Have Faith 5 – Letting Go ; Have Faith 6 – In His Arms

A/N : Before reading. PLEASE! PLEAAASE! CLICK HERE!!! Then buffer it and play it as you read. I swear that it’ll make this whole story better. Please click it. Thanks!

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This is a continuation of Have Faith 4 – The Chinky-Eyed Angel

Author : christine24m

…

CHAPTER 5

“Do you know how to start the engine?” he teased.

“Oo naman!” They are now inside the car, as Richard insisted that he’ll be the one re-teach Maya how to drive.

Maya instinctively inserted the key and turned it, giving life to the car. “O diba?”

Richard gave a soft chuckle. “Tell me what you know about driving a car like this.”

“Uhmm. Basta ang alam ko tatlo yung pedal dito. Yung clutch, brake saka gas. Tapos kada magsi-shift ng gear, kailangan naka-clutch. Tapos pag pipindutin na yung gas para mag-drive, kailangan nakapindot din yung clutch ng onti, parang ibabalance. Yun.”

“Marunong ka naman pala eh!”

“Ehh matagal na Chard. Naku, pag ako naaksidente dito –“

“Then I’ll save you.”

Maya blushed. Naku Maya, sobra na ‘to. Hindi ka pwedeng mahulog sa anghel mo.

After that, Richard guided her in driving. Commanding her when to shift gears, when to hit the brakes and after a while, Maya can finally drive the car through the streets.

“There. Marunong ka na.” Richard said.

“Naku! Ang galing! Salamat Richard!” Maya said gladly as she glances at Richard.

“Eyes on the road.”

“Opo anghel na singkit.” Richard smirked. He’s in a good mood today, especially after the incidents earlier with Maya. Then he remembered Simon.

“He likes you.” Richard said after a beat.

“Ha?” She asked. She was still smiling from what had happened earlier.

“I said he likes you.” He said again, eyes still on the road.

“Sino?”

“That Simon. He obviously likes you.”

“Ha? Hindi kaya!” She was bewildered. Ano kayang naisipan nito at biglang si Simon ang topic?

“No. He does like you. I can see it. Lalaki rin ako, Maya.” He said, tone rising up.

“Oy Richard ha. Masamang magin g judgemental.” Maya answered. She’s getting distracted because of their topic. She’s having a hard time focusing on the road.

“I’m not being judgemental. Nanliligaw ba siya sa’yo?” He continued to ask, not looking at Maya.

“Eh .. oo.” She answered shyly. Her eyes are now shifted to him. Bakit ba to ganto? Nagseselos ba to o ano?

“See? Bakit hindi mo pa sagutin?”He said, looking back at her.
“Ehh kaibigan lang yung turing ko sa kanya eh!” Maya answered, her voice also rising up.

“Kaibigan pa ba ‘yung tawag dun? Sagutin mo na nga lang kasi.”

“Bakit ba ang kulit-kulit mo Richard? Hindi ko nga mahal yung tao saka ‘wag mong ipilit sa’kin kasi hindi mo naman alam yung nararamdaman ko.”

“Eh pinapaasa mo lang yung tao eh! Kung sinasagot mo na sana ..  MAYA!!!”

Richard was unable to continue what he’s saying. He was catapulted from the car. He quickly opened his wings to get a view of what happened.

All he can see is this curve where Maya was driving and a truck which suddenly stopped that was not on its lane. He’s carefully searching for that silver car. He started to worry when he cannot see it.

Then his gaze shifted to the sea beside the curve. It was where he saw the silver car.

“No .. NO! Maya!!” he flew as quickly as he can to the car which is now submerging. He went past through the material and saw Maya crying.

“Richard, hi – hindi ako makalabas.” She said as she cries. He noticed that Maya has bruises on her skin. Blood was seen on a part of her head.

“Nasubukan mo na yung pinto? Eh yung bintana?”

“Nasubukan ko na .. hindi ako makalabas.” She continued crying.

“Try it again. Kailangan mong makalabas!”

Maya barged her door but it won’t budge. She tried the window but it won’t open. The front of the car is now submerged and water is quickly getting inside.

“Richard .. “ Maya said, her face telling him that she’s losing hope.

“No! You can’t die!” surprisingly, tears are now forming in his eyes “Pumunta ka sa back seat, dito ka lang, hihingi ako ng tulong sa labas –“

“They can’t see you, Richard! Ako nga lang diba? Wala kang mahihingan ng tulong sa labas! It’s over. .. “

“No! Wag kang sumuko! Kailangan mong mabuhay!” he exclaimed, tears now flowing in his eyes. “I know you, Maya. Hindi ka madaling mag-give up! Hindi ka –“

“Wala na nga Richard! Hindi na ko makakalabas! Wala na kong magagawa.” Maya said between sobs. Yes, she knows that she’s going to die. She wants to absorb this reality. Although she couldn’t help but regret that she wasn’t able to fulfil her dreams and she hasn’t done anything to help Richard.

“It doesn’t have to be this way!” he said angrily. He tried to push the door himself but he just pass through it. And every time he returns inside, his heart sinks more at the sight of his mortal crying.

“Maya .. I – I’m sorry.” He said as he sat down beside her in the back seat.

Maya couldn’t answer. She’s mentally having a countdown of the time she has left.

“I’m sorry.” He said again. “Ang sabi ko ililigtas kita pero .. “

“Wag mo kong iwan, Richard.” She whispered.

“I won’t leave you. I promise, Maya.” Richard could only stare at her. He wants to comfort her so bad but he knew too well that his hug will just go pass through.

Maya is now shivering because of fear while Richard is just staring at her and could not do a thing.

“I’m sorry, Maya. Kung .. kung tao sana ako –“

Then it hit him. There’s still hope.

Richard closed his eyes and tried to reach heaven. When he successfully made it, he saw that the barrier before was even taller today. But he doesn’t care because he needs to talk to a certain someone.

“Lord! Please save Maya! Please!!” he screamed.

“Please! Save her!!” he continued to scream when he heard no answer.

“Richard –“

“Help Maya! Please! Hindi siya dapat mamatay!” Richard interrupted the voice when he heard Him speak.

“Kung oras na niya, oras na niya, Richard. Wala na kong magagawa.” The voice said.

“I beg you! Please save her! Hindi naman niya kasalanan eh! Ako, ako ang may kasalanan.” His voice getting weaker.

“I’m sorry, Richard.”

Richard’s tears continued to fall.

 It doesn’t have to be this way! Hindi pwedeng mamatay si Maya!

 

My job was to protect her and yet she’s out there in trouble and I couldn’t do a thing!

 

Is this really the end? Is there no way out?

 

Does she really need to die?

 

Am I letting her?

 

Richard was already loosing all the hope in the world. He knew sooner or later, he needs to accept this fact. That fact that he couldn’t do anything, and that he’s loosing her.

He already accepted defeat when he had an idea.

 

“Take my wings.” He whispered.

“What?” The voice asked.

“Take my wings. For exchange, ipahiram Nyo muna yung mortal kong katawan. Just so I can save her.”

“Richard –“

“Please. Take my wings, I don’t need them; I need her more. Just lend me my mortal body. Kailangan kong iligtas si Maya. I’m desperate.”

Richard heard Him sigh. The voice could really see that Richard is indeed desperate to save the mortal, and He doesn’t have the heart to stop him. “Alright Richard, you win.” His mission might be over soon.

When Richard opened his eyes, he’s back in the car which is almost filled with water. There are only a couple of inches left before the car will be filled with sea water. He then turned to his left,  and he saw Maya unconscious, which made him panic.

“Maya .. Maya! I’m here! Don’t lose hope, I can save you. I will save you.”

He quickly barged the door but it won’t open because of too much water pressure brought by the water outside. He then tried the window, barging and punching it with all his might until it fell down in pieces He quickly grabbed Maya and swam outside, leaving the car behind. He swam to a shore not far from where they are. Even though Richard is now losing his breath, he still pushed himself to swim to that shore. He needs to. No. He must.

“Maya .. Maya .. wake up.” He’s lightly tapping her cheek when he lied her down. She’s still unconscious.

“Maya! I’m here! Wake up! Please!” He’s getting more worried now.

Richard leaned down to check if she’s breathing. His heart stopped when he learned that she’s not.

He quickly closed their gap and sealed her mouth with his, giving her air to breathe. Then he shifted to give compressions on her chest. He then checked if she’s now breathing but it was a negative.

“C’mon Maya. Breathe!” he said as he was doing it all again. Tears surprisingly falling from his eyes.

A few more rounds and he still failed to revive Maya. So he did it again for the last time.

“Maya .. please  .. don’t do this ..”

He’s down with the compressions and he whispered. “Don’t leave me. I need you.”

