The Proud Mr. Lim

A/N  This is a very old bcwmh episode-inspired fic I chanced upon sa files ko. I’ll post it anyway while wala pa akong time to update the other stories. Pantawid post muna.

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2 days before the launch of the new Lim Aviation Services hangar in Clark.

After dinner at Emman’s condo.

Maya: SC, wag na lang kaya akong sumama tutal wala naman ang mga bata.

SC: I’m there! Isn’t that enough reason for you to go? Pasosolohin mo ako? Bakit kelangan pa na nandun mga bata? Atsaka I was looking forward to attending this event together, yun tayong dalawa without the kids.

Maya: Eh Sir Chief…

SC: Maya!

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They’ve been arguing about this for days already. Richard wants Maya to be with him at the launch of the new LAS hangar in Clark.

He’s been waiting for an occasion to introduce Maya to his associates and friends and the hangar launch is the perfect venue to do it. He’s very excited. After the kids’ approval, he wanted to introduce Maya as his girlfriend to the whole world. He’s so proud of her and he feels like the luckiest man alive to have her by his side.

Maya felt so special when Richard told her that he’s bringing her to the hangar launch. It made her feel so much a part of Richard’s life especially when he told her that he would introduce her to his friends, business partners, associates and all the bigwigs of the aviation industry.

She was initially overjoyed when Richard invited her.

That night after Richard told her about it, she excitedly called Nanay Teresita and Kute. They were all happy for Maya being able to experience this kind of event with Richard. They were assured that he indeed loves Maya and is so proud of her. And they were also thankful that Richard made true his promise that he will take care of her and make her feel important and special.

Maya: Kute, naku ano kayang isusuot ko? Ano kayang magandang ayos ng buhok ko? Kaso wala naman magaayos sa akin kasi aalis na kami this weekend para mas mapaghandaan yun okasyon. Ako na lang ang magaayos ng sarili ko dun. Naku Kute ninenerbyos ako. Pano kung pangit yun damit ko? Pano kung pangit yun make-up ko? Pano kung maputol ang takong ng sapatos ko habang naglalakad kami ni Sir Chief? Kuteeeee…..

Kute: Uy ano ka ba? Kumalma ka nga. Pag ganyan ka kaaligaga, mas lalo kang papalpak nyan. Tanungin mo na lang si Sir Richard kun ano ang dapat isuot at dapat na ayos para naman alam mo. Eh sanay naman siya nyan. At dapat yun damit nyo mejo terno para naman magandang tingnan kapag naglalakad kayo ng magkatabi. Atsaka bunso, pag kakain ka doon, hinay hinay lang ha. (Kute was teasing her)O siya, matulog ka na. Kaya mo yan bunso. Nasa tabi mo naman si Sir Richard. Hindi ka nya papabayaan Goodnight na Maya.

Maya: Kute naman eh! O cge na nga. Ako na ang bahala. Goodnight sa inyong lahat!

Despite the reassurance from Kute and even from Richard, she can’t help but make a big deal out of this first ever social gathering she’s attending with him now as a couple. What makes it more difficult is that it’s the launch of his new hangar meaning he’s the host of the said event. This means she’ll be expected to entertain the guests in the said occasion.

Though her people-skills are exemplary, she knows it very well that this event would either pave way for her acceptance in Richard’s circle of friends, colleagues and associates or would lead to her rejection.

She knows that her boyfriend would also be judged once he parades her in front of other people.

What people would say about him scares her more than what they would say about her. He loves Richard so much that she didn’t want to embarrass him.

That evening before going to bed, she dialled Richard’s number.

Maya: Hello SC, matutulog ka na?

SC: Im still here sa baba. May tinatapos lang ako. Akyat na ako after im done. Ikaw di ka pa ba inaantok?

Maya: SC hindi ako makatulog.

SC: Gusto mo kantahan kita para makatulog ka? (he was teasing)

Maya: SC naman nagbibiro pa. Nag-aalala kasi ako sa hangar launch. Ano ba isusuot ko? Anong ayos ko? Dapat ba akong magmake-up? Sino sino ba yun nandun? Sir Chief kinakabahan ako.

