A Special Love
The author retains all rights. No reproductions are allowed without the author's
consent. Comments are appreciated at...
Once the limo carrying my love disappears down the drive my mother grabs me in a hug.
"I know you loved Roberto, Cam, but he's off to a new life in the country he knows. Maria is a lovely young woman who will make Roberto very happy. Perhaps you can see them from time to time."
I kiss mom on the cheek. "You and dad have made me so happy accepting me for who I am and letting me live my life in the way that makes me happiest."
She smiles at me. "I knew about you being gay before you told us. But I'm proud that you loved us enough to not hide it from us. We only regret that it will bring some difficulties into your life that could have been avoided."
"I'll be careful, mom. No way will I have this reflect on you and dad. But how did you know?"
"Mothers sense things about their children long before anyone else, even the child himself." She pats me on the arm. "I see Mr. Carruthers waiting for us and after we eat your father and I must leave for home."
Cook has outdone herself with our lunch. I've never seen Dad eat so much away from home and even mother had a small second serving of the poulet maringo.
I excuse myself while they and Mr. C are talking over coffee and get a small gift from my room and take it to the kitchen.
"I hate to leave your good cooking, Annie, but I will always remember it." I hand her the gift. "Just to say thanks to a special person."
She hugs me. "You ought not to of done it, Mr. Cam, but I'll be here whenever you come back to visit Mr. C. You take care now."
"What's this? A strange man huggin' my woman." John teases as he comes through the back door.
I hold out my hand to John. "I want to thank you, too, for always making my stays here and at the beach so special, John. Take good care of Annie, there's not another like her."
He squeezes my hand hard. "Some folks are a pleasure to do for, Cam. You and that nice Roberto are special in our book. Now you're done with school I hope you won't forget us and let us see you from time to time."
"I hope to."
I go up and bring down my parents' suitcases and put them in mom's car. It's a tight fit with many of the smaller things I had in our apartment in there. I plan to spend the night there and see the movers pack the furniture to return to Mr. C. I can get the bit that's left in my car.
"Don't be a stranger now, Cam," Mr. C says as he hugs me.
"I'll try to get this way occasionally. You can count on e-mail each week."
"I'll look forward to them. Keep me posted on your work and if I can help in any way, please let me know."
I wipe my eyes of a tear or two that have managed to surface in spite of my resolve not to let this get to me.
"I will. Thank you so much for all you've done for me. I know I've been an unnecessary expense to you, but it has allowed me to concentrate on my studies and enjoy school in a way I wouldn’t have had otherwise."
He shakes his head. "It was for me, Cam. Having you to love and enjoy made losing Geof far less of an emotional strain. You and Roberto brought me joy far beyond any monetary expenditure, and who else do I have to spend it on? No, my boy, it is you who has done me the honor of accepting my few gifts. I will miss you sorely."
I get in my Jag and drive away before I lose it completely.
After a day or two of rest, I begin work at the shop with dad. I wanted to do this in hopes he would take some time off, relax, and maybe travel with mom as he's always wanted to do, but I should have known better. It's been his life all these years and he can’t turn loose. Another problem is that most of his employees have known me since I was a kid so ignore me when I ask them to do things and go to dad instead. I struggle along for a good six months under these conditions. I've not even tried for any social life in this small town and it's a fifty-mile drive to any place large enough for me to make male friends without being outed.
After dinner one evening, dad says, "Get us another cup of coffee, son, and let's talk about things."
I pour him a cup and refill mine before sitting back down at the old kitchen table.
He smiles at me and shakes his head slowly. "It's not working, is it, son?"
"No, sir. I'm sorry. I have tried."
"I know and I don't blame you for anything. I guess every dad has dreams that are impossible to realize. You have little in common with the majority of our customers and the men think of you as a kid no matter what I tell them. I've had an offer on the business, son, and I think it's best if I sell it. I don’t want you to think I'm throwing you out because I'm not."
"I'd never think that, dad."
He smiles. "I know. I'll get barely what the business is worth, but it will be enough for your mother and me to get by on. I'll try to help you until you're settled in a new job, Cam. One I hope you'll be happier doing."
"I guess you knew I've been looking in trade journals and all. I'd never have left you to go it alone, dad, but I've thought of several things I'd rather do."
Dad gives me a smile like he used to at Christmas when I was trying to guess at what Santa would bring me. "I've found a possible position for you I expect you'll enjoy. It's been open for a few weeks and there's been no rush to fill it, but you've been invited to give it a try."
"What?"
"Do you think you might enjoy being executive assistant to Hall? He and I talked about it last week."
