“Mama comes home between jobs, around six thirty. Can I get you some water?” Lupe forced herself to be friendly to the man who was never around when there was real trouble but was always full of advice.
“Thanks, Lupe. You’re looking so much like your mother.” Lupe gestured toward the second porch chair and kicked a warning toward her brother when her uncle’s back was turned. She retrieved a glass of water and sat on the top step to hear his news. “I remember when you and my little Maria were girls, playing together with dolls and teacups.”
“You do?” Lupe remembered her cousin, Maria, who’d loved to play the little mommy games that she’d never liked. The girls were the same age but attended different schools. It had been years since they were together. “Maria must have graduated this year, like me.”
“Lupe plays softball. She’s a great pitcher, going to the university this fall.” David piped up, bragging about his sister, not wanting to be left out of the conversation. He knew her university dreams were all washed up.
“Softball? Well, well. That’s something I never expected. I thought you were the athlete in the family, David.”
“Still am.” David lied again and crossed his legs to hide his ankle monitor. “So what’s your news?”
“Great news! The Lord has blessed us. Maria is getting married, and we want you all to attend the ceremony.” Uncle Waldo’s joy sounded forced.
“Married? She just graduated from high school.” Lupe couldn’t help blurting this out.
“Well, actually, she’ll do that later, take an exam or something to finish. She is in love, and we are glad he’s such a wonderful young man. Roger Hamilton. He’s our pastor’s son and plans to go into the ministry, like his dad.”
“Are you talking about Roger Hamilton from Cleveland High? I played against him in high school.” David looked suspicious.
“Yes. You knew him before you dropped out? He’s a fine young Christian athlete.” Tio Waldo took a jab at David, and then spoke more enthusiastically about his future son-in-law than he had about his own daughter, prima Maria.
“I only knew him by reputation.” David’s voice was low.
“Well, Mama will be happy to hear this. When is the wedding?” Lupe knew her mama would hold this over her head. She always compared her with Maria. She wanted to know why Lupe never dressed up, seldom went out with boys, and didn’t act more like a lady.
“July 4; it’s a red, white, and blue wedding. As long as there are fireworks, we thought we would take advantage of the celebration. It’s at our church, of course, Camino de la Luz, three o’clock, then a barbecue reception afterward.”
“So soon.” Lupe tried to imagine how Maria could make such a big decision while she was still so young.
“I get it, kind of a firecracker theme, eh?” David had a sneer on his face.
“I have to rush off, kids. Tell your mama, and I certainly hope you can all come. Don’t worry about bringing a gift. Pastor Hamilton and his wife are giving the new couple everything they need to get started.”
There was no handshake for David and no hug for Lupe. Uncle Waldo seemed to be in a big hurry to be on his way. He did slow down to pat the hood of the Chevy as he passed, and Lupe heard her brother make a low growl.
“Just wait till Mama hears about this,” Lupe muttered.
“He certainly hopes we can all attend.” David rubbed his ankle below the restraining bracelet.
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