Crumbled

Seven.

He doesn't know what he's doing.

He doesn't know what he was up to.

He doesn't know why he volunteered.

He doesn't know why he is on his way know to the Mendoza's, backpack filled with snacks, 2 bottled waters and fair share of towels.

All he knows is that he started the day with a morning run and on his way back, when he saw her with the wind kissing her face and the sunshine touching her skin, he had to fight to all the urges to approach her but obviously - failed.

Next thing he knew, something weird fired him up upon hearing the words "Marcus" and "2 weeks".

Suddenly, the words came out of his mouth, voluntering on helping her with her painting inspiration.

How stupid was it offering help as a tourist guide to someone who grew up on the same place he'll be touring her to?

Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.

But be it as it may, like they always say, bahala na.

Besides, there's really nothing to worry about.

He's not busy. She needs help.

Win-Win.

Nice try, Richard. Nice try.

Few minutes past 3:00 in the afternoon, on his beat up old pick up truck, he arrived at the porch of the Mendoza's. Nico was having his usual afternoon siesta when he got there.

Oh no.

"O, Tisoy! Napadaan ka? Wala naman tayong lakad ah."

"Ha? Ah, oo nga. Wala nga."

"Eh anong ginagawa mo dito?"

"Si ano.. Sinusundo ko."

"Sino?"

"Si ano kasi.. Ano. Sasamahan ko."

"Sino? Ako?"

"Gunggong ka! Si Maine!"

Disbelief flashed unto Nico's unbelieveably annoying face for about three seconds before it turned into an even more annoying grin.

"Ahhhhhh... Iba ka rin ha. Five years versus less than 24 hours, pare ha. Iba ka ha!"

"Gago! Kung ano-anong iniisip mo. Sasamahan ko lang yun."

"Talaga ba?" Nico sarcastically asked with a huge grin on his face.

"Alam mo ikaw, nahahawa ka na kila Ken. Mga chismoso. Tawagin mo na lang yung pinsan mo tapos sa kanya ka magtanong."

"Ahhhh, pabago bago ka na naman ng mood ha. Grabe, the long wait is over. Richard Faulkerson Jr : Ang pagbabalik. Naks naman, pre!"

"Isa pa, Nico. Uupakan na kita."

"Oo na! Ito naman! Menggaaaaay! Nandito na yung sundo mong nagbabalik!"

"Tarantado ka talaga!"

He was about give Nico a jab on the arm when Maine came out.

"Uy, RJ. Kanina ka pa ba? Sorry, kakwentuhan ko kasi si Tita."

He was a bit stunned when she called him "RJ". No one has called him that for a long time. It was nice hearing it again, especially coming from her. But he made sure no one between Maine or Nico noticed.

"Uhm no, kakarating ko lang. Tara na?"

"Sige, kunin ko lang yun gamit ko. I'll be out in a minute."