Richard's Standard

Chapter 8 - What's with Dona?

I texted Dona that we will meet at the rooftop. I was already here for ten minutes but she's not here yet. I've tried calling her but cannot be reached.

Where on Earth would this girl be at this moment? I wasn't supposed to be the one waiting for her, it should be her! Argghhh, Dona! You're really a challenge!

Without hesitation, I decided to look for her. I went to the canteen but she's not there. I've checked in the hallway where she spent her time running, and even in Mom's office but she's never been in that places. This girl right now is nowhere to be found. Magpapaturo na sana ako ng ibang bisaya words pero wala yatang balak na turuan ako.

When I was about to go back again at Mom's office, I saw Gilbert and Dona outside and seemed they're talking about something important. Wait, is Dona against my back? O baka naman iba ang pinag-uusapan nila? I will just ask her later.

I've waited for them to finish whatever they're talking about. When Dona went inside Mom's office, Gilbert walked away. I followed him so I can play words with him.

"Mr. Angeles!" I called out.

He stopped and looked back. "Yes?"

"Can I ask you?"

"Sure. But I hope it's not bad lalo pa't sabi ng Mommy mo that you're accepting me already."

Ang kapal. But I still have to fool him by smiling like he's right.

"Yeah, I was sincere about that. What I wanna ask you is about Dona. Do you, perhaps, knew a lot of things about her?"

He seemed to be bothered. "Only few things, especially if it's about photography and your Mom."

I nodded. "Then I believe you." But it's a fake line. Why would I believe this guy? I still have to ask Chloe about it.

"May itatanong ka pa ba?" he asked. "Cause I still have business to finish."

"Ow, it's okay. I have no more to ask you but please take care, Mr. Gilbert."

He nodded and smiled at me. I fake a  smiled back.

As he's out from my sight, I'm really eager to know if anong napag-usapan nila. I just went back to Mom's office and followed Dona there.

When I opened the door, I saw Mom handling Dona an envelope and I don't know what's inside it. When they saw me, they seemed shocked and Dona hurriedly put the envelope in her bag.

Mom stood up as she's being alert by my presence.

"A-Ala kang p-pasok ngeni?" Mom stammered.

I shook my head. "It's Dona's day to tutor me but she seemed very busy today."

"Oh no," Mom answered. "Actually, Dona is about to leave now. I just gave her an extra allowance for being so good."

I smirked as I saw Dona remained silent. "Good? Why? Seems she had fulfilled a mission, eh?" I don't know why but what's with Dona today? She even looked nervous.

"No, Chad. I'm always like this to Dona if she had another fees to pay."

I didn't listen to Mom but I faced Dona. "Bakit tahimik ka yata? Diba, dapat masaya ka dahil may pambayad ka na?" I asked her. Though she's sad, I was mesmerized by her presence 'cause she's wearing the casual yellow dress I've bought for her.

Dona hesitantly smiled. "Masaya ako," and faced Mom. "Salamat po, ma'am." She is really weak this time. I am feeling that Mom is lying and so is Gilbert. I hope Dona won't do the same. I hope she won't lie to me.