Titas of Philippine Politics: In Snapshots [Multiple Pairs]

Codename "Bruha" [Pia/Risa]

All Pia wanted was a peaceful night to herself, especially on her rare lazy days.

With the children settled in bed and the dogs fed and settled, she plopped down on the couch to watch the news to lull herself to sleep.

Of course, who else would be there to greet her, but—

"Ano ba yan? Di ba ako tatantanan nitong bruhang ito?"

She changed to another news channel. Unfortunately, the same face greeted her. Same thing when she changed to a third. 

Pia huffed, turned off the television, and grabbed her phone to text Risa, the only one she knows who's probably up at that hour of the night.

Risa's face greeted her on FaceTime. "O ano na naman, Pia? May problema ka na naman sa kanya?"

"Marami. Every time I see her face, I want to slap her."

The senator rubbed her chin, as if trying to contemplate. "Parang okay naman siya. In fact, siya na ung parang ate ko dun, eh. Medyo mataray lang pero once you get to know her, she's a good person naman."

"Good people cut off 1 billion pesos for things that are needed by millions of Filipinos? Parang ngayon ko lang narinig un. Hello? nakakalimot ka ba?"

Risa shook her head. "No, but I've forgiven her for it. Especially last week nung inapprove na niya ung reinstatement ng budget for the contraceptives. Baka nagsawa na sa boses at pagmumukha ko sa finance committee hearings."

"Still, she should've been more upfront about it. Nung 16th congress di niya sinabi un eh."

Risa sighed. "Pia, binantayan ko talaga siya pagkatapak na pagkatapak so sa Senate. I've seen her in action and I think she seemed genuine in making amends."

"Hmm, sure... I don't care about her anymore." Pia rolled her eyes.

"Teka, maiba muna ako: do you have a thing for Loren mismo?"

Pia gasped in horror. How dare she? "No?! Paano mo nasabi un? I hate that woman."

The senator raised an eyebrow. "Mmmhmm, akala mo ba naman walang nakakita sa iyo nung pinuntahan ka niya sa red carpet nung last SONA. Hello? Hindi naman vacant room un."

"Shut up." Pia snapped.

Risa softly chuckled. "Aminin mo na, Pia."

"I wouldn't touch her with a ten foot pole."

A faint blush appeared on Pia's cheeks, which made Risa tease her even more. "Yiiiiheee, kinikilig!"

Pia couldn't wipe the smile off her face, but attempted to compose herself. "Pero seriously. Wala talagang chance. No chance in hell at all."

"Alam mo, partner, kilalang kilala kita. Di mo akong kaya bolahin."

Risa's phone buzzed. "Sige na, pinapagalitan na ako ng boss sa WhatsApp. Matulog na daw ako."

"Sige, ako rin naman eh." Pia said, waving at Risa.

Risa waved back before dropping the line at FaceTime.

Pia laid back on the sofa bed rethinking everything that transpired the past few months. Maybe she's right - I need to face the truth. But she needs to earn my trust first.