Building My Life

Chapter 35 - The Phone Call

The voice of Simeão Campos, Melissa’s father, sounded firm and protective. To Josias’s ears, it was clear that Simeão was on high alert, likely thinking it was Fabrício calling to bother his “little princess” again.

“Good evening. This is Josias Rocha speaking,” Josias said immediately, choosing transparency to dispel any doubts. “May I speak with Melissa?”

“Don’t you think you’re a bit too old to be calling my daughter?” Simeão countered.

Because Josias’s voice was naturally firm and serious, Simeão had mistaken him for someone his own age.

“No, sir!” Josias let out a soft laugh. “I’m your daughter’s age. She knows me.”

Simeão relaxed his shoulders and allowed himself a small, relieved smile. This boy was different from the last one; there was a quality in his tone that commanded respect.

“Forgive me, but you sounded... do you live here in the slum?”

“Yes, I live in Seu Teodoro’s building.”

Simeão took a deep breath, pleased. Teodoro’s place was reputable; he could easily check up on the boy later. “Just a moment, I’ll see if she’s available.”

Josias didn’t want to say that Melissa was waiting for him so as not to leave the impression that she was a shameless girl.

Simeão set the receiver down on the table and headed to her room. The Campos house followed the typical pattern of Happiness Slum: unfinished walls, sparse lighting, and modest furniture. However, Melissa’s room was the exception due to her father’s devotion. It had tiled floors, pink plastered walls, and a freshly varnished wooden window.

Melissa was propped up against her headboard, immersed in a novel by José de Alencar. A dictionary lay open beside her to help with the nineteenth-century vocabulary, but she persisted for the sake of the story. A knock at the door broke her concentration.

“Who is it?”

“Telephone, daughter! A boy named Josias,” Simeão announced.

Melissa beamed. She marked her page and hurried to the door. To her surprise, her father didn’t move; he stood there with a questioning frown.

“Any questions, Dad?” she asked, smiling like a little girl.

“Who is this boy? Do you study with him? I thought he was my age,” Simeão shot back.

“What an idea, Dad! Why would I want to date someone your age?” Melissa laughed.

“Are you two already dating behind my back?” Simeão’s eyes widened. “Nowadays, when a girl says she’s ‘seeing’ someone, it usually means...”

“No, Dad. He hasn’t even asked me yet. It’ll take a while; he’s a true gentleman,” Melissa said, giving her father a gentle nudge. “Now, excuse me, or the call will get expensive for the poor boy.”

Simeão stepped aside, but he didn’t go far. He lingered in the hallway, shamelessly eavesdropping.

Melissa picked up the phone, her voice bright. “Hello, Josias!”

“Melissa! Good, I was afraid your dad had hung up on me.”

“My father would never do that. He just asked the typical questions, the kind you’ll probably ask when you have a daughter of your own.”

Josias laughed, and Melissa felt a warm flutter in her chest. “So, how was the rest of your day?”

“I’ve been reading José de Alencar. But it’s much better to hear from you,” Melissa added quickly.

“I really need to buy a good book to distract myself; there’s not much to do in my room,” Josias said smoothly. “How about we go out tomorrow and you recommend something to me?”

“That’s a great idea! How about nine in the morning? I already have a book in mind for you.” Melissa smiled anxiously, twirling the phone cord around her finger.

“Deal. I’ll meet you at the corner. Afterward, I’ll walk you home to meet your father. If he’s already asking questions, it’s better I introduce myself properly.”

Melissa was stunned by his boldness. If he was willing to face her father this early, it was only a matter of time before things became official.

“I’m sure he’ll love meeting you — and my mom, too. I should go now; I know this isn’t your phone.”

“You’re right. Goodnight, Melissa. See you tomorrow.”

“Bye!”

As she hung up, Simeão hurried to the kitchen, pretending to be busy. He grabbed a glass of water he didn’t even want, reflecting on what he’d heard. Nine in the morning. It sounded innocent enough. He wanted to pry further, but hearing her bedroom door click shut, he decided to wait for the morning breakfast to get the full story.

***

On the other side of the slum, Josias was walking on air. He had completely forgotten about the “other boy” in the picture.

As he left Teodoro’s office and headed for the stairs, he ran right into Jeremiah. Jeremiah was slightly drunk, stumbling alongside a girl with a striking figure. They were clinging to each other and laughing loudly. Jeremiah let go of the girl to fumbled with his key at the counter.

When Josias realized Jeremiah intended to take her upstairs, he intervened. “Hey, what do you think you’re doing?”

Jeremiah finally noticed him. “Oh, man, you again? Get lost; I’ve got much better company now.” He shot a leering look at the girl, who giggled, clearly more intoxicated than he was.

“This is a boarding house, not a motel,” Josias scolded. “And with that noise, you’re going to wake everyone up. It’s late!”

“And what are you still doing up? It’s past the bedtime of the kids!” Jeremiah wrapped his arm around the girl and they started up the stairs, completely ignoring Josias’s protest.