Drum Beats

Twenty-second Beat

Richard and Maine made the most of it the day after. They tried all the activities in the resort, including jet-skiing, parasailing, and snorkeling.

"Are you having fun?" Richard checked on Maine.

Maine looked at him and smiled genuinely. "I'm having the best time of my life, thanks to you."

Richard pulled her in and hugged her from the side. "I'm glad."

They looked at the ocean, enjoying thescenery that was right in front of them.

Suddenly, his phone rang. It was a call from his dad.

He answered it.

"Yes, dad?"

"Hi, anak. Are you still at the resort?"

"Yes, dad. Why?"

"I'm sorry if this'll get in your way."

"What will?"

"Your cousin. She's coming home tomorrow and I forgot to tell you that she wanted to go there."

"Hindi...okay lang, dad. There's so much space here. Taatlo lang kami if ever."

"Talaga? Okay lang sayo?"

"Yes, dad. Maine's okay with it too."

"Oh thank God. Say hi to Maine for me."

"Will do, dad. By the way, sinong pinsan?"

"Si Janine. She's coming home from the States. Ilang weeks lang naman and babalik ulit kasi may school pa."

"Ah...okay. Sige po. We'll get ready here."

"Thanks again, RJ."

"No problem, dad. Bye."

He ended the call. "What happened?"

"Dad told me that my cousin is coming home from the States, and gusto daw niyang mag-spend ng time niya dito. Magkakasunod kayo. Beach lover din yun eh."

"Talaga?"

"Mh-hm," Richard replied. "She'll be here tomorrow."

"Just make sure that the room she's staying will be faw from ours," Maine smirked. "I don't want to disturb her."

"No one would be disturbed right now," He said in his deep voice.

Maine raised an eyebrow, challenging him.

"Ah!" She screamed when he suddenly scooped her up and ran towards their villa.

***

"How do I look?" Maine asked Richard. He looked at her from head to toe and said, "Perfect."

"'Chard, what if your cousin doesn't like me?" she asked, nervous. It was just like when she met his parents.

"She will love you, Maine," Richard kissed her temple. "Don't worry."

Maine told herself to calm down and waited for his cousin to arrive.

Then, they saw a car approaching.

God I hope she likes me, Maine thought.

The car revealed a woman, in her 20s,that looked very much like a person Maine knew way back.

"Hi Jan!" Richard approached his cousin and helped her with her luggages.

"'Chard! How have you been? My gosh, binata ka na!"

Richard laughed. "Ngayon lang tinulungan ni puberty."

Maine stood still. She was still in shock. Never in her life she expected that she would see her again.

"Ah, Jan, this is Maine, nililigawan ko," Richard introduced. "Maine, si Janine, pinsan ko."

Janine took of her shades and looked at Maine as if she doesn't know her. "Nice to meet you, Maine. I'm Janine. Richard's cousin." She held out her hand and Maine just stared at it.

Oh, Richard. She loved me alright.