Maybe

Chapter 15: An Escape From Reality

     Second event tonight. Rachel felt uneasy attending because since it was an all-adults event, Paul couldn't go and they've set a plan that Richard would be her date. But she didn't know if he'd even want to be her date because of what happened the day prior.

     "Hi, Rachel.. Gomez, right?" an investor said.

     "Yes. Mr. Santiago, correct?" the gentleman nodded and they shook hands.

     "Nice to meet you, Mr. Santiago."

     "Likewise. Uhm.. may I take you to the dance floor," the man offered her his hand, "I mean I don't see a date with you tonight."

     "Well, I mean I gue--," Rachel jolted upright when she felt two manly arms wrapping around her waist.

     "I'm sorry, Mr. Santiago, but I am her date," Richard smiled.

     "Oh, I see. Well.. you two have a great time. See you around," the businessman left.

     "Richard what are yo--," Richard put a finger on her lips.

     "Just enjoy the night, Rachel. Akin ka muna, kahit ngayong gabi lang, please?" Richard pleaded.

     Rachel put all her inhibitions away.
"Follow your heart, Mama. Do what makes you happy." She wrapped her arms around Richard's arm and smiled, "C'mon, let's dance."

     On their way to the dance floor, the upbeat music stopped and a slow song played. 'Sweetest Love'. They both looked at each other. It was the first song they danced to in college and they had a situation similar to what they have now.

Flashback...

     A dance was being held in their university. Rachel wasn't sure if Richard was going to still attend the dance, knowing that she was going to be his date. They fought two days prior about how their commitments are forbidding them to see each other.

     Rachel sat on a table and just hoped that he'd come. They haven't been able to even say 'I love you' and hug each other. She wanted to make peace with him but how?

     It was half way through the night when she saw him walk in the entrance with a small bouquet of calia lily. He went straight to her and gave her the flowers, "Sorry I'm late. Do you want a drink?" She shook her head and he sighed, "Tara, let's dance."

     He offered his hand, took her a second to make a choice, but she didn't want to make a big deal out of it so she accepted his offer.

     They made their way to the dance floor and the song 'Sweetest Love' played.

     They started to dance, hands on each other. "Babe?" Rachel spoke.

     "Yeah?" Richard. Rachel hugged him tight.

     "Babe, I'm sorry." She was now crying while both of them are in each other's arms in the dance floor.

     Richard caressed her back, "It's okay. 'Di mo naman kasalanan. I love you, you know that right?" Rachel shook her head and he hugged her again, burying his face in her neck and his mouth was near her ear, "Kahit hindi ko nasasabi sayo these past few days, never forget... mahal na mahal na mahal kita, hm?" he kissed her cheek, "Tahan na, okay? I love you and no busy schedule can ever change that."

End of flashback...

     They were dancing. Enjoying themselves and each other's company. "Rachel?"

     "Yeah?"

     "Are you happy?" Richard.

     "Y-Yes."

     They had a few drinks, drunk but mostly sober. "Tara Rich. Let's take a drive?"

     "Saan mo gusto pumunta?"

     "Anywhere. Paul is with my dad naman eh," Rachel.

     "Sige, tara."

     Richard swept her up, "Hold on," she giggled but in her head she wished that this night would never end. The happiness that she has right now is priceless and unexplainable.

     He drove to Tagaytay without her knowing. They arrived just in time to watch the sunset, "Hayy, sana araw-araw pwedeng ganito tayo."

     "Pwede naman eh," Rachel said.

     "What do you mean?" Richard's forehead wrinkled in curiosity.

     "Well.. if you want lang naman. If, you know what I mean," Rachel.

     Richard needed clarification. He faced her to him and held both of her hands, "Rachel, kahit pa konti-konti hangang handa ka na, pwede ba?"

     Rachel nodded and Richard hugged her. They pulled apart and Rachel saw the small amount of tears Richard was wiping, "Oh why are you crying?"

     "Wala. Masaya lang," Richard.

     Rachel smiled, "Asus naman. Tara uwi na tayo. I'm tired na eh."

     "Let's go." Richard and Rachel walked back to his car. He was surprised when Rachel took his hand to intertwine in with hers on the way.

     Rachel fell asleep on the way home, not minding their hands intertwined while resting on Richard's thigh. A song played on the radio,  'Put Your Head On Head My Shoulder'.

     He hummed along with the song while tinkering with Rachel's hand a bit.

     You don't know how happy I am today. Finally. Finally, you gave in. I've been wanting to hug you and hold you close for so long. I've been longing to see that sweet and most genuine smile of yours. How your laughter is just pure music to my ears. Malapit na, Rach, malapit na. I just need to give you time pero ako, handang handa na. Mahal na mahal kita. To this day, I shall never let you go.  - Richard thought
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     Short lang po ito :) Ano happy na po? Comment all your thoughts and reactions, please. I want to know what you think if my story :) Thank you for reading, God bless!

- E