Talk First, Think Later

Gift Wrap

Leni's privilege speech and the succeeding standoff between her and Loren became headlines during that week's news cycle to much fanfare and controversy.

Public sentiment has been split across the board - with those supporting Leni commending her bravery for calling out the most senior senator in the current Congress, while those supporting Loren have, as usual, resorted to comparing their senatorial careers at best, ad hominem attacks at worst.

Within the august halls of the Senate, however, lies a much more complex story.

Loren and Pia haven't spoken to each other for a week since their confrontation. While being on different blocs afforded them a fair bit of distance, they've gone to various lengths to make themselves as scarce to each other as possible, like deciding to attend sessions online instead of in–person.

A little before the plenary session for the day, Loren made the rounds talking to various senators about the bills pending on the floor. As she made her way to the side where the minority bloc sat on, she found a package neatly wrapped in blue and pink floral gift wrap on top of Pia's desk.

Loren approached the desk to inspect the gift, only to find a single pink peony inserted in the middle and a white envelope with Pia's name in tiny, feminine handwriting in the middle.

She felt a phantom pinch on her chest upon seeing the parcel in front of her but decided to try not to think about it for now.

During a particularly long suspension, Loren made her way to the lounge when she found Risa and Pia chatting in the hallway. Pia's now holding the package she saw in the session halls a while back and is now showing it off to an enthusiastic Risa.

Loren then tiptoed into an inconspicuous corner of the hallway to eavesdrop a bit, lest Pia makes a quick escape if she ever shows up in front of them.

"Uy, Risa...look how Leni wrapped this gift!", Pia enthused, showing the package to Risa right in front of her. "Ang ganda, no? Ayokong sirain, eh..."

Risa clapped gently. "Leni really is good at wrapping gifts, no? They're always so nice and neat."

Pia handed the card and flower to Risa and carefully peeled off the tape at the back of the package, careful not to disturb the wrapping until it revealed a blue and orange book. "Uy, Sustainable Economic Development? Grabe siya, I've been wanting to read this for a while."

Loren's gut dropped upon hearing the conversation. "Leni's really going to replace me in her life, wouldn't she."

"Sige, akyat muna ako sa office saglit.", Pia said. "See you later, Ris."

Risa gave Pia a hug and handed back the card and the flower before splitting up. "Bye!"

Just then, Loren trailed behind Pia, careful not to make too much noise so as to not tip her off until they reached the elevator.

An awkward silence filled the elevator until Pia broke it. "Hi, Loren."

"Hi, Pia."

"How's work?"

Loren shrugged her shoulders. "Could be better. You?"

"Busy."

After a few seconds, it was Loren's turn to respond. "Your office?"

"Okay."

As soon as they reached the 9th floor, they both made their way to Pia's working office and then locked the door. Pia then sat down behind the desk, while Loren made her way to the chair right in front.

Loren then started the conversation. "Sagad-sagaran na talaga, no, Pia? Couple picture na lang talaga kailangan, bingo ka na sa akin."

Pia rubbed her temples. 'Loren, not this conversation again..."

Loren's eyes bored right into Pia's so much, that the taller woman could practically melt. "I'm not stopping until you give me a straight answer."

"Wag mo naman pa-iralin pagka-entitled mo sa buhay ko.", Pia shouted. "Simpleng regalo lang, ginagawan mo ng issue."

"Because to me, it's not just a simple gift."

"It's just a book."

"Na may flower? May card? Putangina, talagang magsisinugnaling ka pa sa harap ko?", Loren screamed.

"Joke lang nakasulat doon!", Pia pleaded.

Loren bolted up, hot tears running down her face. "Can you listen to me for once instead of cutting me off when I try to open up?"

Things became totally silent for what seemed like an eternity between them. Pia's face then softened upon seeing Loren in such a state - one only finds behind layers of locked doors. 

She got up and wrapped her long arms around Loren and just let her cry. "I'm sorry, Regina. I should've listened to you."

Loren could smell Pia's perfume as they embraced - a scent she missed being around in during the week they avoided each other. It's a reassurance she craved for so long, yet felt so remote from her the past weeks.