Admin Note: *Contributed Story* Please give credit and thanks to spicyjjamppong. This is a continuation of Wasted – part 4.
Author: spicyjjamppong
Author’s Note: Salamat sa pagbabasa! Hingi lang po ako ng paumanhin at maraming pasensya. Medyo maikli lang po ito; inaayos ko pa yung pagkasulat nung susunod. Sorry,hindi lang ako makapagtype nung mga nakaraang linggo dahil sa sprain pero without further ado, here’s part 5. Mas malaman ang susunod na kabanata pagkatapos nito, promise!
—
The rain continued to fall in torrents. It was as though Mother Nature was trying to punish mankind for the destruction it has been causing her. This, however, did not bother the pair of males who were watching it.
Richard stood by the awning of the veranda, unknowingly carrying his youngest son. “You’re afraid of thunder and lightning?”
Anton nodded as he buried his face unto the chest of Richard.
“You know, ganyan rin si Luke nung bata siya.”
The young boy peeked at him. “Talaga po?”
“Yes, when he was younger, maybe just a bit older than you, he used to stay up all night when there is a storm. He’d usually run from his room to the master’s bedroom. He’d squeeze himself in between his mother and I.”
“Bakit po ngayon hindi na siya takot?” Anton tilted his head in wonder.
“There’s a story behind that…” Richard shifted Anton in his arms and sat down at the seat near the table. He began his story. “Long ago, the Jade Emperor ruled. Since it was a big kingdom, he had to assign different gods and goddesses to help him out. The god of Thunder was assigned to punish bad people. Kaso, nagkamali yung thunder god.” Richard paused to take in the young boy’s focused expression. “He accidentally hit a good woman.”
“Naku! Paano na po yan?” Anton’s eyes widened and covered his mouth.
“The Jade Emperor went to look into the issue. Binuhay niya ulit yung woman then made her the goddess of lightning. After that, he ordered the goddess to always go first before the god of Thunder. Kailangan niya ilawan muna ang kaharian bago dumating ang god of thunder para hindi na ito magkakamali uli ng paparusahan.”
“Ahhh,” Anton relaxed in Richard’s arms. “Ganun po pala yun; nagtutulungan sila. Kaya hindi ako dapat matakot.”
“That’s right.” Richard smiled at the boy. “So, Anton, ikaw naman ang magkwento sa akin.”
“Tungkol saan po? Sa mga kwento ni Mama?”
“Ikaw bahala,” He shrugged. “Pwedeng mga kwento ni Mama mo. Though, you can also tell me about yourself.”
“Ahh yun na lang po.” Anton scratched his head. “Yung tungkol sa sarili ko. Masyado kasi magaganda kwento ni Mama. Siya na lang po magkwento sa inyo.”
“You really love your mama don’t you?” Richard had a lopsided smile on his face, remembering Maya.
“Opo sobra-sobraaaaaa,” Anton opened his arms wide. “Kayo rin po siguro, no?”
Richard was taken aback. Was he that transparent about Maya? “Ha? Ah what?”
“Love niyo rin po siguro mama niyo.” Anton stated matter-of-factly.
Relief flooded at Richard. “Yes. I love my mama also.” He cleared his throat. “So Anton, tell me. What are the things you like to do, how old are you, what do you usually do when you’re at San Nicolas.”
Anton sat up straight and turned to face Richard. “My name is Anthony Ri-.”
“Mukhang seryoso usapan niyo diyan ah,” Maya interrupted the two as she approached them, carrying a tray. Her heart skipped a beat as her two boys faced her with similar expressions on their faces.
“Oh, Anton was just telling me about himself.” Richard regained his composure.
Lightning lit the sky and thunder crashed overhead. Maya raised her eyebrows since Anton did not even bat an eyelash nor did he cringe at the sudden lightning and thunder chase. He felt safe and secure in his father’s arms.
Maya peered at Richard, as though silently asking about the change.
“I told him about how Luke was like when he was growing up. He was afraid of thunder and lightning as well but that he grew out of it eventually.”
“Mama, paglaki ko,” Anton bounced eagerly. “Gusto ko maging tulad ni Kuya Luke.”
Maya put down the tray she was carrying on the table. “Hay baby. Kayang-kaya mo ‘yan pero huwag ka masyado magmadali. Mamimiss ko ang baby ko.” She bent down to kiss his cheek and turned to Richard to mouth her thanks for calming her son down.
Richard softly smiled in reply.
Maya sat down as well and they were content to watch the rain in silence, leaving each to their own thoughts. Before long, light breathing came from the child in Richard’s arms.
Maya noticed that her son was already asleep. “Sir Chief, mukhang nakatulog na si Anton,” She gestured to take Anton. “Mabigat na ‘yan, parang dead weight kung matulog eh.”
“Shhh Maya, it’s ok.” He got up after adjusting Anton in his arms.
“Pero kape nyo po lalamig…” Maya tried to argue.
