Lupe Throws Like A Girl

“I want to talk, too, Lupe.” Mama stood up and closed the door when David headed out to the garage. “I saw how Carlos looked at you, and I know you are more than just friends. It reminded me of how I felt when I met your father.”

“Why are you saying this now, Mama?” Lupe did not want to hear what her mama had to say.

“Just listen. I’ve never told you, but your papa was engaged when I met him. He had promised to marry a girl he’d left behind in Mexico.” Mama clutched her tea mug with both hands.

“Well, you got married anyway.” Lupe squirmed in her chair as she listened. “Why are you telling me this?”

“He was a proud fellow, rather brash, too. As a matter of fact, your brother reminds me of how your papa used to be. But I couldn’t get him out of my mind.” Mama hung her head and shook it slightly. “I was very attracted to your papa from the start, but I didn’t want to be. I knew he was engaged to that girl. I didn’t want to cause any trouble, but . . .”

“But you kept thinking about him? I know how that is,” Lupe said.

“It was after your papa and the girl lost contact that we got married. Funny thing: that friend of Mr. Ramirez’s—Roberto—knew the whole story,” Mama said.

“How could he? He wasn’t here,” Lupe said.

“He even knew I would take care of Mr. Ramirez when he got real sick. And he knows about you and Carlos, too.” Mama lifted her head and looked straight at Lupe.

“Why are you telling me this?” Lupe’s head reeled with the news of her father’s past. “I don’t want to hear it.” She could not overcome her shame about her evening with Carlos. Her heart beat fast.

“I am just your old mama, but I know how complicated life can be when you are young.” Mama rinsed her cup. “That’s all I’ll say unless you want to talk about it.”

“No, Mama. I don’t want to talk about it.” Lupe could feel she was blushing. How did Mama know the real reason she needed to talk? Even the mothers at the baseball field knew.

“Does Roberto Clemente know everything?” Lupe held her breath. Was she being watched?

“He told me not to worry.” Mama patted her shoulder.