The First Daughter

8

Maine felt even more guilty about finding out that Alden has a 3-year old daughter, and hearing Alden say her name pulls her heartstrings because he speaks of her with so much love. The long drive back home was an eye opener especially with the way the Palace is trying to put them together due to her little debacle.

"This is why I chose being assigned here at the Palace, at least we're both in the same city. It would be easier to take time off and just be with her. Sometimes, I feel guilty na baka di niya na ako kilala or that I don't spend time with her, but everything I do is for her."

Maine realizes how much she is like Elisse, except she didn't lose her father early, whereas Elisse had already lost her mother and an absentee father. Alden seems like a very good father, even though his situation perfectly resembles that of her parents. She found out that Elisse stays with his aunt, and at least once or twice a month he tries to spend time with her.

"Richards..."

"Yes, Ma'am?"

"Thank you."

"For what?"

"For being so patient despite my attitude. For always understanding and still trying to tell me off. For trusting me with this secret, even if I know you hate me."

"Eh I see my daughter in you." Alden stuttered. "I mean, I see that one day she might resent me the way you do with your mother because I won't be there for every milestone."

"Wow ha. Anak mo na pala ako ngayon," she tried to lighten the heavy mood Alden was already feeling.

"Di naman sa ganon, pero it's ironic how I try to save you, but I don't even know what to do with my relationship with my daughter."

"You know, you actually remind me so much of my father. Kasi sobrang close kami non." She gestures and crosses her pointer and middle finger together. "As in, si mommy laging busy so siya lagi kong kasama and siya kakampi ko sa bahay, but he was strict. Daming rules. So when he passed, sobrang di ko na alam gagawin ko sa buhay kasi siya yung best friend ko."

"Well, you and I are so much alike in so many ways, Ma'am. Mukhang destiny na ata 'to," it was his turn to joke, but he tried to keep a straight face knowing that she wasn't able to get the punch line. Hala, mukhang di ata professional ginawa ko. Maine just had a straight face and avoided the rear view mirror just in case Alden was looking. When she realized that Alden was busy on the road, she let out a faint smile.

"Richards. Ano personality ni Elisse?"

"Nako, sobrang strong-willed and independent yun. She always gets what she wants and she knows how to get it. Parang ikaw, Ma'am." Alden joked.

"Pwede bang Maine nalang. Sobra naman maka-tanda ng Ma'am. Eh mas matanda ka nga sa akin... And besides, grabe ka ha!"

"Pero she's really sweet to everyone, which is why it's so hard for me to say no to her most of the time."

"Talaga?"

"Oo, hilig niya ngayon yung mga pony pony na yan! Yung de-glitter sparkle ba yun?"

"My Little Pony kasi!" She laughed a little too loud at that one. "Really?? Favorite ko yun dati."

"Last birthday niya, I gave her that. She only gets two trips to Toy Kingdom or Toys R' Us. Pag birthday niya and pag Christmas, baka mawili sa toys. I would rather she read books and do arts or get herself into sports."

"I was sporty before, alam mo ba yon? I was in competitive gymnastics, ballet and tennis growing up!"

"Dami naman!"

"Eh, it was a way for me to forget na I was medyo ignored at home. At least nalilibang ako."

 When they got to Manila, Maine messaged Col. Madayag asking for Alden's full address and a profile of Elisse. It was the least she could do to make up to him. If they had to fake their relationship, they might as well be friends. She wants to make it right this time. Col. Madayag responded with her requests immediately and sent her the details needed.

"Alden. Can we go to the mall lang? May bibilhin lang ako!"

***

"PAPA! PAPA!"

After going to several stores, Maine and Alden ended up in a toy store, and there she was. Elisse was running to her father, while his sister Riza just laughs at how funny this instance was. Alden scoops up the child and peppers her with kisses, and Maine watched the interaction and just smiled at how adorable they looked. Elisse has curly hair, and her eyes were big, brown and expressive. She has a dimple on the left cheek, which Maine assumed she definitely got from Alden, and she was very beautiful.

"Elisse, baby! What are you doing here?"

"Ninang Riza po wanted to go shopping today and eat in Mcdo po!"

Elisse turns her head and with a questioning look looked at Maine. "Papa, sino siya?"

"That's my boss, baby! Si Ma'am Maine yan, daughter ng president." He introduces Maine to Elisse.

"Hi, Ma'am Maine. My name is Elisse Camilla Richards," she said it as if she was introducing herself in a beauty pageant. Riza was always a fan of beauty pageants, and as such, she exposed Elisse to speaking in her "pageant voice" when introducing herself. She extends her tiny arm, which Maine shook immediately.

"Hi Elisse! Nice to meet you. Just call me Tita Maine nalang! How are you?" Elisse immediately let's go of her hand, and instead extends both arms and gives her a tight hug. Immediately, Maine felt her stomach turn into knots and her heart constrict. It was beautiful and heartwarming to see how innocent Elisse is and how genuine and pure her heart is.

"Papa!" She tugs Alden's barong. 

"Yes, baby?"

"Tita Maine is so beautiful!"

Alden takes a look at Maine, and he was caught off-guard at Elisse's compliment. Elisse was waiting for a response because the silence has become longer. "Di ba, Papa?"

"Yes, baby! Tita Maine is beautiful." Alden says it, while directly looking into Maine's brown eyes. Maine couldn't help but feel her cheeks burn and feel shy all of a sudden.