I'll be Home [On Going]

Chapter 8

Aga is walking along the hallway going to his office. He just had a meeting with the board members of Muhlach Corporation. They are proposing a plan in providing an annex building for the orphans of Heaven's Angels. It is to widen the premises for the increasing number of children being left in the orphanage. The company have been a constant donor of the residential institution and they want the best for these children - at least better life for them.

Every year, they organize a thanks giving party for these less fortunate children and Aga's daughter - Hope together with her friends, are the ones who are always in charge. They do volunteer to organize everything. From the theme, sounds and fun activities up to the foods that will be served. Hope enjoys organizing a little celebration for these kids for she feels complete with them, as if these children fill the vacant space in her heart. A space that she longs to get filled since she was a kid. A space that she thinks would only be occupied whenever they have something like this. She can't help but to feel so full, laughters and genuine love coming from these children warm her heart. And she couldn't be thankful enough to God for letting her experience that. For giving her a chance to feel loved by whom she called family.

Aga came a little late that night and he was too exhausted to eat dinner. He was about to go upstairs when he noticed her daughter peacefully sleeping on the couch. He went near her and looked at her serene face for a while, it is a rare moment for him to look this close to her daughter because when he does, she reminds him of someone. Someone he dreamt to forget. It hurts him even more when he sees her through his daughter. A scene flashed back on his mind when she ended up falling asleep every night waiting for him. He was about to wake Hope's up when she flinched a little as if she felt someone is beside her. Hope adjusted on the dark surrounding.  Before she could even recognize her father, Aga already turned his back on her and said, "Go up and sleep. Good night."

It was then when Hope realized her father is home. She actually waited for him to hear the news, if it was approved. Because she will be the first one to be delighted if the children will have an extended home. She sighed as she took a step towards her room. She immediately fell asleep upon tucking herself into bed.

~~

The next day, Hope and Aga are having their breakfast with Nana. Hope would like to ask about the annex building for the orphans but she doesn't want to look excited in front of her father, though he knows she is.

She waited a little more before she asked "Dad? 'Y-yong regarding po sa proposal nyo? For the orphans? Is it —?"

"Yes." Aga answered quickly and gave her a swift glance. Hope smiled widely and murmured "Thank you". She looked at her Nana and lifted her eyebrows twice before she went back eating. Nana also gave her supporting smile while nodding.

~~

"Opo Sir, maayos naman po ang mga bata, nadagdagan nga po ang mga damit nila since may mga nagdonate po galing sa mga pamilyang naka-base sa ibang bansa." one of the sisters said. They are on their way to veranda to talk about the project proposed by Aga and his team. The main stockholders came for a visit to see the place.

"Naku Sir, tuwang tuwa nga po talaga ang mga bata. Di maalis mga ngiti nila sa bibig!" the other sister said in glee. Richard, one of the founder and Aga's friend nodded in response to the sisters. They sat on the bench while the two sisters continue to share their thoughts about the children. Aga looked at some children around the area and back to sisters. Mother Superior Beatrice, Sister Carol and Sister Rea were now on the other side of the table.

Aga cleared his throat before he started, "Mother Beatrice, sisters, plano po naming magpatayo pa ng isang building sa bakanteng lote d'yan sa tapat bilang extension ng orphanage. Napapansin po kasi namin na dumadami ang bilang ng mga bata at sa tingin namin, di po ito ganoon kalaki para i-occupy ang mga susunod pa na dadalhin dito." he explained.