi maka andar ang isip ko.” Richard said spontaneously while laughing because he was also embarrassed but Maya just glared at him. “Yeah, it’s true. Nakakatakot ka kaya nuon. Galit na galit ka and I thought you were actually going to damage my car big time with those flying kicks! I was trying to figure out what to do.”

“Hirap na hirap kaya ako sumipa kasi hindi ko pwede bitawan si Mrs. Perez! Tapos hindi ka man lang bumaba. In my mind, walang hiya ka, hindi man lang tumulong! Kainis hindi ko pa masipa sipa yung kotse mo!” Maya explained while smiling.

Richard shook his head as he recalled the past. “You looked so gorgeously mad that time. Namumula ka, samantalang namumutla naman yung old lady.”

Maya was not sure if she heard the complimenting word, so she just pretended she didn’t. “Eh bakit hindi ka pa rin bumaba, hindi ka naman pala pangit.”

On the other hand, Richard recognized the compliment in between Maya’s words. He laughed and said “Thank you!”

Maya became conscious of what she said so she went on. “If you remember, what I said, siguro kasing pangit ng driving skills mo ang face mo? Eh okay naman pala ikaw mag drive, maingat, kalmado at hindi ka naman din pala pangit.”

              “Kaya nga, hindi pala ako pangit. So, do you agree with me Ms. Witness that when you said hindi ako pangit, you also mean na gwapo ako?” Richard playfully asked, pretending to be in a trial court.

           But Maya will not surrender just like that. “Atty. Lim, hindi porke hindi panget, eh gwapo na. So, just because hindi black, eh white na? Hindi, diba? Pwedeng red, green, blue-”

            “Fine! I had wrong analysis and conclusion.” Richard blurted out.

               “Ang pikon agad? Maya said while studying Richard’s face. “Ahhhh….oo nga pala, you were like that nung resetting ng trial!” Richard remained silent, not minding Maya at all.  “Atty. Lim, are you giving justice to the color of your car? Attitude Black Toyota Camry ito diba?”  Richard did not utter any word, but remained focused on the road.

              “Sorry if I have offended you. Balat sibuyas. Pikon ka pala?”   Maya just continued. 

             “No, I’m not.” Richard finally responded and denied right away.

             “Hmmm…patingin nga!” Maya moved her body forward to the right to look at Richard’s face. “Fine! Gwapo ka nga kahit napipikon ka at nakasimangot pa.”

            “Maya, sit back, you are distracting me. You might hurt yourself, baka mauntog ka pag nagpreno ako.” Richard said softly as he gently shoved her back and reached for the seat belt, making sure it was still secured.

           Maya just watched him with delight in her heart. The concerned tone in his voice and his gentle touch were noticeably genuine, just like how Angelo is to her. Maya knew that Richard saw her staring at him so she said “You know, na-realize ko, wala palang pangit na friend si Tito Angelo no? Lahat kayo na na-meet ko na friends nya, good looking lahat.”

The traffic light turned red so Richard pulled the hand break and looked at Maya smiling. “Okay, that made me feel better. Lahat kami hindi pangit. Seriously, going back to that road accident, you may not believe this, but when you finally kicked my car plate, I came to my senses and I immediately unbuckled my seat belt to get out. Kaya lang, biglang dumating si spiderman.”

“Spiderman?” Maya asked with an amused face.

“Yeah, that guy who came from nowhere and immediately engulfed you and the old woman while another female in uniform also tried to help.”  Richard answered confidently.

“Ahhh, si Doc, yung apo ni Mrs. Perez at si Inday, kasambahay nila. Neighbors ko, yung house nila talikuran sa amin.”

“Hmmm, neighbors mo pala sila. Uhm, are you usually nice to your neighbors?”  Richard was curious.

“Ilan lang naman na taga dun ang kilala ko eh.  Pero shempre okay naman pakitungo ko kahit ganun. Mga aquaintances, ganun lang. Nagkakilala lang sa homeowner’s meeting, ganun.  Except sila Mrs. Perez kasi talikuran ang house namin, mas madalas ang chance na magtagpo, pero hindi rin naman kami close.” Maya explained.

“Hindi kayo close…aah, so you’re just really caring.  Always ready to lend a helping hand.  In other words, you are  nice to your neighbors.”   Richard said as a matter of fact.  He already knew that Maya is a nice person, based on how she observed her demeanor in the past.

