A Special Love
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When I return from classes, my room seems so empty without Geof and his things I can't stand it. Even though we didn't talk that much, the silence presses in, so I walk across the street to a small off-campus bar and grill for something to eat and down a couple of beers. I seldom drink, but a beer relaxes me. On my way back to the dorm, I realize I shouldn't have a second beer, because it makes me introspective and, looking around the room again, I miss Geof even more.
I finally give up and go to bed. I suddenly awake in darkness, not from any noise, but from a dream I can hardly believe I had. Geof and I are at the old mill again, this time with a picnic lunch. Geof is full of joy, his smile radiant as he tells me he loves me then gives me a kiss. That's what woke me. I seem to sense Geof's presence in the room and start crying at the futility of it all. After a while I calm enough to go back to sleep.
It's almost ten when I awake, thankful it's Thursday and I have no classes. After I've dressed and had a cup of instant coffee, the dining hall having closed an hour ago and I'm not hungry enough to walk to the student union for something to eat. I remember what I told Geof's dad so I walk across the street to the hospital and ask to speak to the doctor who arranges the South American trips.
The receptionist smiles at me. "You’re in luck, young man, Doctor Hawkes is in his office. It's on the 5th floor."
I find his door and knock, entering after he yells, "Come."
Hawkes looks to be in his mid 30's. He tells me to sit and asks what he can do for me. His face lights with pleasure when I tell him why I'm there.
"Thank you for thinking of our program, Cam. We need all the help we can get. Why don't you go get the prosthesis now if you have time, and I'll make up a packet of information for your roommate's father."
I get a few odd looks from people as I get Geof's leg from the car and carry it in. "That was fast," Hawkes comments.
"Dorm's just across the street. Here you are, Doctor."
He whistles when he examines Geof's leg. "Excellent. Not today's state of the art, but very fine. I know a young man in Ecuador who needs this badly, and it looks to be about the right length. Only a new stump socket is needed, and that's easily and cheaply done."
"Could I ask a favor?"
"Of course."
"When you take this to him, would you take his picture for me? I promised Geof's dad I'd let him know if you could use it in any way."
"I could do that. In fact, I have a picture of him already, but I'm sure you'd like one of him on this leg."
"Could I have both?"
"Why not? Thanks to you, he's going to have a new life." He takes an envelope of pictures from his desk and sorts through them, finally holding out one to me.
The young man is tall, slender, striking with his light olive complexion and black hair and sparkling eyes. He has a crutch under one arm, his right leg missing at almost the same place as Geof's.
"Thank you, sir. He's very nice looking. Would you tell me something about him?"
Hawkes shakes his head. "I can only tell you that he wants to finish the university there and has been working to try to save enough money. His family can't afford to give him much help. He doesn't really qualify under our program guidelines, but because of your gift I'm making an exception. He will have this leg." He smiles at me again. "He speaks some English and I know he has access to a computer at the university. If you would like I can give him your e-mail address, because he's going to be interested in why he's getting a leg after we told him we couldn't help him. Mind you, we don't leave until after Christmas, so don't expect to hear from him soon."
"Please, I'd like that and I know Mr. Carruthers would." I write my address down on a slip of paper he hands me, then watch as he tapes it securely inside the stump socket.
He places the leg in the corner, then holds out a bulging envelope. "Here's the information about our work you asked for. Thank you again for what you've done, and feel free to come by any time if you have a question."
When I get back to the dorm and check my mail, there's one from Geof's dad waiting with an attachment. I open it to read: Dear Cam, forgive me for having my secretary do this, but there are so many things to be done. The service for Geof will be at 3 on Saturday at St. Matthew's Church, Eden. I hope you will be able to come tomorrow and be with me. Attached is a map directing you to the house. Come directly there. If I am not at home when you arrive, my housekeeper will be expecting you. Hall
I print out the map, scan the photo into my picture program, then go to see my professors about my absences tomorrow. Only one says I'll have to take an unexcused cut, the rest are more generous because my grades are decent and give me the assignments they'll announce in class.
I grab some lunch, then start on my homework. I'm about half done when the phone rings. The conversation is brief, and I start packing. Mr. Carruthers has asked me to come immediately, if I can.
The trip is easy, taking me about an hour and three-quarters. Eden is not a big place, but so spread out because it was formed by three smaller towns merging that I'm glad of the map. I know they have money, but I'm surprised when I reach a gated community and get stopped by a guard who asks my name. He lets me in immediately, directing me to the Carruthers home.
The front door opens while I'm getting out of Geof's car and Mr. Carruthers comes down the steps to hug me in greeting. "Cam, I hope I haven't bothered you too much, but I really need you with me. I thought I could do things alone, but I can't."
"It's no trouble, sir. I don't have classes today, and I've already told my professors I won't be there tomorrow."
