Drum Beats

Fourteenth Beat

"You know, Richard, you were supposed to get married to Maine here," Mr. Mendoza said and pointed to Maine.

"Po?"

"You heard me. You were supposed to meet each other last July but Nicomaine didn't show up," her dad told them.

"You were the person who stood me up?" Richard asked Maine.

"I didn't go to those meetings. I told you na," Maine replied.

"It's amazing what the universe can do," Richard said. "Maybe this is your punishment for not showing up that time," he joked.

Yes, this is definitely a punishment, Maine thought.

Richard and her dad talked and talked about business, how he's gonna graduate in a few months, and how he's gonna take over his dad's business.

After a few hours, it was time for Richard to leave.

"Thanks for the dinner, Mr. and Mrs. Mendoza, Maine," he said when they were in front of the gate.

"I'm glad I knew you more, Richard," her dad said. "Send my regards to your mom and dad."

"I will, tito," Richard replied. "Bye, Maine."

She waved at him. Richard went in the car he called earlier and drove away.

"Nicomaine?" her dad called, she turned.

"You're gonna marry him."

"But dad--"

"No buts, Nicomaine."

"We're taking it slow. I'm not ready to get married yet," she answered.

"I'll allow this taking it slow thing," her dad said. "But you have to assure me you're going to marry him."

"I...I don't think I can, dad," Maine replied and rode her car.

"Nicomaine!"

"See you when I see you, dad," she said then drove away.

She dialed J. "What's up, M?"

"The old man wants me to get married to him."

"No way," J chuckled.

"I know, right? He's out of his mind."

"What made him decided that?"

"Richard's dad is my dad's friend."

"Didn't you know that when you met him?"

"I don't keep track of my dad's friends, J."

J laughed. "Got it. So are you gonna do it? Marry him?"

"Hell no," Maine said immediately. "Whatever he does, I'm not gonna marry him."

"Hmm...you're still hung up on her."

"So what if I am?"

"Maine...it's been years. Forget about her."

"It's not that easy, J. You know that."

"Maine, she left you for crying out loud. She cheated on you. She hurt you. She--"

"Sige, ipamukha mo pa sakin yung ginawa niya."

"Jan--"

"Don't mention her name, J."

"You're still hung up on her but you don't want me mentioning her name. Labo mo naman eh."

"Malabo na kung malabo. Basta I don't want you saying her name. And I also don't care if I'm still hung up on her. As long as --I don't know the real reason why she cheated and left me, there's still an us."

"Maine, wala nang kayo. She won't come back. Accept reality."

"She'll come back, J. I know she will."

"Maine--"

"Goodbye, J." She hung up before J could finish her sentence.