Matt’s News

Melania sat in her living-room, feeling depressed. It was two days before Christmas Eve. Matt had called her last week and told her about Gina’s ultimatum. “Unless I stop seeing you, I can’t see Cam,” he said.

Melania was appalled. “How could she do such a horrible and selfish thing like keeping Cam and you apart?” she demanded.

“I too thought that it was low even for her. She threatened to fight me if I proceed with the divorce and to deny me custody or any visitation rights. She said that she would tell the courts that I’m not fit to be a father because I’m an adulterer.”

“That’s ridiculous. You’re an amazing Dad to Cam and as far as you being an adulterer–“

“I’ve told Gina many times that you and I are not having an affair but she refuses to believe that. She’s bent on ruining me and poor Cam is caught in the middle.”

“So, what are you going to do?”

“I don’t know.”

“Are you still going to divorce her?”

“Yes. And I’m going to fight for join custody. Cam is my son and I’m not going to be denied my rights as his father.”

“Good. I’m sorry that you’re going through this. I had hoped that Cam would be spending Christmas with your parents, Joel, you, Aunt Kira and me.”

“So was I. I’ve got to go now. I have a lot to think about. Goodbye, Mel.”

“Goodbye, Matt.”

And she hadn’t heard from him since then. Anger towards Gina raged inside her. How could she do that to poor Cam? Cam loved his Dad and he loved spending the weekends and holidays with him and she was denying him that. What a selfish, mean woman she was.

Oh, Matt, why did you have to fall in love and marry her? She told herself that the only good thing that came from that marriage was Cam. Her heart broke for the little guy. What Gina was doing was cruel and spiteful. She had a good mind to go over there and give her a piece of her mind but that would only make things worse. And it was her fault that Matt couldn’t see Cam. Kira had warned her to stay away from him. If only she had listened…

The ringing of the phone jolted her and she got up to answer it. The number on the display told her that the caller was Matt. Anxiously, she picked up the receiver. “Hi, Matt.”

“Hi, Mel. Guess what?”

“What?”

“Cam is going to spend Christmas and New Year’s with me.”

“Really? How come?”

“Gina called and told me that she changed her mind. She said that she was going to drop Cam off on Christmas Eve.”

“What made her change her mind?”

“I don’t know and I don’t care. I’m just thankful that I’m going to see Cam.”

“I’m thankful too.”

“I was on my way home from Yorkdale when she called. I thought I’d call and let you know.”

“Matt, thanks for calling and letting me know. I was feeling pretty cut up about the whole thing. And now, I’m very happy that we’re going to see Cam for Christmas and New Year’s. Have you told your parents, Joel and Aunt Kira as yet?”

“No. You’re the first one I’ve told. I’ll call them all as soon as I get home.”

It made her feel special that he had called her first to tell her the good news. “I’m looking forward to seeing Cam and you on Christmas day,” she told him.

“And we’re looking forward to seeing you too. I’ll call you again tomorrow.”

“All right.”

“Goodbye, Mel.”

“Goodbye, Matt.” She hung up the receiver and smiled. Feeling upbeat, she went and finished wrapping her presents. She couldn’t wait for Christmas day to come when she would see Matt and Cam–well, especially, Matt.

Matt ended the call and slipped the phone into the pocket of his coat. He was looking forward to seeing Cam. After Gina told him that she had changed her mind about him seeing Cam and spending time with him, she handed the phone to an excited Cam. After the little boy talked his ear off, he put his mother back on the phone. “I’m really looking forward to seeing him,” Matt told her.

“And he’s looking forward to seeing you. I’ll drop him off at your place on Christmas Eve.”

“Thank you, Gina.”

“Don’t thank me, Matt. Goodbye.”

“Goodbye.” The call ended.

Now as he headed towards the subway, again he was curious to know why she had changed her mind after she had been so adamant about keeping Cam and he apart. When they were on the phone, he had wanted to ask but he wasn’t sure that she would level with him. Perhaps it was an attack of conscience, although that seemed unlikely. Whatever the reason, he was grateful. He was going to spend Christmas with his son and that was the best Christmas gift ever. In his heart, he thanked God.

The first person he thought of calling to share the good news was Mel. He was looking forward to seeing her too. He smiled at the thought.