"Thank you, son. I'll show you to your room and let you freshen up then I need you to go with me."
I follow him in, my mind hardly able to take in the beauty of the house. He shows me to a bedroom and indicates the bath, then tells me he'll meet me downstairs.
A few minutes later we're in the backseat of a Bentley, a chauffeur at the wheel. When he stops, we're at a funeral home.
"Cam," Mr. Carruthers says, "I want you to come with me to say goodbye to Geof. I can't bring myself to do it alone."
I'd rather be anywhere else, doing anything else than this, but how can I refuse. "Yes, sir."
The moment we're in the slumber room he grasps my hand tightly and we walk over to the coffin to see Geof. Though I'd rather remember him as he was at the millstream, I look down at his body thinking that although Tuesday was just day before yesterday, it seems so long ago now. After a few minutes, his dad and I wipe our eyes and go out to the car.
"Cam, I know it was hard, but thank you. I didn't feel alone and there is no one else. Geof's mother has been in a hospice for nearly a year now in a coma. I can only wish her the peace that Geof has finally found."
"I'm so sorry, sir."
He nods. "Yes, there are things worse than death. I realize that now."
Next, we drop by an insurance company where Mr. Carruthers talks to the agent, and I sign some papers changing the insurance on the Jag to my name because it's already been paid for a year. Another stop at Motor Vehicles to transfer title to me, then we return to the house.
After Mr. Carruthers has gotten a drink for himself and the Coke I asked for, we sit down in a comfortable sunroom at the back of the house. It over looks a beautiful swimming pool and fantastic landscaped garden.
"Cam, have you had a chance to talk with the doctor about the leg yet?"
"Yes, sir. I went over this morning as a matter of fact. He seemed delighted to have Geof's leg. Let me get the information. I have a picture of the young man he plans to give it to."
Mr. Carruthers looks pleased. I run upstairs and bring down the information, handing it to him. He sets it aside and takes the picture, looking at it. "Tell me what you know."
I relate to him what little the doctor had told me, then he looks at me. "Cam, did the doctor give you any way to contact this young man?"
"No, sir, but he said Roberto speaks some English and has a computer at the university he can use, so he took my e-mail address and put it in Geof's leg so he could contact me. It won't be until after Christmas."
"I wish he could have given you this young man's address, but when he contacts you, please let me know immediately."
"Yes, sir. I won't forget."
He reaches over and pats my hand. "I know. You're one who keeps his promises. I admire that, Cam. You don't know how much your being here has helped. If there's anything you want while you're here, please don't hesitate to ask."
Typical of our capricious North Carolina weather, Friday is unseasonably warm, so I get a swim in the pool while Mr. Carrthers is out somewhere. Though I'm uncomfortable at the thought, I can't refuse him when he asks me to go with him to the funeral home for the visitation that evening. He introduces me to everyone who comes in at the beginning then I find a comfortable chair in a corner and sit.
When the crowd begins to drift out, he motions to me and we leave. It's an emotional weariness, but I'm glad to hit the bed early.
He hadn't told me before hand, so I'm surprised when we arrive at the church for the service. Mr. Carruthers leads me over to a brick wall in the beautiful church garden and shows me a simple bronze plaque set in the brick with Geof's name and dates on it.
"Geof's ashes rest here now. I like to think he would approve of looking out at this lovely garden."
"I'm sure he would, sir. This is very beautiful."
"His grandparents are just above. They gave the money to have this columbarium built and the garden cared for perpetually."
The church is filled with people. At the front of chancel steps is a table with a large portrait of Geof that I had seen over the fireplace in the living room; it's surrounded by flowers. As soon as we're seated, the memorial service begins. Mr. Carruthers guides me through the Anglican Mass. When the organist has finished playing 'Lift High the Cross' with full organ, Mr. Carruthers whispers to me that Geof was crucifer here during his high school years and loved the hymn.
When we're back at his house, Mr. Carruthers and I change into more comfortable clothes and talk until dinner, mostly about me, my family, and school. After, he reads the papers while I read a book I had stared earlier.
Late Sunday morning I bring my bags down and we have breakfast together. The cook looks at me with a smile each time she comes in the dining room. Mr. Carruthers seems genuinely sad as he tells me to have a safe trip and makes me promise to come back for a weekend now and then. The drive back to school is fast, but I'm in a somber frame of mind.
My family is shocked at the Jag when I arrive home for the Christmas holiday. I tell them how I came by it, my father telling me he doesn't approve of my taking such an expensive gift, but that he's proud of the way I helped Geof, even though one of my semester grades was lower than I expected as a result
I've not forgotten Geof, as if I ever will, but I find a suitable card and send it to Mr. Carruthers, hoping the poor man has someone to spend Christmas with. Christmas evening I call him at my parents' suggestion and we have a nice conversation. He tells me he's just gotten in, that his closest friend had him there to share Christmas.
