The Space Between Us – parts 13-16

Admin Note: *Contributed Story* Please give credit and thanks to krishelblacas. This is a continuation of The Space Between Us – parts 7-12.

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A/N: Good day guys. Sorry for making you wait this long. Oh my gee, its almost 2 months too long. I had a problem with my laptop and it had to be reformatted. Worst was some of my TSBU chapters went missing. So I have to write again. Again, thank you for the excess baggage university team, especially to Ms. Sharpie21 for allowing me to post this here. Thank you, thank you and more power.

To the readers, thank you for the comments on the previous chapters and I’m really sorry for the wait.

I already have my drafts for chapters 17-19, hoping to post it ASAP.

Here are Chapters 13-16. Enjoy reading and please tell me what you think.

Love lots, krisheblacas.

Author: krisheblacas

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CHAPTER THIRTEEN: PLAYING CUPID

Maya felt terrible today. She was feeling guilty of lying to Richard’s kids about her and James. Actually, there’s no her and James. There’s nothing going on between them. She was just making it up because she was hurting.

“Eh kasi tong si Ser Chief, pa-announce announce pa tungkol sa kanila ni Ma’am Khristine. Napilitan tuloy akong magsinungaling.” She said to herself while she was walking towards the kitchen. It was empty. But she was thinking someone has been there because of the coffee cups and glasses of water piled up in the sink.

“Bakit kaya ang dami ng mga tasa at baso? Baka kagabi lang ang mga ito. Nakalimutan lang siguro ni Doris maghugas.” She then turned on the sink’s faucet and started washing them.

Sabel was humming when she went to the kitchen. “La la la la la… Uy day! Anong ginagawa mo jan? Iwan mo na yan, ako na diyan.” She scooted Maya away, but she didn’t move.

“Ano ka ba Sabel, sinisimulan ko na nga oh. Bayaan mo na ako.” She insisted but it was part of the plan to keep Maya within Richard’s reach so Sabel didn’t let her win this time.

“Ano ka ba rin Maya yaya ka ni Abby at sooner or later, oh english yon ha, hindi ka na magiging empleyado dito kaya ako na. Mas mabuti pang puntahan mo na si Abby. Malapit kanang umalis, sulitin mo nalang ang oras mong kasama siya.” Sabel was getting good at this. She convinced Maya to go to Abby.

“Ay, sige Sabel. Puntahan ko na lang muna si Abby.”

“Aura na day. Go!” She continued humming.

“Saya ni Sabel ngayon ah… Ay Doris!” She saw Doris carrying a large hamper of clothes. “Tulungan na kita jan!”

“Nako Maya huwag na. Umakyat kana at baka hinahanap ka na ni Abby.” Then she strode off. “La la la la la…”

“Hi Maya! Good morning!” Joma greeted her with a big wide grin.

“Good morning Kuya Joma!” She responded. Maya was confused with the bright mood of the house helps. Ang saya ata nila ngayon?

“Dandansoy bayaan ta ikaw. Pauli ako sa payaw… Ah, Maya! Magandang umaga anak! Napuntahan mo na ba si Abby? Mukhang gising na yon. Siya sige, mauna na ako sa’yo. Hm-mm… Hm-mm… Hm-mm… Ang payaw imo lang lantawon.” It was unusual for Manang Fe to be this hyped up in the morning which made Maya wonder if she missed something. Pati ba naman si Manang Fe?

As she was heading to the staircase to go see Abby, Nikki and Luke were descending from it giving Maya the biggest of smiles.

“Good morning po, Tita Maya!” Nikki wholeheartedly greeted her and kissed her on the cheeks. Luke did the same thing too. Maya was overwhelmed with all that is happening. She was so happy being greeted this way by the people she truly loves.

“Wow sarap naman ng bati niyo sa umaga. Kalma lang kayo ha, baka masanay ako niyan.” And they laughed altogether.

“Nako Tita Maya, talagang masasanay ka nyan kasi talagang gagawin naming ito araw-araw.” Luke gave Nikki a wink which didn’t come unnoticed.

“Oh? Ano ba iyang pakindat-kindat nyo diyan?Isali nyo naman ako.” Maya asked with full curiosity.

“Nako it’s nothing po Tita. Alam nyo naman po itong si Kuya, may pagka-topak sometimes.” Maya laughed at the thought that Nikki used the word topak. Akala ko pa naman na si Ser Chief lang ang may pagka-topak. She giggled.

