The First Daughter

23

As Maine settled in her villa, Alden dropped her bags. The President had to attend to several conference calls at the President Villa before heading out for lunch. Still, Maine had no clue.

"Bakit ka ba pinapawisan?" Maine irritatingly calls Alden.

"Ha? Ahh... Wala."

"Are you okay?" She touches his forehead, but his temperature was fine.

"I'm okay. It's just really hot, Maine. Nandito ka kasi," he acknowledged with a wink. "Anyway, I have to take this call. Si Col. Madayag tumatawag." Alden heads out, while Maine was busy unpacking. After a go signal by Coleen and everyone else, Operation HBD Maine was a go.

"Maine!" He peeps to see her fiddling with her phone. "Let's go. They're looking for us." He led her to the golf cart assigned for them and into the country club.

Alden held her hand as he led her through the heavy, wooden doors. Just like that, Maine's world froze. Familiar faces and people who truly mattered were there. "M-A-I-N-E", she recognized the giant, bold letters. Then from a crowd, Elisse came out with a bouquet of her favorite flowers. Everything seemed unreal as people sang her a birthday song. She was still dazed and a bit confused until she felt her eyes swelling, and suddenly turning her lips to the man beside him.

"Happy Birthday, Maine," he whispered in her ear then a kiss from Elisse, and a hug from Coleen, and then Niki, which surprised her the most. Last was a kiss and hug from her mom. "Happy birthday, Anak. I hope I finally made it right this time."

"Mom, thank you so much. This is perfect. What about the press con and the event?"

"I made it up. We're celebrating your birthday this whole week."

"How? What? Why?" She was still confused.

"Thank this little girl right here. It was all her idea."

"Happy birthday, tita Maine. I love you."

"I love you, Sweetie. I'm so happy you're here."

"Really? Kasi di ka nakasama with me and papa when we went to the beach. I hope this makes you happy."

***
"Happy ka anak?" The President asked as she linked her arms with Maine. They were having champagne and a bonfire along the shores just like Maine had always wanted it.

"Mom, I'm so grateful. I love you. Thank you for doing this. Thank you for everything. Thank you for accepting what Alden and I have. For being so kind and nice to Elisse. Basta sa lahat. I don't deserve any of this."

"You deserve this because for several years, I realized how much I lacked. I have Alden's relationship with Elisse to thank for that. I should've been the role model, but instead Alden has shown me what it's like to be a parent despite the difficulties." They we're both staring at Alden and Elisse, while they roasted marshmallows and laughing at something Elisse was doing. "Alam mo, I really like him for you because you're happier and you've changed how you perceive things. Elisse has also created an impact, and I see that one day you'll be a better mother than me. Gusto ko na nga ampunin eh."

They both laughed at what the President said. "Mommy naman! Nagpapaiyak ka eh!"

The President gets up, "O'sha the tita in me can no longer stay up this late. Love you! Behave ah. I know you and Alden are in the same villa."

"Mom!!!!"

Elisse runs towards Maine, then peppers her with kisses. "Tita Maine!!!!!"

"Sweetie! You're sweaty na! Where's your towel?"

Alden crouches down and feeds Maine the last piece of Smore he and Elisse made. Elisse was sitting on Maine's lap while Alden sat on the space the President sat on.

Light flashed and it was from Coleen's camera. "Ano ba, Cols!" Maine exclaimed with irritation.

"Cute kasi eh! Mukha kayong family."

Niki chimed in, "Maine with my fellowship and my boards, and my specialty, I think you're the only one who's going to have a family."

"Ate!"

"See, even Ate Niki agrees. Alden, ano na? Come here, Elisse. Hang with me!" The four year old left Maine's lap and went with Coleen and Niki. "Let's go to the game room. Let's play!"

Alden and Maine were left alone by the fire. "Ugh they're so embarrassing. Sorry, Alden."

"Are you tired?"

"Sort of."

"We can head back to the villa so you can rest."

She lays down on his lap. "No I wanna stay like this with you a little bit longer. This feels nice. No drama or hiding. Just you and me."

Alden crouches down to plant a soft kiss on her lips, and Maine maneuvers her body to meet him halfway and eventually sitting up. He switched from kissing her forehead, her nose, and her lips as she cuddled against him while feeling the breeze of the ocean.

Best birthday ever.