"I'd love working with him, dad, but I know nothing about fabric mills or cloth."
"You won’t need to. Hall feels they need to modernize the way the plant is managed. Management was your major and he feels you are capable of studying the situation and instituting the necessary changes. He told your mother and me that a suite of rooms has been set aside in his home for your use and you are to live there as you have on your holidays from school."
"I hate to be so far away from you and mom."
Dad gives me a wicked grin. "Think of the fun your mother and I will have without you around!"
"Yeah. Like I used to enjoy the few times you took her with you when you went to conventions and left me home alone."
"Oh, I suspect our fun will be better than yours. It'll give us a chance to kick up our heels."
"I heard that," mom says. "There's no fool like an old fool and I'm certainly not going to be a part of it. Now if you want to take a nice leisurely cruise for a second honeymoon then I might be interested."
Dad gets up and hugs her. "You start getting information while I close out the business. You've done more than your share, too."
Six weeks later I find myself sitting in Mr. C's study listening while he outlines the job he wants me to do as his assistant. It's going to be a challenge, but one that fits my area of knowledge. I have no fear of working for him for I feel in a way that I'm back home.
"Have you heard from Roberto recently, Cam?"
"Not for about a month. He said he was awfully busy trying to get established in his job."
"Then I have news for you. I had a note from him yesterday and they're expecting."
"Boy, he sure didn’t waste any time. When?"
"Toward the end of August if the estimate the doctor made is correct. They are hoping you will come when the baby arrives. You'll have to if it's a boy because Roberto insists you will be the godfather."
"I made a promise to both of them that I would, but how can I get away?"
"Vacation or personal-leave time. You'll have some built up by then." Hall puts his hand on mine. "You realize that since you're not Catholic Roberto and Maria are both defying their church by making you godfather to their son. Not only that, but also over her parents' vociferous objections, so it's doubly important that you be there. If you were Catholic it could be done by proxy."
"It'll be good to see Roberto, but it'll be hard in a way, too."
"I understand, Cam, but you must put the past behind you and move on. Roberto has made his choice and started a new life, you must do the same."
"It was impossible at home, but I hope it will be better here once I have the time to find some social life."
"It will, son. Geof's journal is in the top desk drawer in your room. Read it. I know he left some notes about where he met people of similar inclinations."
"I can’t read anything that personal, sir."
"You can read that. It's not his diary, but a book of thoughts and things he found pleasant. You won’t be reading anything he wouldn’t have told you were he here."
I glance at Geof's notes then put them aside, immersing myself in my job. I spend a lot of time on the floor of the plant talking to nearly everyone I see doing a different job. I take careful notes and study them in my office before looking at the organizational chart and studying production and cost figures. Finally I recommend a couple of small changes in the system as a trial. Probably as much to my surprise as Mr. C's they work well and increase output while dropping cost a small but significant amount. With my new gained confidence, I expand the scope of my studies to the extent I have little free time. Mr. C complains about this to me, so I take nice Saturdays for exercise and pleasure while I spend Sundays with Mr. C.
Roberto and I exchange e-mail on a near daily basis now as my job is a near duplicate of his, though he has far less trouble making changes than I because of the heavier handed management system they have. Roberto laughs when I mention it saying that anyone who doesn’t want to accept change can easily be replaced.
When I mention that apparently workers with the needed skills are plentiful and non-union, Roberto says they have unions, but the bosses are quite corrupt and cheaply bought off. It seems to be the way of life there.
About six months later I get a frantic phone call from Roberto one morning begging me to come immediately. I talk with Mr. C and head home to pack my bags. A quick check by computer and I find that I can get a flight that with one change in Miami that will put me in Quito in about eleven hours. I book my ticket by computer and let the Jag out once I hit the interstate. John, who is going to drive my car back home, looks a little pale but doesn’t say anything.
The flight is okay but the change in Miami is rushed. As is usually my luck the gate I have to get to is the length of the terminal away so I take it at a dead run. Once I'm settled in after the change, I sleep until the steward wakes me to put on my seatbelt for the landing.
Once through immigration, I see a uniformed driver holding up a card with my name on it. I walk over to him.
"Did Roberto send you?"
"Si. Senor Cameron?"
He takes my bags and I follow him out to the Mercedes in a no parking zone. It's becomes obvious he speaks no English and has some difficulty with my Spanish so I ride in the back seat in luxury. Though I always thought Ecuador in the tropics, I'm glad for the lightweight jacket I brought along at the last minute. It's cooler at this high elevation than I expected.
