Marry Your Daughter

II

March 3, 2018 / 10:27pm

It has been a long day for Maine. Even after preparing for all her prods for her birthday celebration in EB, she still had to go to Broadway that morning to do last minute rehearsals. It was the 3rd time she celebrated her birthday in EB, but it still overwhelmed her. She just couldn't get the hang of being the most popular girl in the country and the perks of it, especially on her birthdays.

At the start of the party, Maine's father, Teddy, himself, announced that pictures and videos can be taken, but not to be released to social media that night. They wanted to keep it as private as possible even for just that night that even the staff of the restaurant got the memo. Maine, being the most social media addict in the room, had no choice since it was her father who wanted it.

Maine looked around; her family, her close friends from school, and a few from work were all there, enjoying the celebration. It was her kind of party; intimate, but chill, with her all her favorite food and her kind of music. The only thing that could make it so much more perfect was if her boyfriend was there to celebrate with her. She'd be lying if she said she's not feeling any 'tampo', but this time, she knew it was inevitable. He was to receive an acting award for his performance in the indie film he did. She wasn't with him in that film, luckily it wasn't a romance movie. She saw that movie and RJ's performance was over the top. He was brilliant, and she couldn't be any prouder of her boyfriend, thus, she refused to sulk. And besides, this entire private party was RJ's gift for her. After his performance in EB earlier for her birthday, he gave her the envelope containing the invitation for her own party he organized. He just didn't allow her to open it on national TV though. He also mentioned of another gift that he'll give later. She didn't think that by later, he meant tonight.

Her private party held at a fancy Asian restaurant at a luxury hotel somewhere in Manila was almost over. Or so she thought. After they've done all necessary ceremonials for a birthday party, there was a sudden sound of a metallic object hitting glass. She turned to her right to see her father, standing by the end of the table, holding a glass chalice and hitting it with his fork.

"Your attention please." Tatay Teddy said as he placed the glass and fork back on the table. He cleared his throat. He glanced at Maine; A tensed father and a confused daughter. "Menggay, may isa ka pang bisita."

Her father turned to the entrance and everyone did so too, including Maine. There he was, all dashing and handsome in the white polo shirt he was wearing, matched with black slacks and leather shoes. Why he looks so out-of-this-world handsome whenever he's in a white polo, is forever a mystery to her.

"Sorry, I'm late." RJ walked towards Maine and gave her the bouquet of yellow carnations he had.

Maine, flustered, took the bouquet but not before giving him a light jab on the shoulder. "Sabi mo may awarding ka." She smiled.

"Meron nga." He gave her a buss on the lips. "Pero wala naman akong sinabing di ako pupunta diba?"

Maine pouted and glared at him, like a toddler throwing a tantrum, but her smile was still on her face. Her happiness evident. RJ couldn't stop the huge grin that appeared on his face because of how unbelievably adorable his lady love was. He gave her a kiss on her forehead. "Happy birthday ulit." 

The people around them cheered and teased, but the two seem to have entered their own world again, lost in each other's eyes. The young couple was only pulled out of their sweet moment when Maine's father walked beside them. RJ immediately straightened up, tried to look not aflutter, but failed. It always made her chuckle. She always found it amusing how he becomes a nervous mess whenever her father's around, even after all these years.

He shook the older man's hand as he greeted him good evening. He then went over to where Maine's mother was sitting and gave his respects, greeting her siblings and friends on his way.

As Maine watched her boyfriend waltz through her guests to her mother, her father placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Halika, doon tayo sa harap." He invited when she turned her attention to him.

When they reached the aisle of their table, RJ pulled out one chair for Maine and motioned her to sit. Her father sat beside her as RJ climbed on the dais, where there was a slick black piano.

"Ano 'to?" Maine questioned, a confused grin on her face. "May pasabog ka ha."

"I told you I have another gift." He whispered, beaming, but just loud enough for his girlfriend to hear.

The other guests were just as puzzled as her. None of them were expecting him since they knew the event doesn't end until 11pm. Well, one person did know; her father. Teodoro knew his plans; he was informed. RJ would leave the gathering as soon as he receives his trophy, gives his speech, dedicating the award to his beautiful girlfriend, and hop on a chopper to get to her party in the fastest possible time. Luckily, the first half of his plan worked out smoothly.

Now, the last and the hardest part starts.