"Eh, as for me, I'll vote for Mr. Villamor because it seems like the Philippines will have a good direction with him," I heard Manang Lila say, even though I was in the kitchen and they were in the living room.
"He shouldn't be the one to vote for. Mr. Villanueva should be the one to lead our country because he was the Vice President," my handsome dad's voice replied.
Their conversation was so loud that I could hear it all the way here. It's annoying, they're just talking about politics.
I picked up the plates and dishes, grabbed the towel, and wiped my hands.
"Why don't you want to vote for him?" I was almost startled when Dad shouted.
"I just won't vote for him," I said, placing the towel on the table.
"Ohh, dear, who will you vote for?" Manang asked as I reached the living room.
They always ask me that. I avoid politics, even though my dad is the mayor.
"I'll vote for whoever Dad votes for, Manang. Please, I have to go to school," I said, looking around and realizing Dad was no longer there.
"Manang, where's Dad? I'm leaving now," I asked Manang.
"Oh, dear, he's at the municipal hall, just left," I nodded before Manang left.
I went to my room to get my things and then headed downstairs again.
As I left, Manong Idong greeted me.
"Dear, I can't drive you because your dad's car isn't here," he said, and I just nodded.
"Okay, take care!" he said as he walked away from the house.
This wasn't the first time I had to walk or commute because we only have one car. Even though my dad is the mayor, nothing has changed. Life is still normal, except for the reporters who spread rumors about me, hmph.
When I arrived at Amor University, also known as A.U., it's famous throughout the Philippines for being beautiful and large, but it's expensive to attend. There are various courses here, and the teachers are excellent because they come from different countries.
"Hi Shay!" greeted the students I passed, and I smiled back at them.
"Nothing's changed, you're still beautiful," one of them said.
"Yeah, what is your skin care, huh?" another added.
"Always smile," I replied with a smile.
The bell rang, so they all went to their rooms. I didn't realize I was already in the room as they were blocking the way. So, I just walked well, it would be embarrassing to ask them to move, they might think I'm snobbish and rude, I'm not like that, hmph.
"Shay, why are you here just now? You caused a commotion again, tsk," I sat next to him.
"Ohh, Ma'am's here!" he exclaimed and hid the law book he was holding. She is Sabria, what a beautiful name.
"Okay, all of you done reading the last week's case," Prof. Vila raised an eyebrow. She's a bit strict because she's also a lawyer besides being a professor.
Blah blah blah and whatever else she discussed about last week's case.
"I want to say to all of you that," I looked at Ma'am because she stopped.
"This is your first semester, okay? And the second semester starts next week. All of you are still in your first year, so study hard because that's not what you'll be working on yet!" as she walked out after what she said.
"Ma'am is getting tiresome to listen to. It's deafening, it hurts the ears, really," complained my seatmate.
"Don't complain, Sab, so you won't get used to it. She teaches us every day," I said before taking the books to read before standing up.
"Ehh, even though it's annoying, it's like I don't want to study law anymore, tsk," she always says that, but she's always the first one to recite because she finishes reading everything in just one day.
When we reached the cafeteria, she was frowning.
"What's wrong?" I asked.
"Because he didn't show up, annoying!" she frowned and rolled her eyes.
"Who are you referring to, Sab?" I asked in surprise.
"U-uhh, did I say something? Nothing," she stuttered, so I just ignored it.
I glanced at her phone when it rang and she pointed at it.
"I'll just answer this, you go ahead and buy," she said before leaving.
I stared at my phone because I wanted to call Dad.
I wonder why?
"Hi Dad, have you eaten?" I greeted cheerfully.
"Are you Mayor's daughter?" he asked, and I was surprised because someone else was holding Dad's phone, a woman's voice answered.
"Uhh, yes, why?" I asked nervously, seeing Sab returning with a tray.
"I'm Nurse Neri, your Dad is in the hospital, critical." I teared up at what I heard – critical? What happened? Why critical?
"Hello! Ms. Claveria! Are you there?" I heard the nurse ask.
"You need to come to the hospit-- NURSE NERI, MR. CLAVERIA IS GONE!!!" I was sobbing uncontrollably at the shout I heard, and then I ran outside. I left my phone on the table.
I heard Sab calling me and the people I passed by, but I just ran past them.
He's not dead, not because he has to accompany me to the stage for my law graduation. I felt tears streaming down my face. I quickly got into a taxi and went to the hospital.
"No… Dad!!!" I said trembling and hugged him.
He was pale lying on the bed, not breathing anymore, they said he's going to be transferred to the morgue.
"Dad, didn't you say I'm graduating?" I couldn't believe what I was saying.
"That you'll be the one to put my medal on and escort me to the stage, right Dad, so wake up!" I continued, couldn't help but break down.
Dad's gone, I'm alone now. He's joined Mom.