Fall to Pieces

Full of Surprises

I've been in Nicaragua for one month, now. Sunday after church, I sit on my bed, reading a magazine, when I see a truck coming in the distance.
Fernanda runs and opens the gate, allowing the truck to come in. The passenger hops out and grabs a couple boxes, makes Fernanda sign, and leaves. I watch from the window as Eddy, Mama, Alex, Fernanda and Scarlett open the boxes and open them. I'm curious as well, to see what's inside. However, going downstairs means pretending I care, which I don't.
"ANASTASIA!" Mama yells. My God, one of these days she's going to blow out my damn eardrums.
Walking downstairs, I pass Diego and Raina playing in the living room. I know I'm not supposed to have favorites, but those two have definitely stolen my heart. And, believe it or not, I enjoy being in the presence of Elena and Scarlett. Those girls are connected, and I'm going to find out why...they are a mystery I have to solve.
"Sí, Mama?"
She smiles at me (I'm pretty sure she doesn't frown) and hands me a paper.
Squinting, I read it.
Dear Anastasia,
I hope you are doing well in your first month. Keep up the good work. I am proud to know you have gone a month without alcohol. Seven more months to go! I've sent some supplies for the kids. Enjoy!
With love...
Rolling my eyes, I look up at the expectant faces. "My dad. Being generous. Supplies for the kids." I explain. Yup, I should've stayed in my room. Eddy and Alex bring the boxes into my class, and I walk back to my room.
"Mr. O'Neil," I can hear Mama speaking on the phone, "...Sí, we received your gifts. Gracias. However, you said in the letter that your proud of her for going a month without alcohol. Sir, alcohol is not Anastasia's problem....I know, but I think she's hiding something from you that you need to know about...."
"Ease dropping?" Eddy asks.
I jump and cross my arms. "No. I was going to my room."
I brush past him and close my door behind me. Literally five seconds later, there's a knock. Sighing, I open it. "What?"
"Um..."Its Elena.
"Sorry, I thought you were someone else. How can I help you?" I ask, noticing her math book in her hand.
"I was having trouble with questions with the homework."
Yes! I have waited like, years for Elena to put aside her pride for her to come and ask for help. Composing myself, I say, "Of course, let's go at the kitchen table."
"No! If the other girls find out that I can't do it, they'll laugh among themselves. Please, can we do it here?"
I lift my eyebrows. "They'll laugh?"
She sighs miserably. "Sí."
"Fine, come in. However, you shouldn't care what the other girls think about you. And I'm glad you're asking for help. Quien lengua ha, a Roma va." (Better to ask the way than to go astray.)
I help her through the problems and make sure she knows what she's doing.
"Thanks. I highly doubt knowing algebra will ever help me while grocery shopping, but that's okay."
I smile weakly. "I said the same thing when I was in high school."
She picks up her book. "Is it all that they make it to be? What's so good about America anyway?"
I chuckle. "Its different for everyone. Go and find out for yourself."
"Do you think I'll make it that far?"
"Sí. You'll have to work hard, though. No dan a quien no acude," I reply. (He that would have the fruit must climb the tree.)
She nods and returns a smile. "You're not too bad, Ms. O'Neil. See ya."
I watch her leave. One day, she'll definitely make it. I'm sure.
There's another knock at the door. Sighing, I open it. This time, its Eddy.
"What do you want?"
He frowns at me. "Tomar las cosas a pechos, da fin a Los hechos." (Anger and hate hinder good counsel.)
"Can I help you? Or do you want to annoy me?"
"I just wanted to know if you'll come to the market with me. You look like you would enjoy the ride."
"Okay. Let me grab my shoes."
"You'll come?" He asks, surprised. I don't understand why he's so shocked by everything I do. I grab my shoes, purse and sunglasses and walk away.
"I'll be waiting in the car."