Richard was losing all the hope in the world when Maya still hadn’t respond to his first aid. He just held Maya’s hand and kissed it.

“I beg you, Lord. Please save her. I don’t think I can last here on Earth without her.”

CHAPTER 6

“Maya .. please  .. don’t do this ..”

He’s down with the compressions and he whispered. “Don’t leave me. I need you.”

Richard was losing all the hope in the world when Maya still hadn’t respond to his first aid. He just held Maya’s hand and kissed it.

“I beg you, Lord. Please save her. I don’t think I can last here on Earth without her.”

Richard leaned to kiss Maya on her forehead, when the miracle happened. Maya suddenly woke up and choked because of the sea water she drank.

“Maya ..” It was the only word Richard could say.

“Ri- Richard, patay na ba ako?” she said when she spotted him. “Anghel na rin ba ako?”

After a billion years, Richard finally smiled. “No. Buhay ka Maya. Ligtas ka.”

“Pe – pero pano? May tumulong ba?” she stood up and turned to look at their surroundings. There was no one but them on that shore. Then it hit her – Richard saved her.

Tears suddenly escaped from her eyes. “Richard, i-ikaw ba? Ikaw ba ang nagligtas sa’kin?”

He gave her a smirk. Then he nodded. “Chard naman eh! Alam mo kung pwede lang kitang yakapin, nayakap na kita!”

“Why don’t you try?” he told her.

“Ha? Sure ka?”

He gave her another smile and a nod. “Sure na sure.”

Maya walked slowly towards Richard and stopped in front of him. She found it strange when she actually felt Richard’s presence, like he’s really there as a human being. She lifted her arms to give him a hug. And to Maya’s surprise, she did feel Richard’s masculine body.

“Richard ..”

“Shh.” He said as she hugged her back tight. “Hiniram ko lang ‘to. It’ll wear of soon. I just want to hug you tight.” You have no idea how I’ve longed to hold you in my arms.

Maya understood what Richard feels so she just kept quiet and hugged him even tighter.

“I’m sorry. I promise hindi na kita aawayin.” He whispered to her ear.

“Ikaw kasi eh. ‘Wag ka kasing magselos.” She whispered to his ear. She thought that Richard would just brush of her acusement of him being jealous.

Richard chuckled. “I’m sorry. And why should not be jealous? Kasi wala ako sa lugar?”

Maya felt glad that Richard admitted that he is jealous. She doesn’t know why but for her, its already a confirmation that her angel might have those extra feelings also. “Oo no.” She teased.

Richard kissed her forehead without letting go of the hug.

“I’m sorry. Sa susunod hindi na ko magseselos. And promise to me na you’ll pull over whenever we got into an argument again.” He said.

Maya laughed, which was music for Richard’s ears. He’s so relieved that she’s alive. “Promise yan, Richard.”

Richard released her from the hug and Maya saw something red.

“Chard .. “ She reached for his hand to observe it more. “May sugat ka.”

“It’s okay. I think I got it when I punched the car’s window. Hey! Stop it! Masakit ha.” He said as Maya brushed her finger through his wounds.

“Chard! Malalim ‘tong sugat mo! Tara sa ospital.” She said worriedly.

“Wag na, Maya. Bago pa tayo makarating dun, wala na ‘tong katawan na ‘to. Besides, I missed the feeling of pain.”

As if on cue, Richard suddenly felt an itch on his hands that crept through his arms making him to let go of Maya. The itch continued to spread and much to his surprise, it feels like his skin is burning.

“Chard? O-ok ka lang?” Maya went near her angel when she saw him in so much pain.

“I’m fine. Argh. Kinukuha na ata ‘yung katawan ko. AAARGH! Why does it hurt like this?”He said as he struggled.

“Here.” He quickly removed his necklace that Maya hadn’t seen him wear before. It’s a silver-chained necklace with a letter R as its pendant. “Take it. Kunin mo na bago pa sumama sa katawan ko.”

Maya quickly got the necklace from him. And when she turned to look back at him, Richard’s solid body is again like before. His wounds are now fully healed. He’s an immortal angel again. Richard slowly stood up. That was when Maya noticed something peculiar.

“Richard, nasaan na ‘yung pakpak mo?”

He only gave her a smirk as his answer. “Let’s go? Gagabihin pa tayo dito. And you’re also wet. Baka magkasakit ka pa.” Then he turned to leave.

They were both silent as they got inside the taxi Richard couldn’t explain it but he was really exhausted. While Maya, on the other hand, is still wondering what happened to Richard’s wings.

When they reached her condo, Maya immediately put Richard’s necklace on the table.

“Kwintas mo.” She said.

“Maya, it’s yours.” He said.

“Anong akin?”

“Sayo na ‘yan. Keep it.”

“Ehh sa’yo yan eh. Baka may sentimental value ‘yan.”

He smirked. “That was a gift from someone when I was seven.”

“Richard, ang memory mo!”

He laughed at her. “Calm down, Maya. Sabi ko sa’yo diba, ayos lang ‘to, basta hindi ko maaalala lahat. And I can’t even remember who gave it to me. Blurred eh. Ang alam ko lang, mahalaga sa’kin ‘yang kwintas na ‘yan.”

He walked in front of the table and looked at her. “I want you to keep this necklace.”
“Eh bakit?”

“It’s silver, diba? It somehow reflects the sun, making it shine. I want you to have it so if ever I go back to heaven, and I look down on Earth, I could always see you because of the twinkle it makes. Alam ko kung nasan ka, alam ko na ligtas ka.” He said.

Tears formed in her eyes again. “Naman Richard eh!”

“What?”

“Salamat. Salamat talaga ng sobra. Ang dami ko nang utang sa’yo eh.” She is truly grateful; especially that it came from someone who she treasures so much now.

“I’ll be looking forward to your payment. Sige na, magbihis ka na.” He smiled, then he left and went to the balcony to sit on the railings again.

Compared to before, Richard is now careful in sitting on the railings. He has to keep in mind that he lost his wings and who knows what will happen if he fell down.

I do not regret what I sacrificed for Maya. She’s worth it.

 

“Hello, Tay?” Richard suddenly got curious when he heard who called Maya.

“Opo .. Ha? Nasa balita po?” Maya quickly turned on her television and her father is right – she’s on the news. Well, not precisely her name but her accident. Maya shivered when she saw the whole thing from the television. She doesn’t want anything like that to happen again.

“Tay, so-sorry po, yung kotse niyo kasi .. “ Maya was on the verge of crying when Richard walked to her. He gave her a warm smile saying that everything will be okay.

Maya’s tears finally fell when she heard something that his father said. “Thank you, Tay sa pag-aalala. Pasabi po kina Nanay, okay lang ako saka kay Kute .. Opo, ayos lang po talaga ako, wala po akong sugat … Nasa condo po.”

Oh how Richard wants to touch her again and wipe those tears. But he’s back to being an angel now. He’s back with the reality of not being able to touch her again.

Maya’s eyes suddenly shot to Richard’s face when his father asked him something. “Ah ano po, Pa may .. may sumaklolo po sa’kin .. Opo.” Then she looks straight into his eyes. “Isa pong anghel yung nagligtas sa’kin. Richard po ang pangalan niya.”

Richard was overwhelmed. He feels so glad of what he had done.

“Po? Dinner kasama si Richard?” Maya was shocked when he heard his father asked for a dinner with her angel. It’s the first time he has done that and also, her father doesn’t even know who or what Richard is.

“Tell him na uuwi ka na lang sa inyo. I’ll join pero I cannot guarantee na makikilala niya ako.” Richard told her when Maya seemed to be confused on what to say to her father.

“Tatay, ano, uhm, uuwi na lang po ako dyan bukas, Linggo naman po eh. Pero baka hindi ko po sure yung kay Richard eh. .. Sige po. Bye po.”

“So?” He asked when Maya hung up.

“Uuwi ako bukas sa Laguna. Teka nga Chard, may ginawa ka ba sa Tatay ko?”

“Wala no. Maybe your father just wants to thank me for saving you.” He teased.

“Pwede. Ehh paano ka naman niya papasalamatan eh hindi ka naman niya makikita?”

“He might not see me, but he’ll know I’m there.”

..

It was 3AM, yet Maya is still widely awake. Her body is physically exhausted because of the things that had happened, especially her accident but she just couldn’t forget the last image before she passed out.

There’s water everywhere, she’s stuck. No way out. The doors wouldn’t budge. She’s so scared. So scared. Richard was there but she could not hear him anymore. There’s too much water. No. She wants to get out so badly but she can’t. There’s no way she could get out. She wants to scream for help, she wants to panic, she wants to undo what had happened, but she can’t. It’s all useless. She knew that Richard was comforting her but she can’t hear him. A metronome was ticking in her head, counting the time she had left.

