SOMEONE

Chapter 1

Leni settled on the sofa.

"So how are you today?" Asked Risa

"I don't know. Definitely feeling a lot of things but I don't want to talk about that right now" Leni sighed and just closed her eyes waiting for Risa to talk again. Risa felt the heaviness in Leni's voice and all the hidden things that she knew Leni wanted to let out but would not voice out. Right now she just wanted to cheer up the Vice President.

"Have you eaten?" She asked.

"No I actually was about to order something but maybe it's too late for dinner so I'll just eat tomorrow. Wala din naman ako masyadong gana kumaen" Leni closed her eyes and let her mind focus on her conversation with Risa

"Lens you need to eat properly, especially now with the pandemic. Pano kung magkasakit ka dyan. Wala na nga masyadong kumikilos na officials tapos magka kasakit pa yung laging tumutulong sa mga tao"

Leni smiled, it has been a while since someone dared to scold her other than her kids. She wondered if Risa has always been such a nagger.

"Opo, I will try to not skip meals anymore Sen"

Leni then heard a chuckle.

"If you haven't eaten yet what about the girls? Don't tell me you're starving them VP"

"I would never, besides baka mademanda pa ako ng tita Senator nila" Leni joked making them both laugh.

"Tricia is on night duty and Aika is out of town"

"Kaya pala. You know sometimes nakakalimutan ko rin to take care of myself if the kids are not with me. Must be our mom brain"

"Hm" Leni suddenly felt tired but she didn't know if it was because of the stressful events currently happening in her life or all the cleaning from that afternoon and evening.

"Do you want to talk about it?" Risa asked even though she knew that Leni was not used to opening up to anyone and always dealing with stuff on her own.

"Maybe next time we see each other?" Leni sighed.

Risa understood and didn't push the subject. For now.

"Do you want me to let you rest?"

"No! I mean, I want to talk to you. But if you need to sleep we can talk another time" Leni felt guilty for calling Risa this late.

"No it's okay, kala ko kase I was bothering you, you already have a lot on your mind i don't want to add more troubles" Risa said making Leni sigh in relief, if she was honest this was one of those nights that she didn't want to be alone because she would overthink and that would only add to the things that give her anxiety. After a while she could hear Risa putting on some music probably to keep herself awake or to relax.

"You're never a trouble to me Senator. Besides I was the one who called you if anything i'm supposed to be feeling sorry for bothering you at this hour"

Risa smiled at that "You can call me anytime VP. Think of me as your personal VP E-konsulta, available 24/7. For the times that the Vice President of our country needs to talk or chika with someone. Lagi ako nandito" she said trying to light up the mood.

They both laughed and let a comfortable silence and the music that Risa was currently listening to entertain them for a few minutes. She wasn't sure how much time passed since they stopped talking but she enjoyed it. It calmed her.

"You know, it's okay to take a break sometimes.  Just pause, recharge and start again. Or, how about resting with something on your tummy? How about adobo and garlic rice?" Risa asked cheerfully