THE CRYSTAL CUP - chapter nine

 THE CRYSTAL CUP

chapter nine

It was already late at night, and Jairo still had a few more deliveries to make. Cutting through the streets and avenues of the city, running against time to fulfill the orders, the boy almost didn't notice the path he was taking, because he was riding his motorcycle only by instinct. His thoughts were far from what he was doing. He was thinking about Estela. It had been a little strange for some time now. She had always been a cheerful, outgoing girl, and yet… something was wrong. The problem is that it wouldn't open. Sometimes he lost his temper. After all, what kind of relationship was this, that the girl couldn't open up to him, tell him what was bothering her? He was sure it must be something very serious. But he shouldn't have anything to do with his sisters. No. They fought like cats and dogs, but that wouldn't be enough to keep her in the state she was in. Yes, he was worried about his girl.

The two had been dating for over a year. You could say they were steady. And he was sure of one thing…she was a girl he wanted to marry. That straight-up church thing, notary office, everything straight, as Dona Isabel kept telling him. Yes, he wanted to marry her. They had already consummated their union several times during the time they were together, and the feeling he felt for her was growing stronger. He had already asked the girl to marry him, but she asked him to wait until the school year was over, as he wanted to complete his secondary studies before taking any steps. Well, he didn't mind waiting. But in the last few days...

Jairo remembered that, the last time they went to the cinema, the girl had looked a little strange. Absorbed, distracted… something was bothering her, he was sure of it. The problem was that she didn't tell him anything, and he didn't have a crystal ball to find out what was going on inside her. What could he do?

Another delivery was successfully completed. It was the last one of the day. He could already go home, rest for another journey on the day that would be born. And, in the morning, he would try to talk to his mine, to see if she would open up at once…

The day had barely dawned and he was already awake. He had to be at the office by eight in the morning. He worked as an accounting assistant during the day and at night worked as a motorcycle courier to increase his income. He was saving some money for his wedding. Only, to get married, the bride had to accept the engagement. He decided that he would go to Estela's house at lunchtime. He needed to talk to her, clarify at once what was going on. And it had to be as brief as possible.

Estela welcomed him, not as effusive as she used to be. They liked each other, he felt it. But then why was she so aloof? He had to ask, clarify at once… and he did. The answer took him by surprise, as he was not expecting such news. She was pregnant...

- Pregnant? But… how did that happen?

- As? You're kidding me, aren't you?

- You... weren't you taking the pill?...

- Failed... sometimes it happens...

- But… are you sure? I mean, all of a sudden...

- I have no doubts… yes, we are going to have a child…

The boy lowered his head thoughtfully. A child was not in his plans. Not at this time. Of course, he wanted to be a father, but neither he nor his girlfriend was financially or psychologically ready for it. But who said things only happen when you're prepared, right? Estela was standing still, looking at the boy. She expected him to say something, what could they do in this situation.

- Your parents… already know?

- No... I haven't said anything yet...

- Why?

- And you still ask? How am I going to approach both of them and say “daddy… mommy… you are going to be grandparents”? Not a very easy thing to say….

- But they need to know...

- I'm afraid of their reaction… you know how my parents are…

- Know. My mother is also radical. But we're going to have to say...

- Please don't even think about saying anything for now...

- But you won't be able to hide it from them for long...

- I know. But as long as possible...

- Is that why you were so weird these days?

- Yes… I didn't know how you would react when I told you…

The boy was silent for a few moments. A thousand thoughts surfaced in his mind. The work at the office, the night shift… all of this so they could build their corner and get married. And now, out of the blue... he was a little lost.

- And the school?

- I will not finish this year. And I think that, with the child, it will be more difficult to continue studying...

- Yeah… I think we weren't prepared for that… it wasn't the time yet.

- What do you want me to do? It happened…

- You forgot your medicine...

- Look, if you used a condom, this wouldn't have happened. It's not just my fault...

- I'm not blaming you. In fact, this news is wonderful. It’s just… well, I don’t know if this was the best time for this news…

- You're not mad at me? Swear?

- Interest. I adore child. And what I want most is to be a father. Only…

- You won't want me to take the child away, will you?

- Are you crazy? Of course not…

- It's just that you said...

- Honey, what I wanted to say is that, financially, we are not prepared...

- AND…?

- And we'll find a way. Stay calm.

- What are you thinking of doing?

- Well, I wanted a wedding with everything you deserve, but...

- But…?

- Do you want to live with me, even without getting married?

- To live? To where? At your mother's house?

- No, of course not… I rent a little house for the two of us…

- I don't think it's the right time, Jairo...

- And is there a right time? The child is coming... and he needs a home.

- But here I can have the support and help of my mother...

- If the sky doesn't fall on your head, before… you know she's more radical than my mother… besides, we don't know what your father's reaction will be… and if…

- I do not think so…

- But you didn't want to tell them...

- Yes… I'm afraid of your reaction…

- Well, suddenly they are happy to have a grandchild, have you thought about that? I'm happy because I'm going to be a father...

- I am worried…

- Have you booked your prenatal yet?

- No, not yet... tomorrow I'm going to the post...

- Alone?

- Yes, of course… after all, I haven’t told my mother yet…

Jairo was silent again. He looked at the clock. He had to get back to the office, his lunch break was about to end.

- I come to your house at night. Let's talk to your parents today. And, depending on your reaction, we'll see what you do...

- Jairo, I'm scared...

- No need, I'll be with you.

He kissed the girl, got on his motorcycle and left. Estela has been mulling over the last few days. She was worried, but maybe she really could relax. After all, if Jairo accepted the situation in a good way, his parents could also accept it. Maybe she was worrying for nothing...

As he drove to work, a thousand things went through his head. Okay, I wasn't thinking about having a child so soon, but it wouldn't be the end of the world either. She would just have to tighten her belt a little, cut some expenses… the first thing she would have to do was get a house for the two of them. Surely he wouldn't want to stay at her parents' house, or her mother's. All they would need was peace and quiet for the mother-to-be, and he had doubts about how she would be treated if they stayed with her parents, no matter which side. But anyway, she was right about one thing... if she stayed with her parents, she would have someone to accompany her throughout the pregnancy, which would be more difficult if they moved in together. Oh, my God, what a complicated thing... it's like Cecília Meirelles used to say... "if you put on the ring, don't put on the gloves, if you put on the gloves, don't put on the ring"... but he was sure that everything would fall into place... just have a little patience...

Seven o'clock sharp he was back at his beloved's house. Mr. Mario received him very well, as he always did. He offered her a beer, declined the drink. After a few minutes, Dona Janete called the two to the dining room, which was already served. Estela was sitting at the table, silent as in the last few days. After finishing the meal, Jairo went to the girl's father...

- Mr. Mario, we need to talk…