Drum Beats

Twenty-seventh Beat

Maine shrieked when she came in the bar and J surprised her.

"'Namo, Juanita," she said.

J slapped Maine's arm. "Sabi nang 'wag Juanita eh!"

"Kasalanan ko bang yan yung binigay na pangalan ng mga magulang mo," she replied.

"That's it! I'm changing my name tomorrow!" J shouted and walked out.

Maine chuckled. If I was named Juanita I'd probably kill myself.

She took her phone out when she felt it vibrate.

Richard
Hi, bub! Nasa bar ka na?
6:34pm

Maine smiled. Ever since she said yes Richard, he's been extra sweet and protective, and she was the same to him too.

Oh, and they call each other 'bub' too. Believe it or not, it was Maine who suggested it.

Maine
Yup, I'm here na. Will you be here later?
6:35pm

Richard
Of course😊 I would love to watch my girlfriend play.
6:35pm

Maine
You're too sweet I can't😶
6:36pm

Maine
By the way, Dad wants us to have dinner at home Monday night. Plus my brother's home.
6:36pm

Richard
I would love to have dinner with you and your parents again😊
6:37pm

Richard
Your brother is back? I'd love to meet him!
6:38pm

Maine
He's a sweetheart. You'll love him, and I think he'll love you too.
WY tsw226:39pm

Richard
I'm relieved. Oh pano? I'll see you nalang later? Prof's here. Love you😘
6:40pm

Maine
Love you too😘
6:41pm

***
Monday Night

"We're here, mom!" Maine shouted as soon as they came in her house.

Her mom emerged from the kitchen with a cute apron on.

"Hi Nicomaine," her mom gave a buss on the cheek. "Hi Richard," she did the same to him.

"Hi po, tita," Richard greeted and gave her mom a boquet.

"Thank you."

"Where's dad? Nigel?"

"Your dad went to the airport to pick your brother up," her mom informed. "They should be here in a few minutes."

"Ako na po, Manang," Richard offered when he saw Manang Lita come out of the kitchen with food in hand.

"He's for keeps," Her mom whispered to Maine while they were watching Richard.

I know, mom.

They heard a car park in their garage.

"That must be them," her mom said. They waited for her dad and brother in the living room.

"I'm so excited to meet your brother," Richard whispered to Maine.

She, in return, squeezed his hand and smiled.

"Ate Maine!" An adolescent boy sprinted towards Maine and hugged her, making her let go of Richard's hand.

"Hey, Nigel," Maine hugged her brother back. "I missed you, little guy."

"I missed you too! You're the person I missed the most!"

The boy clearly couldn't hide his excitement.

"Baka magselos si mama," Maine chuckled and pointed at their mom, who was already pouting. The boy ran into his mother's arms. "Of course I missed you too, mom."

"Richard," he wa watching them when he heard her father call his name.

"Hi, tito," he went to him and shook the old man's hand. "Good evening po."

"Good evening din," her father replied. "Nigel, come here, son."

The boy turned and saw Richard. Richard smiled at him but he only kept a poker face. Nigel went to his dad's side and waited for his dad to speak.

"This is Richard, your Ate Maine's boyfriend," his dad introduced. "Richard, this is Nigel."

Richard smiled and extended his hand to shake Nigel's. "Nice to meet you, bud."

Don't call me bud, you thief, Nigel said in his mind.