The day after I return to school, I'm checking my e-mail when I see one from a ragular@ue.eu that puzzles me until I open it.
Honored Senor McCabe, I much overcome with joy I forget English. Today I stand on two leg. El Senor Doctor tell me it come from your great heart. It make me a man again, I can work more to complete my university.
I cry much hard from joy to write this. I light a candle to our Blessed Mother for you, and wish you well. I write when I remember English. Muchos gracias, mi caro bienhechora y mi amigo. Roberto Alvarez de Agular.
I look at the bed Geof used and say, "This is to you, Geof. I know you are happy at helping someone else. He will love you as much as I, buddy."
I immediately send a copy of the e-mail to Geof's father, adding a few words of my own, telling him I'll send him the picture of Roberto as soon as Doctor Hawke gets back and gives it to me. I save Roberto's letter in a new file, and turn back to my studies.
After I've eaten dinner, I go back to my room and write a long letter to Roberto telling him of Geof and his father, that I have sent a copy of his e-mail to Mr. Carruthers.
I am surprised that I get no immediate reply from Mr. Carruthers, but several days later I get another from Roberto:
Mi Honored Senor Cam, now I write better English. My mother and father have many tears when I go home and they see my new leg. They bless you and Senor Carruthers. I remain so full of joy as they for this miracle. We give thanks daily for your kindness to a stranger.
I am much happy to know you are a student at university. I have one year. I wish to study law. I work one year to go university one year. Is long, but with leg I work more.
El proctor tell me my computer time es terminar. Please to write and tell how you live in America. I respond to all your kind letter to me as I computer use.
Su amigo, Roberto
I send a copy to Mr. Carruthers and save this and my earlier reply to the file.
A few days later I get a call from Doctor Hawke asking me to drop by his office. As soon as my last class is over I do.
"Cam, good to see you. Have you had any mail from Roberto?"
"Two e-mails, but he doesn't have much computer time apparently."
"He told me they were very limited in time because their university doesn't have that many computers. I wish you could have been with me, Cam. I've seen quite a few people when we've helped them, but none have been as overcome with emotion as Roberto when I showed him the leg. He grabbed my hand and kept kissing it to the point I almost couldn't get a mold of his stump. When he walked out on it after we made a socket to fit his stump and gave him a little practice using it, he was crying with joy.
"I did a little investigation on my day off and found his parents have a little cantina catering to foreign tourists. I expect that's where Roberto learned a lot of his English. They're hardly better off than peasants, yet they're sacrificing everything to give him an education in hope he has a better life. I'd have never found a way to help Roberto if you hadn't brought in Goef's leg. He's a fine hard working young man who really deserves the chance at life the leg will give him."
He hands me a picture. "This is Roberto now. He was delighted I took his picture to bring you. Handsome devil, isn't he? He's a damn fine young man, too."
"I really appreciate this, Doctor. I'll send it to Mr. Carruthers tonight, and tell him what you've said about Roberto. He'll be happy to know what kind of man he is."
He grins. "We're having a fund raiser soon so we can make another trip. If he's so inclined, we'd welcome any gift he cares to make."
"I think he might kick in something. I'll ask anyway."
"Thanks, Cam. Keep me posted about Roberto. I know you'll be hearing from him."
"Will do, and thanks for the picture."
I'm finishing up my homework Friday night when the phone rings. It's Geof's dad telling me he's been out of town on business and would like me to come for the weekend if I can. I tell him I'll see him tomorrow.
I'm greeted with a hug and a fantastic lunch. The minute we're finished, Mr. Carruthers drags me into his study and asks for a full report on Roberto. I tell him what Doctor Hawke told me then give him the picture. He looks at it closely, then compares it with the first one he's put on his desk in a small frame. "Cam, I know their culture is very different from ours, but it's beyond me why he would think losing a leg made him less than a man."
"Doctor Hawke told me it has a lot to do with the way disabled people are regarded there. Seems most of them wind up beggars because nobody will give them a chance. They don't have any sort of rehab programs except for the very rich. That's why Doctor Hawke and the others go down there when they can raise enough money."
He looks at me in surprise. "This doesn't have anything to do with the university?"
"No, sir. It's all volunteer by the doctors. They can't go unless they raise funds privately."
"I read their material and it seems to be the only program of that type. What would you think if I gave them a donation in memory of Geof?"
"I've gotten to know Doctor Hawke a little and he impresses as totally devoted to doing the best he can with the money. I found out he's in charge, so I doubt any gets wasted."
"I was very impressed with the letter he sent me thanking me for Geof's leg. He said it would be put to good use, but he made no mention of needing funds. I trust your judgement on this, Cam. Thank you for being so open with me."