Then she passed out. Next thing she knew, she was on the ground and Richard saved her.

She was truly grateful to him. But fear is still within her.

That night, her door remained open. She doesn’t want it to close. She’s too scared.

..

“Are you okay, Maya?” Richard asked her when he noticed that Maya is fidgeting her hands. They are riding in a bus, on their way to Laguna.

“O-okay lang ako.” She replied shortly. But she knows that she’s not. Beads of sweat can be seen on her forehead.

Everything is closed. Why? Pwede naman silang maglagay ng butas diba?

”Chard. Pwede bang buksan yung bintana ng bus na ‘to?” she asked him.

“What? Nagbibiro ka ba, Maya? We’re inside an air conditioned bus … Wait, are you really okay?”

Maya didn’t reply. She would be lying if she said that she’s okay.

“Look at me.” He said. Maya turned to face her angel.

Richard could see the fear Maya have. He wants to put his arms around her to comfort her but he knew all too well that it’s impossible.

Relax, Maya. Malapit na tayo. Matulog ka muna. I promise, I’ll be here. Hindi kita iiwan kahit anong mangyari. Richard said in her thoughts.

Maya slowly closed her eyes.

It’s all closed. No way out. I’m confined. No way out. No way out. No way –

 

Cut it out, Maya. I’m here. I’m here. Richard interfered in her thoughts. I’m sorry. Dapat hindi kita iniwan.

 

For the first time, Maya fell asleep. When she woke up, she’s already in Laguna. When they reached the bus stop, she stood and head for the doors quickly. She can finally breathe properly when she reached outside.

“Maya.” Richard called her from behind.

“Bakit?” she smiled. She’s back to her normal self now.

“I .. I think you should see a doctor. Nagka-phobia ka ata.” He said. His eyes full of concern.

“Phobia ka dyan. Wala ‘to no.” She simply brushed off, and hailed a jeepney.

“See? Wala akong phobia.” Maya said as she put her phone on her ear, doing what she did when she talked to Richard at the park.

“Maya, iba yung sa bus.”

“Richard, wala talaga ‘to, promise.”
“No. I insist. Please consult a doctor.”

“Richard –“

“I’m just concerned about you. Ayokong makita kang ganyan.” He said, this time he’s looking straight into her eyes.

Maya felt her heart flutter. I can’t be like this. I can’t fall for him. I can’t.

 

“Promise me that you’ll consult a doctor when you got home. Or else ako ang gagawa ng paraan.”

Maya could only nod. This is too much. He’s too sweet.

 

…

At around noon, they finally arrived. The Dela Rosa residence is a simple two-story house. Its walls are painted white. Richard could see a garden beside the house, and it’s full of flowers. Maya could relax there.

“Maya!” Teresita welcomed her with a hug. “Arturo! Naandito na si Maya!”

His father went outside their house, also giving her a hug. “Ayos ka lang ba? Wala ka talagang galos, anak?”

“Wala po Tay.” Then she hugged them again. “Na-miss ko po kayo.”

“Kami rin anak.” Her mother said. “Tara na sa loob. May pananghalian kaming niluto.”
“Sige po Nay.” Arturo carried her bag and went inside with her mom.

Maya turned to Richard. “Sila yung parents ko. Si Nanay Teresita saka si Tatay Arturo. Mamaya, makikilala mo si Kute.”

Richard could only give her a smile as an answer. “How I wish I could actually meet them.”

Maya sighed. “Ikaw kasi eh. Nawala ka agad sa mundo, ayan tuloy, hindi mo ko nakilala.”

Richard halted. There’s something to what Maya said. It’s triggering something in his memory, but he can’t remember.

“Oy, Chard. Tara na sa loob.”

Have we met before, Maya?

Sir Chief Ang Bagong Ideal Man

Author: banana08

Note: Sinong nakaramdam, gumagawa, naniniwala at guilty dito? Taas ang paa! Haha eto na ang malaking problema ng mga kababaihan ngayon! haha

CTO. Inedit ko lang. hehe

~*~

~*~

Si Sir Chief na talaga ang basehan! Sya na ang epitome at wala ng iba! Sa pagiging Daddy, asawa, boyfriend, boss, anak, kaibigan ano pa? Walang itulak kabigin! Gwapo, mabango, matipuno, maganda ang smile, makinis, ewan! haha

P.S. (haha I love you?)
Next na post ko, promise yun MGMMG na! malapit na! 🙂

Learning to Love Again – Chapter 6

Author: laineygirl

This is a continuation of Learning to Love Again – Chapter 5

~*~

Previously…

I want to think that there can be something more than friendship between me and Maya. We’ve only started getting to know each other, but I feel like she’s someone I can be with, someone who can make me fall in love again. Is she the one, Alex? Sya na ba?

Just then the door burst open and Maya strode in towards him.

“Sir Chief, ako na” she declared with a smile as Richard’s mouth fell open in surprise.

——

“I-ikaw na?” Richard stammered, his heart pounding as he stood up from his chair, still clutching the coffee cup.

Maya looked amusedly at him, wondering why he looked so surprised.

“Oo naman, Sir Chief. Ako na talaga.” Maya went around his table and stopped right beside him. Richard gulped. He started feeling light-headed. She was so close that he could smell her perfume. Then she got the coffee cup out of his hands. “Ako na ang maghuhugas nyan, alangan naman ikaw pa.”

Richard choked back a chuckle and managed a ‘thank you’ before slumping back into his seat.

He looked up and thought, Alex, you are such a tease!

——

Maya was tired by the end of the workday. There was so much to prepare and they were still behind schedule, even with a working lunch. Richard had ordered burgers for them so that they could continue to work over lunch. It was already a Thursday and the designs had to be emailed by Friday afternoon.

It was beginning to get dark when Richard walked over to her desk.

“Maya, I think we should call it a day. I’m sure you’re already tired.”

Maya looked up. “Kaya pa, Sir Chief. Tapusin ko lang itong design na ito para bukas konti nalang. Mahirap na, deadline na nito bukas. Sige na, mauna ka na umuwi. Baka hinahanap ka na ng mga bata.”

“No, Maya. Sabay na tayo. It’s really not safe on the streets anymore pag gabi na. Besides,” he added, smiling impishly, “baka masagasaan ka pa sa kalye.”

“Sir Chief naman eh! Hindi mo pa ba yun kinalimutan?” Maya pretended to pout.

“Hahaha, joke lang! How could I forget how we met? Anyway, sige na tapusin mo na yan then let’s go home. I might as well finish signing this stack of papers that Liza left for me.” He grinned at her and went back to his desk.

Maya nodded and went back to work.

By 7pm, Maya turned off the computer and started preparing to leave. She looked towards Richard’s desk but he wasn’t there anymore. She stood up and found him sitting on the sofa, asleep.

She walked towards him silently. He looked tired. She took the opportunity to look at him closely. Although he was in his forties, he had a buff body. What betrayed his age was the few strands of grey hair and the faint lines near his eyes. Nevertheless, he was really good looking. Maya had to force herself to stop staring.

She decided to let him sleep for a few more minutes. She leaned over him, trying to remove his glasses, so he could be more comfortable. But the movement was enough to rouse him from sleep. Maya got startled when he blinked his eyes open and she took her hand back quickly.

Richard’s eyes focused on Maya’s concerned face, on her lips that were set in a straight line, the way it was when she was nervous. He felt a strange warmth in his body as he stared at her for a moment, allowing himself the luxury of taking his time, letting Maya assume that he was still shaking off sleep. But what was in his head was something that even he was shocked at… she was standing so close, and he wanted to kiss her. His heart was hammering in his chest as she hovered just a few inches above his face.

Then Maya stepped back a bit, disconcerted at their closeness. “Sir Chief, sorry ha. Ang kulit ko kasi, dapat nga umuwi na tayo kanina. Pagod ka din nga pala.” Maya’s sweet, melodic voice brought him out of his current train of thought.

Richard straightened up in the seat and adjusted his glasses, waiting for his heartbeat to go back to normal before speaking. “I’m okay, Maya, nakaidlip lang ako sandali. Are you ready to go?” He replied in an even, unaffected voice, making sure that Maya couldn’t read what was on his mind. He didn’t want to scare her away.

She nodded. “Tara na, Sir Chief. Aabutan pa nating gising ang mga bata. Nag promise ako kay Abby na magbabasa kami ng story bago sya matulog.”

“Talaga?” Nagawa pa nyang isipin si Abby kahit alam kong pagod na din sya.  Richard’s heart melted.

——

“Kumain na ba kayo?” Manang Fe greeted them as they arrived home.

“Hindi pa po,” Richard replied.

