It Happened in Paris- Part 2

PART 2

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She must have had shifted her frustrated attention onto him because of Jeffrey. That sure thing made her feel like as if she loves him. You can’t love someone in that short span of time, right? Besides, she believes in long courtship. So, this is just because she’s alone in Paris and she found a good company with him.

Yes. That’s just it. Nothing more.

She sighs deeply. All the time that she’s on the plane, her mind wanders back to him. She wonders what he’s doing at that moment. She is trying so hard to deny that she misses him. Whatever reason that she can come up to just to hide what she truly feels, she’ll buy it!

As her plane landed, with her luggage at hand, she quickly went outside the airport while waiting for her parents to fetch her. It’s already near sunset. She watches the people around her, hugging and crying after seeing their loved ones again.

She shrugged her shoulders. She surely misses her parents but she won’t cry that much. Heck, it’s just few weeks since she left.

At the sight of a familiar man and woman walking their way towards her place, her face lights up. She waves her hand happily and shrieks. Dang! She couldn’t believe she missed them that much.

“Mom! Dad!!” She’s thrilled to see the two of them that day. Although they’ve been separated years ago, it is nice to know that they remained friends for her.

The three of them embraced like a happy family. She can see how much they miss her. Duh. As if she’s gone for years.

“Ma, Dad, ang OA. Ilang weeks lang naman ako nawala.” She complained but she’s happy to be loved unconditionally by them.

“Anak, mahirap na hindi ka ma-miss. At isa pa, sobrang malungkot ka nung umalis ka kaya syempre nag-alala kami.” Her father said and starts examining her face. “But, mukha namang napabuti ang vacation mo. You look lovelier anak!” Maya smiled with his father’s compliment.

“Sus! Kayo talaga. Thanks dad.”

“Mabuti naman at mukhang masaya ka na ulit, anak.” Her mother added with misty eyes. Oh the so dramatic mother of hers.

“Ma naman!” She groaned. “Anyway, let’s eat somewhere. I’m hungry!”

~~~~~~

“Bakit nga ba naisipan mo na umuwi?”

The question was thrown at her as soon as the food were given. “Hmm.. Okay na po ako eh.” She said, and it is true. She is better than the day that she left.

“Talaga? Dapat sigurado ka na anak ah? Ayokong balikan mo yung lalaking yon!” His ever so protective father told her. The two of them knew what happened and they are also the reason why she went to Paris. Her parents gave her that vacation to mend her broken heart. Her mom even teased her that she might meet someone new there that might help her to heal. And indeed, she met someone. Geez!

“Ma.. Mabait naman si Jeffrey. And I think we should talk.” She answered

Maya’s mother was surprised. “I knew it! Anak ah! Ayoko dun. Sinaktan ka na nun. Akala ko pa naman kaya ka bumalik dahil okay ka na, yun pala makikipagbalikan ka?” Her mother is angry and she cannot blame her. Her mother was aware how much she loved Jeffrey.

“Ma, I said we should talk. I never said na makikipagbalikan ako.” She rolled her eyes.

“Kahit na kausapin hindi na din kailangan yun, Maya.” His father butted in “ano pa bang kailangan pag-usapan? Mamaya mabola ka na naman nun. Ayoko na makita kang umiiyak na naman! Mahal pamasahe sa Paris.” His father added the last statement to lighten up the atmosphere as he also hates Maya’s idea.

She laughed. “Dad, we will just talk. At least to end things or whatever. Ang dami ko din kasi gustong itanong sa kanya. Just trust me. Please.” She requested. She decided that she really needed to talk to Jeffrey. She knows his intention, he wants her back but for her, all she wants is to talk to him. About their relationship before.

Her mother sighed. “Fine. Ikaw ang bahala.”
~~~~~~

She is stirring her cup of coffee for a while now as she patiently waits for Jeffrey. She texted him the day after she’s back to finally meet him again.

She wouldn’t deny it, she misses him, too. Heck! They’ve been together for like forever so it is not that weird if she’ll miss him. She’s not totally healed.

