Maybe

Chapter 19: One Romantic Evening

The three of them were getting ready for the event. Rachel wondered why Paul was wearing joggers, "Oh, bakit hindi ka pa bihis?"

Richard emerged out from behind and offered his hand as Paul spoke, "The evening is all yours, Ma. Enjoy."

"Let's go?" Richard spoke. He looked good, Rachel thought, He looked great.

Rachel smiled and wrapped her arm around his, "Okay ka lang dito?"

"Opo, Ma. Just enjoy, I'll be fine," Paul.

     "We'll go ahead, Anak."
----------------------------------------------------
They arrived at the venue. Richard had his hand intertwined with Rachel as they walked in. As their shoes touched the red carpet laid out for all the invitees, he slowly wrapped his arm around her waist. He didn't look at her but Rachel took a glance at him, she felt like every was right.

After they had a few glasses of Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon,
they headed to the dance floor.

Richard wanted to do his thing but he need permission, which Rachel picked up on. She took his hand and put it on her waist, "It's okay, you can do that." He giggled.

Rachel didn't know how to explain whatever she was feeling. She felt happy—the happiness that she never felt in the past three years. She felt the love outpouring from him. She felt very light, that he and she was dancing and she was worry-free.

She touched his cheek, "Richard?" He raised his eyebrows, "Thank you, ha?"

"For what?"

"For these past few weeks. I've been enjoying kaya," she chuckled.

"Wala 'yun. Are you happy?"

"Do I have to answer that question right now? Because I feel like it's a double-meaning question, " she smiled.

"If you want. I just want to know, just please answer it."

She pinched his cheeks along with gigil sounds before she spoke, "As a matter of fact, yes. Yes, I'm happy."

"That's all I needed to know, Rach."
----------------------------------------------------

Paul on the phone...

P: Ano ate, ready ka na for tomorrow?

L: Yeap. I'm all set. Ikaw ha, 'wag madudulas.

P: Oo naman. I don't want to ruin everything. I'm really curious of what her reaction will be.

L: Ako rin eh. Okay, I'll go ahead.

P: Ingat ka, I'll see you tomorrow morning.

L: Okay, I love you.

P: Love you too, Ate.
----------------------------------------------------

A familiar business associate approached their table, "So, I wasn't informed that you two were okay na? What's your current status?"

"Uhm, Mr. Sanchez, I think you--" Rachel cut him off and answered, "Let's just say that Richard and I are happy. Let's leave it at that," she smiled.

Richard wrapped his arm around her waist, "May pa ganon-ganon ka pang nalalaman, ha."

She wrinkled her nose in the cutest way possible, "Ako nga, Gomez, tigil-tigilan mo."

     "Nga pala, Rach, anong gagawin natin tomorrow?"

     "I don't know nga eh, wala naman si Louise kaya siguro.. maybe we'll just eat out."

"You really want Louise to be here on your birthday, don't you?"

"Is that a question, Richard? Syempre, anak ko 'yun eh. Atsaka kasi it's been our routine that if it's my birthday or theirs, it's always a family thing. You know, syempre they're not that young anymore so responsibilities are coming their way kaya we use that time to, sometimes, catch up and bond. Lalo na 'yang si Paul, kahit siya yung mas bata, parang siya yung nagmamadaling bumukod. You know how boys his age are," Rachel said.

"So, Paul likes to be independent na?"

"Both of them likes to be independent naman pero si Paul, konting ano lang pinagsasabihan ako. As in marerealize mo na, Oh my gosh, my baby is growing up. Mga ganon, kasi hindi na siya marunong maglambing tapos naiinis siya kapag naglalambing ako sakanya. Kasalanan ko bang gusto kong lambingin ang anak ko."

Hayy si Paul, Richard thought. "Ahh. Well anyways, I have a suggestion tomorrow."

"What?"

"Naiisip ko kasi, we can just eat at home. I'll cook, if you want?" Richard smiled.

Rachel smiled, "You know what, I actually like that idea.. Sige, tomorrow sa house."

"I have a request though, " Richard.

"Ano nanaman 'yun?" she giggled.

"Can you cook bulalo?"

"Namiss mo 'yung timpla ko 'no?" Rachel chuckled.

"Syempre. Your bulalo is the best bulalo I ever tasted."

"Sus, 'kala ko ba volleyball player ka na ngayon?"

"Oo nga."

"Eh bakit parang basketball player ka pa 'din kung mambola?" they laughed.

"Bahala ka diyan kung ayaw mong maniwala," he looked at his watch, "What time do you want to head home?"

"Anong oras na ba?"

"Eleven na."

"Uhm.. sige, tara, let's go na," Rachel.

"Sure ka?"

"Yeah. I'm tired na 'din, Rich."

"Okay. Tara, let's say bye na," Richard offered his hand to Rachel and she accepted it with a smile on her face.
----------------------------------------------------

Hi guys! Medyo maikli nanaman 'tong update na 'to. Babawi ako sa kilig next chapter. Sorry ngayon lang nakapagupdate. Lutang na lutang pa ako sa mga nangyari. I still can't believe that I got that chance to meet Mama & Papa. Until now, it still feels surreal. Thank you for reading, much love to you all!

- E