“Akalain mo yun, di ka pa rin nagbabago, ayaw mo pa rin patalo,” Richard gave a short laugh. “Do you remember what I always say?”
Maya frowned. “Siyempre naman po, never ako nanalo eh, edi – ‘Maya don’t argue.’”
“Now, that’s the Maya I know.” Richard smiled as they went inside.
Maya patted and arranged the pillows of the couch then Richard laid Anton down.
The mother brushed away a lock of her son’s hair. After assuring that Anton will not fall off the couch, the pair made their way back to the veranda.
Both took their respective seats and sipped their coffee quietly, each feeling a calm that was not obviously brought about by the weather.
“So Maya,” Richard started in between sips. “Thank you for joining us today.”
“Ay, wala po yun,” Maya brushed it off. “ Sabi naman po ni James ‘di ba, treat niya kayo ng lunch isang araw. Napaaga lang.”
“It’s not that, more on, that you spent your day with me, with us, the kids, dito sa bahay.” Richard rambled, slightly not sure how to express himself. “I mean, you could have gone elsewhere, maybe may plans kayo ni,” He gulped. “Ng ibang tao.”
“Wala rin naman po,” Maya stirred her coffee. “Dapat magkikita kami ni Emman ngayon, yung kasama ko po dati sa internship?” She noticed Richard nodding his head in recollection. “Kaso hindi pa po siya nagcoconfirm. Pero maliban po dun, free naman po yung araw namin ni Anton.”
“What about yung dad ni An-,” He cleared his throat. It was as though not voicing out that fact would make it any less true. “What about James?”
Maya repeated questioningly. “Si James po?”
“Yes, si James Ventura,” Richard did not want to repeat it. “Don’t you have plans?”
The woman in front of him shook her head. “Wala naman po…”
Richard decided to finally get answers on this topic. “Aren’t you involved with him?” He tented his fingers together. “Dating, maybe?”
“Sir Chief naman eh,” Maya laughed. “Hindi ka pa rin marunong magbiro.”
“I’m serious Maya,” Richard muttered in exasperation. “Are you dating him?” He saw Maya vehemently shake her head in amusement. “Seeing anyone else then?”
“Naku, Sir Chief, wala po,” Maya awkwardly traced the rim of her cup.
“Talaga? I’m pretty sure it’s not for lack of admirers.” He admired Maya’s blush at his comment.
Maya tucked her hair behind her ear awkwardly. “Wala po akong panahon sa mga ganyan.”
“You’re not dating anyone?”
“Wala po…talagang trabaho at pamilya lang po.” Maya peered curiously over her coffee cup. “Bakit niyo po natanong?”
“Maya, how many times do I have to tell you, stop saying po.” Richard deflected. “You’re making me seem old.”
Maya raised her eyebrows. “Yung pagtawag nga lang ng Richard hirap na nga ako eh. Pwede po bang isa-isa lang?”
“What? But you’ve been calling me Richard for the past days.” He raised an eyebrow at her, daring her to contradict him.
“Opo, pero kasi nasa mansyon ako ngayon.” She extended her arm to indicate the house. “Iba eh, pag andito, maraming, uh, maraming -.” Maya sought a word to complete her thought.
“Memories?” Richard continued and smiled.
“Yun, maraming memories na kayo po si Sir Chief. Medyo awkward lang.” Maya lightly giggled.
“Ok fine, I’ll let you drop that one — but promise me you’ll stop saying po?”
“Ok p—ok, Sir Chief.”
“Good.” Richard noticed Maya’s pensieve expression. “What? Alam kong di ka matatahimik unless masabi mo yang iniisip mo.”
“Sir Chief, pwede pong mag-usap tayo?” Maya finally spit out what has been on her mind for some time now.
Richard half-smiled. “We are talking.”
“Sir Chief naman eh…” Maya whined. “Yung seryosong usapan.”
“And you think I’m not being serious now?” Richard laughed. “Ikaw na mismo ang nagsabi na hindi ako marunong mag-joke.”
“Sooo… ok lang magusap na tayo?”
Richard directed his gazed at the direction of Anton. “Bukas na lang Maya. You’re both tired.”
“Sabagay…” Maya followed his gaze. “Pero sure ka? Ok lang naman sa akin na ngayon na pero -.”
“Maya,” The father of her son lightly touched her hand causing her to hold her breath. “It’s ok. Kahit bukas na, for sure napagod ka rin ngayong araw at gabi na.” Richard noticed her slightly glazed expression. “Maya?” He waved a hand in front of her. “Maya, you were saying?”
“Ah, ayun,” Maya shook herself from her stupor.”Bukas ng umaga, uuwi muna kami ni Anton tapos babalik na lang kami sa hapon o sa gabi, pagkagaling ninyo ng mga bata sa trabaho at school.”
“No need Maya,” Richard squeezed the hand he held, relishing its softness and warmth. “It’s ok if you want to stay here for the day.”
