Waiting for you – part 6

Admin Note: *Contributed Story* Please give credit and thanks to Chlotian. This is a continuation to Waiting for you – part  5.

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A/N: Hi EB readers, i know na nabitin kyo sa last chapter, pero dont worry eto na babawi na ako theirs a revelations in this part of the story. Sa last chapter nabasa ko lhat ng mga comments and thanks sa mga nagustuhan yung story and madami rin ang nagtanong kng ano ang magiging reaction ni richard ng makita nya uli si maya after 5 yrs. and Who is Niccolo Apollo in chapter 6 

Hope you enjoy

Author: chlotian

~*~

Habang nagdadrive si Richard hindi nagsasalita si maya kaya’t minadali nya ang pagdadrive hangang makadating sila sa park

*Sa Park*

Naupo sila sa damuhan sa park habng nakatingin sa mga batang naglalaro, dhil naririndi na si maya sa katahimikan ni Richard sya na ang nagumpisa ng topic.

M:ano ginagawa ntin dto mahal?

R:ahh wala lng, hindi ksi kta masolo sa bhay eh ksi andun ang mga bata tsaka sila manang,buti na nga lng hindi ako pumasok ngayon h kung hindi mamaya ko pa makikita ang taong pinakamamahal ko(sabay hawak sa kamay ni maya at humiga sa kanyang lap) maya did you know that i miss you so much, at alam mo din ba makalipas ang 5 taong wala ka,ngayon lng uli ako sumaya ng ganto,yung saya kapag kasama kita

M:(nang makitang parang wala ng sasabhin sa kanya si Richard ay sya naman ang nagsalita)alam mo din ba kung gaano kita kamiss kayong lahat,soba sobra kaya nga knina habang pinapanood ko kyo magusap tuwang tuwa ako ksi hindi na ikaw yung nmeet ko 7 yrs. Ago na masungit wlang pakiaalm sa mga nakapaligid at hindi tumatawa

R:Teka kanina nagtaxi ka ba?

M:ah hindi hnatid ako ni james

Dhil sa narinig ni Richard napaupo tuloy sya at humarap kay maya na nakakunot ang noo

R:kasama mo si james bkit hindi m manlng sinasabi sa akin, akala ko ba tinigilan ka na nya bkit dikt prin ng dikit syo,tsaka alam nya nmang 5 yrs. Na tyo dba bkit ayaaw ka pa nyatigilan ha bkit….

Hindi na natapos ni SC ang kanyang sasabhin dhil pinisil na ni maya ang kanyang pisngi at sinabing…

M:Ano ka ba kalma lng,ang cute mo prin magselos nmiss ko yang tiger look mode mong yan, tsaka isa pa best friend ko na si james and tangap nya na na hanagng bestfriend lng sya kaya wla ka ng dapat ipagproblema dyan dhil hndi na tyo guguluhin ni james as manliligawko

R:buti naman dhil tinangap nya na na ako tlga mahal motsaka kelan na kayo mag bestfriend?

M:gnito yun 4 yrs. Ago pinunthan nya ako sa training skul sa America pra ligawan eh kso sinabi ko sa kanya na ang pinakamataas lng na makukuha nya skin eh hanagn best friend lng kaya he accept it and yrs. Past natutunan na nya akong tratuhin as a best friend kaya wag ka na mamroblema dyan mahal

Matinding katahimikan ang bumalot sa kanila bago nagsalita ulit si Richard

R:prinses let’s go madilim na din and i told the kids na dun tyo kakain

M:kids prin ba sila?hehehe jowks lng tara uwi na tyo

R:hahahaha, let’s go i think their waiting

*Sa Wakas nasa mansion na din sila*

N:Andyan na sila dad, Tara!!

Parang iniluwa ng pinto sila SC na nakaakbay kay maya

A:mama san po kyo galing??

M:ahh sa park lng baby…..ahhh baby gsto m ban g ice cream

A:yes po

At bumalik na ang lahat sa dinning area kasama si SC at maya, at Masaya silang nagsalo salo

Kinabukasan sa harap ng hapagkainan ay busy kumakain ang lhat ng biglang nagring ang bagong CP ni maya

(Samsung ringtone)

M:ah saglit lng ha sagutin ko lng(akmang tatayo na ng pigilan sya ni SC) SC:dto mo na sagutin M:Ok

At sinagot na ni maya ang phone

M:hello whose this(silence) yes this is maya dela rosa (silence)ok ok ill go their,what time is the flight sir?(silence) ok thanks (at binaba na ang kanyang CP)

SC:may problema ba?

M:si ano kasi….ah basta kailangan ako sa America ngayon eh

SC:bkit ba

M:si ano ksi…si…. basta malalaman mo kung sino sya promise, sa ngayon kailangan ako sa America

N:aalis ka ma

M:yes kailangan kong umalis sorry ha pero babalik din ako

A:ma pwede po ba kming sumama?

M:gsto ko sana kaso hidi pwede eh,pero promise saglit lng ako ha

SC:maya let’s talk(sabay walkout at diretso sa taas,na agad nmang sinundan ni maya dhil parang nakakasense si SC ng selos)

Nang makarating sila sa taas ay naupo muna si SC sa couch wlang gstong magsalita sa kanilang dalawa, ilang miuto na ang nakalipas ay hindi na natiis ni SC

SC:maya sino yng tumawag sayo?(may pagkatiger mode na kunot na rin ang noo)

M:ahhh ehhhh si shane

SC:shane?

M:oo bestfriend kong babae sa America

SC:bkit daw?

M:ksi may sakit yng si nic

SC:at sino si nic

M:sorry mahal hindi ko pa pwedeng sabihin syo kng sino si nic sorry tlga,kailangan ko ng magimpake sorry tlga mahal (sabay punta sa kanilang kwarto)

SC:maya naguusap pa tyo(may pagkataas ng boses, ng hindi na nya nakita ay bumaba ito at pumunta ng principal’s office)

N:Dad!

L:dad what’s happening

SC:it’s nothing

L:dad it’s nothing eh ang init po ng ulo nyo pti si mama aalis

A:daddy aalis po ba si mama

SC:yes baby

Pababa na si maya ng hagdan na may dalang maliit na maleta

SC:tlgang itutuloy mo yang pagpunta mo don,sino ba ksi yng nic na yon ha

M:(namumugto na ang mga luha nya) sorry ieexplain ko sa inyo lhat pagbalik ko,saglit lng ako pagbalik ko ksama ko na si nic

Papalabas na si maya ng tumakbo sa kanya si abby

A:mama sama po ako (lumuhod si maya para kalevel na nya si abby)

M:gsto mo tlgang sumama baby(nag nod lng si abby) ok sama ka pero hindi ka pwedeng umalis hngat wla ka ksmang parents eh

A:eh dba po parent ko kyo

M:pero hindi pa kmi kasal ng daddy nyo kya hindi kita mailalabas ng bansa

SC:sasama ako

M:wag na babalik din ako

SC:ok fine

Para mawala ang init ng ulo ni SC ay naisipan ni maya na bigyan sya ng smack sa lips

A:ma be right back ok

M:bye baby, luke ikaw muna bhala dto ha tsaka sa dad nyo

Sabay alis na

Kinagabhan

Sa kusina

Sabel:san kaya punta ni maya

Doris:ok ka lng sabel kakasabi lng kanina sa America dba

S:ay oo nga pla eh sno yng nic?

D:ano ka ba sinabi ba satin dba hindi nman

S:oo nga

Joy:ate doris ate sabel bkit umalis si maam maya kanina

S&D:hindi nmin alam(sabay pangsinabi ng dawala)

J:ahh

Sabay pasok ni manang fe

MF:tigilan nyo na nga yang tsimis nyo dyan

[Writter’s note:if as forward na ntin mhirap magtype eh hahahaha]

Makalipas ang isang lingo busy nagswiswimming ang mga bata sa pool at si SC nman ay nanonood lng sa kanila ng bglng may nagdoorbell

MF:sino nman kaya yun, doris bksan mo nga yng gate

D:opo manang

At agad binuksan ni doris ang gate nagtataka sya kng bkit wlang tao pero may pumaradang sasakyan na kulay pula at biglang tinakpan ang bibig nya at isinakay sya sa kotse

Note:Sino kaya ang nag dorrbell and sino ang kumuha sa prinsesa ng mga bangs(Doris)

Abangan:

Nic: where are we?

