a work in progress

Chapter 25 - Decisions

"How are you feeling today mi'ja?" My dad asks grabbing a jug of lemonade from the refrigerator.

"I'm doing well. Thank you for asking."

He sits two glasses down on the table and settles in the chair next to me. For a time we just sit in silence, drinking our 'ades and taking in the scenery through the patio door.

"So Noe," he starts breaking our comfortable silence. "How are you really doing?"

"I'm fine papí. I just told you that."

"I know what you've said to me, but I also know my only daughter and I know she is not doing so well, so please talk to me."

"It's nothing really daddy. There are just a lot of things changing and I'm trying to get used to the difference. Nothing major, I promise."

"If you say so. Have you spoken to your brother?"

"JJ?" He looks at me as if to say 'you know that's not the brother I'm referring to.' "No, I have not spoken to Jackson. Not since I helped him clean up his mess with Cassidy."

"He's very grateful for you, you know that don't you."

"Yeah," I say nonchalantly drawing circles on the wooden table top.

"I'm serious. Even if he doesn't say it, he loves you and appreciates how you helped him."

"Thanks for saying that papí."

"Noe Marie, so nice to see you," mama says walking into the kitchen and planting a kiss on papí's cheek. "To what do we owe the pleasure?"

"No reason in particular mama. I just haven't been here in a while so I thought it'd be nice to visit."

"It would've been nicer if you came with us to church this morning, but I suppose this will do."

"Thank you for your absolution," I mutter. "JJ and Jack with you?" I ask at a volume she can hear.

"They're in the living room watching some game on the television."

"Right. I think I'll join them. Please excuse me."

I stand and quickly make my escape. My mom seems to be in a mood and I'm not in a place to withstand her comments. In the living room, JJ is sitting in papí's reading chair and Jackson has commandeered half of our massive sofa. The television is on and I can't yet tell which sport we're watching.

"What are we watching," I ask having a seat next to Jackson on the couch.

"Right now, commercials. Move over."

He shoves me but I resist. "You're warm and it's cold. I'll move in a minute. What are we watching after commercials?" I ask using all my force to shove him back.

"Blankets," he states not yet making eye contact with me.

"We're watching blankets?"

"No nimrod, blankets are what you use when you're cold, not," he pauses to do a sweep of his body, showcasing himself much like Vanna White would, "this Cortes Adonis."

"Wow, I can't believe this is what Cassidy chooses to deal with on a regular basis. Cortes Adonis is reaching a new level."

"I think the game is coming on," JJ calls with annoyance.

"What game?"

"The Giants and the Cowboys," Jackson responds turning up the volume of the television.

"Right, it's football season how could I forget? JJ what are you gonna watch?"

"Ha ha. I watch football, MC the better question is what are you gonna do? You know if you're around any longer you'll have to stay for dinner."