“Sir Chief?”
“Gusto kayo makasama pa nina Doris… Tama, nina Sabel at Doris. May lakad ba kayo ni Anton? If Emman does not confirm, I suggest you go to the park with Anton. I’m sure he’d like that.”
Talaga lang, kilala niya si Anton? Assuming rin itong si Sir Chief ah, pero tama siya d’yan… Maya thought to herself. “Ok, magugustuhan niya nga yun.” She said out loud.
“As for tomorrow night, don’t worry, we can ask help from Luke and the girls to look after Anton while we talk.”
“Ok lang po kahit hindi na, sabi naman kasi ni James,” Maya started but paused as she noticed Richard’s eyes narrowing at the name. She then backtracked and nodded eagerly. “Pero kung walang problema sa mga bata. Ok po, kung ok lang sa kanila na bantayan sandali si Anton…”
—
After having brought Anton (“Sir Chief naman eh, kaya ko naman siyang buhatin –.” “Kaya ko rin siya buhatin, what are you trying to say Maya?”) and Maya to their bedroom, Richard went to his own bedroom. Feeling not the least bit tired, he began to riffle through his things, searching for the small box in which he placed his hopes. Having an epiphany, he got out his cellphone and sent a text message. “Rafi, I need your advice. Please call or text me when you can.”
—
Earlier that night, Abby crept to her sister’s room since she unable to sleep because of the excitement of the day.
Tita Maya was back – temporarily, that is. Abby wanted it to be for good, but she knew that this cannot be. Still, she cannot help but wish it to be so.
Abby knocked at Nikki’s door. “Ate?”
“Yes baby? Come in!” Nikki’s muffled voice said.
Nikki patted the side of her bed for Abby to sit on and noticed Abby’s forlorn expression. “O baby, bakit ganyan face mo?”
Abby hugged Nikki. “Ate, I’m happy that Tita Maya is here but I realized how much I have missed her.”
“Aww me too Abby. Iba rin no when she’s here?”
Her younger sister nodded quietly. Her eyes landed on the iPad she previously left in Nikki’s room. “Can we still add pictures to my project?
“Of course baby, pero what pictures will we add?”
“Here po.” She hands her older sister the iPad.
“Wow, the pictures here are nice ah, nice one Abby.” Nikki remarked as she flipped through pictures from the aquarium and their meals with Maya and Anton. “Sige, email me these pictures then I’ll have them printed. Tapos, tulog ka na ah.”
“Yes Ate, good night.” Abby kissed her sister’s cheek and then brought her iPad with her to her bedroom.
Nikki logged on her Facebook account while waiting for Abby’s email.
A window popped at the corner; it was a message from Rafi. “O, Nikki you’re still up? Isn’t it late there already? Do you have another exam tomorrow?”
Nikki quickly typed her reply. “Hi Tita Rafi! Ah no po, just printing pictures for Abby’s project.”
“I see, well don’t stay up too late. How are you all doing there?”
“We’re all doing fine po. We went to the aquariums yesterday and oh! I’ll post the pictures here na rin later so you can see.”
“That’s great Nikki. Sige, I need to go na. Charlie and I are heading out in a while. I’ll look forward to those pictures, Nikki. Good night!”
“Good night Tita!”
—
Maya woke up early during her first night after a long time in the Lim mansion. Feeling energized despite the lack of sleep, she bounded off into the kitchen. She examined the contents of the pantry shelves and left a note.
“Hi Sabel, pansin ko na may pang-champorado kayo. Paluto naman ng champorado o, punta lang ako ng palengke para bumili ng tuyo :] – Maya”
—
The owner of the mansion himself roused early as well. However, he was no match for the stewardess who was regularly treated to unusual hours.
Hearing someone bustling in the kitchen over the continued rainfall, he made his way downstairs.
“Si Maya?” Richard asked as he spotted Sabel stirring a pot of champorado.
“Ay Sir Richard,” Sabel responded. “Namalengke raw po.” She noticed the dimming face of her boss.
“What? In this weather?” Her boss raised his voice.
“Sir, pagkagisng po namin – nakaalis na siya.” Doris added unhelpfully.
Sabel silently handed Richard the note that Maya left.
Richard glanced at it and hurried to the front, and, without skipping a beat, took his car keys.
“Sir?” Sabel quickly turned off the stove and grabbed a towel to wipe her hands while following Sir Richard.
Doris left the plates she was setting and followed suit.
“Which market did she go to?” Richard faced the two once he reached his car.
Doris and Sabel shared a look.
Sabel murmured under her breath. “Sosyal si girl, may kotse factor na ah.”
“Well?”
“Sir Richard, dun po sa palengke na pinakamalapit sa entrance ng subdivision po. Mga tatlong kanto ang layo.” Doris supplied.
“Ok, I know that place.” Richard proceeded to get in his car when the gate jiggled and opened.
