Fly Away Girl

Chapter Five

Chapter Five

Emmy

***

This morning, I'm greeted by cramps. Hunched over, I hurry to the bathroom only to discover that it's my time of the month.

Oh, joy.

I change after I shower. I quickly blow dry my hair and pop a Midol into my mouth before waking Rosa and the twins.

Glancing at the hallway clock, I realize that I'm ten minutes behind on my morning routine. I place Rosa, Martin, and Maria in the bathtub and hurry to the boys' room.

"Sammy!" I hiss.

"What?" The muffled reply comes from somewhere among the mass of pillows and blankets.

"Go take your shower. I'm going to make everyone breakfast."

I dart down the stairs and come face to face with my grandmother.

"Buenos dias, Emilia. ¿Como estás tú?"

"Bien," I answer cautiously. "Why are you up so early?"

"I wanted to help out! For the rest of my stay, I'll take care of Rosa, Maria, and Martin. Even Lucas, if you want. I need to spend time with them, anyway."

"Thank you," I breathe. "I'm going to go get the little ones out of the bathroom.

"I'll do it," she insists. "You watch this."

I comply and take my grandmothers place at the stove, where she's cooking pancakes and eggs. The eggs are ready before the pancakes, and I set out eight plates and eight glasses.

Martin is the first to arrive.

"Hi, Marty. How are you today?" I ask my youngest brother.

"Good," he smiles back at me, coming over to give me a peck on the cheek.

"Did Gran help you get ready?"

Martin nods. "She's helping Maria now."

Sammy comes in next, followed immediately by Lucas.

"That was fast," I comment to Sammy. "Where's Gran?"

Sammy shrugs.

Maria toddles into the kitchen, armed with her bright pink Cinderella backpack, a hand-me-down from Sofia.

"I'm hungry," she complains.

"Sit down then!" Gran calls from the hallway.

Her and Sofia stroll in, side by side. Rosa is still half asleep in Gran's arms.

Gran serves breakfast to everyone.

"Who wants to drink what?" I call from the refrigerator.

"Apple juice!" Maria calls.

"Me, too," Sammy joins in. "Sofia and Marvin, too," he adds after a short pause.

"Orange juice for Lucas," Lucas adds. I grab all of the drinks, plus one for Gran and me and a drink for Rosa.

I eat quickly, mindful of the time. "Okay, so Gran will take you all to school. Sofia can show her the way." Sofia nods importantly and straightens up at being given such a big role.

I place my dish at the sink and Gran comes and joins me.

"Thank you so much, again," I tell her gratefully.

She shakes her head. "It's no problem, mi amo."

I take a deep breath. "Abuela, one of my friends asked me to go see a movie tonight. I already said yes. Can I go?"