Page 49 of Through You
Ares has only visited once the entire time his grandfather has been living at this nursing home. And when he left, he was on the verge of tears. He cannot stand seeing his grandfather here. The fact that he wasn’t able to prevent his grandfather’s admittance is something that eats away at him. Hence, he’d rather ignore the situation and act as if it’s not happening so he won’t have to deal with it. The boy with the bluest eyes is not capable of handling his emotions at all. On the outside he acts superior and seems imposing, yet inside he is uncertain and unsettled.
“I’d like to see him,” his grandfather adds. “He must be taller.
He hasn’t stop growing since he was twelve.”
I take out my cell phone, and click to open the photo gallery.
“See for yourself.”
I show him silly photos I’ve taken with Ares. There is Ares with his mouth stuffed with food flipping me off, his blue eyes catching the reflection of the flash. And Ares sleeping on the couch after watching a movie. There is one of him looking terrified as a bunch of Apolo’s rescue pups encircle him. And another of Ares in his soccer jersey standing next to his teammate Daniel.
Agh, Daniel. That photo was taken the night I made the grave error of sleeping with him.
I put the phone away and clear my throat. Grandfather takes my hand.
“Ares and Artemis may appear cold, but it’s a defensive mechanism, deep down they are kindhearted.”
Not Artemis.I almost give way to my anger, but I know what he’s telling me is true.
Artemis was good to me when we were growing up. I don’t think I could ever forget how kind he was to me even though I’m deeply hurt by him now. I just have to keep away from him for the time being, and that’s all.
Grandfather Hidalgo squeezes my hand.
“Please look after them. I feel at peace knowing that you’re there for them. They never had a positive female role model, a woman who has stood by them throughout their lives.”
It’s clear he’s talking about their mother, a woman who has been unfaithful to her husband many times, and hasn’t been caring or nurturing toward her children.
“They’re older now, and are going to be fine,” I reply, staring at the shimmer of water gradually intensifying.
“They may be older but they have been deprived of love, Claudia. Their parents didn’t show them affection when they were growing up, they gave them nothing. By the time I realized it was happening, it was too late. I was only able to give my love to Apolo.”
I turn to face him. “And why are you telling me?”
His eyes meet mine and his gaze softens.
“Because I want you to keep this in mind if you ever reach the point when you feel like throwing in the towel and decide to shut them out. Apolo told me that Artemis has been pestering you. Please don’t give up on them, and try to remember how much they care for you, all right?”
I give his cheeks a soft pinch and speak to him playfully.
“Look at you, so adorable, worried about your ungrateful boys who never pay you a visit.”
“They’ll come one day.” The certainty in his tone makes me roll my eyes in a dramatic way. He lightly taps my forehead.
“Insolent girl making fun of an old man.”
“An old man?” I get up, looking to both sides. “Where?”
He bursts out laughing, and I look at him affectionately. I am grateful for Grandfather’s presence in my life; he is amazing.
We spend the rest of the day talking. As always, he asks me about school, if I need anything. And as usual my answer is no—by paying my tuition and university expenses he has already done enough. I don’t ever want him to think I’m taking advantage of his love by asking for more money.
With a smile on my face, I say my good-byes and head home.
It’s four o’clock in the morning when I’m woken up by the ringing of the house’s landline. I have a tendency to bring the cord-less phone to my room so I don’t have to walk to the kitchen and answer every time a call comes in. I stretch my hand from the bed to answer, hoping it’s not a crank call.
“Hello?” My voice is hoarse and weak.
“Good evening.” The formality in the tone of the woman on the other end puts me on alert. “I’m calling from the general hospital.” I sit up immediately, imagining all sorts of scenarios. “We need to inform you that Mr. Anthony Hidalgo was admitted to emergency a little while ago.” I stop breathing. “This is the number we have as his primary contact.”
