Lupe Throws Like A Girl

The softball team members were expected to take turns working the women’s sports table at the weekly flea market to raise money for the team activities. Each Saturday morning, the student parking lot at the high school was transformed with vendors selling goods, new and used—everything from tacos to toasters.

“Less chatting and more selling, girls.” Coach Collins supervised. “Five minutes to eleven; half price starts then. Be ready.”

“I like her better on the field than I do bossing us around here.” Penny rearranged the china mugs, picture frames, and all the cast-off goods collected from the garages, attics, and basements of the players’ parents. Lupe was amazed at how much junk these other families had accumulated. Mama never donated, but she bought stuff when it was time for the half-price sale.

“Look at them, just lurking around for the cheap stuff.” Crusty Crystal eyed the shoppers as she worked alongside Penny and Lupe. “Who would buy any of this junk? It‘s really kind of disgusting.”

Most of the other players shared Crystal’s view of the swap meet. It was hard to get them to work the table, but everyone knew the dollars they made went right into the team travel budget. They grudgingly agreed to get their parents to donate items for sale but hated to work the table. Lupe stood toward the back of the booth, hoping her mother would not show up. This was where she did most of her weekend shopping, and Lupe didn’t want anyone to know it.