Ace of Spades

Madness Starts

Thank God for Sundays, Leni thought as she opened her eyes. The physical consequences of the previous days were now manifesting as she laid in her hotel bed alone — the ache in her muscles, the hoarseness of her throat, and the pain in her eyes from crying too much. She turned around, hiding from the light coming from the windows, and pulled the covers closer.

She wasn't ready to face today. She wasn't ready to face any other days after last night for that matter.

Not when she has to put her mask back on, smile for the cameras, campaign for the elections, combat fake news, do her job as the vice president, be a mother to her children, and fix the fucked up mess she just got herself into with Risa all at the same time.

Risa, she thought. Kumusta na si Risa?

She groaned loudly, frustrated at herself because she was supposed to be resting. Today was a full day for her to rest and yet her mind wouldn't let her. Her phone rang and she answered it, seeing as it was her staff that was contacting her.

"Good morning po, Ma'am. May breakfast buffet po sa baba, nando'n na po 'yung iba. Kain na po kayo."

"Good morning," she let out, cringing at the raspiness of her voice, "Sige, sunod ako. Kain kayo marami."

Putting her phone back on the nightstand, she pulled the covers away and forced herself to get up. She took a shower and readied herself, all the while thinking about what she was going to say to Risa if she would see her downstairs. Or if she was even going to say anything.

A knock resounded on her door and she opened it.  Her children were outside and were waiting for her so they could go down together. "Hi, Ma. Tara, kain na tayo tapos uwi na para makapagpahinga ka today."

She nodded in reply, joking around and asking them about a few things. It helped her forget about all her problems at hand. For a while, at least. Leni felt immensely grateful for that as it was a much needed distraction. They exited the elevators and made their way to the dining area, filled with lively chatter and the smell of breakfast food.

That's when she saw Risa.

Risa looked fine for the most part. She was laughing but a little held back, which Leni assumed was because she had a hangover, and she looked a little tired. We're all tired, Leni thought. Risa wasn't in her regular campaign clothes and she overheard her talking to Chel about looking forward to the rest of the day because it was a day off from campaigning.

"Good morning, VP!" The senatoriables greeted her, inviting her to sit with them which she graciously accepted.

"Magandang umaga, kumusta kayo?" She replied, smiling, and once again feeling grateful for this distraction. Even when the distraction meant sitting beside Risa.

Leni acknowledged Risa's presence once, but she barely looked at her throughout the meal. Looking at her meant they would talk to each other and Leni didn't want to talk to her now. She knew Risa would notice that but still, she hoped the younger woman wouldn't.

When the rest of the people on their table stood up to get more food, it was just the two of them left. Risa took this opportunity to talk to her and she groaned internally. Nakakainis bakit kailangan sabay-sabay pa kumuha ng pagkain.

"Uy, Leni," Risa tapped her shoulder. "Thank you for taking care of me last night. Hindi ko maalala kung ano 'yung mga nangyari kagabi, masyadong marami 'yung nainom ko. Sabi ng staff ko ikaw daw tumulong sa akin umakyat kaya thank you."

"Wala 'yun, paakyat na rin kasi ako kagabi kaya sinabay na kita," Leni answered curtly, purposely avoiding Risa's eyes.

"Ano-ano mga sinabi ko sa'yo kagabi? Sorry, feel ko madami kasi madaldal ako kapag gano'n kalakas na 'yung tama. I'm really sorry if I said things I shouldn't have."