Falling For You

Chapter TWENTY THREE

" I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where. I love you simply, without problems or pride: I love you in this way because I do not know any other way of loving but this, in which there is no I or you, so intimate that your hand upon my chest is my hand, so intimate that when I fall asleep your eyes close."

― Pablo Neruda

Forever Yours.

The five hour plane ride to Manila on a Saturday morning was uneventful, aside from Richard feeling nervous in anticipation of what to say to his beloved Maine. He clutched his hand tightly onto the small blue box and scanned for local taxis. He arrived in Manila a little earlier than expected and wanted to surprise Maine.  He told the driver, " Boss, can you drop me off at Forbes?"
"Sure, Sir.." As the man turned on his keys and started to drive.

Richard's three story mansion came into view..he could see Wally walking around the gardens busily tending to chores.

" Boss, thanks.." He happily told him after he paid and thanked him and went inside his residence.
"Kuya Wally! I'm back!" Richard announced
" Sir, nice to see you. Do you want your lunch?" Wally asked
" No, thanks. I already ate on the plane. I'll just change and get my car. I have made plans already. Is daddy home?" Richard asked
" No, sir. He went out of town for business.." Wally replied
" Ok. If you see him, please tell him that i'll be gone a day and I'll be back Sunday late night, he can reach me on my phone. I have to go..." Richard said
" Sure, take care sir. I will give your dad your message." Wally said

Richard went to him and prepared for his date. He wanted to give Maine a call but it is after all a surprise. He got ready and packed a few items along with the blue box and went downstairs to his car.

Maine stood by the window and thought of packing but she didn't have any idea of Richard's return so she called his number. Ring...ring.. No answer. Bummer.

Richard drove through several mansions and saw Maine's house and stopped the car on her driveway.

He rang the doorbell..once, twice..no answer. Where could she be on a Saturday morning?

Maine heard the faint sound of her doorbell from her bedroom and made her way down. She opened the front door and saw.."Richard!!" He was carrying bouquets of yellow flowers and gave it to her..

" I'm so happy to see you..Did you just arrive?" Maine exclaimed, as she gave him a hug.
" The flowers are for you. Yes, I stopped by my house and drove here. So happy to see you too..missed you. Are you ready for our trip? We are going on a road trip.." Richard said
" Really? When? Now?" Maine asked her eyes widened with surprise
" Yes, that's what the surprise is for..go on, pack..we'll stay overnight and be back Sunday night.." Richard told her
" Really? I need to tell my nanny first." Maine said
" Sure go on." Richard said

Maine told Ruby and went to her bedroom to pack her bathing suit, her scuba suit Richard gave her, light clothes, some jackets and toiletries and necessities.

Carrying her duffel bag, she locked her front door, Richard took her bag and placed it on the backseat along with several other bags. " Are you sure we won't stay long? It's like a whole house packed in here.." Maine jokingly said
" Don't worry my whole household would not fit in here.." Richard said
" Are you ready? Let's go.."