Borrowed Time (completed)

32. disappointments

Because of Meng's trainings and work with Faulkerson Industries, she had to stop driving the shuttle. Nico took on Meng's driving schedule as he, too, returned to school to fulfill his dream of becoming a pilot. Dr. Cris was his inspiration. Tatay still had his garage and with a loan from the bank, he was able to put up a carwash beside the garage and Rj and his family had their cars regularly serviced at Tatay's garage and carwash. Nanay and Mama Olive continued to work as "on-call" helpers to Sam and Rj's condo units. Rj didn't want Nanay to wash his clothes anymore but Nanay stood firm.

"Pwede naman po ako bumili ng washing machine..." Rj insisted.

"...busy kayo ni Meng pareho sa trabaho. Ni wala kayong oras para magpahinga o. Kami na ni Ibyang ang bahala dito..."

Rj could only shake his head in 'defeat'. He had been raised depending on Yaya Beth and the helpers in the hacienda so he really did not know much about housekeeping. Meng, on the other hand, would often come by in the evenings, most especially on the weekends, but would spend more time just lounging or cuddling with Rj.

Most weekends were spent in the city but Sundays were always spent at the hacienda. Sometimes, Mama would have lunch set up by the forest clearing so everyone could spend the afternoon at the river. When the rainy season came, they spent less time by the river and just had lunch at home.

Meng noticed however, that visits to Meng's hideaway became less frequent. She noticed, too, that the trail they often used to go there from the clearing was now covered with undergrowth and there didn't seem to be any effort to clear it up. In the times they would go to the river, Rj would only invite her up to the tree bridge. Everytime she mentioned about Meng's hideaway, Rj always changed the topic and talk about something else. He did mention one time that the penthouse jacuzzi was also Meng's hideaway, though.

Since their work places were near each other, Rj would come by in the afternoons to pick Meng up from work. Upon Mama Rose's orders, Jomar became Rj's personal driver.

If Rj had to learn this late in his life how to be a little more independent, Meng too, had to learn how to embrace this new lifestyle. She had always been a simple girl with very simple needs. Whenever she and Rj went to the mall, he would sometimes have to force her to get the more expensive item she was looking at. Sometimes, she reluctantly agreed and Rj saw how happy she was when they returned home. However, Rj also appreciated her simplicity because it taught him humility.

She taught him how to care for his basic needs like frying an egg and moving beyond just pouring hot water in a cup of instant noodles. She showed him how to fold his clothes properly and to store it neatly in his cabinets – simple tasks that he took for granted while still living in the hacienda.

"Hello?" Meng answered her phone even if the number that appeared on her screen was unfamiliar. It was a Friday afternoon.

"Meng!"

"Tita?" Mama Rose sounded frantic on the other end. "Bakit po?"

"Si Ricky...si Rj...si...si Ikki-booooooooy!" Mama Rose wailed.