“Oh sige, maiwan ko muna kayo ha? Puntahan ko muna si Abby.” She said to the both of them but before she headed up, Luke called her. “Tita, parang naunahan po kayo kay Abby.” He smiled at her and walked away.

“Ano kaya ang ibig sabihin ni Luke?” she said to herself. “Nako mapuntahan na nga si Abby.”

As she reached the last step on top of the staircase, there she saw her baby Abby on the air bed of the family room. Her beautiful angel innocently sleeping, but then she saw another figure hugging her alaga. It was Richard. He was handsome, he was god-like and he was the man of her dreams.

Nako Maya naman, may Khristine na siya at sinabi mo nang may James ka na. Umayos ka nga.She thought to herself and squared her shoulders. She quietly tip-toed towards the two persons she loves and covered a blanket over them. Maya noticed the stray hair on Abby’s face and tucked it behind her ears and kissed her forehead. She noticed that Richard was still wearing his glasses so she carefully took it off him but before her hand could get away from him he sleepily grabbed Maya’s hand, opened his eyes and before he can say anything, he fell asleep again.

Maya tried her hardest not to laugh at what just happened. She thought it was funny because it was the first time that she saw Richard like that. The tiger looking terror of her Ser Chief is the exact opposite when he sleeps. He looks so innocent, so kind, so beautiful. She finger-combed his hair and memorized the contours of his face.

“Sana alam mo lang Ser Chief kung gaano kita ka mahal.”  She heaved a sigh and slowly stood up and walked away. Maya thought no one heard what she said but she didn’t notice Nikki and Luke peeking behind the large post of the room. After Maya left, they gave each other a high five.

“Oh my gee kuya!” Nikki squeeled. “Sabi kop na nga ba mahal ni Tita Maya si Dad, eh.”

“Hinaan mo nga ang boses mo Niks, baka magising sina Abby at dad. Pero tama ka Niks, mahal nga ni Tita Maya si Dad.” Luke agreed with his sister and gave her a half smile.

“Now kuya, its time for us to know it dad has feelings for Tita Maya.” Nikki said proudly of herself.

“Hindi pa ba proweba yung paghawak ni dad sa kamay ni Tita maya, Niks?” he asked in a confused manner.

“Kuyaaaa! Dad is half asleep, how can you be sure he meant what he just did?” Nikki has a point, how can they be sure that their dad wasn’t imagining anyone else that time when he held Maya’s hand?

When they heard Maya’s door squeak open, the siblings hurriedly ran downstairs and they reported what they just heard to Manang Fe and the rest of them who were involved in the plan. They were very happy about it but they only got one-sided information, they still need to know Richard’s feelings for Maya.

“I think I know someone who can make dad spill the beans.” Nikki said as she grabbed her cellphone from her pocket.

Ring… ring… ring…

“Hello?” answered the person at the end of the line.

“Hello Tita Rafi?!” it was Rafi, Richard, and also Maya’s best friend.

“Oh? Nikki! What’s up?” Rafi asked her curiously. The Lim kids wouldn’t call her unless its something important or unless there’s an emergency. Overseas calls are so expensive and the kids couldn’t afford to call her just like that.

“Ahm… Tita, we know you love dad so much and you want him to be happy. He deserves all the best in the world because he’s the best dad, right?” Nikki was unsure on how she would start the conversation and how she would make it sound casual.

“Of course Nikki! I wouldn’t want anything but the best for Chard. Why? What’s this all about?”she asked her bestfriend’s daughter confusingly.

“Eh kasi Tita Rafi, we were trying to set dad up with someone. We know he likes this girl, kaya lang he’s super torpe talaga. Kaya ayan tuloy Tita, naunahan siya nang iba.Pero parang hindi real boyfriend ng girl yung sinasabi nyang guy kasi naman po we haven’t heard anything about him from her. And dad has a girlfriend na raw but we all think he’s not serious about her. Its like he’s just using his so-called-girlfriend to make selos yung girl na like niya. Tita, its so nakakalito na talaga. I don’t know what to do.” Nikki explained flail-heartedly.

“Nikki, relax. You’re still thirteen and this is not your responsibility. By the way, what do you mean your dad has a girlfriend already? He hasn’t mentioned anything to me about him having a girlfriend.”

