I'll be Home [On Going]

Chapter 16

Muhlach's Residence

"Oh? Ba't ganyan ang mukha mo?" Nana asked Hope. Hope was frowning since Nana took her from school this afternoon. She slumped her body on a couch next to the main door and dropped her bag on the floor. She bowed her head and clenched her fist. "Anong problema anak? May nang-bully na naman ba sayo?" Nana asked worriedly. She presumed the same thing happened again. Hope is not the type who will start a mess, but she won't put herself into a fight either when treated ill.

Hope lifted her head and sighed "May naglagay po ng cheat sheet sa drawer ng desk ko." she said. Nana gasped "May idea ka ba kung sino ang gumawa nyan sa'yo? Pangalawa na 'yan ah?!" Nana angrily said.
"Gusto mo bang sabihin natin----" she added but she was stopped by Hope "Nana 'wag na po. Wala pong time sa ganito si daddy. Ako lang ang papagalitan non for sure." Hope said and sighed again.

Nana stared at her "Hindi na tama yang ginagawa nila sayo. Dati pinagtripan ang mga gamit mo ngayon ito naman? Bakit ba hindi nai-rereport sa inyo yang mga ganyan?" she asked. Hope looked down and shook her head "Wala po akong maisip na taong gagawa nito, wala naman po akong kaaway eh. Wala rin naman pong CCTV sa loob ng room para sana ma-check kung sino." then she started to cry. "Nana this is the second time around and they firmly asked for my parents this time." she feels frustrated now. "Please don't tell it to Dad. You will come for me right?" she begged.

Nana looked at her apologetically. "Pero hindi na nila ko tatanggapin bilang guardian mo. Gagawa at gagawa sila ng paraan para makausap ang daddy mo." Nana said and with that Hope wept even more.

"I'm afraid of him Nana. He may not believe me since I won't be able to prove that I am innocent." Hope said and cried again.

"Pero dapat ka niyang paniwalaan dahil anak ka niya." 

Well that's not always the case with my dad. Hope thought.

"Naiintindihan mo ba ako anak? Alam kong ikaw ang paniniwalaan ng daddy mo. Mas kilala ka niya kesa sa mga taong nang-bibintang sa'yo. Okay?" Nana said, more of convincing her. Hope just nodded hesitantly. She needs to prepare herself for whatever her father would say on this.

They were having dinner when Nana eyed Hope, signalling her to tell her father right now. Hope bit her lower lip and took a deep breath "D-dad?" she started.

Aga still chewing his food didn't look at her "Hmm?" he asked in hum instead.

Hope took a deep breath again "P-pinapatawag po kayo sa school." she said with her eyes closed. She's afraid to meet her father's eyes. She felt her father stopped for a moment and looked at her.

"What did you do?" he asked in low tone. Hope and Nana gulped with his tone.

"Ah Sir---"

"Let her speak Nana." Aga stopped Nana when she's about to explain. Hope's hands were now sweating in fear "I-I was caught cheating--- I mean, my instructor c-caught a cheat sheet on my drawer. But I swear d-dad, that's not mine. I will never do that." she said while stuttering and managed to look straight into her father's eyes. She thought he would believe her if she looks straight into him.

Aga's face is blank "What time tomorrow?" he asked. Hope and Nana exchanged look "E-eight in the morning. At guidance office." Hope answered. Aga just nodded and finished his food. Hope and Nana stared at each other for about seconds when Aga left. Nana gave her a nod and tight smile.

Hope was leaning her back on the headboard while listening to music. Well, she wasn't even listening. Her mind is in her situation right now. This will be the first time her father will face their guidance councilor and her adviser, yet in an unwholesome reason. She shook her head. She took off her earphones and silently prayed that tomorrow may bring enlightenment to everyone. That she didn't do such thing and that she will never do that.