Three days before Christmas, Risa joined Leni, Aika, Tricia and Jillian for the morning bus ride en route to Naga. This marked the first time since Jesse's death that they're spending their Christmas in their Naga home instead of abroad like they usually did.
During the journey, the children snoozed comfortably (at least as comfortable as provincial bus seats could be) on their seats, while Leni rested her head on Risa's shoulder as she held her hand.
"Tulog ka muna, Pangga. Malayo pa biyahe natin."
Natin.
Truthfully, Leni's still adjusting to being referred to as an 'us' and not mean her and Jesse. But slowly the music started to make sense in her head. A different kind of music she's used to, but certainly not a bad one.
The Robredo residence remain relatively unchanged since they last spent their time there, down to Jesse's clothes on the doorway. Then the memories came flooding back to her. Memories of Christmases gathered inside as a family. Jesse's face remained as sharp and vivid in her memories - as if he's still there in front with a Santa hat on bringing gifts.
Her world began to spin around her until her knees buckled and she nearly fell over.
Aika and Tricia caught her by the arms and guided her to the sofa beside Risa. "Ma, upo ka muna."
Risa rubbed light circles on her hand with her thumb to calm Leni down.
"Okay lang ako, Sa." Leni nodded. "Hayaan mo na lang ako. Kaya ko 'to."
"Hay, ikaw talaga, Pangga."
That night, Leni tossed and turned in her bed. A feeling of dread washed upon her but she didn't know where it came from. All she knew that she needed to do something.
Leni then prodded Risa to wake her up. "Risa, gising."
"Unnnnnnh, what's happening?" Risa groaned.
"I need to show you something."
YOU ARE READING
Sasa's Dollhouse
FanfictionIn this third installment to "From Sasa, with Love" and "Life with Sasa", Risa and Leni embark on another chapter of their lives. Yet many questions remain: How can Leni give her 100% into the relationship when she can't even put Jesse's clothes ha...