“Exactly my point Tita, dad isn’t serious about it. Nagulat lang kaming lahat at may girlfriend na pala siya.” Nikki pouted her lips.

“And about that girl you said your dad likes, I hope its Maya.” Rafi on the other line crossed her fingers. She wanted the best for her bestfriends (Maya and Richard) and together is the best thing the both of them could ever have.

“Oh my gee, Tita!” Nikki squealed in excitement. Luke poked her side and signalled her to hush down because she might draw attention to their meeting place.

“Ay! Sorry!” Nikki glared at her brother and she got back to the phone.

“Sorry po, Tita Rafi. Ahm, yung nga po.Si Tita Maya nga po ang tinutukoy namin.” Nikki half-covered her mouth while saying this.

“Oh my gosh! Really Nikki? That’s great! Then what’s the hold up?” Rafi asked in confusion. If theres no problem between the feelings of both her friends, then why make things harder?

“The hold up is dad po. We already knew Tita Maya’s side. She loves dad, the problem is… dad has Khristine. They said they’re together po kasi. How could we work with that? How can Tita Maya have dad when someone already has hold of him?” Nikki was dead serious. She looked at the people arpund her and they bowed their heads in defeat. They too don’t know what to do. Even Manang Fe, who knows what to do in times like these, got confused. This time, Richard is on his own and she can’t do anything about it.

Rafi on the other line heaved a sigh. But she smiled a little, happy for Nikki’s concern towards her father. She never thought that Nikki would be just as the same as Alex, their mother and her friend. She can still remember when Alex would be all giddy when it comes to Richard and the kids. Alex was a great person – a great mother, wife and friend. Rafi can still remember how Alex loves. How she worries when one of the people important to her isn’t home yet from work or school. How she puts her loved ones happiness first than her own. She was so selfless, so loving and so perfect that no one could ever ask more from her because she already gave her all. All of those traits were very hard to find in a person and yet Rafi never imagined she could come across Maya who has all those traits. She’s a good friend, the loves the kids and not only them but the house helps too, and more importantly, she loves Richard.

“Tita?” Nikki called her when she noticed that Rafi became silent. “Are you okay po?”

“Oh I’m fine Nikki. Its just that you remind me a lot of your mother. Anyway Nikki, your dad is not a problem at all. Matagal na kaming mag-bestfriend ng dad nyo and I know all the nooks and crannies ng system nya. First is that he never dates a girl without telling me, let alone entering a relationship. Second, masyadong pihikan ang daddy mo. And third, he’s in love with Maya. Kaya lang, hindi pa niya alam o di kaya natatakot lang siyang i-confess kay Maya yan.” Rafi explained to Nikki with full confidence of every word she was saying.

“Eh how can we help dad naman po if he’s being torpe? And si Tita Maya naman po, she said may boyfriend na siya. They’re both taken already. Paano po yan?” Nikki asked, still confused. She has no idea on how this works because she was never in a relationship before.

“You said Maya said that she loves your dad, right?”

“Opo.”

“Then problem solved! All we just need to know is if they both love each other. Now that we know that they do, lets do our part.”

“Yes po Tita, but how?”

“You know what, I know just the thing…”

They said their goodbyes and they hung up.

CHAPTER 14: GAME PLAN

Rafi took out her phone and texted Richard.

Text: “Chard, you busy? We need to talk now! Skype me. I’ll be waiting.”

Richard’s phone beeped. He took out his phone from his pocket and read it. He sighed. He was worried because maybe it was some emergency or maybe she already knew about Khristine. He propped himself up and sent Rafi a reply.

Text: “Okay, give me 10 minutes. I’ll just prepare my laptop.”

            As soon as Richard was online, Rafi immediately requested him for a video chat which he accepted.

“Hi Rafi!” He smiled and waved at her sensing that he might be in trouble with his bestfriend.

“Don’t you give me that gulit-smile!Ano tong narinigko from the kids na may girlfriend kana? I didn’t even know that you were dating and now nagka-girlfriend kana? When are you planning to tell me Chard? Tomorrow? Next month? Next year? O bakamagulatnalangako at may matatanggapnaakong Wedding invitation one of these days?!” Rafi sounded really mad but the truth is, she was just playing.

