Destiny

Forty five

August parked in front of his brother's white picket fence house, reaching over to the passenger seat for a pink gift bag filled at the rim with glittery tissue paper. It was his niece's, Jorge's daughter, Rosaria's birthday. His mother had already arrived at the birthday party, he was the last to arrive since he was stuck at work bussing a few extra tables for overtime payment. 

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Although having just graduated as valedictorian from his high school a few years ago and scoring flying colors on the SATs, August was unable to pay for college. With having grown up in poverty, raised by a single immigrant mother, it was difficult to get work with no connections.  Only when he did manage to earn enough for books, college just went out of the picture once he fell into the habit of living at home with his mom and being sad, alone, and just lazy. Then he never had the motivation to come out of that habit. 

August was never the biggest kid but otherwise is said about his older brother Jorge. Jorge was smart but not as smart as August. Jorge was rather quick-witted, had a strong intuition, and also very strong and athletic. Unlike August, Jorge was a very bright and sociable person. All traits which probably got him a free ride into the police academy and build up his name. Eventually meeting his dream girl and starting a family. 

Although the biggest difference between the two brothers was how bitter August felt towards his brother's success. His envy wouldn't be that bad if his mother, who he was living with at the time, didn't constantly remind him of it. "Augusto, did you hear about your brother yet? Augusto, have you visited your brother's beautiful new home yet? Augusto, when are you going to give me beautiful grandchildren like your brother has? Augusto, when are you gonna get off your ass and grow up like your brother?" she'd say in her heavy Hispanic accent.

It was true August hadn't really grown up out of his childish views. As the younger weaker brother, when they were boys Jorge would tease and bully August, as siblings do. But it had seemed only Jorge let go of those childish sibling rivalries.

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When August entered the nice, bright, house, he was greeted by his turning seven, niece, Rosaria. 

"Uncle Augusto! Uncle Augusto!" she screamed jumping on him.

"Mi princesita!" he exclaimed as he caught her in his arms, "You're so big now! Has it been that long or have I shrunk?"

Rosaria giggled, "It's been too long Uncle Augusto, last time you visited was last year. I've missed you."

"It has been too long, mi hermano," Jorge greeted him with a big smile in the front foyer. August's smile dimmed a little. "C' mon the party started a while ago." 

August set Rosaria down and handed her his gift and she ran off smiling and August followed his brother into the house. Soon August was greeted by the rest of the party. Jorge went off to interact with the rest of the guest, while August grabbed a beer from the cooler and sat in the corner. 

When the party finally ended, August, Jorge, their mother, and Emilia Jorge's wife, sat in the living room. August decided to zone out avoiding any conversation with them. After awhile Emilia took Rosaria up to bed, and Jorge called on August. 

"Augusto," Jorge said as August slowly began paying attention, "Augusto!"

"Hmm?" August replied shaking his head awake. 

"Adios Mio! Of course, he wasn't paying attention! He never does with this family!" their mother exclaimed. 

"Ay, mama. Calm down," Jorge replied. "So you think you can get your boxes ready by tomorrow?"