Chapter Text
Amy knocked on the door to his office at around 12:40.
“Sen, your hearing starts in 20 minutes,” she reminds him.
He reached out to the top half of the pile.
“Finished six out of nine,” he proudly declares and handed her the folders.
“Makakauwi ka ata nang maaga today, Sen.”
“Wag mong ipreempt,” he grins in response.
Five minutes later, he makes his way to the room where the Committee on Finance’s hearing will be held. To aid in his daily step count, he heads for the stairs to go two floors up instead of using the elevator. This required him to cross to the opposite end of where his office is.
“Sherwin!”
“Oh. Hi, Ris!” his response was more out of reflex than recognition.
She is wearing her hair down today and dressed in a light blue terno.
“You look good in this shade of blue ah.” For reasons he couldn’t pin down at the moment, the compliment that escaped his lips mortified him. His skin burned with embarrassment. He forgets that she was only the subject of his confession earlier and not the recipient.
“Thank you! Ikaw rin, bagay sayo ‘tong short sleeves,” she lightly pats a hand on the sleeve of his barong.
He was grateful for the composure that still remained. It took some kind of mental fortitude not to flinch at her touch and still be able to offer her a smile in return.
“Anong agenda today?” he asks, anxious to bring her attention elsewhere.
“I’m headed downstairs, ribbon cutting ng exhibit ng Women’s Month – the one I told you about yesterday.”
“Di ba yung venue sa mall?”
“Yes, at Podium. But just for today, we’re showcasing some of the pieces at the lobby. Bukas ang grand opening at the actual venue.”
He could feel the tension slowly leave his body. “Punta ka din bukas?”
“Yes, I have to. I’m giving the welcome remarks. The women from Mandaluyong Correctional will be there. Why don’t you come?” The invitation came out before she could really think about it. She followed it up when she realized what she’s asking, “Only if you’re free.”
“I’ll make time. Text me the details?”
She nods and smiles, “You have the finance hearing today?”
“Yes, in ten minutes,” he made a show of looking at his watch.
“Good luck!” she says at the same time he says, “Text me ha.”
They both laugh at themselves.
“I will,” she says before waving him goodbye.
He waved back and watched her go on her way.
Once again, he gets to spend another day with her. Even with such an innocent invitation, she really was much braver than him. He has to find a way to get his act together.
The afternoon went by in a blur. After the ribbon cutting at the lobby, Risa headed upstairs for her hearing on the Youth Suicide Prevention Bill. That meeting ran up for three hours, so she barely had a break before she was due to attend the Commission on Appointment hearing for the confirmation of some officials of the Department of National Defense.
At 6:00 PM, she still wasn’t done for the day. She still had one more meeting waiting for her at 6:30. This next one was a dinner meeting. It was a less formal one to touch base with a photographer-slash-museum curator whom her office tapped for the Senate’s ‘Rights of Nature’ Exhibit.
Before the meeting, she made her way back to her office to change out of her heels. When she finally had time to check her phone, two texts from Sherwin were waiting for her.
> Congratulations to you and your team! Dumaan ako ng lobby and saw some of the artworks.
> Excited to see more tomorrow.
< Thank you!! Nakakaiyak ang stories of the artists. Prepare tissues!
> Okay, sagot ko na Kleenex mo. 🤧
< 😆
< Btw, about tomorrow, the event starts at 11AM at the Art Lounge of Podium. Does that work for you?
> Yes. Shall I pick you up?
< Nako, wag ka na mag-abala. Kinuntrata ko na si Jerry. I think we’ll park sa side ng BDO. Do you know it? Why don’t we meet there and walk to the venue together?
> Sounds good.
A few seconds later…
> Uwi ka na?
< No pa. I still have one more meeting.
> Sipag naman Tala and Bacon’s mom. 🥓☺️
< “Bacon’s mom” 😩😩 You? Are you going home na?
> In a few. ☺️
< Wow!! Happy siguro ang staff mo 🤣
> 😔
> May nakalimutan ka ata… 😔
> 😔
< ??
> Wala bang “text me when you get home”? 😔
.
