Running with Scissors

Four

In her speech at ADNfest, Ms Annette Gozon shot down speculations about separating AlDub today or in the future. Kakapit tayo don. Again, this is fiction, gawa gawa lang ng imahinasyon.

© EB Facebook page

A week later..

Nanay and Tatay are surprised to find Alden and Maine knocking on their door at almost midnight. Their worries were founded when they saw both of the kids' stoic expressions. Alden look tired and his eyes bloodshot. Maine on the other hand looked worried.

When they were seated, Alden cleared his throat and looked at Maine, who just nodded.

"Umm, mas maaga po sa inaasahan natin mangyayari yung plan B." Alden began.

Nanay and Tatay looked at each other, then at Maine and Alden.

"Nasabihan nyo na ba si Kumpadre?" asked Tatay.

"Papaalam po ako na sasama si Maine sa Laguna, sabay din kami magsabi kay Dad."

"Sigurado na ba talaga kayo diyan? Ayoko lang na baka napilitan lang kayo dahil sa sitwasyon.

"Matagal na po naming napag-usapan ni Alden 'to, 'Nay. It's just a matter of deciding when exactly. Kaya nga po we decided about plan B. And here we are now." Maine explained.
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Maine woke up when the overhead lights of the small cabin turned on. She was lying on Alden's lap while he was half-way leaning on her, still sleeping. She looked down at what was pressing on her tummy and noticed the seatbelt around her waist was wound too tight because of her position.

She felt Alden stir, she slowly sat up and made him lie down comfortably on her lap. The flight crew asked her if she wants to eat. She shook her head no and told the attendant to turn off the lights so Alden can continue sleeping. God knows he needs it.

Maine took advantage of this quiet and alone time to think. This is it! No turning back. They've always left everything to chance, well, the things they don't have any control over, that is. Hmm, I wonder what's happening in Manila.

After the tearful goodbye, her parents quietly closed the door, Maine and Alden discussed both plan A & B with them. They both prayed plan A will pan out so they all don't need to go through this. Both her parents know she's extemely happy, whatever happens, as long as she's with Alden. And that's good enough for them.

Daddy Bae met with them at Alden's condo so they didn't need to go all the way to Laguna to talk. It was easier with him because he's been exctited about either plans since he knew of the engagement. Alden left a long laundry list for him to do. As they're going through it, Alden asked her to rest so she won't be exhausted.

God, so much has happened and it's been only a little over 24 hours. From their 5-year plan, they went down to two. But God has other plans, so it seems! She had to smile at the thought.

Then she felt Alden tightening his arms around her waist. She peered at him, then kissed his forehead. She gently massaged his head, caressing his hair. He loves it when she does that. Maine really wants him to get proper rest before they land. They have a really long way to go.

Their private plane brought them to Hong Kong. From there, they will be taking a commercial flight to their secret destination.

While Alden was taking a shower at the First Class lounge, Maine browsed through the pages of the Philippine Daily Inquirer and there in black, bold letters the banner headline reads "TAPE and GMA , Cutting Ties" and in one of the stories below the headline reads "Where is AlDub in all this mess?"

In Manila, everything is chaotic in both the TAPE office and GMA. Both their prime artists are missing and cannot be reached. Where is Alden and Maine?

They tried their siblings and parents, anyone close to them, but no one knows where they are. Or are they in on a secret? Are they hiding something?
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Somewhere in South of France

Alden and Maine finally arrived at their rented villa. They checked the local time, 8:29 in the evening. Both are dead tired, they've been on their feet for 22 hours, traveling from Manila.

"Hungry ka, babe?" Alden asked, touching her cheek.

"No, just tired. Ikaw?"

"I'm okay, di ka ba nakatulog?

"Hindi masyado, pero okay lang ako. Jetlag lang siguro."

"Bukas na tayo mag ayos, let's go to sleep para refreshed tayo bukas."

"Okay, any news from Manila?"

"In a few hours, kuya Sam will hand them the letters, binigay na daw ni dad, eh."

"Ah ok, bukas na lang ako tatawag kila nanay, nag message na din ako na we landed safely."

"Yup, bukas na and don't worry about anything. Ako na bahala."

"Tara?"

"Lead the way to the bedroom."