The (not so) Sweet Serendipity

43.4

Malapit na rin kami umalis, I asked Richard, "San ka nga pala nakastay?"

"Huh? Hindi nako pinabook nila tita ng hotel eh."

"Okay. So?"

"Sayo daw." Oh.

Oh.

"Sabagay. Malaki naman yung place. Buti rin hindi ka na nagpabook, dagdag gastos lang yun." I just realised, Chard's never been to my place yet. Kasi hindi na kami naguusap when I moved there. Break na kasi kami nun and medyo alam naman ng lahat kung anong nangyari.

When we left the restaurant. We were all just standing outside saying our goodbyes. Opposite sides nakapark parents ko and si Elmo. Syempre wala namang sense if ihatid pako ni Elmo pauwi.

"Elmo iho, it was so nice seeing you again. Huwag mo hayaan yan si Menggay namin maging workaholic ha."

"Nako ma, eh mas workaholic pa ata sakin yan eh."

"Thank you po ulit tito tita for having me on such short notice." Tapos tumingin siya kay Richard.

Ayan nanaman yung handshake na yan. "Richard, nice meeting you ulit."

"Nice to meet you rin bro."

Pinauna ko muna sila mommy sa car. Kasi the least I can do is ihatid si Elmo sa car niya. Nauna sila mommy at daddy pero itong si Richard, hintay lang daw siya dito sa labas ng restaurant.

"Hatid na kita." I told him.

"Ano ka ba, okay lang ako."

"Tara na."

Nung andun na kami sa may car niya. "So ano see you Monday? Diba nag offer ka kanina wala munang work this weekend? Unless binabawi mo na ngayon."

Natawa lang siya. "Ikaw talaga Maine. Totoo yun. Enjoy your time with your family. I really enjoyed tonight."

"Thanks. Me too."

He then went to me, hugged me tight and kissed me on the cheek. "Happy happy birthday Maine."

Ako lang ba o ang sad nung tone ng voice niya? Then he let me go, smiled and went in his car.

He rolled the window down. "Thanks ulit and ingat ka sa pag drive ha! Text me when you get home."

"I will. See you Monday."

"See you." Then he drove off.

I was walking back towards the restaurant then I saw Richard still there, just standing there waiting for me. Always the gentleman. He turned to me and smiled when he heard me coming.

"Sorry for the wait."

"No no, it's okay." Then he held out his arm to me, "Lets go?"

I took it and held on his arm as we walked to where my parents were parked.

When we got back to my place, hindi na nakatagal sila mommy, derecho na sila sa room kasi pagod na daw sila.

"O, Menggay, ikaw na bahala ha. Tulungan mo na lang si Richard iset up yung isa pang mattress diyan ha."

"Sige po dad. Rest na kayo ni mommy."

They hugged and kiss me good night before going in. "Happy birthday ulit anak. We love you."

"Thanks guys, love you too. Good night."