Her Season

Chapter 4: Cygnus Swan

The renovation of the garden went on for days and that little Homer never fails to show up unannounced since then. He was so curious about everything that he interviewed and bothered the workers one at a time while they were working.

I find it very annoying. It was as if he were a fly hovering restless around.

“You’re here again.” Aunt Lucy said to Homer one sunny afternoon when she caught him loitering around. We were on the porch enjoying our teatime snack while the latter appeared in the front yard.

“I think it’s better to put some dinos on there.” He blurted out with no sense while pointing near the patio. “I can donate some of my Pterosaurs I have at home. I like Rexy the most, so I don’t mind giving you some of his friends.” He added and walked towards us.

“Oh, that was so thoughtful of you.” Aunt Lucy replied. “But I don’t think dinosaurs can fly up to outer space.” She said with a bit of humor.

“Is that too high?” he curiously asked. Homer was already standing in front of us looking intently at Aunt Lucy as he anticipated the answer.

A frown started to show on my forehead. Displeased with him interrupting our peaceful snack with his senseless ideas.

“Well, at least too high for your little friends,” Aunt Lucy answered, which made Homer think a bit.

“For sure, they can fly to outer space when they’re big enough. They were still babies.” He rebutted, trying to win the conversation.

“Given so, why don’t you go back to your house and take some afternoon nap together with your baby dinosaurs so all of you will grow taller and bigger.” Aunt Lucy added.

I give an imaginary big round of applause to her for that. This boy is even smaller and thinner than me. He has pale white skin, a round face with a tiny nose, a small mouth, and narrowed eyes. His hair is a bit longer than most boys usually have. He also has bangs which cover his whole forehead.

“I am not a baby anymore. I’m already five.” He said while pouting and showing his five fingers.

My eyes traveled on him from head to toe upon hearing those words. So, I was right, we were of the same age even though he’s shorter than me.

“Really?” Aunt Lucy asked with a little mockery. “Why then is my Swan here taller than you even if you were both the same age?” she added while gently patting my head.

“Maybe, uhm, maybe because...” Homer ran out of words. He was just looking at me, trying to think of a possible explanation for this ridiculous topic.

“It was because she slept in the afternoon.” Aunt Lucy finally helped Homer finish his sentence.

Homer’s eyes traveled from me to Aunt Lucy and vice versa. It seemed like he was still doubting the answer he heard.

“Now, go back home and take a nap.” she added, trying to sound stern to mask the humor in her voice. “Eat vegetables and other healthy foods too, so you will gain some more weight.”

And as if a signal, Homer’s eyes welled up and he started sniffing. I was kind of shocked by his reactions to the words my Aunt Lucy said.

“Maybe b-because she’s a-Bra-bra-chiosaurus.” He said while sobbing. Words are a bit incomprehensible because of his stuttering. “S-she’s just tall and e-eats veggies.”

Tears still flowing down from his eyes, he stuck his tongue out to us after he said those words and ran back to their house.

Aunt Lucy started laughing so hard after that. She even held onto her stomach. While I, on the other hand, was left dumbfounded. I have never met such a crybaby.

Days after, the renovation of the garden was almost done. Only some simple work like finishing touches, cleaning, and wrapping are left. I am still in awe of the new sight outside even though I have seen it from start to near end. It was so fascinating.

I am so excited to see the finished outcome. I can’t wait to sit comfortably on the patio to stare at the night sky and gaze at the twinkling stars. Nana Dahlia once said that my parents may no longer be physically here, but they were still guiding and watching over me like those celestial bodies.

She also said that I can always look up above the sky or close my eyes whenever I miss my mom and dad. They will come to me and hug me just like they did all the time before. It was indeed comforting.

The next day, we woke up earlier than usual as Aunt Lucy decided that we would visit my parents’ grave. This was also the last day of garden work.

Nana Dahlia will be left with the house helper to accommodate the workers and monitor their remaining duties. While me and Aunt Lucy will leave together with the driver.

It was also nearly two weeks after the incident and our first time visiting since then. I am quite nervous, scared, and excited. Feelings were overwhelming and, thankfully, Aunt Lucy didn’t say her plans yesterday or else I am not sure if I will be able to sleep last night.

We leave at exactly six in the morning after having a light breakfast. Nana Dahlia even packed us some club sandwiches, orange juice, chips, and water so we could have something to eat while on the road.

I saw Homer standing outside the gate of the house across the street as we exited our front gate. He was with two middle-aged women wearing a scrub suit uniform. One was kneeling in front of him looking like she was tying his shoelace and the other one was holding Homer in one hand while a dog leash in the other hand.

So that was where he lived. I thought to myself as we drove past them.

Aunt Lucy’s house was in a corner lot and the next neighbors nearby, aside from Homer’s, were at least a few blocks away. Since it was in an exclusive subdivision, the ambiance is very peaceful and quiet. I had never met nor seen her neighbors before when I used to visit her together with my mom and dad.