               “S-so now that you know na ako yung driver, nagalit ka na naman ba? Pwede ako na lang i-flying kick mo later, huwag na lang yung car?”  Richard asked smiling, trying to charm her.

“Ano?!” Maya hit Richard in the arm, noticing that Richard’s mood has improved.

“Ouch! Black belter ka ba?” Richard teased.

“Nakakainis ka!” Maya hit Richard in the arm again.

                  “What? Eh, ang lakas mo tumira eh. And by the way I recall yung forms ng mga sipa mo, straight na straight, hindi nga lang uma abot sa target. Seriously Maya, are you into karate?”

             “Kainis! My answer? No and yes.”

            “Sayang, if we were in Court right now, I would have said ‘the answer is vague your Honor, I move to strike the answer of Atty. Dela Rosa’ makabawi man lang ako sa iyo.”

                Maya looked at him with raised brows. “Ano dun ang hindi malinaw? No, hindi naman ako nagalit uli, and yes, I am into karate, actually more of taekwando. And to say more, even if nagalit ako uli, hindi ko naman i-a-attempt uli sipain yung kotse mo, that’s history already. Tapos na, buhay pa naman kami pareho ni Mrs. Perez. Besides, nakikisabay na nga lang ako, diba.”

          Richard slowed down the car before making a full stop. “So, which is the way to your house?”

            Maya looked around and was surprised to see that they were already inside the subdivision. “Wait, we’re inside the subdivision na? Teka, how did-”

             Before Maya could ask more questions, Richard provided the answers. “Angelo mentioned kanina where you live but I forgot the street name, and the guards know me. So, which is the way?”

           Maya just nodded and looked straight. “Okay…just go straight then turn left sa first corner then right agad sa next.”

            Richard followed her directions and pulled to a stop in front of the only house in the street. He immediately got out of the car to get to the other side to open the door for Maya. “So, this is your house.” He said as he looked at the house. He smiled and shifted his eyes to Maya. “It looks homey and cozy.”

             “You think so? Well, if that is a complement Atty. Lim, thank you.” Then Maya felt suddenly awkward so she turned her back and walked towards the service gate while searching for the house keys in her bag. Left without a choice, Maya exhibited proper decorum. “Salamat rin sa pag sabay sa akin ha. May bonus pa na manggang hinog.”

               Richard was enjoying her company and wanted to prolong the time with her. He also felt he needed to say more about the past, so he took his chance. “Thank you lang?” he said sounding hopeful but disappointed.

Maya blushed, a little embarrassed and surprised with the question. “Ha? Eh…ano pa ba dapat?…hindi ba, hinahanap kana sa inyo? If I would invite you for coffee inside –

            “Coffee would be nice, thank you. Tamang tama, may mga gusto pa kasi ako sabihin sa iyo eh.” Richard excitedly said and walked towards Maya.

Maya was pleased that Richard was no longer feeling uneasy and seemed to feel at home with her so she was about to tease him. “Ha? Teka lang, kasi–” She was not able to finish because it was Richard’s turn to feel a little embarrassed so he cut her off.

           “Oh it’s okay. I get it. It’s quite late and you’re tired. Sorry for imposing an invitation from you. I better get-”

          “Magkaibigan nga kayo ni Tito Angelo. Tampo agad Atty. Lim?” she said instead, then realizing that she herself was feeling comfortable with him to have uttered those words. “As I was saying earlier, akala ko ba kanina ka pa hinahanap sa inyo? If I would invite you for coffee, gagabihin ka, delikado sa daan, madilim pa naman sa area at matarik pa ang ibang kalye.”

          “Maya, my house is just a minute from here.” he said with a grin.

          “What? Are you serious? So, dito ka rin nakatira sa subdivision?” she was surprised  to know.

            “Yeah. You see that house up there? Richard pointed to the only house in the hilly part of the subdivision, just a few meters away from Maya’s street. “That’s my house.”

           “So we live in the same subdivision?  You live there? Ikaw yung may ari ng mansion na yan?” Maya asked with incredulous tone.

Mr. and Mrs. Stag – Chapter FOUR – The First Time

A/N:  Wow! I just realized that in my attempt to wean myself from the show, as part of my preparation for life after the final episode of BCWMH, I was able to come up with this update within the week!  This is a record for me… at least for this story.  Hope this lightens your mood.  Kapit-bisig! 🙂

Chapter  FOUR

The First Time

Previously in Chapter THREE

          “So this is really more than physical attraction to you.”

