13

La Dolce Vita

The next few days were filled with sightseeing and family bonding. Richard & Tatay are both history buffs and were  super excited as they visited the Colosseum and Pantheon. Both went to the Roman Gladiator School course and for 2 hours they randomly shouted "This is Sparta!" to the amusement of their instructor. They also went to a wine tour, spent the next 2 days Naples to explore the nearby Pompeii ruins (another thing checked off Tatay's bucket list). They came back to Rome on to do visit the Vatican, where they spent a full day exploring St. Peter's Cathedral, Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Necropolis per Tatay's request.

Maine was a bit frantic though. While she enjoyed being with her parents and Richard, she had to admit that she would like to spend some alone time with him. She felt guilty when the thought would creep up her mind, and would push it away, thinking that Richard will have 3 days with her anyway. She found out that he purposely booked a red eye flight : "so I get to spend my last day with you".

When they (Maine and Auntie Agnes, as Richard figured she'd like a moment with her family) brought Maine's parents to the airport, Tatay hugged Maine and kissed her forehead.

"Anak, behave ka lang ha?" Tatay then winked.

Maine blushed and exclaimed "Taaaay naman eh!" to which he just laughed at her.

Nanay shook her head, and just said "Teddy, wag mo na tuksuhin ang anak mo." She turns to Maine. "Wag mo na pahirapan si Richard, nak, malaki laki na sakripisyo nya, matagal ang usapan nila sa Manila noon para ipaalam na mag stay sya after we leave, at mukhang di naman sya nagsasawa sa pamilya natin. Kahit nung gladiator training nila , nakaya ni Richard pakalmahin si Tatay."

Maine smiled. "Nay, malaki din po sakripisyo ko sa pagka labo ng isip nya noon. Pero handa na po ako. So I hope ok na po sa inyo...." She trailed, looking at Tatay.

"If you want our blessing, Maine, you have it." Tatay said. "Nakikita ko na malaki ang respeto nya sa amin at lalo na sa iyo. At masaya ka. Yun ang importante sa akin."

Elated, she jumped to her Tatay's waiting arms. "You'll always be the first man I'll ever love, Tay." Maine softly said while her tears fell on his chest. Tatay's eyes were misty as well.

"Ay jusko kayong mag-ama, nagpapaiyak kayo!" Auntie Agnes sniffled.

"Mag check in na tayo, Mahal, baka mag drama pa kayo ng anak mo." Nanay laughingly said to Tatay while wiping her stray tear. She gave Maine a big hug.  "See you soon, anak."

Maine watched as her Tatay gently took her Nanay's hand and walked across the airport. That is the kind of love I want, Maine thought while Auntie Agnes put an arm around her then eventually steered her back to go home with a smile on her lips.

/

That evening,  The Roscini's  i.e. Aunt Agnes and Uncle Massimo, informed them that they had a corporate dinner they had to go to, and had to leave them by themselves. Which worked out perfectly for Richard , who already asked Auntie Agnes permission to take Maine out for dinner as well.

"Dress nicely ha?" Richard told her.

"Bakit? Mukha ba akong basahan?" Maine laughed.

"Maine! First real date natin to. Please naman."

"Date? Nagpaalam ka ba sa akin?  You asked everyone but me." She teased then laughed again.

Suddenly, Richard was right in front of her. He held her by the shoulders and looked into her eyes. Maine suddenly froze at the intensity of his gaze and the nearness of him.

"Not a laughing matter, Maine. So, in all seriousness, will you please let me take you out to dinner?"

She could not find her voice, so Maine just nodded. Richard smiled, then kissed her forehead. "Thank you. Now let's get ready na?" he said as he walked back to his room.