He takes me out for dinner and I find I enjoy his company. Before he's been dependent on me, now we're more like friends. My dad's a good man, but Geof was lucky to have a dad like Mr. Carruthers.
After we have dinner Sunday and I'm getting ready to go back to school, he asks, "What have you planned for spring break, Cam?"
"Nothing really. I plan on going home to see the folks, but not much else."
"Would you be willing to spend a lot of it with me and a young man you've never met? I know you'll like him."
"Yes, sir. I don't think my parents will mind."
"Excellent. I'll let you know more later if my plans work out. And please find out from Doctor Hawke when they plan their next trip."
The first time I have a free day, I run over to see Hawke. I have to wait for about a half-hour while he finishes an operation. He grins when he comes back to his office and sees me, telling me that he and his group will be making a trip in the spring now they've just had a generous donation from Mr. C. He smiles and says I'll be in for a big surprise at spring break. I'd love to know what he means, but he's paged.
A few nights before spring break, Mr. Carruthers calls and asks me to meet a plane at the only commercial airport between the Univ. and Eden on the day spring break begins. He says I'll know whom I'm to meet the minute I see him, and to bring him to the house.
The last passenger through the gate is a fantastic looking guy who looks totally bewildered. "Roberto!" I yell and run toward him.
"Senor Cam?"
I nod and he hugs me. "I think Senor Doctor joke me when he say I come America, but he take me to plane yesterday," he says tearfully. "Is so good to see you. I have no way to open picture you send. You mucho handsome, Senor Cam."
"Call me Cam, Roberto. You are even more handsome than you are in the pictures. Let's go, Mr. Carruthers is waiting at home."
He tells me the small bag he's carrying is his only luggage so I lead him out to the parking lot. His eyes open wide when I unlock my car and lower the top.
"Is your car?"
"It was Geof's, but Mr. Carruthers gave it to me. He's a very kind man."
"Si. I have leg from him."
Roberto is busy looking at everything and asking questions as I drive. At last, he says, "Such rich country I cannot believe."
"This is just ordinary. Mr. Carruthers is rich. Wait 'til you see his house."
"You are no rich?"
I shake my head. "Far from it. We're just ordinary folks."
"What is ordinary folks?"
"You know. We live like most other people."
He shakes his head. "I see nothing like my country. America much more rich. That is why I wish to be lawyer. I make life better for my family."
I get waved on by the guard this time. Robertos' eyes are huge when he sees the house. "Is palace," he gasps.
"Naa. Just a big house."
Mr. Carruthers comes down the steps to greet us. When he extends his hand to Roberto, Roberto lifts it and begins to kiss it over and over. Mr. Carruthers looks at me, but I just shrug.
Roberto's eyes are streaming when he lets go of Mr. Carrtuher's hand and says, "You are great man, Senor. A poor man as I no deserve such kindness. I much grateful, Senor."
"You are a fine man, Roberto. It is my pleasure to meet you at last and welcome you to my home. Get his bag, would you, Cam."
He walks in with his arm around Roberto's shoulder; Roberto looks around as awed as I was the first time.
"Cam, I'm putting Roberto in the room next to yours. Would you show him up, then bring him to the sunroom for drinks when he is ready?"
"Yes, sir. Come on, Roberto." I pick up his small bag and point out my room, then show him his.
Though Mr. C makes me feel at home here, I feel like a bellhop at having to show Roberto the bath, where the towels are, and all the little things I've taken for granted all my life. The poor guy looks completely lost.
"Cam, I no stay here."
"Why not?"
"Is too grand."
"You are a guest here just as I. Enjoy yourself; I always do."
"You be here often?"
"Every time I'm invited. Wait until dinner; his cook is fantastic. Do you want to change into something more comfortable?" He's wearing a suit that shows hard wear.
"I have jeans and shirt."
"Put 'em on."
"I cannot for to eat at rich man's table."
"Why not? Look at mine." I'm wearing jeans also, though I had planned to put on a pair of slacks for dinner. Then it dawns on me that this is all the clothes Roberto has brought. "I'm not changing, so put 'em on. I'll be in my room."
"Please, Cam, how shower to work? Also I wash what I wear for tomorrow."
I show him how to divert the water to the shower then say, "Leave your clothes on the floor. They will be washed and ready for you tomorrow morning."
He shakes his head and starts to undress, so I leave him and go for a quick wash-up myself. When he comes to my door, the jeans and shirt he has on are more worn than his suit. Mr. Carruthers raises his eyebrow at me when we enter the sunroom. I hold my right hand out, palm up, to show I'll explain later.
I take a Coke from the bar fridge while Mr. Carruthers asks Roberto what he wants to drink. He goes over to the bar and looks at the assortment of liquors. He points to a bottle of Campari. "I have, Senor?" He asks.