“O sige, ipaghanda ko na kayo ng hapunan. Tapos na kumain ang mga bata.” Manang Fe told them.

“Tulungan ko na po kayo,” Maya said, following her to the kitchen.

Richard went upstairs to check on the kids. He saw Nikki on the sofa, watching TV.

“Hi Dad!” She kissed his cheek.

“Hi Nikki. Where’s Luke and Abby?”

“Kuya is typing a report. Abby is taking a bath lang.”

“Wala ka bang homework?”

Nikki shook her head. Richard sat beside her. She turned the TV off.

“Where’s Ate Maya pala?”

“Downstairs, helping Manang sa kitchen.” He shook his head smiling. “Grabe ang energy ni Maya, para syang bata, hindi nauubusan ng energy,” he added.

Nikki watched her dad closely. The sparkle in his eyes was unmistakable. “She’s not boring, isn’t she Dad?”

Richard looked at Nikki with raised eyebrows, remembering their conversation a few days ago. His face softened. “No, she’s not,” he admitted.

Nikki could barely suppress a squeal, “Oh my gee, Daddy! You’re blushing!! I’m so kilig!”

“Nikki,” Richard admonished her. “Don’t get too excited. We’re just friends. And please don’t do that in front of Maya ha. I don’t want her to feel uncomfortable. She’s had her share of heartache too.”

“Oh, I didn’t know that.  Sorry Dad,” Nikki nodded somberly. Richard looked at Nikki and decided she was old enough to understand. “I admit, I like her. But I don’t know if either of us are ready to try again.”

Nikki gave him a tight hug. “Oh Daddy. It’s okay. I just want to see you happy again.”

“Thanks sweetheart,” Richard hugged his daughter and felt like everything in the world was right again.

——

After dinner, Richard requested Maya to make him a cup of coffee.

“Magta-trabaho ka pa ba??” Maya asked, incredulous.

“No, no. Decaf lang please, Maya. I just want to sit and relax at the veranda for a while. It’s a nice evening.”

“Okay, Sir Chief,” Maya replied automatically and turned to leave. But she felt his hand on her arm.

“Maya, you don’t need to call me that. Nasa bahay na tayo,” Richard reminded her.

Maya had to suppress the feeling of kilig when he said, ‘nasa bahay na tayo‘. It sounded like something a man says to the woman he shares his home with.

“Pero, Sir Chief…”

“No buts, Maya.” He smiled. “Ako naman,” he added, his eyes dancing.

“Okay, sige na nga, Richard.” Maya smiled back at him.

“Um, if you’re not so tired, why don’t you make yourself a cup as well? Samahan mo ako sa veranda?” Richard asked quickly, before he lost the nerve.

Maya noticed his hand fidgeting with the edge of his shirt. She knew he felt nervous. For some reason, so did she.

“Uh, okay,” she replied weakly.

“Thanks! I’ll meet you there, Maya. Magbibihis lang ako.”

——

Richard was already there when Maya arrived. He had his back to her, looking at the dark expanse of the sky.

She had never seen him dressed for bed before. He had a white cotton shirt on and light blue pajama bottoms. The shirt hugged his body, showing off his ripped arms and toned back.

Maya stood frozen for a moment as she looked at him, admiring the view. Suddenly, the object of her attention turned around, startling her. The tray in her hand jiggled and the coffee spilled a bit onto it.

Richard quickly strode to her and put his hands on the tray handles, their hands touching for a moment.

“Let me get that, Maya,” he said as he took the tray from her.

Maya let go of the tray, took a deep breath and fanned her face a bit before following Richard to the table.

“Natapos ba ang story nyo ni Abby?” he asked her as they sat down.

“Oo, short story lang kasi late na at mukhang inaantok na din si Abby,” Maya replied. “Ang sweet ng mga kids mo, Richard. Ang babait nila.”

Richard nodded. “I’m very lucky to have them.”

The sat quietly sipping their coffee. Richard stole a glance at Maya, who was frowning a bit.

“Maya? Are you ok?”

“Oo naman. Itatanong ko lang sana kung whole day tayo sa office sa sabado,” Maya replied.

“Well, I don’t usually require people to come in on saturdays pero kung kelangan because of a deadline, half day lang naman.  Actually, we’ve all been working almost every saturday for the past two months. Why do you ask? May lakad ka ba sa Saturday?”

“Kasi, Richard, gusto ko sana makapag-ikot na para maghanap ng malilipatan. Sobra sobra na kasi itong binibigay mo sa akin,” Maya answered shyly.

Richard frowned. “Di ba sinabi ko naman sa yo that it’s perfectly alright. It’s no imposition at all. Unless… ah, ayaw mo ba dito Maya?”

“Ha? Hindi naman sa ganun. Masaya nga ako dito eh. Tuwang tuwa ako sa mga bata, lalo na kay Abby. At si Manang Fe, ang bait bait nya sa akin. Para syang si Nanay.”

“O, yun naman pala eh? So bakit ka pa aalis?”

“Richard, nahihiya na talaga ako sa yo. Binigyan mo na ako ng trabaho, napaka generous ng sweldo, nililibre mo pa ako ng lunch, sinasabay mo pa ako papunta at pauwi. Eh parang ano kasi…” Maya hesitated.

“Parang ano, Maya?” he finds it adorable how Maya fidgets and doesn’t look straight at him when she’s shy. He leans closer.

“Ayokong…” Maya paused… ma-chismis tayo? Mapagkamalang may relasyon tayo? She decided her thoughts were too embarrassing to say out loud…. Maya shook her head instead. “Ah, wala naman. Nahihiya lang talaga ako sa yo,” she finished, lowering her eyes.

Richard put a hand on her arm, causing her to jump and look up at him.

“Maya, we’re friends” he looked straight into his eyes. “And friends help each other. But even if you don’t want the help, I told you already, the work you do is worth what we pay you for. What we will earn from Clark is more than what the company needs to pay your salary and whatever expenses from your staying with me. If it makes you more comfortable, then you can pay me for board and lodging.”

Maya thought about it for a moment. The truth is, she really liked it here. She just was not comfortable with the fact that she was getting too many ‘freebies’ from him. Ayokong isipin nya na sinasamantala ko ang kabaitan nya.

“Alam ko naman yun, na you’re a friend and you’re being nice to me. Still, mas comfortable ako na hindi naman patong-patong na ang utang na loob ko sa yo. Sige, Richard. Payag ako dun. Board, lodging and transportation fee ha? Ibawas mo nalang sa sweldo ko please, para naman magaang sa loob kong tanggapin ang lahat ng binibigay mo. Sobra na talagang nakakahiya eh.”

Richard smiled. She’s staying here. He breathed a sigh of relief. “Ok, Maya. That’s a deal.”

Maya nodded. “Okay,” she replied in a small voice.

“So now that Saturday is free, do you want to go back to Clark so we can visit the site for the new hangar? Sama natin yung mga bata. We can spend the weekend there.”

Maya’s eyes widened in surprise and excitement. “Naku, talaga Richard? Sige! Exciting naman! First time ba ng mga bata dun?”

“Yes, actually. Usually kasi business lang ang inaatupag ko dun so I don’t bring them with me. But this time, I think we all deserve a break.” Richard replied.

Maya smiled, thinking of all the fun things to do in Clark, already looking forward to Saturday.

Richard watched her smile and leaned back, excited for the weekend to arrive as well.

To be continued…

A/N: Hmmm, ano kaya ang mangyayari dun? Tara na sa Clark! Sinong sasama? 🙂

Learning to Love Again – Chapter 5

Author: laineygirl

A/N: Thank you for all your wonderful comments! Nakakataba naman ng puso!

I like borrowing lines from the show… moments that I remember well either because super kilig or it touched my heart. You’ll find more bcwmh lines injected into the coming chapters. Nakaka-miss din kasi

~*~

Maya woke up early, as usual. She showered and dressed nicely, as Richard told her last night that they would be going to the office today. She needed to fill up the necessary forms at the HR office and Liza would give her a tour and introduce her around.

Maya chose a conservative charcoal grey dress, cut off just above the knee, and paired it with matching pumps. She applied a bit of makeup as well, wanting to look as professional as possible.

She went out to the kitchen and saw Manang Fe, who was about to make coffee.

“Good morning, Manang Fe!” Maya waved at the older woman.

“O, Maya, kamusta ang lakad nyo ni Ricardo?”

“Naku, Manang Fe, okay na okay po! Nakuha namin yung kontrata!” Maya replied excitedly.

“Ay mabuti naman! Matagal nang tina-trabaho yan ni Ricardo, lagi nga overtime nya dahil dyan. Ikaw, kamusta ka? Maghahanap ka ba uli ng trabaho ngayon, anak? Parang bihis na bihis ka eh.”

