Maybe This Time

Reminiscing

Author's Note: Aloha everyone! :) Since Maybe This Time is a mini fic, it will be ending very very soon. I just wanted to say "maraming salamat" to everyone who's supported this from the prologue up until this current chapter. I know that some of you are pretty frustrated with how angst-y this fan fiction is, but nevertheless, what really matters is that you keep hanging on. Don't worry, you'll get the ending you deserve ;) I hope you enjoy this chapter and don't forget to leave a comment! Aldub you!

- Annette

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He couldn't get her off his mind, that's for sure. 

Alden kept shifting into different positions as he lied on his bed. He wanted to get some rest, but his mind was restless. He couldn't stop thinking about what happened earlier. Finally seeing Maine after what seemed to be forever gave him a rush of varied emotions. He was happy, he was sad and he was angry all at the same time. 

After a while, Alden decided to sit up. He looked at the alarm clock that stood still on his bed side, and it read "2:30 am". He didn't know what to do in this ungodly hour, so he just leaned by his bed board and sighed. 

When his eyes found its way on the television set that was in front of him, his mind had drifted off to a memory he could never forget.

Rain clouds were beginning to cover the entire city. A weatherman had made a forecast that there was a low pressure area forming within the Philippine Area of Responsibility, so people had to cancel their plans on going outdoors, and that included Alden and Maine. 

They were all set for their usual picnic, at a park they've frequently visited over the past few months that they've been together, but they couldn't risk being soaked by the rain in their attempt of following their usual Saturday schedule.

"Kung kailan excited na excited akong pumunta sa park, saka naman uulan." Maine complained as she stared out of the window of Alden's condo. It was starting to drizzle. 

"Okay lang 'yan. Pwede naman nating kainin ang mga hinanda mo kahit hindi natuloy ang planong pumunta sa park." Alden walked towards her and gave her a back hug. He gave her shoulder a quick kiss. "Huwag kang mag-alala, 'pag ikinasal na tayo, magpapagawa ako ng indoor park para sa ating dalawa." 

Maine couldn't help but laugh at the idea. "Ba't indoor park? Indoor beach nalang kaya? Kaya mo ba 'yun?" She asked. 

"Parang first time ko pa lang marinig ang "indoor beach" ah." He smiled. "Pero sige, para sa'yo, kaya kong gawing posible ang kahit na ano. Ganun kita ka mahal eh."

Maine turned to face him, and caressed his face with both her hands. "Alam mo, araw araw kong tinatanong ang sarili ko kung ano bang kabutihan ang ginawa ko sa buhay ko para mahalin ng isang taong tulad mo." She said. 

"Ah suuus." Alden gently pinched the side of her cheeks as he pulled her closer to him. "Binobola mo yata ako eh."

"Uy, grabe ha. Ganyan na ba talaga ang tingin mo sa 'kin? Mambobola?" Maine pouted. Alden smiled even more as she appeared to be a lot cuter than she already is. 

"Siyempre, hindi." He said. "Araw araw ko din namang tinatanong 'yan sa sarili ko, pero alam kong ang Diyos lang talaga ang may sagot sa lahat ng 'yan. Ang ipinagdadasal ko lang, na sana ikaw na talaga ang babaeng para sa akin."

Maine looked into his warm, brown eyes. "Huwag kang mag-alala. Sisiguraduhin kong ako na talaga ang nakalaan para sa'yo." 

As Alden looked right back at her, he could imagine how his life would be with her by his side. They'd take on the world together hand-in-hand, explore different countries and cultures, have a family of their own and just be genuinely happy with the fact that they were each others' partner in everything.

Alden's eyes were filled with so much love as he continued staring at the lady he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. He's never felt so sure about someone in his entire life. He's only felt this much certainty with Maine, and his mind has been made up that he wouldn't have it any other way.

He placed his hand on the side of her neck as he moved closer. He could feel the warmth of her breathing as he felt that his face was only a few centimeters apart from hers. She had closed her eyes, anticipating this moment and feeling the excitement bubble up inside of her. 

Just when she could feel his lips so close to hers, she couldn't wait any longer. She had "moved in for the kill" only to have him avoid her attempt at kissing him. He was teasing her and he liked every bit of it. 

"Ano ba..." Maine complained. Her mood had been destroyed by Alden's playfulness. Her forehead creased as she moved away, only to have him pull her back with such a manly strength you'd usually see on the movies. 

His lips had hit hers in a split second and he kissed her with so much intensity that she was caught offguard. But thankfully, he was there to catch her. 

Alden had his hands wrapped around her waist, while Maine's was around his neck. They continued to kiss like there was no tomorrow, the passion continuing to overflow as they immersed themselves in each other. 

Maine was the first to break away from the kiss to laugh as she was running out of air. 

"I love you." She smiled. 

"I love you too." He replied.

"One last kiss?" Maine bit her lip, blushing madly. 

All it took was a subtle nod and they were back in each other's arms again.

The sound of his alarm clock brought him back to reality. 

Running his fingers through his hair, Alden could feel the frustration starting to invade his mind and his heart. He knew he had to move on, but he just couldn't. He couldn't find it in himself to move on when all he could think about was the softness of Maine's skin, the taste of her lips. And it slowly drove him crazy. 

Alden was still in love with Maine and though he knew that he deserved better after all the pain he's experienced, it was still her that he wanted. 

He didn't know what to do. He didn't know if it was right to call her and to just tell her that he'd take her back in a heart beat or to just pack his clothes and move away for good. 

Alden was confused and frustrated, but he needed to make a decision now. He needed to decide how his life is going to turn out after Maine had come knocking on his door, begging for him to love her again.

But the question is, will he be strong enough to trust her again? Will he be strong enough to love her despite having that fear linger at the back of his head that she might just leave him again?

Only Alden knows what he wants, and hopefully, he ends up making the right decision.