Gravity

6

MAINE's POV

"Alden, would it be possible for us to talk later?"

Alden was here in barangay, for AlDub's weeksary. Ever since I came back a week ago, I felt the warm welcome of the Dabarkads. It felt like I never even left.

But there's one exception.

Alden. Richard. Rj.

Yes, he smiles at me whenever our gazes meet. He would wave his hands at me whenever we were at the same room. But there's something missing. His eyes don't shine the way it used to whenever he would see me. His smile doesn't reach his eyes whenever he would catch a glimpse of me. And I miss everything he does whenever we were near each other, the simple tugs on the arms, pinch on the cheeks, him playing with my hair and stroking my back. I wish we could go back to the way we were before I left.

"Uh, may rehearsal kasi ako ng sa prod para sa Sabado eh. Next time nalang siguro, Maine?"

He doesn't call me 'Meng' anymore. He doesn't say my name like it's the most beautiful name he's ever spoken, like he used to.

"Maybe after your rehearsal? I'll wait."

Alden looked at Mama Ten, a sad smile plastered on his PA's face.

"Kaylangan ko sunduin si Rizza mamaya eh, coding kasi yung car nya. Next time nalang siguro?"

Alden smiled at me, a fake one. I know his genuine smiles, and I miss them.

"Ah ganon ba.. Sige, next time nalang."

I replied dejectedly as I sat down next to where Alden was seated. And not even five seconds passed and he stood up and said his goodbyes, saying that he needed to head to his rehearsals now.

Alden, hindi naman ako manhid eh. Alam ko. I can feel it. I know you're avoiding me. But I'm trying so hard to reach out to you. I want you back, Alden. God knows how much I want you back. Pero, naiintindihan kita.

I've hurt you so much when I asked for freedom. I've hurt your already fragile heart. And I'm so sorry, Alden. I just hope that one day, your heart would accept the real reason why I had to leave.

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It's been three weeks. Three. Freaking. Weeks.

Alden still dodges every effort I exert just so we could talk privately. And it's okay, because I know where he comes from. But I've already had enough. We are going to have our talk now whether he likes it or not. Gagawin ko lahat, whatever it takes, basta magkausap lang kami ni Alden.

Okay, Menggay. Think. Think.

Aha!

I think it's time to put my 'best actress' persona to test here.

"Kuya," I nudged kuya Wally on the arm, while he was engaging in a conversation with Alden and Kuya Jose.

"Oh ba--"

Kuya Wally was about to turn around to face me but I prevented him.

"Wag ka haharap sakin, kuya. Basta ganyan ka lang. Sumakay ka lang sa gagawin ko ha. Act concerned. Pero yaan mong si Alden lang lalapit sakin. Let him take me to the nearest tent."