??: ah in the Philippines baby

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Nikki:wow ate doris ang cute cute nman nya

Nic:hello im niccolo Apollo(hindi na natapos ni nic ang sasabhin nya dhil agad tinakpan ni doris  ang bibig nya)

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Thanks For the readers

*KAPITBISIG*

Love Heals – part 3

Admin Note: *Contributed Story* Please give credit and thanks to laineygirl. This is a continuation to Love Heals – part 2.

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A/N: Eto na po ang part 3. Hope you’re having fun reading! -laineygirl

Author: laineygirl

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One week had passed. Maya hasn’t had the chance to scrub in with Richard again. She hasn’t even seen him, except that one time na nagkasabay sila mag rounds. He just smiled at her and nodded politely. Eh ano ba ang ine-expect mo Maya, hug? Busy yung tao, syempre. Di ka naman special na kelangan nyang pansinin ano? Maya chided herself. Besides, parang aloof sya sa akin last time. Deep inside, she was excited to see him again. Buti nalang may lecture bukas at si Sir Chief ang lecturer. Makikita ko sya uli! Maya went back to the dorm feeling giddy.

———————————–

As Maya entered the lecture room the next day, she saw that most of the interns were already there. They have three lectures that afternoon, and the 3rd was to be given by Dr. Lim. Maya read up on the topics last night. She wanted to be prepared, just in case they would have a quiz or recitation. Although she read up on all three topics, she found herself totally engrossed in Dr. Lim’s lecture topic. Coincidence lang na interesting talaga yung topic nya, she thought to herself.

She sat beside Ryan. Na-miss nya ito. Ryan was the kuya she never had, and after 3 months nilang magka-duty sa Pedia, naging close na sila.

“Hi Ryan! Dito ako uupo ha?”, paalam ni Maya.

“Hi!”, nakangiting bati ni Ryan. “Sure Maya, kamusta na?”

“Ok naman, nasasanay na din ako makakita ng dugo, hehe”, tumatawang sagot ni Maya.

“Hi! Can I take this seat, Maya?” It was James, gesturing to the seat on the other side of Maya.

“Ah, okay James”, Maya replied as the first lecturer arrived.

———————————–

After two long lectures, pagod na silang lahat. Well, maybe except for one particular intern, who was even more awake, alert and excited. Maya took a few minutes to straighten her uniform, spray cologne, retouch with some lip gloss and comb her hair. Ryan noticed this.

“Maya, parang may pinapa-gandahan ka ha?”, Ryan teased her when she came back from the CR.

“Huh? Wala ano!”, she replied, blushing slightly. “Ikaw talaga Ryan, kung anu-ano iniisip mo!”

“Uyyy… Si James ba?”, Ryan whispered, looking in James’ direction.

“Of course not! Nge, di ko sya type ha!”, Maya whispered back, pouting.

“Eh pero mukhang type ka nya… yihee…”, Ryan teased again. Maya made a face at him in reply and they both laughed.

Dr. Lim arrived at the lecture room a few moments later. Maya’s eyes followed him as he walked across the room, towards the front. He was dashing in his crisp, light blue, long-sleeved polo under his white doctor’s coat. A stethoscope was slung over his neck. His hair was combed neatly as usual. Even from afar, she shivered as he imagined those biceps under his clothes. Oy, Maya, umayos ka! You are here to learn, okay? sabi nito sa sarili.

During the lecture, Maya was all ears and eyes. She listened to every word he said, noticed every gesture, every movement that Richard made. Unlike in the first two lectures, this time, she did not take down notes. She was so prepared for his lecture that she didn’t have to write anything down. All attention lang sya kay Richard, at napapa smile pa sya paminsan minsan. Ryan noticed this but didn’t say anything.

Naku Maya, si Richard pala ang napupusuan mo. Baka masaktan ka lang, Ryan thought to himself sadly. He knew why it wasn’t a good idea for Maya to fall for Richard.

Just two days ago, Richard and Ryan went out together. Since matagal na silang hindi nagka-kwentuhan, they went to a bar for some drinks.

“I haven’t thanked you for being there during Alexandra’s wake”, Richard told his buddy. “Wala ako sa sarili ko, I think, for several months after the accident.” Richard frowned as he remembered the saddest time in his life. He and Alex have been happily married for 4 years and have a two year old daughter named Abby. Life was bliss. Richard wanted a short vacation before starting his surgery residency so they went on a road trip to Naga, his wife’s hometown. On their way back to Manila, a bus lost control and hit them head on. Alex died in Richard’s arms. She lost a lot of blood from internal injuries and didn’t make it to the hospital alive. Abby was not hurt physically but was traumatized by both the accident and the sudden, tragic loss of her mom. Richard had a broken leg and a dislocated arm but the pain of the death of his beloved wife was far, far deeper.

“Brod, kamusta ka naman? How are you and Abby coping?”, Ryan asked gently. He knew Richard very well when they were younger,and had always felt guilty that he wasn’t there for him during those difficult months after the accident. His own father was dying and he had to be back in Cebu shortly after Alex was buried.

“I’m okay brod. Time heals all wounds, or so they say”, he shrugged. The truth is, he has never forgiven himself for the accident. He blamed himself… he was the one driving. He was a doctor, yet he couldn’t save her. He was alive, she wasn’t. It also broke his heart that Abby had stopped speaking after the accident.

“But Abby is still not talking?”, Ryan asked.

“I’ve taken her to all the experts in the country, but…”, Richard let out a sigh. “They said Abby would heal on her own time. But until now, she still doesn’t talk. It’s been almost five years, and she’s already turning  seven years old. Dapat sana grade 1 na sya”.

Ryan looked at Richard carefully. “Brod, you’re right. Time heals. And I’m sure Abby will heal too, just give it more time. But you…”, he looked directly at Richard, “…you don’t sound like you’re okay. Don’t deny it pare. I know you.”

Richard sighed again.

“Love heals too, you know?”, Ryan said with a slight smile. “Have you ever gone out with another woman since…”

“No pare”, Richard interrupted him, shaking his head. “I’m not interested in dating anymore. Si Abby na lang ngayon ang babae sa buhay ko”, Richard smiled.

————————————

Ryan came back to the present. He eyed Maya as she watched Richard’s lecture. She’s in love with him, Ryan thought. Her eyes are shining, her mouth slightly parted as she took in every word he was saying. Tsk, tsk, malakas ang tama nito. I always thought she was a man-hater. Well, ‘single man’-hater at least. Sa dami ng pumoporma sa kanya, wala syang pinagbigyan, kahit isa. Ako nga lang ata ang kaibigan nyang lalaki, but of course it’s probably because she knows I’m happily married. Plus of course si Emman, he smiled.

“Huy Maya, narinig mo ba ang sinabi ko?”, James tapped her arm to get her attention.

“Ay, ah, James, sorry, ano yun?”, Maya whispered back, and tore her eyes away from Richard to face James.

“Sabi ko, bakit hindi ka nagno-notes?”, James repeated himself.

“Um, nasa book and hand-outs naman yung mga sinasabi ni Sir Chief eh”, Maya defended herself.

“Ano, nabasa mo na yung chapter sa book and yung hand-outs?! Ang dami nun ah! Wow, sipag ba yan o… inspired ka lang ba?”, James smiled slyly and raised an eyebrow at her.

Richard noticed that Maya and James were not listening and he balled his fists in irritation. He called James’s attention.

“Intern Ventura”, Richard called out to him. “Do you have a question?”

Maya and James got flustered when Richard called their attention. James stuttered, “Uh, none sir.”

“Then you’d better let Intern Dela Rosa pay attention to the lecture”. Richard knew he was being mean, but he could not help it. James rubbed him the wrong way. He was loud, arrogant and flirty, especially with Maya. Wait, why should his being flirty with Maya bother him? He shook off the thought and continued with his lecture.