After a couple or so hours on the road, my Aunt Lucy instructed the driver to stop over at a nearby restaurant for an early lunch. We still have at least less than two hours before we reach our destination. The reason why she decided that it is better for us to have a proper meal now.

I ate in silence while Aunt Lucy was having a conversation with our driver in between their meal. Their topic was about the renovation of the garden, but I cannot seem to engross myself in their discussion as I am more thrilled at the mere fact that we were a bit closer to where my parents are.

Afterwards, we freshened up in the restaurant’s comfort room and headed back on our way again. We indeed arrived at the cemetery after lunchtime.

My heart was pumping so hard as we walked towards my parents’ grave. I held onto Aunt Lucy’s hand from the moment we stepped out of the car until we reached their resting place.

Here it is. Now I am standing in front of those tombstones where my mom and dad’s names were written. Mixed emotions were starting to build up again, but the most powerful one was longing.

Yearning for those days when they were still with me. Craving for touch, hugs, kisses, and love, they showered me. Hankering for a complete family once again. And wishful thinking that these are all bad dreams.

Aunt Lucy slowly kneeled without letting go of my hand. She caressed my mom’s name gently.

“Hi.” She whispered softly. “I am sorry if we were a bit late.” She added as she let go of my hand to light up the candles we brought and put the flowers in the vase between my mom and dad.

It was a bouquet of white stargazers and purple tulips. My mom loves stargazers, especially the white one as they were believed to symbolize innocence and purity. While Aunt Lucy added the purple tulips as they carried the message of longing for someone.

After she finished setting the candles and flowers, we sat on the foldable camping chair our driver placed around. The food Nana Dahlia packed was also beside us. It was like we were here for a picnic.

We sat silently for a few minutes while staring at the things in front of us. I, on the fire dancing on the tip of the candle while Aunt Lucy was on the tombstone. Luckily, it was not as sunny as yesterday. The sky was a bit shady, and clouds were floating freely covering the sun. It was as if the weather was as gloomy as we were.

“I remember when we were just kids, me and your mom used to run a lot.” Aunt Lucy suddenly uttered, reminiscing about the past. “Nana Dahlia gets so furious every time we do that.” She paused for a while.

“Your mom was a bit clumsy and always stumbled even on a flat surface.” She added that it made her smile a little. “Then she will cry hard and loud even if she is not badly hurt.” She stopped again, still smiling.

“Since Nana Dahlia cannot stop us from running, she taught us how to make origami.” Aunt Lucy sighed deeply before she continued. “As a child, I didn't have any talent and patience for that, but your mom got so hooked. And star origami was her favorite.”

I looked at my mom’s name on the tombstone to the stargazers, then to my dad’s. I really missed them so badly. It’s almost been two weeks. My bruises and scratches were already healed but my longingness will never be gone.

“Have they ever told you the story behind your name?” Aunt Lucy then asked and looked at me.

I shook my head. I don’t have any recollection of this thing before.

“Hey, you guys didn’t tell her about it?” She turned to my parents’ grave. Disbelief was evident in her eyes. “That was so rude of you two. Leaving without telling your story.” She sighed once more.

I know that she doesn’t mean it in a bad way. Aunt Lucy was just trying to lighten up our mood.

“Well then, I will take the honor of disclosing it to your little princess here.” She added, which sounded like she was asking for their permission.

She took a deep breath and held my hand, gently squeezing it.

“Since your mom was a fanatic of everything about the stars, sky, constellations and whatnot, she became a member of an astrological group in town during her senior year in high school up until college. She used to be so active in their activities, especially when it comes to visiting conservatories.” She paused again. Still holding my hand.

“She always bothered me about celestial bodies and stuff. I went with her one time just to yield to her interest, but those things were simply not my cup of tea.” She stopped just to smile like some good memories randomly visited her. “Luckily, she met your dad. To cut the story short, the love started with the stars.” She giggled a little because of the love story of my beloved parents.

“I have witnessed all the ups and downs of their love story. From how they started, to most of their major fights, to their reconciliation, up to their happy ending. I have witnessed it all.” She paused again. The smile was no longer on her lips.

Even at my young age, I know how close my mom and Aunt Lucy were. They were each other’s best friends. No wonder she knew many things about her.

“Your mom and dad named you after a constellation. It was just supposedly Cygnus. I protested, of course.” She’s now smiling again. Her emotions changed from time to time depending on the mood of her stories.

“You’re a girl and the only name they think about is Cygnus? It is not that I hate Cygnus, I liked it. Actually,” she mumbled the last word. This time, I can feel from her the intensity of her argument with my parents. It was as if she had traveled back to that time.

“But that is a boy’s name. How dare they give my cute niece a boy’s name? And those brutes only laughed at me!” She laughed after she said that.

“Thank God, they decided on adding Swan. Cygnus Swan.” She said, now caressing my hair. “Our Cygnus Swan. You looked exactly like your mom, sweetie.” She added and hugged me tightly.

So tight that I can feel the pain we both have inside us.