The First Daughter

22

"Good morning Queen President!" Elisse's beaming personality greeted the President as her little legs tried to get up the kitchen stool, while the President was busy reading her newspaper.

Elisse had stayed for the weekend because Alden's sisters couldn't watch over Elisse and his tita Jo had to attend a wedding out of town. Alden and the President had just arrived from a junket in Masbate, and Maine volunteered to take care of her. "Hi Elisse!! How are you today, my dear?"

"I'm fine. How are you today po?"

"I'm well. Halika, let's eat. What do you want?"

Elisse settled down on the seat beside her, and helped herself with a serving of omelette. "I like this one na po."

"Make me kwento naman, what did you do with your daddy?"

Elisse scratched the back of her ear, a mannerism she got from Alden, and tried to remember what they had done last week. "Uhm, we went to the beach. Then we went on a boat and looked at some fishes and sea animals. I love the sea now kasi Tita Maine made me watch Moana. Queen President, do you go to the beach with Tita Maine?"

This made President Mary Ann stop in her tracks. Ever since her husband died, the rift between her and Maine have grown, thus traveling isn't something they shared together. It's been years since they had a family outing together because Maine chose to go on vacations with her friends, and she has always been so busy. She knew that Maine loved the sea, but their family trips as a family were always in cold places. "Ah, not really hija eh," the President said bluntly not wanting to lie to the four year old.

"But Tita Maine loves the beach po? I got sad when she didn't come with us. I always hear her talk about it."

The President sat there in silence, and continued with her meal, while Elisse continued to tell her stories. She picked up her phone and dialed her chief-of-staff on the phone. "Hello Anna! Please clear out my schedule next month. Paki-sabi kay Coleen and Niki to clear up theirs as well kung kaya and to come home for Maine's birthday... I need you to book us a trip to Coron but please keep it confidential, para walang media or distractions... I want it to just be a family trip... Okay thanks, bye."

The President turned to face Elisse again, "Let's surprise your Tita Maine so it's a secret! Let's go to the beach next month?" 

"Yes, Queen President!" She gestured to zip her lips, locked the edge, and threw away a key. "She will be so happy!"

***

On the day of her birthday, Maine received a bouquet of flowers on her bedside at early dawn. It was her favorite carnations and peonies. "Happy Birthday, M. I love you. Sorry I couldn't be there today! xx -A"

After how many months of dating, Maine was perfectly aware of their situation that sometimes, important dates could get in the way of their jobs. On their first monthsary, Alden was on duty, and Maine was just greeted with flowers. On his birthday, Alden was sent off to Bacolod to act as an advanced party for a state visit, which resulted to Maine and Alden celebrating his birthday a week later. On her birthday, Alden had already taken her out on her birthday date the day before. Maine sighed in defeat, but knew that this was all part of it. Give and take.

"Maine, get dressed come with me to Palawan, I have an engagement. Manang packed your bags na. Happy Birthday, sweetheart! Let's celebrate nalang in Palawan before we go back to Manila later."

"Now, mom?" Maine asked confusingly as the President just peeped into her room.

"Yes. Our flight is at 9 am pa, but Alden will serve as advanced party, so he's there already."

Best day ever, sighed Maine. She's always resented her birthday because it was always uneventful, but now that she was actually getting along with her mom, she was excited to celebrate her birthday with everyone she loves. "Ah okay, I'll just take a shower." At least, I'll still get to see Alden, I guess?

Maine's morning wasn't picking up so well. Friday traffic had to contribute to her mood, and the fact that Alden hasn't replied to her messages. Coleen, on the other hand, just sent her a text on their viber group, while Niki was off the hook, since technically it isn't her birthday in the States yet. An hour later, they made it to the airport, but the President insisted on renting a private jet. 

"Private jet?" 

"Yes, anak. We can't make it to the commercial flights, because of the time going back is alanganin." 

"Madame President, I am Captain Nam, thank you for trusting me to be your pilot today. These are Lee, Sue and Kay, they will be assisting you during the flight." 

"Thank you Captain Nam," The President extended her hand gracefully, and the captain went back to his cockpit. Lee gave out refreshments and towels, while the two other went back to the galley to prepare their meals. 

Maine buckled her seatbelt, and just stared at the window until the musk of the airplane was enough for her to fall asleep. An hour and a half later, they had descended into Coron, and was met by their advanced party. Alden waited for her by the foot of the plane's staircase with flowers in tow. "Happy birthday, Maine," and a kiss on the forehead. 

She felt herself blush thinking this was too public, and she wasn't sure whether this will become another small-issue-turned-national-issue like the last time. She looked at her mom afterwards, and she just gave her a rewarding smile. It was quite bewildering how there are no welcoming committees or mediamen lurking around, so she took Alden's hand and walked side by side with him. "Thank you." 

They took a short boat ride to take them to the resort, as Anna briefed them of the schedule. "Ma'am, we will head for the resort first to relax and rest a little bit, lunch at the Rizal ballroom with the LGUs, presscon, then we will head to the venue." The President just nodded her head, while Maine just listened intently, while her fingers were still interlocked with Alden's. 

As they reached the resort, Maine opted to relax, and just spend the rest period walking with Alden along the shore. "Sorry, Maine. I know this isn't how you planned your birthday." 

"Ano ka ba. As long as I see the ocean, the sand is on my feet and I have you and my mom today, it's all good. Kanina, I was a bit annoyed, but I guess my birthday isn't so bad, right?" 

"I guess not?" This earned Alden a smile, and he crouched down to give her a kiss. "Good girl." 

If you only you knew what was in store for you, if only you knew...

-----

Sorry for the super long wait, since I was busy finishing my kdrama. (Yes, shoutout to the kdrama fans) This is why I had Capt. Nam (Joo Hyuk), Lee, Sue, Kay (Lee Sung Kyung = LSK = Kim Bok Joo) hehehe addict lang. I was so happy that they're finally together, so kapit lang Maichard na susunod. HAHAHA. I love how I see so many similarities between NamLee and Maichard or baka ako lang yun. Anyway, I hope you enjoy. I'll update soon. :) 

Not proofread/edited yet, since I am super sleepy.