Lupe Throws Like A Girl

There were three things that Lupe did not look forward to: her cousin’s wedding, David’s court hearing, and visiting Mr. Ramirez. Even thinking of the softball camp that she once looked forward to now drained her energy. Maybe because she knew she would have to see Penny.

The summer was hotter than usual. David was grouchy every day for one reason or another. He did have permission to leave the house for Cousin Maria’s wedding in the next county.

The wedding was just one week away. Softball camp at the university began the Monday following the wedding. That same week David’s court hearing was scheduled. And finally, it was the same week Mr. Ramirez would return to Villa Santa Barbara. Mama said his stroke left his left arm frozen and his speech slurred.

“Show me what you are going to wear to your cousin’s wedding.” Mama wanted the family to make a good impression in front of her brother-in-law and his church friends. “No, you are not wearing that skimpy sundress, Lupe.” There was no money for a new dress.

“It’s going to be hot as blazes on the Fourth of July, Mama. No one will be looking at us anyway. We’ll be strangers to the other guests—the heathen cousins.” David selected a Santana T-shirt and a pair of creased chinos.

“Of course, we will be strangers. No one is going to want to know us, especially if you wear that wild-eyed man on your chest. Get one of your papa’s white dress shirts; Lupe, you, too. The easiest thing is for all three of us to wear white cotton shirts over black pants. That way your Papa will be with us.” Lupe seldom witnessed her mama being so nervous, but this was the first family event they were going to attend since Papa had died. And to make matters worse, it was with the Protestant branch of the family.