Talk First, Think Later

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The smell of fresh citronella and the feeling of a cool breeze surrounded Loren on the patio area on her small farm. Nothing but cicadas chirping its high-pitched tune filled the airwaves, just as how she liked it.

Typically, she didn't have her phone with her during quiet times like these, as to not to take away her attention towards soaking in Mother Nature. This time, she did.

She grabbed her phone from the coffee table and opened her Instagram account. Immediately, she saw Pia's profile and like she always did, browsed her stories.

A wave of jealousy immediately hit her with the next thing she saw on-screen. It's photo of Pia and Leni fresh from what appears to be a biking run. Pia's arms were wrapped around Leni's shoulders and everyone was all smiles.

The next video made things even worse - it was Pia teaching Leni a certain yoga pose and holding her steady while she tries to balance.

To another person, it's just a video of two people working out together, but it got Loren seeing green. "Sinalo na niya lahat - naging VP, maraming kaibigan, malapit sa pamilya. Pati si Pia, kukunin pa niya?"

Loren abruptly stopped watching the video and immediately sent Pia a text. "Hi, Pia. tomorrow. My office. We need to talk."

Send.

–

The next day, Loren heard a tentative knock on her office door. She immediately got up and upon seeing Pia on the other side, gave her a stare that could kill.

"You said you wanted to talk?", Pia asked.

"Pasok."

Pia immediately entered inside and Loren slammed the door immediately after. She immediately took a seat on the white sofa on the left side of the office.

As soon as Pia settled in, Loren paced around Pia's area with a cool tone to her voice. "Ayos, ah. Last Saturday, biking. Kahapon, yoga. Ano next? Couple picture?"

"Loren, Leni's just a friend.", Pia replied.

Loren rolled her eyes. "That's what they always say."

Pia placed a hand in one of her pockets and whipped up her phone. "Okay, I'll text Leni right now. I'll ask if she and Risa are into an open relationship."

Loren crossed her arms, eyes zeroed in on Pia. "I'm not kidding, Pilar."

Pia bolted up. "Then why ask about something that's never going to happen?"

"I just want everything clear, okay?"

Pia's voice switched to snippier tone and inched closer to Loren's face. 'Talaga? Let's make this clear - what I do, where I'm at, who I'm with is absolutely none of your damn business."

"Why not?"

"You're not my mom!"

"But I'm your–", Loren attempted to answer, but even she failed to find the right words.

"My what?", Pia questioned. "See? You don't even know."

"Then tell me!"

A tired, exasperated voice came out of Pia. "How, when I don't know? It's been 15 years, Lorna, and I still don't know."

"How come?"

"Why not you tell me?", Pia snapped back before walking out the door and slamming it on her way out.

A stunned silence filled the office, including the legislative area on the other side. Loren then sank onto her chair and sent another text. "Hi, Sherwin. Paki-lista lahat ng pending bills na si Leni ang principal author o sponsor na nasa calendar. Need it ASAP."

Send.