With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo

 

The Bright Side

“’Buela?” I call from the kitchen doorway as I dry off the freshly washed dishes.

I hear her chanclas shuffling down from her room. “M’ija? What’s going on? Baby Emma is asleep.”

I try not to let the disappointment show on my face. “Oh, I didn’t know you’d put her down. I didn’t get to say good night.” I glance at the microwave clock. When did it get past ten?

’Buela rests against the doorframe. “She dozed off. You know she has all that energy, running around, and then she eats, and boom, fast asleep. Pass me a rag so I can help with those.”

“Only a few left—I got them. I actually wanted to talk to you about something else. The trip to Spain. Even though I’m not sure if I’ll be able to raise enough to cover my portion, if I can pay for it I’m still not sure what I’ll do with Babygirl that week. I didn’t want to assume you would take on her care all by yourself.”

’Buela takes the rag from me and folds it up in a neat little square. “You want to ask for help from Tyrone and his family?”

I shake my head. “Tyrone has school and his parents work complicated hospital hours. They wouldn’t be able to pick her up and drop her off at daycare.”

’Buela sighs. “This is a big deal. I always wanted to travel, you know? I’ve only ever seen my island and Philadelphia. I said after retirement that your grandfather and me would see the world. And then he died, and, well.” She opens her hands as if in prayer. “And here we are. You may never get this opportunity again. I can call Tyrone’s parents, and between us, we can work out a schedule. Let’s think of it as a graduation present? Emoni, nena, speaking of graduation—you know I’m so proud of you, right? But you’re going to have to figure out what happens next. Have you gotten those school applications in? And that FAFSA form thing?”

I reach out and give ’Buela a tight hug, inhaling her familiar scent. She’s right, about all of it. I have a lot of decisions to make, but tonight I’m going to dream about cooking, and Spain, and graduation.