I knew I wouldn’t find anything here like what I know from back home, but I'm surprised when the driver pauses to let a gate open then drives through and around the circular drive to the front door of a large house. The driver opens the door for me and bows as I step out. A butler in formal dress waits at the top of the steps to the door.
I knew Maria's parents had money, but not like this. The butler opens the door for me and follows me in. "Por favor, Senor Cam," he says indicating I should follow him.
What I see of the house is gorgeous, formal in decoration. I can’t help but wonder if all this has affected Roberto. I'm shown a room, and the butler hands me an envelope then leaves quietly. It's a note from Roberto.
Cam, when you have freshened up and had a drink, please indicate to Ramon that you wish to join me at the hospital. I need you like never before.
Your Roberto
It feels good to wash up and change into a heavy long-sleeve shirt. I go down and the butler meets me at the bottom of the stairway and shows me into Roberto's study, opening a panel in the wall to reveal a wet bar. I mix myself a drink and refuse an offer of a snack, walking around to relieve the stiffness from sitting so long on the plane.
More relaxed, I grab my jacket and tell the butler I'm ready to go to the hospital to see Roberto. I'm immediately ushered out to the Mercedes and whisked into the heavy traffic of Quito. The ride is hair-raising to say the least; drivers seem to do as they please with no regard for anyone else.
I breathe a sigh of relief when I'm finally deposited at the entrance to the hospital. To my delight there's a small sign in front of one of the receptionists reading English. I ask for Roberto and am given the floor and room number.
To my amazement it is not a private room but a suite. Roberto opens the door in response to my tap and embraces me tightly then kisses me.
"Cam, I knew you would come for me. I am so glad to see you."
"I'm happy to see you, too, Roberto. How's Maria?"
He shakes his head sadly. "It is not good, my friend. Come, sit, and I tell you."
Maria has gone into labor three weeks early and there are complications Roberto doesn’t know how to explain to me. The long and short of it is that her doctor has nothing left to try. They can only wait for the end. If her condition worsens he will do a cesarean section, but he has told Roberto that there are four possible endings. The baby will be born and both will be well, the baby will live and Maria dies, the baby dies and Maria lives, both die.
Roberto almost crushes my hand as he talks. He obviously loves Maria very deeply and already speaks of the baby as Little Cam. When he finishes and looks at me in despair, I hug him tightly adding my tears to his at seeing my love in such pain. We get interrupted by a doctor.
"Senor Agular I dare wait no longer. The priest is here to give unction then I must proceed."
Roberto nods and pulls me up with him. We go into the next room and approach the bed quietly.
Roberto takes Maria's hand in his and leans over to kiss her on the forehead. She opens her eyes and looks at him, then me, giving me a little smile. "I am happy you are here for Roberto," she says in a drugged drawl. "I love you, Roberto," she mutters then closes her eyes.
A priest makes the sign of the cross on her forehead while mumbling something in Latin. As soon as he has finished, the priest hustles out without saying a word of comfort to Roberto, leaving Roberto even more upset. It's all done in such a perfunctory way it pisses me off.
"What?" I ask. Then I realize it was extreme unction the priest administered, a sign he's convinced Maria will die.
Roberto shakes his head and returns to his seat in the outer room. Surprised but pleased to see a coffee maker on a low cabinet, I make a pot. It's more something to do than a desire for some to drink.
"Where are Maria's parents?" I ask.
"I suppose on their way. They were supposed to be in Spain, so I sent a cable to their hotel." He looks up at me. "They are against you so we will stand up to them together. I will not allow them to tell me who my friends will be. I have a lawyer friend to advise me and keep Little Cam from them if anything happens. I will need your strength, mi amor."
"You and Maria are so kind to ask me to be godfather to Little Cam. I want him to be my son, also, and mom and dad already feel he is their grandson. They will love him as much as I."
Roberto smiles. "They are fine people. I will be proud for them to love Little Cam."
"And don’t forget Mr. C. He wants to be a grandfather to Little Cam as well."
Roberto smiles. "Already he knows Maria and I make him godfather also. He arrives tomorrow."
I pull him up into a hug. "I know you have made him very happy, Roberto, just as you have made me."
I get us cups of coffee and try to divert his thoughts. "Of what I saw, you have a very beautiful home, Roberto. I didn’t expect a butler though."
He smiles at me. "The house is part of Maria's dowery. Her father say we must live to the position I hold."
"Obviously you've become very important, but you've never told me what your real job is."
He grins. "You loved me when I was a poor man. Now fortune smiles. I got a job with the primary export agency for wood and paper products and textiles. I made some suggestions for change and they fell on ready ears. My reward is Assistant to the Director of Exports. I negotiate deals on the international market."
