Chapter 17: Schooled

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Emilia's POV

"Okay, come on, everybody, let's go!" I hear mom call out. I still had a few steps to go with my makeup. I decide to take my time instead of rushing. That way I didn't make a mistake.

" Emilia! Elena! Man, you guys are moving slower than phosphorous through biomass!" Mom calls out again. My brows scrunch in confusion but I finish up with my makeup and follow Elena out.

"Mom can you pick me and Josh up from our dance class?" I asked as I enter the livingroom.

"Can't his parents pick you up? I have to study." She asked with slight annoyance.

"They can't. They're going to a business dinner." I tell her with a shrug.

"Okay yeah... text me the address." She agrees while rubbing her forehead.

"And after school can you drive me to march with the Lesbians Against Fracking?" Elena asked next.

"I'm sorry, baby, there's no way. There's no way that's a real thing." Mom says while placing her hands on Elena's shoulders.

"Queer women don't like our tap water catching fire any more than anyone else does. It really matters!" Elena explained.

"I know, baby, but so did the Women's March, the Immigration March, the Science March..." Mom rambled on about all the protest Elena dragged us too these past couple months.

"Ay, listen to your mother. This is march madness!" Abuelita says from the dining table.

"You know, I did like the Women's March. I looked very nice in that pink pussycat hat." Abuelita shared gleefully.

"That's right. And we really showed the patriarchy that men can no longer strut around with zero self-awareness, and shove their masculinity in our faces." I say pointing out the message of the protest.

"Hey, guys." Schneider greets as he walks in wearing incredibly short and uncomfortably tight athletic shorts.

"Schneider, would you please knock... my eyes out. What the hell are you wearing?" Mom says from her spot on the couch.

"Oh, this? Yeah, it's my new work uniform." Schneider said casually.

"You're hired." Abuelita says while twirling her necklace in a flirty way.

"Oh, Lydia, I was actually inspired by you teaching dance to become an educator myself. I started teaching spinning." Schneider explains.

"Isn't spinning riding a stationary bike? Why are you wearing a helmet?" I asked with a slight chuckle.

"It's for my own protection. I may have fallen off a few times. Anyway, can you post these flyers for me on campus?" Schneider asked mom while holding out a stack of papers.

"Oh! Are you too busy?" Mom asked sarcastically.

"Slammed. I barely have time to meditate before my sunset hike." Schneider says seriously.

"Murder Schneider. Come on, let's go." Mom says while writing on her to do list arm. Us kids get up from the dining table to head out.

"Wait, I don't have my lunch." Alex says.

"We don't have our lunch either." Elena follows.

"Ay! Papito, Dolce Nina, lo siento! I forgot." Abuelita gasps sadly.

"What about me?" Elena asked annoyed.

"I was just so distracted with my dance class." Abuela explains.

"You're teaching ballet to 5-year-olds. What do you have to prepare for mami?" Mom asked.

"Disappointment. Those kids are terrible." Abuelita laments while sitting back down.

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