Maya blushed. “Manang Fe… nakahanap na po ako ng trabaho!”

“Ha? Eh teka, di ba buong araw kayo sa Clark! Naku, sa Clark ka ba nakahanap ng trabaho?” Manang Fe was unhappy about the idea. She wanted Maya to find work nearby and maybe, she and Richard can still go on seeing each other. She was so sure Maya was the one who will make him happy again.

“Hindi po,” Maya said shyly, afraid to let the woman, who treats Richard like her own son, notice how affected she was. “Ako po muna ang papalit kay Sir Fred,” she explained with an almost embarrassed smile.

Manang Fe looked suprised for a moment then she smiled widely and hugged Maya.

“Naku anak, mabuti naman! Kelangan nga talaga ni Ricardo ang isang katulad mo!” she beamed at Maya. “O sige na, ipagtitimpla ko na kayo ng kape. Maupo ka na sa mesa, Maya.”

“Ay, ako na po, Manang Fe! Mula ngayon, kasama na po yan sa job description ko,” Maya joked as Manang Fe laughed and relented.

“O sya sige, salamat Maya. Tatawagin ko na ang mga bata.”

Richard was already at the table when Maya came out with their coffee cups.

“Good morning Sir! Coffee nyo po,” Maya greeted him as she entered.

“Maya…” Richard growled good-naturedly. “Akala ko ba may usapan na tayo? What’s this ‘sir and po’ business hmmm?”

She smiled at him cheekily. “Joke, Richard!!”

Richard laughed, his chinito eyes crinkling into little slits. Maya loved it when he laughed. It makes her feel like there was hope, even for her as well,… for someone who had lost so much, to find happiness once more.

Richard sniffed at the coffee carefully. “Ahhh, now this is really something to look forward to! Do you think I hired you because of your power point skills?”

Maya’s mouth fell open in surprise.

“Joke, Maya!”

Nikki came down and heard her Dad laughing so early in the morning. He was sitting at the table, looking at Maya while sipping his coffee. They obviously just shared a joke coz Maya was grinning at him too. The thought made her smile.

“Good morning Dad! Hi Ate Maya!” Nikki kissed her Dad. “How was your trip?”

“We got the deal, Nikki!” Richard replied.

“OH MY GEE!!!” Nikki squealed in delight! “Congrats Daddy! I knew you could do it!!”

Luke and Abby were coming down the stairs and heard the news too.

“Dad, congrats!” Luke hugged his dad.

“Ang galing mo talaga, Daddy!” Abby chimed in.

“Well, I couldn’t have done it without Maya,” he acknowledged. Maya blushed instantly.

Abby wrapped her arms around Maya’s legs. “Thank you Ate Maya for helping Daddy.”

“Oo nga Ate Maya. This was such a big project. You know, Dad was soooo in tiger mode na over the last six months sa kaka-worry about that!” Nikki told her as she sat down to eat.

“Tiger mode?” Maya asked.

“Hay naku, Ate Maya, as in super sungit si Dad pag tiger mode!” Luke explained between mouthfuls.

Abby joined in making fun of Richard. She put her hands beside her face as if they were cat claws and said, “Rawr!!!” They all laughed.

Richard couldn’t help but laugh as well. It’s been a while since they’ve shared a laugh like this.

“Guys, guys, by the way, Maya will be taking over for your Tito Fred. Mukhang matatagalan pa sya sa States. Madami akong naka schedule na meetings and I need to prepare the diagrams for Clark soon. Hindi yun kaya lahat ni Liza, kaya kelangan ko si Maya” Richard explained to the three kids, who were all smiles.

“Ok yun, Dad! Tamang tama pala ang dating ni Ate Maya,” Luke told him.

“Ate Maya, does that mean you’re not going home to Mindoro yet?” Nikki asked.

“Oo Nikki. Dito muna ako. Ang bait nga ng Daddy nyo at binigyan nya ako ng trabaho,” Maya glanced at Richard who simply smiled.

“Yehey!!” Abby clapped her hands.

“Sige na kids, you better hurry. Male-late na kayo!”

——

“Did you see that, Kuya?” Nikki asked excitedly as they got into the car.

“Ang ano, Niks?”

“Dad and Ate Maya!” Nikki explained. “Parang ang sweet nila di ba?”

Abby nodded in agreement. “Oo nga Ate Nikki. I really like Ate Maya kasi laging naka smile si Daddy ngayon.”

“O, see, Kuya? Even Abby noticed! Ano ka ba, you’re so dense!”

“Nikki, ayoko lang naman mangialam. Pero come to think of it, oo nga. Parang bagay nga sila.” Luke smiled.

Nikki squealed in delight. “Oh my gee, Kuya! This is gonna be so exciting!”

——

Richard and Maya arrived at the office by 9am. Maya was surprised that Lim Aviation Services (LAS) occupied a whole building at the back of the airport. Everyone, from the security guard to the janitors, secretaries and engineers all greeted Richard a sincere good morning. Parang masaya sa office na ito ah.

“Liza, this is Maya dela Rosa. Maya this is my secretary, Liza,” Richard introduced the two women.

Liza jumped up from her seat and impulsively hugged Maya. “I am so happy to finally meet you, Maya! Mr. Lim says you’re the one who saved the day!”

Maya returned her hug warmly but glanced at Richard with raised eyebrows.

“After I told Liza that we got the account, she asked me how I did it. I told her that you helped me finish it… na ikaw ang nagtapos ng slides, that you accompanied me to Clark, at pinag practice mo ako sa kotse,” Richard explained.

“Maya, we’re so grateful for what you did! I thought we would lose that deal. Nagpapanic na ako nung tumawag si Sir Fred na kelangan na nya umalis. Naku, kung alam mo lang! Anyway welcome to LAS! Just let me know once you’re ready to go around and meet everyone.”

“Thanks Liza!” Maya smiled at her. She liked Liza immediately. She was warm and sincere.

“Ah, Engineer Yamaguchi,” Richard called out as he spied the head of the engineering department enter the room. He walked to where Richard and Maya were standing.

“Good morning Chief!” the Japanese engineer greeted him with a slight bow.

“This is Maya Dela Rosa, my new executive assistant. Maya, this is Engineer Yamaguchi.”

“Maam, good morning!” he greeted her as well.

“Good morning din po Engineer,” Maya smiled at him.

“Chief, mauna na ako. Dami pa tar-baho…” Yamaguchi bade them goodbye.

“Ang galing nya mag-Tagalog ah!” Maya observed.

“Matagal na sya sa Pilipinas, Maya.”

“Kaya pala. Bakit pala Chief ang tawag nya sa yo?”

“Well, I was the Chief Engineer of the project we worked on a long time ago. When I decided to put up LAS, he was one of the first to join me. Eh hanggang ngayon, chief pa din tawag nya sa akin. Lahat tuloy ng engineers dito, yun na din tuloy ang tawag sa akin,” Richard explained.

Maya grinned at him, “So Chief pala ang tawag sa yo dito. Eh bagay naman sa yo.”

Richard smiled back. “Maya, come into the office first?” Richard gestured to the adjacent room.

Maya entered his office. It was huge. A big desk sat in the middle of the thickly carpeted floor. At one corner was a smaller desk with a monitor. A plush, L-shaped sofa was at another corner. Another door led to an elegant, yet undoubtedly masculine bathroom.

The view thru the picture window was breathtaking. She could see airplanes lining up for takeoff. She also saw the helicopter bay. And later on that day, she discovered that she could see the sunset from his office.

“This is our office, Maya,” he told her simply.

Our office? Maya suddenly felt nervous as her face grew warm. Magkasama kami dito buong maghapon? Uh-oh.

“This is your desk and your computer,” he said, gesturing towards the smaller table. “Liza will give you a new sim card to use and a dual sim phone so you can still use your personal sim card.”

Richard led her to a small nook at the far end of the room.

“This is our pantry. May coffee, tea, juice, cup noodles, crackers, at kung anu-ano pang snacks dyan. Just help yourself. Or kung feel mo akong ipagtimpla ng special kape mo, pwedeng pwede din!” Richard grinned.

“Yes, Sir Chief! One special Kape ala Maya coming up!” Maya made a lopsided mock salute, causing Richard to double over in laughter.

Liza heard the laughter thru the open door to her boss’ room. She smiled. She knew Mr. Lim had been lonely since Mrs. Lim passed away a few years ago. She had known him way before that and she had been saddened by the change in him. He was still a good boss, kind, fair and attentive to his employees’ needs but he had lost that sparkle in his eyes. Liza cannot remember the last time she heard him laugh like that over the last five years. Hearing him laugh now brought a genuine happiness to her. Maybe Maya will save the day once more.