She hesitates, at a loss for how to respond.
.
.
He worries this is the opposite of getting his act together.
.
.
The delay makes him wonder if he might have acted prematurely.
< Ingat. Text me when you get home. 😊
She feels something unexplainable at the pit of her stomach.
> Will do. ☺️
He replied in a millisecond.
The sun had completely set when he left the senate building, but the night was still young. He had time to run an errand before going home.
Risa’s working dinner ended a little past 8. She’s more than satisfied with the plans in place and the person they chose. The photographer was one of the very few who were able to capture a photo of the Philippine Eagle in the wild. The majestic bird is fiercely territorial and requires thousands of hectares to live freely. Because of this immense spatial requirement, they are incredibly vulnerable to habitat loss and deforestation.
That her colleagues chose her to spearhead this project meant that she had free reign on the message she wants to send – this is critical in the presence of some senators whose campaigns were heavily funded by mining money. It’s still two months away but the thought of putting this advocacy out there gave her a thrill. The prospects of the nature exhibit energized her.
“Cris, dadalo pala bukas si Sen Sherwin sa opening ng exhibit.”
“Noted, Sen. What about the seating po, where would you like me to place him?”
“Maybe he can sit next to me as my plus one? Kaya ba?”
“Keri naman po.”
“We’re picking you up, right?”
“No, Sen. I’m riding with Momshie Jaz. Sila Karla, Migs, and I think si Angelie will carpool with you. Informed na si Kuya Jerry sa pick-up locations.”
“Galing, everything’s ironed out. Salamat, Cris.”
“Mejo slay ako do’n right?” Cris beams brightly at her.
“Not only mejo, SUPER slay ka do’n!” she managed to reply before her laughter took over her.
On the ride home, she remembers Sherwin.
> So does it mean nauna pala akong mauwi? 😆
A smile spreads across his face as he reads her text.
< ☺️
< ☺️
< ☺️
> ??
< So does it mean you waited for my text? ☺️
> Alam mo ikaw… 😩
< I’m home. ☺️
> Good to know.
< Pauwi ka pa lang?
> Yes. The meeting went well though, I’m not pagod.
< Relieved to hear that.
< Ingat ka rin pauwi. Text me when you get home ☺️
> May driver ako.
< Still… ☺️
> 👍🏼
Briefly she wonders if it would be wise to mull over whatever is happening, just so she could have any semblance of control on how she reacts to him. Something about this was both nostalgic and novel. This sort of playfulness from Sherwin was familiar, albeit older and wiser. She’s glad she could meet this version of him again, but she chooses not to dwell on it yet – whatever it is.
She gets a call from Ianna that she and Sinta might be home late. They’re out for dinner and are planning to visit their Ate Issa for ice cream. There’s nothing she loves more about the weekend than having her kids over.
When she gets home, she busies herself by preparing her things for tomorrow’s event. Ara had her garments steamed and delivered to her house earlier today. With the approval of her stylist, she chose a purple butterfly-sleeved terno with white solihiya patterns on the bodice. It was made with silk organza and looks ethereal under the right light. She pairs it with a brown pair of high-waisted trousers that she had not worn in ages. As she was trying on shoes, she receives a text from Sherwin.
> Home yet?
< Oh no, I’m so sorry!!
< In my defense…🙈
She rushes to send a picture of her shoes lined up on the floor with a caption: Pano ba mamili?
This is a side of Risa he has not been privy to. Every time he saw her, she was already always put together. This indecision over which shoes to wear, which food to order – something about it feels candid and endearing. He doesn’t know how he was able to make his way to this point, but he’s glad he’s here.
> Di ba sabi nila the higher the heels, the closer to God? I recommend yung beige nasa dulo. Parang makaka beso-beso mo na si God sa height nung heels. 😁
Laughter bubbled up inside her as she typed her reply.
< 🤣🤣 Funny ka pala?
> Aba!
< In fairness, that was also my first choice. Pero awang-awa na ako sa likod ko. 🤧
> Parang bagay naman whichever you end up wearing. ☺️
< What a very male thing to say!
