Jared:if your family brings the drama later, you can text me.
Me:deal. but only if you promise to do the same.
Jared:scout’s honor.
Me:you weren’t even a boy scout.
Jared:potato, potato.
I roll my eyes as I tuck my phone back in my pocket, a breath of relief escaping me. Amidst all the noise and chaos around me, it’s this quiet thread of connection, shared between just the two of us, that makes this Christmas feel like it’s been stitched together just right.
Everyone’s fighting the bloating after dinner while the kids unwrap their remaining presents, shrieks loud and clear, andthe adults are half gathered in the living room, sipping wine and eggnog.
I sit cross-legged on the floor, zoning out as I scroll through my phone.
Then, like clockwork,TíaMary swoops in.
She sits down in the chair across from me with a calculated grace, every perfectly manicured nail in place, a smile already forming. “So, Allison,” she starts in that sweet, too casual tone, “how’s cheer going?”
I look up, forcing my smile to stay in place. “I’m not cheering anymore. I’m focusing on school.”
Her brows lift, barely an inch, as if her radar just detected something. “Oh? That’s a shame. You were always so good at it,sobrina. It gave you… direction.”
“I’ve got plenty of direction,” I retort, picking up my water glass, trying to shake off the irritation. “Priorities change. That’s life.”
She hums, obviously unconvinced, folding her hands neatly in her lap. “Balance is important, Allison. Cheer seemed like a good way to keep you active, to keep you disciplined.”
“Thanks for the advice,” I say coolly. “But I’m really happy with my choices.”
The slightest trace of a smile shows inTíaMary’s lips, mocking and just enough to keep the pressure rising. “As long as you’re happy. Just don’t forget to think ahead. You wouldn’t want to regret missing out on… opportunities.”
It’s my turn to tighten my smile, barely masking the anger rising. My fingers grip the edge of the table, and for a second, Iglance toward the door. “Opportunities are what I’m making for myself,Tía. I’m not worried about regret.”
Her eyes sharpen. “I just want you to think ahead, Allison. You need the right person to help you along, someone strong-headed.” Her eyes flick to the side, where I can see Evelyn is pretending not to notice the tension building. She coughs dramatically, ripping my focus away from her mom.
“Wow, thesetamalesare amazing this year, don’t you think,mami?” she chirps, tapping her fork like it’s her personal Batman signal.
TíaMary takes the bait, but it’s short lived. Then, like a predator refocusing on its target, she circles back.
“Speaking of opportunities,” she says smoothly. “What happened to that boy you brought home for Thanksgiving? Broke up already?”
“We’re just taking some time apart,” I say, trying to sound casual, taking another sip of water.
Her smile widens. “Ah. Well, don’t wait too long. You have so much going for you, such a pretty face. You wouldn’t want to let your best years slip away.”
It’s too much. The words are like matches to the dry brush of my patience.
I don’t even realize how sharp my words are until they slip out: “I’m doing fine,Tía.”
She narrows her eyes, still smirking. “I didn’t mean anything by it, Allison. You wouldn’t want to risk the smart choices you could make because of… a boy.”
“I know what’s best for me,” I snap, my voice sharper now, the tension in my body impossible to hide.
Evelyn fidgets beside me, her eyes widening slightly. “Alli, come on,” she hisses, nervously trying to rein me in. “Just… drop it—”
But I’m beyond calm now. I’m furious.
“Andwhat? Let her be? Is that what I’m supposed to do, Evie? Smile and nod and let her dissect my life every time we meet? God forbid I call her out for treating me like I don’t know what I’m doing."