God, Rafi! Parangsa’yoyata nag manasi Nikki sapag-arte. She said to herself wanting to smile but kept on pulling her eyebrows together.

“Rafi, relax naman. I was just…” Richard tried to explain but she cut him off.

“Just what Chard? What would you feel if narinigmosaibana Charlie and I got married without even inviting you ha? Rcihardnaman oh? Of all people napwede mong pagtaguan, ako pa?”

“Can you please just let me explain? Hear me out naman oh?”

“Fine! This better be good, Chard or you’ll never hear from me again.”

Oh my gosh, Rafi. I think it’s working. She triumphantly thought to herself.

Richard took a deep breath and closed his eyes. “Well, here it goes. Ahm, Rafi…”

“Yes?”

“I’m in love with Maya and I was just making her jealous.” He mumbled through his breath, he talked too fast and shut his mouth again.

“What? I didn’t quite catch that Chard.” But she did, she just want him to say it again.

“Fine, you win. Mahalkonasi Maya at pinagseseloskolangsiya. Happy?” he took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes. He was stressing out.

“Yes! I knew it! I knew it!” Rafi got up her seat and jumped around the table. Richard can’t help but smile at his bestfriend.

“You knew what?”

“That you are in love with Maya and that you’re just making this up to make her jealous.” Rafi said a matter-of-factly.

“Am I too obvious? I mean, does my actions speak louder than my words?” He was worried that Rafi might not be the only one who knows that he is secretly in live with Maya.

“Chard, I’ve been your bestfriend since, what? Forever?Kilalanakita. Yang mgatitigmokay Maya at yang mgapagsusungitmotuwing may date siya, alamkonayan.”

There was a blank silence filling the air. Richard took a deep breath, shook his head and massaged his temples.

“What am I gonna do, Rafi?” He was teary-eyed. “I never expected Maya to have a boyfriend. I mean, hindinamansawalangmanliligawsakanyaperohindikoinakalanasilanapalani James. Akalako may pagkakataon pa akosakanya.”

Rafi wanted to tell her bestfriend that he doesn’t have to worry because Maya feels the same for him, that Maya loves him. But she doesn’t want to make it that easy for him. She wanted Richard to make his move in pursuing his feelings for Maya. She wanted him to confess to her wholeheartedly.

“Oonga Chard, what are you gonna do? You tend to overthink kasi Chard. Alammonamannamaramingnamamataysamalingakaladiba? Ayantuloy, naunahanka. I thought of something but I don’t know if it will work.”

“This time Rafi, I’d do anything just to make things right. Desperate natalagaako.” He was like begging now. Richard Lim’s wall of pride was destroyed by one woman, Maya.

“Wow Chard, I never thought I’d see the day that you’d be asking me for help when it comes to this. Women always go crawling over you and here you are desperately asking for my advice. I’d better thak Maya about this.” Rafi was laughing at him while saying this. Oh the many things a Maya Dela Rosa can do to a Richard Lim.

“Do you want me to log off now? Hindi kananakakatulong Rafi.” Richard was losing his patience.

“Relax Chard, hetona. Why don’t you continue that charade you’re playing and see if Maya really does get jealous?”

“Rafi naman, ayoko nan gang may nasasaktandiba?”

“Would you just let me finish?” Rafi, too, was getting impatient.

“Masasaktanlangnamansi Maya kung magseselossiyadiba? That way, malalamannatinkung may pagtinginngabasi Maya parasa’yo. If not, then I’m sorry the feeling isn’t mutual between the two of you. No harm done kay Maya, kaso you’ll be the one who’s going to end up being hurt.” Rafi warned him but she already knows that her plan will work because Maya does love him.

“Eh paanosiKhristine?Gagamitinkolangbasiya?”

Rafi paused for a while, she never thought about that. She was feeling guilty because she’s a girl too. She would also get hurt if anyone would do the samje to her.

“Why not talk to her, Chard? You see, if Khristine really loves you then she would be willing enough to let you go. She knows very much that you don’t have feelings for her. She’d be a martyr kungipagpapatuloy pa niyaang relationship niyonaalamnamanniyangwalakangnararamdamanparasakanya.”

“Sige, subukanko Rafi.” He sighed. “Salamat ha? I don’t know what I would do kungwalaka.” He was thankful for his bestfriend, she’s always there when he needed him the most.