> 🙊
> 🙊
> 🙊
> Ano pala dress code bukas?
< Smart casual.
< At least I’m wearing terno and trousers.
> Would it be too much if I wear a barong?
< Hmmm… parang hindi naman. But maybe one of your short-sleeved ones like today?
> Copy, boss. ☺️
< All jokes aside, I’m incredibly moved that you readily accepted my invite.
> The way you talked about it with so much heart over dinner? How could I miss it? I thought nga you would invite me right then and there. 🙈
< Oops. You were already doing so much for me yesterday kasi…
> Biro lang! Thanks for having me also.
> Kahit pang women’s month, ininvite mo ko. ☺️
< Only because I expect you to come out of it na may plano kung pano ka makakatulong sa cause. We need allies on all fronts. ✊🏽
> Ayun! Nabigyan tuloy ng homework. 🙈
< Kaya mo yan 😊
< C u tomorrow!
> C u, Ris! ☺️
> Good night! ☺️
< Night! 😴
She wanted to stay up and wait for her kids, but by 11 PM her body begged her to get some sleep. She promises to make up for it tomorrow at breakfast. She leaves the lights on for them.
One of the ways Risa’s aging body humbles her is how often she wakes up shortly after she gets six hours of sleep. This morning, she got up a little after five. It feels unfair to be up before her alarm, especially on a day when she doesn’t have anything on her schedule until much later.
After she decided to haul herself out of bed at 5:30, she makes her way to Sinta’s bedroom. To her surprise, Issa was there too. The sight of her three girls snug in bed gave her a quiet joy. It took all of her not to jump in and wake them up with cuddles. She didn’t even notice them arrive last night. She closes the door and lets them rest undisturbed.
She decides to start her morning with coffee.
Placing her moka pot on the stove, she grabbed the book that was splayed open on the counter. She knows it belongs to Ianna. The girl, god bless her, has a habit of breaking the spine of her books not by reading them too much but because she can’t be bothered to look for a bookmark. It’s nice to find traces of her kids’ presence in the house.
“I smell strong coffee.” Her tall baby walked toward her and gave her a tight hug.
“I made enough for everyone.” She hugs her daughter tighter, “how’s my Ianna?”
“Buhay, lumalaban kasi pinalaki ng sexbomb.”
Risa laughs.
“I missed you soooooooo much.”
“Me too, mom.”
“So bango naman, amoy ‘my baby’” she nuzzles her nose on her daughter’s hair.
The gurgling of the coffee on the stove pulled them apart.
“What time kayo nauwi kagabi?”
“Past midnight na. There’s ice cream in the freezer if you’re up for it later.”
“Why later? Wanna make affogato now?” a hint of mischief in her smile.
“Risa, ang aga-aga!” Ianna says as she heads for the fridge, smiling as well.
“Pagbigyan mo na ang mom.”
Affogato in hand, they sat at the kitchen counter.
“Did you really let Sinta name the new dog Bacon?”
“As if naman you don’t know your sister,” she retorts.
“Valid.”
“Darling, are you staying ‘til Monday?”
“I wish!” she says, looking apologetic. “But I have to drive back this afternoon.”
“Then I’ll have to make the most out of this pala,” she hugs her and showers her with kisses.
“Mooooom, eew.” She pretends to push her away. “Your kisses are so lagkit.”
This made her more aggressive with her kisses.
Not long after, Sinta came out of her room with bedhead.
“Good morning, Moana,” Ianna said as she spread her arms, ready for an embrace.
Sinta sprinted toward her sister.
“Aray!” Ianna shrieked. “Hug lang girl, hindi tackle.”
Their laughter filled the house.
It was Ianna’s turn to share her excitement about the dogs. At Sinta’s behest, Ianna has actually been encouraging her mom to get them a pet for years now.
“I will need all the help I can get,” Risa expresses her concern.
“Don’t worry, mom. Kaya nyo to!” she offers her encouragement. “Besides, dami nyo na ngang gamit o!” she raises an arm to the general direction of the Landers bags by the dining table.
"All thanks to Senator Sherwin,” Risa explains.
