Maine arrived at Rj's house early. She was a familiar face already so the helpers just greeted her and went about their work as she entered the home-office to start her day. Her usual routine was to turn on some music, grab a cup of coffee from the kitchen then go back to the office and check on her planner for schedules for the day. She would then write down the Faulkerson's schedule on the white board hanging on the wall near the door.
She was busy writing down schedules and notes when she heard a commotion from the upstairs bedroom. The house had been quiet for some time already since Rj learned to be more patient with people and situations. However, Maine heard his familiar grunts and screams so she stopped what she was doing to listen. She knew that she shouldn't cross his path when he was in this "state" because he would be unreasonable and would not listen to anyone.
"....arrrrrrgh?!"
"Joaquin!" Tita Chat's voice was firm and equally irritated.
"...eeeehh!"
"What is going on?!" came the loud, booming voice of Rj's dad then a thud of a door being shut. Tito Ricky barely raised his voice so Maine was shocked and stood motionless for a few seconds before deciding to go to the kitchen and talk to Yaya Caring.
Yaya Caring was standing at the foot of the stairs, looking up. The other helpers stood by the kitchen door. They looked at Maine and Yaya Caring as Maine approached. "Ya, ano pong nangyayari?"
"Sabi ni Jose, mukhang may sira sa kotse ni Aki. At sa pagkaintindi ko sa diskusyon nila kanina pa, gusto ni Mam at Ser na si Rj ang magpaayos at magbayad."
"Ohh.."
"...eh mukhang malaki-laki ang babayaran.....ayaw nya ata..... sinabihan syang maghanap ng paraan.....eh alam mo naman yon, senyorito....nasanay na may sasalo sa problema....kaya ayan, nagwala....."
"Ah...okay...."
"Di ba nya nabanggit sa yo?"
"Wala naman syang sinasabi....maaga nga lang sya nag-goodnight kagabi....."
"Ahh...umalis pa sya ng mga alas-diyes....umuwi ng mga alas-dose ata....di ko na masyadong namalayan...."
The door on the second floor opened and out stormed Rj's dad who went to their bedroom, followed by Rj's mom. She closed the door behind her. Maine and Yaya Caring and the helpers went inside the kitchen and did their work. Maine got a glass of water then walked back to the home-office where she sat at her desk and started to work.
A few minutes later, Rj came in and plopped himself on the sofa across Maine. She looked at him but he was busy looking down at his phone, scowling and clicking his tongue in annoyance.
"Good morning!" Maine said cheerily and smiled at him.
He looked up and replied, "....morning...." he replied, curtly.
Maine shrugged her shoulders and continued to work. She turned to her computer and busied herself with a document she was working on.
She did not notice Rj stand up from the couch until he said, "....here!" and tossed an envelope on the desk.
"What's this?"
"Open it.....do you have a passport?"
"...huh?"
"Do you have a valid passport?" He asked and Maine nodded.
"Okay, good. Fill that up...."
"Huh? Why?"
"Just fill it up...."
Maine pulled out the contents of the envelope and unfolded the paper. It read, "Application for Schengen Visa." Confused, she looked at Rj, who was still frowning a little bit.
"What's this?"
"....visa application...."
"Why?"
"....you want to be with your family, right?"
"Y...yes....but I can't afford it yet....I told you, Tatay's remittance is only for Nanay's and Mai's papers and tickets...."
"We're going...."
"What?" Maine said, unbelieving.
"We're going to Italy....you, me, Mom, Dad....your Nanay and Mai...."
"...wait....how?...."
"You said you've never been....I'm taking you....."
"Teka lang.....kanina lang nagsisigawan kayo dun sa taas.....masungit ka pa rin actually...."
Rj huffed. "I went out last night to meet Andy for a short meeting about our store kasi nga we're travelling....when I left the parking building of the mall, I accidentally hit the post....my right headlight broke...."
Maine stared a him for a few seconds before she spoke.
"Wait....what?....but you're okay? I mean, you're not hurt?"
"No...no...I'm fine....I'm okay....The parking area was a slippery because of all the rain water from the other cars...my car skidded...."
"....but isn't the floor rubberized?"
"No....I was in the steel parking building...."
"....but you're sure you're fine ha?"
"Yes...yes...."
Rj's anger seemed to have faded as he told Maine what had happened and his invitation to Italy. Maine had been calm and soft-spoken the whole time.
"Uhmm....love...." Maine stood from her desk to stand beside Rj and hug him.
"Yes?" He embraced her as well and kissed the top of her head.
"....I think you better talk to your parents first....."
He scowled a little as Maine hugged him tighter. "They just want to be sure that you're okay....parents mo yun e, nag-aalala lang sila...."
"Okay...okay....I will...."
"Promise me something first, Yabs...."
"What?"
"Don't get angry right away....there's always a solution to your problem no matter how small or big it is....you don't have to carry the problem all by yourself, we're here to help you....you're not alone.....besides, they're your parents....they will love you just the same....they understand....."
Rj thought of what Maine said. "Thanks, Love..." Rj said as he hugged Maine tightly.
