13

Life is full of surprises

Life went on: Richard was again busy with his studies, law school admission and his on and off relationship with Ysa; and Maine with her own schooling and extracurricular activities. Richard tried to talk to her but Maine would just always be in a hurry, avoiding him at all cost. If Richard and Ysa were at church, Maine would leave politely and quickly. If she saw them at the mall, she would go the other way. It was helpful that Antonio was with her most of the time and sensed right away that there was something between Maine and Richard. He never pushed to ask though, since he liked Maine as well, but he picked up clues here and there. Maine was thankful for Antonio, as he was a becoming a good friend, even if he has expressed his intention of courting her.

One afternoon, Maine and Antonio were lounging at her living room, each absorbed with their laptops. Suddenly, Maine shrieked and alighted the couch.

"Huy are you okay?" Antonio asked, concerned.
"Yes!" Maine turned to him, excitedly. She threw his arms around him and kissed him squarely on the lips.

Antonio was momentarily stunned.

"Sorry, sorry po. I got overexcited lang sa nabasa ko. I have such great news." Maine continued jumping around.

"What news is this? And can you have this more often kasi ang saya saya mo." Antonio smiled at her.

"Well, I think kelangan mauna makalam sila nanay at tatay. So sandali ha. Pero wait. Baka ikaw, di mo ikasaya, pero sana tandaan mo what you said just now." Maine ran off to find nanay.

/

"Lunch at the house, 12:30pm on Sunday. Please come. Close family and friends lang invited. You can bring Ysa."

That was the text message Richard received. He was suddenly excited and scared to see Maine, since they have not been talking, after she walked out on him. He was scared because Maine, who he used to easily read, has now become unreadable. He texted that he was going to come about an hour after, not wanting to be eager.

The invite was an olive branch and he was willing to take whatever he can get. Luckily, Ysa was in Batangas for a family gathering and he hoped that he can speak to Maine privately and rekindle his friendship with her.

Sunday came and Richard wore his Sunday's best. He also bought flowers for Maine's mom, cake for dessert (Mango Bravo from Contis, because the Mendoza's love it and Yaya Pacing as well) and a small bouquet for Maine herself.

When he walked in, Richard said hi to the some of the close family he has met. "Hello po, tita, tito." He kissed Nanay's cheek and shook Tatay's hand. "Tita, inabot ko na ke Yaya Pacing ang cake. Pandagdag sa dessert. Tapos eto po, para sa inyo." He handed her the bouquet.

"Salamat, Richard! How thoughtful at naisip mo pa ako. I haven't seen you in awhile, iho! Kamusta ka naman?" Nanay greeted him warmly.

"Kamusta naman ang law school ?" Tatay asked, as he patted Richard's back.

"Ok naman po. Malalaman na daw po soon kung san ako makapasok. Kaya po medyo di na ako nakakapunta din." Richard said.

"Alam naman namin. Mabuti naman nakapunta ka. Tong si Maine, nagiging busy na din." Nanay said.

"Nasan po ba sya?" Richard craned his neck.

"Nandyan lang, kausap nya kanina si Auntie Agnes nya, yung galing Italy. Pero kumain ka muna." Tatay all but gently pushes him to the direction of the food table, all laid out with equally yummy dishes: paella, lechon kawali, humba, lechon manok, fish fillet, veggies and another table with different types of fruits and desserts.

He was about to get seated when Maine came up and poked him on his side. "Huy."

"Huy ka din." Richard smiled at her. "Tara saluhan mo ako."