Chapter 6
The meeting concluded after hours of intense discussion, leaving everyone feeling both accomplished and drained. They had discussed all key aspects—the coalition’s purpose and vision, the candidates’ roles, platforms to promote, campaign strategies, schedules, and legal compliance—essential elements needed to launch their unified front. Yet, it was clear to everyone that this was merely the beginning. More meetings would follow, each one aimed at solidifying the intricate web of strategic planning they had begun to weave.
As the group transitioned to the dinner buffet, the air still carried traces of tension. The two parties instinctively kept their distance, with each camp sticking to familiar faces. Interactions between the two sides were limited to the staff members, whose roles necessitated collaboration. They exchanged polite smiles and brief words, enough to keep the atmosphere professional but distant.
In one corner of the dining area, Fred and Carlos conversed easily, their laughter slicing through the cautious murmurs that filled the room. Unfazed by the underlying tension, their lighthearted banter stood out as one of the few moments of ease.
Grace soon joined them, her warm presence blending seamlessly into their exchange. They steered clear of politics, sticking to everyday updates, shared stories, and the occasional joke that drew quiet chuckles from the group.
Meanwhile, others sat in small clusters, quietly eating and absorbing the weight of the day’s discussions. Some brows furrowed in thought, already strategizing for the next steps, while others focused on their plates, using the meal as a welcome distraction from the pressures of the campaign. Though the coalition was officially formed, the unspoken barriers between the parties hinted at the challenges yet to come. It would take more than just shared goals to transform this alliance into a cohesive unit.
Mia strolled along the beach, the soft sand sinking beneath her bare feet. The salty breeze toyed with her hair as the waves crashed gently against the shore. She couldn’t help but feel a sense of peace in this place—a rare feeling amidst the chaos of political campaigns and familial expectations.
“Mia!” Yana’s voice called out, breaking her peaceful reverie. Mia turned to see her friend walking toward her, barefoot and carrying that familiar mischievous smile.
“Na miss ko to. Ang ganda noh” Mia gestured to the horizon, where the ocean stretched infinitely.
“Yeah” Yana agreed, slipping into step beside her. “Kelan ba huling punta mo dito?”
“Parang last year pa ata. Matagal na din.”
“You know you can awlays visit here right? Its only two hours away from the city” Yana replied.
“I know. Siguro naging busy lang din ako. Feels good to be back here.” Mia replied.
“You should see the hilltop casita. Kakatapos lang ng renovation. Diba you’ve always loved it up there?”
Mia’s eyes lit up at the mention of her favorite spot. “Of course! The swing seat up there is the perfect place to watch the sunset.”
“Tara! Check natin,” Yana suggested. “Let’s take the UTV. You’ll love what they’ve done with the place.”
Mia didn’t need much convincing. She quickly agreed, excited to revisit the secluded villa. Little did she know, Yana’s casual suggestion was part of a carefully orchestrated plan.
Maco found herself at the casita, thanks to Saf’s persistent persuasion. “Tara na,” Saf had said, “you need a breather—and maybe a little inspiration—after a long day.” She didn’t wait for Maco to argue, steering her toward a four-seater UTV parked nearby.
As they toured the estate, Saf kept Maco engaged with remarks about the beauty of the surroundings, her words cleverly interwoven with bits of lighthearted banter. By the time Maco realized their destination, they were already pulling up to the casita, the secluded villa nestled atop the hill.
“How about we check this place out?” Saf suggested with a grin, clearly up to something Maco hadn’t pieced together yet.
The breathtaking view had her glued to the balcony, the sunset casting an orange glow across the ocean. She sat on the wooden swing seat, her usual guarded demeanor softened by the tranquility around her.
Saf, meanwhile, had her own agenda. “CR lang muna ako saglit,” she said casually before slipping away with the UTV. Maco didn’t even notice her departure, too entranced by the scene before her.
Minutes later, Mia arrived at the casita. She wandered through the newly renovated space, admiring the modern yet cozy design. As she stepped onto the balcony, her heart skipped a beat at the sight of Maco.
“Ano ginagawa mo dito?” Mia blurted, her voice sharp with surprise.
Maco turned, equally startled. “I could ask you the same thing.”
Mia’s eyes narrowed. “That is my spot.”
“Your spot?” Maco asked incredulously, gesturing to the swing. “Eh nauna ako ko dito eh.”
Before Mia could retort, the crackle of a radio interrupted them. Saf’s voice came through, cheerful and unapologetic. “Hey, you two! Hope you’re comfy up there because you’re spending the night. I’ll pick you up in the morning.”
Maco’s jaw dropped. “Ano?!”
“Yep,” Saf replied, laughter evident in her tone. “Food, clothes, everything you need is there. Oh, and don’t bother trying to leave. Alam niyo naman kung gaano kalayo yang casita sa resort diba? You wouldn't wanna walk all the way from there especially at sundown."
