The First Daughter

13

Alden took a day off and decided to bring Elisse to the mall to get her new clothes. The whole day he couldn't get Maine out of his head and what transpired during their fight. She's been avoiding to speak or look at him, and it almost made him miss her. Usually when he tells Maine off, she'd have the defense mechanism of bugging him with questions and trying to create conversations just so he could forgive her. This time, Maine just enters the car and reads a book or stares at her phone the entire time, and doesn't say a word. She only sends instructions through Manong Jose.

"Papa." Elisse called out, and he immediately got out of his trance.

"Yes, baby?"

"Di naman bagay sa akin 'to eh."

"Eh, maganda naman baby eh!"

"I think si Tita Maine gusto ko mag-choose ng clothes. She dresses well kasi just like my dolls." She reasoned out while she looked at herself on the mirror with her print-on-print top and pants ensemble that Alden picked out. Anyone who would see it would think how cringeworthy and irritating-to-the-eyes her outfit is.

"Baby, wala si Tita Maine eh. She went somewhere."

Elisse pouted and gave him a sigh. "Eh, Papa I really don't like this," and she was on the verge of tears as she said it. "Can we choose something else?"

Alden was defeated and gave up. After all, he'll never know what girls like. This is something Elisse's mom should've been doing if she were still alive. Elisse is four and she needs new clothes to wear since her new preschool doesn't prescribe any uniforms. "Let's ask your Tita Riza or Angel to come?" Alden tried calling his sisters but they were busy and already had plans. "Okay, why don't you just pick out something you'd want to wear?"

Elisse nodded at the suggestion, and started scanning which rack she would start in. "Tita Maine?"

"Baby, sabi ko nga she can't make it..."

"No, Papa! Tita Maine is here!" She started running and his eyes followed his four-year old. She tugged the bottom of Maine's top, and it wasn't long until she caught Elisse's attention.

"Hi Elisse! Can I get a hug and kiss?" Elisse obliges and she immediately peppers Maine's cheeks with kisses and gave her a tight hug.

"Hi Maine!" Alden said shyly acknowledging her.

"Hi," Maine said without a smile, and she tried avoiding his eyes. She gives her attention to Elisse in order to avoid any contact with Alden.

"Tita, Papa wants to buy me clothes pero I look like a coloring book. Can you help me?"

Maine helps her out and picks out outfit choices that she could mix-and-match. At the age of four, Elisse definitely knew what she liked and disliked. She was quite the little fashionista, and even she would sometimes give her opinion on Maine's choices. Eventually, Maine and Elisse chose dresses. Elisse only preferred wearing dresses because she wanted to look like a princess. Alden never doubted that Maine had great taste, and he also didn't doubt Elisse's choice of asking Maine to pick out for her. Immediately after Elisse tried on everything, she was satisfied, and Alden was more than happy at the outcome, except Maine avoided him at all cost. No matter how much he gets annoyed at Maine's bratty antics, she always shows how patient and caring she is with Elisse. She showed that there can be a side to her that is vulnerable, innocent and motherly as if she pours the love she never had to a four-year old she isn't even related to.

"Baby, say thank you to Tita Maine and for picking out clothes for you. Ask her if she wants to have dinner to make it up for helping you out?" Alden told Elisse.

"Tita Maine, thank you po for helping me. Gusto niyo po sumama mag-dinner?" Elisse asked Maine.

"You're welcome, Elisse! I hope you enjoy your new clothes. Why don't you just thank your papa and kiss him on the cheek." Maine hesitated whether she was going to continue further, but decided to anyway. "I love to, but I can't have dinner with you and your Papa eh." 

"Tita Maine? Please? Sige na," Elisse pleaded. Usually, she'd always get her way with her pleas. No one could ever resist when she begged like a poor puppy.

"Not today, Elisse! Sorry baby!" Maine just looked at Alden and then she looked away. Any minute now, her heart was going to break if Elisse continued further. Maybe Alden really isn't her friend? Maybe he was just doing his job? But Alden has just shattered her into a million pieces. Elisse stared at her and her eyes began to water. Alden just looked at her, and the more he stared, it felt like shards of glass were poking into her heart and her stomach. 

Maine turned around, and the minute she started walking, silent sobs were heard from the four-year old. She refused to look back and heart just ached. It felt like there was a lump on her throat. She can't believe she hurt a four-year old. Why do I keep hurting people? Why do I hurt the people who care for me? Maine thought as she continued her way to the exit leaving Elisse and Alden behind.

***

At midnight, Alden found Maine by the garden area. She was seated with her foot up the chair, while smoking and drinking a glass of scotch. She seemed troubled, and was just looking at ripples the pool made from the drizzling sky. 

"Good evening Maine," he softly called out.

Maine turned and immediately hid the stick of cigarette. Her heart started beating, and her stomach started to churn at the sight of Alden. It wasn't long until she felt an overflow of emotions. Tears just started pouring in, and she started hyperventilating. She was choking on her tears, and couldn't breathe. She stood up and faced him. "Alden, I'm sorry. I'm sorry Elisse cried because of me. I'm sorry I let you down once again. I'm sorry that I keep being this selfish brat and I don't think things through. Alden, please naman oh! I'm sorry that wala ka nang ibang narining kundi sorry." The rain poured heavier with every emotion and every tear. The sound of the rain drowning out every word Maine was saying. "Lastly, I'm sorry I keep hurting the people that I..." Maine was losing breath and before she could even finish, Alden pulls her in for a hug and consoles her and soothes her back. "...love."