"Of course. With soda and a twist?"
Roberto nods. As soon as Mr. Carruthers hands him the drink, Roberto sips it cautiously, then smiles. "Is good."
As soon as they are seated, Mr. Carruthers begins to ask Roberto questions about his school and country, listening carefully to his answers. Occasionally he has to ask the question over in halting Spanish when Roberto doesn't seem to understand. I don't speak any Spanish, so I miss some of what they say.
Dinner is the usual feast. Roberto does have good table manners, though he's constantly glancing at me to see what I do. When he stifles a yawn during the coffee after dinner, he blushes.
"How thoughtless of me, Roberto," Mr. Carruthers says. "You must be tired after a long flight. Do go to bed if you wish, Cam and I will talk a while longer."
"You most kind, Senor. I wish you good evening."
When he's upstairs, Mr. Carruthers looks at me. "Doesn't he have any clothes, Cam."
"No, sir. I apologize for wearing jeans to dinner, but that's all he had other than his suit, so I dressed the same to make him feel comfortable. He said he needed to wash what he was wearing for tomorrow. I told him to leave them."
"Run up and see if he's done that, if you don't mind. Bring them down and give them to cook, she'll put them in the laundry."
I knock at Roberto's door and enter to see him picking up his clothes. He's wearing only a worn pair of briefs.
"Si, Cam?"
I hold out my hand. "I'll take your things to the laundry."
"No, Cam. I wash."
"Not a chance, buddy. Let me have 'em."
He reluctantly gives them to me. Seeing the leg reminds me so much of Geof, I feel sad for a moment. "Sleep well, Roberto. I'm next door if you need anything."
"Gracias, Cam."
Mr. C is talking to a maid I've never seen before when I come down. He stops and indicates that she's to take Roberto's clothes from me. She does and leaves the room.
"Cam, did you see any other clothes in Roberto's room?"
"No, sir."
"I know a man of his pride would bring his best on a trip, so god knows what he wears at home. I want you to take him into Geof's room and let him try on everything. He's about Geof's size, so a lot of it may fit. Anything else he needs you can get when you take him shopping tomorrow. Be certain he has enough to last for a while."
"Yes, sir."
"I need to be at the plant a while tomorrow morning, so I'll leave you some money if I'm gone before you get up. You'd better buy him a large suitcase, too." I nod. "Now, Cam, tell me honestly what you think of him?"
"I don't know, sir. He's obviously poor by our standards because he thought ordinary houses were for rich people. I like him. He mostly wants to get a good job so he can help his family."
"He impresses me, too. He wouldn't be working so hard to get an education if he didn't want to succeed. In his way, I think he is a fine hardworking young man just as Doctor Hawke said."
"I think so, too."
"I'm glad, because I'm calling his university tomorrow. I just hope I can get someone who speaks English, because I want to know more about him. If they say he's worthy, I will give him a scholarship to finish school."
"Thank you, sir. When I went up there he was down to his briefs and I saw Geof's leg. For a minute I thought he was Geof."
"I had almost forgotten he has Geof's leg, he walks so perfectly." He gets up and hugs me. "You were right, Cam. In a way Geof does live on in him, that's why I'm glad to see he's worthy of any help I can get him to take."
"Me, too, sir. Thank you for bringing him here. I wish he could go to the university. I'd be glad to room with him."
"I know you would, Cam, but if he stays with law, he'll need the classes they offer in Ecuador. Their law is different than ours."
"I know. I just hate to see him leave when there's so much to show him."
"Make the most of the week. I'll bring him up in the summer for a couple of weeks and we'll all go to the beach house. If you'll pardon me, I'll be going to bed now."
"Yes, sir."
It's Roberto who wakes me the next morning. "I regret to wake you, Cam," he says when he comes in wearing the jeans and shirt from last night.
"No problem, we have a busy day. Let me get dressed and we'll go down for breakfast."
When I'm ready, we go down to the kitchen. Cook sends us into the breakfast room and brings in far more than either of us can eat. Roberto surprises me, by eating more than I. After he's finished a second cup of coffee, I take him back upstairs.
"Go take off your jeans and shirt and the leg, and come back on the crutches."
"Why is this?"
"You're going to be trying on a lot of clothes."
"But …"
"Mr. Carruthers told me to do this, Roberto. Now go."
He comes back a few minutes later and follows me into Geof's room. He looks at the TV, stereo, tower computer system, books, and everything else in awe. "For who all this?"
"This was Geof's room, so this was all his stuff."
He looks amazed. "This is Geof who gives me leg?"
"Yes. Rather Mr. Carruthers did after Goef died. Geof was my roommate at school."
"I have sorrow to know Geof is with God. He special young man I think."
"He was." I open the dresser and toss Roberto a pair of shorts and a T-shirt. "Try these on first."