          “Brod, at our age? I’m sure you’ll agree with me that when we like someone, it’s more than physical attraction. As I have said, I have seen her in and out of court a number of times. I think we live in the same subdivision because I first saw her there.”

          “You’re not certain but you did not find out if you live in the same subdivision? I thought you like her a lot? So anung nagyari kay Richard Lim? I thought you have moved on with life? Hindi ka na ba marunong dumiskarte?”

 

          “W-what? Brod, I get sleepless nights thinking about…things and… Now, I am really confused. There is something you are not telling me here. I do not even know why we are having this kind of conversation… it’s…crazy. Because even if I want to pursue her, I can’t! She is married, isn’t she?”

 

          Angelo pursed his lips and swallowed. Then, while looking at Richard, he nodded and said “Yes, she is legally married.”

**********

Continuation…

 

Richard was expecting the answer but was still disappointed when he heard Angelo’s confirmation. “So she is really married. That’s clear now, but I got more confused. You wanted me to meet her, so I am not so puzzled why you did not get upset when I admitted earlier that I like her.

           But you said you wanted me to meet someone special and you sounded like you wanted to make sure I’ll settle down later like you. If she’s legally married, then why? You’re practically even encouraging me to pursue her.”

 

           “Look, I was hoping I wouldn’t need to go into details. But since nandito na tayo, here is a little information.

           Maya got involved with a guy when she was in law school. She was in her senior year then. Not long after her graduation, she got pregnant. That is another story. But to get to the bottom of it, they separated even before she gave birth.”  

 

          “What kind of a man would do that to the mother of his child? Why did he get her pregnant in the first place?”

 

          “As I said, that is another story. Sinayang niya si Maya. Napaka walang kwentang tao nung lalaking yun. I really don’t understand how and why Maya got involved with him in the first place. He was the one I was referring to earlier, na anak rin ng judge pero napakayabang, akala mo kung sino eh hindi pa nga pumapasa ng bar. Magaling lang pala umasta pero walang paninindigan.”  

 

          “So why is Maya still a dela Rosa if she’s married?” Richard wanted to know.

         

          “Oh, when Maya filed her petition to take the bar examinations that year, she wasn’t married yet, so she uses her name as appearing in the roll of attorneys. She had the feeling that the marriage will not last daw so she didn’t bother filing another petition to correct her name when she got married.”

“Then why did she marry him if she felt that the marriage will fail?”

 

          “I guess nadala sa pressure. It was the bar review and she was probably thinking of the legitimacy of her child. Kaya she immediately accepted when marriage was offered.

           They’re legally married but they were never a married couple. Nakita ko yun. They stayed sa house after the wedding kasi nga mas pabor kay Maya kasi buntis siya. Naiistorbo si Maya sa review kasi inaaway sha lagi. He would come home late from parties. Tapos one weekend, he went home to his mother sa Parañaque then he never came back. He practically abandoned Maya.

          “She must be really one hell of a woman to have endured everything. She looks so stable.” Richard said, feeling sorry for Maya.

 

          “She is! Imagine the emotional turmoil she was experiencing while reviewing hanggang bar examinations. At yung tarantadong lalaking yun, ni hindi talaga nagpakita when Maya gave birth!”

 

          “What?! Sabi mo anak rin ng judge, kilala naman siguro ni Judge dela Rosa yung parents. Hindi niyo man lang hinanap?”

 

          “The father is a judge somewhere in a far flung region but his family is based in Parañaque. Stag, maniwala ka, yung nanay, walang ka breeding breeding. Sunod-sunuran pa sa anak. She tolerates him! Tinago pa nya yung gago nyang anak para hindi ma serve ang summons sa kanya when Maya filed a petition for annulment of marriage.”

 

         Richard was glad to hear about the petition for annulment. He wanted to satisfy his curiosity so he asked immediately. “S-so what happened to the annulment case?”

 

          “It’s already in the bag. Anytime lalabas na ang desisyon kasi malapit na matapos yung 90 day period to decide. May grounds naman kaya grantable. I just feel so relieved na maluwang na ngayon ang korte when it comes to annulment. Hindi tulad nung unang panahon marami ang nadedeny.”

