July 2011
"Let's go."
"Ha?" Maine frowned. She turned to him and asked, "Saan tayo pupunta?"
"Let's grab dinner. My treat."
Richard took her hand and held it as he ran towards the entrance of the columbarium. He flagged a taxi down and ushered Maine inside the car.
"To Shangri-La, please." He told the driver before turning to Maine. "I want to bring you to one of my favorite Italian restaurants."
"Okay, that's nice, Richard pero confused ako. Bakit tayo kakain sa labas?"
"You graduated last April right? This is my treat to you for such a great achievement."
Her mouth dropped. She mentioned her graduation only in passing while they were exchanging emails and texts earlier this year. She couldn't believe that he would remember and offer to treat her. This is also the very first time that they will spend time together outside the columbarium.
"Naalala mo yun?"
"Of course, Maine. I wish I was here and congratulated you sooner." He smiled before looking outside the window. When he saw the large building, he turned towards and asked the car to stop. "Looks like we're here."
Richard quickly paid the fare and ushered her inside the mall. When they reached the restaurant, they were immediately seated. Maine was unfamiliar with the restaurant so she asked him to order for her. He happily obliged before turning towards the waiter and asking for a shrimp penne mascarpone and seafood cioppino.
"The food here tastes almost like the ones I had in Italy."
She smiled, and waited silently for the food to arrive. He could tell something was bothering her and he was about to ask but the waiter suddenly arrived with their food. They were almost done when Richard put his fork down and took her hand. He looked so concerned when he asked her, "Something's bothering you, Maine. What is it?"
Maine looked away and refused to speak. Richard squeezed her hand and asked her again. She waited for a few more seconds before biting her lip and speaking softly.
"Aalis ka ba ulit?"
He nodded, and saw the flash of pain in her eyes. She quickly masked her discomfort by asking him more questions about his future travels.
"Kelan? Saan naman ang punta mo this time? Diba tapos mo na lahat ng countries sa Europe?"
"In a couple of days," he lied. He watched her reaction and smiled inwardly when a pout began to form in her lips. "I'm thinking of visiting South America next. I've only been to Brazil so I want to explore more."
She tried to hide her frown, "One year ka ulit?"
"Yes," he nodded fervently. Richard was enjoying the mutinous expression Maine was sporting. He tried to hide his smile when he added, "Maybe more? I might extend it to two years."
"Two years? Bakit ang tagal?" She whined and immediately clamped her mouth shut when realized she crossed the line. She quickly apologized. "I'm sorry. It's not my place to complain."
He grinned before her hand again in his and squeezing it in comfort. "I was just joking. You looked so cute when you're riled up."
Maine blushed at the compliment and quickly looked away. He grinned before turning his attention back to his food and started eating again. When they finished, Richard quickly settled the bill and left the restaurant. They walked together towards the exit in silence. When they reached the stop for taxis, Maine turned to Richard and said her goodbyes.
