Reluctantly, the Italy vacation comes to an end. It's back to reality for Alden and Maine, but at least by now, they've become really close. There are challenges along the way in their journey, let's see how determined they are to keep what they have together.
Thank you for still following my story, dear readers, we're now halfway through this journey for ficAlden and ficMaine. Thanks for the love and encouragement, I will be coming out with another story soon, a spin-off from this one.
Keep the comments coming, I really value your thoughts, and have a great week ahead!
Her bags were already packed, her bill settled. Maine was checking out a day earlier because she and Alden wanted to spend their last night together. Alden was picking her up any minute now, to transfer her things to his villa and take Maine on a gondola ride as the sun sets in the Grand Canal. Maine was already feeling the claws of separation anxiety gripping her. This is what she hated about falling in love. But wait, was she?
Throughout her two week stay in Italy, Alden had been her constant companion. Although her plan was to travel alone for the first time, experiencing Venice, Verona, and Florence became more meaningful because Alden went out of his way to make the trip memorable for her.
She was a realist, to the point of pessimism. She disliked wanting anything so much because it usually breaks her heart when things go awry. When she didn't make it to Eat Bulaga, she tried to mask the disappointment by prepping herself for an exciting career in flying. With the perks and travels her job gave, it was easy to convince herself that a career in showbiz was not meant for her. But falling in love with the country's top male heartthrob? What were the odds of making this work?
The shop bell tinkled to signal Alden was already here. She waved him over to her table, feeling warm all over when he smiled at her.
"Did you sleep well last night?" He looked so fresh and clean shaven, she had to make a big effort not to stare.
"Surprisingly yes, but only for a few hours. Woke up at 4:00 AM so just spent the time reading."
"Ah, sayang. You should've messaged me. I was awake by that time and went out for a run. We could've gone running together."
He took her hand and kissed it, her fingers naturally lacing through his. Maine was not one for public displays of affection but Alden made it so natural for her to be clingy. Their sweet interlude was interrupted when Amato came out to hand Maine her receipt.
"Arrivederci eh, Maine? Come back soon," He said bussing her on both cheeks. Alden shook hands with Amato and took Maine's trolley bag, ushering her out of Dolci. His place was a short walk from here, and they walked in companionable silence, both wondering about what the future brings for them.
Alden would have liked to bring Maine with him to Lake Como for his shoot, but decided it was better to leave things as they were. The shoot would take 7 working days if the weather was good, but by the time he got back, he'd be leaving again soon. Mentally calculating his schedule, he won't be available for Maine till three weeks from now.
"What are you thinking, Richard?"
They paused at the door of his villa, ringing the bell and waiting for Leysam or Mama Ten to open the door. Leysam let them in, taking her trolley from Alden and leading it to his room, where Maine slept when she was sick the last time.
" 'Sam, hindi. Sa room ko yan. Thanks."
She was surprised and found it a bit presumptuous of him to assume it was ok with her for them to share his room, but she didn't say anything. He took her hand and guided her to his room. It was a simple but spacious room furnished with a white two-seater couch, a queen-sized bed, a coffee table and chairs. She appreciated that he kept the door partially open, to assure her that he had no ulterior motives for taking her to his room. Together, they sat side-by-side on the couch.
"Maine....ang tagal bago natin magkita ulit. Puno ako for the next three weeks." He sighed, taking her hand and clasping it with both of his, draped over his thigh. "Susubukan ko i-shuffle ang schedule ko, ok?"
"Hectic din ako, Richard. I'll be assigned to Vancouver flights for the next four weeks."
"So I won't see you for about a month? Any chance for you to rearrange your schedule? I don't want you to get in trouble sa work, ok? Try lang natin. I'll send you my updated schedule next week, tapos tignan natin kung pwedeng magsingit kahit one day lang together. Pwede ba yun?"
"Pwede naman," She said smiling at him. He looked like a forlorn five-year-old, almost comical, really. She bit her lip to stifle a giggle, and when he glanced at her sadly, she just had to laugh.
"Sorry, sorry na baby," She said pinching his cheeks. "Ang cute-cute mo naman kasi eh. Wag ka na sad, may viber naman saka video call, pwede pa rin tayo magkita."
"Tinawag mo kong baby, pansin mo," He asked, his voice still sounding forlorn.