He blushes as he sits on the bed to pull off his briefs and put on the pair I've handed him. The briefs aren't a bad fit, but the T-shirt is a little large. "How do they feel?"
"So fine," he says with a smile. "I like shirt so."
"Good. Keep 'em on." I pull one of Geof's sport shirts from another drawer and hand it to him. "Try this."
It's a little large, too, just as I expected, but Roberto stops smiling when I shake my head and say, "It's too big for you."
"Oh, no. Is very hot in Ecuador." He pulls the shirt out for me to see how loose it is on him. "We wear like so."
"Are you sure?"
"Si. This feel like shirt at home, I like."
"Okay by me, then." I open the closet and hand him a pair of slacks. To my surprise they fit him well and the length is just about right. I had thought him a little taller than Geof, guess it's because he doesn't have Geof's muscular build. I find a shirt that goes well with the slacks and tell him to put it on, that we're going shopping.
He goes to his room to put on the leg and comes back with his long hair neatly combed. He looks gorgeous in Geof's clothes. We're just at the bottom of the stairs when Mr. C comes in.
"Dear Lord, what a transformation," he says.
"Yes, sir," I reply.
"Let's have lunch then I'll go shopping with you."
"I'd like that, sir. I don't think Roberto understands what this is all about."
"I see. How did the clothes fit?"
The shirts and coats are a little big, but he says he wears them that way because of the heat."
Mr. C nods. "They would, of course. It's a tropical country, so he won't need many heavy clothes."
"Please, Senor, why you tell Cam for me to put on clothes?" Roberto asks.
"Because you can use them."
"I am to use here, yes?"
Mr. C nods. "And I will send them to you at home when you leave."
"With respect, Senior, I cannot."
"Why not? You look very handsome and you will need them when you return to the university."
"Is so much!" He protests.
"Roberto, Geof would be proud to see you looking so handsome. You have his leg and that gives me much pleasure. Allow me to give you more of his things as a memorial to him."
I'm surprised to see tears in Roberto's eyes again. "Oh, Senor, so much you give to me. I must accept for save father money when I go to university."
"You and Cam are like sons to me, Roberto, so I hope you will think of me as your American father."
"My heart overflows, Senor. I much happy you think me son. Truly, I have blessing."
When Roberto goes up to his room after lunch, Mr. C calls me aside. "Do you have a new computer, Cam?"
"Yes, sir. I got it last year because some of my classes require it."
"I realize that Roberto cannot use a big computer like Goef's, but he can have the lap-top."
"I think there's a difference in their electricity, sir."
"Thanks for reminding me. We'll stop at the shop and see if we can find an adapter that will work."
Roberto's eyes get huge again when he sees the Bentley. I get in front with the chauffeur and let them have the back seat. Mr. C chats with Roberto who is taking in everything. One of the clerks in the computer store rushes over when he sees Mr. C and listens while he explains what he needs.
"I don't have it in stock, but I'll check with the manufacturer of that computer and get what you need by day after tomorrow. You'll need a different phone plug too, I think."
"Find out and get whatever we need. You have the billing record on file."
Roberto is looking around in wonder. "So many computer. Is wonderful to see."
"Yeah, I have fun in a store like this."
"You have computer?" he asks in surprise.
"Have to. I need it for a lot of my courses at school."
"I dream of computer. I have little time at university. That why I must send short message."
"If you had one, could you use it in your room at school and at home?"
"For send message I take to room for computer at university. You can use in residence hall?"
"Yeah. Every room has a phone line so we can be on the campus net."
"How wonderful that. If I had computer I could no use at home. No phone there."
"But you have electricity?"
He smiles proudly. "Yes."
"Then you could do a lot of work on it at home."
"Si. But it dream for man like me." He looks around again. "You American so rich. So much I can only dream."
When we're back in the car, Roberto says to Mr. C, "Sir, we go to shop so I buy cloth for mother?"
"Of course, son. Tom, Valley Mall," he says to the chauffeur.
Even knowing there's money in Eden, I'm surprised at the upscale stores. Mr. C winks at me after seeing Roberto's amazed expression. We walk casually through a large department store, Roberto looking at everything. When he stops at a fabric counter, Mr. C asks, "You wish to get that for your mother?"
"Oh, si, Senor. She make her dress. She like such fine cloth."
"That is not very good quality. You should get something much better."
"You know, Senior?"
"I've spent my life making fabrics, son. My grandfather started the mill years ago and I ran it after my father until I sold out a couple of years ago. I'm still the CEO for local operations. Would you like to see the plant?"
"Much, Senior."
"I would, too, sir. I didn't know what you did."
"Excellent. I love to show it off and Roberto might see something he likes in our display room."
