Accidentally Yours

Bamban

Alice Leal Guo walked listlessly behind the two senators who were listening intently to the Hepe, the police chief leading their group. He was explaining everything they had discovered inside the building and pointing out where each room was located.

Meanwhile, Alice scrolled through her phone, still trying to figure out how to use it properly.

"Mayor Alice?!" Her name startled her. "Yes?" she answered, looking up and realizing the two senators and the Hepe were all staring at her.

"He said we're about to enter the torture chambers," Senator Risa stated with an edge of annoyance.

"Oh, is that so? Sorry, my secretary was texting me," Alice quickly made an excuse to save herself, hoping they'd buy it. To her relief, they did, and she sighed inwardly.

As they entered the large, dimly lit room, one of the policemen switched on the lights, revealing a disturbing sight. The walls were splattered with dried, dark stains, and the floor was scarred with deep scratches, likely from victims trying to crawl away. A faint, rotten smell filled the room, maybe from old blood—Alice wasn't entirely sure.

She heard Senator Win coughing from the stench, and Risa instinctively covered her nose with her hand.

Alice scanned the room, noticing an assortment of weapons lying on a large metal table.

"These are the weapons used to torture the victims," the Hepe explained, pointing to a black baton that seemed to be everywhere in the room. "According to the victims, this was the most commonly used tool."

The Hepe picked up the baton. Alice was about to ask how it was used—whether they bludgeoned the victims with it—when the baton suddenly sparked with electricity, sending bolts crackling through the air. Alice jumped, startled, and instinctively grabbed onto Risa's hand for support.

"They used that?" Win asked in horror, while Risa, still quiet and turned to face Alice who even more pale from shock,

"What's wrong, Mayor?" she asked, placing a reassuring hand on Alice's shoulder.

"I'm fine, sorry. It just..surprised me," Alice replied, quickly stepping back, giving Risa some space.

Risa raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced, but chose not to push the issue as she could see how shaken Alice was.

"Shall we leave this room now?" Risa suggested, and Alice nodded eagerly, walking ahead without realizing their hands were still intertwined.

When they finally exited the room, Alice quickly let go of Risa's hand. "I'm sorry, Madam Chair," she apologized.

"It's fine," Risa answered quickly, looking away avoiding the mayor's gaze

---

After an hour and a half of exploring the compound, they finally stepped out of the building.

There were no journalists present, as the visit hadn't been made public. Only the police, along with the senators' and the mayor's staff, were there.

"Mayora, I have to head back to the precinct now. I have some matters to attend to," the Hepe informed Alice.

"Alright, take care, Hepe," Alice said with a smile.

"Goodbye, Senators," the Hepe added before leaving. The two senators nodded in acknowledgment.

Alice sighed in relief, glad to be done with the tour. Mukhang makakauwi na ako sa panahon ko she thought eagerly when her secretary came running up to her.

"Mayor, are you still planning to visit the elementary school later at 2 PM?" her secretary asked breathlessly.

Alice wanted to say no, but she noticed the two senators watching her, clearly waiting for her response. Forcing a smile, she replied, "Of course! Maybe we should grab something to eat first before heading there"

It looked like her free time would be delayed further that made her frown

"Where would you like to eat, Mayor?" her secretary asked.

"Anywhere near the school," Alice answered, already feeling the weight of the day.

"The closest option is McDonald's."

"Alright, McDo it is. Senators, would you like to join us?" Alice asked, trying to be polite. She didn’t want to seem rude, especially since she was still serving as mayor. She couldn't afford to ruin her reputation especially not to the senators

Risa was about to decline when Senator Win cut in. "We'd love to, Mayora," he said, much to Risa's confusion.

As they got back into their van, Risa turned to Win. "Why did you agree to that?" She asked as she couldn't really see the need to have lunch with a criminal

"This is a strategy," Win explained. "Don’t you want to know what kind of mayor she truly is?"

"We’ve already seen enough of her from her Facebook Live videos," Risa argued.

"Yes, but that’s just what she shows us. What if her real personality is completely different? This lunch will help us see beyond her public facade," Win reasoned.

"Are you sure about this?" Risa asked, still doubtful.

"Absolutely. Trust me, there’s no way she’s as innocent as she pretends to be."

---

Alice was starting to regret inviting the two senators to lunch. Here she was, in an uncomfortable situation, eating with the very people who had publicly humiliated her future self on national television.

Her employees were seated at a separate table, eating with the senators' staff. Meanwhile, she had to sit in this awkward silence with the two senators.

"So, Mayor Alice," Senator Gatchalian broke the loud silence, "Senator Hontiveros mentioned you’re planning to build a university here in your city?"

"Nachika agad yun?" Alice mumbled to herself.

"What was that?" Risa asked, raising an eyebrow.

"I said yes, we're still in the planning stages," Alice replied with a forced smile.

"Your term is almost up, though. How do you plan to accomplish this then?" Win asked mockingly.

Alice felt her irritation rising but managed to keep her composure. "I'm hoping to get it approved before my term ends so the next administration can begin the work if ever I won't win"

"Your still gonna run in the next election? Baka matalo ka" Win smirk

Hindi siya worth it self, Alice told herself, trying to calm down.

"And how sure are you that it will get approved?" Win continued, his tone dripping with doubt.

Risa remained silent, observing the interaction. She could see the frustration in Alice’s eyes but knew this was all part of the plan.

Alice smiled, though it didn’t reach her eyes. "I can’t guarantee it, but at least I’m making an effort to do something for my people, unlike other politicians na puro lang salita"

Win’s smug expression faltered. His confidence from moments ago seemed to vanish.

Before he could retort, Alice added, "Don't take it personally, Senator. I know how politicians work—mas inuuna na palakihin ang kanilang kita before actually serving the people." She smirked, delivering the jab with a calmness that surprised even herself.

Risa couldn't help but chuckle to herself seeing how the supposed strategy Win used was now put against him, thinking to herself, This woman is indeed interesting.