Drum Beats

Twenty-third Beat

"So where am I staying?" Janine said, not even waiting for Maine's response. She faced Richard and waited.

"The one with the red roof," Richard pointed at the 5th villa away from theirs.

Janine started walking towards it and Richard followed. Maine still wasn't moving from where she was standing.

Kung kailan ako ready nang kalimutan ka, saka ka naman dadating? Tangina naman oh.

"Maine? Do you want to come with us?" Richard asked.

"Uh...hindi na. I forgot that I have to call J. See you nalang sa villa later," Maine replied, kissed him on the lips and ran towards their villa.

When she arrived, she took out her phone and dialed J.

"Hi, honeymooner! Having fun?"

"Cut it, J. Something bad just happened."

"What? What happened? Infertile si Richard? Oh my God!"

"Yung timing talaga ng jokes mo sobrang bad. Hindi! She's here."

"Who?"

"Janine."

"WHAT?! OH MY G--"

"Yes. And it turns out she and Richard are cousins."

"Oh my god."

"I know! How the hell do I deal with this?!"

"Oh my god."

"Jusko naman Juanita! Mamaya na yang 'oh my god' mo! Kailangan ko ng solution!"

"Okay, uhm...tell Richard first! That's probably a good way to start."

"What if he gets angry?"

"He's won't--I think."

"I need you to be sure!"

"Okay! Okay! Tell Richard first. Then talk to Janine."

"Is talking to Janine a good idea."

"You're gonna have to talk to her. Wala kang choice. Kayong tatlo lang ang nandiyan."

"Hmmm...you're right. Thanks J."

"Anything for my girl. Tell me all about it later, okay?"

"I will. Bye."

"Bye."

Maine walked around the room, wondering how the hell she's gonna tell Richard about her and his cousin.

***

"So how long have you and Maine been dating?" Janine asked as she settled on the couch.

"Officially? Just a few days ago."

"Officially? Bakit, naging unofficial ba?"

"At first, it was, kasi...na-guilty lang siya."

"Guilty with what?"

"With...uhm...I don't need to tell you the whole story! Amin nalang yun," Richard ears reddened. He was clearly embarassed.

Janine smirked. "Must've been something naughty," she teased.

"Let's not talk about it," he dismissed, which made his cousin laugh. "Are you hungry? Maine and I are gonna eat lunch in a few minutes."

"I'm not hungry yet," Janine answered. "I'll eat later."

"Okay."

"Uhm, about Maine...how is she?"

Richard gave her a questioning look. "She's...okay. She's feeling great. Why?"

"Oh nothing," Janine replied. "Sige na! Alis na! Pahinga muna ako," she said and covered her eyes with a towel.

When she heard the door close, she took off what was covering her eyes and looked outside. Maine was there waiting for Richard. She smiled when he approached her.

I'm happy to see you again, pumpkin.