16 August 2016
"HONK"
Ferran Lloret furiously drove his car through the evening traffic. Jordi Lloret, in the passenger's seat, was holding on for his dear life. Nonetheless, he did not let out a word. The situation really warranted such suicidal driving.
Only half an hour ago, Ferran and Jordi were seated in La Masia, signing the Training Agreement for the next year. After a month's wait, Barcelona finally sent over the contract details last week. The breath that escaped Jordi upon the signing signified how excruciating the wait was for him. He had tried his best to act calm in front of Estel and his family, only ever sharing his anxiety with Eric.
Jordi himself had not realized the burden he carried until he breathed with a long-lost freedom today. But that was all behind him now. Everything had turned out fine, hadn't it? No, everything had turned out great. As they had signed the agreement and Ferran Lloret traded some polite remarks with the management, Jordi received a call from his mother.
"Hello, Mama."
"JORDI, Where Is That Uncle of Yours?"
Everyone turned towards Jordi when they caught him flinching. He smiled to settle the room before leaving it to continue the call.
"Mama, we just signed the contract. He is in the meeting room right now."
"Why is he not picking up his phone? Jordi, I'm leaving with Aunt Ona for the hospital. Tell that idiot to hurry up or he'll miss out on the birth of his child. That stupid— "
Jordi felt it best not to continue listening to his mother's kind words for his uncle. He settled his own ragged breath and barged into the room. Just 30 minutes later, Jordi's knuckles were white as their car bolted into the parking lot. Sweat had covered the seat where his hands squeezed the leather.
"Why is there no bloody parking in this hospital? Reietó, what is this nonsense? What do I— "
"THERE! That red Camary is reversing out," Jordi frantically pointed to his left.
"I see it! I see it!" Ferran shouted out. In his frantic state, he did take an extra minute or two to properly park the car. In that duration, Jordi got to learn many ingenious swear words.
…
___________________
Estel: What's the update?
Jordi: Still in the room. Just came to the vending machine to get some water.
Estel: Okk
Estel: Keep me posted
___________________
…
"Señor?"
Señor Garcia was startled awake, "Hmm, what? What is it, boy?"
Jordi fidgeted in his chair, "Why is it taking so long?"
Señor Garcia, in a rare moment of warmth, tousled Jordi's hair, "Haha, you brat. It takes time. You took 16 hours to get to us, did you know? That's when I realized you would grow up to be a stubborn one."
Jordi rolled his eyes. He could only blame himself for thinking that this warm moment would last. His posture, however, did relax. Señor Garcia's eye held both pity and fondness. It felt like moments ago when he was in the very same hospital, trying to calm Ferran down as they waited for little Jordi's birth.
"Do you know, little Jordi? This grandchild of mine will never take your place in that brat Ferran's heart. You are his first baby."
Jordi turned back, "I know, Señor."
"Haha. I'll let you in on a secret as well. That day, he cried like someone stole his favourite sweet or something. Hahaha."
"Are you nervous?"
"Why would I be nervous?"
"I don't know. Your first grandchild… You should be a bit nervous."
"Ok."
Jordi huffed and closed his arms to spend some time in silence. Señor Jordi wore a triumphant look.
"Little Jordi, don't think that a grandchild will be enough for you to escape. You will have to take care of the bookshop one day."
"I know, Señor. I still don't get it, though. Why me? Uncle has a lot of experience running the bakery with Mama. And Aunt Ona is great with finances."
Señor Garcia turns towards Jordi and observes him in silence. A silence different from the usual silences, heavier and pregnant.
"Son, no one else understands. They don't know how it feels to lose yourself in the magic of a good book. They have never entered that bookstore to escape into a different world. No, only you, Jordi. Only you. No one else will get a single share of my bookstore."
…
Layla Lloret burst into the lobby. Her loud steps and hysterical sobs announced her presence.
"It's a girl. It's a girl… Ferran called from inside. It's a girl!"
Layla fell into a hug with Señor Garcia, who, much to Jordi's shock, was holding back his tears. Jordi did not feel it was appropriate to take a picture, nor did he have time before he was pulled into a tight hug by Layla.
…
Uncle Ferran rushed towards Jordi and pulled him in a hug that left much unsaid. Jordi could feel his uncle's excitement radiating from the bones.
"Reietó, you are a big brother now! Come, come, I'll take her away from that old man. The big brother should hold his cousin as well." Ferran led Jordi into the room. He could not wait for little Jordi to hold her. His nephew and his daughter, his two precious babies.
Señor Garcia gave up the small bundle despite a few grumbles. Layla asked Jordi to seat himself on the sofa before Ferran carefully lowered her on his lap.
Ona, on the hospital bed, and Layla, stood beside her, were both moved to tears upon the change in Jordi's expression. Señor Garcia was more melancholic, remembering that same expression on little Ferran's face many years ago.
She was the most precious human Jordi had ever laid eyes on. She was so delicate and so warm and so beautiful. Jordi Lloret would protect her forever. He would make all her dreams come true. Her name was Teresa Lloret, and she was Jordi's cousin.
Ferran bent over and planted a meaningful kiss on Jordi's head.
"Reietó, even now, you only understand half of how your uncle really feels."