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Only now I had a greater problem. Somehow, they cleared him of all the charges. Diego texted about it, only he didn’t have all the details. And then Barbie left me a message about Chad being charged with being the stalker. Whatever, and I wasn’t sure I wanted details. I only wished I was with Teddy again.
The problem? Teddy hadn’t reached out to me yet to tell me the news. My mood darkened, knowing I probably pushed him away. I wanted a break; he assumed a breakup, and now I was getting what I deserved. Heartache for the man I loved, and a lonely, miserable existence.
I pulled up to my place, ready for an enormous glass of wine or a beer, and maybe a nice long bath. Anything to subdue the ache inside of me. But my phone chimed with a text sending me into a tizzy.
Mama: Need you at the motel ASAP.
Mia: On my way.
No time for asking questions. I started my car again and slammed into drive, peeling away down the street. What if something was wrong with Papa again? As I drove the short distance, I called Diego but got his voicemail. I told him there was another emergency at the motel and I’d let him know what it was when I got here.
I parked at the motel and sprinted to my parents’ door. Completely out of breath, I almost stumbled in without even bothering to knock.
“Mama! Papa! I’m here! What’s wrong?” I yelled as I searched for them through their house, but couldn’t find them anywhere. My panic escalated up another notch until I finally saw them both sitting on the back porch swing. Talking, holding hands, actually looking happy and not distraught one bit.
I busted through the screen door. “What’s going on? What emergency do you have that you texted me about?”
Mama peered at me quizzically. “Bebita, no emergency. But I’m so glad you’re here.”
“But you said ASAP?”
She stood up from the swing. “Oh yes. Come over here and look at these in the yard. Tell me if you think they are flowers or weeds.”
“What the hell?” I yelled at my mother. She jumped a few inches off the ground.
“Bebita?” she questioned.
“Stop calling me that! I am not your baby anymore. I am a grown ass woman.”
“Mia,” my dad warned.
“I’m sorry, Papa, but you don’t get to Mia me anymore. I tell you both what. Get into the kitchen and have a seat. We’re going to have a chat.” They remained where they were, shocked at my outburst. “Now!” The yell had them moving. Of course in the breath, guilt set in making my father move, so I helped him, crooking my arm into his and leading him to the table.
“What is wrong?” Mama asked once they were comfortable.
“Look, you two.” I pointed my finger at both of them and paced the kitchen floor. “I love you both so much, but it is time that we have some boundaries. Get over this thing about my brothers not having a college degree. Those men bust their asses to make a good living. I’m proud of Diego and how far he’s come with the bar, and I’m proud of Cruz out there defending his country. At the end of the day, all that matters is how happy and passionate they are with what they’re doing.”
They glanced at each other. Papa spoke. “We are proud of them, sweetheart.”
“Then tell them more often. Please, for me. If you do, you might see them around at Sunday dinners.”
Mama nodded. “Okay, dear, whatever you say.”
I eyed her. Why was she giving in so easily? “And another thing. You both said in front of Teddy how you expect the man of the house to provide while the woman takes care of the children and gives up her career. But you need to know right now, I may not give up mine. We’ll see, but whatever happens it’ll be because my husband and I decide together what is best. Okay?”
“Mija, we’re sorry we upset you,” Papa said.
Mama nodded. “By all means, figure things out together with your husband. We’ll be happy with whatever you decide.”
“Really? You’re okay with me living my life the way I feel best?”
“Of course, we love you.” I kissed Papa on the cheek for that.
“Anything else, Bebe—I mean, Mia?”
“Yes. Your sons love you. And it isn’t fair to me to be the only sibling coming to your rescue when you need it. I love you too, but please, maybe call them to help you once in a while? Okay?”
“You’re right. We should involve the men more. I’ll try to do better for you, my love. I only want the best for you, you know that.”
