*Alejandro*
It was a long day. But it was fulfilling. When I was still in Anna’s home, it didn’t occur to me for a moment that I hadn’t fulfilled what I had planned to do at the party because I hadn’t seen Jane. I could see her some other time.
I said to myself as I drove to my house. I stopped in front of another car. I raised my head to see a red light. Taking out my phone, I scrolled through it. I had placed my phone on the do not disturb button adequately before the event began.
My phone was filled with messages from Clara. She had called twenty times, and there were over thirty unread messages. I furrowed my brows and moved to open it, but I was stopped midway by a car behind me who blared his horn loudly.
I looked up to see the car in front of me had already moved forward. The light was green. Horns kept blaring until I moved my car.
By the time I got home, it was late.
My phone rang immediately, and I stepped out of the car. It was Clara. I picked it. “Where did you go? You left the show midway.” Her voice sounded cool, but I didn’t need anyone to tell me she was mad at me. But I didn’t care. “I don’t explain to you, Clara,” I said.
“What do you want?” I asked her. “What do you mean what I want? My date went off, and after calling and texting him, he didn’t reply or show up. Aren’t I supposed to be worried?” She asked. I stepped into the sitting room.
“Why should you be? Wasn’t the show interesting enough?” I said. I pulled my tie. “I called to check up on you. Nothing more.” She said, “Well, I’m fine. You didn’t need to check up on me.” I told her.
“And please don’t call me more than twice next time. You are smart; I expect better.” I said. I paused to give her enough time to digest what I just said. “Goodnight,” I said, ending the call before she could say anything else.
I walked towards the stairs. As I took the first step, I turned to look at the dining table, which had dishes on top of it. These days, I find food on the table. I didn’t have to ask who made them, Rosa. I walked straight to my room, flung my phone to the side, and walked to the table in the middle of the room, which had a glass of wine.
I smiled, remembering the good time I had with Anna. I liked that she had Alison. Alison is a true friend. She was not what I expected. I didn’t think she’d welcome me, but she did and ensured we had the best time possible.
I stood sipping my wine slowly. I have an important business engagement in Dubai tomorrow, and I hope it goes well. If it does, we may stay for a week or two. And Anna would be with me on those days. I picked out my phone and typed with one hand.
“Thinking of you.” I smiled and sent it to her. I was about to place the phone inside my pocket when a call came in. It was Williams, “Hey man!” He greeted me when the line connected.
“How was the show?” He asked. He was there when I was invited. I scratched the middle of my brows, “it was fine,” I said. He nods. “Then why leave halfway.”
“Did Clara tell you that?” I asked when I was not supposed to. I shouldn’t have asked. I knew she was the big mouth. I keep wondering why she tells Williams everything that happens. “Yes,” he affirmed.
“So?” I asked, already growing impatient at him for listening to her and having him ask me about it. “Is that all you have to say?” I asked.
“She said you didn’t take her calls nor text messages. See, I understand you. I get that fact perfectly,” then why was he still going on and on about it? I massage my temples. I could feel a headache building.
“But you shouldn’t have ignored your son’s call. For crying out loud, Alejandro, we’ve all been trying to reach you. Not just Clara.” I felt my heart miss a beat at the mention of Lucas. He was also trying to call me.
I walked to the table and kept the glass of wine I had not tasted yet. “I didn’t know he called,” I said. Williams was about to speak when I hung up and checked my call logs, only to find out that Lucas had called a few times. I thought it was just Clara.
Williams had also called a few times. Williams’s call came in again. “You can’t just hang up like that; it’s rude.” He complains. “What’s wrong? Why were you calling?” I asked.
“Nora was admitted into the hospital,” He said. I released a breath I didn’t think I was holding, “it’s normal to be sick. Why was he calling?” I asked. After my divorce from Luca’s Mom, I have not set my eyes on her again, and she did well hiding and instigating my son against me.
“It was serious. Her car got hit by a truck, and she fell unconscious.” Williams began to explain. I squinted my eyes. It was an accident. I walked to the floor-to-ceiling window and stood there for a while before stepping back, “Doctors thought she would die. I guess Lucas was scared.” He said.
I felt terrible for Lucas. He couldn’t stand me, but that didn’t mean I wouldn’t stand by him in what he goes through. “Where is Lucas now?” I asked. I’ll go to him. I shouldn’t be too late.
