The Insiders [Dubredo]

Third Wheel

I took a deep breath as I open my eyes and wake up.

Ever since I was personally appointed by the President as his new SAP, my life has never been the same.

I am used to uncertainty but not to the extent of instability in every move, but I have to live it, breathe it every day until the day the President steps down or I resign whichever comes first.

It's 11 am and I get up to fix myself which usually takes half an hour. Office is just a 10 minute-walk/boat ride from my condo.

I arrive at the office of my principal 15 minutes to noon and I walk quietly to his room.

"Sir?"

No response.

"Mayor?" I knocked on the door.

"Hmm?"

I forced a smile and took a deep breath.

"Rise and shine Mr. President!" I started in a loud cheerful tone. "Bangon bangon na, madami tayong gagawin today, kailangan matapos mo lahat ito dahil may dinner ka mamaya, bawal kang ma-late, alam mo naman," I continued as I open the door to his small room. He's still lying down on his side, his back facing me.

"Minsan iniisip ko talaga bakit kita kinuha," I heard him whisper.

I laughed loudly.

"Hahahaha! Nasa huli talaga ang pagsisisi, I reminded you that di ba, until the moment you were about to sign my papers pero makulit ka so here we are! Gising na sir!" I sat beside his back, poking his arm.

"Wala ng dinner,"

"Huh bakit, inaway mo nanaman?"

"Parati nalang ba ako?"

At this point, I realized that he sounded sober.

"Have you been drinking your brandy at this ungodly hour?"

He slowly propped himself up. I get to look at his face. He looked fine but terribly sad.

"No."

"What happened?" My tone changed from cheerful to serious.

"I do not know, but she sent a message that she won't be able to attend the dinner tonight."

"What did you say?" Instead of answering, he gave me his phone.

I opened their Viber conversation and lucky me I still get to see their dialogue which will be deleted after an hour. Kaya siguro sya nagising, I thought. (D: Digong, L: Leni)

L: "Good morning, Sir."

D: "Yes mam?"

L: "Sir, um, baka po hindi ako makapunta sa dinner later, yung relatives ko kasi will be coming over sa condo and we have to entertain them. Can we move it?"

D: "Sure mam. Whenever you are free."

L: "Eto yung mga relatives ko from Davao, sir. First time nila dito sa bahay. I'll cook for them."

D: "Ah. Buti pa sila."

L: "Usually when I cook, medyo inaanghangan ko talaga because my family likes it, pero for this one, I will try to lessen the spices, kasi I remember, ikaw di mo masyadong preferred di ba?"

D: "I miss you, Leni."

L: "Puwede ka ba tomorrow night? I might cook for you."

D: "Anytime mam. I miss you."