“What I’m doing is not for free Chard, you know that.”

Richard laughed. “Bakit?Anongbayadbaang gusto mo?”

But before she could answer, she saw a blinking icon on the side of her Skype page. There was an incoming video call. She clicked on the notification bar and saw who it was. It was Maya.

“Chard, sandali lang. Nagrerequestng video call si Maya.”

Richard’s heart went fluttering. He was excited at the same time nervous and scared of what new Maya would want to deliver to Rafi. He was also curious to why Maya would call Rafi up.

“Sige Rafi, sagutinmoyan. Bakaimportante. But can you tell me kunganoyungpag-uusapanniyo?”

“Richard, girl talk ito. Ugh! Sigena, will talk to you later. BastabalitaanmoakokunganongbalitasainyoniKhristinepagkataposniyong mag-usap ha? I’d better answer this, bakamawalanasi Maya. Bye Chard.” And she hung up.

CHAPTER 15: GO AND MAKE YOUR MOVE

Maya was puzzled. She wanted to talk to someone but it’s late already. The people in the house were already asleep. She wanted to call James but she’s still guilty for making the people in the Lim household think that he was her boyfriend. She also don’t want to bother Kute about it, she’s afraid her sister will have ill treatments towards her boss. Emman on the other hand will bury her with questions if she’ll tell him about her situation.

“Nako sino pa ba kaya ang pwede kong kausapin?”

She can’t sleep so she decided to go to Abby’s room. Maybe her serenity can invade her. She slowly opened Abby’s door, she saw her baby sleeping soundly and she can’t help but be amazed with the child she learned to love as her own. Then she was the solution on top of Abby’s bedside table. An iPad and its internet connected. She was hesitant at first.

Baka maistorbo ko siya. Pero wala na talaga akong ibang makakausap ngayon. Kung hindi ko pa mailalabas ang nararamdaman ko, baka sasabog na ako. She thought. She grabbed the iPad and sat down on the mini couch inside the room.

“Buti nalang at tinuruan ako ni Abby kung paano gamitin to.”

She entered her skype name and password and she got in. There was only one person aside from Kute she contacts using skype. She tapped on the picture icon of the person she was to contact.

“Oh hold? Sino kaya ang ka-contact niya sa skype ngayon?” but she didn’t too long for the other line to answer her video call.

“Maya! What a surprise! Napatawag ka?” Rafi animatedly greeted her.

“Hi po Ma’am Rafi! Naistorbo kop o ba kayo? Baka kasi may ginagawa pa kayo.” She said apologetically.

“Maya naman oh? Enough with the Ma’am and po. Ginagawa mo naman akong matanda nyan eh. And besides, you’ll be leaving for your training na diba which no longer makes you Richard’s employee. At magkaibigan naman tayo diba? Unless para sayo hindi ako isang kaibigan then its okay if you call me Ma’am.” She said teasingly to Maya and giggled.

Both of them laughed. Aside from James, Maya considered Rafi as one of her friends. Though she didn’t confide her feelings towards Richard to Rafi, she knows she can be trusted.

Maya fell silent for a while and she gave Rafi a wry smile.

“May problem aba Maya? You can tell me anything you know.” Rafi told her full of concern on her face.

“Ano po kasi eh…”

“Oh! Before that, Nikki told me you already have a boyfriend. And its that pilot who recommended you for training at Time Airways. Maya that’s great! I guess congratulations is in order then?” Rafi was getting somewhere with her plan.

“Rafi yun nga ang problema ko eh.” She ducked her head. She was very guilty with the lying that she did.

“What? Bago pa lang kayo diba? Nagkaproblema na kay agad?”

“Hindi yon. Ahm… ano kasi. Nagsinugaling ako.” She covered her face with both her palms and peeked through her fingers, assessing Rafi’s reaction.

“Sinungaling? Kanino Maya?”

“Eh. Sa inyong lahat.” Maya was on the verge of breaking down. She was doing her best to keep her tears from falling. She tilted her head up and pinched her nose.

“Maya please explain. Nalilito na talaga ako.” It’s true, Rafi was confused.