“Hi.” A familiar voice behind her sent shivers down her spine. She never thought she will hear his voice again.

She looks back to meet his gaze. “Hi Jeffrey. Upo ka.”

He took a seat in front of her and lovingly fixes his eyes on her. Before, such looks would make her heart do somersaults but now, she feels uncomfortable with his stares.

“So.. How are you, Maya?” He’s the first one who cuts the thick air of awkwardness.

“I’m good. Ikaw?”

“Better because I am now with you.” Geez. He is really such a romantic man. No wonder why she answered yes before. But then she remembered Richard. She can compare him to Richard and now it seems impossible that he could have liked someone like Jeffrey when there was someone as perfect as Richard in Paris.

Oh wait. No. Why is she even thinking about him? She doesn’t like him, right? It’s all just because he is a good man, and she needs someone with her in Paris. That’s just it.

“Okay, so bakit gusto mo akong makausap?” She ignored what he said earlier

“Well, Maya I think I already told you my intention. I want you back. I am sorry if I hurt you. I know sorry is not enough but.. I-”

“Wait.” She raises her palm for him to stop as he keeps on talking too fast. “okay, gusto kong malaman kung anong pagkukulang ko sa’yo.”

“Pagkukulang?” He repeated as if he didn’t heard her

“Yes. Kasi nagawa mo akong lokohin eh, so malamang may pagkakamali siguro sa side ko. Iparealize mo sakin na may mali ako, at hindi yung tanga lang talaga ako dahil sobra kitang minahal at pinagkatiwalaan.”

Jeffrey’s looks like he doesn’t have an answer ready for that. Like someone who reviewed his notes all night but the test paper is asking him a question that he never thought would be asked. “Y-you…” He breathed deeply as he gathers strength “I am the one at fault Maya. And I regretted it. I’ve realized my mistakes and I am asking for forgiveness and second chance.”

Though he seemed sincere, Maya can no longer trust him. She is still sure that she still do love him but only for like twenty percent. The rest was already occupied by Richard. Oh no. Wait. She meant her family. Yes, her family occupies the rest of the percentage. She sighs.

“I don’t know, Jeff.”

“Alam ko Maya na mahirap na ako mapagkatiwalaan. But still, please give me another chance to prove myself to you.”

“Hindi mo ba naisip na nasaktan mo yung babae na pinalit mo sa’kin para balikan ulit ako?” She is now angry. She couldn’t believe that he still doesn’t know what he wants. He’s acting like a child playing with others’ lives.

“That is why hindi kita nasundan sa Paris, Maya. I wanted to be there to see you as soon as possible when I realized that it is you who I really love. But then, I have to talk to her and ask forgiveness. I am such an idiot. I’ve broken girls’ hearts. She’s my first love and when she came back, lahat nagbalik eh. Akala ko mahal ko pa din siya, pero mali ako. I just missed being with her dahil we never had a closure. Then it was too late. I already lost you when I realized that. And hell! We were supposed to get married. Sobrang dami na palang nangyari. Sobrang dami ko ng maling desisyon.” He said, shaking his head. Tears started to roll from his eyes. This is the first time that she saw him cry like this.

“Maya, I am not asking for you to accept me again in a snap. Mahirap gawin yun, alam ko. That is why all I am asking for is for you to at least give me another chance to prove to you that I really do love you.” He added and reached for her hand that is resting on the table. She was speechless.

She bites her lower lip, unsure of what to say. “I don’t know, Jeffrey. Bahala ka. Prove whatever you want to prove. Just don’t expect too much from me.”

