Meraki* (MaiChard Fanfic)

Chapter 1 - Here Comes the Sun

12 August 2015

                  

Dear Maine,

Hello! How are you? Are you happy? Do you...feel like this kind of change is good?

I'm sorry. I don't even know what I should say next. I'm not a good writer but I still wanted to try and write you a letter. I figured that this is the best way to tell you the things I can't say out loud.

It has been weeks since we met each other on screen and much has changed. Our careers went through the roof. Everything I've only dreamed of having is suddenly coming true. I've gotten more offers for future projects. People I never thought would work with me are engaging me in talks for endorsements or magazine covers. It still feels surreal.

I was already happy with what I have achieved so far. I had been able to fulfill my mother's wish and more. I couldn't say that I was lucky because these are blessings that God has given me. Who would have thought that someone like me would be where I am right now.

Yes, I did try harder than I ever thought was possible. How could I not? While I wanted to be a pilot, I decided against because it would only burden my family. It was a choice that I had to do. I prayed a lot. I prayed to God and I talked to my mother while I persistently faced the challenges that came my way. It wasn't easy because the industry is not a perfect world. It takes guts, perseverance, and patience to survive.

I believe that I was one of the few who choose not to excessively bask in the limelight for a few moments like a rapid fire that eventually dies. I struggled. I admit, there were times when I just wanted to give up and play the game that everyone in the industry is playing. But I always stopped myself. The easy way would do me no favors.

It is one of the reasons why I appreciated these...these opportunities that I have gained because we struck gold in Kalyeserye. It made me feel like that everything I have ever done in my life was not for naught. It was like a ray of sunshine suddenly shone upon me and gave me a special kind of life that does not easily lose its brightness. I never thought that the stuff that I usually read on scripts for movies or teleseryes would ever come true.

I guess, what I'm really trying to say is...thank you. Thank you for taking the chance on Eat Bulaga and on me. Thank you for choosing to stay. Thank you for showing me that there is something more to life. I couldn't begin to fathom what would have happened if we didn't meet each other on 16 July 2015. I am not even sure if any of us would even be here if not for the work that each one of us has put in.

No matter what happens, I have no doubt that your career will also flourish because of your hard work and...something else I still can't name.

I hope I'll meet you at the right time soon.

- Alden

***

After Eat Bulaga...

Alden was on his way out of the studio when he bumped into Direk Pat.

"Uy, Alden! Kamusta? Ang galing mo kanina ah!"

With a sheepish smile, he ducked his head and rubbed the back of it. "Salamat po, Direk Pat. Nadala rin ako ng eksena eh."

She gave a short laugh and look at him knowingly.

"Pansin ko nga."

It was a loaded statement so he looked at her confusedly and asked, "Ha? Ano pong ibig sabihin niyo?"

"Ano lang...iba iyung dating sa amin nung eksena. Ay hindi eh. Hindi ko ring matawag na eksena," she mused out loud. "Basta, ang hirap ipaliwanag!"

He blinked then for a moment. What is she saying? Hindi ako umaarte? Parang totoo ang ginagawa ko? Teka. Ito rin ba iniisip ng ibang tao? Ni Maine?

DIrek Pat looked around nervously before turning back to him.

"Oh siya, kailangan ko na palang umalis. See you tomorrow ah!"

He shook his head, trying to clear it of his thoughts.

Maybe she's just tired...the live Kalyeserye segments might be taking its toll on her.

***

Author's Note:

Hi everyone!

Thanks for reading. The next chapter will be up tomorrow! :)