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The easiest way to earn the favour of people starved for entertainment is to entertain them in the way they want. Successfully putting criminals behind bars and shedding light on issues other public servants don’t even dare to touch is nothing compared to being in a love team. Because Filipinos shipped people before shipping was a thing – senator Hontiveros’ team of gen Zs advised her to play into it. Give people what they want, and her approval rating may just sky rocket. But it goes without saying that her professional life is vastly different from her personal life.
“Winners?” Leni chuckled, bordering on a scoff. “Are you aware of what you’re doing?”
The soft ‘pop’ of a canned beer interrupted Risa’s would be answer. Kiko offered an apologetic look, quickly overtaken by fits of giggling. It’s amazing what alcohol can do to grown adults.
“Yes. Anyone sensible enough will see through this-” she waves her hand around, searching for a word and failing to do so. –“and well, they can still enjoy it..diba?”
“We’re certainly enjoying it.” Bam quipped which earned a rather stern look from Leni.
The giggling came to an end, and if they weren’t so inebriated, they might find it in themselves to enjoy the chirping of nearby cicadas. It has been months since their schedules permitted them to meet and discuss topics that are far too interesting to be discussed via message or call. Perhaps they overdid it. Perhaps they’re just getting older and their alcohol tolerance falters alongside their other senses. Yes. Perhaps it is age that persuaded senator Hontiveros into this loveteam that manifested from videos where there supposed chemistry is non-existent. Or perhaps…
“Are you enjoying it?” Leni asked.
Neither Bam nor Kiko seemed to care. Even Leni who asked the question didn’t appear particularly interested in her answer. They know.
Of course they know.
Leni sighed. She murmured something about drinks and food which everyone understood as her way of sending the men away. Her hands were soft on top of Risa’s. She’s always been gentle even when she’s establishing a form of dominance. And Risa knows what she’d say next will sound like an advice but it would be something she’d be expected to adhere to without an argument.
“I know it’s difficult for you to have to deal with…her, but you don’t have to put on an act as elaborate as this one just to appear ‘fine’.”
Ther rest of the night, fortunately, was spent laughing and ended when Bam who spent the last twenty minutes insisting that he’s not yet drunk, passed out.
The following week, a senate hearing on China’s influence on some Filipinos was held in order to ascertain why some Filipinos, although unpaid, side with China’s supposed claim on West Philippine Sea. Going as far as ridiculing the laws and arguing online with those who try to educate them. And when it comes to China’s influence, who better consult than Guo Hua Ping.
It was odd to see her in a yellow shirt. It was never her colour. Too bright. Too much of a reminder that she’s a convicted fugitive. She was wearing a black face mask, just like last time. Her hair, which has grown since their last meeting is in a ponytail. If senator Hontiveros spent too much time than necessary examining the way some lose strands frame her face, or how she still walks with the confidence of making heads turn, she’d never admit it to anyone. And if Alice spent the majority of the time with her gaze on the floor unless spoken to because she refused to look at the Risa who’s sitting next to that man, and risk seeing her laugh because of him, or smile at his direction… she wished the senator noticed.
If she wanted someone who's part-Chinese…
The hearing went on.
Alice still doesn’t understand why she was considered as a resource person. Surely, they’re way past thinking she’s a Chinese spy planted by the government of China to charm the people of Bamban into getting god-knows-what. But apparently, she’s seen as someone influential. It took her some effort to come up with something when asked; to try to understand her supporters' reasons for choosing to stand by her side. But it didn’t take as much effort as keeping herself composed when that man made a joke about how she’s changed because she refrained from saying ‘hindi ko po alam’ – an offensive joke about ‘improvement’ that is evidently a jab at her intelligence.
“This isn’t a matter to joke about, senator.”
Oh..?
She’d recognise that voice anywhere. She didn’t expect her to attend the hearing at all. A foolish miscalculation given that Risa was always a professional. But up a point, Alice thought she’d be a by-stander of sorts. This is the first time she said something in thirty minutes.
There’s a first for everything.
Mustering enough courage, Alice dared look at Risa. Nothing’s changed, it seems. Two years ago, she swears this is exactly how it felt – to look at Risa Hontiveros in the eyes from across a room. Without the burden of having known what it was like to be closer. Still, the same questions plagued her… in a different manner.
What is it like to be you? How have you been?
What do you do for work? How’s your sleep schedule?
What kind of friends do you have? How did you settle the billiards debate with Kiko?
What happens when you’re with your family? How are game nights with your kids?
What is your shampoo? Do you still smell like lavender after shower?
Do you have a boyfriend? Does he know the answer to these?
“Miss Guo, are you with us?”
Alice doesn’t know how many questions were left unanswered. She could feel her vision blur, and the dryness on her throat is starting to feel like a lump robbing her of air.
“Guo Hua Ping–”
Alice might never get the chance to get used to Risa calling her anything but Alice. And maybe she doesn’t want to. For some reason that made her talk.
“Alice.” she corrected. She’s thankful that she didn’t sound like she’s on the verge of tears.
Risa said nothing, but another senator took Alice’s word as confirmation that she’s still listening to them. Unfortunately, even as the session went on, the comment section immediately turned into a battleground for ship wars when a fan made a comment about their small interaction. It took five minutes more of incessant commenting before someone called for a short break. Alice excused herself and went to the restroom. And while everyone noticed, no one made a comment on senator Hontiveros excusing herself moments later.
Alice was still in the stall when Risa entered. Seeing her, two other ladies who knew immediately why a senator is in a public restroom instead of her private one, hurried out. Even the police tasked to keep an eye on Alice pretended to receive a call from a superior and went outside.
It had been too long since they were together in a room with no one else to make them conscious of how they act. Two years ago, they’d make the best out of their stolen time, and steal a kiss or two. Two years ago, they’d never take their eyes off of each other. But time’s been unkind to them. Alice is adamant not to spare her a glance. Risa, from the moment she went it, stood frozen. She rehearsed a conversation in her head, and it went smoothly because in her imagination Alice wasn’t stifling her sobs.
Two years ago, she would’ve hugged her without a moment of hesitation; offer her as much comfort as she can give. Now, it felt invasive even to watch.
“Bakit po kayo nandito?” Alice asked, eyes still focussed on her soapy hands.
“I think you know why.”
“Because winners tend to gloat?”
“It’s not…”
Risa doesn’t know what to say. Of course, Alice knows that her participation’s a stunt. She probably knows why Risa’s doing it. And perhaps there’s more injury to that than to just admit that she’s actually in love with her coworker. For a moment, Risa danced on the thought of lying just to save face, but she’s never been good at lying to Alice.
“I wanted to see you.”
“You wanted to see me?”
Risa could see how quickly her tears welled in her eyes. She appears to have a talent in saying the wrong words.
“Alice…”
“Sen, hindi mo naman po kailangan mag-explain.” Alice took a step forward, only for Risa to do the same.
Unfair.
Nothing but unfair.
All it took was a hand on her arm, and another, hesitant at first, wiping her tears from her cheeks – and her defences crumbled. Alice closed her eyes, leaning into her touch. Whether she imagined the feeling of Risa’s lips on her cheeks or not, it did not matter. What mattered was how Risa looked at her when she opened her eyes.
“Well, that’s that.” Risa caressed her face for one last time, tucking some strands behind her ears. “Here’s to looking at you, kid.”