Lust
*****
RITA was not feeling so well. It was the last day of the campaign. Ilang araw na ring masama ang pakiramdam niya ngunit binalewala niya iyon. Today was the worst. Ni hindi siya makamulat nang maayos dahil sa sakit ng ulo. Yet she has to move.
Pilit na bumangon siya kahit na nakakaramdam na ng hilo. She's too exhausted the past days. Mas marami na kasing ginagawa at todo effort na ang lahat.
It took her an hour to get ready. It was a struggle for her. Hindi niya alam kung dahil lang ba sa maalinsangang panahon kaya ganito ang pakiramdam niya. Sana lang ay maging okay na rin siya mamaya.
"You look pale," Bruno eyed her. "You're overworking yourself, Ate." May himig ng inis ang tono nito.
She brushed him off. "I'm fine. Masakit lang ang ulo ko pero kaya ko naman."
Dave stared at her. "Papa won't like it if you'll look like that. Just take a rest. I'm sure he'll understand."
"Nah," umiling siya na pinagsisihan din niya dahil tila umikot ang buong paligid. She composed herself. "Papa needs our family's support for later. I have to be there," she insisted.
Wala namang nagawa pa ang mga ito. She's the eldest so they just have to respect her decision. Besides, she knew that she's fine and nothing's wrong with her. She'll just take vitamins later.
Nang dumating sila sa headquarters ay abala na ang lahat. People are everywhere. Today will be their last campaign rally. Marami na nga raw tao sa venue kahit na mamayang alas kwatro pa naman ng hapon iyon mag-uumpisa. They were thankful for all the volunteers that's helping them out.
Dumiretso siya sa maliit na opisina ng headquarters. Hindi pa rin maganda ang pakiramdam niya. The place was just too hot for her. Baka dito na lang siya manatili muna. Wala rin naman siyang maitutulong sa labas.
She put her bag on the table and sat on the mini sofa. She closed her eyes and massage her temple. Hindi sumunod sa kanya ang mga kapatid kaya alam na niyang abala ang mga ito sa pagtulong sa labas. She knew they would understand if she can't help them right now.
She heard a knock on the door. She opened her eyes. Umayos na rin siya sa pagkakaupo. Bumukas ang pinto ng opisina, iniluwa niyon si Martin.
The smell from outside seems unpleasant for her. It was her stomach this time. Mas lalo lang lumala ang nararamdaman niya.
"Are you okay?" Martin asked in a concerned tone. "Dave said you're not feeling well. Bakit ka pa nagpunta rito? You should have taken a rest." Lumapit ito sa kanya at dinama ang kanyang noo. Maya-maya ay bahagyang kumunot ang noon. "You should have stayed home."
"Okay lang ako. Mawawala rin to mamaya."
Martin looked at her seriously. "You also need to take care of yourself, Rita. You're here almost everyday. You're also taking Law at night. What's left of your time for rest?"
She smiled. Martin's a sweet guy. He never did cross the line between them. Kahit kailan ay hindi niya naramdaman na ipinipilit nito ang sarili sa kanya. He was there for her whenever she needs him. He was a safe haven.
"Don't worry, I'll take extra care of myself once the election's done. Ilang araw na lang naman." She assured him.
Tinitigan siya nito bago bumuntong hininga. "Fine. Whatever you want. Just stay here for the day, okay?"
She nodded at him. "Yes, Sir."
Martin shook his head and left. Afterwards, she felt sleepy. Iyon nga lang ang ginawa niya buong umaga.
