Page 89 of Through You
I try to guess what’s really happening, and speak up. “Given that you previously said no to him, I can imagine his insistence has bothered you.”
Ares stands up. “There’s no need for this, Grandfather. I understand.”
“Sit down.”
Ares obeys, and Grandfather turns slightly to face me and my father.
“This conversation is much more important than any goddamn deal you’re trying to close. Our family is more important than any business, which is something that you both have clearly forgotten.”
No one says anything, and Grandfather continues. “But don’t worry, I’m here to remind you all. Ares has always had everything handed to him. He has never had to fight for anything, or had to work in his life. He came to me asking for help and I turned him down because I wanted to see if he would give up on the first try. On the contrary, he surpassed my expectations. For months this boy has been busy around the clock applying for scholarships and grants, fighting for what he wants.
I never anticipated this would happen. Ares working? Not giving up?”
Grandfather looks at Ares with pride.
“Ares has not only won my support, he has also earned my respect. I’m proud of you, Ares. I’m proud you have my last name and that my blood runs in your veins.”
Our grandfather has never looked at me like that. Or expressed those words to me. His smile fades as his gaze falls on my father.
“I’m extremely disappointed in you, Juan. Our family legacy? I’d gladly let death claim me if I ever thought our family legacy was determined by material possessions. A family’s legacy is made of loyalty, mutual support, and affection. And it entails passing all those positive qualities and attributes down to future generations. The family legacy is not a goddamn corporation.”
The silence when he’s done his rant is unnerving.
Our grandfather, however, has no problem filling it. “Just because you’ve turned yourself into a workaholic as a means to avoid dealing with your wife’s infidelities it doesn’t give you to permission to make your children as miserable as you are.”
My father clenches his fists. “Dad.”
Our grandfather shakes his head. “Juan, it’s shameful that you turned your back on your own son when he begged for your support. I never thought you would disappoint me this much.”
Grandfather’s eyes fall on me. “You made this one pursue a career he hated, and have done everything in your power to turn him into you. And now look at him. Do you think he’s happy?” I open my mouth to protest but my grandfather raises his hand to silence me. “Be quiet, son. Though I understand you’re the product of your father’s poor parenting, it bothers me that you turned your back on your brother, chose not to stand up for him, and failed to give him your support. I pity both of you. At this very moment, it would not bother me if you two were not tied to our last name.”
Shame drags my head down.
“I hope you learn something from this, and can improve as human beings. I have faith in both of you.” Our grandfather turns back to Ares. “I’ve begun your enrollment process in the faculty of medicine at the university you mentioned to Apolo.” Grandfather presents him with an envelope. “This is a bank account I opened in your name with enough funds to cover your full tuition and al related expenses. Inside, there’s also a key to an apartment I bought for you, located near the campus. You have my full support, and I’m sorry you had to witness your own father turn his back on you. On a positive and constructive note, you were able to experience what it feels like to work for what you want. I believe you will become a great doctor, Ares.” Grandfather shakes his hands and slowly gets up. “Well, that’s all. I must go and have a rest.”
My father follows him, keeping his head down. Ares and I are left alone. I can read from his expression that he’s still processing what just happened.
The words from our grandfather were painful to hear, though they were honest. The fact that I didn’t support Ares will always weigh heavily on my conscience.
I can’t pinpoint the exact reason why I refused to support him. Perhaps I didn’t want to contradict our father. Or maybe I was jealous that Ares would be able to choose what he wanted to study. No matter the reason, what I did was indefensible. I acted like a terrible person and a bad brother.
I get up from my seat. “I’m truly sorry. And I’m glad that you’ll be able to pursue your dreams.” I try to smile. “Ares, you deserve it. You, unlike me, had the strength to veer off the path that was laid down for you. Our grandfather has good reason to be proud of you.”
I expected Ares would derive some gratification from the reprimand that my father and I received, but there’s no trace of joy in his expression. He appears receptive of my apologies, and understanding of my actions. He’s definitely a better person than I am.
“It’s never too late to change your life, Artemis.”
“It’s too late for me. Good luck, brother.”
I find Claudia in the hallway outside the study. We pass each other, keeping our eyes down. I go up the stairs and head to the terrace. From up here, I can see the main entrance, the garden, the fountain, and the parked cars. I sit down on one of the metal chairs and lean back, closing my eyes. I massage my forehead with my fingers. My grandfather’s words keep repeating inside my head. When I open my eyes, I find my father standing with his back to me. His hands are on the balcony railing and his eyes are fixed on the sky. He looks over his shoulder and back at me.
And for the first time in a long while, his expression is not blank.
He looks very sad.
“Why?”
I frown. “Why what?”