SC: Women. (shakes his head) You can wear anything Maya. You’ll look good in any dress. Wag mo na problemahin yan.

Maya: Sinasabi mo yan kasi hindi ka naman magsusuot eh. And hindi mahirap sa’yo pumili ng damit. Andaya mo SC. Naku pano ba to?

SC: Maya don’t stress yourself too much. I’m there kaya dont worry. Atsaka I trust your taste in what to wear and even how to look. Alala mo nung prom? Ang tagal ko kayang nakarecover after seeing you dun sa entrance ng venue ng prom. I was speechless nung nakita kita dun. You were the most beautiful person there. Just be yourself. And don’t leave my side. We’ll be okay. You’ll be okay. (he said reassuringly)

Maya: Naku SC, si Nikki yun pumili ng prom dress at si Emman yun nagayos sa akin.

SC: Yes, si Nikki pumili but you were looking at that dress daw for the longest time so parang ikaw pa rin pumili. And you can just fix your hair the way Emman did it. You’re beautiful kahit anong dress pa yan, maganda ka.

Maya: Sir Chief….

SC: Sige na Maya. You need to rest na. Kailangan ko na rin tapusin to para makatulog na rin. We both have to be up early for your flight bukas.

Maya: Ay oo nga pala. Sorry SC naabala ko yun ginagawa mo.

SC: Maya stop saying that.

Maya: Ang alin SC?

SC: Na nakakaabala ka. I never regard you as such. Hinding hindi ka abala sakin.

Maya: Sorry naman SC. Busy ka kasi eh kinulit pa kita kaya ayun naabala ka.

SC: (with an audible sigh) Hay Maya…

Maya: Sige na SC. (she sounded sad, as if she did something wrong)

SC: Maya…

She was anticipating a litany of sermon from SC so medyo malungkot na takot yun boses nya.

Maya: Sir Chief?

SC: Wala ka bang nakakalimutan?

Maya: Ah eh? Di na ako magwoworry. Magiging okay yun hangar launch, hindi ako nakakaabala….

SC: (impatiently) Not that one!

Maya: Eh ano SC?

SC: (stressing every line)”Good Night!” “Sweet dreams!” “I love you!” That! (he was rubbing his forehead)

Maya: Ah yun ba, hihihi! Ikaw kasi tinatakot mo ako. Akala ko principal’s office uli. O eto. Good Night! I love you mahal kong SC! Dream of me! (she was giddy saying those lines)

SC: (was smiling this time) Ang sarap hearing those from you. Nakakawala ng pagod. And yes I’ll dream of you tonight. Just like all the other nights. (he intended to say the last line to himself but unfortunately Maya heard it)

Maya: Talaga you dream of me? Ano ako sa dream mo SC?

SC: (to himself) Naku Maya, stop it or I won’t be able to sleep.

Maya: Uy SC, ano nga?

SC: Yung mermaid ka with Abby. Yun sa zoo na you’re pretending na di ka takot ka sa ahas. Those dreams. (hoping she believes him)

Maya: Nightmare naman yan SC, hindi sweet dreams, hihihi!

SC: Matulog ka na nga. Baba mo na phone.

Maya: (gusto pa nya maglambing at makikulitan kay Richard) Ikaw muna.

At binaba nga ni Richard yun phone.

Maya: (to herself) Ay binaba talaga! Eto talaga si SC, kahit kelan…. (she was smiling though)

Their conversation at least lessened her worries about the hangar launch.

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Maya: Eh Sir Chief, hindi ako confident sa napili kong damit. Atsaka anong sasabihin ko sa kanila. Paano ako makikipagusap sa mga bisita mo?

SC: Maya, bisita natin. You’ll be fine! They will like you. Atsaka you just have to focus on me para you won’t worry much na.

Maya: Huh? Paano naman mawawala ang pagaalala ko pag nagfocus ako sa’yo?

