Drum Beats

Eleventh Beat

She waited for him to drive away first before going in.

"Hi, Nicomaine Dei Mendoza!" This startled Maine.

"Jesus, Juanita! Don't you ever do that again," She put her hand on her heart to steady her breathing.

J smacked her. "Told you not call me that again."

"And I told you not to call me with my last name again," Maine replied.

"Speaking of which, your dad called. He said to call him back."

"Did he tell you what he wanted?" Maine picked up her electric guitar and started strumming.

"No," J said. "Tawagan mo nalang kasi."

"No way," Maine said. "I hate that guy."

"Maine, you haven't talked to your dad for months now. I know you've had your differences but he's still your dad," J answered. "Based on his voice earlier, he really misses you."

"If he misses me then why didn't he call ME? Not the bar?"

"He haid he tried calling you but he couldn't reach you," J replied.

Maine stayed silent.

"Come on, M," J spoke. "Try it. Just this once? For me?" she handed Maine the phone.

Maine looked at J first before taking it. "If he scolds me again I'm hanging up," J gave her a thumbs up.

"Hello?" her dad answered.

Wow. Haven't heard your voice in a long time, old man, she thought.

"Hi, dad."

"Nicomaine?"

"Yes..."

"Good. It looks like you got my message," Maine rolled her eyes. "I need you to be home for dinner friday night."

"I can't, dad. We're playing friday night."

"You will go home for dinner, young lady."

God. Don't use the 'young lady'.

"Why?"

"I want you to meet someone. He's—"

"Is this another arranged marriage meeting crap? Because I don't want it."

"You will do this whether you like it or not—"

"You didn't even ask me how I'm doing first. You didn't even ask me if I'm okay. What kind of father are you?"

"We will have this talk on friday night. If you only—"

"No, I said I'm not going."

"You are the only heir, Nicomaine. Kahit anong gawin mo, you'll still have the business. Ituloy mo yang pagb-banda mo, sige. I will allow it for now. But, you will marry my partner's son and—"

She cut the line off before he could finish what he was saying.

"Another arranged marriage?" Maine nodded.

"Are you going to the dinner?"

"Ano pa nga bang magagawa ko? This is the end for me, J. That man cannot be stopped," Maine replied.

"Unless.."

"Unless what?"

J smirked at her brilliant idea.