13

Shiver

Richard was also getting worried. He just got back from Manila, and finally, got to replace his phone. He was stupid enough to drop it at their hotel room's toilet . The day was hectic. He was already running late, and his team had already gone ahead to the symposium to meet their host group. It was quite embarrassing to be late and he had to apologize profusely. He did not realize that this Hong Kong trip schedule was going to be packed. Three days of barely anything touristy . Symposiums and networking was what this trip was.

He had asked Oliver for his phone to send a message to Maine, hoping she received it. During break, Richard wanted to send a facebook message to Maine, and was in the cusp of doing so, but he got dragged out of his room right when he was starting to type.

"Richard, one of the nominees of the ICJ is here! Apparently, she is friends with our host group's mother. Let's meet her now, it's our chance to pick the brain of an actual International Court of Justice judge nominee. We can co-write the article for The Barrister!" Oliver excitedly told him as he pulled on Richard's arm. That took most of his day and he was actually glad to have been able to chat with the nominee.

The one laid back thing Richard and his group did was an impromptu dinner and karaoke with some friends. It turns out that the half filipino-chinese from the host group had some friends over as well. Little did he know he would see Ysa on those terms.

Richard messaged Maine as soon as he got settled in Manila. He mentioned that his phone got water damaged and he is using his old iphone at the moment. But Maine did not reply. When he kept on texting her and tried FaceTiming, she was getting ready for bed and told him she had a headache and they should talk tomorrow.

It has been 2 tomorrows. And Maine replied with barely anything, except the occasional "Sorry been busy." "Not feeling good" and "K."

Richard even asked Auntie Agnes how she was over Viber, and she did say that Maine has been out early and about trying to wrap up her requirements, and she was not feeling well. "She just offloaded her stuff sa forwarder, Richard, and I think she really is feeling under the weather. She's been sleeping a lot kasi ayaw nya magkasakit now."

"OK po, Tita. Ang tipid po kasi sumagot ni Maine. Baka nagtampo kasi nasira phone ko while I was in Hong Kong, di ko nasabi agad."

" I will let her know. Me exams ka na soon di ba? Study well."

//

Richard had a hard time concentrating. He asked Maine if she received the flowers he sent, and all he got was "Yes, it's beautiful. Thank You." When he tried to call that morning, she rejected his call and said "In class."

It has been a long time, and he missed her voice. He wants to talk to her, to explain what had happened , even in FaceTime so he can see her reaction. But she would not pick up.

That Saturday afternoon, Tita Mary Ann called him and asked him to get ready to pick up Maine at the airport. He was stunned to know she was arriving. Maine told him she was coming home a week from today, as she was planning to book her ticket. He hurriedly showered, dressed and drove to the Mendoza's. His stomach was in knots. He offered to drive separately, to accommodate Maine's luggage Plus, he really , really wanted to talk to her alone.

When she got out of the arrival area, Maine hurried to kiss her parents. Then she came up and bussed Richard's cheek. All she said was Hi and she gave him a small smile. Then hooked her arm with nanay , leaving Richard and her Tatay with the luggages.

"Maine, go in Richard's car. We will meet you at the house. Yaya Pacing prepared dinner. We know you're tired so sa bahay lang tayo." Tatay told Maine as Richard hauled her luggage into the trunk of their car.

Maine nodded and slipped into the passenger seat of his car. Richard blew out a nervous breath as he slipped in the driver's seat. Something was really off, and he needed to fix it.

His only consolation? Maine 's eternity ring is on her finger.

///

A/N:

Sorry I couldn't post an update coz Saturday was so hectic. Kalerky. As in sakit sa balakang levels.

What do you guys think ? Should Richard be hopeful ? Deserve ba nya yung sort of cold shoulder thing from Maine?

Pic credit from Maine Archives in twitter. It doesn't say who took the pic ...😅