Читать книгу Ananke - Gilda Salinas - Страница 7

She tried to look her best. She had used the MP3 player— an old gift from Chilo—with all their favorite songs the entire week. Sometimes she murmured the songs to herself, other times she bellowed them. On that morning outside the assembly plant, everything seemed like before, there was excitement in his eyes, the desire to kiss her. Why not believe he had changed and they’d be back together? She could picture everything: their lives in the routine of a nice warm meal after he came back from the street market, the warmth and the aroma of their bodies at night, Sunday mass with their baby boy in her arms, the sun that makes her eyes squint, and a big family meal after that. However, going back to him also required some concessions.

She was about ready to go when something came to her mind. I should take Antonio. I’m sure he wants to see him. Any father would love to hold his son, especially when they look so much alike. She got him dressed. Armandina was curious.

“Where are you going, child?”

“Oh, just to the avenue, mom. You want me to bring anything?”

Armandina noticed how dressed up she was, and the way she dodged her gaze.

“Why are you changing the boy’s clothes if he’s already clean?” She stared at them in silence, and speculated about her actions. Mel didn’t face her. “You say you’re going to the avenue? With whom? Why are you taking the boy?”

“Oh, I just want my friends to meet him, we agreed to—”

“Don’t you lie to me, Mel, tell me where you’re going.”

She began to kiss and cuddle her son to avoid replying, she told him how handsome he would look in those new pants. Armandina went to the kitchen. She needed to think, or pray.

Soon after, the girl was on her way to the door with the boy in her arms. Armandina stopped them. “If you go see that man despite everything he’s done, that’s your problem, but you’re not taking my grandson.”

“Why is everyone yelling?” Juan shouted from his room.

Armandina thought about her next words before challenging Mel. “I’m the one taking care of him. My house, my rules. Give him to me.”

Mélida stepped back. Antonio was her son. She was free to do whatever she wanted with him. “See? I knew sooner or later you’d try to control me. That’s why I ended up moving with Chilo.”

“Vieja! What’s going on with the kid?”

“Don’t worry about it, Juan, I’m coming,” she replied to her husband. She blocked the door. Mel had to make a quick choice. She didn’t want to upset her father, and it was already late. What if Chilo didn’t wait for her? She faced the ground to hide her anger. Defeated, she put her son on the floor. Her mother moved out of the way but tried to warn her one last time about what she was about to do, and that was all. She saw her flee and slam the door. The kid gave clumsy steps after her. His tiny hand touched the metal surface of the door, and wept. Armandina hugged him and took him to his bedroom while he sobbed.