"I know you're smart, amigo, but that's unbelievable."
"Politics, my friend. I could easily be out of favor tomorrow and begging."
"No way, buddy, because if you needed a job I expect Mr. C could find one for you, especially since you've been dealing in international affairs."
Roberto chuckles. "I have even had dealings with his people but it was not the man who helped me go to the United States for school."
"Then I know he would be interested."
"You sound as if you wish me to come work with Mr. C."
"I do, my love. I know it won’t happen, but I work for him now."
"Did you not go home to work with your father?"
"Yes, but …" I tell him the story.
"When Little Cam is old enough to travel, we shall come visit you and perhaps go to the beach house once more."
"We would like that."
The door opens and the doctor walks in with a grave look. Roberto jumps up.
"My Maria?"
The doctor shakes his head. "I am sorry, Senor Agular. It was impossible to save her."
I grab a stunned Roberto and ease him down into a chair. "The baby?" I ask.
Again the doctor switches to excellent English. "He is very healthy but he has a condition …"
"What?" I shout.
"Please, senor. The boy has only part of a left arm. It stops below the elbow. We do not know why this happen. It is not so rare, however."
I sag down beside Roberto and we put our arms around each other.
"You can see your son in an hour," the doctor says to Roberto.
After the doctor has gone Roberto looks at me in anguish. "Am I so bad a man, Cam?"
"You are a good man, Roberto. You have the respect of all who know you."
"Then why does God bring such sorrow to me?"
I hug him. "I do not believe that, my friend. God does not punish us in this world. He sets things in motion and they play out by natural forces. He does not say to one man that he will be rich and to another that he will be poor because of something they or their parents have done. He gave us minds to make choices and seize opportunities when they come along. No, my friend, He did not cause this, but He will give you strength to get through your grief. I am here and Mr. C will be here tomorrow. We are here for you and Little Cam. Let us help you, love."
He hugs me back. "You always make things seem so clear, Cam. Yes, I see what you mean."
We walk down the hall to the nursery. I spot a crib with Agular on it and point. The nurse picks up a baby wrapped in a tiny blanket and brings him to the window. I can't tell who he looks like as yet, for he's still red and wrinkled from birth. I motion for the nurse to unwrap him and she pulls the top of the blanket back. Little Cam waves his right arm with its tiny hand and the left arm which ends just below the elbow.
Roberto clutches my hand tightly, tears flowing down his cheeks. "I see what doctor say about Little Cam. Do you still wish to have a godson though he has but one arm?"
I have to smile at him. "Did I turn away from you because you had one leg?"
He smiles through his tears. "It will make you love Little Cam even more?"
"That would be hard to do, my friend. But yes, I will love him more and so should you. He is a beautiful boy I am proud to have carry my name."
We walk back to the room where I pack the few things belonging to Maria and Roberto then wait for Roberto to call his chauffeur and take the sheaf of papers the doctor holds out.
The chauffeur comes up for the bags. I take Roberto by the arm and lead him to the elevator. The chauffeur's eyes are downcast as I help Roberto in the car and get in behind him. Our ride is in silence, but somehow the news has spread. The butler is silent as he holds the door for us. I see a huge bow of black crepe hanging from the knocker.
I take Roberto to his study and mix him a drink. He looks at me and sighs.
"Everything is all arranged, Cam. I need only wait for Maria's father." He takes a long pull at his drink. "I will wait until my Maria is with the angels to have our Little Cam christened so she can watch from above."
"I was afraid you would have it done immediately. I know Mr. C would be upset to miss it."
"Yes. I am happy he comes tomorrow. Ramon will pick him up at the airport and bring him here."
As the drink relaxes him, I can see fatigue set in more deeply in Roberto than my own, though I feel bone weary also. After and delicious but barely tasted dinner, I take Roberto up to bed. He seems to collapse as I at least pull the sheet and spread over him. I go to my own bed with a sigh of pleasure.
I wake when the glimmer of light from the hall disappears as the door to my room softly closes and I feel someone pull the covers back and get in beside me. I know it is Roberto. I feel him snuggle against me then my arms go around him as always in the past. He sighs and is instantly asleep. I go back to sleep feeling at peace also.
When I wake, I see Roberto, in a robe, sitting in a comfortable chair and sipping a cup of coffee. There is a pot and another cup on the table next to him.
"Come have coffee and wake up, my friend. I do not forget how you are a grump in the morning."
I have to smile as I get up and go into my bath for relief and to throw cold water on my face to wake me. He holds out a cup when I seat myself.
