Send Me In Orbit

First Day

Prompt from JaDinePhilly: CJ's First Day of School.

He wasn't going to cry. There would be no crying.

Leah would never let him live it down if he cries. Even though she was already crying in bed the previous night. And yes, a tear or two might have squeezed out of his eyes after she fell asleep. And he might have gone into CJ's room and spent the night watching him sleep.

He doesn't crawl into his and Leah's bed anymore. He sleeps in his own bed like a big boy. He doesn't even want a nightlight now.

At 3 years old, CJ was already showing the signs of being a smart, independent, responsible little boy. He was potty trained, he can count to twenty, he knew his alphabet, and he was already starting to read short sentences. Leah keeps telling Clark that CJ takes after him and Clark was so incredibly proud, but sometimes he found himself wishing that his son needed him a little more. Now he was going to school, he was going to learn more things, make new friends...Clark was losing his first baby.

The car was quiet as they drove to the school. A small private school that Clark and Leah had researched thoroughly. The two babies were at home with Manang Tiffany so it was just the three of them in the car. CJ was unusually quiet and Clark took a glance at him in the rearview mirror. CJ was sitting quietly in his carseat, staring out the window. Beside Clark, Leah was doing the same and he caught sight of her wiping tears from her cheeks. Clark took her hand in his.

"Are you excited, bud?" Clark asked.

CJ didn't answer.

"Anak? Okay ka ba?" Leah asked.

"Yes, Mommy," CJ said quietly, none of his usual energy in his voice.

Leah looked at Clark worriedly and his chest tightened. He knew what she was thinking. Maybe it was too soon. But Gabby and Junior had both started school at 3 years old and Gigi was also starting school now near their home in Tagaytay. After a long discussion, Clark and Leah had agreed that this would be for the best. As much as they wanted to keep CJ at home a little longer, they didn't want him to fall behind his peers, both in knowledge and social skills.

Clark pulled into the parking lot. "Okay, we're here, bud!"

Leah painted a cheerful expression on her face. "Yehey! School time! Maaga tayo, makakapagpakuha tayo ng pictures."

They got down from the car and Clark went around and took CJ out of his carseat. He kneeled in front of him and straightened his uniform.

"Hey," Clark lifted CJ's chin up. "Why do you look so sad?"

"Bakit si Cwaire hindi papasok school?" His lips trembled and he looked up at Leah helplessly. "I wanna stay with Mommy!"

Leah teared up and it looked like she was close to just taking CJ home. But Clark suddenly understood what has been bothering CJ all along. He looked his son in the eye.

"Bud, you're not being punished, okay? Mommy wants you at home too. But all kids have to go to school. Kuya Dayunior and Kuya Gabby go to school, right? Claire is too small right now but next year she's going to school too."

Leah wiped her tears and kneeled beside Clark. "Anak, alam mo 'yung books na binabasa natin sa bahay? Sa school, magbabasa ka ng maraming books! At sa bahay, puro babies ang kasama mo. Dito sa school, marami kang makikilala na ka-age mo. You'll make new friends!"

CJ looked between his parents, still looking frightened but not as sad as before.

"High five!" Clark held his hand up and CJ slapped it. "Fist bump! Yeah!"