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September

Maya and her team are on duty tonight. Her previous duties have been uneventful. Tonight, however, Dr. Lim was also on duty with them. She was nervous. After what happened during the lecture, she realized that he WAS looking at her. Maybe even thinking of her. Inspite of her vow to herself, she realizes that she feels something for Richard. Crush ko na ata talaga sya, she confessed to herself.

At around 7pm, Dr. Lim entered the office. Maya and Emman were busy with paperwork. Nikki and Niccolo were in the wards and still seeing patients. When Emman saw Richard arrive, he suddenly stood up and said, “Naku, I forgot to submit the clinical abstract for my other patient. Iwan ko muna kayo, Maya, Sir, balikan ko lang sa dorm tapos mag rounds na ako. See you later”. He left hurriedly, sabay kindat kay Maya.

“Kumain ka na ba, Maya?”, Richard asked her. “Friday night ngayon, usually busy night yan for us. We better eat while we can, at habang bukas pa ang canteen”. Maya froze. Kakain sila together? Just the two of them? Syempre excited sya.

“Okay”, she replied meekly, stifling a giggle.

———————————–

At the canteen, Maya and Richard sat opposite each other at a small table near the corner. He had paid for her meal, despite her objections. “Ikaw naman, minsan na nga lang ako manlibre”, he smiled.

Maya initially worried about not having anything in common to talk about with Richard. But she found out that she was wrong. They had the same taste in music, the same favorite food, kare-kare, and they liked the same movies. They even have the same favorite color, blue. They found themselves staying at the canteen long after their plates have been cleared, talking about everything. Well, almost everything. They were laughing over something when the P.A. system paged for Richard at the Emergency Room.

“We have to go, Maya. Sama ka na.” And they both rushed to the ER.

“Sir, we have a 29 year old female, vehicular accident 30 minutes ago. Blood pressure is falling rapidly, presently at 70/40, heart rate 130s. She’s unconscious and not breathing so we already hooked her to a ventilator. Looks like a ruptured spleen or liver, doc, since we have no obvious external bleeding”, the ER doctor rattled off to Richard. Richard was moving quickly, making his assessment as fast as possible.

“Bring her up to the OR, stat!”, he ordered, his face grim. As the nurses and orderlies scrambled to transfer the patient to the OR, Richard said curtly, “Maya, let’s go. You’re scrubbing in with me”. He walked back quickly to the Operating Room, with Maya at his heels.

They worked feverishly on the patient. It was indeed a ruptured liver. There was so much blood but Maya did not seem to notice it. They had been working for 3 hours but they could not stop the bleeding, even after two more residents arrived to help. The anesthesiologist was desperately trying to keep the blood pressure up, but everything he transfused, they were still losing in the operative field. They were fighting a losing battle.

“Shit!”, Richard cursed as the anesthesiologist said he couldn’t get a blood pressure reading anymore. Then the heart rate started falling as well.

Code! Code! Other doctors and nurses rushed in with the crash cart and the defibrilator. But after 15 minutes, the patient was declared dead.

Richard tore off his mask and gown and threw it to the floor in frustration. He left the room without another word.

Maya was stunned. It was her first time to witness a patient die before her eyes. She couldn’t stop the tears from flowing down her cheeks. She looked at the patient’s peaceful face… sayang, ang ganda nya, at ang bata pa. She walked away sadly.

————————————

Maya decided to go up to the chapel to pray for the young woman they failed to save. As she entered the darkened chapel, she saw someone was inside, sitting on the front pew. It was Richard.

She stood at the doorway for a few minutes then quietly went in and sat beside him. He had tears in his eyes, and in his hand was a faded photograph. In the dim light, she saw that it was a photo of a beautiful young woman and on her lap was a little girl.

“Sir chief?…”, Maya whispered, reaching out to him.

“Maya”, Richard’s head was lowered in defeat, and his voice broke. “I lost my wife in a similar accident 5 years ago. It was my fault, I was driving… and, and then the bus hit us… Alex, she… she…”, he couldn’t continue.

Maya had tears in her eyes as well. She instinctively wrapped her arms around him. She felt him stiffen for a moment then let go. He sobbed like a child on her shoulder. Maya held him as tightly as she could.

To be continued…

UNSPOKEN – part 1

Admin Note: *Contributed Story* Please give credit and thanks to Gef Wanderer.

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Author: Gef Wanderer

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“I love you.” He can still hear her sweet voice ringing in his ears over and over again as if it was just yesterday. But two weeks had passed since Maya’s graduation.

He can still remember those moments when he deliberately brushed off Maya’s several attempts to talk about what she blurted out during her graduation.

“Ah, Sir Chief, yung sinabi ko sa ‘yo kanina…” Maya started when they had a chance to be alone during the celebration.

“Stop worrying, Maya. This is your special day. We’ll have our time to discuss it, okay?” Maya silently nodded. “Let’s go.” Richard said as he guided her inside Simon’s house.

Thinking about it now, as he sat alone in his office, he could’ve axed himself in the head for being a coward. Truth be known, iniiwasan niyang mapag-usapan nila ‘yun noon dahil ayaw niyang marinig mula kay Maya na nabigla lang ulit ito.

“Wala ka bang flight tomorrow?” nasa balkon sila at nagkakape the night after Maya’s graduation. Dumaan ito sa bahay pagkahatid ng pamilya sa airport.

“Meron, Sir Chief. Manila-Davao-Manila. Pero alas-tres pa naman ang flight ko, so may time pa ‘ko mag-prepare bukas.”

Hindi niya alam ang susunod na isasagot. He was torn between wanting Maya to stay longer and asking Iher to leave now sa takot na i-open nito ang usapan tungkol sa pagsasabi ng “I love you” sa kanya. He was safe earlier being surrounded by the kids and Manang Fe, but now that they’ve retired in their own rooms after dinner, he felt his palms sweat while holding his cup of coffee.

“It’s getting late. Ipapahatid na kita kay Joma.” He tried to get up in his chair after taking a sip and placing the cup back in the saucer.

“Sir Chief, iniiwasan mo ba ‘ko?” Maya slightly tilted her head in one side as if thinking aloud.

He stopped in mid-air and sat back in his chair.

“No. Why would you think that?” his eyes were guarded.

“Kasi parang kanina mo pa ‘ko gustong paalisin e.”

Ikinunot niya ang noo sa pagbabaka-sakaling magdalawang isip si Maya sa sasabihin. But he knows she cannot be put off that easily. There’s no escaping it now, Richard. He tells himself.

Maya broke the small silence.

“Sir Chief, dun sa sinabi ko sa ‘yo kahapon…”

“Maya, I know na nabigla ka lang. It’s okay. You don’t have to explain.” he kept his face void of emotion.

“Hindi, Sir Chief. This time, I mean it.” Umiiling na sabi ni Maya.

“You were overjoyed yesterday. You cannot contain your happiness, that’s understandable na masabihan mo ang mga tao sa paligid mo ng gano’n.”

“No, Sir Chief. Totoo yung nararamdaman ko. Mahal talaga kita.” Her eyes were pleading, almost tearful. Bakit parang ayaw maniwala ni Ser Chief na mahal ko siya?

“Maya,” Richard said in a tone na parang nangangaral sa isang bata. “pag isipan mo muna. I think gratitude lang yang nararamdaman mo. You’re overwhelmed. You’re thankful dahil natulungan kong makarating on time si Kute sa graduation mo.”

“Bakit ba ayaw mong maniwala?! Sigurado akong mahal kita.” Maya stood up stammering.

Maingat na tumayo si Richard sa kinauupuan.

“Maya, you probably don’t know what you’re saying. You don’t know what you’re getting into.” Bakit nga ba ayaw niyang maniwala? Hindi ba’t ilang daang beses niya ng pinaglaro sa isip nya ang ganitong eksena? Na sabihn din ni Maya na mahal siya? No, this is too good to be true. She deserved someone better. Younger. Single. Someone like Capt. James Ventura. Ah, stop hurting yourself, Richard.

“Sure ako sa nararamdaman ko. Alam kong mahal kita…” hindi alintana ni Maya ang pag agos ng luha. “O, baka naman ikaw ang nagbago ang isip…?” her voice trailed.