"What would I do without you, my love," he says to me. "You comfort a lonely boy in a strange land, you love him for his defects, and now you comfort him in his own home and share his grief. You are truly a friend and still my love above all men."
"I will always love you, Roberto, and our Little Cam as well. You have made my life full of joy in the past and I hope in the future."
"You may be sure of that. Distance may separate us, but love spans time and space. Now we must dress and greet Mr. C. He is due any time for he took a night flight."
Roberto suggests I wear a suit as will he. I brought only my dark gray, but when I take it from the closet I see someone has sewn a black armband on the left sleeve. I find it depressing, but I know the customs are different here. I join Roberto, who has on a black suit, in the entry.
"Mr. C has arrived he says."
Mr. C comes immediately to us and hugs Roberto. "What's going on?"
"My Maria," is all Roberto can say.
Mr. C looks at me and I nod.
He hugs Roberto. "I'm so sorry, son. I am glad Cam was here for you. If there is anything I can do for you …"
Roberto shakes his head. "No, senor. Gracias. It is all arranged. We wait only for Maria's parents to arrive."
I smile at Mr. C. "Let me show you your room so you can rest if you wish. I know sleeping on the plane was tiring."
"Not at all. I used the company plane which has sleeping accommodations so I'm very rested. I could use a wash up and a cup of coffee, though."
"Of course. This way."
Roberto goes into his study as I walk with Mr. C up the stairs.
"What happened, Cam?"
I tell him all of it as he washes up and puts on a fresh shirt. He shakes his head.
"Poor Roberto. I hope he can survive all of this without breaking. It's a lot to lose his wife and worse to have his son born with a birth defect. That'll be a constant reminder."
"I have talked with him some and it seemed to help. For some reason he seems to feel Little Cam will be rejected and all of this may affect his job."
Mr. C smiles. "How quickly we forget. Don't you remember the change Geof's leg made in Roberto and what he said about those who are crippled in this country?"
"I had forgotten. But I had thought that with his wealth and social sophistication it wouldn’t be a problem. Now I can see why he's worried. This may never happen, but if Roberto has a hard time in this country is there any way you could bring him to the states and find him a job?"
"Nothing would please me more, Cam. I know the joy it would give you and we would both have the pleasure of seeing our godson grow up."
I hug him. "Thank you, sir. I know it's a lot to ask, especially after you've already been so kind to us."
"I can never do enough for young men as fine as you and Roberto, Cam. Now I must include Little Cam. I hope I can see him soon."
"Of course, sir."
When the butler announces lunch, we go down and join Roberto. "When it is convenient, I would like to see my new godson, Roberto."
Roberto actually smiles. "I wish you to see him, senor. He is so beautiful. I must await the parents of Maria, but I will have Ramon drive you and Cam to the hospital after we eat."
"Thank you. I hope you have your camera, Cam."
"Would I come to see my baby and not bring it?" He knows I'm teasing because I take my tiny digital camera everywhere I go.
Ramon drives with the same insanity as the rest but deposits us safely at the hospital. I lead the way up to the lounge just outside the maternity ward. Mr. C
looks as impressed as I had been.
I smile. "Remember, sir, this is the hospital for the rich. Roberto says the one across town for the poor is nothing like this. He should know since that's where they took his leg off when he was a kid."
I stop at the desk and ask if we can see our godson. One nurse immediately smiles at us. "Baby Agular will have two American godfathers? I know his father is very proud."
"No more than we are proud to have such a beautiful boy," Mr. C says. "He will be named for Cam here."
"Oh, I saw you last evening with Senor Agular."
"Yes. May we see Little Cam now?"
"If you will have a seat in the lounge I will bring him to you."
I know she's got to be kidding, but it's only a moment before she's back holding Little Cam in her arms and placing him in mine. I can’t help the tears that spring to my eyes as I look down at Little Cam. His thumb is in his mouth, but his dark eyes look into mine and thick black hair curls over his head. He waves his partial left arm in random motion. I can hardly take in his beauty. I lean down and kiss him on the forehead while Mr. C takes several pictures.
I hand him to Mr. C who takes him gingerly then kisses him also. I get pictures of him and the nurse kindly takes a picture of Mr. C and me with me holding Little Cam in my arms.
"He's absolutely gorgeous, Cam," Mr. C says as we go down in the elevator.
"He should be. With parents like his how could he be otherwise."
Mr. C smiles at me and adds, "And I know his special attraction for you."
I know I'm blushing.
