13

I love your smile

Someone asked a few chapters ago kung sino ang peg ni Antonio. In my mind, I see Rico Yan. I don't know why, basta sya biglang pumasok sa isip ko. So pananagutan ko na parehong gwapo ang boylets dito. :)

***

In 2 days, Maine will be leaving. Richard repeated this over and over his head. Funny though, he is more concerned with her leaving than his breakup with Ysa. That was a long time coming. Richard was more relieved than anything. He would have wanted to be at least, friends or civil with Ysa, but they are nowhere close to being friends since their break up was pretty bad.

Tonight though was Maine's mini-despedida. She asked for a few friends over to hang out.

Richard was looking forward to seeing her. Their banter was light after he spent the night at her guest room, and indeed, he got a pinch on his cheek when Yaya Pacing found out that he got himself drunk the night before. However, he was not looking forward to Maine saying Yes to Antonio. He did not bring that up anymore.

He arrived at 7:30pm, and there were a few people there. Light music was being played; most likely from Maine's playlist. Right now, 90's R & B is playing. Janet Jackson's Anytime , Anyplace is on.

"Huy." He felt someone poking his right ribcage.  "Kanina ka pa ba?" Maine came up at his side. She was smiling at him, and all Richard could do was stare at her. She had a white top and a black slip dress on, and red lipstick. Maine had barely any make-up on and just dark red lipstick. She looked stunning, yet simply Maine.

"Just now lang. Most girls are your college friends? And some of them look familiar." Richard looked at the crowd to distract himself from looking, scratch that, staring at Maine. "Yup, I think you know some of them. Ramon from the student council? And my girl friends nun, sila Aia and Trisha..." Maine continued, as Richard would say hi to her friends.

"Oh and I think Zo is coming. He is back from Davao pala.  I saw him sa grocery a few days ago and told him I'm having people over and mentioned you were coming too". Maine told him. Zo was one of Richard's close HS friends whom he lost touch with after Zo moved to Davao.

"Uy that's cool. Di man lang nag text ang mokong na yun."

"Yeah, he lost his phone sa airplane eh. Anyway, it would be good for you to catch up with him, yeah?"

Richard looked at Maine. "Di ko naman kelangan ng kasama.... Andito ka naman di ba. Pero teka me ibibigay ako sayo."  He looked up and pulled Maine outside the patio. "Dali, bago dumami ang bisita mo mahirapan akong solohin ka." He handed her a small jewelry box.

Maine hesitantly took it. "Ano naman 'to?"

"Buksan mo...dali."

When Maine opened the box, it was a bracelet. A small chain link bracelet with a heart charm. She looked up to him , her face questioning this gift.

"Bale, this is to make up for all the times I flaked on you. Like I know I missed your birthday, and what else. It's just something I'd like you to have, para di mo ako masyado ma-miss when you're in Italy." He jested, but in truth, Richard's ears were turning red, and his palms were all sweaty.

"You're so sweet! Thank you!" Maine hugged him and caused Richard to lose balance with one foot and awkwardly hugged her back.

The hug lasted much longer than they wanted it to. Maine tried to pull back,  but  Richard's arms were around her, and his forehead leaning to hers.  "Maine, I..."

"Wait." Maine said in a whisper. And untangled herself from him. "You know I can't...."

There was shuffling by the sliding door and Maine turned and walked towards the door.  Antonio came out before she even got to it. "Hey you, I was looking for you." Antonio smiled at Maine. "Musta, pare?", he greeted Richard, oblivious to what just happened.

"And I was just coming inside to find you, babe." Maine's voice is a bit shrill as she spoke, then she composed herself and kissed Antonio on the cheek. "Richard, I was just about to tell you that Antonio and I have been together 1 week na today." She hugged Antonio sideways. "I don't know why this guy is willing to do this long distance thing to begin with..."

"Yet you were convinced, anyway." Antonio smiled at Maine and kissed her nose.

"Oh congrats pare." Richard said. Labas sa ilong nga lang, #sorrynotsorry, Richard thought. "Pasok muna ako, si Zo darating ano , Maine?" He walked inside, leaving the two lovebirds behind.

He didn't plan for that to happen, that hug. Richard wanted to give Maine a gift, a sincere gift to make amends for his shortcomings. And he did want Maine to think of him, once in awhile, while she was away.

Zo ran into him as soon as he stepped inside the foyer. "Pare, long time no see." They took food and drinks and made themselves comfortable on a nearby table. Richard caught him up on his life, and he found out that Zo is engaged. "Congrats pare, baka ako matagalan pa, I have law school na this school year e...." he said as he absently flipped the coke bottle cap with his thumb.

"Eh si Maine. Ano na ba." Zo asked simply.

"Ayun paalis nga di ba. Na meet mo na ba boyfriend nya?" Richard flipped the bottle cap.

"Ha? Me boyfriend na sya? What happened to you, bro? I thought you'd end up with her."  Zo asked incredulously.

Across them was where Maine was. Richard looked at Maine, who was laughing with friends, but has an arm around Antonio's waist. She moved slightly when she realized "I love your smile" by Shanice came on. She pulled Antonio towards her and sang the lyrics to him.

Richard just stared at them. Maine was happily singing and swaying, and Antonio was grinning like a fool. She ended up putting her arms around his neck. Richard stiffened at the intimacy of it. "Well, Zo, I was with Ysa til recently." He took a swig of the stella artois.

Zo looked at the couple who were happily dancing and now joined by some of Maine's friends. "And why does it seem like you're not too happy with this..."

"Coz Maine thinks I am rebounding. Or that, I am not just sure of what I want. And I can't seem to prioritize my life.  Also while she has said na she liked me, she now likes Antonio. And I can't even hate the guy, he treats her well. So this time apart from Italy, maybe,  is good for us....." Richard continued, still looking at the couple.

"Pare, better sort your shit out. Maine's a sweet girl. She might be young, but she is super smart.  Don't let your own shit get in the way. Take it from me, I couldn't figure out my life until I met Jenna. It's just that.... I thought you always knew what you were doing, Richard. But as a friend, I tell you, you want to be in her life. Antonio looks like the type of  guy who can wait it out. Don't be a fool." Zo vehemently delivered his mini speech, that Richard had to pry his eyes away from Maine and Antonio.

Richard all but nodded. The Shanice song was still on, and the lyrics were mocking him.

Time came and showed me your direction

Now I know I'll never ever go back

Taught me that

I can be a better girl with love you give

You rock my world....

"Well, pota.  Even the song is Team Antonio." Richard thought.

///

A/N:

Not proof read po. Lam nyo na.

Happy 71st Weeksary ADN!

And sorry in advance if na hopia kayo sa chapter title :(