“Ate, he’s the real deal! Dami nyang alam about taking care of dogs,” Sinta exclaimed.
“See! You won’t be alone in this, mom. At least you know who to ask.” Then she looks over her sister, “Ikaw rin, you have to step up.”
“Promise,” Sinta raises a hand and uses the other to cross her heart.
“Ate girl, it will mean having to go home on schedule,” Ianna continues her lecture meant for Sinta.
They spend the rest of breakfast yapping their hearts out. Only the clock on the mantel reminded them of the time. It was approaching seven when they all got up from the kitchen island.
Risa went to Sinta’s room and lay next to her daughter. Then she squeezed the sleeping Issa in an embrace.
“Can’t.”
“Breathe.” Issa manages to say.
“It’s nice to have you here, darling. I was so happy to find you all three in bed this morning,” she tucks her daughter’s hair behind her ear.
“Love you, mom,” eyes still closed, she pulls her mom in for an embrace.
They lay still for a while, content in each other’s arms.
“Mom, I have a favor,” she pauses before looking over at her mom, “can I borrow Sinta until tomorrow?”
Risa pouts, Issa mirrors her.
It doesn’t take her long, “Tell me.” A dramatic pause. “How can I say no to this face?” she playfully squishes Issa’s cheeks.
“Sa’n kayo?”
“Batangas. Marco finally wants to try riding.”
“Talaga? After all these years?” she couldn’t hide her surprise.
“Yes, and I’m not about to make him want to quit now that he’s finally willing to learn. We all know Sinta is more patient at teaching than I am.”
“Fair,” she kisses her forehead. “Sige na nga. Promise to update and send pictures.”
“But you’ll be alone,” Issa pouts again.
Risa pouts back.
They both burst out laughing.
Jim, her makeup artist, finished doing her face by 9:30. At 9:45, she, her kids, and the makeup artist left in separate cars.
Even though the traffic around this time is relatively light, the bustling scene made the quiet early morning with her kids feel far away. She sends a prayer for their safety, especially for Marco. It had been impossible to persuade her son-in-law to ride with them. He was just too scared to fall off a horse.
“Ma’am, two stops tayo bago Podium,” Jerry’s reminder whisks her back to the moment.
“Two lang ba? Akala ko tatlo sila?” she double checks with him.
“Magkasama po si Karla at Migs. Nag breakfast daw sa Jollibee.”
“Ahhhhh,” was her prolonged reply.
“Mukhang mag-MU si Karla at Migs, ma’am, no? Sa tingin nyo?” he looks at the senator from the rearview mirror.
“Nako, Jerry! Antagal ko nang hindi naririnig ang term na ‘MU’,” she responds, feigning ignorance. “By the way, sa BDO side tayo magpapark di ba?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
With this, she sends Sherwin a text.
> Good morning! Just picking up my staff, then derecho na kami. Parking lot facing BDO, ok?
< Good morning! Ok. Driving now, c u!
> Ingat. C u!
< ☺️
Sherwin spotted Risa’s van as it entered the parking lot. He waved a hand at them.
Jerry parked the van next to the senator’s car.
“Good morning, Sen!” Jerry rolled the window down.
“Good morning!” he leaned in and reached to shake Jerry’s hand.
“Hi!” from the backseat, Risa’s bright smile greeted him.
Half of her hair was tied up while the other half cascaded into smooth curls that framed her neck. For a moment, he couldn’t take his eyes off her. “Ganda ah!” he managed to say.
“Ikaw nga, sabi ni Karla nakaka leading man daw pormahan mo today.”
“Luh!” Karla yelped from the back.
They all laughed.
Sherwin slid the door open. He offered his hand to Risa. She took it as she leaned forward to get off.
He went in for a hug. She returned it with a kiss on the cheek.
“I’m sorry to have kept you waiting.”
Her hand was still on his arm. “Kakarating ko lang rin.”
They walked to the front of the car so they don’t block the staff’s way.
“This hairstyle suits you,” she looks up at him.
“I try to lay off the gel pag weekend,” he feels shy from the attention.
“Bagay,” her smile was infectious.