I Hate You Because I Love You – Chapter 4

Chapter 4

At Lim’s mansion.

“I think Ricky’s here.”

Donya Esmeralda opens the door.

“Oh Maya! You made it. Oh hija how I missed you. Kumusta ka na? Come in, come in.”

Donya Esmeralda engulfed Maya in a big hug.

“Namiss ko rin po kayo tita.”

“Hi Ma.”

“Hi son, nandyan ka na pala. Let’s get inside at nang makakain na. Kanina pa sina Teresita dito.”

Donya Esmeralda walked ahead as Ricky ushered Maya inside.

Maya went to her parents to greet them.

“Bro!”

“James, pare.”

“Buti di ka busy.”

“Eh si mama pinapaguilty ako. Kababalik nyo nga lang naman di pa ko magjoin sa dinner.”

“Well at least it worked son. Kami rin ng papa mo kababalik lang ni hindi mo nadadalaw.”

“Ma, I’m here na nga po para makabawi.”

And laughter filled the air.

At the dining table. Don Roberto and Donya Esmeralda were sitting side-by-side, in front of them were Teresita and Arturo. On the other side, James was seated beside his wife, Alex leaving Maya and Richard to sit together. Laughter and beautiful stories filled the night. All throughout dinner time, Richard was very much solicitous to Maya. An act that was never missed by their parents but chosen to keep to themselves their observation until..

“Wait lang guys, something is wrong here.”

Everyone halted and all had the same wondering face, waiting for James to elaborate.

“What do you mean son?”

“Tito Roberto, ako lang ba nakakapansin, pero ang tahimik nina Maya at Richard. Ceased fire ba kayo?”

Maya swallowed an invisible lump on her throat while Richard put down his utensils and looked at everyone on the table. All looking at the two of them.

Richard laughed before answering.

“Grabe ka naman James, para naman kaming mga bata parin para di magkasundo.”

“Oo nga naman anak.”

“Nay, hindi un eh, may iba talaga eh. Hindi normal na magtagal silang magkatabi na hindi nagtatalo.”

Everyone had to laugh at that.

“Hon, ano ka ba, tigilan mo na nga, namumula na si Maya oh.”

“Okay, I believe it’s time we tell you guys the truth.” He heaved a sigh before continuing.. “Ma, Pa, Tito Art, Tita Tere, Bro James, Maya and I, we’re in a relationship.”

James wasn’t expecting for that bombshell that Alex had to close his mouth with her hand. When their mothers recovered, they shrieked with glee. Both Roberto and Arturo could only shake their heads and smile. While Richard took Maya’s hand under the table as though creating a solid alliance waiting for their family’s reactions to subside.

“I knew it, I knew it. When I opened the door and saw Maya nagulat ako, pero mas nagulat ako nung makita kita Ricky. I was wondering na but my happiness to see that you both have arrived, nakalimutan ko nang itanong. And kanina ko pa kayo pinapanood kumain. Ricky was being very solicitous with you Maya, hindi ko na pinansin kasi baka mailang pa kayo. Hay, mga anak, I’m so happy with this news.”

“I second the motion Esmie. Grabe! Kinikilig na ko kanina. Akala ko ako lang nakakapansin. Grabe mga anak, kelan pa at paano?”

“Before we answer your questions tita, Pa, tito Art, James? Is this ok with you?”

“I have nothing against with this.”

“Okay na okay ka sa kin Ricky, at least kilala ka na namin.”

“Bro?”

James motioned with his finger to wait. And then he laughed shocking everyone. He was really laughing so hard that he was already holding onto his stomach.

“Hon, okay ka lang?”

In between laughs, he told them what he thinks.

“Grabe! <hahaha> I didn’t know you both had it in you <hahaha>. Okay na ko, now tell the truth. Anong meron at magkasundo na kayo?”

Richard and Maya looked at each other.

“Kuya, kami na nga ni Ricky. Boyfriend ko siya, medyo matagal na.”

James turned serious realizing that his sister really has a relationship with his best friend.

“Pare usap tayo.”