“Good morning po Sir Chief!” A brightly smiling Maya greeted him as she stepped in. She was holding a basket and was without an umbrella.
“Maya!” Her former boss marched towards her, ignoring the rain that was going to soak him.
“Ay, onga pala, wala na dapat yung ‘po’, no?” Maya sheepishly realized.
Richard sternly interrogated her. “What were you doing again?”
“Namalengke kasi wala pala kayong tuyo. Masarap ang tuyo at champorado sa ganitong panahon.” Maya innocently smiled up at him.
“You’d risk getting sick under the rain for tuyo?” Richard raised his voice.
“Ay sir!” Doris and Sabel hurried towards them under the protection of umbrellas.
“’Day, naku salamat sa tuyo. Magugustuhan ito ni Abby,” Sabel took the basket. “Aba, bakit ang bigat nito Maya? Ano pa ipinamili mo?”
“Sir payong po,” Doris handed Richard the umbrella and she went under Sabel’s umbrella and took the other basket from Maya. “Sige po, mauna na kami sa kusina.Tapusin namin yung pagluto ng almusal.” They hurriedly left the two.
Richard held the umbrella in one hand while the other hand cupped Maya’s cheek, wiping away the rain. “Maya, you can’t always just run around doing things without thinking.” He continued with the other cheek, ignoring the woman’s bated breath. “Dati pa kita sinabihan ‘di ba, ‘wag padalos-dalos.”
“Eh Sir Chief -.” She stopped reasoning out when she felt Richard’s hand on her waist, gently pushing her towards the house.
“Mamaya na, Maya. Go take a shower, you might catch a cold.”
—
Maya took a quick bath, hoping to be ready before Richard.
“Uy Maya, ikaw na!” Sabel remarked upon Maya’s entry into the kitchen.
Doris and Sabel were almost done in preparing the breakfast for everyone. Doris was just wiping off bowls and Sabel was frying the last pieces of tuyo.
“Onga girl,” Doris continued. “Akalain mo, susundan ka ni Sir sa kotse nung malaman nasa palengke ka.”
“Nag-aalala -.” Sabel added.
The pair began to alternately describe their boss in his state upon finding out Maya left; both did so with amusing facial expressions.
“Nagmamadali- ”
“Natutuliro –.”
“Natataranta -.”
“Kumakabog ang dibdib,” Sabel made a heart shape using her fingers and bopped it close to her chest.
Doris shot a disgusted look at her co-employee. “Kadiri ka Sabel, nakatingin ka sa dibdib ni Sir?”
“Naman Doris, expression lang kasi yun.” Sabel rubbed her face in irritation.
Maya just shook her head at the antics of the two and proceeded to place the contents of the basket in the refrigerator.
“Ano naman ba yan Maya?” Sabel clasped her hands behind her back while she observed Maya.
“Mga ingredients para sa kare-kare.” Maya did not stop what she was doing. “Para ito sa hapunan mamaya, ako na ang magluto.”
“Tumpak, mapapa-oh-my-gee niyan ang mga bata.”
“Oo Maya, hindi kasi kasing sarap ng gawa mo yung mga gawa ni Sabel.” Doris ribbed.
“Che.” Sabel stuck her tongue out and changed the topic. “Maya, anong kwento mo?”
“Hmmm, anong kwento?” Was the absent-minded reply.
“May anak ka na pala di ka man alng nagsabi. Kaloka ka.”
“Onga Maya, mula nung napunta ka sa Visayas di na tayo masyado nagkausap.” Doris observed.
“Oo girl, bakit?”
“Ah eh kasi…” Maya reasoned. “Naging busy na rin sa trabaho at sa pagbubuntis ko.”
The other two shared a look.
“Mahirap ba magbuntis? Maselang buntis ka ba?”
Unknown to them, Richard was listening from beside the kitchen.
—
After having taken his own shower, Richard headed towards the kitchen upon hearing a trio of voices conversing.
“Mahirap ba magbuntis?” He heard Sabel’s voice over the crackling of the tuyo in the frying pan. “Maselang buntis ka ba?”
“Hindi naman… pero nakakapagod lang siyempre. Pag alanganing oras antok na antok ako.” Maya responded then laughed. “Buti na lang hindi ganun ka-busy sa regional office ng Time Airways.”
“Eh ang panganganak, kamusta?”
“Andun ba daddy niya?” Doris curiously asked.
“Ah wala – ako lang at si Nanay.” Maya answered.
“Uy, Maya,” Doris tapped Maya’s arm. “May nangyari ba?”
Sabel guffawed at the question. “Kita mo namang may nangyari. Itong si Doris talaga o, nahaharangan na siguro ng bangs mo common sense mo no.”
Doris glared at Sabel but she persisted. “Ano meron sa tatay ni Anton? Parang mailap ka pag siya yung pinag-uusapan.”
“Mahal ko siya.” Maya whispered as she took a seat.
