Accidentally Yours

Date?

Risa Hontiveros stood next to Alice Guo, who was waving at the black van that had disappeared from their sight. After an eventful and slightly disastrous lunch earlier, Win Gatchalian had waved the white flag, claiming an urgent meeting back in Manila. Risa didn’t believe him for a second, but there wasn’t much she could do. She had wanted to leave the city too, but she and Alice had already committed to attending the distribution at the local elementary school that afternoon. Risa was a woman of her word, so here she was, watching Win leave and preparing herself for the next event.

"Well, Senator, shall we head to the elementary school?" the Mayor of Bamban asked, a pleasant smile on her face.

Risa glanced at Alice for a moment before nodding. “Yes, what school are we visiting?”

Before Alice could respond, one of Risa's staff came running toward them, breathless. "Senator!" she called.

Risa’s brow furrowed with concern. "What’s wrong?"

“The van won’t start,” her staff member informed her, still catching her breath.

"What? Why? Is there another vehicle available?" Risa asked, dreading the idea of being stranded in Bamban.

“Wala na po, Sen…”

Alice, overhearing the conversation, smiled reassuringly. "Don’t worry, there’s an auto shop nearby. I can have my driver bring your van there. It should be fixed in no time."

"But how will I join you for the distribution?" Risa asked, feeling awkward about the situation.

“You can ride with me and my team,” Alice offered. Risa was about to decline, not wanting to be a burden, but her secretary quickly accepted. “Talaga po, Mayora? Salamat po!”

Paladesisyon

And just like that, Risa found herself with no choice but to go along with it. They headed toward Alice’s van, which was already packed to the brim.

"Hala, paano po yan, hindi na kasya si Ma'am Senator," one of the employees said, looking at the full van.

"You can always ride with me on my motorcycle," Alice suggested, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

“Ha?” Risa blinked in surprise. It had been years since she’d ridden a motorcycle. Once lang yoon

Alice grinned. “May extra helmet ako. Don’t worry. Let’s go, Madam Chair,” she added, grabbing Risa’s hand before the senator could protest.

Risa’s nerves started to build as they reached the motorcycle. “Are you sure about this?” she asked, glancing nervously at the sleek vehicle.

Alice smirked, clearly enjoying the situation. "Don’t worry, Madam Chair. I’ve got you."

Before Risa could fumble with the helmet, Alice had already fastened it securely on her head. “There. Ready to ride,” Alice said with a wink.

With no choice, Risa climbed onto the motorcycle. "Kapit ka, Sen., baka mahulog ka," Alice joked. Risa playfully swatted her. "Don’t push your luck!" she retorted, trying to mask her anxiety.

As soon as Alice hit the gas, Risa’s prayers began. The mayor was driving at lightning speed, and Risa could feel the wind rushing past her face. "Alice, dahan-dahan lang!" she screamed, but Alice either didn’t hear her or chose to ignore her, laughing gleefully at Risa’s discomfort.

Ano ba itong napasok ko

By the time they arrived at the elementary school, Risa was nearly shaking as she dismounted the motorcycle. She made a mental note never to ride with Alice again.

"Let’s go. I think they’re waiting for us," Alice said, removing her helmet and leading the way inside. Risa, still trying to calm her nerves, followed.

Inside the basketball court, a crowd had already gathered, and Risa could sense the excitement in the air. She knew how beloved the mayor was here in Bamban, despite their professional clashes during hearings.

As soon as they entered, Alice was swarmed by the crowd. People greeted her with affection, asking for photos, shaking her hand, and shouting words of support.

"Thank you, Mayora!" 
"We miss you, Mayora!" 
"Laban lang po, Mayora!"

Risa stood beside Alice, watching the scene unfold. "They really love you," she commented, sitting down next to the mayor.

Alice chuckled. "Halata ba?" she joked, clearly tired but smiling.

Once the distribution was finished, Alice turned to Risa. “Since we’re done here, how about we grab some dinner?”

“Mag-aalasquatro pa lang, Mayora” Risa replied.

"So? Meryenda time," Alice insisted.

Risa smiled, then suggested, "How about you give me a tour of Bamban? I’d love to see where you plan to build your university."

Alice’s eyes lit up. “Sure, I’d love to show you around!”

Their first stop was St. Raphael’s Cathedral, a majestic structure in the heart of the city. Its Gothic spires and intricate stone carvings had witnessed generations of life in Bamban. Inside, the vaulted ceilings and minimalist chandeliers created a peaceful ambiance.

“Your administration renovated this place?” Risa asked, walking down the aisle beside Alice.

Alice nodded. “Yep, we wanted to preserve its beauty while giving it a modern touch.”

Risa admired the space. "This place is perfect for weddings," she remarked.

Alice smiled softly. "Yeah, I’ve always dreamed of getting married here."

Risa looked at her in surprise. "Really?"

"Yeah, it’d feel like getting married in royalty," Alice said, her voice soft with sincerity.

After their visit to the cathedral, Alice led Risa through the plaza, chatting with locals as they walked. When they passed a row of street food stalls, Alice’s eyes lit up. "Let’s buy some!" she said, pulling Risa along.

"Is that safe?" Risa asked cautiously, thinking of all the stories she’d heard about street food.

"Oh, come on, Sen. Live a little!" Alice laughed, already ordering various snacks.

Risa could only smile as Alice devoured everything with enthusiasm. “You sure you won’t get sick from all that?”

Alice waved her off. "I’ll be fine. Kuya, magkano ang sorbetes?" she called an ice cream vendor.

After paying, Alice handed Risa a cone. “Try it, it’s really good!”

Risa accepted the ice cream, smiling as she tasted it. "It is good," she admitted. But her smile widened when she noticed a dollop of ice cream on Alice’s nose. Without thinking, she reached for her handkerchief and gently wiped it away.

Their eyes met, and for a moment, time seemed to freeze. They were standing too close, their gazes locked, and neither of them seemed willing to move away.

What the hell is happening?

Risa’s heart raced, but she couldn’t bring herself to break the moment. Alice didn’t seem to mind either, her expression softening.

Finally, Alice broke the silence, her voice teasing but warm. "You’re going to have to ride my motorcycle again if we’re going to finish this tour, Madam Chair."

Risa could only laugh, shaking her head. "Let’s see about that, Mayora."

And for a while, they simply stood there, sharing a quiet moment in the bustling heart of Bamban, both unsure of where this newfound closeness would lead but neither of them wanted to walk away.

What am I thinking Risa thought