Their Happy Ending (One Shot Story)

Chapter 3: Ang Pamamanhikan

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(10 months later..)

Richard's in the veranda drinking his coffee waiting for his parents because he wants to tell something.

"Richard, son.. Why aren't you in the office? Diba marami kang gagawin doon?"

"Yes, Ma. But I want to talk to you. I want to tell something."

"What is it, son?"

"Nothing much, Pa. I know na mag-iisang taon pa lang kami ni Maya. And.."

"And.. What?" Esmeralda asked.

"..And I want to spend the rest of my life with her. I want to marry Maya."

(shocked) "Oh, Richard.. --"

"Alam ko na parang mabilis ang lahat. But I'm sure of this, Ma. I'm not like Maya. You know that I'm a middle-aged man. I want to be with her every single day. Everytime I see her, she makes me happy, and she makes me special. Maya accepted me wholeheartedly even though I have three kids, accepted me for who I am and what I am. She changed me the way I see things before. I can see myself living here with her and the kids. I've never been this much happy. Ma, Pa.. I LOVE MAYA very much, and you know that. And I want her to be my wife."

(Esmeralda starts to cry)

"Ma, why are you crying?"

"I'm just so happy for you, hijo. You finally found the one. And I am happy for you and Maya."

"I agree with your mother. You are very lucky to have her. I'm happy for the both of you. Don't make her cry, hijo."

"Yes, Pa. Thank you."

"So, when are you going to propose to Maya?"

"Actually, Ma. I have a plan. But I don't if it'll work out.."

"Whatever the plan is, let us know, okay?"

"Sure, Ma. Ahm.. Can you do me a favor?"

"What is it, Richard?", asked his dad.

"Can we go to San Nicolas? Just the three of us. I want you to meet Maya's family. Gusto ko na rin po sanang mamanhikan sa pamilya niya."

"Alam ba ni Maya 'to?"

"No, Pa. I want all of this to be a surprise."