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Follow your Dreams chapter 4 part2

Follow your Dreams chapter 4 part2



By the end of the week, the first floor looked like a home. There were only the four bedrooms left to do and I was, living on pills every four days or so. Lucia had completely moved into the house. We had one unfinished bedroom filled with her eclectic furniture from her old apartment. Mama began visiting regularly, sitting with me. Once I awoke from a pill-induced sleep to see her keeping vigil. Lucia was determined to finish the house. It had at one time been my dream and I didn't have the heart to tell her she had replaced that dream. It made her so happy to work toward my dream's completion, and I loved to see her happy.

I began sleeping longer. It concerned Lucia greatly. She knew what it meant and I saw it in her eyes. My time was growing shorter.

Mama had temporarily moved into one of the spare rooms as soon as it was finished. She saw the signs and was determined to see Lucia through. I spent long hours talking with Mama when Lucia was busy elsewhere. We talked about my wife, my end and making sure it wasn't Lucia's end. I loved Mama's strength. I didn't really believe in God, but she certainly did. She was adamant I was going to heaven, which I found strangely comforting even though I didn't believe the place existed.

I awoke one day, barely able to move. My eyelids opened like anvils. My breathing was shallow and I couldn't seem to take in more air. I had trouble focusing on Mama, who sat in a chair beside the bed. She rose quickly, seeing me awake. She leaned down and kissed my forehead and I felt a tear hit my cheek.

Good coming, my son, Mama stuttered, I get your wife. I knew it was the truth and was thankful I was to be spared any more pain. My eyes wanted to close, but I forced them to stay open with what will I had left. I wanted to see my wife one more time.

Lucia ran in, covered in splotches of light green paint. She quickly lay down next to me and I could see the red in her eyes. Mama left and closed the door.

It's almost done. Just another day, Lucia pleaded. When my eyes next closed again, they would never reopen. I smiled as best I could.

Its okay, I said softly. Its okay, I repeated. How things had changed since we first met. Lucia hugged me and started to cry. There was nothing I could do about her pain. I knew this day would come, and I had dug the hole so horribly deep.

Thank you for being my wife, I whispered. She raised her tear-stained face and looked me in the eyes. I was mesmerized by that angelic face as my eyes closed. Her lips took me into darkness.

The spring weather was giving way to summer's warmth. Lucia and her mother, Camilla, were dressed conservatively and sat in the front row on the lawn. Hundreds of white folding chairs were in neat, orderly rows, and filled with well-dressed parents, grandparents and friends. No one more proud than Lucia!

The stage was only a foot off the ground, just enough elevation to set it apart from the immaculate grounds of the relatively small university. The chancellor was giving a dry speech about the past and the new future represented by the graduates they were about to present. His robes were ostentatious with many long ribbons of various colors running down the front. Lucia had no idea what they signified, but smiled thinking they might be self-installed.

All our graduates are stars in their own right, the chancellor droned on, but one always seems to shine brightest. It is with great pleasure that I introduce you to your valedictorian, Sophia Mendez. Pride blanketed Lucia's face as her daughter took the podium.

Camilla grabbed her daughter's hand and smiled as her granddaughter took the podium. Sophia had the same thick raven hair as her grandmother and mother. The same smile adorned her lips, but her eyes were more intense, inherited from a father she would never meet and never desired to meet.

Sophia looked down from the stage and found her mother's eyes. She smiled and her mother beamed her love back to her. Sophia's mother had talked with her last night. Sophia had seen the changes in her mother and watched her new property management business prosper from afar. She had sensed an underlying sadness and had gleaned parts of the story her mother had refused to tell. Last night, she learned it all and cried. She cried for never having met Todd, the man who gave her mother a future and secured her own dreams as well. She mostly cried for her mother because the love she found had left too soon.

Sophia's speech was the typical fare given by valedictorians. It spoke of accomplishments and goals. It was littered with humorous anecdotes only the graduates seemed to understand and appreciate. It was well-received and not overly long. Both Lucia and Camilla were at the edge of their seats trying to memorize the moment. Near the end, Sophia shifted to thanking the school, faculty and everyone else who helped make it possible.

My friends, Sophia paused we can't forget our friends who helped make this journey possible and more enjoyable. I thank all of you.

Especially you, Tammy she swept her hand over the black-cloaked graduates sitting on the left side. Our families, she paused again and looked at her mother and grandmother, thank you, Grandmamma, Lucia felt a tear run down her cheek as Sophia's eyes found hers. "Thank you, Mama." Sophia pushed her written speech aside and felt her eyes water. She really tried hard not to let it get in her voice.

I also have to thank my father, Sophia said softly. Lucia's tears flowed freely. Not my biological father who left my mother to raise me alone. I speak of the man who loved my mother. The one who gave her dreams back, the one who guaranteed I could achieve mine.

The one I regretfully will never meet since God took him before I could. Sophia's voice cracked as she looked up to the blue sky.

Thank you, Dad. Sophia left the podium before tears overwhelmed her like they had her mother. The crowd applauded and the graduates cheered, both had sensed the sorrow.

Lucia was trying to hold herself together and failed. Too many emotions, pride, loss and love flowed through her in waves.

I just wish I could have finished the house in time, Lucia whimpered. She deeply regretted not fulfilling Todd's dream while he was alive. Telling Sophia helped, but the pain was still fresh. Two years had barely begun to dull it. Camilla just smiled at her daughter and pulled her close.

Baby, he no care about house, Camilla said softly, HIS DREAM WAS ABOUT FIXING YOU.


AS HIS DREAM CAME TRUE
Written by nutbuster (D C)
Published
All writing remains the property of the author. Don't use it for any purpose without their permission.
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