“Gusto mo bang bawiin ang sinabi mo dati? Nagbago na ba ang nararamdaman mo?” she said in a soft voice, staring up at him sadly.

No, Maya. I still love you. As each day passes, the more i love you. Sigaw ng puso niya. But he stood still and said nothing.

Maya wiped her tears with the back of her hand and said in a more controlled voice, fighting off the tears, “Binabaligtad mo pa ‘ko. Sana sinabi mo na lang na hindi mo pala ‘ko mahal, na nagkamali ka lang. Matatanggap ko naman e. Pero ‘wag mong kuwestiyunin ang nararamdaman ko para sa ‘yo.” Then she left, running, almost blinded by her tears. Away from the pain. Away from Sir Chief.

Maya gently folded her last piece of clothing and neatly placed it in her luggage. She zips it close then checked her watch. Two-fifteen. She has fifteen minutes bago dumating ang service. Tumayo siya mula sa pagkakaupo sa kama at inayos ang suot na uniporme. She looked at herself in the mirror. Bahagya ng natabunan ng make-up ang namumugto niyang mata. Dalawang gabi na siyang umiiyak. Two long nights after her love confession, only to be rejected and discarded. Hay, hindi pala lahat ng love story happy ending. Stop it, Maya. Wala kang mapapala kakaisip sa Ser Chief mo. She admonished herself.

She picked up her cellphone and watched the screen. Anong hinahanap mo, text? Tawag? Galing kanino? She has been eagerly waiting for her phone to ring for two days now. But not a single call nor text from Sir Chief. She let out a big sigh and decided that she’ll buy a new sim card and change her number once she reached Cebu. Tama na ang ilusyon, Maya. Magising ka na sa katotohanan na pinasakay ka lang ng Ser Chief mo.

She needed this distraction. Ten days of Cebu-Bohol-Cebu flight should do the trick. Makakalimutan din kita, Ser Chief. Makaka-move on din ako sa ‘yo balang araw. For now, ibubuhos ko na lang ang oras ko sa trabaho. Maya’s thought was cut when the kitchen phone rang, signalling that the shuttle service has arrived. She swallowed back the tears and left the condo with a heavy heart.

“Wow, dried mangoes! I’m so excited na, ate Maya!” Nikki’s voice cut in his reverie.

Maya? She’s here?! He shook his head as he obviously knew that would be impossible. He knows she’s still in Bohol and won’t be back in Manila until tomorrow. Pero paano nilang nakontak si Maya whereas he’s been trying for the last ten days and her phone cannot be reached? He scrambled to get up from his chair and hurried to the kitchen.

He found Nikki sitting at the table with Abby standing beside her while Luke and Manang Fe hovers over them, obviously enjoying their loud speaker conversation with Maya.

Richard strided casually toward them, kahit na gustung-gusto na niyang agawin kay Nikki ang cellphone. “Is that Maya?” pointing to the phone.

“Ah, yes, Dad. But she hung up na kasi, boarding na raw.” Nikki said with regret in her voice.

“Tinawagan niya kayo?” Richard tried his best not to show any emotion in his tone.

“No, Daddy. I called her. Ate Maya said she has lots of pasalubong for us!” Abby looked up to him with excitement.

“Na-contact niyo sya?” He threw everyone a questioning glance. “I was trying to call her but her phone is always out of reach.”

“Eh, Dad, anong number ba tinatawagan mo? Baka naman yung luma?” Luke inquired.

Richard pulled his phone from his pocket and Nikki looked at the screen, “Dad, hindi mo talaga makokontak si Ate Maya diyan. That’s her old number. Hahaha!” Nikki joked, unaware of her Dad’s feelings.

“Dad, i-send ko na lang sa ‘yo yung bagong number ni Ate Maya.” Luke was concerned. For the last two weeks his Dad retreated in his old ways, hindi masungit pero tahimik. Palaging nagkukulong sa opisina nito at hindi iisang beses na nakita niyang uminom ng alak.

“Pampaantok lang, son.” Ang sabi nito sa kanya nang minsang maabutan niyang nagsasalin ng whisky sa baso.

He doesn’t know what’s going on but all he knows is that If there’s one person na puwedeng makapagpatawa sa Dad niya, si Ate Maya ‘yon.

                “Thanks, Luke. I’ll just be in my office if you guys need anything.” Then Richard left as the group looked at each other silently.

Richard closed the door behind him as he went back in his office. He sat back in his chair while nursing his temple. She changed her number and she gave it to everyone except me? She must be really angry. Or hurt? Or perhaps she just wants to forget everything that happened between us. Afterall, madali siyang naka-move on di ba?

His impulse that night was to go after her but stopped himself. He wanted to give her time to realize how she really feels about him. Gusto niyang manigurado dahil alam niyang hindi niya kayang pakawalan si Maya once she said “yes” to him.

But his feelings got the better of him when he decided to go to the airport to see Maya on her flight to Cebu the following afternoon. Bahala na. He would talk to her and tell her all his fears. He will pour his heart out. He just can’t let Maya go without letting her know how much he loves her.

He was late as expected when he arrived at the lounge area. Ma-traffic kasi sa Villamor dahil may nagbanggaan. He checked his watch and let out a sigh of relief that he has approximately ten minutes to see Maya. He craned his neck to search the other end of the area where a group of flight attendants are huddling.

Then he saw her. Her back was turned to him so she didn’t notice him. He was about to cross the distance between them when he stopped in his tracks. James appeared in his sight holding Maya’s luggage. They exchanged words but the place is bustling with noise and he was too far to hear what they were saying. He felt cold all over and it’s as if the earth has shaken when he saw Maya hugged James tightly. It hurts like someone had physically punched him in the gut. He couldn’t bear the sight as he immediately turned and walked away. All along I was right that what she felt for me was just a teenage crush. They look good together. It tasted bitter in his thoughts.

                “I need a drink.” He exclaimed in the empty room, as he rose in his chair to pour himself a glass of whisky. Another sleepless night awaits him.

“Ate Maya, are you at the airport na?” Nikki was on the phone while fixing her hair.

She decided to take matters into her own hands. She can’t let her Dad be the same old masungit Dad. She needs to do something. It’s been days since she noticed that her Dad always comes home early. Wala ng date? Then he started being quiet again, not masungit but he seemed sad at palagi lang nakakulong sa home office niya. I hope my plan works. She smiled to herself.

“Oo, Nikki, nasa airport na ‘ko. Pero may mga kailangan pa kaming asikasuhin for clearance bago ako makaalis dito. Bakit, may kailangan ka ba?” Maya just arrived from her Cebu-Bohol flight and all she wanted was to curl up in bed and cry herself to sleep. The way she’s been doing it when she was alone in her room for the last ten days. Hindi pala kayang lunurin ng trabaho ang broken heart. She mused.

“Great! Ate Maya, I have a very big favor to ask. Will you help me, please?” Nikki pleaded.

Maya hesitated for a moment. Not that she doesn’t want to help Nikki, but anything that might have the slightest chance of her seeing Sir Chief again is a bad idea. Hindi ko alam ang gagawin ko pag nagkita ulit kami. The thought nagged her. She felt so vulnerable around him and was afraid he might see the love that’s still in her eyes. She just hopes this favor Nikki is talking about has nothing to do with her Dad. Or else what?

“Ano yun?”

“I’m setting Dad up for a lunch date, blind date with my friend’s tita at 1:00 o’clock. Samahan mo ‘ko please?”

Nikki met her friend’s Aunt Brenda when they watched a movie several days ago. Ito ang nagsilbing chaperone nila para payagang mamasyal sa mall. She was a beautiful businesswoman in her mid-thirties and very much single. According to her friend Megan, nalibang ito sa pagtatrabaho kaya nawalan ng time sa love life. Now that she has a successful career, lately na lang daw pinagtutuunan ng pansin ng tita niya ang buhay pag-ibig. She is a perfect match for Dad. Nikki congratulated herself for concocting the idea.

“Ha?!” Ano ka ngayon, Maya?

“Sige na, Ate Maya. I asked Dad to meet me for lunch today. But he didn’t know that I’ve asked Tita Brenda to go on a blind date with him. She’s a really nice person and I’m sure Dad will like her. We’ll just introduce them to each other and then we’ll leave. I’m not sure kasi how Dad will react so I just need your support. Please, please? Promise aalis tayo agad and we’ll leave them together.” Mahabang paliwanag ni Nikki.