“Nagsinungaling ako Rafi.” A tear fell from Maya’s cheek. “Sinabi ko sa kanilang lahat na boyfriend ko si James. Kahit si James nga hindi niya alam na ginamit ko lang siya. Sorry talaga. Hindi ko na kasi alam kung ano ang gagawin ko eh. Alam kong mali ang magsinungaling, siguro na dala lang ako sa mga pangtyayari. Ewan ko ba. Sorry talaga Rafi. Sorry. Hindi ko alam kung ano ang gagawin ko kung malaman ng mga bata na nagsinungaling ako. Kung malaman ni James na ginamit ko lang siya, hindi ko alam kung may mukha pa ba akong ihaharap sa kanya. Kung malaman ni Ser Chief, mapapahiya lang ako. Hindi ko na talaga alam kung ano ang gagawin ko Rafi, para  na akong sasabog.”

She was crying now, her walls have been crushed. As much as she wants to hide everything for herself, she can’t. Rafi can be trusted. She doesn’t know if she can help her or not, she just needed someone to talk to right now. Manang Fe would be a good choice but she doesn’t want the old woman, who was like a mother to her, to worry. Doris and Sabel’s unsealed mouths would also be a problem. They could spread the word to everybody in less than a minute without intending to. She also doesn’t want to be a bother to Kute. Its not like she’d rather bother Rafi but she is Richard’s bestfriend. Maybe that could be a factor? She doesn’t know.

“Maya, the suspense is killing me. I’m not forcing you to spill the beans already but how can I help you I don’t know what’s going on?” Rafi wants to help her. She wants to help them. The situation was just so easy but Maya and Richard were the ones who were making it all difficult. If they just confessed their feelings towards each other, they wouldn’t end up hurting themselves this way.

“Kaya ko ginawa yun kasi… gusto kong pagselosin si Ser Chief.” She was laughing at herself. Amused? Embarrassed? She went serious when she noticed Rafi’s expression. Flat. Emotionless. She couldn’t make up of what Rafi was thinking. Then Rafi heaved a sigh.

“Rafi? Okay ka lang?”

Rafi closed her eyes a bit and smiled at her. “Maya, why did you have to do that? Why do you have to hurt yourself?”

“Rafi naman eh. Ano bang gagawin ko? May girlfriend na si Ser Chief. Hindi naman pwedeng ipagsiksikan ko ang sarili ko sa kanya. Pero ewan ko ba kung ba’t ko ‘to ginagawa. Desperada na yata ako. Heto nalang, babawiin ko na lahat yung sinabi ko. Hihingi ako ng tawad sa mga bata at kay James. Pati na rin kay Ser Chief. Total aalis na ako mansyon, siguro naman hindi na masyadong nakakahiya para sa akin kung aaminin ko sa kanila yung totoo noh? Kasi hindi na rin kami masyadong magkikita.”

Maya was contemplating every word she was saying, weighing her options whether it will be right to tell them the truth. But she was scared. She doesn’t want the kids to be mad at her especially now that they all became attached to each other.

“Maya, wag nalang muna siguro. The kids are frustrated now dahil sa kanilang dad. Ayaw nila kasi dun sa girlfriend ni Richard. Wag mo na muna sigrurong dagdagan ang galit nila. Masyado pa silang bata to handle these kinds of things. Sila ang naiipit eh.”

“Kung ganun, ano ba ang dapat kong gawin?” Maya was pleading now, begging Rafi to help her. Her positive vibes and happy attitude was had gone down the drain with her. Like Richard, she felt weak and helpless.

“Siguro Maya ipagpatuloy mo na lang yung charade na ginagawa mo ngayon. Try to talk to James, maybe he’ll understand. Magpatulong ka rin sa kanya. If he really loves you Maya, he wouldn’t be that selfish not to help you.”

“Pero okay ba yun Rafi? Na kaming dalawa yung papanggap?”

“That all depends on James now. Mahirap kasi na ikaw lang yung nagpapanggap tapos si James naman hindi niya alam yung totoo. Baka akala niya na totohanan na, just like Khristine and Richard.” She gasped. Rafi’s tongue slipped good thing she knew what to say to take it back.

“Ahhhh… just like Richard and Khristine. Totohanan yung sa kanila diba? Baka James will think na totohanan rin yung sa inyo kagaya nang sa kanila.” Whew! Fast thinking Rafi! Ang talino mo talaga. She thought.

