CHARI’S POV
EIGHT YEARS..
It’s been eight years since I left Manila…
“I told you to stop, Clyde!” I exclaimed.
“Mom, I want to be a breakdancer and compete!” Clyde politely replied.
“Look! Your skin is burned from too much practice in the rice fields! It’s hot! You can’t be so tired; you’ll have trouble breathing when your asthma attacks! ” I exclaimed once more.
“I’m fine, Mom… I haven’t been in pain in a long time, thanks to my dancing, so don’t worry,” he said with a smile.
“Just! Stop that! And look at you! Your hair is already long! The guard will cut it again!” I said, shaking my head.
“That’s part of being a dancer, Mom. These are the trends I see in them; while the body twirls, the hair goes together,” he said while parting his hair. “Then did I get it from you, Mom? I haven’t even seen you dance. You never dance with the mothers at school…” he smiled.
I couldn’t help but smile at what he said. I know where he got that from, and it’s not from me because I have the same left foot and really can’t dance.
Meet Clyde…
Clyde E. De Vega, the only child of Chari E. De Vega, was born!
Yes! There he is… It’s been eight years since
I didn’t realize how much time had passed because I was having so much fun. I struggled at first because I was alone, with only two domestic helpers, while also running my small business, which was only attached to my house. My small coffee shop in our neighborhood grew in popularity. I was able to grow it even when I was alone. I let the people who were with me stay with me for so long because they were kind and honest. Somehow, the Lord continued to guide me and did not abandon me.
But I have to admit that I still think of Clint from time to time. I’m curious about his life, how many kids he and Trina have, and how they’re doing. I’m thirty-eight years old now and Clint is thirty-three. Maybe his appearance has matured, maybe he’s more handsome and fit now. Trina is very lucky to have him because he is a very responsible person. I’m sure he adores their children, and their children are as attractive as Trina.
Mine? My Clyde?
Even if this child burns in the sun and his skin color is almost darker, it’s all right! He’s still very attractive to me. He almost got everything from him. He looks exactly like Clint. He is without a doubt the father of this lovely and talented being. He also enjoys dancing. He even ran away from me to practice on the farm after school, getting filthy and stinking! I’m not sure why this kid is so obsessed with dancing! He stated that he aspires to be like the people he sees on TV who are skilled at stumbling and turning their bodies.
I keep thinking that I’ll never be able to get rid of Clint. Clyde, who was with me, was the same as Clint. I also wonder what if fate plays a joke on us and we meet again and he sees Clyde? What would his reaction be? But I know that’s a bit vague, because Clint already has a family and is content, because I also removed him and tried to distance myself from him for easier healing.
It worked… I was satisfied that only Clyde was with me. I’m not asking for anything else…
“Mom, there will be an audition at the school for the Elementary Division Dancers. I will join Mom. I have already registered..” Clyde said while showing me the poster he was carrying.
“Ha? I won’t allow you!! And you’ve already signed up! You’ll have a hard time when asthma strikes! Then! You might even break a bone with that! ” I replied.
That’s just the sad part.
He’s had asthma since he was seven months old, and I gave birth to Clyde with a relatively weak lung, making it difficult for me to care for him at the time. He also underwent extensive treatment because he had a minor heart condition that caused him to faint when he controlled his anger and too many emotions. The doctor stated it all appears to be related to my pregnancy; depression was the source. So I try to focus on him as much as I can, and I always want him to be happy. His doctor also advised him to engage in physical activities to strengthen his body, but not to overdo it. He hasn’t had a cold attack in nearly a year. We’ll be in the hospital for three days if his asthma and palpitations combine! I can save a little more and fix him because he needs heart surgery because he has a small wound in his heart that causes him to palpitate every time he has an asthma attack, and his heart needs to be fixed before he turns ten years old because it will be worse and, unfortunately, fatal. So I’ll have to work hard to get him to a good doctor.
I would take a bullet for him just to survive. Mothers are really like that, aren’t they? Everything will be done just for her son…
“Mom… They said they’d hire professional choreographers so we could get formal training before choosing permanent ones because they’d have to compete with other schools,” he said softly.
Here we are again! I recall his father acting like this when he became addicted to dancing.
“Clyde, why do you like to dance? You won’t get anything out of it. You’re only eight, baby, you’re only in grade three, and you have a lot of other things to study, like skateboarding or guitar! Do anything, don’t just focus on break dancing! ” I explained. I frequently try to talk him out of wanting it.
“I didn’t like it, Mom. I love dancing. Perhaps Dad is good at dancing?” he asks again. When we’re in a situation like this, he knows how to keep me from saying anything.
“Hmn?” I just smiled. I even squeezed his nose.
“Sad that I didn’t see him before he died… Maybe I inherited my dancing skills from him, Mom? Is he a good breakdancer too? Is he?” Clyde asked naughtily.
I can’t deny that this child is also quite playful. He can also be quite loud at times, particularly when we’re both in friend mode. We cracked jokes on occasion, as part of the mother-son bonding.
Until..
“Oh no! Take a bath and you smell like a farmer in the field! ” I dragged him inside to avoid some questions. I once again lost our debate.
He followed. That child never disobeys. I can say that he grew up and that I taught him good manners, even though it was just me. It’s unavoidable that he gets scolded for frequently fleeing just to dance, but other than that, there’s nothing. He’s such a sweet kid. When he is not at school, he is also hardworking and helpful at the shop. But when he’s around, it’s a loss because he eats all of my cakes. He also dislikes video games and cellphone games. When he’s sitting at his laptop, he prefers to watch dance competitions from around the world. I also did not educate him on the finer points of life. That’s what I tell him all the time. Clyde is kind, as evidenced by Clint’s attitude toward him, and he is also responsible despite his youth.
He always said I shouldn’t look for a boy because we were both content. Because I’ve only had two boyfriends since having a child, and I can honestly say that it’s just a boyfriend and for fun only. But that’s all. As Clyde grows older, I lose the desire to communicate with men. He is the center of my universe. Every time I see his face, it’s as if Clint is there with me… Clint, who I will admit I still love…
And a minute later…
“Mom, I took a shower!” Clyde said as he walked out the door of the house, looking so fresh. He was wearing his pajama suit, his hair was combed, and, of course, his laptop was already with him.
“Mom, we don’t have any homework today because it’s Friday. Can I watch my favorite show?” He asked reasonably.
“What’s that? Is that anime? ”
“Mom, I don’t like that…”
“What is it? Don’t tell me about the masked guys? ”
“Yes, Mom! They have a new dance movement tutorial today! Hihi..” he replied with a smile.
I was just shaken.
“Hey… What kind of semen do you have, Clint? You danced on me so well, so here’s your Clyde! A certified dancer too, just like you!” I whispered with a smile.
June_Thirteen