“Sir Chief?” Richard repeated as Maya handed him the coffee cup.

“Hmmm, yun ang mas bagay sa yo. Pag nasa office tayo, Sir Chief ka na ha? Medyo nakakailang naman kasing tawagin kang Richard pag nandito tayo sa office,” Maya explained.

“But Maya…”

“No buts, Sir Chief. Kung hindi, hindi kita ipagtitimpla ng kape!” Maya replied playfully.

“Okay, okay, Sir Chief it is,” Richard agreed begrudgingly, pretending to frown in disapproval. “But only in the office,” he added.

“Okay, Sir Chief! O sige na, puntahan ko na si Liza, okay?” she said, ending their playful banter for the moment.

Richard smiled the moment Maya turned around to leave. After she closed the door, he sat on his desk, still grinning to himself as he savored his coffee.

It had been too long since he had felt this light, this happy. Maya brought so much sunshine into his life, and he had only known her for what, three days? Richard shook his head as he realized something. He opened the bottom drawer of his desk and took out his favorite picture of Alex.

Honey, kagagawan mo to ano? His mind goes back to their final conversation…

I’m not ever falling in love again, Alex. Ikaw lang ang mamahalin ko, wala nang iba.

No, Richard. I’ll make sure.

He looked at the photo with affection. Alex was smiling back at him. You really know what I look for in a woman. She’s simple, kind, and caring, just like you. But unlike you, she’s so makulit and funny. I didn’t think I’d go for that in a woman but I think that’s what I need right now. You know me so well, honey.

He traced the lines of her face with his fingers. You know, Alex, this is the first time I’m looking at your photo without wanting to cry. Before, I couldn’t look at you and not be overwhelmed by grief. Pero ngayon, I’m looking at you and I’m smiling, thinking of you as a cupid playing matchmaker. Am I finally at peace? I’m not sure. Maybe. At least I know for sure now that you’re watching over us, that you’re okay, and that you want us, me in particular, to be okay again. He closed his eyes for a while and leaned back.

He missed Alex, there was no doubt about it. She had been his wife for twelve years, the only woman he had ever loved. It feels weird now because even though she’s now gone, he finds happiness in the little things again. He thought it would be impossible after she died. He let his eyes linger on the photo one more time, then he put it back in the drawer.

He took the empty coffee cup and looked at it, his thoughts going back to Maya.

I want to think that there can be something more than friendship between me and Maya. We’ve only started getting to know each other, but I feel like she’s someone I can be with, someone who can make me fall in love again. Is she the one, Alex? Sya na ba?

Just then the door burst open and Maya strode in towards him.

“Sir Chief, ako na,” she declared with a smile as Richard’s mouth fell open in surprise.

To be continue…

The Art of Letting Go – part 29

Note: This is a continuation of The Art of Letting Go 28.

A/N: Super thankie to Nanette. If she didn’t strongly suggest to include Notre Dame Cathedral in Richard and Maya’s tour, I would’ve totally neglect that place and would’ve totally missed writing this plot. So Nanette, thank you so much! The info you gave me is nowhere to be found on the net kaya super duper salamat!

Finally, salamat sa google! A couple of lines you’ll find in this chapter and Richard’s thorough knowledge about the place came from the blog Paris for Travelers: Inside The Cathedral of Notre Dame and About.com: Paris Travel.

So after the lengthy intro, let me now give you the next chapter for this series, and hopefully, one way or another, mapasaya at mapagaan nito ang inyong mga loob. Medyo puro heartaches ang nakikita ko from the recent episodes on TV and most fan fics as well.. God bless everyone!

Author: princemackaroo

~*~

It was already past midnight when Richard and Maya got back to the hotel. Richard walked Maya to her room, hands entwined. As they stopped in front of the door, Richard faced Maya and held on to her shoulders while the latter held on to his waist. “Did you have fun?” he asked. “Sobra sobra! Salamat honey ha,” she answered and closed the gap between them as she hug him tight and leaned comfortably on his chest. Richard hugged her in return and caressed her hair lovingly.

“Anything for you my angel. Sige na. Pasok ka na sa loob para makapagpahinga ka na. Kahit tomorrow evening pa ang flight natin, I don’t think makakapag-pahinga ka ng maayos sa plane. More than 14 hours din ang travel time natin,” explained Richard. “Okay,” she answered but no one seemed to want to let go from the embrace. Realizing what they’re doing, they both started to laugh.

“Ok angel. Sige na. Pasok ka na at matulog ka na,” he said, finally letting Maya go. Maya smiled back at him, “Ok. Good night honey.” “Good night my angel. I love you!” “I love you too.” Richard bent down and gave her a quick kiss on the lips. Smiling at her, Richard watched Maya finally enter her room. After seeing Maya to her room, he then turned and left for his room.

As Richard was already about to sleep, he heard his phone ring. “Hi Rafi!” he greeted. “Hi Chard! Busy ka ba? Am I disturbing you or something?” “Am not busy pero patulog na sana ako ng tumawag ka. What’s up? May problema ba?” “Well, kukumustahin ko lang sana kayo ni Maya. Wait! Patulog ka? Isn’t it close to 1PM palang jan sa Manila? Kelan pa nauso sayo ang pag siesta Mr. Lim?” inquired Rafi teasingly.

Richard let out a chuckle. “Am not in Manila Rafi. I’m in Paris right now. So it’s technically close to 1AM here right now.” “Paris? And what are you doing in Paris?” “I’m here with my girlfriend.” “Girlfriend?? Teka lang Chard! Kelan ka pa nagka-girlfriend?? How come wala ka manlang nasasabi sa akin?? Richard Lim! Kelan ka pa natutong maglihim sa akin ha?? Did you ever plan to tell me about it or you really intend to hide it from me??” burst Rafi in anger. “Teka lang Rafi! Isa-isa lang. Mahina ang kalaban!” chuckled Richard.

“Well you better have a damn good explanation Richard Lim for not telling me about this news!” said Rafi irritatingly. “Ok. Ok. First, I’m sorry kung hindi ko nasabi sayo agad. A lot happened and everything happened so fast, one after the other. If it’s any consolation, wala pa kaming 1 week ng girlfriend ko,” he explained. Rafi let out a sigh, “How come I never heard you courting anyone or seriously dating anyone? Alam ba ito ni Maya? How come pati siya wala namang nasabi sa akin eh lagi kayong magkasamang dalawa?” she asked. Richard simply laughed at the other line. “What??” she asked. “It must’ve slipped her mind as well.”

“So Maya knows about it?? Richard Lim!! How come naipaalam mo agad kay Maya pero ako na una mong naging bestfriend hindi mo nagawang ipa-alam! Grabe ha! I know that you and Maya are now best friends pero sana manlang naalala mo rin ako! Your original best friend! Sobra ka ng nakakatampo Richard ha!” said Rafi angrily but Richard simply laughed at her.

“And you have the nerve to find it amusing?? There’s nothing amusing about it Chard! You totally forgot about me and that’s completely unforgivable!!” she said hotly. “Wait Rafi! Ok, I’m sorry if pinagtawanan kita. The reason why Maya knows about it is because she is my girlfriend. Maya is my girlfriend.” Richard heard Rafi gasp on the other end of the line. “Oh my God! Oh my God! Chard!! Are you serious?? Maya’s your girlfriend??” asked by a shocked Rafi. “Yes Rafi. Maya is my girlfriend,” he confirmed.

“Oh my gee!!” squealed Rafi, “Chard! I don’t know what to say! Chard! I’m so happy for the both of you! Oh my Chard! I’m totally lost for words right now. I don’t know what to say. I’m just so happy!” Richard smirked. “Chard I want to know the whole story. I want to know how you courted her and pano ka niya sinagot!!” “Ah Rafi. Can I tell it to you some other time? Just to remind you that I’m in Paris and not in Manila.” “Ay! Oo nga pala! Sorry! I just got carried away! This is such a good news Chard! Which reminds me, so you brought Maya to Paris Chard? That’s just so sweet of you!” she complimented.

“Well, no. I didn’t bring Maya here. It just so happened that she has flight here and will be returning to Manila later tonight. So I decided to follow her here and be with her.” Richard heard another squeal from Rafi. “Chard! Kelan ka pa naging ganyan?? That’s just oh so sweet & romantic! I never knew you had that in you!” teased Rafi.

