Motherless

35

Melody

I pulled into a quiet street that wasn't so quiet tonight. Cars lined both sides, music floated through the air, and the glow of string lights spilled over from a house packed full of life. I glanced at Talia, who was sitting in the passenger seat, already looking a little uneasy. 

She peered out the window, her eyebrows furrowing. "What's going on? This... this looks like a party." 

"It is," I said casually, putting the car in park. 

Her eyes widened, and she gripped the seatbelt. "Wait, no. You didn't say anything about a party. I—I can't do this, Mom. There are so many people, and I'm not good at this. Can we just go?" 

I reached over and gently took her hand. "Talia, breathe. It's okay. I promise it's nothing scary." 

Her voice came out shaky. "But why are we here?" 

I smiled, hoping it would reassure her. "Because there's someone very special I want you to meet. Trust me, mi cielo, this is a good thing. You'll see." 

She hesitated, chewing on her lip. I could tell her anxiety was spiking, and my heart squeezed at the sight. 

"Talia," I said softly, squeezing her hand. "You're not alone, okay? I'll be with you the whole time. You're family now, and this is your family too. I want you to feel it, to know it, because you are part of this. You belong here." 

Her eyes softened, though she still looked nervous. "Family?" 

"Family," I repeated firmly, leaning over to kiss her forehead. "And they're going to adore you. I've been dying to show off my beautiful, smart, and amazing daughter." 

That finally got a small smile out of her, and she nodded. "Okay... I'll try." 

"There's my brave girl," I said, grinning. "Now, let's go. They're all waiting." 

---

We got out of the car, and I led her to the side gate of the house. Laughter and chatter grew louder as we walked through, and when I pushed the gate open, it was like stepping into another world. 

The backyard was strung with colorful lights, and long tables were packed with food, desserts, and people of all ages. Kids ran around with water balloons, while adults sat under tents, eating and talking. It was chaotic, loud, and full of love—the kind of scene I grew up with. 

I glanced at Talia, who looked both overwhelmed and intrigued. 

"Breathe, mi amor," I said, wrapping an arm around her shoulder. "I've got you." 

"Mom, they're all speaking Spanish," she whispered, her voice tinged with panic. 

"Not all of them," I teased lightly. "And don't worry, I'll translate for you. You'll be fine." 

Just then, a few of my cousins spotted us and came over. "¡Melody! ¡Finalmente llegaste!" one of them said, throwing her arms around me. 

"Hey, hey!" I said, hugging her back. "Talia, this is Isabel. Isabel, this is my daughter, Talia." 

Isabel's face lit up, and she immediately turned to Talia. "Oh, she's preciosa! Hi, Talia! Welcome!" 

"Hi," Talia said shyly, offering a small wave. 

The introductions kept coming as more family members stopped by to greet us. Some spoke Spanish, others switched to English for Talia's sake, and I translated whenever needed. She stayed close to me, her hand gripping mine like a lifeline, but I could see her relaxing little by little.