Drum Beats

Sixteenth Beat

She cheated, Maine...

She left you for someone else...

She doesn't love you anymore...

All these things were in her head. In all those years, she kept believing that Janine had a reason for leaving.

Maybe she really didn't love me anymore, Maine thought. But the last time she looked at me, there were something in her eyes.

Or maybe I was just imagining things.

Maybe J's right. It's time to move on.

"Did something happen?"

"No," Maine answered. "I was just thinking about what you said that night."

"About what?"

"About Janine," Maine replied.

"You...wanna talk about it?"

"I think I'm ready to let go, J and give Richard a chance."

Well that's a first, J thought.

"I'm glad, Maine," J smiled. "But are you sure about this?"

"What? You want me to change my mind?"

"No! No," J protested. "Do what you thing you should do. Don't listen to me."

Maine laughed. "I'm just kidding. Did you happen to see Richard here tonight?" She asked.

J gave her a teasing smile and pointed at the counter, where Richard was sitting.

Her friend slapped her butt when she passed by. "Gonna get laid again tonight?"

Maine turned and bit her lip sexily.

"Hi Richard," Maine greeted and sat on his lap.

"H-hi, Maine," he stuttered.

"Enjoying the night?"

"I am now," Richard answered and stared at her lips. This made Maine smile.

"We can--"

"Hi, Maine," they turned and saw a guy, about Richard's age.

"Yes? How may I help you?"

"Anong 'how may I help you?'" The guy scoffed. "She's my girlfriend, nerd. Back off," the guy said at Richard.

"You better--"

"Guys, let's not make a scene here," Maine said to the both of them. They were ready to fight.

"Richard, can you wait for me here? I just need to talk to him," Richard nodded.

Maine dragged the guy outside. "Hey, babe," the guy his hand around Maine's waist and pulled her in. "We're alone now. We can do whatever we want," the guy smirked.

Maine took off the guy's hand from his waist. "Look--whoever the hell you are, tigilan mo ako. You're not my boyfriend."

The guy had a confused look in his eyes. "What?"

"What we did--I remember your face now--was a one-night stand, and one-night stands are just for one night," Maine informed him.

The guy laughed. "No, no. You said you were my girlfriend."

"I did?" The guy nodded. "Well, we're over. Now stop bugging me." She said and walked out.

Maine went in the bar again and saw Richard waiting for her.

"Hey," Maine said and caressed his face.

"What happened? Are you okay?" He seemed worried.

I should really give this guy a chance, she thought.