 

          “Yeah, I remember the first casualties mga artista. Nagsi-file ng annulment mga na deny naman. Umabot pa ng Supreme Court, denied rin. Tsk tsk, tapos now it’s so easy. I guess kasi, mas nakikita na ng korte ngayon ang practical side of it.” Richard casually shared his thoughts, hoping Angelo will say more about the topic.

 

          “Pero napaka ugly ng proseso, emotionally draining. Nakaka awa si Maya. Lalo na when she testified. Mabuti na lang civil wedding lang sila.”

 

          “By that, I take it you mean that there is no need for church annulment kasi hindi pala sila sa simbahan kinasal?”

          “Stag ha, talagang interesado ka sa detalye noh?” Angelo noted how Richard probed further.

          “I ahh… I just want to make things clear so I have a better picture. Kasi kanina I couldn’t really understand where our conversation was go–” Richard tried to reason out but was cut off by Angelo.

“I just don’t like to go into too much details. Ayoko lang manggaling sa akin I might pre-empt something. But, yes, there is no need to undergo the church annulment. Yun pa naman ang mahirap makuha. I can’t imagine Maya going through the process again. Mabuti na lang talaga sa huwes lang sila nagpakasal. So once ma-grant ang civil annulment, Maya will be liberated from that marriage and she can finally move on.” Angelo said in a hopeful tone.

“She deserves to be liberated and happy after what she has been through. Importante magkaroon ng closure.” Richard said, still feeling sorry for Maya.

Angelo looked at Richard and said “You both deserve to be happy Stag. Tol, we grew up together and pareho tayong only child ng parents natin. So we’re like brothers. We’re family! Maya is very dear to me and so are you. Kaya I want to see both of you happy.”

“FYI Angelo, I am happy.” Richard said smiling, making sure he is convincing.

          “Sana nga you really see the importance of closure at talagang naka pag move on ka na rin from your past because you also deserve to be with someone. It’s been a while Stag. Lagi ka na lang nag-iisa in gatherings like this.”

 

          “Don’t I look happy? I am happy brod. Besides. you don’t have to be with someone in gatherings like this to have fun. Alam mo yan.”

 

          “Hahaha! Kasi kahit mag-isa ka dumadating, aalis ka ng may kasama? Ibang happiness naman yun Stag!

 

          “Sira! I didn’t mean that. Besides, hinahatid ko lang sila. Hahaha!

           But seriously, I had fun tonight, with you guys. Okay na ako dun. I’m happy that we’ve kept our friendship through the years. Hindi ko kailangan ng babae. Hahaha!”

 

          “But you could be happier! Ayaw mo na ba na permanent ang kasama mo pag uwi from parties? Yung alam mo that when you come home, may naghihintay sa iyo?”

Richard pursed his lips and decided not to answer. He knows that if he will, the conversation will go kilometric.

“Okay, I will not go into that if you do not want to talk about it. Pasalamat ka wala dito si Ryan. Otherwise, hindi ka titigilan nun.”

 

Richard still wanted a clearer picture of things, so he asked directly. “So why did you want me and Maya to meet?”  

 

         “You know, when I learned that you live in the same area as Maya, I only had friendship in mind. Then I realized, that I can become hopeful for more. Don’t get me wrong, hindi naman ako mamimilit. Okay na okay na ako kahit friendship lang.

           You see, she lives alone with her child. She does not go out with friends anymore kasi besides being a single parent, she lives far from her friends. Mabuti na nga lang she frequently attends gatherings like this. Pero yung sabihin mong constant companion or friend, wala eh. So she does not seem to enjoy life outside being a mother. Hindi katulad natin mga lalaki, pamilyado o hindi, we find justification to see each other often.

           At least, if you become friends, she’ll find a friend in you, she has someone she can trust na malapit sa kanya. Bonus pa kasi you can check on her once in a while for us. Madali na lang yun kasi ikaw ang malapit sa bahay niya.”

 

“Now I understand why she values time so much.” Richard said, recalling on how disappointed Maya was when trial was cancelled after coming to court prepared.

 

“Yes, to her, every moment counts. Time wasted at work is time that she could have spent for her child or for herself.” Angelo explained further.

“At least now we’re civil. I’m hopeful wala ng awkward moment kasi we had the chance kanina to talk about what happened sa kaso namin.”