*He was in the hospital earlier; I think he will be staying over there.” Good son. I felt slightly jealous as he would not do the same for me.
“Alright,” I said and thanked him before leaving the mansion with my car keys in my hands.
I ignited the engine, ready to drive to the hospital. Williams texted me. This was a time to bond with Lucas, and I didn’t want to miss it.
I cleared my throat, practicing what first to say to him. I had to confront him. And I also felt bad for his mom. Though we were divorced, she is still my son’s mother, and I don’t wish her evil. I took a deep breath. I couldn’t think of the right words to say now and only hoped I’d get one when I met him.
I was about to drive off when I noticed Lucas drive into the penthouse. I was surprised to see him. Maybe there was no need to go to the hospital anymore.
I may as well talk to him now.
I stepped out simultaneously, and it was funny how he did not notice that I was there. He went straight inside. I followed him. “Lucas,” I called when we got inside.
He turned. His eyes looked hollow. Like he had lost his life, he stared at me for a brief second without speaking; then his eyes changed; they suddenly bore an emotion I didn’t want to notice or give a name to.
“Lucas.” I called again and stepped forward, “I heard what happened. How is she?” I asked not because I cared for her but because I cared for Lucas. He was the reason I wanted to drive to the hospital.
It is said that divorced couples are worse than strangers, and that is true. “Why are you here?” Was the first question he asked. I took a deep breath. “I’m sorry I missed your call. I was having a bit of a situation.” I scratched the bridge of my nose with a finger.
“Where were you? When Mom was in danger and, I called you. I was so scared; what if she had died? I wanted you to be there, but again, you couldn’t.” He said in a breath.
I took a step forward, and he took one back. “I am so sorry, Lucas,” I apologized. It broke my heart to pieces to know that I couldn’t be there with him when he needed me the most.
“This is the problem; you think sorry would be enough after evading your role.” He said.
“How is she?” I asked again. I didn’t want to argue with him, especially not now; he was right. Strangely, I had never been there when he wanted me to be there for him. And I could not apologize enough. And I wanted to change that.
“Like you care?” He scoffed and said. “I came back to get a few things and go back.” He said to dismiss the topic. He began walking away. I stopped him by placing a hand on his shoulder, and he pulled away from my hold as fast as he could.
“Don’t touch me.” He said.
“I’m truly sorry, Lucas. I’ll do better. I know how you may feel, but please know I am sorry.” I said. “You know nothing,” he said. I was about to speak, but he beat me to it.
“Please leave.” He said in a whisper. I pretend not to hear him. I’ll just go with him to the hospital in his car. Though I wanted nothing to do with his mom, I may be bound with my son over her. “I’ll go with you to the hospital,” I said
Lucas shook his head roughly, “don’t, just leave. You were never there when I needed you. I was a fool for thinking you’d actually give some of your time.” He said in self-mockery.
“No, my son,” I took a step forward, and he took one back. “Don’t call me that. Please don’t call me your son. I don’t want to be your son because you are not my father.” He said.
His words struck me like a blow. It was never the joy of parents to be spoken to like this. “So go back to wherever you are coming from. Bury yourself in your work; that’s all you do.” He said.
My heart shattered as I watched him leave. I didn’t call him back or try to stop him. It was clear that all those were useless. I watched him until he walked out of sight. I walked back to my car.
Sigh.
I thought we could bond. Maybe I was expecting too much. I stepped into my car and drove off to the Mansion, which was close to his. I didn’t park underground. I waited for Lucas to come out, and soon he did.
I drove behind him. He went to a hospital. I pulled over a few feet away from the hospital. I should be with him right now. I should be there as he stays the night with his mom.
I would have known if I had answered the phone when he called. It was the first time he had called when he was in a predicament. I shook my head as I imagined everything we would have done. We would have played cards as we stayed the night. Or maybe he would open up to me and tell me about his past relationship. The one he told Williams.
Or about the girl I saw him with.
I do not regret the time I spent with Anna. It was a well-spent time. If I could, I’d do it all over again. I drove off.
I made a resolve to make my relationship with Lucas better. He may seem obstinate now, but I don’t think he would remain like this forever. I believe he would come around if I spent time with him little by little.
I stepped into my room and went to the bathroom first.
I allowed the warm water to splash in me. After bathing, I stepped out of the bathroom. Naked and stepped into bed.
My phone beside me dinged. A message. I picked it up and checked. It was from Anna.
“Thinking about you too.” I broke into a smile.