Jump Then Fall

IV. Kulay Rosas ang Medyas

"Mayor, dun po kayo sa may unahan." A staff from Malacañang whispered to Leni before the program started.

Leni looked at her, "Ay huwag na. I'm okay here. Thank you."

"Pinapalipat po kayo ni President sa unahan." The staff cleared.

Leni unconsciously looked around hoping other Mayors did not hear that. "Uh—"

"Dun po yung assigned seat nyo." The staff followed.

Leni purposely sat on the last row, just behind Mayor Vico. She's with Mayor AA and other Mayors. "Huwag na, okay na 'ko dito. Ayaw kong maka-attract ng attention."

The staff nodded and went back to her post. Then, the program started. Everyone stood up for the prayer. ES Recto then welcomed Bongbong for his speech.

After the short program, the emcee asked for some photo op. It was done by region.

"Where—" Bongbong tried to search for Leni when a lady Mayor shook his hand. "Hi! Hi!"

The Mayor tried to lean for a quick beso but Bongbong didn't move an inch to make it happen, he just shook her hand and withdraw quickly. "Thank you for coming." He smiled then moved on with shaking hands with the others.

"Region V." The emcee announced.

Bongbong looked at Leni's direction, trying to make her stood near him for the photo op, but she wasn't looking at him. She was chatting endlessly with other Mayors before she even got to the side for the photo op. He sighed, can't smile properly.

It was already 11:30AM when the program ended. Bongbong exited the hall first, then everyone proceeded to the other hall for lunch.

Leni entered the hall together with Mayor Vico when Raffy whispered, "Ma'am, hindi po tayo dito maglulunch."

Leni frowned slightly, "Dito daw sabi kanina, diba?"

Raffy shook his head, "Dun po tayo sa isang breakout room."

Leni just sighed, "Isama natin si Mayor Vico."

"Po?" Raffy was surprised.

"Masyadong halata pag ako lang ang nag lunch sa separate room. Saka kanina pa natin kasama si Vico, isama na natin sya sa lunch." Leni explain.

Raffy just nodded. "Sige po." He then asked Mayor Vico to come with them.

Another Malacañang staff guided them to the breakout room.

"Thank you." Leni smiled.

"No worries po. If may kailangan po kayo, nandito lang po ako sa labas." The staff smiled.

Leni frowned. "Huh? Maghihintay ka dyan sa labas? Kumain ka na ba? Dapat sabay-sabay na tayong kumain dito, ang daming pagkain na nakaserve."

The staff smiled, shaking her head. "Ay huwag na po, Mayor. Para po sainyo yan. Tawagin nyo nalang po ako pag may kailangan po kayo."

Then, Sec Sony came together with ES Ralph. They settled on the dining table, talking about the event earlier and some other concerns.

Shortly after they left, Leni heard some men talking on the radio. Then, the door opened.

"Mommy?" It was Bongbong, who just entered the room.

Leni's eyes widened after hearing him. She didn't know what to do.

"Mommy, nag lunch—" Bongbong halted when he saw Vico sitting towards Leni.

The room went silent.

Vico smirked and shook hands with Bongbong, "Mr. President, kumusta po?"