Ace of Clubs

Dangerous Waters

Risa opened her eyes slowly, feeling the soft breathing on her neck and the arm wrapped around her waist. A smile appeared on her lips as she was reminded of the day she woke up in Hong Kong months ago, completely clueless about what occurred the night before.

This time, however, she could recite in detail the events prior to this morning.

She went to Leni's condo and was greeted by Aika at the door. They caught up with each other for a while before Aika had to leave. She cooked dinner for Leni who arrived not long after. Leni hugged her, then asked her to stay the night. She fell asleep with the steady rhythm of Leni's breathing. She was certain that the other woman was still awake, but she couldn't help it.

The feeling of Leni in her arms and the warmth, the softness, the simplicity of their moment lulled her to a good sleep.

Risa observed that their positions were switched from last night. This morning, it was Leni who was asleep and clinging to her tightly. She observed Leni's solemn facial features while she slept. I don't get why some people hate you, she thought. Ang bait- bait mo kaya.

A strand of hair fell on Leni's face and Risa reached out to tuck it behind her ear. Ang ganda-ganda pa.

For a good few minutes, Risa just laid there completely still with Leni's arm still embracing her. She stared at Leni's face. Even when she sees her more frequently now than before, Risa finds herself admiring Leni's physical features untiringly.

No wonder crush ng bayan ka sa Congress.

Leni's alarm resounded in the room, surprising them both. The arm on her waist moved to shut the alarm off but went right back after it did. "Hi," Risa whispered softly.

Leni, whose eyes were still shut, smiled. "Good morning."

"Antok ka pa?"

A wordless nod was Leni's reply.

"Sabihin ko sana sa'yo matulog ka pa but knowing you, pipilitin mo pa ring pumasok sa work."

Leni chuckled weakly. Cute naman ng antukin na 'to, Risa thought.

"Halika na, let's get up. We have work pa."

"Five minutes."

"Ano'ng five minutes? Bawal. Baka ma-late ka."

"Mabilis lang naman ako kumilos. Five minutes, dito ka lang sa tabi ko."

Risa sighed, but she gave in anyway. She settled herself beside Leni, who clung to her tighter. "Ginawa mo akong unan, Lens."

"Shhh. Five minutes 'to, bawal maingay."

The older woman moved closer to her, urging her to face the other side. A sound vibrated on her back as Leni laughed, "Sino'ng little spoon ngayon?"

"Pagbibigyan na nga kita. Pasalamat ka ang cute mo gumising."

"Thanks, wifey."

They stayed like that longer than they intended to. Five minutes became ten, and then fifteen. Risa felt her eyelids go heavy. She was starting to fall asleep again. But another alarm blasted, waking both of them up.

"Sorry, alarm ko 'yun," Risa said apologetically.

"Okay lang," Leni yawned, "Kailangan na rin naman nating gumising."

Standing up, they stretched their arms and laughed as they noticed that they had the same routine. Get out of bed and stretch. Leni started arranging the pillows while Risa fixed the comforter on her side. "Paabot ng unan na 'yan," Leni pointed to one of the throw pillows on Risa's side. She handed it to Leni and said, "Pakihatak 'yung comforter dyan sa side mo, masyadong mahaba dito eh."