Another Beginning

• SIXTEEN •

Alden

"I will be right back."  I gather Maine in my arms and gave the top of her head a kiss.  I feel her shoulders tensing up.

Sam just asked for a closed door meeting and I know Maine is anxious for being left out.

I went inside the room, MamaTen and Sam following me behind. As Sam closed the door, I sat on the edge of the bed and look at him, not saying anything.

"Alden, nag email na ang management. Ayaw muna nila ipakilala yung twins and si Maine. Pag-uwi mo, ang gusto nila ikaw lang." Sam tells me.

I can feel the rush of my blood going up to my head. I knew this is going to happen. I can taste blood in my mouth because I've been gnawing on my inner cheek.

"Not going to happen," was all I said.

"And they know na yun yung isasagot mo, so they said okay lang i-out yung twins pero you will announce na you are not romantically involved with their mother."

I let out a loud huff.

"Do they honestly think na I will do that?" I yelled. "Na I will deny Maine? Unbelievable!" I fumed, combing my fingers through my hair.

I stood from where I was sitting and crossed the room, rubbing my stubble.

"That's what I thought Alden, kaya nga I want to talk to you. When I receive the email, ganyan din yung reaction ko. What do you want me to tell them?"

"Not going to happen, I am going home with Maine and the twins, and that's final." I announced.

"They're just worried kasi, you have a new soap coming baka daw mag-decline yung popularity mo."

"Do you think I care?" I am so mad right now.

How dare them dictate my life! I've given them everything, and now that I am doing something for myself, they are telling me no? Like I am a child that needs to be told!

"You know what Sam, tell them this. I am going home with Maine and the twins, if they don't want that, then I quit!" I yelled, seething.

"Alden, huwag kang padalos dalos ng decision mo, mag isip ka muna." MamaTen tells me.

"MamaTen anu pa bang dapat isipin? They wanted me to deny yung mag-iina ko! Kung hindi man, si Maine ang idedeny? I am not doing that! Ang tagal tagal ko s'yang hinanap tapos idedeny ko? Ano yun lokohan?" I tell him, repelled by what's going on.

"Alam ko yun Alden, kahit naman ako hindi ako papayag na hindi ka magsabi ng totoo. Pero mas mabuti siguro ma mag-usap kayo ng management..."

"...at kausapin mo din si Maine," Sam cut in. "She needs to know what's going on. Napag usapan nyo na ba yung situation nyo?"

"Sam, be reasonable naman. Three days pa lang ang nakakalipas since I found her. I am still trying to let everything sink in. All she knows is I am an actor. Hindi pa nya alam how big I am back home.  Wala pa kaming napaguusapan, ni birthday nga ng isa't isa di namin alam,  but there's one thing I definitely know."  I stopped and looked at him.

"Ano?"

"I love Maine and my kids, and I will do everything to protect them."