MIXED SIGNALS

Chapter 19 - Marking Territory

Hello beshies, ugh.......back to work.  

After the gruelling last two chapters, let's make it a little light this time, to offset the emotionally charged back story. Being in love is the best feeling ever, and it's natural for women to feel territorial about their boyfriend/partner. Have you ever gotten curious about your partner's ex, to the point of stalking on social media? 

I think it's safe to say that among women, it's healthy to be curious about the ex, to want to see what she's like and compare how you are. Maine does exactly that, and of course she's intimidated by the competition, when she sees what Janine looks like. But her reaction to that and what she does after is what is great about this chapter. 

Competition always seems to be better than we are. But our attitude towards competition is what matters, what we intend to do with ourselves to meet or better the competition defines what kind of person we are.  You can either feel like a loser or act like a winner. 

Enjoy the work week my friends, and take care :)  

The day after Alden told her about his past, Maine tried to locate Janine on social media. She was intrigued, she wanted to gather as much information as she could about this woman who broke Alden's spirit and is still giving him hang-ups. She only knew her first name and the gym where she used to work out with Alden. After days of futile searching, she knew she needed help from someone else. She invited Cassie to spend time with her one Saturday, taking advantage of Alden's absence due to a seminar that lasted until the weekend.

Cassie was pleased to spend time with Maine and immediately agreed. Maine eagerly opened the door as soon as Cassie arrived at her place.

"Cass.....thanks for coming. I baked cookies for us, papauwian kita mamaya. Then we're having Japanese food for lunch, nagpadeliver na lang ako. Ok with you?"

"Ok na ok, I should share the bill with you Maine—"

"Huy, wag na. You're my guest, I'm just happy you will keep me company while......."

"While? Tuloy mo....."

"Hmmmm.......wala. Wala, sit ka lang diyan. I'll get the cookies."

They spent the morning looking at online shops together, comparing notes on make-up and clothes. At lunch, Cassie finally broached a sensitive topic to Maine.

"Girl, kumusta ka na? Not the work shit ha, ikaw, kumusta ka?"

Maine looked like a deer caught in headlights. She knew what Cassie was referring to and she wouldn't lie, she needed to open up to someone.

"Cass, nag-open up si Alden sakin. He told me about Janine."

"How do you feel about her?"

"Curious ako, I want to see what she looks like. Kasi if Alden fell in love with her, I want to know what type of woman won his heart."

"Sure kang gusto mo Makita siya? Baka mamaya pag nakita mon a, mag iba tingin mo kay Alden ha?"

"Bakit mo nasabi?"

"Maine, mahal ko si Alden like a baby brother I never had. Only child ako eh, and he misses his family. Ako unang naging ka-close niya. Alam ko kaagad na may feelings siya for you, and I think you will be good for him, kahit ano pa sabihin ng ibang tao. Kasi tingin ko legit ka naman. Please don't prove me wrong."

"Parang ang hirap paniwalaan na he can fall for me."

"Why? Pakiramdam mo Ba walang matinong papatol sayo? Maine, konting tiwala naman sa sarili. Alam ko curious ka, and I can show you what she looks like, basta promise me you won't change kay Alden once nakita mo na siya. Promise?"