"Eh parang baby ka kasi magtampo. Smile na."
"Kulang yung Viber and video call satin. I won't get to see you up close like this." He reached out a hand to cup her jaw, his fingertips touching the sensitive spot behind her ear.
"I won't get to touch you like this." His thumb traced the outline of her lips, a featherlight caress that made her shiver.
His face was close to hers, their breaths mingling. He closed the gap between them, his lips replacing his thumb, coaxing her lips to receive his kiss. His hand slid to her nape, cradling her head as he deepened the kiss. She felt the erratic beat of his heart with her hand between them, as she closed her eyes to savor the kiss.
Almost too soon, his lips left hers, their foreheads touching. Her hands shyly wound around his neck, her lips pressing against his jaw. His arms pulled her closer and they stayed that way for a few seconds, savoring the newfound intimacy between them.
"Mamimiss kita, sobra." Maine finally admitted, burying her face against the crook of his shoulder.
"Di bale, we still have until tonight. Sorry ha, di na kita tinanong kanina, pero ok lang bang dito ka na sa room ko matulog? Wala akong gagawin, promise, gusto lang kita makasama."
"Nahihiya ako kina Leysam."
"They won't judge us Maine, lalo na si Mama Ten. Ilang taon na kaming magkasama, alam niyang hindi ako maloko sa relationships."
-----
They spent the afternoon shopping and taking selfies, enjoying second helpings of gelato and coffee. Early evening, Alden took Maine on a romantic gondola ride along the Grand Canal of Venice. For forty minutes, they cruised along narrow canals and passed underneath beautiful bridges. At the last bridge they passed, they kissed and giggled like little children, enjoyed dinner at Campo Santo Stefano, feasting on Vongole Pasta and Grilled Sea Bass.
"Sarap ng luto nila sa Sea Bass, no?"
"Mmm, oo. Pero to be honest, miss ko na kumain ng rice, hahaha. Di bale uuwi na ko bukas."
"Oo nga eh. Iba lasa ng Italian food dito sa Italian food sa atin. Parang mas malasa food natin."
"Weh, kaya pala ubos na ubos yung food mo lagi."
They went home to a quiet villa, with Leysam and Mama Ten already asleep in their rooms. Alden let Maine use the shower in his room, and cleaned up in Mama Ten's bathroom. Maine looked adorable in her yellow flannel pajamas, her damp hair curling naturally over her shoulders. Alden was wearing a white undershirt and pajama bottom, his pecs straining against the thin material of his shirt.
"Pa-hug, pwede?" He asked, pulling her up from the couch. She wrapped her arms around his middle, her hands running over his back, as though she were memorizing every muscle of his back. One of his hands cradled the back of her head, nestling it against the crook of his shoulder.
They stood that way for a long time, no words necessary. He kissed her forehead and led her to the bed, tucking her in like a parent to a child, gently and lovingly adjusting the duvet over her. He lies on his side of the bed, sharing the duvet with her and spoons her, pulling her snugly against him.
Sleep didn't come immediately for both. Silently, Maine prayed her thanks to God, for giving her someone who made her feel good about herself while letting her be herself. Sleep claims her first, but she sleeps lightly, wanting to savor Alden's arms around her for a longer time.
-----
"Don't forget to text me as soon as you arrive."
"I will, don't worry." She clung to him tightly. "Damn you, Richard. Your hug feels so good. I could get used to this, you know."
"More to come, baby, I promise. Shit, miss na kita kahit magkasama pa tayo, does that make sense? Sige na check-in ka na. Oh, teka, bakit ka umiiyak?" He cups her face, looking at her worriedly.
"Ikaw kasi eh, nagpapamiss ka masyado," She impatiently wipes her tears and puts on her aviators to hide her red-rimmed eyes.
"Last hug na," He said huskily. He felt the tears coming as well, his vision clouding.
"I love you, Maine. Take care of yourself," He whispered, kissing her on the forehead. He gently pushed her towards the queue, swallowing the painful lump on his throat. She walked towards the guard, looking lost and vulnerable, turning back repeatedly to see if he was still there. He waved and watched until she was swallowed by the crowds of travelers, and waited for her to message him that her check-in got through smoothly.
When her message finally came, he pocketed his phone and walked towards the taxi stand with a heavy heart.