Richard roughly took in his breath, hoping against hope that the three women did not hear him from his post.
“Pero kamusta naman itsura niya? Pogi no? Ang cute ng anak mo eh.” Sabel teased.
“Well kagandahan ka rin pero may ibang dating sa kanya eh.” Doris added.
Maya laughed. “Oo naman, gwapo tatay ni Anton, mabango, maputi, matalino, masipag…” Her voice trailed off while she remembered the man.
“Ano naman nangyari dyan?”
“Ayun, may mga pangyayari na hindi maiwasan.” Maya sighed. “Hindi ko alam … pero sa tingin ko, hindi pala kami pareho ng nararamdaman sa isa’t isa.” She put away the basket and motioned to carry the utensils to the dining room. “Minahal ko siya, mahal ko siya. Pero mukhang iba yung nasa isip niya.”
“Naku, pag makita ko yang lalaking yan, aanak-anakan ka tapos biglang ganyan…” Sabel pounded her fists unto her palm while Doris nodded.
“Naku, Doris at Sabel, kalma lang. Ok lang naman eh.”
Richard turned away, feeling guilty. He did not feel like listening further. Maybe if he did not push her away, this might not have happened. Hearing her speak of her time away made him feel an unpleasant twinge in his heart. This furthered his resolve to talk to Maya that night.
—
When Nikki reached the dining room, she saw her father reading the newspaper while Maya was laying the bowl of champorado down on the table.
“Good morning Dad and Tita Maya!” Nikki energetically greeted them, bending to kiss her father and moving to hug Maya.
“Good morning Nikki!” Maya and Richard greeted back simultaneously.
“Aga mo yata ngayon ah. Di ba mamayang 10 pa pasok mo?” Richard remembered.
Nikki took her seat at the table.“Yes dad, pero gusto ko maabutan si Tita Maya. She might leave na kasi.”
“Ay ano, babalik kami mamaya ni Anton for dinner.” Maya assured her.
“Really?” Nikki perked up considerably. “That’s great! More bonding moments pleaseee.”
“Ah eh –.”
“Maya, you don’t have to leave.” Richard uttered authoritatively. “You can stay here the whole day.”
Luke entered the room just then, interrupting any rebuttal Maya might have had. “Helllooo world.”
“Saya mo ata ngayon ah kuya.” Nikki noted.
“Nag-release na kasi ng text brigade yung chancellor – suspended raw yung pasok namin!” Luke did a fist-pump in the air. “Woohoo!”
“What?! That’s not fair kuya!” Nikki stood up in annoyance.
“Baha na raw kasi sa mga nearby places.”
Nikki ran up to her bedroom to check her phone.
Richard’s cellphone beeped and Luke made his way to his chair.
“Abby’s school has suspended class as well,” Richard shared after reading the text message.
Nikki shrieked as she went back to her family. “Oh-my-geee. Our classes have been suspended as well.”
“Eh yun naman pala eh.” Luke retorted.
Richard dialed to call his secretary. “Hello Liza, can you check on the department heads,” He paused occasionally to listen to Liza. “Yes, check on the affected areas – which have been flooded, have experienced water or electrical interruption…Check also what percentage yung affected. We need to do a headcount, if ever, we’ll just deploy the skeletal force. Thank you Liza. Si Joma, kamusta? They’re coming back? Ok. We’ll expect them here later.”
Just then, Abby came down the stairs. “Ate, why are you yelling?”
“Baby, wala tayong pasok ngayon.”
“Ah ganun ba, so dito kayong lahat?” Maya started. “Uhm, medyo patilain lang naming siguro yung ulan tapos tuloy na kami ni Anton.”
“No Maya, stay,” Richard interrupted. “How many times do you want me to tell you? Do you want me to beg you?” His eyes twinkled.
“Ah-eh,” Maya stammered. ““Ok, so yung inaayos ko na pang-dinner, lunch na lang natin yun – kare-kare.”
“Oh-my-gee, Tita!” Nikki and Abby traded excited glances. “Can Abby and I help?”
“Oo naman, siyempre, kung papayag daddy niyo.”
Said daddy nodded his ascent.
“Sige, balik ako ah. Gisingin ko lang si Anton para sa almusal.”
Richard touches her hand to stop her from leaving. “It’s ok Maya, let him sleep. Late na rin siya nakatulog.” He patted the seat beside him. “Sit beside me and have your breakfast muna.”
“Ok,” Maya sat down, bending her head a bit to hide her blushing face.
Richard quietly observed each of his children getting tuyo after Luke had scooped champorado into their bowls. His children all began to pick out the fish meat from the bones, something they had learned how to do after observing Maya way back. He looked at his own tuyo-free bowl and began to spoon some champorado into his mouth.
Maya was skinning her own fish when she saw that Richard was not eating any. “Sir Chief, ayaw niyo ng tuyo?”