I'm as fascinated as Roberto during our tour of the plant. It's unbelievable at how fast the machines weave material from dozens of spools of thread. But the display room blows my mind. There are hundreds of fabrics of all types and colors. Roberto seems attracted to bright colors and patterns. He looks at three different fabrics indecisively.
"You like these, son?" Mr. C asks.
"Much beautiful. This soft and good."
"This is summer weight, so it would be good in your climate."
"I can buy?"
"For you I will make an exception. These are sample bolts, but I can cut what you need from the back of the bolt."
"I no understand."
Mr. C picks up one of the bolts and puts it on a table, unrolling it about six feet. "I will cut from far end so the colors will be fresh and clean. These get handled quite a bit."
Roberto nods. "Si. How much?"
"How much do you need?"
"I not know," he says sadly.
"Is your mother slender or large framed?"
"Mother much like woman we see when we enter."
Mr. C steps to the door and calls, "Mrs. Sims, would you come here a minute, please?"
"Yes, sir?"
"Do you happen to know how many yards it takes to make a dress for a woman your size?"
"It depends on the pattern, but three yards is more than enough unless there's a jacket with the dress. A straight street dress can be done with two or two and a half depending on the pattern and length."
"This young man wants some fabric to take to his mother, but he doesn't know how much to get."
"I'd suggest three yards at a minimum, then. Would you like me to help you, sir?"
"Please. Cut from the back end of the bolt. Which one do you like, Roberto?"
"I can no say, Senior. They so beautiful."
"Then take four yards from each of these bolts, Mrs. Sims."
Mr. C unrolls the fabric to the end of the bolt; she measures then cuts. When Mr. C lays the second bolt on the table, Roberto says, "I can not for so much pay, Senor."
"I think you can. Go ahead, Mrs. Sims."
They don't stop until she's cut each of the fabrics. As she lays the scissors aside, she says, "You might let him look through the ends in the plant, sir. They're due to be sent to recycling next week."
"Thank you, I hadn't even thought of that. Put this in my office and I'll write it up later. Come along, boys."
He leads us back into the plant and stops in front of several large boxes filled with short pieces of fabric. "See what you can find that you like, Roberto. These are fabric ends from the standard bolts. It costs only what we'd get from the recycler."
With a hasty search, Roberto finds a half dozen pieces Mr. C says are long enough to make a dress. "No more," Roberto sighs. "I no can pay."
Mr. C hands the fabric to me to carry and we got back to his office. He begins to write figures on a pad. The scrap pieces come to only a dollar and a half, but the fabrics from the display room comes to nearly sixty dollars at cost.
He looks at Roberto. "How much do you have to spend, Roberto?"
Roberto pulls a wad of worn colored notes from his pocket. "I not have American money, Senor. Please to count."
Mr. C counts the bills rapidly and comes to a total of several thousand. He turns to his computer and brings up monetary exchange rates. When he writes it down I can see it's very low and Roberto doesn't have near enough, but Mr. C counts out about a third of the bills, handing the rest back to Roberto with a smile.
"We need to stop at a fabric shop and pick up the thread to match, as well as buttons and zippers," he tells Roberto.
"Please. Mother say our thread not so good."
I'm worn out by the time we get back to the house, but Roberto is so happy he's almost babbling as he thanks Mr. C over and over. I'm ready for swim then a beer.
I find a pair of trunks in Geof's room and hand them to Roberto. He wants to use the leg, but I talk him into crutches by telling him water is bad for the leg. He's so beautiful when he comes out of his room I can only stare at him.
"Is wrong?" He asks.
"No, buddy, you are so beautiful."
He lifts his stump for a moment. "Is not beautiful."
I can't resist hugging him. "Your stump is very beautiful, just as Geof's was."
"You like?"
I reach down and stroke the end. "I like. It makes you more handsome."
He blushes heavily. "I no understand."
"I like you very much, Roberto. I want to hold you and touch your stump."
He hugs me back. "Mi amigo, Cam. I think is good you wish to hold me. I let you touch leg."
"Thanks. Let's go swim."
Roberto does not swim well, but he makes a few laps then splashes happily in water just up to his chest. I find a beach ball and we toss it back and forth in a game of water volleyball until time for dinner.
On Wednesday Mr. C tells me to take Roberto and visit my family then return on Saturday so I can take Roberto to the airport on my way back to school. I give the folks a call to tell them I'm coming. Mom would kill me if I didn't let her know ahead so she could cook more than we'll be able to eat. She thinks I'm still too skinny.
With the new freeway to the coast, the trip only takes a little over four hours. Roberto misses nothing during the drive, asking me to identify the crops in the fields and practically everything he doesn't know, even thought the freeway is away from most towns. He's surprised when the terrain gets flat. "So not like home," he says.
My mom welcomes Roberto after I've been given the requisite hug and kiss. Mom is surprised when he takes her hand and kisses it, but flushes with pleasure. "You are a very handsome young man, Roberto," she says.
