Talk First, Think Later

Rubber Shoes

Another busy day for Risa greets her today.

She just wrapped up another hearing before rushing off to the Session Hall for the plenary session, as her Minority Leader status gives her membership status to all committees. Back in the day, she used to be one of the earliest in the session hall, as it serves as a brief moment of respite before another long afternoon of debates.

This Congress, however, she now shares the hall with other early birds like Chel and Sonny, who also happen to be her new seatmates after a change in leadership happened, with Pia and Neri behind of them separated by Leni's spot at the middle and, then Leila and Kiko behind Leni's empty seat.

Even with their increased ranks, holding the fort remained a challenge, but seeing everyone's smiling faces make Risa's day just a touch lighter.

As soon as Risa settled down in her seat, Leni arrived in a bright pink suit, a pencil skirt and... "Are those pink rubber shoes?"

"Ganda naman ng shoes natin, Ga.", Risa remarked. "May lakad ka?"

Leni chuckled until she reached on her spot. "Wala lang, trip lang mag-rubber shoes. Layo nang mga nilalakad eh."

Pia then reached out to give Leni a short hug before sitting together in their respective seats. Peals of jokes and laughter filled the room while waiting for the senators in the majority bloc to finish their caucus.

Not even long after, everyone could hear Loren's voice from outside, signifying that they have finished. Her mouth still ran a mile a minute even upon entering the hall.

"Hello, musta kayong lahat?", Loren waved at the minority bloc senator. "Mukhang may sarili kayong caucus diyan, ah?"

Chel laughed and flashed his toothy smile. "Di naman, Sen. Loren. Nagchichikahan lang."

As soon as she reached the middle row, Loren paused upon seeing Leni seated on her table and eyed her from head to toe. "Good afternoon, Senator Leni. Pa-rubber-rubber shoes na tayo ngayon?"

Leni swung her legs back and forth, as if rubbing them on Loren's face. "Masama bang magpalit ng shoes?"

Before things could escalate, Risa held Loren by the shoulders and set her aside. "Pasensya sa abala. Usap lang kami ni Sen. Loren saglit, okay?."

Risa guided Loren to the furthest corner of the session hall before speaking. "Loren, I just want to know if everything is okay. Maybe I can help you."

Loren's kept a poker face on. "Huh? Wala naman. What are you talking about, Risa?"

Risa's voice remained steady, yet firm. "Ate...this is the second time na pinag-initan mo si Leni this week. Ano ba ang problema?"

"Di ba obvious na nananadya siya? Have you even seen her face when she was swinging those shoes around?", Loren said.

"Rubber shoes lang ba talaga ung problema?", Risa pressed. "Kahit nung yoga ang init rin ng ulo mo."

Loren's face flushed in anger. "Now is not the time for this, Risa..."

"Ate Loren, please just give me a straight answer, and I'll leave you be. Ung totoo, hindi pang-Miss Universe."

Risa was then met with Loren pointing to the minority bloc side with a frosty glare. "That's enough. Get out of my sight."

The sudden shift in Loren's tone shocked Risa so much it took her aback. "Okay, I'll leave you be for now."

Soon after, she then made the beeline for Pia and heaved a sigh.

"May nakuha kang sagot?", Pia wondered.

Risa shook her head. "Getting SP Pro Tempore has really gotten into her head."

Pia crossed her arms and leaned on the wall behind her. "No, you just put her into a corner. Hindi talaga yan sasagot pag ganyan."

"What makes you say that?"

"We have known each other for more than 10 years. She won't learn unless she learns it the hard way.", Pia continued. "I mean, not that I'm the one to talk, but..."

"I'm just really worried about Leni. Sana mas na-prepare ko pa siya sa ganitong klaseng kalakaran."

"Leni's strong - no doubt she can hold her own. Suportahan na lang natin just in case this gets ugly, because knowing Loren, there is a big chance that this can get ugly."

"That's not helping."

Soon after, the bell rang signifying the start of session. Risa and Pia decided to the part ways to their respective seats.

Throughout the session, Risa couldn't help but think of both Leni and Loren. Never in a million years would she end up being forced to choose between the love of her life, and the person who felt like a sister to her during her first years in the Senate.

At least there's a long day of debates to distract her in the meantime.