Hindi agad nakasagot si Maya. She chewed on her lip. What she heard was worse than she could’ve imagined. Not only will she see Sir Chief again but he’s going on a date with someone else. Parang may kumurot sa puso niya.

“I’m desperate, Ate Maya. Dad’s been acting strange lately. I guess hindi nagwork yung sa kanila nung dati niyang idine-date but I’m just afraid that he’ll be masungit again. Ayokong maging gano’n ulit si Dad.” dugtong ni Nikki nang hindi siya sumagot sa kabilang linya.

Maya could hear the worry in Nikki’s voice. Si Ser Chief, masungit na naman? “Nikki, kalma lang. Baka marami lang iniisip ang Daddy mo. Baka may problema sa opisina kaya gano’n.” She said pacifyingly.

“No, Ate Maya. Basta iba sya. Please, Ate Maya? Samahan mo na ‘ko. Sandal lang tayo, promise.”

“I’m not sure kung magugustuhan ito ng Dad mo. Malalagot tayo pareho niyan.” She knows Sir Chief doesn’t want to be manipulated in this manner. Pero wala na siyang idine-date di ba? Who knows baka magustuhan niya rin yung Brenda. Sabi nga ni Nikki, maganda daw at mabait. She swallowed a lump in her throat at the thought.

“Ako’ng bahala. Dad won’t be rude in public. And when he meets Tita Brenda, he might enjoy her company so much that he’ll forgive me for setting him up for a blind date.” Nikki said smugly trying to convince her more.

“Yey! Thank you, Ate Maya. O, sige, sunduin ka na namin diyan ni Kuya Joma tapos we’ll go straight to the resto. Thank you talaga!” Nikki almost jumped with joy when she heard Maya replied with a soft, “Sige.”

Maya inhaled deeply, trying to calm her nerves. She raised both hands to her mouth, clutching her phone, a worried look on her face. Maya, ano na naman ang pinasok mo?

 

TO BE CONTINUED…

Tying the Knot – part 3

Admin Note: *Contributed Story* Please give credit and thanks to yssa13. This is a continuation to Tying the knot -part 2.

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A/N: Pasensiya na po kung hindi ko agad na sundan busy lang po nang kunti… Eto na ho ang next chapter nang aking series… Enjoy

Author: yssa13

~*~

Ang nakaraan…

Sumunod si Maya sa waiter pero hindi pa rin siya mapakali, kinakabahan siya na hindi niya alam ang gagawin nang makita niya ito ay sinabihan niya na ang waiter na siya na lang ang lalapit. Pero hindi pa rin siya nakikita ni Richard dahil nakatalikod ito kay Maya. Nang palapit na siya nang palapit ay narinig niya si Richard na may kausap sa telepono.

R: Hello? Lisa, asan na ba kayo? Kanina pa ako naghihintay dito.

Nang biglang may tumawag sa kanya, “Richard”. Tumayo si Richard at nang nakita si Maya ay biglang natigilan.. habang nasa kabilang linya pa rin si Lisa.

L: Sir..? sir?? Andiyan pa po ba kayo?

M: Sorry Richard kung natagalan ako.

Tulala pa rin si Richard..

M/L: Sir?…Richard?

R: Ahhh.. andito na si Maya… salamat Lisa.. I’ll see you sa office tomorrow..

Hindi niya na hinintay ang sagot ni Lisa at binaba na ang phone niya. Ibinaling na lang niya ang atensiyon niya kay Maya.

M: Uhmmm Richard??? Ok ka lang ba?? Pasensiya na ulit.

R: Ookkkk lang… ahh sit down. (hinila niya ang upuan at umupo na si Maya)

Tinitignan niya ito at namangha sa nakitang kagandahan at hindi niya namalayan na lumabas na pala sa kanyang bibig ang mga katagang ito, “You look beautiful, Maya.”

-          -

Ginantihan lang nang ngiti ni Maya si Richard. Pagkatapos noon ay nag order na sila.

R: So Maya, before we talk about our business tell me something more about yourself.

M: Well, di ba nakwento na ni Ryan sa’yo iyon kanina?

R: No I mean, ikaw ano pa bang gusto mo sa buhay aside from wanting to become a flight stewardess?

M: Ah ako, wala eh ang gusto ko lang naman kasi mabigyan na magandang buhay ang pamilya ko sina nanay, mamang, kute at si cho.

R: So, ikaw ang pangalawa sa tatlong magkakapatid?

M: Ah hindi si Cho, siya iyong pamangkin ko anak ni kute ah I mean Christina Rose siya iyong ate ko.

R: Di ba siya iyong magbabarko at magpapa aral sa iyo pero na aksidente kaya napadpad ka dito sa Manila?

M: Oo, sayang nga eh pangarap na pangarap pa naman niya iyon na magbarko tapos ako iyong mag eeroplano.

R: If you wouldn’t mind me asking bakit gusto maging flight stewardess?

M: Bata pa kasi ako pinangako ko na sa tatay ko na balang araw ililibot ko sila sa lahat ng lugar na gusto nila puntahan nila nanay. Kaya lang umalis ang tatay ko at hindi na bumalik.

R: Sorry Maya, for asking..

M: Wala ho iyon. Nasanay na rin kasi kaming wala si tatay. Pero alam ko balang araw babalik din siya babalikan niya din kami. Kasi iyon iyong pinako niya sa amin eh.

Dumating na ang kanilang inorder at patuloy na nagkwekwentuhan habang kumakain.

–

Naramdaman niyang nalungkot si Maya kaya change topic agad siya.

R: So Maya, do you cook?

M: Ahh oo naman tinuruan ako ni nanay at saka ni mamang. Eh ikaw ano ba paborito mo?

R: Kare – Kare.

M: Talaga??? Eh specialty ko iyan eh. Hayaan mo isa mga araw na to ipagluluto kita ng paborito mong kare – kare.

R: Aasahan ko iyan ha. Siya nga pala are you allergic to any kind of food?

M: Meron, iyong hipon. Naalala ko nga noon eh pasko noong isang taon, kahit pinaaalahanan na nila ako nanay na huwag kumain. Iyon kumain pa rin, noong kinabukasan maga lahat, lalong lalo na iyong mukha ko.

R: May katigasan ka rin pala ng ulo. ( At nagtawanan silang dalawa )

M: Teka lang eh kanina pa ako nagkwekwento dito. Ikaw naman?

R: Ako? Wala namang kwento ang buhay ko.

M: Di nga.. alam mo naniniwala ako lahat ng tao may kwento ang buhay. Hindi nga lang pare parehas kaya akala nung iba sila na iyong may pinaka boring na buhay.

R: Boring naman talaga. I mean oo nga may ari kami nang Lim Aviation Services, mayaman pero talagang ganoon iyong buhay ko noon skwela lang at bahay. I’m the only son kaya eto binabalak na I arranged marriage.

M: Baka naman nag alala lang sila sa’yo kasi naman tumatanda na sila kaya gusto nila may mag alaga na rin sa’yo at mabawasbawasan na rin iyang pagta tiger mode mo.

R: Tiger mode??? Hindi kaya.

M: Oo kaya (sabay ngiti)

Sa mga narinig niya at nakita kay Maya ay mas lalo pang gumaan ang kalooban niya dito at kung may anong naramdaman.

M: Sige ganito na lang palitan tayo nang tanong pero dapat tayong dalawa rin iyong sasagot.

R: Oh sige ba.

M: Ako muna, what’s your favourite color?

R: Ano to slumbook?

M: Hep hep walang ganyanan.. sagutin mo na lang iyong tanong.

R: Blue, ikaw naman?

M: Blue rin

R: Gaya gaya

M: Hindi ah (nagkatawan ulit silang dalawa)

Mas marami pang tanong ang sumunod at next thing they know  komportableng komportable na sila sa isa’t isa para bang matagal na nila kilala ang isa’t isa. Dumaan ang ilang oras ni hindi man nila namalayan dahil sa sarap ng kwentuhan.

