It's been a week since that day but Maine's still a mess until now.
Vividly she remembered how her heart stopped and how her knees weakened after Atty. Feliciano mentioned Richard's name that day. Her focus escaped her that she had to excuse herself early from the coffee shop and ended up crying herself to sleep when she got home.
The last six years of her life had all been about convincing herself that meeting him again is not impossible and that she should be ready but after what happened at that meeting, she realized that it was easier said than done.
Earlier today, she met with her staff to already tell them of the current situation that the cafe is in and she was glad that everyone still professed their loyalty and support. They have also decided that it's best to announce the move to their regular customers as early as now.
It is Thursday night once again and the usual crowd of the coffee shop is starting to arrive.
"Meng simula na tayo." Yang said.
"Okay sige."
The audience started to settle down as she ascended the stage.
"Magandang gabi, mga kaibigan. As usual, we're gathered here today to share our works and showcase our talents. Pero meron muna akong sasabihin sa inyo."
With a sad smile, she narrated to the people who had already been like family to them, the cafe's current situation. There were a lot of sad sighs and collective murmurs that arose from the tables and it made her a little teary eyed.
"Basta promise ninyo susundan niyo pa din kami kung saan lupalop man kami mapunta ha!" She quipped as an attempt to lighten the mood. There were a few sad laughs but the heaviness in the air was still there and an awkward blanket of silence enveloped the place.
"Uhm, alright, who wants to go first?" Yang shouted to break the silence. She smiled and gave her store manager the mic and took a table at the far end of the shop.
"Wala kang piece tonight?" A familiar male voice came from behind her and instantly she already knew who it is. A mixture of excitement and uneasiness engulfed her whole being.
"Wala, hindi ako makapag-isip." She managed to answer.
"Sayang, sabi pa naman ni Atty. Feliciano magaling ka daw." Richard took the seat behind her and moved until she can feel his breath on her nape. Surprised at how close he was, she turned her head only to find out that he was leaning to her and their faces were only a few inches apart.
Unable to control the emotions, she nervously shifted back to the stage's direction and asked, "Anong ginagawa mo dito? Nag-usap na kami ni Atty. Feliciano ha."
Richard sighed before he spoke.
"I wanted to see who you've become after me. After us. Ikaw alam mo na kung anong nangyari sa akin, ako hindi ko pa nakikita kung ano ka na. Kung sino ka na."
"RJ please, tama na. 'Wag dito." Richard didn't respond but she knows that his gaze is still on her.
For a few minutes, they just sat there and listened to the performers who shared their work one by one.
"Maine.." There was a tinge of softness and struggle in his voice, but, she could be wrong and as difficult as it was, she turned. She met his eyes and in there she saw something that she could not fathom.
For a few heartbeats, they stayed that way, just looking at each other, words obviously escaping the both of them.
Without a word, Richard abruptly stood and left the place leaving her perplexed and wondering what just transpired between the two of them.