“So I guess you toured her around Paris?” she asked. “Yes. We went to Musee d’Orsay, had a private cruise at Seine river, and went to Eiffel tower,” narrated Richard. “Oh Chard! I’m simply lost for words. I’m pretty sure Maya got overwhelmed as well.” “You can say that.” “Oh! Have you gone to the Notre Dame Cathedral yet?” “Huh? No. We actually saw it nung nag-cruise kami along Seine River but never got inside. Why?” “Ok. You need to go there before you leave for Manila. I read an article that said Notre Dame Cathedral is celebrating their 850^th anniversary. As I’ve read, there are a lot of major projects launched to enhance the world-famous building to tie in with this historic milestone. They’re putting in place a new sound system in the cathedral towers, new interior lighting, and even major overhaul of the great organ!” explained Rafi excitedly.

“I see. Well, we’ll try to drop by later if we still have time.” “Oh and one more thing. I’ve also heard that as part of their anniversary, they’ll be putting a big book on the altar wherein you can write your wishes. I don’t know if they do that on a regular basis or if they just did it for this special occasion. Chard, I strongly believe that’s something that you cannot simply let pass.” Rafi said, matter-of-factly.

“Ok, ok. Baka magtampo kang lalo sa akin niyan if I won’t follow your advice,” chuckled Richard. “You bet! Talagang magtatampo ako sayo niyan!” said Rafi jokingly. “Ok. I’ll bring Maya there later.” “Ok, good. O sige at matulog ka na Mr. Lim. Oh, kindly send my hugs and kisses to Maya, ok? And Chard, please take good care of Maya. Don’t ever dare make her cry again ok?” Richard simply laughed, “I won’t. And if she’ll ever cry, I’ll make sure that they’re tears of joy.” “Sinabi mo yan Chard ha! Aasahan ko yan!” “Yes. You have my word,” he said. “Alright. You two enjoy the rest of your stay there. Take care Chard. Bye.” “You take care as well Rafi. Send my regards to Charlie. Bye,” then they both hung up their phones.

“A big book to write our wishes? Placed on the altar? Hmm..” thought Richard. A few seconds later, a smile formed on his face as he thought of the right words to write on the said book. A couple of minutes later, Richard dozed off to dreamland with a smile on his face.

11:00AM the next day, Maya’s still sleeping peacefully on her bed that she didn’t hear the doorbell rang nor notice that Eds had already left the room leaving her with Richard sitting at her side. Richard gazed at her face for a while then he started to caress her face. Smiling down at her, he slowly moved his face towards hers. “I love you so much my angel,” he whispered then planted a kiss on her temple.

Maya stirred. Slowly she opened her eyes and saw Richard, smiling lovingly at her. “Good morning my angel,” greeted Richard as he caressed her face. “Good morning honey ko,” greeted back Maya as she tried to stifle a yawn. “What time is it?” she asked. “10 minutes past 11.” Surprised, “Huh? Tanghali na pala. Nasaan si Eds?” she asked as she noticed that Eds is nowhere to be found in their room. “She already left. Tulog na tulog ka pa kasi kanina kaya hindi ka na niya ginising. Ibinilin ka nalang niya sa akin.”

“Angel, you have to get up now and get dressed. We’ll have our lunch and we’ll be going somewhere,” grinned Richard. “Huh? You mean hindi pa tapos ang mga surprises mo sa akin?” “Well you can say that.” “Eh saan ba tayo pupunta?” “It will no longer be a surprise if I told you, wouldn’t it? Sige na. Bumangon ka diyan.”

Maya lazily propped herself up and sat up straight. “Ok sige. I’ll just take a bath first then magbibihis na ako.” “Ok,” replied Richard. For a couple of seconds, she simply stared at Richard. “What? Bakit hindi ka umaalis dito sa kama mo? Kala ko ba maliligo ka na?” he asked. “Eh oo nga. Aantayin mo akong matapos?” Richard simply laughed at her response. “Of course. We’ll have our lunch together at may pupuntahan nga tayo di ba?” “Oo nga. Pero,” scratching her head, “Pwedeng dun mo nalang ako antayin sa kwarto mo or sa restaurant? Nakakailang kasi eh. Hindi ako makaka-kilos ng maayos pag andito ka,” explained Maya shyly.

Richard simply laughed some more seeing Maya’s hesitation. “Ok, I understand. I’ll just wait for you sa may lobby. Don’t take too long ha? Baka masyado kang malibang sa pag-shower mo at makalimutan mo na ako,” chuckled Richard. “Ikaw talaga. Sige na. At ng makapag-start na ako agad.” “Ok.” With that, Richard kissed Maya on her cheek, turned around to leave and proceed to the lobby.

After an hour, Maya finally approached Richard at the lobby. They greeted one another with a light kiss on the lips. Hand in hand, they walked towards the restaurant and started to have their lunch. “By the way, Rafi called me up.” “Talaga? Kumusta naman daw siya?” “She’s fine. Apparently, she’s surprised that I’m here in Paris and much surprised to hear that I already have a girlfriend.” Maya almost choked on her food. “Hindi mo parin nasabi sa kanya?” asked Maya in surprise. Chuckling at her reaction, “I don’t know what got into me. It totally slipped my mind.” Feeling guilty herself, “Nakalimutan ko ring sabihin sa kanya. Nagalit ba siya?” “She did. She was angry at first. She thought I’m already keeping secrets from her. Mas lalo nga siyang nagalit ng malamang may alam ka. Nagselos pa ata sayo kasi siya naman daw ang first and original best friend ko pero ikaw pa daw ang mas nakakaalam na may girlfriend na ako,” explained Richard, laughing at the thought.

“Ha?? Sinabi niya talaga yun? Naku! Nakakahiya naman kay Rafi! Nagalit pa tuloy siya!” said Maya, thoroughly embarrassed about the whole thing. Richard simply reached out for her hand and squeezed it tight. “There’s nothing to worry about my Angel. I already explained to her everything. Besides, nung una lang siya nagalit. After kong magpaliwanag and after kong sabihin na ikaw ang girlfriend ko, nawala nalang bigla ang galit niya. She’s even beyond words happy for us.” “Talaga?” she asked. Richard simply nodded his head. “I bet she’s feeling proud herself for playing cupid for the both of us,” grinned Richard. Maya simply chuckled in response.

Shortly after their lunch, the two made their way outside the hotel and boarded their rented car. As soon as they reached their destination, Richard immediately got out of the car and helped Maya out. “This will be our last and final stop,” he said, gesturing to the magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral. “Here?” she asked. “Yes,” grinned Richard. Maya simply gazed at the Cathedral, amazed by its French gothic architecture, the flying buttress, and the gargoyles seen on the outside. A smile slowly crept up her face.

“This place still never fail to amaze me,” she said. “So I assume you’ve already been here before?” asked Richard. “Yes. During my previous flights. Nagpupunta kami dito, nung minsan nga kasama ko pa sila James at Emman. Pero ang hindi namin nagagawa is umakyat sa tower. Ang haba lagi ng pila eh.” “So I guess this time it’ll be different.” “Why? Aakyat tayo sa tower?” asked Maya expectantly. “Yes. So let’s go?” Hand in hand, they both entered the Cathedral.

The awe inspiring grandeur of the cathedral gave them a magnificent and somber feel. With the low lighting effect, the atmosphere gave a medieval feel where one can linger and be lost in thoughts. “Medieval architects represented their idea of human earthliness in relation to heaven through structures that were at once grandiose and ethereal–and Notre Dame’s interior achieves exactly this. The cathedral’s long halls, vaulted ceilings, and soft light filtered through intricate stained glass help us understand the medieval perspective of humanity and divinity. There is no access to the cathedral’s upper levels, obliging visitors to remain earthbound, gazing upward. The experience is breath taking, especially on a first visit,” explained Richard.

Maya simply gazed up at him. Stunned at his thorough knowledge about the place. Richard noticing her stunned reaction, “What?” “Ang dami mo kasing alam eh. Kinabisado mo ba ang history ng Paris? From Musee d’Orsay hanggang dito sa Notre Dame parang alam mo lahat,” said Maya. Richard laughed amusingly at her reaction. “My interest got piqued when I first saw the museum and when I first set foot here in Notre Dame. I guess curiosity got the best of me and I end up researching about the history and facts of both places,” smiled Richard. “Hmm. Mukha nga. Ibang klase ka din ma-curious!” quipped Maya.

As they made their way to the towers, “Angel, are you up for the climb? Mataas taas din ito. 422 steps.” “Ok lang yun. Exercise din yun. Saka sa mga nadinig ko naman sobrang worth it naman daw ang climb.” A notorious smile forming on her face, “Honey, baka naman ikaw ang di kayang akyatin yun? Don’t tell me nirarayuma ka na?” teased Maya. “Excuse me! Ako nirarayuma? Of course not! Gusto mo buhatin pa kita paakyat eh!”

Richard immediately bent down and was already about to carry Maya when the latter immediately backed out. “Honey ok na! Ikaw naman. Binibiro ka lang naman eh!” laughed Maya. “By the way, hindi na natin kailangan pumila? Di ba may pila para maka-akyat sa towers?” “I have my resources my angel. Let’s go.”