A glint of hope was seen from his eyes then he nods. She wasn’t sure if she did gave him a false hope. She didn’t gave him assurance, right? All that she approved of is that he can do whatever he wants. But he should never expect that she’ll accept him again. What he did is too much for her heart. And she isn’t ready for another chapter with him again.
~~~~~~

Some people are meant to fall in love with each other but not meant to be together…

That is what she concluded after reading a book that she bought earlier that day. She’s been reading all day inside a coffee shop. After giving too much time to reading, her thoughts were back to Richard. He’s been visiting her thoughts every now and then. She couldn’t deny the fact that she misses him. He loves her! But somehow, it feels strange and weird. They are alone in a foreign country. Shouldn’t they expect everything as a dream?

She sighs. Maybe the book is right. But still, she regretted that she never asked where he is working. At least she can see him again after their trip. Okay, given that she still do have his number but that’s his number in Paris. If he’s still there, wouldn’t it be weird if she will be the one to call him? Oh yeah, as if he will call her after she dumped him.

Ugh! She wanted to scream. What is she thinking? Her mind is messed up right now. She’s been missing Richard, yet she doesn’t trust her heart that what she feels can be equated with love. She needs more time, but are there any more time left?

Beep. Her phone beeps with a message.

“Hi. Your fave movie is out! Let’s watch it? Please?”

Great. Now Jeffrey is pushing his luck. He’s been there all the time. Calling her, sending sweet messages, asking her out on dates. And yes, she’s accepting his offers because she’s been too exhausted at work and a few hours off wouldn’t hurt. Her mother would often remind her about what happened before and not to give away her heart to him again, Maya assured her mother that she knows what she’s doing.

“Ok. I’m already here sa mall. Sunod ka na lang.” She replied.

“Ok. Be there in a bit! (:”

While she waited for him, she raises her phone and took a picture of herself. Her hair is on a ponytail and she’s wearing a white shirt with the Eiffel tower printed on it. The one that she bought in Paris. Richard told her before buying it that she’ll look good on it.

She posted it on her instagram account with a caption. “Missing Paris already! Cup of coffee for today. xx”

She scanned all of the pictures on her instagram account and found the picture with Richard way back in Paris. The one and only picture that she had with him with a caption “with a nice stranger!” Good thing that her mom doesn’t have an account. She couldn’t bear all the teasing. It is indeed unfair that she’s aware that Richard has a lof of pictures of her, she wonder if he deleted them already after she left him. Geez. She hopes he didn’t.

Is he still in Paris or is he back? Will they see each other again?

Her thoughts were interrupted when Jeffrey reached her table. “Hi.”

“Hi. Tara na.” She greeted back and pulled him out of the coffee shop.

~~~~~

Everything is gold and silver in this garden party, with red roses arranged in oversized glass vases on the tables. There are ribbons on the backs of the chairs, a little stage on a corner, a string quartet playing softly off to one side and a five-layered cake. And Maya is standing beside Jeffrey as they walk passed the gate to their house and their garden. She’s wearing a simple blue dress that fits her perfectly with her hair on curls that is resting on her shoulders.

For a moment, she regretted being here. It’s like meeting the parents the second time around. Well, okay, Jeffrey’s parents are really nice but she doesn’t know why she agreed to be here as his date. And with the looks of the people around them on her, she is so sure that they are aware that she’s the ex-girlfriend who was actually dumped for another woman but then stupidly accepts him again. But they were wrong, being with him tonight doesn’t prove anything, right? She’s just here because she loves Jefferey’s mom, and it’s her birthday so she should be here.

She scans the place and saw familiar people. She had attended a lot of family affairs of Jeffrey before so there are a few people that she knows. From his cousins, niece, nephews uncles and aunts, she can still remember some of their names. Like duh, they only broke up for few months and not years.

Which adds to the strange part where he had asked his “first love” to marry him after few weeks of seeing each other again and dating behind her back, to realizing that he doesn’t really love that girl and he’s so into Maya. Weird, but he says, that is love, it will redirect you to someone else only to make you realize that you took the wrong path and make you go back to where your heart truly belongs to. Should love be that way?

“Oh Maya! Good thing you’re here.” Jeff’s mom greeted her with a kiss on the cheek. She is really happy to see her again, there’s no doubt about that.

“Same here, tita. Happy birthday po.”

“Thank you. It’s really nice na finally my son realized that it’s you who’s worth loving. I am happy to see you two together again.”