He blushes. "Cam and Senior Carruthers make me so."
"How?"
"They send leg with doctor. Make me man again."
"Roberto got Geof's leg. I told you about it," I say.
"I'm so happy for you, Roberto. Come in. Cam show Roberto to the guest room."
"Okay. Let me get our bags."
"You say to me you no rich," Roberto says when we're in the guestroom. "Much nice home."
"We're not. My dad has a farm machinery business."
"I see?"
"If you want. We can go now."
When I park in front of the shop, Roberto gets out and looks at the tractor and combine on display, shaking his head.
"What's wrong?"
"Tractor much big," he says.
"Has to be. Farms are big here, so everyone wants eight-row equipment. I'll show you. Come on."
I help him climb up into the cab and show him the air conditioning, stereo, and other controls. I can see it blows his mind, for he just shakes his head. "So costly," he murmurs.
The last time I looked the suggested retail was over a hundred thousand. "It ain't cheap, that's for sure."
I take him in and introduce him to dad, telling him how Roberto came for a visit. I let Roberto look around a little then we go back home. At dinner, dad and mom make Roberto talk about himself and his home, fascinated because dad loves to travel but never has a chance beyond an occasional convention and the one trip we made to Canada for a few days.
With a trip to the beach to show Roberto where the first airplane flew, the first English settlement in this country, and a few other things, the time flies by. Saturday we get ready to leave. Mom and dad tell Roberto he must come again and stay longer. Mom gives him a kiss and he blushes.
Mr. C is not at home when we get there, so we get in the pool. I can tell something is bothering Roberto. "What's wrong?"
"I not find cloth for mother."
"It's okay. The maid probably put it somewhere. Mr. Carruthers will know. Ask him."
At dinner, Roberto does, looking surprised when Mr. C laughs. "I had everything shipped to your home while you were with Cam. You could not take it all on the plane with you."
"Much trouble you have?"
"Oh, no. Our company has a South American representative. I had it all sent to him and he'll see it gets to you safely."
"Gracias, Senior Carruthers."
As soon as we've eaten, we go to the sunroom for coffee. Mr. C comes in a minute later carrying a flat black case and hands it to Roberto. "Use this with pleasure, son. It will work on the electricity and phones in your country."
Roberto zips open the case and takes out Geof's lap-top. When I open it and he sees what it is, he begins to cry softly. I look at the books with it surprised to see they are in Spanish. I show him how to connect the adapter and the phone cord, then plug it into the wall and show him how to operate it. It's probably the first lap-top he's seen.
"I had all the programs changed to Spanish as much as I could," Mr. C tells him. "I hope you enjoy using it as much as Geof did."
"Oh, Senor!" Roberto gets up and hugs Mr. C. "I work much, I swear."
"I'm sure you will, son. Be sure to write Cam and me. I put our e-mail addresses on the mail program. Show him, Cam."
I do and show him how he can write long messages and save them to send when he has a chance, and how to use the picture program. He plays with the word processing program and spread sheet for a few minutes then closes it and puts his hand over his heart, looking at Mr. C. "I much full here. I come poor man, I go home much rich. I have love for you alway."
"Cam and I love you, too, Roberto. Take these to show your parents." He holds out a fat envelope stuffed with pictures of us I didn't notice him taking. It looks to me as if every minute of Roberto's time here has been photographed.
"I have a set for you, too, Cam," Mr. C says.
Thanks, sir. I didn't even think to get a little camera."
"You don't have one?"
"No, sir."
He hands me a camera bag containing a Nikon and several lenses. "Take this. It was Geof's and I have my own."
"Oh, wow! Thanks, sir." I give him a hug.
After a late breakfast Sunday Mr. C tells me we have to leave soon to get Roberto to the airport. I know, but I'm no more ready to leave than Roberto. This has been the best holiday of my life. Roberto cries as he says goodbye to Mr. C and is silent all the way to the airport. I park and take his suitcase in while he hugs his computer against his chest. I get him checked in and stay with him until his flight is called.
He hugs me tightly, then surprises me with a kiss. "Mi amigo, Cam, I miss you much. So good time I have."
"Me, too, buddy. I'll see you this summer, but write me when you can. I'll write you every week."
"Send with computer picture of you home and mother and father. I show my mother and father."
"I will. I love you, Roberto."
He hugs me again. "I have love of you, also, mi amigo."
I stand at the window of the terminal and wave after he's taken a seat where I can see him. I know he'll be okay when he changes planes, because Mr. C has arranged for a Spanish speaking attendant to help him. I sigh as the plane taxies for take off and go out to my car.
As the plane flies over, I look up and wave, saying, "Thanks, Geof, for giving me so much."
To be continued...
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Posted: 10/12/07