R: Maya, late na pala at alam kung pagod ka na. Halika na at ihahatid na kita.

Tumango lang si Maya at lumabas na sila sa restaurant. Papasok na sana sila ng kotse ng naalala ni Maya na may naiwan siya sa loob.

M: Uhmmm Richard nakalimutan ko iyong bag ko sa restaurant, sandali lang ha kukunin ko muna.

R: No! ako nang kukuha sandali lang dito ka muna.

Nakita niyang pumasok si Richard sa restaurant habang siya naman ay ngiting ngiti na nakatayo sa gilid ng sasakyan nang may biglang lumapit sa kanyang lasing, ” Miss bakit ba nag – iisa ka lang? dapat ang mga babaeng katulad mo may kasama. Halika sumama ka na lang sa akin. Akong bahala sa iyo.

M: Kuya, lasing ka lang

L: Hindi ako lasing, nakainom lang nang konti. Pero hindi ako lasing ha, sige na sumama ka na lang sa akin.

At biglang hinila ang kamay ni Maya..

M: Ano ba kuya?! nasasaktan ako!

R: Pre! huwag mo nang pilitin ang babae kung ayaw niya.

L: Eh! sino ka ba? huwag mo nga kaming pakialaman.

R: Eh tarantado ka pala eh. Eh girlfriend ko iyang babaeng binabastos mo.

Sinugod ni Richard ang lalaking lasing at pinagsusuntok niya ito. Nagulat si Maya sa ginawa ni Richard hindi niya aakalaing gagawin niya ito para sa kanya. Parang ini rescue siya ng knight in shining armour niya at ano iyong narinig niya, “Girlfriend?” Mabuti na lang at dumating ang isang guard at inawat silang dalawa.

R: Guard kunin mo nga ito.. eh nanggugulo iyan sa amin.

Dinampot na nga ng guard ang lasing na lalaki pero si Maya nakatitig pa rin kay Richard. Kaya dali daling lumapit si Richard sa kanya at hinawakan ang kanyang kamay.

R: Maya??? Ok ka lang ba? Nasaktan ka ba? Anong masakit sa iyo sabihin mo sa akin?

M: Wala, hindi ako nasaktan.

Habang hinahawakan ni Richard ang kamay niya ay napansin niya na namamaga na pala ito.

M: I – iyong kamay mo namamaga na.  Eh bakit kasi pinatulan mo pa iyong lasing iyan tuloy akin na nga iyang kamay mo. Gusto mo gamutin na lang natin sa bahay.

R: Huwag na, okay lang ako at saka malayo naman to sa bituka. Halika na hatid na kita, baka may lumapit na naman.

Medyo pabulong niyang sabi kay Maya kaya hindi gaano nadinig ni Maya ang huling mga sinabi niya.

M: Ano??

R: Ah wala sabi ko, hatid na kita, gabi na kasi.

M: Oo nga, gabing gabi na pala.

Pinagbuksan niya na si Maya ng pintuan at nag drive na pauwi pero wala pa ring imik si Maya.

R: Maya, huwag muna iintindihin iyon.

M: Hindi naman eh may iniisip lang ako… Salamat nga pala sa pagtatanggol mo sa akin ha.

R: Ano ka ba wala iyon. Ngayon pa na…

M: Na ano???

Sasagot na sana si Richard nang naisip niya na huwag na lang ipagpatuloy ang sasabihin niya at akmang akma naman dahil nakarating na sila sa bahay nina Ryan.

R: Ahh Maya andito na pala tayo.

M: Oo nga, salamat ulit. Nag enjoy ako.

R: Ako rin, hindi mo lang alam kung gaano mo ako pinasaya.

Bumaba na si Maya nang nagsalita si Richard.

R: Siya nga pala Maya ipapahatid ko na lang iyong mga gamit mo kay Joma dito bukas and ipapasundo kita, mag lunch tayo? (with his one sided looped smile)

M: Lunch??.. okay J

R: Goodnight!

M: Goodnight!

Pumasok na sa loob nang bahay si Maya pero hindi pa rin siya makapaniwala sa mga nangyari.

Maya to herself: Diyos ko po kung nananaginip man po ako. Huwag niyo na sana akong gisingin. Ok na rin to kung siya man iyong magiging peke pekean kung asawa, talaga naman ang swerte ko.

Pumasok na siya sa loob ng kwarto niya at naghanda nang matulog habang si Richard naman ay kararating lang sa bahay nila at nakasalubong ang kanyang ina sa may pintuan.

E: Oh Ricky andito ka na pala. Ginabi ka na ata.

Pero parang walang narinig si Richard at patuloy pa ring napangiti at bumati lang sa kanyang ina at tumuloy tuloy sa kwarto niya.

R: Goodnight Ma!

E: Aba, anong nangyari sa batang iyon? Gabing gabi na pero nakangiti pa rin at parang wala sa sarili.

Nang nakapasok na si Richard sa kwarto ay agad agad niyang tinawagan si Ryan.

Kring kring

R: Hello? Oh brod, napatawag ka? Ano? Ok na ba, pumayag na ba si Maya?

R: Yes, and she’s perfect.

R: Wow, that’s great news… teka lang brod anong she’s perfect? Huwag mo sabihin na…

R: Ahhh! Hindi no! ang ibig ko sabihin, tama lang talaga na siya iyong kinuha natin.

R: Ganun ba? Eh talagang Maya’s amazing. Una ko pa lang siya nakita, I know there’s something about her…

Richard to himself: Ha? May gusto ba si Ryan kay Maya. Anong amazing ang sinasabi niya? Kung sabagay totoo naman talaga. Pero teka bakit ako affected?

R: Brod??? Andiyan ka pa ba?

R: Uhmm oo andito pa ako, siya nga pala brod may number ka ba ni Maya? Nakalimutan ko kasing hingin kanina.

R: Meron, sandali lang I tetext ko na lang sa iyo. Ahhh brod kaya lang parang sira yata iyong phone niya kasi paminsan minsan pag nag tetext ako sa kanya hindi niya narereceive ganun din pag tumatawag ako.

R: Ganun?? Ah ok sige.. salamat talaga brod ha..talagang hindi ko alam kung paano ka pasasalamatan.

R: Wala iyon.. ano ka ba eh magkaibigan naman tayo. Kaya I would do everything to help you.

R: Sige salamat ulit brod…

-          -

Maagang nagising si Maya nagluto na siya ng almusal niya at naglinis ng bahay. Malapit na siyang matapos nang marinig niya na may bumusina sa labas kaya dali dali siyang lumabas ng bahay.

M: Oh kuya Joma! Ikaw pala iyan.

J: Ah oo ibibigay ko lang sana ‘tong mga gamit mo.

M: Sige kuya Joma pasok ka na lang at alam kung marami rami din iyan.

Isa isa ngang pinasko ni Joma ang mga gamit sa loob ng bahay.

J: Grabe Maya ang laki pala talaga ng bahay niyo tulad kina sir. Teka lang ikaw lang mag – isa dito?

M: Ahh oo kuya Joma. Nag migrate na kasi silang lahat at ako lang ang naiwan sa bahay.

J: Bakit naman??? Ahh sandali lang. Bago ko makalimutan ito pala pinabibigay din ni sir at saka nandiyan na rin iyong note.  Ahh Maya, kailangan ko na rin kasing umalis may inuutos pa kasi si sir sa akin, sige una muna ako. Balikan na lang kita mamaya.

M: Okay kuya Joma, salamat pala ulit, kita na lang tayo mamaya.

Pag alis ni Joma ay naalala ni Maya ang pinabibigay ni Richard sa kanya. “Ano kaya ito?, ay oo nga may note naman pala.”

Note:

Maya,

    I know na hindi mo tatanggapin ito but you need this to be able to communicate well with me and by the way no further discussions about this, a simple thank you will do.

P.S.  I already save my number J

                                         Richard

Pagkatapos basahin ang note ay dali dali niya itong binuksan..

M: Si Richard talaga.. ( at napangiti siya nang makita na may number na talaga ni Richard na naka save sa phone niya) I text ko kaya. Pero nakakahiya eh… alam ko na.

