Remembering Sir Tisoy

Dumplings

"I am so glad that you were able to join me today."

"Anytime, Ms. Mendoza."

"Huy, you didn't have to if you think na kailangan mo lang 'tong gawin para mabawasan 'yong 'atraso' mo. Like I said, I forgive you. Wala ka ng atraso sa'kin," she says, ending it with a quirky smile.

"Ms. Mendoza, I'm not doing this for that. I'm doing this for you, got it?"

"Got it," she answers, nodding. "Thank you, Sir Tisoy."

They enter the office, where they were instantly greeted by a young chirpy attendant, who was probably interning at the establishment. They were led to another room, where they were asked to wait for the event coordinator that they were assigned to.

Soon enough, a woman in her late thirties, comes out of the door and greets them.

"Hi, I'm Karen Alontave, your events coordinator. You can just call me Karen," she says aptly, whilst handing her hand to Maine, and then to Richard. "Halika, pasok kayo," she adds, whilst entering her office.

She was petite, light skinned, and looked as if she was not of Filipino decent. Apart from not looking her age, she also came out to be very regal with her elegant posture and stance. Though her company is new, she already has a great reputation in the events business. Besides this, Maine always supported small businesses any way she can, and so when she came across Karen's company, she was immediately impressed.

"Glad to see that you came," she points to Richard as they all start to sit down. "My husband would not have taken the time, especially kung para sa mother-in-law niya," she continued.

Richard and Maine both looked at each other in shock, as they paused from sitting down. They were instantly shaking their heads at Karen, who ended up a little confused.

"Oh, no, no, Ms. Karen. Hindi po kami-" Maine stutters.

"Ay, no. Hindi po ganoon," Richard adds.

"Oh? Really? Sorry about that. You guys looked like a real couple. Newly-weds in fact. But I mean, if you guys are still interested, I'll just say it now...bagay kayo," she comments, and looks away to start typing on her computer. "Right, what exactly are you looking to get out of this event?"

-

"Richard, maraming salamat talaga sa pagsama mo sa'kin dito."

"Maine, you don't have to worry about it. Masaya ako na ako ang sinabihan mong sumama sa'yo."

They were about to approach their cars, and Maine was hoping so hard that they wouldn't yet. It seemed as if her day with him has only just started, and she couldn't help but feel sad that they were about to part ways. She placed her hands behind her back, and walked as slow as she could. He notices this, and he couldn't help but place a hand on his nape. They were nearing their vehicles - which were parked beside each other. They turn to each other before they fully approach their cars.

"So," he says first.

"So," she replies while nodding. "Ah, sige, Richard salamat ulit. Bye," she says and starts to walk off to the side of the driver's seat of her car. She mentally stomps her feet out of frustration.

"Maine, sandali!" she hears him call out, and she mentally slaps her cheek to prevent herself from smiling.

She turns around and slowly glides her way to him.

"Yes?" she asks with hopeful eyes.

"Do you want to maybe," he starts nervously.

"Do I want to what, Sir Tisoy?"