Jump Then Fall

30 years (from my draft)

"You're what?" Leni exclaimed.

"I'm running for presidency." He almost whispered. He knew that she's gonna be frantic.

"Oh god!" She held her forehead. She thinks she's gonna faint with what she just heard.

"I'm sorry, mahal. I know napag-usapan na natin to before-"

She cut him off, "Good thing you remembered!"

"Mahal-"

"Sana naalala mo rin na we agreed to end your political life. Sana naalala mo rin na nag promise ka saakin na hindi ka na tatakbo ulit." She was talking too fast. "Ayoko ng buhay politika, Bong. Palaging may kaaway, palaging may issue, palaging hindi safe. I, I just don't want this life na meron tayo, Bong."

"I'm sorry, Mahal." He hugged her tight. "I don't have much choice. I have to do it."

---

Bongbong was the senate today, he's with Imee and Irene who's visiting from Ilocos. They were discussing some of the details of his filing, but he seemed unfocused.

"Okay ka lang ba, Bonget?" Imee asked, she observed how her brother was not speaking that much.

He sighed. "Leni and I fought."

"Let me guess, ayaw nya tumakbo ka?" Irene said.

He nodded.

"Bong—"

Bongbong cut Imee off. "I know, Manang. I know that I have to run. Mom always wanted me to follow Dad's footsteps, a lot of people are expecting me to follow dad's footsteps. Hindi ko lang inexpect that this will cost me my marriage."

"Maghihiwalay ulit kayo ni Leni?" Imee asked.

He shook his head. "No. But me running will definitely leave a crack to my marriage. This is my second chance with Leni and I don't want to ruin it."

"Have you talk to her?" Irene asked.

He nodded. "I told her about it, ayaw nya talaga eh. I promised her before na hindi na ako tatakbo ulit."

"Thank god! I'm a woman." Imee said.

Bongbong and Irene frowned at her.

"Kasi kung lalaki ako, malamang ako ang Jr and I will be in Bongbong's position right now. Hay! That name talaga!" Imee exclaimed.

Irene and Bongbong chuckled.

---

Bongbong went home at 12 midnight, he saw Leni already sleeping on her side of the bed. He sighed remembering how she reacted when he told her about the plans of him running for the highest post.

He changed his clothes and do his night routine then lie down beside his wife. He hugged her tight. "I love you." He whispered, kissing her neck.

Leni slightly moved. "Hmm." She felt someone's hugging her. "Mahal?"

"Hmm?" He whispered. "Sorry to wake you up."

"Kakarating mo lang?" She whispered.

"Yes." He said.

"Kumain ka na ba?" She asked again.

"Yes. I'm with Imee and the partido." He said. "We talked about the filing."

She didn't say anything.

He hugged her close to him. "I'm sorry, Leni. I know I'm hurting you. I know I'm breaking my promise, but I don't have a choice, mahal. A lot of people are expecting me to do this."