Split Decision

Triple Threat

Leni rarely welcomed visitors into the condo for various reasons.

Mostly, it's due to space restrictions. The family of four, plus two dogs and two house helpers, could barely move in the space as it was - what more if additional people are inside?

But also, the condo was her sanctuary. It's one of the few spaces where she could truly relax, and having other people around for long periods feels like an intrusion into that space.

As much as possible, Leni would rather not mix work and personal if she could. It's a messy state of affairs with many minefields and sticky situations. Plus, she'd rather not invite work friends over for various reasons.

How ironic that must have been because Jesse was her boss when they met, and here she was in another similar situation with Risa, with her the Minority, then now the Majority Floor Leader.

At least after getting married to Jesse, she was able to hand in her notice shortly after. This time, she's forced to work with the same person with whom she's been sharing the same bed for three years.

Pinili ko 'to, diba? Pinili kong manungkulan nang anim na taon, no matter what it takes.

For all her bluster about not mixing work and personal, here's Leni in the kitchen one Saturday afternoon, preparing some snacks and drinks for Nancy and Grace - some clubhouse sandwiches, a plate of nachos, and a pitcher of Sangria. 

She then took out an ashtray from the cabinet and placed it by the balcony in case Grace needed to take a smoke break.

Technically they aren't her coworkers (yet), but they soon will be once 2028 rolls around. Leni tried as much as she could to justify inviting Grace and Nancy for some snacks in her home while at the same time no longer letting Risa come over to the condo, but the pangs of guilt became too hard to stuff down.

Girlfriend mo pa rin si Risa, diba? Pero bakit parang katrabaho pa rin trato mo sa kanya?

Before she could even think about canceling last minute, her doorbell rang. Leni put on her best smile and opened the door to find Nancy outside.

"Malens!" Nancy called out, giving Leni a beso-beso. "Long time, no see."

Leni returned the hug and grabbed Nancy's arms. "Musta ang buhay donya, Nans? Sorry, hindi ako makapunta sa huling lakad. Alam mo naman, budget season na."

Nancy laughed and settled down on the couch. "Okay naman kami - chill-chill lang muna bago mag-prepare for 2028."

"Aga namang preparation 'yan," Leni remarked, forgetting that most national officials prepare for their next campaign three years earlier.

"Late na nga ako, eh," Nancy said. "Anyway, si Grasya paakyat na daw."

As if on cue, the doorbell rang once more. Leni rushed to the door to welcome Grace in. "Grasya, welcome."

Grace stretched her arms into a hug. "Lens, musta na?"

"Okay naman," Leni said. "Sorry, guys, ang liit ng condo namin. Kaya hindi ako nagpapapasok ng bisita, eh."

While Leni was busy fixing up the dining area, Nancy took a peek at Leni's kitchen. "Okay lang, Mare, ang aliwalas nga ng condo niyo, eh. Nakita mo naman ung kusina namin before, diba?"

Leni laughed and crossed her arms. "Oo naman. Akala ko pa nga back kitchen ng resto, diba?"

Grace collapsed into a peal of laughter and low-fived Leni. "I'm surprised walang five-star chef sa loob. Mag-hire ka minsan, Nans, lalo pag party."

"Hmm, pag-isipan ko," Nancy pondered.

The Lady from Naga set down the snack platters before pouring some Sangria into three wine glasses. "Kain na tayo, mga mare."