“Well, I haven’t had tuyo for the longest time and,” Richard shrugged. “Honestly, I don’t know how to debone it.”
“Yun lang ba, Sir Chief?” Maya tilted her head. “Kung ganun, ako na ang maghihimay para sa yo. Walang aangal, pagbigyan mo ko dito Sir Chief.” She made quick work of the fish on her plate and took another one. She then started to lean over to Richard to scoop fish unto his bowl.
The three children exchanged looks at his each other. Richard caught them and pretended to scowl.
Nikki whispered, “Si Dad, kunyari ka pa, gustong-gusto naman.”
“What was that Nikki?”
“Nothing, Dad.” Nikki smirked at her father while Luke waggled his eyebrows. Abby covered her mouth to stop her giggles from escaping.
Maya…was Maya. She remained focused on the fish and was not conscious of the communication around her. Suddenly her phone rang.
Fishing it from her pocket, she noted the caller id. “Ah excuse me, I think I need to take this call.” At Richard’s nod, she got up and went to the living room. “Hello James, yes, good morning.”
—
“Yiiii Daddy,” Abby began mischievously.
“Quiet she might hear you.” Richard chided his youngest daughter, wondering.
“Dad,” Nikki butted in with a smile. “I said kunyari ka pa gusting-gusto mo naman.”
At this, her father cannot stop a smile from breaking on his face.
“Daddy, is this because of Tita Maya?” Abby reached to poke her father’s smile. “It’s ok, Daddy.” She smiled angelically.
“Narinig lang na si Tito James yung kausap,” Luke contributed with a chortle. “Nagdilim agad yung mukha ni Dad.”
“Abby, you’re still young.” Richard evaded his children’s comments. “Bakit ka nakikisali sa usapan ng matatanda?”
“Daddy, I’m in gradeschool already.” Abby defended herself. “And I noticed naman po before how you and Tita interact.”
“Flying appear Abigail!” Luke shot his arm out.
Richard pinched his nose bridge. “What do you mean by that?”
“She makes you happy po.” Abby clarified matter-of-factly. “Then when she left, you went on tiger-mode. Daddy Sungit ka nap o ulit.”
“Anong Daddy Sungit?”
“Opo, Daddy Sungit. Tawag yan ni Tita Maya nung yaya ko pa siya.”
Her older siblings burst out laughing.
“I love it, Daddy Sungit.” Nikki gasped in between breaths.
“Maya, are you done yet?” Richard called out to the woman in the living room. Turning to his offspring, he pleaded. “Can’t we eat breakfast in peace?”
“Dad, bihira lang ito.” Luke patted his father’s back.
“Onga po, it’s not like we can tease you and make you uncomfortable like this everyday ah.” Nikki confirmed.
“Yiieee si Daddy, blushing.” Abby giggled, holding arms and hands close to herself as though kinikilig.
“I’m not! I’m a grown man!” Richard raised his hands defensively. “Why am I explaining myself to you? You’re my kids and I’m the parent.” He was flustered but not angry.
“Pero dad, seriously, I hope you know that if ever, ‘if everrr’,” Nikki crossed her fingers.
“Yes Dad, ‘if ever’ you’ll find the courage magtapat kay Tita -.” Luke began.
“Luke -.” Richard warned him.
“As I was saying before Kuya interrupted,” Nikki threw a glance at Luke, who shrugged. “We’ll be totally ok with this. Mommy will always have a niche in our hearts and that’s fine. But Mommy is in her happy place now, I don’t think she’ll want you, us, to wallow in sadness always.”
—
“Maya, how are you and Anton?” James shifted the phone from his ear. “May bagyo raw, do you need anything?”
“Ok naman kami dito ni Anton,” Maya assured him. “Wala naman kaming kailangan.”
“Ok, I’ll drop by tonight just in case.” James offered with concern. “Mag-grocery kasi si Inday, magpabili na rin ako ng canned goods for the two of you –.”
“Ok lang James kahit hindi, wala pa kasi kami sa bahay ni Anton.”
“Wait a minute, don’t tell me – nasa mansyon ka ng mga Lim?
Maya whispered. “Oo James.”
“HAAAAAAYNUIT!”James shouted with glee from the other side of the line. “Nakascore ka na ba?” Maya could almost imagine him making his suggestive winks.
“James! Ano ka ba!” Maya scolded him, her face turning red and warm.
“Biro lang,” He laughed. “But no, really, have you told him yet?”
“Hindi pa…”
“Maya.”
“Mamaya, promise.”
“OK, let’s say nasabi mo na – and then what?”
“Hindi ko alam kung ano magiging reaksyon niya eh… I guess aalis na lang kami ni Anton dito. Uuwi kami.”
“Hmm, tell you what, aantabayanan ko kayo ni Anton, depending on what Mr Richard Lim’s reaction will be,” James proposed. “ I’ll fetch you two and then take you home, ok?”
