The Periwinkle Affair

TPA 19: Explain Confuse

SINCE that night, Alden's perspective on everything has changed. Things became clearer in his mind and heart. He is no longer just angry and sad. He is no longer miserable. He seemed to have found a new inner peace, but he still has that part that needs clearing, needs forgiving... needs Maine's forgiveness.

A week after that long talk with Aling Alita and her family, his new found friend in the person of Utoy, and one long hour visit in the cemetery where his brother and mother are resting, he is smiling already.

He also met Egay a few days after and they had a talk. They even went to the tenements where Egay and Utoy showed him where they were, what they were doing before that, who they were talking to and how they spotted the bike. And how they got so excited and it would be so easy since it's a girl.

After that, Aling Alita decided to go to the cemetery and have a little picnic there. He refused at first but was outnumbered by all. Aleck begged him, too. In short, they all went. They stayed there almost the whole day. As they left, he felt a cold warm air enveloped him and he felt calmness and tranquility. Again, he looked back to find where the tranquility was coming from, they were in the cemetery, for crying out loud. He smiled. Thanks, Mom. Thanks, Vinny. He said to himself.

ALDEN'S new found inner quietude comes out of him naturally and the change in him surprised the whole post. They can't believe that the oh so serious Engr. Alden Richards can smile now. His aura has changed, he's glowing.

Big Mike was surprised to see him back to work one morning, after calling in that same night that he can't come to work for two week, because of an emergency and he was trying to straighten things out. Big Mike knew what he was trying to do.

Big Mike prepared for the worst for his post and called Chief Escallion for backup since he is short of two people but he was back a week after.

Sonia volunteered to watch Aleck after school till he gets home from his office and on days that he works at the post, Aleck stays at Aling ALita's till he gets off. Molly is still with Maine and Periwinkle, which is making him so happy that things worked out for the two.

Utoy became Aling Alita's help if Sonia is not available for her deliveries. He does the heavy lifting for Aling Alita from the house to the market. He is also looking for a permanent job for himself, but for now, he is happy to help out Molly's mother. Alden smiled at the thought that he may have lost half of his family because of that tragic day but he found a few more, and he is happy with that.

It's the fourth month that Maine hasn't been in the post and it worries him. He wants to say sorry for being such an asshole towards her. He will make it right with her.

"Hey, Alden!" Leon greeted him as he walked in, while Big Mike was just watching him intently.

If this happens before today, he might give Leon a smirk or an attitude or a cold shoulder and ignore him. But today is different. He may not have smiled at the chief but he didn't give him a cocky look either. That made Leon stare at him, baffled.

"What?" His short, one word answer. Still the same him but he felt lighter inside, that's all.

"You seemed happy. Did you get laid last night?" Leon asked. He shook his head and suppressed a smile.

"I wish, but no. It's not my cup of tea." He replied as he sat on his desk.

"Oh... not your cup of tea? What about a slice of cream pie?" Leon winked. He shook his head with Leon's sexual innuendos. "What if she offered you a pound cake?" Leon went on and on. He just smiled.