After a long exhausting climb at the tiny enclosed winding staircases leading to the towers, the two finally made it on top. The towers gave them a noteworthy view of the Ile de la cite, the Seine, and the entire city of Paris. They were even face to face with the statues of grimacing demons and menacing carrion birds.

“Ang ganda,” voiced out Maya, still in awe by the stunning beauty bared before her. “The climb’s all worth it, don’t you think?” “Sobra honey! Nakakawala ng pagod ang view dito sa taas.” Maya drowned herself with as much magnificence that she could take while Richard on the other hand, took a couple of pictures of the breath taking views and numerous pictures of an awestruck Maya.

Richard, having a thorough knowledge of the cathedral and the towers, toured Maya around. He brought her to the north side which features a portal with a stunning 13^th-century statue of the Virgin Mary. Unfortunately, the Christ child she is holding was decapitated by the 18^th-century revolutionaries and never restored.

Next, they went to the rear façade which dramatically displays Notre Dame’s flying buttresses and decidedly gothic spire. Finally, they went to the South side which features the Saint-Etienne Portal, depicting the life and works of the saint of the same name and displaying elaborate sculptures. Also, there they found Notre Dame’s infamous 13-ton bell.

After resting for a couple of minutes, the two finally made their way down. Richard toured Maya on the interior of the Cathedral. Maya’s gaze fell on the cathedral’s three stained-glass rose windows. Following her gaze, “Those are the interior’s outstanding feature, the three stained-glass rose windows.” “Rose Windows?” asked Maya. “Yes. The North rose window depicts the Old Testament figures surrounding the Virgin Mary. The South rose window, meanwhile, depicts the Christ surrounded by saints and angels,” explained Richard.

Shortly after, Richard showed her the rest of the attractions found inside the cathedral including Notre Dame’s organs, the choir, and Notre Dame’s treasury. After touring around inside the cathedral, Richard led Maya to one of the pews to rest for a while and pray.

“O bakit?” asked Maya consciously as she caught Richard staring at her. Richard holding her hand, smiled at her and said, “Wala. I’m just happy. I just wish we’ll be this way forever.” Smiling back, Maya moved closer to Richard and rested her head on his shoulder. “I also wish the same.” “Did you know that this year, this cathedral is celebrating its 850^th anniversary?” Maya suddenly sat up straight and with a surprised look on her face, “Talaga?” “Yup! It was Rafi who mentioned it to me. I simply would have let this pass but she mentioned something to me that’s too tempting to resist.” Bewildered as to where Richard’s leading at, “Ano naman yun?” she asked. Richard simply smiled, holding her hand, he stood up and brought her to the high altar.

Gesturing at the big book located on the altar, “This.” Maya saw the book that Richard was pointing at. “Rafi said that this is a big book of wishes. As part of their anniversary, they have this book wherein people can freely write down whatever they wish for,” explained Richard. Taking out a pen, “Let’s write on the book. Let’s write our wishes,” he said. Maya smiled and nodded in response and they both started writing down their wishes.

After they’re done writing down their wishes, Richard asked if he can read what Maya wrote. Maya agreed and at the same time, also read Richard’s wishes. Maya was astounded to see that Richard only wrote one wish and that is to be with her and remain in-love with one another forever. She was too stunned and overwhelmed to even react to what she read.

“Ang dami mo namang wish angel ko but I’m pretty sure matutupad mong lahat yun,” he said but gained no response from Maya. As he looked at her, he noticed that Maya was still staring at what he wrote, apparently lost in her own thoughts. “Angel?” he said as he gently held her shoulder. Maya slowly lift up her face and looked at Richard. “Honey..” she muttered. Grinning down at her, “What? Bakit bigla ka namang natulala diyan?”

Overwhelmed by emotions, tears welling up in her eyes, she immediately hugged Richard. “Masaya lang ako. Masayang masaya.” Richard simply smiled, hugging her back and caressing her hair softly. “You know what my angel, at this point in my life, I can say that I’ve already achieved a lot and been through a lot. I’ve reached the pinnacle of my career, have loved and lost, learned how to truly live, appreciate life and be content and complete, and learned to love again. If there’s one thing left for me to wish, that is you my angel.”

Richard cupped Maya’s face and looked intently in her eyes. “You’re all I have left to wish for. I just want to be with you and stay in-love with you forever. I just want us to be together for the rest of our lives, be happy together forever. I know may mga mapagdadaanan din tayong mga hirap at lungkot but I know, together, we’ll see past through them. All I want is for you to always be happy by my side.”

Maya saw the love, affection and sincerity in every word she heard and saw them in his eyes as well. Richard smiling sweetly at her, looked up to the cross and back to her, “And now, with God as our witness, I promise you my angel, that I’ll always stay in-love with you forever, always try to make you happy by my side, always be there for you, always be your lover and your best friend,” he paused for a while and gathered Maya back in his arms, “I’ll make it a point to regularly sing to you, be your music when all the music dies.”

Maya gave him a soft laugh. “Kanta naman yun honey ko eh!” “Kahit na ba. I feel the same way eh,” chuckled Richard. Finally he said, “If ever I need to leave earth to fall, I’d be glad to do so. As long as that fall would lead me back to your arms, and fall in love with you all over again.” “Alam mo honey, sobrang cheesy mo!” chuckled Maya but could already feel her face heating up. “Para naman tayong kinakasal nito eh!” Richard looked at her, “Bakit? Gusto mo ikasal na tayo? Pwede naman. Gusto mo ikasal na tayo ngayon na!”

Caught by surprise, “Oy honey ha! Parang lahat nalang dinadaan mo sa short cut! Una, naging tayo ng hindi ka manlang nanligaw. Tapos ngayon gusto mo ikasal na agad tayo? Eh ni hindi ko pa nga nakikilala ang parents mo, hindi ka pa nga nagpo-propose, kasal na agad-agad?” Richard simply laughed. “Ok, ok. We’ll take things slowly and properly. Don’t worry, you’ll be meeting my parents soon.” “Talaga? Uuwi sila sa Pilipinas?” “I plan to ask them to come home kahit for a couple of months lang. So I can properly introduce you to them and you guys get to know each other.”

After hearing this, Maya got excited and anxious at the same time about the idea. “Sa tingin mo magugustuhan nila ako?” Laughing, “Of course they’ll do! You don’t have to worry about them. I know they’ll like you and accept you as their own,” assured Richard. “Eh di ba may tradition ang mga Chinese na kailangan sa isang Chinese lang din sila ikakasal?” “Yes, the Chinese community do have that tradition but we don’t necessarily have to follow all traditions naman. We still have the discretion to follow them or not.”

Richard looked intently in her eyes and assured her some more. “Angel, introducing you to my parents is just for formality. Of course gusto kong ipakilala sa kanila ang babaeng nagma-may ari ng puso ko. Someone whom I want to spend the rest of my life with. I wanted to share my happiness with them and have their blessings for our relationship. Angel, their blessing and acceptance is important for me but regardless, what matters is us. Nothing will ever sway the love that I feel for you. And may God allow, I simply wanted to be with you forever, no matter what. Kaya don’t worry about it, ok?” Maya simply nodded in response.

“Kelan naman kaya sila bibisita sa Pilipinas?” she asked. “I plan to give them a call once we get back to Manila and request them to come over as soon as possible. We may expect them in a week or so,” explained Richard. “Ok,” replied Maya. “Basta Angel, promise me not to stress yourself thinking about the possibilities when you meet them, ok? They’re good people and I know they’ll love you as well. Mababait din sila gaya ko. Sa kanila ako nagmana eh,” said Richard proudly.

Maya simply gave him an incredulous look. “Hindi kaya mas dapat akong matakot niyan sa sinabi mo na kagaya mo sila?” teased Maya. “Ah ganon.” Without warning, Richard started tickling Maya on her sides. “Honey tama na! I’m just kidding!” said Maya as she tries to catch her breath for laughing hard.

Hugging each other once more and looking at each other’s eyes, “I love you so much my angel.” “I love you too honey ko.” “Angel, promise me no matter what, we’ll always stay this way forever? Promise me that you’ll always stay in-love with me, the way I am with you?” asked Richard. “Umm.. Pag-iisipan ko!” teased Maya. “Angel!” said Richard impatiently as he pouted his lips. Maya simply laughed, amused with his reaction. “Angel naman eh! I’m serious! Please? Promise me?” Smiling sweetly at him, “Yes honey ko. I promise. With God as our witness, I promise to always stay by your side forever and stay in-love with you forever.”

After declaring their promises and love for one another, they sealed their promises to one another with a kiss, unmindful of the other people around them.

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