"Sorry, but I couldn’t resist that, Cam. Your devoteeism has placed you in situations where your attraction for others has benefited them. But never once have you forced your attention on someone else. To you and to me Little Cam will be normal and he will feel that way himself. I'd not have it otherwise."
"Nor would I. I only hope I can be with him any time he needs me."
The butler meets us at the door and asks us to go to Roberto's study. He leads us past an older couple I know must be Maria's parents. I'd like to offer my sympathy but they merely scowl at us before turning their backs.
"Oh, Roberto, what a gorgeous son you have. I am thrilled to be asked to be his godfather." Mr. C says when Roberto looks up.
"Thank you, my dear friend. It is Little Cam who is fortunate to have such godfathers as you and Cam."
"Let me get you a drink then give you a schedule." He rings for the butler and indicates he is to fix our drinks. "I assume you saw Maria's parents. They are waiting for their chauffeur. I am sorry to say they have not been cooperative. The service day after tomorrow will be a high requiem mass instead of the simple service Maria wanted." He nods after we're served and the butler leaves. They may go to the hospital to see the baby tomorrow, I am not certain." His mouth twitches. "It seems I am at fault that Little Cam is a cripple. They have no regard for cripples and probably will not acknowledge him as their grandchild."
"Unbelievable!" Mr. C says loudly. "I've never heard such crap in my life. I’d love to give them a piece of my mind. Little Cam is gorgeous! I'll never forget that I've actually held him in my arms. Thank you, Roberto, for giving me such a child to love. He'll never want for anything as long as I have a penny to my name."
Roberto gets up and hugs Mr. C. "Your heart is so big, senor. I love you as Cam does."
"Have your parents been up to see him?" Mr. C asks.
"Not yet. So much has transpired in three days I haven't had time to call them, but I was about to when you came in. I will send Ramon with the car for them tomorrow morning."
Mr. C smiles. "I'm glad I'll have a chance to see them as well. They are fine people of whom you must be proud."
"Much so."
Dinner is a rather somber affair. Roberto tries to apologize but Mr. C and I cut him off. He does have one piece of good news.
"The doctor tells me I may bring Little Cam home the day after the mass for Maria. I have found a wet nurse for him so he will grow fast. I hope you will have some time with him before you must return home."
"My plane is scheduled to return on Sunday and I planned to ask Cam to join me for the flight home."
Roberto smiles. "I will ask for Little Cam to be christened on Saturday so we can celebrate. My parents can stay here that long. I know they hate to close the cantina, but the rest will be good for them."
Roberto, wisely I think, does not go against the wishes of Maria's parents even when they insist on sitting in front of him at the funeral, all because he insisted that Mr. C and I sit next to him.
The mass is long and dull and that damned incense causes me to sneeze violently a couple of times, most embarrassing. It would be worse if I didn’t have Mr. C to follow. Apparently an Anglican mass isn’t that much different. But it's finally over and we're home. I make a bee-line for the bar in Roberto's study and fix my own drink much to the consternation of the butler. He does fix the drinks for Mr. C and Roberto.
Roberto's parents arrived just in time for the funeral so we haven’t had a chance to talk with them. I'm delighted when the butler shows them in. I actually get a hug from Roberto's mother. It's a surprise because she seemed so shy at his graduation, the last time I saw her. For the next hour or so poor Roberto stays busy with translation for his dad and Mr. C, though his mother and I do fairly well with my poor Spanish. A word or two I have to ask Roberto about he says are from the Indian dialect.
The five of us go to the hospital the next day to check on Little Cam and to let Roberto's parents see their grandchild. There are cries of delight until Little Cam's incomplete arm comes into view. Roberto's mother breaks into heaving sobs, so I take Little Cam into my arms and snuggle him. When I'm certain she's looking at us, I kiss his little arm on the end then kiss him on the forehead.
There's an immediate flurry of Spanish between Roberto and his mother. I hear him explain that both Mr. C and I love Little Cam as he is and are to be his godfathers. His father looks puzzled, but his mother manages to give me a tiny smile.
"El es tan hermoso," I say when I hand him back to her, then bend to kiss his arm again.
She gives me a tiny smile as if she's not convinced he's beautiful, but when Mr. C does the same, her smile becomes bigger. "Si, hermoso," she finally says.
The nurse comes in with a small handbag and gives it to me.
"Hey, we get to take Cam home with us," Roberto says then says it in Spanish to his parents. His mother immediately takes Cam from his arms.
Ramon is beaming when he sees us coming out with Little Cam in his grandmother's arms. He helps her into the car with amazing gentleness.