Mia snatched the radio. “Saf! Hindi to nakakatawa. Get us out of here!”
“Sorry, Mia. Yana and I already left. Pati na rin families niyo. I already informed them na you both are staying here. Think of this as… the first night of the retreat. Enjoy!!! Byeee!!!” The radio went silent.
Maco sighed heavily. “Tss… piskit. I can’t believe I fell for that.”
Mia crossed her arms, glaring at nothing in particular. “Bwisit! Now I’m stuck here with —” she stopped and looked at Maco and rolled her eyes. “Ugh”
“Aba! As if gusto ko din ma stranded dito kasama ka! Feeling.” Maco shot back. She paced the balcony before stopping abruptly. “Tangina, at least dalawa yung kwarto. I’ll take the one on the left.”
“Whatever,” Mia snapped, storming off to the other room.
Maco paced the wide balcony, clutching the handheld radio tightly in her right hand. Her voice, laced with frustration and disbelief, echoed into the evening air, but Saf’s maddening silence on the other end offered no solace. There was no way out—no easy escape from the intricate situation Saf had orchestrated so perfectly.
Inside the casita, Mia stood near the towering glass window, her arms loosely crossed as she stared at the horizon. The sun was setting, its vibrant hues of orange and lilac spreading across the sky like a masterpiece of serenity. But the tranquil view was disrupted by Maco’s restless movements outside, her figure pacing relentlessly against the soft glow of dusk.
Mia’s gaze lingered on Maco’s silhouette, bathed in the golden light. Her expression remained composed, but her mind wrestled with a storm of conflicted thoughts.
What was this feeling clawing at her chest? Was it pain—sharp and persistent—from wounds she thought had healed long ago? Or anger, simmering beneath the surface, fueled by words unspoken and actions left unexplained? Or perhaps it was disappointment, heavier and harder to dismiss—a lingering grudge born of betrayal and fractured trust.
She wanted to look away, to shut the door on the memories that Maco’s presence stirred. But she couldn’t. Her eyes remained fixed on the scene before her, her thoughts a chaotic storm. The sunset’s glow cast Maco in a light that felt almost poetic, a stark contrast to the turmoil swirling within Mia.
The night stretched on, and Maco’s frustration only deepened. Tossing and turning, she flipped her pillow once more, her eyes hollow with exhaustion. Her phone, now a source of growing irritation, lay useless beside her—no signal, no messages sent, no response from Saf.
She picked it up again, scrolling through the failed messages. The same texts stared back at her, every attempt a reminder of the silence she received in return.
To Sapphire Sabellana:
-SAF
-BALIKAN MOKO DITO.
-THIS IS NOT FUNNY.
-SAAAFFFFF TANGINA MO
-wala man lang warning?!
-saf bumalik ka dito please
-SAF HINDI MO BA INIISIP KALIGTASAN NAMIN??
-KALIGTASAN KO. PARANG KAKAININ AKO NG BUHAY NETONG KASAMA KO
-PUTANGINA NAMAN OH.
-YOU'RE FIRED
-saf bibilhin ko yung hello kitty cafe para sayo just fucking pick me up
-YAWAAAAAAA!!!!!!
Tossing her phone aside, she groaned, muttering, “Piskit,” her tone dripping with boredom and mild annoyance.
Finally giving up on sleep, she got out of bed and wandered into the kitchen. The fridge’s soft hum filled the room as she opened it and stared at the shelves full of food. But nothing looked appealing. Instead, she grabbed a bottle of cold water, the chill stinging her fingers. She took a sip, leaning against the counter as the stillness of the night surrounded her.
It was the balcony that finally called her back—the pull of the ocean under the moonlight was irresistible. She stepped to the doorway, halting abruptly when her eyes caught sight of Mia. Wrapped in a blanket, Mia sat on the wooden swing seat, bathed in the soft glow of moonlight. She was staring out at the horizon, completely still, as if she were part of the peaceful scene..
Maco froze, her breath catching in her throat. A strange feeling rose inside her—something she hadn’t felt in a long time. It wasn’t just the calm beauty of the night; it was seeing Mia like this. Her former friend looked so unguarded and peaceful, and it felt almost unreal. The years of unresolved emotions and unsaid words hung in the air between them, heavy but silent.
The stars and moon above seemed to watch over the moment, while the cold sea breeze brushed against Maco’s skin. She hesitated, not wanting to disturb the stillness, but she couldn’t stop herself from moving closer. Quietly, she stepped onto the balcony and sat on a wooden bench a little behind Mia’s swing, keeping her distance. It felt right—like an unspoken rule to give each other space.
The night stayed quiet except for the rustling leaves and the chirping of crickets. It was almost too perfect to break. Maco let herself relax, her eyes on the horizon. She thought Mia was unaware of her presence, but the illusion shattered when Mia’s voice broke the silence.
