I DON’T know if I’m dreaming or what. I don’t know what’s happening to those I left here in Manila; it’s like everything suddenly changed in an instant.
As soon as I arrived at the house and Trina saw me, she immediately greeted me with a big hug and kiss. She even shed tears while repeatedly telling me that she was happy and that I should go home. These things really surprised me. In our entire relationship, this is the third time she has greeted me this warmly.
I didn’t rest anymore. I just took the things home and immediately went to the hospital where Tejie was.
“How are you, Tej?” I asked, kissing his forehead.
“Hi Daddy, why is it taking you so long?” He said in a low voice.”
I suddenly felt pity for him. I didn’t expect this Tejie to come to me. He is soft and gentle now, unlike before, when he always sneered at me.
Trina replied, “Daddy won’t be leaving anymore, baby,” while rubbing my back. I even looked at her in surprise.
I held Tejie’s hand. “Haah… I’m sorry Tej,” I said as I kissed it.
I don’t know, but even if Tejie is in front of me, Clyde is still on my mind. I know he’s awake at this point and must be wondering where I am.
“What was the result?” I asked Trina.
“Um.. he is scheduled for surgery next week. There is swelling on the side of his right kidney, but not that serious,” explained Trina.
I gestured my hands. “Is it not serious that he’s going to be operated on? How did he get that?” I asked, annoyed.
“With the food he eats and frequent urinary retention, too much soda and concentrated drinks,” Trina answered.
“See? I told you before to stop indulging him in junk! You didn’t listen! Even those gadgets! Next time, why not let him do some physical activities so that his body can be strong!” I said, frowning.
“I’m sorry Clint, he likes it and I’m glad because he’s getting fatter, and as for physical acts, Tej doesn’t even have a passion for dancing!” Trina said as she rubbed my back again.
“Yes! I don’t know why; we’re both dancers! Tsk! You trained him to be like that! ” I answered, sarcastically.
Trina didn’t say a word. I did not expect that Tejie would have this experience at such a young age because Trina neglected him as well as Aunt Maggie, who often took care of him. They just gave him anything he wanted, not realizing that it would harm his health.
“Daddy, are you still leaving?” Tejie asked.
I answered quickly.”Ah! Nope! Daddy won’t leave. ”
Tejie just smiled. I will admit that we’re not close. I don’t even feel like he’s my child, but at this time, I felt a pinch in my heart about why I didn’t even take care of him here at the hospital. I feel like I ignored him, especially because my attention went to Clyde, whom I must admit I love more than him.
MEANWHILE..
Clyde and Mama Chari are currently having breakfast.
“Mom, when are we going to Manila? I’m excited about seeing Sir Clint’s house,” Clyde asked with a smile.
“Mom will fix your school, baby. Now you skip a year. You need to get well first,” Chari answered.
Clyde suddenly looked away. “Sir Clint is with his son now, right Mom?” The child’s face suddenly became sad.
Chari noticed that and immediately approached him, touching his face. “Clyde? We talked about that, right? It’s Mom’s fault that Sir Clint has another family, so don’t be angry with him, okay? I know how you feel. I know that look, baby. ”
Clyde smiled. “No Mom, I’m not mad at him. I’m happy to have Father Sir Clint. I’m also happy that you’re not mad at him anymore,” Clyde answered. “Did he call?”
“Aah.. Maybe later, baby, maybe he’s taking care of something else. But I’m sure he’ll call.” Chari said happily, trying to cheer Clyde up.
Clyde didn’t answer nor smile back but just nodded after continuing to eat.
IT WAS four in the afternoon. Since I went to Tejie I have not been able to go out to make a phone call. I don’t want to leave him at first either, because he’s always stopping me from leaving. I looked after him while Trina was away. Now I’m going home, rest first, sleep, then go back to the hospital to look after Tejie tonight.
Before I get in the car, I will call Clyde first. He must have been waiting for my call. I’ve been in Manila for almost half a day but haven’t called him yet.
In a moment, and..
“Hello? Clyde? Baby? ”
“Hello, Clint, Clyde is asleep ,” Mama Cha answered on the other line.
” Hi Ma, how are you?” I’m sorry I just called because-I can’t go out,”I said while scratching my head.
“It’s okay, I understand. But Clyde has been waiting for your call. You said you would call as soon as you arrived in Manila, ” Mama Cha said.
