Bente-Quatro 2 - Star Witness (Completed)

Flashback #4

A/N: Pasencia biscuits muna po tayo from Pacita. Pasencia for missing the 3-day interval for publishing updates. Hinihiling lang po ng realidad.

The next update for AKM will be published tomorrow. AKM as in Ako'y Kasama Mo at hindi the Allan Kilantang Movie (peace Ms. AK!)

Flashback #4.... Pasok!

Ang Nakaraan:

"Thank you for taking my daughter home young man. But I believe you have overextended your stay. Unless you can offer other explanation different that what I have, you may leave now."

Maine would have answered her father on Richard's behalf, but his brief touch on her hand stopped her.

A gesture that was not lost to the eagle-eye of the old man. Her mother, on the other hand, just stood beside her father, her head bowed low. Nothing new.

She can feel her heart racing double time anticipating how Richard will answer.

"I know sir that a handshake from me will not be welcome, but let me introduce myself just the same. I'm Richard Reyes and I'm very fortunate that your daughter now sees me at least as her friend. And you're right, I don't have other explanation for what happened except to take the bullet for her." Richard looked at the her father straight in the eyes before continuing,  "Something I will not hesitate to do if the situation calls for it.... Again and again."

The old man could not believe the audacity of the younger man's reply. Such impertinence!

Maine silently cheered Richard's response, but the subtle twitch on her father's cheek and she knew it's time to intervene. "Dad, just to gently remind you, I'm already at a legal age to know who should I entertain as visitor."

Richard would have like to battle it out but he also knew when to back down for her sake. He had already said his piece and he thinks that he got his message across. "No Maine, gabi na rin. Baka nag-aalala na sila Lola."

Maine couldn't hide the disappointment on her face when she faced him. "But the coffee...."

Richard felt proud as Maine's message began sinking in.

She's standing up for him.

So he did what he is sure will further ignite the anger of her father towards, but he doesn't care anymore. He briefly cupped her cheek with his palm to assure her that they're in this together. "We'll have to take a rain check on that coffee. I have plenty of time in my hand, remember?"

He did not wait for her reply before he loses control and give in to the pleadings in her eyes. "Ma'm, Sir, mauna na po ako. Magandang gabi po." And without a backward glance, got in his car and drove off.

Maine watched as the car disappeared around the corner of the street, a bittersweet smile on her lips. This will not be smooth sailing for them, as she expected. Not with a father like her Dad. Although she thought they still have time before her father puts his foot down to interfere.

With a heavy sigh, she turned to face her parents and tried to put a smile on her face...a real one.

"Just what is the meaning of that, young lady? You did not see us for a month, and this is what you'll throw in our face? Such impertinence!"

"No one is throwing anything in your face, Dad. Good to see you, Mom. To what do I owe this visit?"

Her mother finally found her voice and spoke softly. "Your father means well, Nicole Maine. By the way, nasira ba ang kotse mo? That's why he took you home?"