“James naman eh…” Maya worried her fingernail anxiously. “Lalong magagalit yun.”
“Well, it doesn’t have to be diyan sa bahay nila,” James amended. “We can meet up somewhere else. Especially since ganito ang panahon, aba, mapapagalitan yata ako ni Nanay Teresita niyan kung hinayaan ko mga bunso nila na maulanan.”
Maya thought of Anton having to travel in the wet weather. “Sige.”
“Maya? Are you done yet?”
“Malapit na po, ayan na!” Maya craned her neck to shout to the dining room.
James laughed as he heard Richard. “Hanggang ngayon, Maya, ganyan pa rin ang Sir Chief mo. O basta ah, tawagan o text mo agad pag-alam mo na plano mo. Manggangaling lang ako sa main office ng TA.”
“Sige na James, text-text na lang, salamat. Buh-bye.”
Maya ended the call and pocketed the phone. “Hi sorry natagalan. Nangangamusta lang si James.” She sat down and noticed the sudden quiet. “O, bakit parang ang seryoso niyo?”
Before anyone can react, Richard unexpectedly began coughing and holding his throat.
“Natinik si Daddy!” Abby stood up.
“Ay, Sir Chief, sorry po!” Maya got up to get a banana. “Ito po, saging, kainin niyo para mawala.” She peeled a banana and fed it to Richard. “Kainin niyo lang po tapos lunukin mo.” She gently held his face to place the banana near his mouth.
After a few bites and swallows, the fish bone was dislodged. Luke handed Richard his glass of water. After the momentary panic, Maya became aware of her proximity to Richard, who was holding her hand, which was holding his face, and was looking at her with an unreadable expression.
“Sige Sir Chief, check ko muna si Anton. Parang naririnig ko na kasi siya eh.” She abruptly dropped her hand and made her escape, unsure of how to react in front of the children.
—
“Dad,” Luke announced after breakfast. “Matutulog ako ulit; maaga pa eh.”
“Ok, are you done with all your schoolwork?” His father asked.
“Yes Dad.” Turning to his sister, he said. “Niks, gisingin mo na lang ako kapag mag-aayos na kayo ng pang-relief ops, meron dito sa village eh.”
“Kids, I’ll just be in my office, I think I’ll work from home tod”ay. The weather doesn’t seem good.” Richard peered at a nearby window. “I don’t want to leave you all home in this weather.
“Yes Dad.” The children replied.
“I’ll be in my room naman, I need to finish my reviewer eh.” Nikki waved as she made her way to her room as well.
“Tita, may presentation kami sa school tomorrow. Can you help me out?” Abby implored.
Maya, who was just finishing up wiping Anton’s mouth with tissue to make sure no smudges of champorado are on his face, nodded. “Of course baby.” Patting down Anton’s clothes, she helped him get down from the chair. “Halika Anton, doon tayo kay Ate Abby.”
—
After arranging the manpower for the day, Richard crept to the room of Abby and slowly opened the door. To check on Abby, he tried to convince himself. And Maya and Anton, because they are guests and nothing more.
He saw Anton sitting patiently but he seemed bored.
“Baby,” Richard said quietly.
“Ay baby!” Maya was so engrossed in helping Abby that she did not perceive the door opening.
Richard shook his head with a half-smile. He missed Maya’s mannerisms. “Abby, how are you getting along?”
“We’re ok Daddy,” Abby assured him. “But we’re not yet done. I like Tita Maya’s suggestions for my presentation.”
Richard nodded understandingly. “Mukhang bored na si Anton ah.” He leveled himself with the little boy. “Ano Anton, they’re doing such girly stuff no? Why don’t we go do some manly bonding downstairs?”
Maya’s eyebrows raised but nodded when Anton silently turned to ask for permission.
The buzzer of the house rang.
“Ayun o, Anton, someone rang our doorbell.” Richard took a runner’s stance. “Race you downstairs?”
Anton’s face lit up and ran out of the door with his uninformed father following suit.
—
Anton loved to run. Back in San Nicolas, he would run up and down their stairs, which caused many a frantic heartbeat for his mother. But he was a boy blessed with grace and balance (and, luckily, without the clumsiness of his mother). He would run in the nearby fields, to the fish ponds, and all the way to the plaza.
One thing he got from his mother is his tendency to daydream, which occasionally robs him of his awareness of his surroundings. This was the same trait that made him suddenly barrel unto an elderly lady as she entered the house.
Manang Fe looked at the little boy in shock. “O hijo, nasaktan ka ba?”
“Sorry po, sorry po,” Anton’s face was ashamed. “Hindi ko po sinasadya.”
Richard arrived at the scene, slightly panting. “Anton, you’re too fast for me. Baka tama mama mo, tumatanda na nga ako!” He laughed.
“Ricardo.”
“Manang Fe.” Richard nodded then held the shoulders of the distraught boy. “Anton, this is Manang Fe. Manang Fe, this is Anton. Anton, siya yung kasama ni Mama mo dito when she was still living here.”
