Building My Life

Chapter 17 Enough of Jokes

Romualdo approaches the young people with the usual smile. “Good morning, young people! It's good that you are getting to know each other better.” Romualdo notices Josias's dress, “Yeah, there was no way, right? The sweatpants won. But, this is going to be temporary. Shall we start?”

Romualdo turns his back and the two boys follow him. The rest of the masons are standing in a corner, waiting for the orders of the day. Romualdo dictates today's schedule, as a real foreman.

When everyone goes to perform their tasks, Romualdo takes the famous hoe and gives it to Josias, with a nod. Uélton chuckles again.

“See, you did manage to be assigned effectively. I said that I suck with the hoe.”

Josias turns to Uélton with the same determined and firm expression. “Don't say such nonsense, Uélton. One day I'll teach you, so you can be proud of knowing how to handle a hoe. Never settle for little. You have two arms that can do anything, you are not a cripple. And you can learn anything because you are not a retard.”

Uélton's mouths open. It was the first time someone has said so vehemently that he is capable of being good at something. Not even his parents.

“T-thank you, Josias, it’s very motivating.”

Uélton smiles and goes to the pile of bricks, carrying more for those who are lifting the walls of the living room. Romualdo had also seen the scene from afar, also amazed at Josias's maturity and wisdom.

“Who is this boy?” He asks himself.

The day went on normally. Uélton is walking to and from, carrying bricks for the masons to raise the walls, and Josias mixing the cement with water for them to bond the bricks. Romualdo left an empty paint can and Josias put the mortar to take to the masons. It was not an easy task, taking the can filled with cement to various places. As the sun heated up, Josias sweated and got tired, but he didn't complain.

Once in a while Uélton did pass by him and make a little joke that he couldn't take it. Josias laughed at first, but then he started to get worried. Was Uélton really prepared for the toil at the construction site?

“How old are you, Uélton?” Josias asks when he utters the 20th joke.

“Sixteen,” Uélton responds at the same time as he gasps.

Josias makes a mental calculation. “Shouldn't you be at school? Or do you study in the afternoon, at night? You haven't finished high school yet.”

Uélton laughs. “I don't want to go on, I really did quit it. I have already learned what is necessary: ​​multiplication tables and enough in Portuguese not to commit any embarrassment.”

Josias, however, shakes his head. “If you don't finish your studies, then it is good to get used to the bricks.”

Uélton laughs again, thinking that Josias is also joking, and walks away. Romualdo cautiously approaches Josias after the scene.

“Where do you live really, Josias?”

“In Seu Teodoro's building, he said he knows you,” Josias responds by turning over more cement mass with the hoe.

“Yes, I know where it is. You are one of the tenants.”

“Now, I am legitimate. Before, I didn't pay a cent, but Seu Teodoro was very kind to let me stay. Now I will pay, and I even think about paying for the four months that were left behind.”

Romualdo puts his hand on his chin. The boy has been here for four months. Then, after asking permission, Romualdo goes to Teodoro's building.

Upon arriving, Teodoro is again dancing with the broom to the sound of “Special Lady” by Ray, Goodman, and Brown. Romualdo lets out a good laugh. “Yes, the lack that a woman makes! Who told you not to get married?”

Teodoro is so frightened that he drops his broom, making a loud bang. “Look what you made me do, man!”

“What is it; did I take your girlfriend down?” Romualdo approaches and leans against the counter. Gradually he stops laughing. “I need to take a serious chat with you.”

“You can talk.” Teodoro picks the broom and leaves it leaning against the wall. Then it decreases the volume of the radio.

“Are you housing the boy named Josias, who is working with me today at the construction site?”