 

Angelo was surprised but pleased with what Richard said. “Ahhh, nalusutan mo pala ako ha. So, that’s the Richard Lim I know, naka diskarte ka na pala kanina eh.”

 

          “Hahaha! I just felt I had to apologize properly and explain. So I didn’t let the chance pass earlier. Kaya lang, I don’t know how to become friends with her. You think we’ll get along? Uhm, you see, that embarrassing court encounter is not the first unpleasant one I had with her, and if she realizes that–”

                                         

“Aha! Nandito lang pala kayo, at nag so-solo! Mukhang serious pinag-uusapan at hindi ako kasali? Angelo kanina ka pa tinatawag sa loob. You need to offer a toast. Everybody’s waiting for you.” Ryan blurted out after suddenly appearing from nowhere.

 

“Is that so? Stag sandali ha.” Angelo stood from his seat and hurriedly ran towards the function hall.

Richard followed but was stopped by Ryan. He is one of the closest friends of Richard and has already figured out since their second court encounter with Maya, that Richard has a crush on her. He was also surprised to learn earlier that Maya is the niece of Angelo.

 

“ Not so fast Stag. You owe me one. Ano pinag-uusapan nyo ha? Or should I say, SINO pinag-uusapan nyo? Si Maya? Kwento naman jan!” Ryan tried to get information.

 

          “It’s a long story. Not now brod. I’ll tell you next time, pag tayo-tayo na lang. Baka biglang magyaya asawa mo eh. Tara! Let’s go back inside.” Richard knows he needed to think about some things before talking to Ryan so he can be discreet with what he’ll share with him. He wants to be careful with the information Angelo told him. Although the three of them are the closest among the group, Richard and Angelo are the real buddies.

 

          Angelo was almost finished with his speech when Richard and Ryan reached the function hall. “…. So again, thank you and cheers!”

 

          “CHEERS!” the crowd roared back. Angelo saw Richard and motioned him to wait. Richard nodded and followed where Angelo was looking before talking back to the crowd. “Let’s continue to party!”

 

          Richard watched Maya talk to her mother who was with her colleagues. Then he felt his mobile phone vibrating inside his pocket so he excused himself from Ryan. “Brod, sagutin ko lang to sa labas ha. Lakas na naman ng music eh.”

 

“Sige brod, puntahan ko rin si misis, sumesenyas na naman sumayaw eh.” Ryan tapped Richard’s shoulder.

          After a couple of minutes, Richard went to the valet service and requested for his car. “Manong pa intay na lang po sandali pag dumating po yung kotse ko ha. Balik po muna ako sa loob, para magpaalam.”

 

          “Sige po sir, ipapakuha ko na po ang sasakyan nyo.” the old man behind the service table said.

Even before Richard reached the entrance to the function hall, he already saw Angelo heading towards him.

 

          “Stag! Are you leaving? Sabay mo na si Maya pauwi.” Angelo said right away, like he was really in a hurry.

 

Tiny drops of cold sweat instantly formed at the lining of the forehead of a blushing Richard “You mean, she’s also leaving? As in n-now?”

Angelo noticed and teased his buddy. “Stag, mukhang malakas talaga ang tama mo sa pamangkin ko noh? Para ka talagang nasa high school being paired to your crush during a soiree. Ganyan na ganyan ka nuon eh. Hahaha!”

Already annoyed, Richard warned Angelo. “Brod, I came here to support your candidacy and then you do this to me. To be candid, after all the revelations tonight, she makes me more nervous now. So stop it please.”

 

Aware how Richard can be huffy-touchy, Angelo heeded his request at once. “Ang pikon mo talaga. Okay I’ll stop. Basta paki hatid mo na lang si Maya. Pinasundo ko lang kasi sa driver kanina kaya walang dalang sariling sasakyan”

 

Still feeling uneasy, Richard heeded the request. “Uhm…sige, sabay na kami umuwi.   Pinakuha ko na nga yung kotse eh.”

 

Sensing hesitation from Richard’s actuations, Angelo asked “Teka, ayaw mo ba? Who knows, it might be an opportunity to begin friendship.”

 

          “Bakit naman ako aayaw? Of course gusto ko. I just need to make a phone call.” Richard quickly replied and pulled out his mobile phone.

          “Ahhh, may lakad ka pa pa lang iba? Sino na namang babae yan, at hindi mo matanggihan, Richard.”