SC: Kasi di ba you said na ako ang pinakakinakatakutan ng mga tao. If you survived me, you’ll definitely survive all the guests at the event kasi all those guests malamang takot sakin. (he was smiling at her) O basta ill pick you up early tomorrow para maaga tayong makarating sa Clark. I need to check on the equipment pa kasi kahapon lang yun nadeliver. Mag pahinga ka na.

Maya: (resigned look in her face) Sige SC. Goodninght. Ingat sa pagdrive. I love you. (she tried to hide her worries with her smile)

Richard hugged and kissed her on the lips lightly. They now automatically do this as a habit, a greeting. Maya was already used to it.

SC: (tilting her chin so that she stares at him. Smiling his sweetest smile) Dont worry na ha! I will take care of you there. (then plants another kiss at her forehead now)

Maya smiles and nods her head and leads Richard out the condo.

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They drove to Clark following day.

Richard spent the ride excitedly talking about the hangar and the plans of LAS for the rest of the year. Maya was confidently talking about what she thinks of Richard’s plans. She sometimes objects and offers her ideas. Having worked at Time Airways and having been exposed to the airline industry for some time, she can now join in these kind of discussions with Richard. Richard was so proud listening to her. She came a long way from the lady whom he met few years ago, the lady who bargained herself to being a nanny just to be allowed to go to school. He’s beaming with pride on what she had become.

They talked about anything and everything while occasionally singing together when a familiar song pops up in the car radio.

They never run out of things to talk about, trivial or otherwise.

Even with the long drive, Richard didn’t feel tired upon reaching their destination. He felt recharged and even hoped that the drive to Clark should have taken a longer time. He loves Maya’s company and wanted more time together.

LAS booked hotel rooms for the guests, staff and even for Richard and his kids at the nearby hotel. Maya and Richard decided to drop their things at the hotel and freshen up after the long drive.

Around lunch time, they are now at the LAS office, which is just beside the new hangar.

At the pantry of the LAS office in Clark.

Maya was on her way to reheat the food she cooked in the condo. Richard wanted to just buy food but Maya insisted on cooking something healthy. She and Richard will be having lunch at his office. She stopped on her tracks when she heard a group of women conversing.

Catherine: Mr Lim brought his girlfriend pala. I wonder how she’ll look like sa event.

Girl 1: You know her na ba?

Catherine: Well, Atty Gie and I saw her once. She was having lunch with Mr Lim at the same resto we’re in.

Girl 2: Maganda ba?

Catherine: Okay lang. Hindi ko masyadong pinansin kasi hindi ko naman alam na they were on a lunch date. And after being briefly introduced, Atty Gie told me na yaya siya ng bunso ni Mr. Lim. Shes from the province daw. Siguro pumunta ng Manila para magapply na katulong.

Girl 1: Talaga? Naku ang taas naman ng natupad na pangarap ng girl na yan. Grabe si Mr. Lim talaga yun target nya. At nakuha nga nya.

Girl 2: Naku baka nagayuma si Mr. Lim
(Tawanan sila)

Catherine: Hmmm… baka nga. I heard na Mr. Lim loves her coffee at hindi siya umiinom ng timpla ng iba. Baka talaga.

Girl 1: Hahaha! Ewan ko girl. Iba and tingin ko. Baka naman gusto lang ni Mr. Lim ng someone to keep him company when he’s lonely. Ano sa tingin nyo? Di ba yun ibang lalaki, mas gusto yun inexperienced. Mas challenging daw yun ganun.

Catherine: I don’t think so. Mr. Lim has a reputation of not playing around so baka companionship lang gusto nya. Atsaka if he wants to have someone on lonely nights, bakit hindi na lang yun dating umaaligid sa kanya, yun Stephanie. Mas mapapaligaya naman nun si Mr. Lim

Girl 2: Kasi girl, mas madaling idispatsa si naïve probinsiyana kesa dun sa Stephanie. Takot lang yun si Mr. Lim na mapikot ni Stephanie. Takot din yun sa inyo ni Atty. Gie. Baka pikutin nyo din.
(tawanan ulit sila)

Catherine: Naku humanda siya sa launch. Sa daming mga sosyal at alta na dadalo, im sure nakakaawa yun girl na yun. Ewan ko lang kung kayanin nya makipagsabayan sa event na yun.