She texted Richard: Thanks for the gift, I already received it J

Papaalis na ng bahay si Richard ng mabasa niya ang text ni Maya at napangiti ulit siya hindi naman nakalagpas ang ngiting iyon sa kanyang ina kaya nagtaka ulit ito.

DE: Ano na bang nangyayari sa anak ko, kagabi pa siyang ganyan ah. Hindi kaya dahil sa babaeng ipapakilala niya sa akin???, kaya siya nagkakaganyan…

Richard replied: Your welcome, see you later.

Nang makita ang reply ni Richard ay bigla siyang kinabahan.

M: Oo nga ano, patay hindi ko pa alam anong susuotin ko…

Ilang oras pa ay sinundo na siya ni Joma at nang makarating sa restaurant ay nakita niya agad ang isang matipunong lalaking singkit na ngiting ngiti nang makita siya. Kaya dali dali niya itong nilapitan at agad agad naman siyang pinaupo.

M: Richard, ano bang meron at nakipagkita ka sa akin… eh di ba kagabi lang tayo lumabas.?

R: Oh no, that was just part one, more like the getting to know each other stage sa pagiging mag girlfriend and boyfriend natin.

Napakunot lang ng noo si Maya at tumango na lang sa sinabi ni Richard.

M: Ahh okay, eh di ano to ngayon Richard?

R: And by the way stop calling me Richard..

M: Ano?? Eh ano naman itatawag ko sa’yo?

R: Well, now that we’re talking about it… siguro I’ll call you babe. I-ikaw ano ba gusto mong itawag sa akin. I m-mean now that we’re starting na sa plano natin maybe we should do this para hindi halata.

M: Ahh ganun ba, sige ahh hindi ko pa kasi alam eh siguro pag iisipan ko muna.

R: Okay, take your time, hindi naman kita minamadali eh… I mean I know that this is hard for you…

M: Okay lang talaga, huwag muna akong aalahanin.

R: In that case, uhmm kaya nga pala kita ininvite kasi, ngayon natin pag- uusapan iyong about this Saturday night.

M: Saturday night?? Bakit ano bang nasa Sabado?

R: Oo nga pala, hindi ko pa pala nasasabi sa’yo, This Saturday na kasi kita ipapakilala kay Mama and she’s been preparing the whole week para ngayong Sabado and now gusto ko sanang pag planohan  iyong mga sasabihin natin sa kanya.

M: Sasabihin???

R: Oo iyong mga sasabihin natin, kasi I know for sure she would interrogate us like where did we meet, saan ka natira, things like that… and if that happens I want us to be ready. Ayokong magka idea siya na hindi totoo ‘tong lahat. I want her to believe that we are madly in love with each other at kahit kalian walang makakapaghiwalay sa ating dalawa. (sabay tingin na makahulugan kay Maya)

Ilang sandali din silang nagtinginan, naputol lang noon dumating ang waiter na dala na ang kanilang mga order.

W: Sir, ma’am here’s your order.

At umalis na agad ang waiter pagkatapos I serve ang mga pagkain. Habang patuloy naman sa pagpaplano ang dalawa habang kumakain.

R: So, ganito iyong sasabihin natin sa kanya…..

Hanggang dito muna J

Abangan:

Pagkatapos mag dinner ay agad nilang pinuntahan ang veranda.

DE: Ah hijo, could you get the dessert sa kitchen.

R: Sige po, babe sandali lang ako ha.

Bago umalis ay bumulong kay Maya: Huwag ka kababahan si Mama lang iyan. (at hinalikan sa pisngi)

Umalis na si Richard at ang mama niya lang at si Maya ang naiwan sa veranda.

DE: Maya, I hope you wouldn’t mind me asking, ano ba talaga nagustuhan mo sa anak ko?

Nomenclature

“What’s in a name?
That which we call a rose
By any other name would still smell as sweet”

~Juliet (Romeo and Juliet, William Shakespeare)

~*~

Author: sharpie21

A/N: The idea for this story was conceived prior to the current episodes. This, in no way, reflects or intends resemblance to what has happened or what is about to happen. Enjoy.

For my B1 and my B2 – thanks for listening. I wab you both.

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~*~

Maya stared at the message that waited for her on the phone.

We need to talk.

It wasn’t a request but a statement – one which made her very nervous.

She frowned as she walked out of the washroom from having changed out of her uniform. Questions filled her head.

Was it not just the other night they had smiled and kissed each other goodbye rather sweetly when he picked up Nikki and Abby from girl’s night at her apartment? Didn’t he then call to apologize for not being able to drive her to work? And before he hung up the phone, did he not repeatedly say how much he loved and missed her?

Maya was puzzled. What could have happened in the thirty six hours that she had been away?

She rounded the corner and walked into the waiting area. She let out a sigh of relief when she saw him sitting in his usual spot, browsing through a magazine and waiting for her.

“Good morning, Sir Chief!” she cheerily greeted. Her smile disappeared when he looked up. His face was serious and thoughtful.

“Hi.” That was all he said.

Anong problema niya? Maya thought as they stood face to face. She tried to read his eyes, but each time they met hers, he shifted his gaze. When still, he said nothing, she spoke. “Sir Chief, okay ka lang?”

“Maya…” She stiffened as he said her name. It sounded different. He sounded…uncertain?

And then the words came. “…we need to talk.” His tone was just as she had imagined.

Serious.

“May problema ba Sir Chief?” she asked, warily.

He looked around the occupied seats around them. “Not here. Let’s go.”

He led her out of the airport, to the parking lot and into the car. Not a single word and not a single smile. Maya followed him in silence too, her brain running through possibilities of why this man – her man – was all of a sudden acting so, well, weird.

What had she done? What had he done? What was the matter?

She couldn’t hold her tongue any longer. Before he could start the ignition, she asked, “Sir Chief, pwede bang dito nalang tayo magusap? Nininerbiyos ako sa mood mo e…” She needed to know what provoked this change in demeanor. What he was feeling. What he was thinking.

And if he still loved her…

“I’d prefer to go somewhere,” he replied, without looking at her.

“Sir Chief…” Her voice was soft. Her plea was subtle. She reached out to touch his arm. When he didn’t flinch, she rubbed his skin with her thumb, coaxing him to share his thoughts with her.

He let go of the steering wheel and took her hand. For the first time that day, he showed affection. Slowly, he raised the back of her hand to his lips and pressed three gentle kisses. This action wiped away the doubts in Maya’s head but still concern lingered.

“I haven’t been able to sleep,” he confessed. “Someone asked me something about us the other day and I didn’t have an answer.”

“Ano yun, Sir Chief?” She squeezed his hand for reassurance.

He took a deep breath. “You might think it’s silly…”

“Ano nga yun?” She scanned his face. His expression lacked confidence – for once. He seemed shy, unsure…embarrassed? Maya’s curiosity peaked.

“Hmmm…not here. Let’s go for a walk.” As anxious as she was to hear what was wrong, she didn’t contradict his suggestion. If it was going to help him open up, then why not?

He drove in silence clutching Maya’s hand with his right hand and expertly maneuvering the steering wheel with the left. One road into another and red lights turning green got them to their destination.

She recognized the open field – though the last time they were here together there was no sun. But still, that evening was one of the brightest and happiest moments she would always remember.

She took the hand he offered and fell into stride beside him. They were walking beneath the heated rays and down a gravel path along the field when he began. “Totoo ba na mahilig ang mga babae sa terms of endearment?”

“Hmmm…siguro. Bakit, Sir Chief?”

He stopped and faced her. “After I picked up the girl’s from your place, I got to thinking…”

“Thanks for having them over again,” he said.

“You’re welcome. Nagenjoy din naman ako.”

“Well, I guess we should be going.” He didn’t want to go, but he knew she had to work early the next morning. Besides, Abby was yawning and clearly fading as she stood leaning against her sister by the apartment door.

“Good night, Sir Chief,” she said sweetly, leaning in to wrap her arms around him.

When she pulled away, he gave her a peck on the cheek, smiled and returned the greeting. “Good night, Maya.”

He exited with his daughters, walked down the hall and into the elevator. He was observing their descent via the numbers that lit above the door, when he felt his elder daughter staring up at him.

