Drum Beats

Twenty-eighth Beat

The kid forced a smile. "Nice to meet you, Richard."

"Kuya," Maine corrected.

"But in Canada we don't use 'kuya'."

"Nigel, be nice," their father said.

Nigel rolled his eyes and said, "Nice to meet you, Kuya Richard."

The kid went to their mom after he met Richard.

"I don't think he likes me," Richard whispered to Maine.

"Ganyan talaga yan," Maine whispered back. "He's not used to meeting new people. But he'll eventually warm up on you. Just talk about science stuff. He likes science."

"We'll be bestfriends then if he likes science," he replied. "I'll try my best."

They headed to the dining table. Nigel was about to sit beside Maine when Richard beat him into it.

Nigel glared at him.

"Sit beside mama, Nigel," their mom said. He went to her side. He didn't have a choice.

After saying grace, they started eating. To break the silence, Maine said something. "You know...your Kuya Richard is pretty good at science, Nigel," this made the boy look at him.

Richard smiled. "Not to brag, but..."You can ask me anything regarding science. Biology, chemistry, physics..."

"How about astronomy?"

"I know some stuff about that too."

"Cool!" The kid exclaimed. "I brought a book. Can you help me on the questions later?"

"I would love to," Richard replied.

"See? What did I tell you?" He turned when he heard her whisper. He smiled at him and mouthed a thank you.

"How's your dad, Richard?" Mr. Mendoza interrupted.

"He's doing great, tito," Richard replied. "He actually told me to invite you over for dinner sometime."

"Of course. We'll have dinner with your family sometime," the old man replied.

When it was time for dessert, Mr. Mendoza went to his office to work on some papers while Mrs. Mendoza helped Manang Lita in the kitchen. The three, Maine, Richard, and Nigel, went to the living room so Richard could helped the kid with his work.

"Maine! Come here for a minute!" They heard her mom shout.

"Take care of your Kuya Richard, okay?" Maine told Nigel and kissed his head before going to where her mom was.

When she was out of sight, Nigel put down his pencil and looked at Richard.

"What do you want from my Ate Maine?" He gave Richard a sharp look.

What?