The First Daughter

21

Maine: Just in case you forget, I'm kidnapping Elisse and I'm taking her with me today. We have a date. :) Have fun in Bicol, be safe, Major Richards!

Alden: Okay, ingat kayo. I love you both.

"Alden, mukhang happy ka diyan ah," President Mary Ann noticed from the rear-view mirror that Alden was smiling as he looked down on his phone. Alden was seated in front and was her main close-in.

"Po? Sorry, Madame. Nagpaalam lang po si Maine na lalabas sila ni Elisse," Alden politely responded as he put his phone away in his pocket, and faced the President.

"That's good. Elisse is such a sweetheart. Kahit ako super fond of her. Have you spent time with her?"

Alden had a blank face. The truth is ever since the incident, he hasn't gone on a day off. It has been a month and Col. Madayag is prepping him to be the President's head close in thus not being able to go home. "Wala pang tiempo, Madame."

"Hay nako pagsasabihan ko si Col. Madayag! Ang dami dami naman pinapagawa sayo! I know you're up for a new assignment but you need and deserve to rest and be with your family. One month, Alden!?"

"Okay lang, Madame. Kampante naman ako she's with Maine."

"Nonsense. When we get home you're relieved from your duty and get 2 days off. Be with your daughter. That's an order."

***

"Papa!" Elisse greeted him as he interrupts her movie night in Maine's room. Moana was on, and Maine promised that they'd bond over a movie and pizza.

"Hi baby!" He gives Elisse a kiss and hugs her tightly. He turns to face Maine and kisses her forehead. "Hi."

"Hi. How was your trip?"

"Uneventful. Although your mom forced me to go on a day off starting tomorrow until Sunday to spend time with Elisse."

Maine had a smile on her face. She's never thought her mom would actually do that given what a workaholic she is. "Mabuti! Akala ko you'll never know when to rest na eh. Remind me to thank her."

"Elisse, say thank you na. I'll bring you home na baby." Alden's prompt was enough for Elisse to frown and looked at Maine as if she was never going to see her again.

"Papa... can I finish this movie please?"

Alden agreed while Elisse asked Maine to resume to the movie and chowing down on her pizza. He scooted over beside Maine and laid his hand on the small of her back, while she allowed herself to snuggle her way through his chest. "Thank you, Maine," and she was met with another kiss on her forehead.

Maine smacked his chest lightly. "Ano ka ba? Elisse is here," she whispered. They continued watching while Elisse moved in towards them and sat in between them, while Maine caressed Elisse's soft curls.

As the movie credits rolled in, the four year old bade her farewell and gave Maine a kiss and a hug. "Thank you tita Maine, I love you."

"Love you too, Sweetie."

"Ako?" Alden chimed in.

"I love you too, Major Richards," she whispered shyly but Elisse was able to catch every word.

"You love my papa na? Yay, tita Maine and Papa... Uyy!" She was ecstatic as she tugged the hem of Maine's top. "Tita Maine? This is the best day ever!!"

"Ikaw talaga, Elisse! Where did you learn that? Let's go home?" Alden carried her and she wrapped her tiny arms around his neck. "Yes, I love your tita Maine and I love you."

"I love you Papa and Tita Maine lampas langit hanggang universe!"

***
At 4 in the morning, Maine woke up to catch Alden before he goes on his leave. Right on time, Alden was doing his morning workout at the garden. He was wearing a thin white shirt, but it hugged his fit body as the shirt clung onto his sweaty abdomen. Maine couldn't help but just gaze. Thank you, Lord. What a morning view.

It wasn't long until Alden noticed her presence. He stood up, and Maine was still staring. "Good morning, Maine. Aga mo gumising today?"

"Good morning, Major Richards. I wanted to see you off before you go on leave." She wrapped his arms around his sweaty waist, while he crouched down to kiss his forehead.

"Maine, baka magising mommy mo!"

"So?" She noticed his face turn cold. "Joke lang! Ikaw naman. What do you have planned for Elisse?"

Maine led her to the kitchen as she makes her morning coffee. Alden followed with a towel in tow, and got a glass of water while their hands remained intertwined. "I'm taking her to the beach. Sa kaka-Moana niyo, I think she's developed a love for the sea. Do you wanna come?"

"No na, you guys can go bond together. You deserve it, Major Richards. Just call me when you need me."

"But I need you.." Alden jokes.

"Ikaw ang aga aga you're teasing me already."

"I do. Everyday." Alden gave her a puppy dog face that even Maine finds very weird since they got together. She still wasn't used to him being like this since he has always been so serious and cold.

"Ew. This side of you is so weird, Alden. But here, I have pabaon pala."

"Ano?"

"Close your eyes." Alden did as he was told. Maine reached for Alden across the table and gave him a soft and tender kiss. Alden had no time to react, but he just ended up smiling across the table from hers. "Have a great time with Elisse. I love you, A."

The kitchen door swung open, and the President was in her robe hoping to get her morning coffee. Alden stood up immediately and gave her a salute. "Good morning, Madame President."

"Good morning, mom!" Maine greeted.

Alden was preparing to leave, but the President spoke. "No, just stay there. I'm just getting coffee. Mukhang may pinaguusapan kayo?"

"Nothing mom, just giving him something for Elisse."

The President smirked, because she knew too well that things have gone well between them. She has made it clear during one of her talks with Alden that as long as his intentions are clear and it doesn't get in the way of his service then who was she to stop Maine from being happy.

"Alden, why are you still here? Go be with your daughter na! Sosolohin ko muna si Maine," she joked but Alden just froze still feeling a little bit awkward.

"Mom!"

"Joke lang, Major Richards. Enjoy your leave. You deserve it."

"Mom, I'll just bring Alden out."

Right when they were outside, Maine gave him a hug and Alden kissed her forehead again. "I'll miss you, M. Please behave while I'm away."

"Hay nako!" Maine rolled her eyes at him. "Wait this one is for Elisse." She kissed him one more time, and this time Alden had caught the kiss and welcomed her mouth with his. "Give her a goodnight kiss from me like I always did when she'd come over."

"Yes ma'am."

~~~~~

Sorry for this waley update. I'm still on vacation and I just wanted to write some fluff.