The First Daughter

10

President Mary Ann had an early start and by crack of dawn, she was already up and early having her Moroccan Mint Tea with Toast and Jam. She had an early meeting with the generals regarding the upcoming international convention taking place in Manila. Usually she'd wake up at around 7 in the morning to start her routine and go to wherever she was needed. Today, she was extraordinarily early and ready by 5 in the morning.

"Hello po!"

The President was startled by a little girl suddenly appearing from behind the kitchen counter. "Hello din, hija? Sino kasama mo?"

"President ka po, di ba?"

"Opo, bakit?"

"Kasi sabi ni Papa you're... you're... super nice and you help a lot of people. Kasi si Papa ko sabi niya he works for the President and idol niya kayo. Ano ba ang President parang Queen, ganon?" 

The President was amused by the girl who just started a conversation with her and couldn't help but stifle a laugh. She was amazed how this girl just treats her as if she's talking to her mom's friend. Elisse was very outspoken at her age and very intelligent, which is why she loves conversing with older people. "Parang ganon rin. Ano name mo, hija?"

"Elisse Camilla Richards! I'm three years old. Four na ako tomorrow! You like to see my drawing?"

Elisse fished out a full-sized bond paper which she drew in stick figures in pink markers. It was a picture of her and another lady. The President watched her intently and was just patiently waiting for her, while she chewed on her food. "This is me..." Elisse points to the little girl. "And this is Tita Maine." She points to the taller girl. "Kasi she's so nice to me and she bought me a toy. Gusto mo po i-draw din kita?"

The President just nods in agreement, while Elisse fished out for her marker, and drew the President beside her. She drew a lady with a crown. "See, ta da!"

President laughed at Elisse's drawing, and it wasn't long until Alden emerged from the kitchen door. "Elisse! Di ba sabi ko just stay in the room? Sorry po, Madame. Baka po naka-istorbo si Elisse sa inyo. Hindi na po mauulit. I apologize."

Elisse frowned and let out a sigh. "Sorry po, Queen President! Nice meeting you." She kisses the President on the cheek just like what she does when she's about to say good bye or good night to her titas.

"No it's okay, Major Richards. You can leave her here if may gagawin ka pa. I'll let Manang Linda know nalang if aakyat na ako so she can accompany her. May lakad kayo today?"

"Wala pong advise si Mai... Ma'am Maine. Pinapunta po kasi niya si Elisse kaya po nandito siya today. I should've asked Col. Madayag first." Alden couldn't stop apologizing and feeling embarrassed that this was after all the President's house.

"Major Richards, she's a kid. I won't mind. Please go back to whatever you have to do. She's fine here di naman siya magulo. We're just drawing," President Mary Ann said in a firm but mother-like tone.

"Yes, Madame!" With that, Alden gave her daughter a kiss and left the kitchen, and Elisse continued to draw and decorated the piece of paper.

"Hija, you want food?" She offers some of the toast on the table. "Paluto tayo kay Manang, if you want something?"

"Papa said madaming hungry sa world, so I don't want to waste food. Okay na po ito sa table, Queen President." She grabs a piece of toast and munches on it, while she continued to have a conversation with President Mary Ann.

For the President, she missed this. She missed the way a child could be so loving and innocent, and sometimes she regrets the days she missed out on when Maine was growing up. Coleen and Niki were a bit older when she entered politics, so they had no problem adjusting. Maine, however, was the most affected one and this was the reason why she would feel guilty with Maine's behavior.

"Tita Maine!" Elisse was wide-eyed when she found Maine coming in the kitchen, and she immediately ran to her and gave her a big hug. "Look oh! I drew something!"

Maine scooped her up and carried her on one arm, and gave her mom a kiss on the cheek. "Good morning, Mom."

"Good morning, Maine. Kanina ka pa hinahanap ni Elisse! May plano ba kayo?"

"Yeah, I promised to bring her to the zoo because birthday niya tomorrow. After that, maybe I'll meet with Maisie so we can plan the fund-raiser for the children of displaced soldiers," Maine explained.

"Okay, that's nice." This was all the President could say because she wasn't sure whether she could ask some more, or if Maine would really let her in. Usually, their conversations would just end up in one-liners.

Maine invited Elisse to the newly-opened zoo in Manila because she has always wanted to visit it ever since she got back. She found it weird that a twenty-one year old girl like her would visit it alone, so she took the perfect opportunity by bringing Elisse to the zoo instead. She wanted to see Elisse before her birthday, and Alden gladly agreed because Elisse couldn't stop talking about her day with Tita Maine.

"Mom..." Maine opened up, which got the President's attention. "Is it okay if Elisse comes by once in a while? I just want to make it up to Major Richards for what happened and because I didn't know he had a daughter. I feel really bad talaga."

"Of course, as long as Major Richards gets to fulfill his duties pa rin. We wouldn't want others to think we're favoring him too much. Besides, Elisse is super cute. Dami nga namin napagusapan eh! Just take care of Elisse okay? She's your responsibility in this house. Okay?"

"Yes! Thanks, Mom. You can get ready na, I'll stay here with her." 

It was unusual for Maine to feel remorse and to be accountable for her actions. The President was quite impressed with the way Elisse has become a positive influence in Maine's life. 

"Happy Birthday, Elisse! Ready for the zoo?" Elisse hugs and kisses Maine on the cheeks.

Manong Allan was the driver on duty today who is usually assigned with Coleen. Manong Jose was feeling sick so he decided to go on leave. "Elisse! Anak! Ready ka na mag-zoo? Daming unggoy dun!"

"Diba po dun kayo nakatira?" Elisse said innocently.

"Elisse!" Maine reacted, but she couldn't help but giggle until Manong Allan just nodded with delight.

"What? Sabi po ni Papa si Manong Alan nakatira sa zoo kanina!"