I'll be Home [On Going]

Chapter 26

Aga was still in deep thought when he got home. He couldn't believe he saw her again that close, touched her and talked to her even. His heart says it all as it throbs fast and it's deafening. His care for that woman prevailed when he saw the fear in her eyes and the way her hands tremble. God knows he wanted to hug her so tight but he controlled it. He needed to remind himself of what she did and that he's mad about it.

Something in her has changed though, something seemed so different he couldn't figure out. At that moment, the only thing he knows remain was his feelings for her. Then he thought of the business card he handed her, a serious lopsided smile formed on his lips.

"Dad! Galing ka pong business trip?" Hope asked while walking towards him, that got him back to his senses. He looked at her and to his suitcase with bunch of clothes inside.

"Uh, yes... yes. Where's Nana? Can you please ask her to put these on the laundry?" he said before heading up to his room. Hope followed him by gaze, totally confused.

'What's with him? Not in the mood? Well, he's always like that so what's new? Nevermind.'

Hope made her way to the backyard to call her Nana.

~~

"Kumusta exam mo Hopie?" Nana asked Hope when she arrived from school. Hope thought about it for a moment.
"Okay naman po, hope I'll ace it." she answered and sat on the chair where Nana put her iced lemon and cookie. "Ay sigurado yan. Matalino ata tong alaga ko!" Nana exaggeratedly claim when she noticed that doubtful smile on Hope's face.
"Isang taon na lang anak g-graduate ka na! May naisip ka na bang course? O school kaya?" Nana asked in a happy tone before pouring her glass with iced lemon. Hope took a bite of cookie, thinking.
"Yes Nana. I actually want to take Bachelor of Arts at a university in Paris." she replied hesitantly. "Though I don't think dad will allow me." she added with a long sigh. Nana tapped her left shoulder.
"Walang masama kung susubukan mo syang kumbinsihin." she said and gave Hope an encouraging nod. Hope just looked at her and later on smiled.

She has planned her college journey in her mind since her interest in arts deepened. From the course and university up to the plan on how will she be able to achieve that. Sure it will not be as easy peasy, knowing her father will not just agree overnight.

"Good afternoon, yes. I'll be there tomorrow by 8:00 o'clock. Sure. Thank you." they heard Aga talking with someone over the phone while heading towards them. When he's done talking, he stared on his phone and soon slid in his pocket. Hope was sure she saw that lopsided smile on his face.

They were already on the table devouring their food. Hope found it awkward that her father has been stealing her some glances. He cleared his throat and the two stared at him, waiting for him to speak.

"Hey..."

"Dad..." Hope stared at him in bafflement. Aga opened his mouth but he couldn't find the right to word to say.

"No—I mean, nevermind." he said and turned his gaze back on his plate.

"Ah akyat lang po ako Sir, Hope. May aayusin pala 'ko. Tawagan nyo na lang ako kung may kailangan kayo." Nana excused herself, she thought the two need to have a little time alone. Aga and Hope nodded at her, Hope's gaze even followed Nana's direction as she walks outside the dining area.

Is this something serious? she asked at the back of her mind.

Nana seldom does that gesture to give her and her father a space. And usually it is in regards to their need to play a conversation. Nana is good at checking her environment. When she feels something crucial arising on a situation, she does the honour of giving the space.