“I’m sorry Ma, because I immediately went to the hospital the —
Then she cuts me off, ” It’s okay! You can be there for Tejie; don’t bother calling if you can’t be Clint.” she said.
“Ma! There you are again! I know those words of yours, ” I said.
“Okay, you just call later when Clyde is awake, go on with your business, Clint.” Mama Cha said.
After that..
Toooooooooot!
She ended the call.
I scratched my head swiftly with annoyance. I know this girl when she’s angry.
I dialed again.
Toot! Toot! Toot!
But the line is already busy.
I know her. She was mad at me again.
I couldn’t contact her anymore, so I just texted her.
‘Ma, call me when Clyde is awake. Don’t be angry, please. I know you. Sorry, I just called. Please call me when he’s awake. I’ll wait, Ma..’
It suddenly occurred to me that this woman might not continue with what we talked about. Even though everything was fixed, when it came down to it, she didn’t care. But on the other hand, I thought that she wouldn’t do that because it was all for Clyde.
This is it again, and I’m freaking out because Chari is angry! My fingers are almost numb from dialing, but the line is dead. I can’t be restless when we’re like this. I’m too far away from her, and I can’t please her right away.
Why do women of this age not care how men feel when they are angry? As long as they are angry, they are angry! Are independent women really this tough? Why do I always bend to Mama Cha’s? It’s like my feet want to fly back to Camiguin! Errr!
“Alright! Here she is again, aaagh!” I said to myself.
IT’S EIGHT O’ CLOCK at night. I’m already dressed for the hospital because I’ll be watching over Tejie, but before I leave, I’ll call Clyde first. I hope Mama Cha’s phone isn’t dead.
And for a while, and..
“Hello, Clyde!” I smiled.
“Hello, Sir Clint,” Clyde answered cheerfully on the other line.
“How are you, baby?” “Sorry, Dad didn’t call right away; you were asleep earlier,” your mom said.
“You called,” she said.
“Where’s Mom?”
“Sir Clint, she’s at the coffee shop; she has a visitor.”
“Mom? Who baby? ”
“Uncle Josh has come from London.” He has a lot to offer Mom and me. There is food, toys, and a bouquet of flowers for Mom. ”
My eyebrows met immediately.
“Aah, Clyde baby, don’t eat too many sweets, huh? The doctor said that’s bad. Could you please go see Mom for a moment; I’ll just say something?”
“Okay, I’ll go.”
My chest felt tight when I heard Josh’s name. Turns out he hasn’t broken up with that arrogant jerk yet.
In a moment, and..
“Hello, Dad, Sir Clint?” Clyde said on the other line, “She doesn’t want to talk. She said it’d be later because Uncle Josh is still there.”
My eyebrows met more and more. I was sighing in annoyance.
” What are they doing, baby?” I asked.
“Aah, they’re drinking wine, Dad, Sir Clint,” Clyde answered.
” Drinking? Your Mom? ” I said loudly.
I stopped the annoyance first and calmed myself down because I wanted to talk to Clyde. I greeted him first and asked him what he did during the day. If he has eaten, what else is he going to do now? I didn’t waste time; I talked to him. I really want to hear her laugh. I want him to be happy so he won’t be attacked by his illness. He was also very happy because we talked.
It also took us almost an hour on the phone. But even though we talked for so long, Mama Cha never even stepped in to say hello to me. Until I said goodbye to Clyde, there was still nothing.
And before our conversation ended, I asked again what his mother was doing, and his answer was..
“Dad, Sir Clint, she’s already drunk because she laughed so hard that her face is red.”
I froze. I’m really irritated by those moments.
“Daddy, Sir Clint, I’m sleepy,” Clyde said on the other line.
“Are you getting sleepy now while your mom is still drinking? Who is with you, baby? ” I asked.
“It’s Nanay Mira.”
“Aah.. okay.”
We both said goodbye.
” Love you, Clyde! I love you, baby! I will be waiting for you here. Goodnight.. ”
I don’t know what kind of breathing I will do because I am so annoyed with Mama Cha. She still has time to drink, knowing that the child is sick and needs to be watched at all times.
“Hmmmp! Chari! ”
I got dressed to go to Tejie. I will actually call and tell her about that tomorrow. I keep squealing, and my chest tightens in annoyance.
Ugh!
June_Thirteen