Para Mi Gente

Dona Lorena's

"Pops, It's time you get our there, have some fun for a change." 

Sunny say's while Dad is trying to finish up empanadas.

"I have fun! I'm here with my kids, what else can I ask for?"

Dad is trying to avoid this conversation. You can tell that he still adamant on not going anywhere. Sunny starts to help Dad with the empanadas, knowing that Dad would end up fixing them anyway. 

" Pop, why do refuse to go out? Luis, Kevin and all of my Tios have been inviting you to go to my Tia Norma's house to have a few drinks and get to know more people."

Sunny has really been pushing for him to go to my Tia Norma's, I never understood why.

" Sunny, Pa Que! Why? So my Sister can introduce me to her Comadre Susanna? No. Me quedo aqui. I will stay here with my kids and my restaurant, and that is it!"

My Dad doesn't look at my brother. He stares off into the viewing window of the kitchen where I was cleaning up tables. I try to avoid eye contact.  

" What if it was to meet Susanna, is that such a bad thing?"

I knew where this was going. I didn't know if I should walk back there before it gets messier than it should or let it play out. 

" Is that such a bad thing? I only have one love of my life, and that was your Mother! I don't need my baby sister and son to be playing match maker."

I instantly regret not going back there, but I figured it is too late. Sunny is on his own now. 

" Pops, I know. I'm not playing match maker! Listen, Ma, she was and will always be the love of your life. It's been eight years since she passed. We all still think about her everyday, and miss her, but Ma would want you to be happy."

Dad stops with the empanadas, looks downs and lets out a sigh. He turns to Sunny, I walk into the kitchen through the double doors as quietly as I could. 

" I know, Hijo. I miss her so much. This place was your Mother's and I dream." 

Dad pauses for a moment, goes to the sink to wash his hands. He leaned against the sink with his back and spoke to Sunny. I hide behind the door frame to the Main Kitchen. I didn't want to get involved yet. 

" You were only two when we finally got the keys to this place. I doubt you remember the smile on her face when she was able to hang up her OPEN sign. You see right there?"

Dad points to the bar top seating and stools, where the burrachos usually sit after a day of gambling.

"I'm pretty sure Justin was conceived right there"

"Ayyy Pa, We didn't need to know that!"

I say forgetting that he didn't know I was standing by the door.

" Alexandra! Sorry hijita, but you know what I mean. This was for us, how am I suppose to move on from this. How can I be happy, that I can't enjoy this with her."

" Pa, Sunny isn't telling you to move on, Dona Lorena's is still here. He's just saying to go out. The Shop can go a few days without you. Mom wouldn't want you to feel like that."

" I know Hija, Pero.. Who will watch over this place, Hm? Nena, You are leaving to New York, Justin has his baby on the way, and Sunny.."

" and Sunny what Pop? You don't think I can handle it?"

Sunny speaks, and you can hear the hurt in his voice.

"No! I'm not saying that. Sunny, You have a degree that you can find a job - a good job. This shouldn't be your burden."