𝐇𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐎𝐛𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧.

Sister War One.

𝐉𝐚𝐬𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐞

At eight o'clock all of us sat at the table for dinner. Like at the mansion back home everyone had their assigned seat. As the head of the family Abuelo sat at the head of the table and as his wife Abuela sat to his right. After her came Father, then Andriana, Kazimir, CJ, Tía Tulia, Tío Pedro, Tomas, his fiance Natalia, Mateo, Gloria, Aunt Nancy, Xavier and Theodore.

As the oldest son Tío Miguel sat to Abuelo's left. After him came Tía Juanita, Tío Enrique, Tía Sofia, Alicia, Manolo, Luisa, Raquel and Javier. Javier sat next to Andrès and sitting next to him was Mom, then Marisa, me, Valentino, Dad, Sabrina and Damen.

"Where is Ruby?" Abuelo questioned as the servers brought in the first course: Mondonga soup—made with diced tripe, vegetables and a variety of seasonings. It was light, full of flavor and a favorite in my family.

"I called after lunch," Tío Miguel said. "After I reminded her of her promise to come home for your birthday she went to pack."
"Where was she and who was she with?" Tía Tulia inquired.
"I didn't get around to asking her who she was with but she did say she was in the Bahamas."

"Mmm, this soup is delicious," Sabrina remarked. "What is this meat I'm tasting? It's soft and just a little chewy. Is it beef?"
"It's tripe," Tía Juanita told her.
"Tripe? Is that some kind of a fish?"
"No it's the stomach lining of a cow."

Hearing this Damen immediately stopped eating and pushed his bowl away. "Forgive me but I seemed to have lost my appetite."
"Don't be dissuaded Damen, it may sound strange but it's really quite delicious," I said.
"Do you want mine Jas?"
"I'll take it," Sabrina said eagerly.
"Buon appetito tesoro."
(Enjoy your meal sweetheart)

Sabrina squealed happily and brought Damen's bowl closer to hers. "I can't wait to try more Colombian food. I loved the tilapia and the black beans we had for lunch. And I love the tripe too."

"One of these days we'll all go out and see the sights," I grinned. "You'll get to see the place I grew up in and try some authentic Colombian street food that will give the street food in Chinatown a run for its money. There's empanadas, tamales, carimañolas, buñuelas, Dedo de Queso—which is what we call Colombian cheese sticks—and Perros Calientes Colombianos. Or Colombian hot dogs. Unlike American hot dogs which have the standard toppings like ketchup, mustard and sweet pickle relish Colombian hot dogs have toppings like ceviche, crab in coconut sauce, refried beans, arugula, crushed potato chips and shoestring potatoes. Even if you're starving you can have two of them and be satisfied. Most people in Medellín like to have one after a night of drinking and partying. It's like hangover food-"

"Don't you ever stop talking?" Andriana asked irritatedly. "You're just going on and on and on. Just shut the fuck up and have your damn food!"
"First of all I wasn't even talking to you, I was talking to Sabrina," I said. "So be a dear and mind your fucking business."

"Girls please, your language," Abuella spoke up. "Andriana please be a bit more civil when speaking to your sister. And Jasmine please keep the talking to a minimal, people are trying to eat."

"I am a perfectly civilized person Abuela," Andriana said. "She's the one who always turns me into a bitch."
"Oh please," I snorted. "I can't turn you into what you already are."
"What?! Repeat what you just said!"
"Are your ears not working? If so shall I get you a hearing aid?"

"Jasmine that is enough," Mom said. "You and Andriana fought this afternoon and it ended in disaster. I'll not have the same thing happening tonight. Is that clear?"
I sighed. Of course I'm the one who got the talking to. "Yes Mom."

For the rest of the soup course there was quiet. After everyone's bowls were empty the second course was brought in; Arroz Atollado which was a rice and pork dish. It was a bit like shrimp risotto, just made with different seasonings and having pieces of pork instead of shrimp. We often made ours with pork belly.