To Win a Loser's Heart

Step 3: Watch

It was huge victory party for Bongbong.

Finally, after how many years, he was able to restore his family's glory and reclaim their rightful power. Thus, an extravagant celebration was suited for his grand triumph.

The entire hotel was booked for his supporters who came with him in Naga. A stage was set up by the pool with a bar beside for their alcoholic beverages. They were loud music and Bongbong was satisfied just watching his people enjoy themselves.

However, what caught his attention was the fact that Aimee was not present at their celebration. She was the one who got the stage and the food set up but after making sure that everything was ready, his youngest sister disappeared.

"Where's Aimee?" He asked Martin who was sitting on a couch with a glass or rum — almost yelling because of the loud music.

"I don't know." His cousin answered on the same level of loudness.

"Can you find her?" His brows were already furrowed in anger.

Martin stood from his place so they could walk away from the speakers. "Bongets, your sister is forty years old. She's no longer a child."

He gripped his shoulders and seriously said. "Alam ko. But did you forget how obsessed she is with Leni?"

Gently, his cousin removed his hands on him. "Sorry. I don't think I can help you." His eyes were already falling.

Bongbong sighed when he realized that his cousin had already drunk too much. His sister, Imee and their mother had also retreated to their rooms for a much needed rest.

He went to find a familiar old man in the crowd. "Sir, saan po yung venue ng party ni Leni Robredo?" He politely asked.

The old man paused — obviously confused. "Malayo-layo ng konti dito. Sa may farm nila Mang Tomas. Gusto n'yo po ba ihatid ko na kayo?" He offered.

Bongbong's eyes lit up. "Talaga po? Sige ho."

During their walk to the elevator — down the ground floor, he learned that the old man's name was Mang Domeng. He came for a family of his father's staff. It was their promise to support the Marcoses just as they did to their family. So, here he was, supporting him.

"Ay, sa'n po kayo pupunta?" Mang Domeng suddenly asked when they reached the ground floor.

"Nasa parking po yung sasakyan ko." He replied.

The old man scratched his nape shyly. "Nako. Hindi po ako marunong magdrive ng kotse."

He was too stunned to speak straight. "P-pa'no po tayo pupunta do'n?"

Mang Domeng smiled proudly this time. "Nasa labas po ng hotel yung tricycle namin."

This time, Bongbong was speechless. He did not know how to respond so he stood there for five seconds until Mang Domeng started walking out of the building. He had no choice but to follow.

He grew up in an upper class family. He had never tried riding a tricycle. It was past midnight and the wind was too cold even for his long sleeves. His hand was holding tightly at the edge of the seat as they were passing by the rough roads.

Just when he was already enjoying it, the tricycle stopped. "Dito na po tayo." Mang Domeng announced.

From a few feet away, he could see the lights lit up under a tree. There were people sitting on benches with mugs on their table. At the very center where the light was brighter, sat the Vice President of the Philippines. There were no loud speakers but there were men holding a guitar singing to her.

They were laughing, clapping and swaying to the music. Across her lips, he could see a genuine smile as she was singing along with her people. The view was heart melting.

"Lalapit ka po ba?" Mang Domeng cut off his train of thoughts.

He nodded. "Pwede mo po ba kong hintayin dito?" The old man agreed.

He walked closer to the audience and noticed how they were not dressed up. Some of them even had mud on their slippers up to their legs as if they came from their work. They did not mind being themselves in front of the second highest ranking official of the country.

They did not mind being true in front of her.

None of them noticed his approach as they were watching the view of the most beautiful woman they knew. He was so captivated that he sat down one of the benches and totally forgot about his sister.

Isigaw mo sa hangin, tumindig
At magsilbing liwanag, liwanag sa dilim

They all sang. Some of them stood and danced to the song in front of Leni — obviously drunk. She laughed at the sight.

Harapin mong magiting ang bagong awitin
Ikaw ang liwanag

The song finished and everyone clapped. That was when Bongbong remembered who he came there for. He stood and looked for his sister while the audience was still busy drinking.

Aimee was nowhere to be found.

He decided to give up and go back to the hotel. Mang Domeng was still waiting for him from afar. He was also smiling at the sight they beheld.

"Liwanag nga sa dilim." The old man uttered unconsciously. Bongbong pretended that he did not hear him.

***

"Kuya!"

He was woken by Aimee who was shaking her on his bed. His head was aching from the drink he had last night but he could still remember that beautiful scene he witnessed.

He grumpily sat to look at her with his brows furrowed. "Sa'n ka nanggaling kagabi?" His voice was obviously furious.

Aimee raised her brow. "Nakatulog ako nang maaga kagabi. Napagod kasi ko sa preparation ng party mo. Grabe naman kasing dami ng tao." She complained — sitting on his bedside.

He went silent. "Sa'n ka natulog?"

"Sa kwarto ko." She answered as if it was the most obvious answer. It was. "Sa'n pa ba ko pupunta?"

His jaw dropped. "K-kasi..." He scratched his nape.

"Ikaw?" She returned the question. "Sa'n ka pumunta?"

"Ha?"

"Anong 'ha?', kuya?" There was a tone of accusation in her voice. "I went out to check on you no'ng nalaman kong tulog na din si Manang and si Mama. Then, you were nowhere to be found. Sa'n ka galing?"

He did not know what to say. "Ano. Wala." His voice then raised. "Bakit mo ba tinatanong?" He stood from his bed. "Anong breakfast? Gutom na ko."