“Hello po. Mano po,” Anton took the older lady’s hand to his forehead. “Manang Fe, sorry po kanina at tumatakbo ako. Hindi ko po sinasadya.”
“God bless hijo.” Manang Fe patted the child. “Ok lang yun, basta sa susunod mag-iingat ka. Baka magkabukol ka pa niyan.”
“Opo.” Anton went to Richard’s side then proceeded to hug his side.
Richard answered the unasked question. “He’s the son of Maya.” He wrapped his arm around Anton.
Manang Fe’s eyes widened. “Maya? Andito si Maya?”
Richard nodded and called for the other house help. “Sabel, heat up food for Manang Fe and Joma,” He added the next part as he saw Joma enter with the car keys. “Joma, rest for a while and have lunch before you leave.”
Joma declined politely. “Hindi na ho, baka hinihintay na rin ako ni Liza. Doon sa amin na lang ako kakain.”
“Ay, Joma,” Sabel and Doris popped out from the kitchen. “Dalhin mo na yung pagkain. At teka, may pasalubong si Maya para sa inyo.”
“Dela rosa?” Joma questioned as the three of them left the living room. “Maya dela Rosa?”
“May iba ka bang kilala na Maya, Joma?” Doris countered with a question too.
Before he can even answer, Sabel beat him to it. “At kung meron man, bakit ka niya papasalubungan?”
“At bakit ‘di mo siya ipinakilala sa amin?”
“At alam ba ito ni Liza?”
“Hindi siguro no, ay nako, lagot ka kay Liza!”
“Hayan nanaman kayong dalawa eh no, tuluy-tuloy no?” Joma an ear each of Doris and Sabel and their voices drifted down the corridor.
Manang Fe just shook her head in amusement while Richard carried Anton in his arms. “Na kay Abby lang muna si Maya. They’re preparing for a presentation of Abby in school.”
“Ricardo, kamusta ka naman?” Manang Fe observed her former charge. She noted a distinct lightening in his expression and his overall mien was at peace.
“Ok naman po.” He replied absent-mindedly, adjusting his grip on Anton.
“Parang maaliwalas ang mukha mo.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Manang.”
“Wag kang maang-maangan Ricardo,” Manang Fe moved closer to whisper. “Dahil ba sa ina ng batang iyan?” Without pausing to wait for a response, she quickly added. “Ricardo, nakakamiss magkaroon ng bata sa bahay.”
“Manang Fe!”
They both turned the stairs to see the aforementioned mother with Nikki and Abby.
“Kamusta ka na Maya?” Manang Fe received the hug of Maya.
After briefly waving to Manang Fe, Abby and Nikki motioned to leave. “Tita Maya, we’ll go ahead to the kitchen.”
“Sige Nikki susunod ako.” Maya turned to another mother figure in her life. “Manang Feeee, namiss ko po kayo at ok naman po ako. Kayo po? Kamusta na? Kamusta na rin po yung pamangkin ninyo?”
“Ok naman sila,” Manang Fe said in that calm voice of hers. “Nakauwi na yung asawa niya galing Malaysia, kaya may katuwang na siya dun sa bahay.” She studied Maya’s face. “Pero ang gusto ko malaman ay kung kamusta ka na talaga?”
“Ito, ok naman. Nakakaraos,” Maya’s voice trailed as she followed with her eyes the sight of Anton and Richard horsing around. “Flight stewardess na ako. Masaya naman po.” She faced the elderly woman again, noticing that Manang Fe was looking at the unusual pair.
“Mukhang maraming nangyari sa iyo mula noong huling nanirahan ka dito sa mansyon, Maya.” Manang Fe observed, gauging Maya’s reactions.
“Opo Manang,” Maya quietly replied, feeling deflated all of a sudden.
Manang Fe touched Maya’s arm soothingly. “Maya, ako ang nagpalaki kay Ricardo; alam ko kung ano ang itsura niya nung bata pa siya.”
Maya read between the lines. “Balak ko po sabihin sa kanya mamaya pagkatapos po ng tanghalian.”
“Hayaan mo ako bahala sa mga bata.”
“Salamat po…hindi po kayo…galit?” Maya asked hesitantly.
“Hindi naman, alam kong may dahilan ang lahat ng ito. Hindi kita huhusgahan. Andito lang kami para sa yo Maya.” Manang Fe hugged the younger woman tightly.
—
Abangan:
“Pero, Sir Chief, Richard, hindi rin ako humanap ng iba…”
“Maya, how old is Anton? Answer me!”
—
Note: Thank you sa pagbabasa. Nakakatouch at sorry dahil mabagal ako magsulat. Hindi po ako writer kasi hehe. Nakakataba ng puso ang mga comments niyo at patuloy na pag subaybay. 🙂 Leave a comment and tell me what you think.
Excess Baggage 