I can't say I do without you

False accusation

The bell rang loudly, indicating the end of the class. As soon as the bell rang, the class was on their feet and out of the door. I adjusted my clothing, then swept the backpack up and trotted to the locker room. Another door led me to a locker room with mirrors along two walls.

Exhausted, Mishelley enters the room after me. "Hey, madam president, I've been calling you a few times," she said as she crossed her arms.

"Sorry for not hearing you."

"Have you been thinking about your papa?"

"Yeah, "I replied, slouching against my locker. "I'm wondering what will happen to papa, to us. Now everybody was accusing him of something he didn't even do."

She let out a sigh. "I'm sorry, Gemma, that I can't even help you." Mishelley leaned against my shoulder.

I patted her on the forehead. "Bonkers! Cheering me on was more than enough, even if your jokes are sometimes lame." I chuckled. "But, Mishelley, thank you so much for continuing to believe papa's innocence and for not chasing me away."

"No way! I'd never do that to you, especially now when your family is facing a big issue. Just please do not forget to get my favorite dumpling for me." She withdrew her head and grinned as she shook her head like an insane person.

Mishelley Alvez, I have known her since first-year high school. We weren't close; we were in a different group of friends. In the second year, in our class, she and I were the only former classmates. We don't know anyone but each other; that's how our friendship began. It's like fate that every year we are in the same class. Also, she's the reason why I was nominated as Amarillo's School President. Since grade school, it has been my ambition to be part of the school board but not presiding over it. I don't dare nominate myself because I'm not so bold when it comes to such a thing. I have only spoken to anybody if they are my friend, but I can endure reporting around others. My embarrassment progressively went from when I met Mishe until I became the president of Amarillo's school.

"How come you always ask me to continue ordering those dumplings? Your mom is one of the talented chefs, so I'm certain she can cook tastier dumplings."

"Nah, I told her once to cook it for me, but she said she doesn't know-how. I don't know whether she truly doesn't know." She halted. "All right, let's go, or our discussion will get dramatic."

We messed up each other's hair, things we used to do before we parted up and got into the car. "See ya, barney!" She waved her hand in the air.

"Bonkers!" I smirked before I got into the car.

I took my phone in the bag to check my email on the way back home, but I recalled deactivating my account temporarily. I am obviously doing it because of the big issue with my father; there have been many negative comments about him, and some have even threatened us. I was terrified, not for myself, but for Allerick and Blythe, who were too young for this nightmare. If only he were here, if he hadn't abandoned us, I wouldn't be so anxious.

"Gemma?" I've come to my senses when Mr. Aron calls me by my name. "You look like you are out of your mind and floating away," he said, teasingly grinning.

I chuckled silently. "Mr. Aron, can I ask you something? Why are you still working with us despite all the issues about papa? Yaya Elisa, ate Olivia, Kuya Toper; they all left when they heard about papa."

"Unlike them, I was with your father for a long period. Your dad provided me with a better life and the things which he possesses." He took a pause. "If people... only saw in your father the sin he didn't do, I've seen how kind he is to you, to others he doesn't know well, even hold himself responsible for others. He made mistakes, but he accepted responsibility and took corrective action. Edward worked extremely hard to establish the firm and give you everything that you have now. He devoted his blood, sweat, and tears to get everything, not because he was a fraudster."