I don’t understand what kind of underground news system they have here, but when we get to the house the entire staff is lined up in the entry to see Little Cam. There's lots of oohing and aahing until the blanket slips and one of the maids I've not seen before mutters, "es lisiado."
Roberto points at her and yells, "Usted es despedido!"
Her face falls as the butler grabs her by the arm and pushes her roughly into the back hall. Mr. C and I look at each other knowing without understanding the words that she's been fired, but we're delighted to see Roberto take Little Cam in his arms and kiss him on the forehead. When Mr. C and I do the same and Cam is back in his grandmother's arms, the staff applaud quietly and file out with smiles. Any worries about his acceptance by Roberto or his grandparents have vanished.
A young woman with large breasts, dressed in a white uniform, comes in and takes Little Cam from Roberto's mother. "The wet nurse," Roberto explains after they've gone to the nursery.
I'm not certain what we had for dinner that evening, but it was superb. I did recognize the huge prawns served first. Roberto had mentioned they were exported in large quantities to gourmet restaurants in Europe and the U.S. I think the main course was chicken, but it was cut into small pieces and mixed with some type of vegetables and served over rice. The sauce is wonderful.
After dinner, Mr. C asks us to excuse Roberto and him for a talk. They go into Roberto's study and Roberto's parents and I go into the den where they are quickly absorbed in television. I got to my room for a book and begin to read.
It's a full hour before Roberto and Mr, C emerge from the study. Mr. C looks pleased while Roberto looks a bit stunned. He brings in his lap-top and I download the pictures we took at the hospital. Roberto's parents are amazed to see themselves on the screen with Little Cam. I shouldn’t have downloaded one picture I took deliberately because I should have known it would upset them. It's of Little Cam with his arm and stump lifted toward his father with a tiny smile. I know they say newborns don't smile but I'd swear this one does. This is one pic gets printed and framed to go on my desk when we get home.
At ten the next morning we all leave for the parish church where Little Cam is to be christened. Roberto looks a bit worried.
"What's wrong, buddy?" I ask.
"I don’t know who they will send to do Cam's baptism. This is the old family church of Maria's parents and Maria wanted Cam christened here, but the church is not used often and there's no regular priest. They're sending someone from the cathedral."
The sexton has opened the church, prepared things, and we're waiting only for the priest. He comes bustling in, obviously in a hurry and feeling put upon to have to perform this ritual. I frankly don't like anything about him and Roberto is looking very unhappy.
When he asks Roberto about the godfather, I can understand his Spanish. Roberto points to Mr. C and me. The priest snaps, "El Catolico?" at Mr. C and me.
"I'm Anglican," Mr. C tells him.
"And I'm converting to the Anglican faith," I reply.
The priest whips the stole from his shoulders and slams his little black book down. "Debe ser Catolico," he snaps at Roberto. He looks at Roberto's mother holding Little Cam about the time Cam raises both arms. "The priest looks disgusted. "Un lisiado."
Roberto is so red I fear he might have an attack of some kind. He stomps his foot on the floor and lets go with a torrent of Spanish I can’t begin to keep up with. It must be good because his mother looks absolutely horrified. His father looks upset but is trying hard not to smile. The priest flies out the door with Roberto yelling after him all the louder.
When he runs down, he catches his breath then asks Mr. C if an Anglican priest would baptize Cam. When Mr. C responds that it will be no problem, but the priest would prefer that Roberto raise Cam in the Anglican church.
We all follow Roberto out to the car and the driver follows Roberto's instructions. In a few minutes we're at a small but lovely little Anglican church. Mr. C and Roberto go in and return a few moments later to beckon us all in. The priest is a kindly older man who seems delighted to be asked to christen Cam. Since Mr. C and I are familiar with the service, it is easy for us to guide Roberto through the ritual. His parents look decidedly uncomfortable until just before I hand Cam to the priest, he says something quietly to them and Roberto's mother begins to smile.
With in a few moments Little Cam is baptized into the Anglican faith to our joy. When the priest gently touches Little Cam's incomplete arm and says to Roberto, "God has given you a special child. You may not think so now, but you will realize that you have been blessed," Roberto is one big smile as he hugs the man and immediately asks for a schedule of classes for converts.
I see Mr. C unobtrusively hand the priest a hundred-dollar bill and shake his head when the priest tries to refuse it. Roberto has said the dollar is acceptable currency here. In fact, one president wanted to make the American dollar the national currency.
My curiosity is so great I can’t resist asking Roberto what he said to the priest. He grins and says "I use American saying: 'fuck you and the horse you rode in on.' Then I ask what priest was his father and nun his mother."
By now I'm in hysterics. What ever happened to the quiet shy guy I used to room with at school?
