OFF THE RECORD (First Person)

31. 'Tis The Damn Season

December 2014

Emma

I opened the front door, letting Tomas in, who had let me know, via text, that he had arrived.

I was dressed in my pajamas, with my dark tousled hair on top of my head in a bun, and my puffy slippers covering my feet from the cold tile floor.

I yawned, after giving my friend a good morning greeting. He kissed my cheek, entering the living room freely. I signaled him to be quiet with my index finger on my lips. Tomas nodded.

I decided to take him to my old room. I knew that even though I was twenty-three years old, my parents would not approve of me having a boy in such a closed space. I was glad the room was right by the front door, with an easy access to an exit.

Besides, my parents were lost in deep sleep, thanks to the almost all nighter we had pulled the night before.

Honestly, I didn't think they would realize he was even there. Not even Cuca, who slept calmly in the living room, had raised her small head to greet him.

The day before had been somewhat strange. My older sister, Luna, had arrived that morning from Austin, where she had resided for more than ten years.

At first, I thought she was arrogant, as she didn't come to visit us often. But now that I lived far from home and that I had a stable schedule, either with school or work, I realized it was hard to make time to return back home as one wished.

After having spent the day with us, retelling how her life was going in the capital of the state, while we shared coffee and cookies and then helping around the house, I felt a familiarity that filled me with nostalgia.

As we enjoyed an action movie in the living room couch, both of us covered by a thick blanket, Luna showed me pictures on her phone of the projects she was working on. She was one of the directors in the Texas Environmental Health Association.

I was impressed by her job. I knew she was brilliant in every aspect, but to see her hands on was like meeting her all over again.

"So, you are going to be a lawyer, little sister?" Luna asked me, putting away her phone.

I blushed. I wasn't used to hearing that word. I always wanted to be able to say it. To have Luna on my side as Regina had her sisters. But I was conscious that, even if Luna appreciated me, she had higher duties to attend.

"That's the plan. But I still got two years and a half to go."

Luna nodded, smiling. "They'll go by fast. You'll see. I can't wait to see you picking up that new diploma!"

I smiled, laying my head on my sister's shoulder.

Later that day, us four arrived to our uncle's house, to spend Christmas Eve with the few family members that lived in the city.

There, in between drinks, karaoke, dancing, and games, mom and dad lowered their guard. We had never seen our parents drunk, but that night they allowed themselves to celebrate without worry.

Both of us noticed it immediately, and we even encouraged them to continue enjoying the party. We arranged between each other to take care of them. Past midnight, mom and dad danced, holding on to each other, laughing with the interruptions of hiccups.

Luna took me out to dance, next to our parents. I taught Luna how to dance a booming cumbia from the speakers.

Not even two songs had passed as our mom lost her steps. Luckily, I held her before she hit the floor. I walked her to Luna's car, while Luna did the same with our father.