“Maraming salamat at magandang gabi po saating lahat.”
Applause and cheers rang out as the first female mayor of Naga City concluded her speech, the sound filling the entire area. Opposite the stage, Risa remained seated in the audience, her eyes fixed on the politician.
As the senator watched, Cong. Chel leaned over to her, whispering in a low voice, “Kausapin mo na kaya. Kanina ka pa nakatitig.”
Risa shook her head, unable to tear her gaze away from the speaker. Memories flooded her mind, as if replaying the campaigns and elections from three years ago. The weight of memories and emotions from her past with Leni flooded her mind. She recalled the joy they had shared, the moments of pure happiness and excitement. But she also recollected the sadness that had come with it, the challenges they had faced together.
“No-” Risa let out an awkward laugh. “I bet she doesn't want to see me anymore.”
Chel was caught off guard as the speaker called out the senator's name, announcing her turn to speak on stage.
****
As the night wore on, the chatter and laughter of the crowd grew louder. People gathered around Mayor Leni, expressing their appreciation and gratitude for her work. Risa watched from afar, hoping to have a moment to speak with her.
But despite wanting to approach Mayor Leni, Risa remained seated at her table, silently observing. The opportunity to speak with her seemed to slip away with every passing minute.
“Mayor Robredo,” Cong. Chel stood up from his seat that made the senator looked up.
“Cong. Diokno.”
Mayor Leni turned her attention his way, her smile bringing out her dimples. Risa couldn't help but stand up herself, startled by the sound of Leni's voice. Chel and Leni exchanged a brief kiss on the cheek before Leni's gaze shifted towards Senator Risa.
“Sen. Risa..” Leni said, her eyes finding Risa's
A small smile formed on Risa's lips as she leaned in towards Leni, placing her hand gently on her shoulder. Their cheeks brushed together, and Risa took a subtle breath, inhaling the scent of Leni's perfume.
After that, Cong. Chel expressed thanks to Mayor Leni for her contribution to their project, and Risa exhaled a silent sigh of relief, feeling slightly more relaxed now that the focus had shifted away from her. Yet, the weight of their past hung heavily between them, making Risa's heart ache with unspoken emotions.
Siguro kasi Mayor na siya ngayon? I know na mas lalong magiging alanganin na ang oras at hindi ko na siya gaanong makikita ngayon.
“Please excuse me,” Risa murmured, quietly excusing herself and making her way to the restroom. She quickly entered the empty cubicle, shutting and locking the door behind her. She leaned against the wall, her breath coming in short gasps as she tried to control her emotions. Seeing Leni again, hearing her voice, feeling the weight of their past.. it was almost too much to bear..
It was not the first time they had seen each other since their separation a few years ago, but somehow this time felt different, heavier. The memories of their past together came flooding back, and Risa couldn't shake off the pain that resurfaced within her. It had been years, yet it felt like the wound was still fresh.
Come on, Theresia! This is not you.
****
After finishing her conversation with the guests, Leni made her way to the restroom to freshen up. As she reached the sink, one of the cubicle's doors opened, and out stepped Sen. Risa.
Their eyes met in the mirror's reflection, the space between them thick with tension.
“Senator..” Leni says, her voice barely above a whisper.
Risa made her way to the other sink, her hands shaking slightly as she tried to steady herself. “Mayor..” she murmured, stealing a glance at Leni through the reflection on the mirror. They stood side by side at the sink, the distance between them small yet feels like a vast expanse.
Silence.
"How have you been?" After a few moments of awkward silence, Leni finally spoke up, her voice soft yet shaky. "Risa."
Risa paused, focusing on her hands for a brief moment. The sound of Leni saying her name, free from formalities, made her heart skip a beat. She would be lying to herself if she said she didn't miss it.
"I'm doing well, Leni," Risa responded with a warm smile, shutting off the faucet before continuing, "How about you?"
Leni smiled back at her, their eyes holding each other's gaze. "I'm doing fine, Risa."
Risa nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips. Despite everything that happened in the past, there was still a familiar comfort between them. She leaned against the sink, her hands gripping the edge. "That's good to hear."
There was a brief silence before Leni spoke "Actually, may tanong ako.."
Risa raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "What is it?"
Leni took a step closer, her gaze steady. "Can I ask you something.. personal?"
Ano ba 'yan, Leni. Ito nanaman tayo.
Risa could feel her heart skip a beat at Leni's words, her curiosity piqued even more. "Of course," she replied, her voice steady despite the fluttering in her chest. "Ask away."
Leni took a deep breath, as if bracing herself for what she was about to say. "Is there..uh.." Her fingers nervously fidgeted with the sleeve of her blouse.
"Is there anyone special in your life, Risa?"
The question was out in the open now, hanging in the air between them.
