Luis February 2005
Usnavi comes home from school panicked.
"Usnavi, what's wrong?"
"I don't have a gift for Vanessa!"
"I thought you picked out one last week."
"I did, but than I didn't like it. I returned it, hoping I would find another. I stopped on my way from school and couldn't find one. Tomorrow is Valentine's Day. I can go there without a gift !"
"Son, what is this so important to you?"
"I want to ask Vanessa to be my girlfriend. If I have the wrong gift, she will say no."
"Usnavi, your mom and I have watched you two since you were two. You two have loved each other since before you knew what love was. I wouldn't be surprised if you two get married one day."
"Dad!"
I laugh and hug him. "You'll see. You two will be married one day. For now though, how about the two of us head to my favorite store. It is where I get gifts for your mom. I'm sure you will find something there."
"Really?"
"Yes. They have good stuff."
"If you say so."
The next day, Lilly and I are sitting and talking together, expecting Usnavi to come in happy. Instead, he looks down.
"Baby, what's wrong?"
"It's nothing mom."
"It's not nothing. Come talk to us."
I have a feeling I know what's wrong when he sits down.
"Vanessa told me today that she is moving this summer."
"Oh baby, I'm so sorry. It's not like you won't see her again. You will still call and write letters. We are good friends with her parents. We will visit."
"Did you know?" He ask, looking at me heartbroken.
"I found out today son. Daniella told us of her plans today."
"It's not fair Dad. She is my best friend."
"I know bud, but like your mom said, we will still see them. Daniella is still owner of the office. She is putting me in charge of the office. She will be down once a month to talk business. She has already said she will bring Vanessa , from time to time, to visit."
"Did she like the gifts. Did you ask her to be your girlfriend?" Lilly asks.
"I gave her the gift but but didn't ask her to be my girlfriend. What's the point? If she is moving, she can't be my girlfriend."
Lilly pulls Usnavi into her arms and holds him tight.
"I don't want her to leave mom."
"I know baby."
She holds him and he begins to cry. Later that night, Lilly and I celebrate my promotion.
Lilliana July 2005
"Usnavi, baby, are you ready to go? It is time to go say goodbye to Vanessa and her family," I say, walking in his room.
He shrugs and follow me out to the living room.
"Usnavi, I know you're sad, but it will be okay. We already have visits planned and you two can talk as much as you would like."
He just shrugs. I kiss his head and we go say goodbye to the Ortega's.
After saying goodbye to the Ortega's , while driving to dinner, I notice Usnavi looks very red in the face and is not nearly as sad.
"Usnavi, what is that look?" I say, resisting the urge to laugh.
He blushes even harder. "Vanessa asked me to be her boyfriend."
"Oh really?" I laugh.
He just shrugs and then turns even redder.
"Is there more?"
He quickly shakes he head and turns away. I look at Luis and mouths that he will tell me later.
"Mom, where are we going?"
"To dinner."
At dinner, we have finished eating when I grab Luis's hand.
"Son, we have something we want to talk you. We know you are upset about Vanessa moving, but we hope telling you today will help."
"What is it dad?"
"Baby, I am pregnant. I am going to have a baby." I say, smiling.
"Really? When is the baby coming?" He says excitedly.
"They are due in November."
"They?"
"I am having twins."
"That's so cool, only, why are you telling me now?"
"What do you mean?" I ask him confused.
"Well, you been pregnant before and never told me. At least, not since I was in kindergarten."
"How do you know that?" I ask, surprised.
"I've heard you and dad talk about it and I have also heard your crying when you lost the pregnancies. So, why now?"
"I'm sorry I didn't tell you before. The first time we told you that we were expecting, you were so excited. After we lost the baby, you were sad. We didn't want to disappoint you anymore. To answer your question, we are past 25 weeks. Even if something happened, the babies would have a chance of survival. Usnavi, you are finally going to be a big brother."
He grins so wide, I think he may burst.
Lilliana November 2005
Another strong contraction rips through my body and I groan in pain. When I hit 30 weeks, I decided have a home birth. I figured this is my one chance to give birth, I want to feel it. Now, I regret every decision. I have been in labor for 23 hours. My midwife said I was at 8 centimeters when she checked me twenty minutes ago.
"God! This hurts Luis!"
"I know Love. It will be over soon."
I cling to Luis as the contraction runs it course. He kisses my head and tries to comfort me. As the contraction eases, I realize I need to push. As I go to tell Luis, the midwife walks back in.
"How are we doing?"
"I... I thinks it's time."
She checks and nods. "You are ready. The first baby will be here soon."
Luis kisses me and helps me readjust to push. "Let's do this Love."
Forty five minutes later, I am crying as the second baby finally comes out.
"You did amazing Lilliana."
"I... am never... doing that again!"
He laughs and kisses me. "That's okay. We have three. That is enough."
"Mrs Mendoza, would you like to hold your son and your daughter."
I nod, eagerly. "Luis, come help me. I don't think I have the strength to hold both of them alone."
He sits beside me and holds our son while I hold our daughter.
"They are so beautiful!"
I nod, agreeing. I kiss my daughters head and snuggle her close.
"What should we name them?"
Usnavi is brought in a few hours later.
"Mom, are they here? They are both okay?"
"Usnavi, Baby, come meet your baby brother and sister." I say, smiling.
He looks relieved and then excited. He walks over to my bed and looks at the baby in my arms.
"What's are their names?"
"Well, your dad is holding Jaime. This little one is Marisol."
"Can I hold her?"
"Of course. Sit beside me and I will help you."
I place Marisol in his arms and he looks at her with so much amazement.
"I can't believe I have a baby brother and sister!"
I kiss his head. "You are going to be an amazing big brother."
Usnavi continues to stare at Marisol. "She is so tiny mom."
"Not really," I mumble and Luis laugh. Usnavi gives us a look but then looks back at Marisol.
"Marisol, Jaime, I am going to be the best big brother I can to the two of you. I will always protect you two."
I stroke Usnavi's hair and enjoy the time with my family.
