Jump Then Fall

XI. Kulay Rosas ang Medyas

The sun was unforgiving.

Even before noon, the heat had already settled over the open field, but no one left. People stood shoulder to shoulder, umbrellas, flags, makeshift fans. They're waiting.

Not just for a speech.

For a beginning.

Backstage, Leni sat on a folding chair, her hands resting on her lap, fingers interlaced tightly.

First rally.

After the declaration.

After everything.

The noise outside was different from Naga, not explosive, not overwhelming, but steady.

She exhaled slowly.

"Ma'am, five minutes," an aide said.

She nodded.

When the aide left, the room felt suddenly too quiet.

Her phone buzzed.

She glanced at the screen.

Grab Driver
calling...

A small smile slipped through.

She answered immediately, lowering her voice "Hello."

"Nasaan ka na?" he asked.

"Backstage," she said. "Ikaw?"

A soft chuckle on the other end. "Malapit lang."

She frowned slightly. "Malapit saan?"

"Sa rally mo." He replied.

Her eyes widened. "What?! Are you serious?"

"Relax," he said lightly. "Disguised ako. Hindi mo ako makikita."

She shook her head, half amused, half worried. "Ang kulit mo. Delikado 'yan eh."

"I just wanted to see your first rally," he said simply.

Her expression softened.

There was a pause.

"Kaya mo 'to," he added.

She leaned back slightly, closing her eyes for a brief second.

"Kinakabahan ako," she admitted quietly.

"Good," he replied.

She scoffed. "Good?"

"It means you still care."

She smiled faintly. "Always naman."

Another pause.

"I'm proud of you," he said, softly.

Her chest tightened.

"Wala pa nga," she whispered.

"Exactly," he said. "And already, look at what you started again."

She could hear the crowd chanting faintly through the phone now.

"Leni! Leni! Leni!"

She swallowed.

"I have to go," she said.

"I'll be here," he replied.

"Alam ko," she said softly.

"You got this." He said. "I love you."

She smiled, "I love you."

She ended the call, staring at the screen for a moment before setting it down.