Chapter 2

Allysa Chloe Hernandez

When my Mom and Dad arrived at the clinic, we went home. We are all quiet in the car on the way to our house. No one wants to start a conversation. I also don't want to talk because Mom and Dad might argue.

I got out of the car when I got home. Manang Helen helped me to get inside. My brother looked so worried when he saw me. He approached me and asked me if I was okay? I told him that I'm fine and not to worry. I know that brother is very stubborn all the time but he really cared for me.

Mom asked Manang Helen to take me upstairs to rest and said that she would just bring me lunch so I wouldn't have to come down so I agreed. When I got to my room, I immediately changed into my house clothes. I sat on the edge of my bed and took out my cell phone. I was browsing my friends' i* stories when I came across Kent Liam's i* story. A stolen shot of him with the caption "He's happy because his crush did community service earlier."

It was an i* story of her friend that he screenshotted and put in his story. So he already has a crush? When I read that, I felt like I had tripped. But I won't be surprised because her cuteness really grabs attention. Maybe a lot of girls had a crush on him in their department, besides, he seems nice. Wait, which department is he in? It's annoying that I didn't even ask him earlier. I totally forgot to ask. I’m just occupied with what happened.

While I was thinking about that, someone knocked on my bedroom door.

"Come in."

I said.

Manang Helen entered with a tray of food.

"Why does it seem like there are so many of these, Manang Helen?"

I asked her curiously. Usually our maids only cook two dishes but now it's four. Then there are a lot of slices of apples, watermelon and avocado. How can I even eat all of these?

"It was your Mom’s who requested for that, Allysa. Let it go and your Mom wants to do it anyway."

She explained to me.

"Ah, is that so? Alright Manang Helen, thank you."

Then she left.

After eating I rested. My body needs some rest, that's what the nurse said earlier. I slept for a while because I felt so tired.

Around 5:00 pm I thought of going down because I was so hungry. I didn't want to call Manang Helen so I thought I'd go and get my own food.

When I passed at my Dad’s office, I heard someone arguing. I'm sure it's Mom and Dad again. Can't they talk without getting angry at each other, that's why they often don't understand each other. I came closer to the door and listened to the two of them arguing.

"Why did Allysa need to do community service? What's the reason? 

It was my Dad's voice from the inside.

"You know what Cole Ma'am Joy's missing answer key found in Allysa's bag before the examination. That's why the dean called me to the office earlier. What your daughter did is shameful. They want a one week suspension but I asked for another option that's the reason why there was community service which I agree with. I didn't know it would happen. I just want to teach her a lesson that all the actions she does have consequences."

My Mom explained.

"Do you agree with that community service? You know that Allysa is not used to such activities. You didn't even ask your daughter if those accusations were true. You are being unfair to her.

What if it was worse than that?"

Dad asked angrily.

"So you're blaming me? That's the problem with you. You always take side with your children and then they become a spoiled brat."

"It's not that I'm on Allysa's side. I just want you to find out what really happened before you agree to the child doing community service."

"That's the problem Cole, she denies that she had anything to do with what happened. That she doesn't know why that answer key ended up in her bag."

"Maybe she really doesn't know what happened. Let's hear her explanation first. You don't need to make decisions without knowing what really happened. Sometimes you need to listen to your daughter too."

"Fine. It's up to you to talk to your daughter. She doesn't seem to be listening to me anymore."

"Okay I'll be the one to talk to her. She's in the room right?"

"Yes, she’s resting. Go ahead to make this issue over."

I immediately left and hurried back to my room. I lay down on the bed while facing the window and hugging a pillow. After a while I heard someone approaching my door. Maybe it's my Dad.

He knocked while he called my name.

"Allysa, my daughter? Can I come in?"

"Yes Dad."

When my Dad came in, he sat on the edge of my bed. He came closer to me and gave me a quick kiss on the forehead.

"Are you okay my daughter?"

He asked worriedly.

"Yeah. I'm fine."

I answered him smiling. I got up and leaned against the headboard of my  bed.

"I just want you to know what really happened?"

He asked me while directly looking  into my eyes. I know my Dad that when he does that he wants an honest answer.

"I'm sorry Dad for worrying you. But the truth is, I really had nothing to do with what happened. Before we took the exam, I went to the comfort room to pee. Then when I came back, my classmates were making noise because Ma'am Joy's exam answer key was missing. That's why Ma'am Joy decided to open all of our bags. I'm really shocked when they opened my bag because the answer key was there. I don't know what I should do because I don't know why that answer key ended up in my bag. My classmates accused me of stealing the answer key, which I didn't really do. After that, I was called to the dean's office and they also called Mom. They want me to have a one week suspension. But Mom volunteered me to do community service instead. I didn't want to agree because I knew myself that I didn't do anything but Mom already agreed. So there was nothing I could do but follow her."

I gave a long explanation to my Dad.

"That's it, don't worry my daughter. I will talk again to the dean to settle this issue.

I also know you won't do that, right?"

"Yes."

"Alright then ,you should get some rest. I love you, my daughter."

He smiled and said then he hugged me.

"I love you too Dad."

I answered him.

Then he got up and walked out of my room.

I know my Dad really loves me and also my Mom. Even if they scold me sometimes. I know that I'm lucky to have parents like them.