Girl 2: Naku girl, bigyan mo kaya ng role. Yun impromptu speech para mapahiya in front of the guests at infront of Mr. Lim

Catherine: Aynaku di pwede girl. Mahahalata yun ni Mr. Lim at magagalit yun. Baka itigil nun yun kontrata sa company natin. Mahirap na. LAS is our largest client. Buti nga at connected sa kanila si Atty Gie. The event is stressful enough for her so tama na yun.

Girl 1: Goodluck sa kanya.
(tawanan ulit)

Maya heard enough. She turned to make her way back to Richard’s office when she bumped into Liza who’s also on her way to the pantry.

Liza: O Maya, bat di ka tumuloy?

Maya: Ah eh, Liza, may nakalimutan ako sa office ni Sir Chief.

Maya was unaware that Liza had seen her standing for a few minutes outside the pantry and that she saw her wiping her eyes furiously. Liza was sure that Maya was wiping her tears.

She went to the pantry and saw Catherine and two of her staff laughing. Liza was certain that whatever those women were talking about, it was harsh enough that even the ever bubbly and positive Maya couldn’t even take.

Back at Richard’s office.

SC: Maya let’s eat. (he was getting the food containers from Maya) Upo ka na. Ako na bahala nito.

Maya: (trying to hide her hurt and pain after hearing the conversation at the pantry). Ay ako na SC. Kuha ka na lang ng plato. Nanjan yun disposable plates na binili natin. Wait maghuhugas na lang muna ako ng kamay sa banyo mo.

She placed the food at the table and hurriedly excused herself and went to Richard’s washroom to fix herself and make sure that her eyes are not puffy when they stare at her SC.

They are now eating. Completely unaware of what happened, Richard excitedly briefed her of the program that would take place at the hangar launch. She tried her best to sound enthusiastic. She doesn’t want to be a reason for Richard to be upset. He doesn’t need another stressor at the moment.

After lunch.

SC: Maya, stay here na muna. You can rest dito sa couch. Or if not you can tour the office and the different departments. Try to see who’s sleeping on their jobs, tapos isumbong mo sakin. (he was kidding) Puntahan ko lang si Engr. Yamaguchi dun sa hangar.

Maya: Ah ok SC. Dito na lang ako. Nap lang ako.

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He returned after 2 hours and saw Maya blankly staring at the ceiling. She didn’t even notice him. He felt that something is wrong. He went to Liza outside his office.

SC: Liza, lumabas ba si Maya kanina.

Liza: Ah Sir, she just stayed at your office. I offered her merienda kanina but busog daw siya.

SC: May pumasok ba sa office. Was she able to talk to someone? Did she say anything to you? Bakit parang wala siya sa mood?

Liza: Sir, no one entered your office. I was here the whole time you were at the hangar. Kanina pa si Maya nakahiga sa couch. But I think I know why she’s like that…

——–

Richard had Catherine and her staff called at his office.

Catherine: Good afternoon Mr. Lim. (smiling seductively)

Richard had his back on them, standing while staring at the glass window of his 7th floor office. He was gritting his teeth, eyes slitting in anger.

SC: (angrily) Sit down!

Catherine and her staff was certain that he was furious so they hurriedly sat themselves.

Catherine: Mr. Lim is there any problem with the….
(He cut her off)

SC: I hired your company because Atty Gie vouched of your professionalism, your company’s morals.

Catherine: Mr Lim….???

SC: I would never tolerate any company who does business with us to insult Ms. De la Rosa. Insulting her means you’ve insulted me too. (he was really mad this time)

Catherine: But Mr. Lim we never…..

SC: My secretary told me what you said and did at the pantry.

Catherine: (guiltily, bowing her head) Sorry Mr. Lim. What we did was unacceptable. How can we make it up to you?

