Lupe and Selina Play Through the Storm

The meal was delicious, as expected. Mama appeared tired yet happy because family time filled her with joy. Every comment was directed to the children.

“Look how Ben uses his fork. He’s such a big boy. Look how the baby watches her big brother. Like you two when you were a baby, Lupe,” Mama chattered on.

No one asked questions about Lupe’s work, her team, or their upcoming trip to the tournament in Mexico. Lupe told herself that seeing her mama was the point of this weekend. Their knowledge of her life was not necessary. But she could not help but feel neglected. David was the one who was living the life that Mama understood and appreciated: married and having two children. That being the case, Lupe braced herself for the question she knew was coming. Julie asked it.

“When will you bring us some little cousins for my son and daughter to play with?” Julie rocked the baby in her arms.

“I was thinking I might get married first.” Lupe watched Julie fiddle with the baby’s blanket. “And I need to find someone worth dating.” Lupe tried not to sound bitter. Mama was looking at her with a worried expression on her face. “I’m kidding, Mama. Many nice men work at the university.” Lupe stood up to clear the table and clear the air. “I guess I’ll sleep on the sofa tonight.”