Can't Go Back Now

Can't Go Back Now 3

It was one rainy Sunday.

She was left with no other option but just to stay in bed and snuggle there for as long as she wants. Sure, this is every bit of a luxury so to speak as this would be one of the last things that her now crazy schedule would permit. A part of her however is feeling somewhat sad to a certain degree. There are things that she could no longer afford to do anymore. Call it the prize she has to pay for this newly-found fame, but there was no denying that her life has now been forever changed.

She cannot go out alone anymore, she even missed her family dinner the other night and a friend's birthday a week before that. Although no one mandates it, she also needed to be extra careful with her words and actions. Eyes and ears are on her and needless to say, she is well within everybody else's radar regardless of whether she likes it or not.

A call from her road manager forces her to get up nevertheless.

"TVJ is setting up a private party tomorrow night to be held at Bossing's Alabang crib." the road manager hastily informed.

"I'll pick you up at 7PM?!" her young manager added.

"Is everyone coming?" Maine asked in a rather hushed manner.

"Yup, even the staff and crew, parang some sorts of thanksgiving na rin daw for the show's high registers in the ratings game."

"Okay po, I'll come", she assured the person on the other line.

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Her dad showed up not long after.

"Uhmm, I just want to check up on you...okay lang ba?", he interjected.

"Daddy talaga..." Maine smiled as she invites him to join her in her bed.

"Na-mimiss lang kasi kita, ikaw naman kasi ang busy mo na sobra..."

"And napapansin ko lately, ba't parang matamlay ka? Is there something wrong? he quickly continued.

"Wala po Dad, marami lang akong iniisip..."

"Tulad ng?", he curiously squeezed.

She remained quiet seemingly floating in the middle of her own thoughts.

"Baka naman kasi, nagpapa-apekto ka na sa sinasabi ng ibang tao, yan na nga ba yun sinasabi ko sa'yo, yang showbiz, magulo dyan eh." her dad cautiously explained.

Among her family members, it was her dad who readily expressed his apprehension about her entering the business. It wasn't exactly what he expected from her as she was always the most reserved one at home. Nonetheless, he respected her decision, treating her like the grown-up that she already was to begin with.

"Naninibago lang po ako siguro dad, but this is nothing...okay na okay lang po ako." she calmly responded dismissing his looming concerns.

"Anak, just stay true to yourself 'ha...the very last thing I would want is for you to get drowned sa anumang kasikatan or success na meron ka now...and never ever forget, we're here for you...mahal ka namin for everything that you are...ikaw lang buong buo..." he gently uttered kissing the tip of her forehead thereafter.

"Yes, dad and thank you sa inyo ni mom...thank you for believing in me enough to support me in my dreams, kahit sobrang bago din nito para sa inyo...tinanggap niyo pa rin and don't worry kasi I won't let any of these change the daughter you all knew, walang magbabago Dad, wala." Maine confidently affirmed, while wrapping both arms around her father's waist.

"He's a nice guy, huh!" her father teased.

"Dad, naman eh! Pati ba naman ikaw?!" she jokingly pleaded.

"Hindi, sinasabi ko lang naman, I mean...I appreciated his gesture doon sa studio when he came over to greet us. I could imagine how much guts he mustered to be able to do that."

Maine just heaved a collected sigh not wanting to give away anything that would fuel some kind of suspicion on his end.
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She arrived at the party a quarter passed eight in the evening. Opting to wear a haltered blue dress and a pair of Valentino studs, Maine shyly hopped out of her van.

The show's executive producer welcomed her arrival.

"Late na po ba ako?" she apologetically inquired.

"Nope, you're just in time. The dinner has just started."

"Hi Meng!" the highly-enthusiastic group made up of her co-hosts, staff and network associates greeted in chorus.

Maine, for her part took a seat right beside Paolo who in turn gamely acknowledged her presence.

It was a happy sight for her to see these bunch of people, who for the past three months have been more like a family for her. She never felt like a newbie at all as everyone appeared genuinely warm and welcoming.

She did not even noticed him at first. Alden was at the table's far end, unassumingly rushing to hold the chair for her, the moment their eyes met.

Noticing that everyone's gaze were on them, he quietly returned back to his chair not wanting to put her in an uncomfortable situation.

It was then that she shifted her attention to the band that was commissioned to perform for the night. They were playing songs from the 70s, 80s and 90s era.

"Uyy Meng, kain ka na...may salpicao and may prawns and crabs din dun." Ruby motioned pointing her lips towards the long table of food that was prepared for all of them.

"Thank you Ate Ruby, medyo busog pa po kasi ako..."

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As soon as everyone had their fill of food, the band invited the hosts to jam with them. The best thing about this group is that they certainly know how to have fun. Maine, for herself settled at Cobonpue couch situated near Bossing's poolside. She was then holding a glass of red wine on one hand.

"Okay lang ba if I join you here?"

"Uy, Alden...oo naman sure..." she said in a rather spontaneous tone.

"Uhm Meng...kasi napapansin ko, these past few days parang you're not your usual jolly self, I was baka may problema ka or anything." he hesitantly began.

"Huh...uhm siguro naninibago lang siguro ako tapos..." Maine awkwardly paused.

"Tapos...?"

"Hmmm, hindi kasi ako sanay sa attention na binibigay mo sa'kin...baka pressured ka lang...baka pressured lang tayo, alam mo 'yun? Baka ma-off ka sa sinasabi ko..."

Alden shook his head, the look on his eyes was stern. It was in all sense, re-assuring.

"Mahalaga ka sa akin, Meng so everything it is that bothers you matters to me. And...everything that is important to you, importante rin sa akin."

Both stopped as they gazed at each other's eyes. No words were said as there seemed to be no need for it.

Alden and Maine are coming as they are, face to face, eyes to eyes, heart to heart.

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Until the next chapter...Thanks for all the beautiful feedbacks guys. Much appreciated, keep them coming. ☺