“Ah, ganun ba? Sige kakausapin ko si James. Nako sana naman hindi magalit yon. Pagkatapos Rafi, ano na? Kung ipagpapatuloy namin ito, anong mangyayari? Ayokong makasira ng isang relationship. Baka ako yung magiging dahilan sa paghihiwalay nung dalawa.”

“Maya, don’t worry. Its Richard’s choice if he’ll leave Khristine for you. Kung nagseselos nga siya at iiwan niya si Khristine para sa’yo edi mabuti! Pero Maya, dapat maging matatag ka. Kasi kung hindi ikaw ang piliin ni Chard, mas masakit yun.” But the truth is, Rafi already knows that Maya is the one whom Richard loves.

“Okay lang Rafi at least sa ganung paraan, malalaman ko kung may puwang ba ako sa puso ni Ser Chief o wala.” Every word she uttered stabbed her heart a million times, but that was the truth. Even though she’d flaunt James in front of Richard, it will always be his choice.

There was dead silence between the two. It was deafening. They were both smiling at each other but no one was saying a word. Then Maya heard a small cry, it was Abby.

“Nako Rafi, si Abby umiiyak. Sige sa susunod nalang tayo magpatulog ha? Maraming salamat talaga Rafi. Ite-text nalang kita. Sige ba-bye!” the she hung up.

Rafi on the other line was smiling. She was amused with Maya. She can be drained and weak at times but she never fails to be a mother to Abby. To be a mother to a kid with no tint of Dela Rosa blood. To be a mother to three children who never came out of her womb. To love them as her own without expecting anything in return.

“Alex, I know you’re listening. I know you can see me right now. I know you can see her right now. See how she loves your kids? See how she loves Richard? Tulungan mo kami Alex. Tulungan mo sina Chard at Maya. They deserve to be happy. All of them deserves happiness.”

Rafi logged off from her computer and stood up. Suddenly, a breath of fresh air kissed her and she smelled Alex’s favourite perfume. Lavenders and camomile. A tear fell on Rafi’s cheek and she caught it before it could fall from her face.

“Thank you, Alex.” And she sighed, relieved.

CHAPTER 16: OH-SO-AWKWARD

Beep… beep… beep…

            Richard got a text message from Rafi.

Text: Abby is crying. Go check on her. Alamkonggisingka pa.

            He immediately stood up from his bed and swiftly ran to his youngest daughter’s room. There was a small crack on Abby’s door and he decided to take a peep first before going in. there he saw them. They looked perfect together, like mother and daughter. Maya wrapped her arms around Abby and cradled her like a baby, swaying back and forth.

“Sssshhhh… wag kanangumiyak Baby ko. NanditosiTita Maya, hindikitaiiwan. O, wag kanangumiyak.” She was hushing Abby down, reassuring her that she won’t.

“Bakitkabaumiiyak Baby? May napaginipankaba?” She tilted Abby’s chin using the finger and wiped off her tears.

“Tita Maya, I had a bad dream kasi. May humihilaposaiyopalayosaamintapos someone was holding on to Daddy parahindikaponiyamahabol. I don’t want that to happen Tita. Ayoko pong lumayoka.” She buried her face on Maya’s chest and continued sobbing.

Just as Maya was about to say something, Richard went inside the room and sad down the bed with Maya. Abby saw her Dad and she pulled him close wrapped her arms on her father’s neck and nestled herself onto it. Maya was staring at the two of them, Richard looked at Maya and smiled his famous lopsided smile to her showing his dimples which made Maya look away.

Richard cleared his throat. “That won’t happen, Baby. I won’t let anyone take Maya away from us.” He kissed Abby’s hair and hugged her tight.

Maya on the other hand felt a big lump on her throat when she heard what Richard said. NakoSer Chief, kung hindilangakonagtatamposa’yokikiliginnasanaako. She thought to herself.

“Oh, Baby. Huwagkanangumiyak ha? Ditolang kami ni Maya hanggangsamakatulogka.” Richard placed his daughter back to her bed and tucked her in.

Maya was about to stand when Richard grabbed her hand. That slight touch sent an electric impulse to Maya which made her cringe. She immediately took her hand and entwined it with her own.

“Ah, lilipatlangakodoonsa couch Ser Chief. Bakamaistorboko pa si Abby mamaya kung gagalawpoako. Kung gusto niyopo, akonapoangbahaladitokay Abby. Matulog nap o kayo.” Maya didn’t even look at him while saying this.

