Chapter 3: Summer Session

Tammy was readily adopted into the family. Nina was ecstatic to have a second daughter. Gabriela was equally happy to have a sister. Within days they settled into a routine. They were up at seven, off to school and work by eight, then the girls home around 4:30 to make dinner before Nina got home. They would take a walk, watch television, or just hang out in the evening until it was time to go to bed.

The first few weekends they explored the local area. There were churches, museums, and attractions neither Nina nor Gabriela had ever visited. After their excursion they would stop for dinner at a restaurant before going home for drinks and dessert. Nina did not toe a strict line and allowed the girls to drink alcohol when at home on the weekend.

At school Tammy was adopted into the circle of Gabriela, Sofia, and Esme as easily as she was at home with Nina. Gabriela broke up with Marco the day after she got the news. She did it by text message. Sofia and Esme ran interference at school to keep the two apart.

Sofia had gone on two dates with a guy she thought was cute, but he was lacking in maturity. He only talked to her boobs on their date. She figured she would break up and be united with her friends in being single.

Tammy did the best she could in class. Before the trip she thought she would be fluent in Spanish within a few weeks. She had a rude awakening that after six weeks she was only speaking the most rudimentary phrases.

“Chicas,” said Gabriela with a smile when she at in her home room class next to Sophia and Esme. “Mom said I could have you sleep over Saturday night. Want to come?”

“Claro! Of course,” said Esme.

“What time do you want us?”

“Come over at 4:00. I’ll make dinner. Mom is going to her sister’s house and won’t be home until late. We’ll have the house to ourselves.”

Sofia and Esme raised their eyebrows.

“And that’s something you probably don’t want to tell you parents,” said Gabriela with a small grin.

“I guess that means you want me to bring the refreshments?” asked Sofia.

“Heck, yeah,” said Esme.

“Yeah, if you can,” said Gabriela.

“Do you like mezcal?” asked Sofia to Tammy.

“I’m not sure. I don’t think I’ve ever had it.”

“Do you like tequila? Vodka? Gin?”

“Oh, yeah, I’ve emptied my share of vodka bottles,” answered Tammy.

“Perfect, then you’ll love mezcal,” said Sofia.

The bell rang and they trooped off to class whispering about what was to come over the weekend.

A car horn beeped a few minutes before 4:00 on Saturday. Tammy opened the door to see Sofia jumping out of the passenger side. A man got out of the driver’s side and opened the trunk. He put a sleeping bag and a backpack on the ground.

“Ah, you must be Tammy?” he said in English as she approached. “Sofia has told us all about you.”

“Nice to meet you Senor Gonzalez,” Tammy said.

“You, too,” he replied. He gave Sofia a stern look. “You be good. No funny business.”

“Of course, papa,” she said as she gave him a hug. She handed her sleeping bag to Tammy and picked up her overnight bag. Tammy thought she heard a clink when Sofia looped the strap over her shoulder. She looked back to see Sofia wink.

They no sooner dropped the bags in the house when they heard another car. They returned to the street to help Esme with her bags.

“Tammy, this is my mom, Trina,” said Esme.

They exchanged greetings.

“Have fun, Esme,” said her mother. She looked at the three girls with a knowing look. “I was your age once. Just be sensible.”

The girls could not help but exchange glances. They wondered how much Trina knew about their plans?

“Adios, mama,” said Esme. “Yes, we’ll be good.”

They carried the bags into the house and found Gabriela in the kitchen.

“Smells good, sister,” said Esme.

Gabriela handed onions, jalapenos, and avocados to her friends along with knives.

“Here, make yourself useful,” she said.

The three helped chop vegetables while Tammy finished the carne asada.

They piled their plates full and sat at the table. They chatted, mostly about boys, as they finished dinner. After eating everyone helped clean before they carried their bags upstairs. Without pause, Gabriela pulled off her pants, shirt, and bra before slipping a light shirt over her head. The other two also changed into more comfortable clothing. Tammy hesitated for only a second before she too slipped out of her clothes and put on a silky teddy.

Esme reached into her bag and pulled out a sock that had a rigid form. She turned it over to let a bottle of mezcal slide out. The others gave her a thumbs-up before they returned to the living room.

Downstairs Gabriela turned on the television and VCR and put in a Spanish horror film. Tammy saw the box and made a face.

“What? You think we were going to watch chick flicks? Esme has to put the actual film in another box or her mom will say something.”

They all laughed and then settled in to watch zombies hack and slash everyone in the film. Sofia brought glasses from the kitchen. Esme kept them full with the clear burning liquid.

By the time the credits rolled all of the girls were pleasantly buzzed.