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I wondered if I had been too hard on her, and apologized duly just for peace to reign. After I hung up, I sat down in the bar, exhausted. But I was thinking; thinking about so many things I could not control.
The next day was better. She smiled when he saw me in the morning. The gardener was around and she was there, watching him. I was a little surprised to see her there as she never watched the gardener. Even if she did, I had never seen her do that.
"Hey!" I called her, expecting a happy answer. She smiled at me but didn't wave back. She just smiled and focused on the gardener who happened to be very skilled at his work.
I walked over to her and gave her a pat on her back. She looked back and smiled at me lovingly. I wanted to hug her so badly and tell her it would all be okay. I only wished she would stop giving me the cold shoulder.
"Claire, what's wrong? Will you at least tell me so that I can fix it? I am willing to fix it, baby."
"No, Jonah. You can't fix it. Just let me be for now. I need some space to be able to think things over. I hate that I'm treating you this way, but this is not my fault."
So there was something, I thought. I knew it. There was no reason for her to treat me that way if nothing was bothering her. She was even the one who usually came looking for me. I guess that was what made me fear for our relationship since she had never behaved that way before.
After that, I went home to have some retrospection. I wondered if she was truly the right woman for me, or if I was just consumed with lust and desire. Will arrived shortly after. It was his result collection day, and he entered, beaming with smiles.
"Hey, son. How did it go?"
Will said nothing and handed the paper to me. I felt a little tinge of fear in me as he handed it over. Will never failed his exams and I was slightly worried that this would be his first.
"Wow! You did great, son! This is so impressive!"
Will's result was very impressive. In addition, he had come second in his class for academics and first overall. He was named the best student overall for his contribution in all aspects.
I took Will out that evening to his favorite place. It was a gaming hub where Will met people of his ilk and played with them. I didn't play video games, but I knew how much he loved it, so I brought him there when I felt he deserved it.
On our way out of the house, I met Claire. It was shockingly coincidental, and I wondered if she was stalking me without my knowledge. I had to be sure anyway.
She did not say hello when we passed by her. Will was worse, as he didn't even act like he saw her at all. I went back and asked her how she was feeling. I had to do that since she carried my child anyway.
"I'm fine, Jonah. I was just about to go inside when you came out. You're going somewhere, I suppose?" She asked, seemingly more interested in talking than before.
"Yes. Do you want to come?"
It must have been the breeze or my great ability to notice things, but I noticed that Will made a gesture of displeasure. My eyes went in his direction and I noticed he made a face to dissuade me from convincing her further. I wished he would just like her too, so I could have some peace regarding that.
"No, have a great time with your son. I would love to go, but I have a lot to do this evening. Maybe when you are back, you can drop by?"
The drive to the hub was a little too silent. Claire had most definitely seen his gesture earlier, hence her words. I wanted to caution Will, but I didn't know where to start. After all, he had not done anything wrong to her. He simply didn't like her.
"She knew, Will."
"I know, Dad. I'm sorry. But Dad, I'm not sorry to say the way I feel. I have tried to be different, but the truth is I don't like her very much. I have never liked her. Even before you got involved with her, Dad. But if she is going to be your wife, I will accord her respect only in respect for you, Dad."
"Well, you have not done that this evening. Claire is a very observant and smart woman, and I am very sure she noticed what you did."
Will dropped his head a bit. He seemed to feel busted, and he apologized to me afterward. As expected, I forgave him since he was my only son after all. But I still worried about his relationship with Claire.
"Yes!" I heard Will shout as he played a video game with his mate at the hub. I sat back behind them and watched Will play with pride.
I did not care about who won the game, although you could be sure that I was rooting for him to win regardless. It was easy to think that was because he was my son, but the truth was that I loved his personality so much that I would have done the same if put in his shoes.
Will won massively that day, and a few boys came later to gamble with him since he was so good. But I stepped in and told Will we were leaving. I hated to be a party pooper, but it was worth it. My son did not need to be involved in betting to win any sort of game.
The drive back was less awkward. Will was so puffed and happy, and I shared in his happiness. He had won a lot of people that day, and I had been there to watch him win.
We sang loud in the car, and I played a few of my favorite songs so we could sing along. Although Will knew all of those songs, I knew he would have preferred other types of songs that were more suited to his age group.
Back at home, I made us some food. I was famished anyway, and Will was so happy that day. It was a perfect day for him.