 

          Richard didn’t answer but motioned Angelo to wait as he heard the voice from the other line. “Hi, uhm…are you on your way already?…..oh good! I’m sorry Inah. I didn’t know they still need my assistance here so I would have to cancel …are you sure? Okay, next time… ingat sa byahe…bye.”

Just then, Maya was seen walking towards the door where they were standing. “She’s here.” Angelo informed Richard.

Seconds later, Maya was already standing beside them. “Tito, mauna na ako ha. You know naman yung apo mo.”

 

Angelo put his arms around Maya’s shoulder. “Maya, you make me feel I’m so old. Anyway, hindi na kita pipigilan. Kaya lang, since Joma is not back yet, hindi kita mapapahatid sa kanya.”

          “Okay lang Tito, I can manage. Ang dami namang taxi cab, pakuha lang ako kay Manong Guard.”

          “No, you will not take the cab. Sabi ko naman sayo, delikado mag cab diba. So ipapahatid na lang kita dito sa brod ko. Richard!

Richard looked up after sending a text message. Angelo winked at him and said “Tol, uwi na rin si Maya, sabay na kaya kayo, kasi wala pa si Joma para maghatid sa kanya eh.” trying to sound as if they haven’t talked about it earlier,

Smiling, Richard quickly answered “Sure!” It was Maya who had a doubtful face. So Richard said playfully “Don’t worry Maya, I am not a dangerous person even if I am very much affiliated with your uncle. I can promise you, makakarating ka sa bahay mo ng maayos.”

          “Ay, hindi naman sa ano… nakakahiya naman kasi. The night is still young, I’m sure mahaba pa ang party sa loob or gigimick pa kayo later. Baka may mga lakad pa kayo eh. Tito, I’ll just take the cab. You can always get the details of the taxi para hindi ka mag-alala.”

          “Maya, pauwi na yang si Richard at kanina pa hinahanap sa kanila yan. You live in the same area kaya sabay na kayo.” Angelo insisted.         

          “Really? Eh di, sige na nga.” Maya finally acceded. “So saan ka naka park?” She asked looking at Richard in the eyes.

          The car just came and the valet service boy got out of the car. “Tamang-tama, the car is here. Pano brod, uwi na kami.” Richard said giving Angelo a pat on his shoulder.

Angelo nodded and said “Sige, thanks for the support.” Angelo leaned a little and advised Richard. “Kalma lang brod, baka ma obvious ka na nyan, sige ka masira ang diskarte mo. You’re Richard Lim, so relax.”

          Richard chuckled and said calmly, “Let’s go Maya?” then discreetly ushered Maya to the ramp and opened the door for her.

          “Thank you.” Maya smiled then waved at Angelo before Richard closed the door for her. Then she suddenly remembered something.

 

Maya’s face looked serious while Richard was driving. He adjusted the temperature of the air conditioning system immediately, thinking Maya was feeling uncomfortable. To make sure, he asked “Maya, are you okay?”

Maya snapped out and said “Yeah…”

After some distance of travelling, Richard had the courage of asking Maya again “Are you usually that quiet?”

Maya frowned at Richard but answered “What do you mean?”

 

“You’re different pag nasa korte ka eh. You might not be aware, pero aside from ‘yeah’ you have not said anything since we left the sports club. Am I scaring you or are you still upset at me?”

“Naku Richard, I didn’t mean to be rude, may iniisip lang kasi ako.”

“Ahh, okay, you do seem like in a deep thought.”

“I’m actually trying to recall were I saw this car. I know I’ve seen this car not only once.”

“Huh?! Uhm…this kind of car is common that is probably why it is familiar to you.”

          “Oo nga, common nga ang car make na ganito even the color, pero hindi naman siguro common yung car plate mo.” Maya wittingly answered.

          “Hayan, yan yung Atty. dela Rosa na nakikita ko sa korte. So witty and fast.”

 

         “Huh? Madalas tayo magkita sa court?” Maya’s attention was diverted from the car.

 

          “Actually, hindi tayo nagkikita, pero nakikita kita. Well except our maritime case in Manila.”

 

          “Talaga? Eh bakit hindi mo ako binati if you saw me?”

 

          “First, hindi naman tayo magkakilala pa then, tapos after naman nung incident sa maritime case natin, natakot ako sa iyo kasi you can be very intimidating.”

