Drum Beats

Nineteenth Beat

"Uhm, kainan po ng pagkain ang mesa, hindi kainan ng tao," Dee said, still standing there.

Maine went off the table and said to Richard, "I'll just call J for a minute." Richard nodded and she went to the living room.

"How the hell did that happen?!"

Richard smiled, the type of smile that made his eyes vanish. "Nako nako nako sabi ng pabo," Dee teased.

"We talked last night. A very interesting talk," he replied.

"Jusko don't tell me--you freaking did it all night?!" Richard just smiled.

"Ikaw na pre," Dee said.

Meanwhile, Maine picked up her her phone when she noticed J was calling.

"Yep?"

"Huy gaga ka! Nasaan ka? Ba't di ka man lang nagpaalam kagabi?"

"Relax, mom," Maine chuckled. "I'm in his house."

"His as in Richard's house?"

"Yes," Maine answered. "I decided to give him a chance."

"Holy shit," J said. "What made you do it?"

"You. I thought a lot about what you said and I ended up making this choice."

"Good for you M," J replied. "Have you told him about Janine already?"

"Don't think I can yet. But I'm sure I'll be able to tell him someday."

"Whatever you think's best. Oh sige, kitakits nalang later."

"Yep. See you." Maine said and ended the call.

She felt Richard's hands snake around her waist.

"Who were you talking to?"

"Si J nga diba," she turned and gave him a kiss.

"Lemme guess. She was worried why you just left last night," Maine nodded.

"So do you have to go somewhere today?"

"No," Maine said. "Bakit? Pinapaalis mo ba ako?"

"What? No."

"We're going somewhere. You'll love it."

"Really?"

"Mh-hm," Richard replied and kissed her again. "Let's go."

"Now?"

"Yeah, why?"

"Look at me, Richard," she said. "I'm wearing your shirt! You're expecting me to go out with this?"

"Why not? You look hot. Besides, to where we're going, we're the only ones there."

"Where the hell are we going?"

"You'll see," Richard smiled.

"Ayan ka na naman sa pa 'you'll see you'll see mo. Kapag ako dalhin mo sa zoo makikita mo."

"Bakit? Takot ka sa zoo?"

"I had a bad experience involving...snakes," Maine shuddered at the thought.

"We're not going to the zoo, I promise," Richard answered. "This is way better."