The First Daughter

19

A little later, Elisse fell asleep in Maine's room. Maine stayed with her for a bit until she was in deep sleep. In all the trouble today has brought in, at least there's one that was at peace- Elisse.

They were all in the garden area trying to get some updates. It's almost night time and the only update they got was that Lt. Peralta and two more PSGs were severely injured because of the bullets that hit the main presidential car. Chaos ensued when they had to fight the armed rebels, and until now even they have no contact with the decoy vehicle that the President used. The GPS tracker was also unreachable, and even their phones can't be reached.

"Boys, update from General Asis, the team has been secured. Stable na rin sila. They're still undergoing medical. As of now, General Richards will be sending back up and relievers while the rest are still being treated," Col. Madayag explained.

"Colonel, what about sina mom? Wala pa bang update?" Coleen asked with worry in her voice as if she was too scared.

"Wala pa ma'am Coleen. Rest assured we're trying our best. Magpahinga muna po kayo, we'll inform you if may updates na."

A distraught Rizza approached Maine, "Maine, uwi muna kami kawawa naman si Elisse."

"Dito nalang kayo. Papaayos ko lang yung guestroom kay Manang." 

A little later, the main doors swung open and emerged the President, Sally, and Alden all in disheveled and torn clothing. It looked as if they've been lost for days or in captivity. Everyone was startled at the sight that they were safe and alive without any communication or update. The President was the first to break the ice. "O! Bakit parang nakakita kayo ng multo?"

"Mom!" Maine rushed to her and this time all the strength she had kept was finally lost. She was in tears. "Mom! You're okay?"

Coleen also rushed to their side, and the three hugged each other. Maine finally blurted the words she's been meaning to say. "I love you, Mom. I'm sorry I don't get to tell you that enough."

"Maine, I love you too. Please don't forget that, anak. I'm not going anywhere."

The President headed for Col. Madayag to explain what had happened. According to her, Alden knew that terrain well because of the time he spent in Mindanao. He knew the detours they could take but also had to get rid of the car to avoid anyone following them. The President chose to keep their plans between them just in case any call could be intercepted and to avoid any panic that may ensue. Alden, the President, and Sally then proceeded out of the mountain trail and ended up in a barangay wherein Alden informed one of the top lieutenants from the Air Force to fetch them via chopper but to keep things confidential until they reach safety.

"Madame, we had protocol. What Major Richards did was risky. We have the right to know of the situation," General Forteza informed.

"General, I don't think so. I am the commander-in-chief, and he does what I say. He did a heroic act and has risked his life to keep us at safety. He did everything he had to in order to keep us safe. I have assigned General Rivera and General Asis to take charge of the incident. What is important is there aren't any casualties and that the families of the injured staff be taken care of."

"Certainly, Madame."

"Everyone, Major Richards deserves my highest respect and Col. Madayag please make sure that the media be informed that I am safe and well but I will be laying-low for a couple of weeks until it is fully investigated."

Everyone gave Alden a round of applause, and yet his eyes were on Maine. When Maine met his gaze, he smiled. She smiled back at him. She was proud and happy. Proud that he was able to keep her mom safe and happy that he was safe as well.

When everything has died down, Alden approached Maine who was just staring by the pool. "Hi."

"Hi."

"I'm sorry I wasn't able to inform the team about our whereabouts. I had to do what I had to do."

"Alden, thank you. Thank you for bringing my mom back safely."

"Natakot ka ba?"

"Sobra. I was scared to lose her. I realized that I haven't made much of an effort to give her a chance. I was scared that the last time I spoke to you nasigawan kita tapos di pa ako nagthathank you sa lecheng Hany na yan."

"Mag thank you ka na dali!"He began to tease her.

"Kakainis ka!"

"O! Grabe muntikan na nga ako mawala, galit ka pa rin?"

She punches his arm, and it was actually bruised so he squirms. She didn't know whether to giggle or cry. "Eh kasi I was worried and you're still teasing me! But Alden, thank you for everything including the Hany. Thank you for bringing my mom back."

"Maine, it's my duty and honor to do so. It will be beyond me if I didn't do my best. Your mom has been nothing but kind to me."

"I won't ask you what happened or how it is because I'm sure you'd want to forget about it, but you're safe now and I hope you get to rest well."

Maine stood up, and was about to head back inside when Alden had stopped her to answer because it was indeed traumatizing and nerve wracking to make sure the President is safe, but there was no one he would gladly open up to than Maine. "Maine! Natakot ako. Natakot ako kasi baka pag-gising mo na mawalan ka ng ina, at si Elisse mawalan ng ama. Ayokong isipin na magiging-orphan si Elise. Di ko kakayanin. The whole time we were there, walang tumatak sa isip ko kung hindi ikaw at si Elisse. Maine, it was probably the most difficult encounter I've ever had because I had to protect the President. Kinaya ko dahil sa inyo. This whole time you were my rock."

Maine was in tears as Alden opened up to her. She couldn't take it longer, and as impulse had it, she quickly leaned in and gave him a hug. She buried her face on his chest, and Alden held her face up. "Maine, I..." He hesitated for a little bit. Maine slowly closed her tired, and swelling eyes, and Alden kissed her forehead. The events haven't sunken in and it still feels like a dream, but Alden's lips on her forehead had woken her up to assure her that this was indeed reality. She was awake, and he is back with her. "...I love you."