Wasted (A BCWMH Fanfic)

Wasted - Part 14

(Chapter in progress, once completed to be sent to EB)

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"Let's all give a round of applause to everyone!" A voice announced from the stage.

Maya twisted from Richard’s arms to see Rafi and her husband Charlie leading the rest of the cast of the production, clapping enthusiastically.

"And now, ladies and gentlemen, our evening has just begun. May we now direct you to the school’s quadrangle for dinner and a small program.” Rafi giddily invited, waving a pair of gerberas. “The buffet lines are now open, you may just follow the yellow carpet to reach the dining area. Bon appetite everyone!”

Liza went ahead with Joma to lead the way for the guests as both Charlie and Rafi headed towards the Lim family and Maya.

“Mayaaa!” Rafi happily gave her a hug, simultaneously shoving the flowers to Richard’s face. “I’m so happy for youuu!”

Charlie muttered a sorry to Richard and shook his hands in greeting.

“Salamat Rafi,” Maya shyly said. “Hindi ko inexpect na ganito ito.” In fact she was still somewhat unsure as to what had happened.

“You totally deserved this Maya and so much more!” Rafi continued excitedly. “Kung hindi lang torpe itong si Chard siguro matagal na ito nangyari.” She did not notice Maya’s brows furrow in confusion. “Speaking of which, I’m so sorry I did not get to see the big moment. I thought organizing the set-up for dinner would be finished on time, unfortunately di kami umabot ni Charlie. Natraffic kasi yung mga pang-centerpiece and yung entrée. Of course, I can’t leave the account executive to oversee that alone.” Rafi exasperatedly remarked. “Everything has to be perfect. Kaso I missed the big event tuloy.”

“Uhm,” Maya shot a glance at Richard before answering Rafi. “Sa tingin ko naman uulitin nya yun para sa yo.” She taps her chin nervously.

Rafi’s eyes widened. “Really now, Chard, you’d do that? You’d prop –.” Then she caught sight of the Lim children waving wildly behind Maya and Richard’s eyes narrowing into slits. “I mean -.” She stuttered, seeing Maya’s ringless fingers.

“I don’t think Dad would like to repeat anything for Tita Rafi, right Dad?” Nikki swooped in, throwing an arm over Rafi’s shoulder.

“No, I wouldn’t.” Richard added quickly, unsure what any of them meant.

“Huh?” Maya faced Richard. “Bakit hindi? Sayang namiss ni Rafi yung pagkanta mo kanina. Dapat next time na kakanta ka, makita na niya,” She pinches his cheek as she laughs. “Para hindi ka na niya tawagin na boses palaka.”

Richard sighed in relief. He gave Maya a kiss on her forehead. “Hindi naman talaga ako boses palaka eh.” He glared at Rafi for almost blurting out his secret as she mouthed a sorry to him. “Maya, shall we?” He smiled brilliantly to Maya before escorting her to the dining area, pleased that she was too oblivious to catch Rafi’s slip.

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Maya was dragged off by her well-meaning family and friends once they reached the quadrangle.  She threw a glance at Richard, who waved her off, gesturing that he will be fine while she greets their guests.

As he made his way to their table, he cannot help but notice how the place was completely transformed. The fairy lights and lanterns that Liza and Rafi had installed gave off the romantic magical feeling to the otherwise austere university quadrangle. This may be something he could have done without but it was something that Maya would have loved.

Standing off to the side, he watched Maya mingle with her friends and colleagues a serene smile on her face.  He could not help but finger the box that he held in his pocket, wondering when would the right time be. Roberto took this opportunity to approach his son.