Oh great. She thinks they’re already back to each other’s arms. “Ah.. Ma, I am still courting Maya.” Jeffrey informed his mother which earned a frown from his mom as she expects that they already patched things up.

“Oh. Well, at least you guys are here. Thank you, Maya for attending and giving my son a chance.” She embraces Maya and gave her a smile. “Anyway, Jeff, maupo na kayo and kumain na. Your cousins would be thrilled to see Maya.”

“Yes, Ma.”

“Sorry about that.” He whispered, he apologized for what her mother had thought of them.

“It’s okay.” She replied with a shrug
~~~~~

Two hours pass so quickly, she’s been seated on a round table together with Jeffrey’s cousins. Jeffrey is seated beside her but he was called earlier by his father to introduce her to some of their business partners, so she was left with his cousins chatting about what happened to her while she and Jeff were separated. They were all happy that she’s attending a family gathering again, but she made it clear to Jeffrey’s cousins that they are friends for now, nothing more.

They are done eating their dinner when the music started playing. Jeffrey is again called by his father to meet new people. He said sorry about it, but it’s really fine with her.

The tables begin to empty as everyone crowds onto the floor for a dance, even Jeff’s cousins.

“Ate Maya, we will dance na muna ha? I’m sure kuya Jeff will ask you later pagbalik nya. Lalo na sa slow dance!” They tease her. She just laughed at them.

“Sira. Sige na, sumayaw na kayo at masaya yung music oh!”
~~~~

The music started playing slow songs that made her feel sad all of a sudden. She doesn’t know why such love songs would give her an alone feeling. Geez! She’s not even alone there.

As she stares at the center of the garden where couples are now gathered, suddenly, Jeffrey appeared beside her and offered his hand. He’s asking her to dance. She shook her head no, she hates dancing. “Jeffrey, you do know I don’t dance.” She said apologetically as she can see the disappointment in his eyes when she declined

“It’s okay, Maya. Kahit maapakan mo pa ako. I don’t care. Pleaseee?” He asked again and all of his cousins who are back on their table butted in.

“Sige na, ate Maya. Pagbigyan mo na si Kuya, please.” Trish, the youngest among them who’s only seventeen pleaded.

“Oo nga ate, please.” Josh, who’s eighteen which Maya is close to joined

“Kahit one dance lang.” Dianne, the eldest said.

“Make it two!” Josh again said, teasingly.
~~~~

Later on, Maya is dancing with Jeffrey in the middle of the room with the other couples around them. She accepted his hand for a dance earlier. Maya’s hands were on his shoulder while Jeffrey’s hands were on her waist.

Forevermore started playing, bringing back good old days when they were still happy and in love. “You remember this song, Maya? It’s our themesong!” Jeff informed her which she can only answer with a smile.

She cannot look at his eyes as she was feeling uncomfortable. They keep dancing quietly as her eyes roamed the place. She can see in the corner how Jeff’s cousins were watching them with grins. She could only shook her head. These kids really like her a lot to be Jeff’s future wife.

Her eyes keeps on bouncing at one table from another, when suddenly, her eyes caught someone. Her eyes grew big in surprise! It’s him! She is so sure!

Their eyes locked, and she’s so sure that he’s been looking at them for quite some time now. He’s seated with Jeffrey’s college friends, could he be one of his friends? No, that can’t be! She never saw him in any special occasions of Jeff. But why is he here?

“Ri-chard.” She mumbled the words ever so softly. She wanted to make sure that it’s him, to the point that she wanted to push Jeff away and run to where Richard is.

They are still staring at each other that she didn’t notice that Jeffrey’s talking to her. “What?” He asked her what she said earlier as Richard’s name came out of her mouth in a whispher.

“H-ha?” She looks back at him. “Ah, wala.” She gave him a reassuring smile and glances back at Richard. He is still looking at her but now, his eyes were turned into slits. What happened to his melting gaze earlier?
~~~~~

I know, sabi ko two parts lang but naisipan ko habaan ng slight. Slight lang naman baka di umabot ng 5parts. I am still sad sa sudden news guise and busy din with school so, ayun. Will try to update soon.