SC: Just leave. This would be the last time I hear from you and your company. I am personally cancelling all our pending transactions with you. You are no longer handling the anniversary of LAS and I would personally see to it that you be blacklisted from all events of the aviation organizations I’m heading. I already called Atty Gie and informed her about this. You may go now. I believe that your company have been paid in advance for this event.

He was still seething in anger as the ladies left his room.
He was blaming himself. He insisted that Maya should be with him during the hangar launch despite her apprehension and objection in attending the said event. He promised that he would take care of her. He promised that everything would be okay.

Maya didn’t know anything about what Liza saw, what Liza told Richard and about Richard firing his events organizer a day before the event. Richard instructed Liza to accompany Maya to the hangar to see the new aircrafts being maintained by LAS. It was his excuse so that Maya wouldn’t witness his anger as he lashed at Catherine and her staff. He vowed to himself that he would never get mad at anyone while Maya was around kasi yun ang alam niyang pinakaayaw ni Maya.

At the hangar.

SC: Maya!

Maya: O SC akala ko may meeting ka. Tapos na ba?
Liza saw SC and she excused herself to go back to the office.

SC: Uh hmm. Tapos na. Come here.

He gathered Maya in his arms, hugged her tightly and kissed her forehead.

SC: Im glad you’re here. Nawawala ang pagod ko just hugging you. (he is smiling at her)

Tumalikod si Maya, suddenly shy that her SC is publicly displaying his sweetness in front of his engineers and other LAS employees.

SC hugged her from behind while resting his chin on her shoulder.

Maya: SC nakakahiya. Ayan yung mga engineers mo o.

SC: Bakit nakakahiya. Actually they’re thankful kasi at least hindi ako masungit while you’re here. (he kissed her cheek)

Maya: Nakakarami ka na ha! (kinikilig na siya)

SC: You’re confusing me Maya. Kapag sweet ako ayaw mo, kapag hindi naman nagtatampo ka. Which do you prefer ba talaga?

Maya: Siyempre sweet kaso wag dito. Andaming tao. Nakakahiya nga.

SC: Sige sa hotel room na lang tayo. Tara! (he’s smiling mischievously, teasing Maya)

Maya slapped Richard’s arm

Maya: Tumigil ka nga SC. Ayoko ng mga ganyang biro ha! (she was blushing na din)

SC: (hugging her again. Maya facing him) I was just teasing. Ikaw kasi, kanina ka pa walang imik. I miss the talkative Maya (smiles at her)

Maya: (smiling at him) Pagod lang siguro sa byahe SC. Mamaya ok na ako.
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On their way to the hotel. Mang Lem was driving. They were on the backseat. Maya snuggling beside Richard.

Maya: Sir Chief…

SC: Hmmmm?

Maya: Thank you.

SC: For what?

Maya: Kanina. Sa pagpapakilala sakin. Sa pagtatanggol sakin. Sinabi ni Liza na nagalit ka dun sa sexy events organizer mo dahil sa mga sinabi nila sa pantry.(she was teary eyed now) Di mo naman dapat sinisante. Pinagsabihan mo na lang sana.

SC: Maya you don’t have to thank me and no, I won’t tolerate those kind of people to be associated with me and our company.

Maya: Shhhh, patapusin mo muna ako.

Maya: Thank you for making me feel so important. Yun mahal na mahal mo ako. Ramdam ko yun Sir Chief. Ang swerte swerte ko talaga. (She was crying now, overwhelmed with the emotion she’s feeling)

Richard glanced at her. Held her hand and kissed it.

SC: I’m luckier than you, Maya. I’m very lucky that you chose me despite my age, despite having kids. You can easily pursue your dreams, choose any guy who doesn’t have bigger responsibilities than I do, choose a guy your age who can easily do things that people your age does, but you chose me.

SC: And I’m a damn lucky man that you chose me!!!
He looks at her lovingly misty-eyed, kisses the back of her hand longer this time.

SC: I love you so much Maya. Thank you very much for coming to my life.

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