Falling For You In Cape May

TWELVE

Alden

Oh crap! She knows!

How did she find out?

Is this why she acts so indifferent all of a sudden? She's probably so disappointed now, knowing who I am, just an actor.

Oh well! I am caught, there's really no way out. I might as well come clean.

I took a deep breath and look at her, straight in the eye.

"Because my dad is Richard. I was named after him, I am Richard Junior. Hence, RJ." I said, I searched her face looking for a reaction.

I saw none, like I didn't just tell her the truth about me.

"So what do you want me to call you then? Alden or RJ?" She asked nonchalantly. "Because for sure it's not Alvin." She continued quirking her right eyebrow.

What is going on? Why is she acting this way? Isn't she mad or upset? I didn't expect this kind of reaction.

But I know, one thing is for sure, she is distant, so it bothered her.

I grabbed both of her shoulders and turned her so she's facing me.

"RJ, call me RJ, that's what the people who are near and dear to me call me." I tell her.

"Okay, let's eat!" She said cheerfully, too cheerful that I know she is faking it.

"Hey, hey." I stop her.

"Yup?"

"Are we okay?"

"Yes, we are." And she continue to walk towards the kitchen.  I can see the dining table is set.

"I have a surprise for you!" She squeals. She sounded excited, but I know I won't be able to enjoy her surprise knowing that she is bothered by something.

I walk closer to the kitchen counter to where she was standing, her back on me.

"Maine, wait. Let's talk. I won't be able to enjoy your surprise because I know you are bothered by me. Can we talk first and then you can show me your surprise? Please."

She rolled her eyes at me and sighed.  Why do I find her sighing so damn irresistible? 

"RJ,  there's really nothing to talk about.  I found out you are a famous actor in the Philippines,  that's that." She shrugged,  lowering her head.

"And how did you feel when you found out?"  I really wanted to know how she feels.  I want to comfort her.

"The surprising thing is, I am not upset or mad at you for not telling me sooner, because I already know that you are keeping something from me.  I just probably didn't expect that you, being a very famous actor, is your big secret." 

Alright, her being not mad or upset is promising.  It means that I can still make this work. 

"Alright,  if you're not mad with me then why the sudden change of demeanor towards me?  Why are you so distant?  Like now, you won't even let me touch you."  I said,  frustration in my voice because every time I tried to reach her, to touch her. she pulls away and I hate that.  I need to feel her.

"Because it's better this way!"

"What? Why?"  I look at her totally confused.