Blurred Lines

"Maine"

Early the following morning, Alden spoke to the cameraman. "Can you give these later when I write to her that I have something for her?" The cameraman nodded and left the break room.

Maine made her entrance that particular Thursday episode dancing to Happy. And she was genuinely happy that day. On the ride to the location, she was counting her blessings, recounting the events the past month had brought her. By all accounts, she was very lucky compared to other women. She had steady work, but she never felt like she was working. She was paired with a really handsome young man, whom she had, at one point, pined for from afar. Now, he was aware of her existence. So many things had confused her in the past few weeks, but she vowed that she would just accept things as they are, and that she was to start today.

And she just wanted to dance! Enthusiastically, energetically, when she made her entrance at the show that noon, she was just a bundle of joy.

You know what, she thought. Let's let things take its course. Let's not overthink anymore. Let's not worry too much. Let's not read into things when there might be no meaning. Let's just enjoy the moment. Let's get lost in these moments that I have with him onscreen.

Today was supposed to be their weeksary. She knew that Alden had a gig in Bicol the day before, and she totally would understand if he weren't able to make it to their segment today. He's got to rest. She knew how it felt, she was starting to get the hang of being a celebrity, but she still doesn't let it get to her head. With how fast things had been churning out for her, she had not had a moment to stop and think things through. But she knew that it was still a taxing industry, taking early morning flights out of Manila, trying to catch the last flight back, and then catching up on sleep at any opportune moment - she would understand.

Nonetheless, she was still told that day to look out for a surprise. Mais oui, she thought. But of course. They still love keeping us on our toes.

Minutes into her and Wally talking about listening and trust, 2 huge baskets of pili nuts were brought in front of them by 2 burly men in black. You ask for pili, you get pili, she recounted that Wally as Lola Nidora asked Alden for pili nuts yesterday.

Wally took a jar of pili from one of the baskets, and started eating. She smiled. She still finds it funny that Wally, Jose, and Paolo can really incorporate eating in front of the camera to the comedic sketches they were doing.

Moments later, roses were shown on the screen next to her. Oh, she almost exclaimed. I didn't think he'd have the energy to work today.

And just like that, Alden stood up from around the roses and started "serenading" her. The genuine surprise registered on her face. You know what, she was telling herself, I don't care anymore if I get carried away.

She surmised, if this boy was willing to run to EDSA just for our love team, or to fly back, lose sleep, just to appear next to me on TV the following day, I am going to show him that he is appreciated.

Nobody has ever done that before for her. She has had interactions in the past with boys, but things like these - sacrifices that were made for her, if there were any, she always took for granted.

Who could blame her? What sacrifice did she have to endure? Everything was handed to her on a silver platter. She grew up with peers who had the same lifestyle she was used to, and if not for her Catholic school upbringing, she might not even be in touch with the realities of life. And she was noticeable now more than ever of sacrifices people make for her. Of the sacrifices that Alden had been doing for her. He may not realize that these things that he has done might actually mean something to her or for him, but I see these, and I will not take these for granted. I will not take him for granted.