Dinner is superb as fits the occasion. His nurse brings Little Cam in long enough for us to drink a toast to his long life, health, and happiness. His gifts rang from simple, but beautifully finished, homemade toys from his grandparents to an engraved silver cup from me, and a pile of stock certificates from Mr. C. Roberto hugs us all after Little Cam has endured our kisses without crying.
His parents insist they must get back home, so after hugs all around Ramon drives off with them. Cam says it's a short trip, only about 30 kilometers. We're relaxing with drinks and enjoying each other when the door to the salon bursts open and a woman rushes in screaming epithets at Roberto in a vituperative manner.
The butler follows, looking horrified. After a few more words from her, Roberto walks over calmly and slaps her, then throws his drink in her face. He has a few words to say before he has the butler escort her forcefully out of the house.
"Well," he says, rubbing his hand together, "I may need that position you offered me, Mr. C."
"Why? Who was that?"
"My former harridan mother-in-law. They wouldn’t come to Cam's baptism because Maria and I chose you and Cam for his godfathers and you aren’t Catholic. She called little Cam a monster because of his arm. She just found out Cam is was baptized Anglican. For those two reasons they've disowned him, which down here means he no longer exists as far as they’re concerned. She also informed me that they hold the mortgage on the house and will foreclose. She also said her husband will use his influence to have my job."
"Can he do that?" I ask in amazement.
"Quite likely. He has a lot of highly placed political friends. A few words, a little pressure, and I could easily be found to be incompetent in my job. It will then go to someone more in political favor."
"I want to use your phone, Roberto. We discussed this possibility and it's time for action to begin."
"None of this will happen immediately. Things move slowly, even a foreclosure."
"And you know how slowly they can move at our end, too. Be sure you have all the documentation for Little Cam ready along with yours and get your lawyer busy."
"Yes, sir." I see tears running down Roberto's cheeks as he hugs Mr. C. "Again I rely on your most generous help. I am so grateful for your counsel and generosity."
"Always for you, my son."
Mr. C asks for the car the moment Ramon returns. I hear him tell Ramon to go to the American embassy.
On our flight home Mr. C tells me that Roberto and Little Cam will be coming to live with us as soon as the paperwork for immigration can be completed. They will be coming on a permanent resident visa. I'm delighted to know my Roberto will be living and working with me and I'm looking forward to helping raise Little Cam.
By anticipating possible trouble, Mr. C's advice made it possible for Roberto to keep a large portion of his wealth and belongings. In fact Mr. C got Roberto to move almost all of his cash and investments to the branch of an American Bank in Quito for immediate transfer to the states then closed the local account. In that way the local bank can honestly claim Roberto has no account with them. There are times when Roberto and I could learn far more from Mr. C than we ever could in a classroom.
Within a few weeks another suite of rooms in Mr. C's house has been transformed into a nursery for Little Cam and a nanny hired. My mind boggles at the toys strewn around the playroom when Cam is only a few weeks old.
After Mr. C retired a few years later, Roberto and I opened our own management consulting firm and are doing quite well. There was no question about our continuing to live with Mr. C because I don’t know who would be the most upset if we left, Little Cam or Mr. C. Mr. C spoils Cam to death.
Roberto, now known as Robert, insisted Cam have the best prosthetic arm possible. I don't know how he got the information, but the best for children seems to be the Prodigits robotic hand being tested in Nottingham, England. Because of possible problems with re-entering the country, Roberto decides to stay home and lets me take Cam to England. Cam is as content to be with me as he is his blood father, calling me dad as often as he calls Roberto that. It's total acceptance of the fact that Roberto and I have a perfect relationship between us and have had our union blessed by an Episcopal priest Mr. C found.
Cam is not pleased with the arm, complaining that it's too heavy, it looks funny, he can’t make it work right, and an endless string of excuses. I get him to hush by telling him how disappointed his father will be. I do get the technicians to make a custom cover for the hand that matches Cam's skin color and is elastic enough not to wrinkle when the fingers change position. That helps Cam accept it somewhat. At the end of three weeks Cam has pretty well mastered the use of it so we return home.
Roberto is thrilled to see Cam use the hand well at dinner, but except for meals the hand seems to stay in his room. Cam is not sensitive about his arm and the other kids in kindergarten accept him totally.
Cam is growing swiftly, a happy child. His father and I are equally as happy in our love for each other and Cam. Mr. C continues to invest our money wisely and is the cornerstone of our loving family. Perhaps Shakespeare had it when he said "all's well that ends well."
Feedback always
welcome:
Posted: 10/12/07