“What is it?” he asked.

Nikki answered cautiously. “Dad, Maya lang ba talaga tawag mo kay Ate Maya?”

“Yes, why?”

“Hmmm, I mean, don’t you have a special name for her or something? It’s been a month…” Richard stared at her blankly.

“Sorry, I know it’s not my place…but you know, Dad, girls really feel special pag you make tawag them by a term of affection. Like sweetheart, honey or a form of their name na walang pang ibang gumagamit.” She smiled. And in her head she added, like Niknik.

“Why? Did she tell you that?” He was curious if Maya had shared this longing with them the night before.

“Hindi naman. I was just wondering. So unromantic naman kasi if Maya lang e you’re so cute pa naman together…” Nikki’s voice trailed off as her father scrunched his forehead. Thankfully, the elevators opened.

So that’s what was bothering him.

Maya turned her face to the side to let out the smile that had been wanting to escape since he began to share the reason behind his pensive mood. She found it amusing that this grown man could be driven to sleepless nights over a teenager’s thoughts on terms of endearments.

To be honest, Maya hadn’t given it much importance. If he called her by her name or by something else, it mattered not. What mattered most to her was that he call her. Period.

“…I mean, you call me Sir Chief. No one else calls me that but everyone calls you Maya.” He frowned.

She grinned, taking pleasure in the fact that he was so frustrated. “E pangalan ko yun e.” She couldn’t help but giggle.

“You’re laughing at me.” He let go of her hand and began walking towards a sitting area beneath a large acacia tree.

“Sir Chief naman o, di na mabiro.” She followed and sat to his left, flush up against him. He scooted away a little bit. “Ay, ang sama. May ganun?” He didn’t answer. “Nagtatampo ka sa akin Sir Chief?” Still, he didn’t look at her or say a word. She craned her neck to look at his facial expression. She couldn’t tell if he was faking offense or if he was truly affected.

She scratched behind her neck trying to think of a way to lighten the mood. She bit the inside of her cheek to prevent a chuckle as an idea came to her. “Sige, kung hindi mo ako kakausapin, papalitan ko na ang tawag ko sayo. Hindi na Sir Chief…Sir Thief na ngayon.”

That got his attention. He turned to look at her with a raised eyebrow. “Why? You think I’m that bad a guy?”

She beamed at him. “Hindi…kasi ninakaw mo ang puso ko.” Richard stared at her bright eyes. He tried not to react to her witty line, but she would have none of it. “Uy, ngingiti na yan…” She poked at his face trying to provoke him.

He shook his head away from her, biting his lip to prevent himself from laughing.

“Ah! Alam ko na!” she exclaimed, looping her arm with his and leaning her head on his shoulder.

“Ano yun?” he asked, interest in what she would spout out next filling him. This woman was amazing. She had a way of making him feel joy within a second of him feeling down and soaked with negativity.

“Tatawagin nalang kitang First.” She let it sink in before continuing with her explanation. “…kasi ikaw ang first love ko, first kiss. At ikaw ang first time -”

Again he raised an eyebrow at her, but this time his eyes were smiling. “First time?” His thoughts traveled elsewhere with her words.

She caught the suggestive look in his eye and smiled shyly. “Sir Chief…!” she exclaimed. “Ang ibig kong sabihin – ikaw, ito – first time kong magkaboyfriend.”

He kissed her forehead. “Kung ako si First, then ikaw si Second,” he uttered.

Maya lifted her head from his shoulder, slightly shocked at his suggestion. “Bakit Second?” It was her turn to play the nagtatampo card. “Siguro nga kasi second love mo lang ako…”

Richard smiled at her reaction. She was cute all the time, but he found her extra adorable when she was pouting. He draped his left arm around her shoulder proclaiming that her guess was incorrect. He moved his head towards her ears and whispered, “Because, in my heart, you’re second to none.”

Maya’s insides melted. His tone, his words, his proximity sent chills of kilig through her entire body. She rewarded him with a genuine smile for his creativity. “In fairness, Sir Chief, kinilig ako dun.”

He winked and smiled back. “Totoo yun,” he confirmed.

She reached up her left hand and entwined it with his. “Pero, teka, sa pagmumuni-muni mo ba e may naisip ka na itatawag mo sa akin?”

“Hmmm, meron,” he responded. He recalled laying in bed, staring at the ceiling and listing all the qualities he loved about her in his head.

“Ano yun, Sir Chief?” she asked excitedly. She couldn’t wipe the smile off her face as she waited for his response.

“It’s Sunny.”

“Huh?” She turned to face him. She was expecting something more traditional. “Sunny?” He nodded. She repeated the word, testing it’s sound and her reaction to it. Pwede, she thought. But she wanted to know why.

“Well,” he began. “Hindi ba sinabi ko na bagay ang sunflowers sayo? Because you’re so joyful, so bright, so positive, so sunny.” He squeezed her hand to make sure she felt how much he meant it. “Maya is a beautiful name, but to me, you are so much more than that. You are special. You’re unique.”

He took his index finger and lifted up her chin to ensure her eyes didn’t break away from his. “Maya, you are the light of my life. My Sunny.”

“Awww, Sir Chief…” She threw her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly. All the negative thoughts that filled her earlier in the day disappeared. It really mattered to him. He really cared and had put in the effort to think of something rare and fitting. What had she done to deserve this kind of love?

“Do you like it?” She nodded. “Sunny…” he said with a smile.

“Sir Chief…” she responded.

And for a few moments, they sat in silence beneath the shade of the branches and leaves – enjoying the fact that they were simply together.

Then something crossed her mind. “Sir Chief?”

“Yes?”

“May naisip lang ako…” She giggled.

“What is it?”

“Diba kanta ni Sonny and Cher yung…” She began to sing.

Well I don’t know if all that’s true
‘Cos you got me, and baby, I got you
I got you, babe.
I got you, babe.

He didn’t see where she was going with this. “So…?” he queried.

“Kung ako si Sunny, ikaw si Cher,” she suggested. His response was nothing but a glare.

“O sige, iba nalang…mmmm…babe. Paano kung babe ang itatawag ko sayo?” He noted a mischievous twinkle in her eye. She was teasing. She was trying to get a reaction out of him.

He didn’t give her the satisfaction. “I’ll think about it,” he replied. He kissed her forehead causing her to scrunch her nose and laugh.

She shifted her body to face him squarely and a serious expression took over. “Alam mo, Sir Chief,” She couldn’t help but go back to the name she had gotten used to calling him. It was a name forever embedded in her heart. It was said with endearment – before, now and likely forever.

“Yes?”

“Dapat, hindi ka napupuyat sa mga ganyang bagay. Gusto ko yung naisip mo. Sunny…” She smiled at him again. “…pero, hindi naman yung term of endearment ang pinakaimportante sa akin e. Kung ang itatawag mo ay Sunny o Maya o babe – okay lang. Isa lang ang hiling ko…”

“What’s that?”

She put her palm against his heart and with a shine in her eyes from unshed tears of joy, she told him, “…ako lang ang laman ng puso mo.”

He kissed her then to let her know she need not wish it. It was already done.

The kiss was brief but full of promise. When he pulled his lips away, she smiled mischievously.

“Sir Chief, alam ko na talaga,” she said, giggling slightly.

“Ang alin?”

“Kung ano ang itatawag ko sayo.”

This ought to be good, he thought. “Ano yun?” he said, playing along.

“Diba yung wallpaper ko sa phone yung nasa Baguio tayo?” He nodded. “Para bagay, kung ako si Sunny, ikaw naman si Bunny.”

Her tone was teasing but the excitement on her face was priceless. “Hmmm…” He feigned deep thought.

“Do you like it?” She returned the question he had asked her only minutes earlier.

He smiled in that way that was reserved only for her. “I don’t like it -” He paused. “…I wabbit.”

And before she could say another word, he covered her lips with his.

You could say the kiss was passionate.

Sensual.

Intimate.

Warm.

Pure.

Call it what you want. It doesn’t really matter. Because in the end, it all boils down to one thing.

Love.

~*~

Other titles by this author:
I Do | Maling Akala | One Line | Out of Anger | Happy Father’s Day | Unexpected