 

          “Ha? Yung maritime case pa rin ba? Hindi ka pa ba nakaka move on from there? Grabe ka naman.”

 

          “No, I’m just saying why I hesitated saying hi to you after the court incident.”

 

          “Pero wala naman yun diba. Among us lawyers, pag nagkita na tayo sa isang case, pag labas ng korte okay naman tayo diba. So, suplado ka lang talaga siguro.”

 

          “Suplado lang talaga siguro? You mean, you find me suplado?”

 

          “Oo, suplado na maangas pa. Nakakainis ka kaya nung maritime case. Ang sungit maka reject ng trial date. Kaya kita nabuking sa kalokohan mo eh.”

 

          “Ahhh, so sino ngayon ang hindi pa nakaka move on from that incident? Hahaha!”

 

          “Ikaw ha, nangiinis ka na. Buti na lang good friend ka ni Tito.”

 

          “I was just teasing back. Uhm…Maya, do you mind stopping over for a while? I just need to buy some fruits, kung hindi, lagot ako sa bahay if wala akong bitbit tonight.” Richard asked Maya after realizing that they have reached that part of Sumulong Highway where there are fruit stands.

 

         “Go ahead. Nakikisabay nga lang ako eh. Would you like me to go down with you?” Maya offered.

“No need. Wait lang.” Richard crossed the road then pulled over. He rolled down his window and talked to the lady vendor. “Manang, the usual po.”

The lady vendor smiled and accepted the money from Richard. “Sige sandali lang.”

 

         “Richard, madalas ka dito noh? Alam na alam na nila ang ‘the usual’ mo eh.” Maya was curious.

 

          “Yes, I come here often, hindi kasi pwede walang fruits sa house. This is one task I cannot fail kung hindi lagot ako.” Richard answered with a grin showing his dimple.

 

Moments later, the lady vendor came back with two plastic bag full of fruits in her left hand and a small one in her right. “Ito na iho lahat. Ito naman, para sa magandang kasama mo, walang bayad yan ha, galing sa akin yan.” The vendor hands over the small plastic bag to Maya. “Matamis yan iha, mas matamis pa sa mga ngiti mo.”

Maya was surprised with the vendor’s gesture but was deeply touched. “Naku, marami pong salamat sa papuri at sa mga ito.”

Richard was pleased as well. “Salamat po Manang. Nag-iisa yata kayo ngayon. Nasaan po si Tatang?”

The lady vendor smiled at Richard’s concern. “Pinauwi ko na muna kay Arnold. Nirarayuma kasi eh, mas kumikirot ngayong malamig ang panahon.”

 

          “May gamot pa po ba si Tatang? Baka naman hindi niya kasi iniinom ang mga gamot niya.”

The lady vendor tried to assure a worried Richard “Huwag ka mag-alala iho, nainom sha ng gamot. Salamat.”

 

But Richard is not convinced. “Sige po, maniniwala ako, pero bukas po pasamahan ko kay Mang Lem si Tatang patingin sa doctor. Pwede po ba yun?”

“Sige iho, bahala ka na nga. Hindi ko naman mapipigilan ang kabutihan mo eh. Sige na’t gabi na, lumakad na kayo.”

 

“Sige po.” Richard maneuvered the car towards Antipolo hills while Maya kept quiet, amazed on what she witnessed. “O, bakit tahimik ka na naman uli?”

 

“Wala naman. Ahhh, nagulat lang ako dun kay Manang. Nakisabay na nga lang ako sa iyo, may libreng manggang hinog pa ako. May pinagsamahan kayo nung ale?”

 

          “That is a long story. Nakarating na tayo sa bahay mo, hindi pa siguro ako nangangalahati if I will tell you that story.”

 

“Ah…okay.” Maya did not push the matter. Instead, she asked “So, why is this common looking car with an uncommon plate number so familiar with me?”

“You’re still at it? Is it really that important to know why it’s familiar?”

 

          “Eh, kasi hindi ako makontento if I will not remember it myself. Kaya kita tinatanong, you might know why.”

 

         Richard heaved a sigh as he was forced to say  “Okay, I think it’s because this is the same car that almost hit you when you were crossing the street with an old woman. That was the very first time I had an encounter with you.”

 

          Maya suddenly remembered everything. “So, ito yun at ikaw, you were the one driving this car?!” Maya asked with an incredulous face.