Richard felt the awkward moment between the two of them but he was determined to make things right this time. He stood up from Abby’s bed and joined Maya on the small couch.

Maya’s heartbeat went racing. She can feel Richard’s heat and she can hear her breathing too. She tried her best to keep her breathing in normal pacing, not to be obvious that she was nervous with their closeness. It’s not that she wasn’t used to it but because of what happened, everything felt different between them.

They were just inches apart, both very silent they could hear each other’s breathing. Richard was the one who spoke first.

“Ah. Maya, kumustangapalayungplanomongpaglipat kina Emman?” He couldn’t find any topic more decent than this. He was looking for something to talk about that was more reply-worthy.

“Okay namanpo.” There she goes again with her one liner replies.

“May kailanganka pa ba? Ggustomoihatidka naming dun? Marami-marmikasiyungmgagamit mo. Bakamahirapankalang kung magta-taxi ka.” He said again.

“Okay langpo, tutulungannamanpoakoniKuyaJomasapagbuhatngmgabagahe. Ayoko pong magingabala.” She said coldly.

“Anokaba Maya. You’re family. Hindi kanakakaabalasaamin. Ihahatidnakita ha?” He was smiling at her now, waiting for her to respond. His voice was gentle now, with no hint of anxiety. He was trying to calm her down with his soothing voice but that made all things worse. She became more nervous.

Maya, kalmaka lang. Anobakasi ‘tong siSer Chief, kahitboseslangniyananghihinaako. Maya, panindiganmoito. Nako Rafi, sanauubra ‘tong planonatin. She thought to herself.

“Ah, Ser Chief. Magta-taxi langpotalagaakokasihihintayinnamanpoakonijamessa condo niEmman.” She wasn’t looking at him while saying this so that he wouldn’t sense that she was making it up. Maya was worried because she was getting used to lying now. It wasn’t her to lie like this.

Richard gritted his teeth. He didn’t clench his fists as much as he wanted to because he doesn’t want to show Maya that he was mad about the thought that she would rather choose James than him. Why wouldn’t she? She’s her boyfriend. Or so he thought he is.

“Hindi bapwedengkamingdalawaangtumulongsa’yodun? Ah… I mean, Abby would want to see your new place.”Richard naman oh! Masyadokananghalata. He though.

“Okay po.” Was just what Maya said.

“Okay?”

“Opo, okay po. Sabaynalang kayo ni James namaghatidsa akin. Sa makalawanapoyun.” She slowly stood up. “Mauna napoako, mukhangtulognatulognaposi Abby.”

“Ah, Maya. Ihahatidnakitasakwarto mo.” Richard, wag kangangmasyadongmagpahalata. He shook his head.

“Po? Eh bababa pa poako eh. Kaya konaman pong pumuntasakwarto mag-isa.” Maya was confused with Richard’s actions, but she has to admit that she liked it.

“Maya please just let me do this. Malakiangatrasokosayo.” Anokabanaman Richard! Wrong move. Ba’tbasinabimo pa yun?

“Ah, kaya palaginagawamoito.”

“No Maya, that’s not what I meant.”

“Ser Chief, okay langpo. Hindi namanpoakobingi eh. Pero kung gusto niyopotalagaakongihatid, okay langnaman din po. Sigepo, tarana.inaantoknakasiako.” She then turned her back against Richard and walked swiftly down the stairs to her room. Richard was trying to beat her pace and because his legs are longer, he already matched hers.

“Maya naman, pumayagkangangihatidkitaperopinahabolmonamanako. Remember, I’m not getting any younger here.” His breathing increased because he was catching up with Maya.

Maya on the other hand couldn’t help but laugh. She was giggling like someone was tickling her.

“At ngayonpinagtatawananmo pa ako. Nakakasakitkana ha?” He was trying his best to make a tampoface. He was happy to hear her laugh.

“KalmalangSer Chief. Ikawnamanyungnagsabidiyannahindikanabumabata. Mas okay ngayun, butinalang at hindikanakorny kung mag joke.” She snickered, it was a real laugh.

“So okay kana? Hindi kanagalit?” He started to smile now.

Maya cleared her throat. “Ah, sigepo. Matutulognapoako. Good night po.” Before Richard could respond, Maya slammed the door infront of him.

He smiled. “Awkward, but good. One point Richard.”