“Bakit ka nandito?” Mia’s tone was soft but deliberate, her gaze still locked on the night sky.
Maco blinked, startled. She scrambled for a response, her voice betraying her unease as she stammered, “D-di ako makatulog eh. Tsaka… gu-gusto ko lang magpahangin. Bakit, bawal ba—”
Mia cut her off, her voice sharper this time, tinged with something Maco couldn’t quite place. “Hindi yan ang ibig kong sabihin,” she said, finally turning her head slightly, just enough for Maco to catch the faint outline of her profile. “Bakit ka ba nandito?”
The weight of the question struck Maco, and her breath hitched. She understood now. It wasn’t about the balcony or the night air—it was about everything. Why she was here, in this place, at this time, with her. A lump formed in her throat, and she swallowed hard, struggling to find the right words.
She rose slowly, walking to the railings and leaning against them. Her back faced Mia as she gazed out at the dark expanse of the ocean. The silence between them grew heavy, laden with meaning neither dared to voice.
“Same as you,” Maco finally said, her voice low and steady. “Nandito ako for a purpose. To serve.”
Maco’s words hung in the air, but instead of diffusing the tension, they seemed to thicken it, turning the quiet night heavy with unspoken resentment.
Mia broke the silence, her voice sharp, almost cutting. “Para sa bayan, ganun ba?” She let out a bitter laugh, shaking her head as if mocking the very idea.
Maco clenched her jaw, her fingers curling tightly around the cold railing. She turned to face Mia, her tone defensive and tinged with sarcasm. “Ikaw ba? Akala ko ba ayaw mo sa mga politiko? Bakit ka nandito? Napagod ka na ba kaka-protesta?”
Mia’s lips curved into a humorless smile as she tilted her head slightly, her gaze fixed on the full moon. “Kahit ipaliwanag ko sa’yo, alam kong hindi mo rin maiintindihan,” she shot back, her tone cold and detached.
“Well, you agreed to do this with me,” Maco countered, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. “So wag kang magmalinis. Ginawa mo rin to kasi may makukuha ka dito.”
Mia’s gaze flickered toward Maco briefly, her eyes narrowing. “Diba ikaw naman yung unang nag-agree dito?”
“You know we had a situation,” Maco retorted, her voice rising slightly. “Saf presented me with a solution, and I had to take it.”
Mia let out a short, bitter laugh, gesturing quotation marks in the air. “Ah, ‘it’s taken care of,’ sabi mo. Ang galing mo mag-assure, so kanino bang kasalanan yun?”
Maco’s jaw tightened. The weight of Mia’s words struck a nerve. “Oo, kasalanan ko. Kasalanan ko naman palagi, diba?” she said, her voice laced with mock offense, though the guilt was evident in her eyes.
Mia scoffed, crossing her arms as she leaned back against the wooden swing. Maco pressed on. “Pero wag kang magpanggap na wala kang pakinabang dito. Di ka naman pinilit, Mia. Nag-agree ka rin.”
Mia’s eyes darkened as she straightened in her seat. “I was left with no other choice,” she snapped. “Sa tingin mo ba kung may ibang option, papayag ako dito? As far as I’m concerned, I want nothing to do with you. Hindi ko nga matiis makasama ka sa isang lugar.”
Maco raised an eyebrow, smirking bitterly. “Wag kang mag-alala. Matagal-tagal pa tayong magkasama. Mag-eenjoy ka kasama ko, for sure.” She leaned closer, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Tsaka no choice? May choice ka namang hindi tumakbo, ah? May isang term pa yung tatay mo—di ka na nakapag-antay?”
Mia’s expression hardened, her voice dropping to a cold, emotionless tone. “Walang enjoyable sa play pretend na to,” she said, her words deliberate and razor-sharp. “Pero I’ll do my part. Gagawin ko ang kailangan para maging madali to. Magpapanggap ako na okay lahat, na kaya kong makisama.”
She paused, locking eyes with Maco for a brief, charged moment. Her next words came out like a blade slicing through the air. “Pero hanggang doon lang. Nothing more. I’ll do my part, you do yours. End of conversation.”
Mia stood abruptly, the movement startling in the stillness. “And just so you know,” she added, her voice quieter now but no less piercing, “pinakiusapan ako ng dad na saluhin ang responsibilidad niya sa Valencia—right after nalaman ko na may cancer siya. So yeah, I pretty much had no choice.”
Maco opened her mouth to respond but found no words. The shame and guilt that flashed across her face were unmistakable. There was no point in arguing further. Mia’s resolve was clear, her walls unyielding.
Before Maco could gather her thoughts, Mia turned and walked inside the casita, leaving the door ajar behind her.
Maco stayed where she was, staring out at the vast ocean, the cold breeze biting at her skin. Her chest felt tight, her mind swirling with everything she wanted to say but couldn’t. She leaned back against the railings, her eyes on the horizon, the weight of their conversation pressing heavily on her.