Chapter 10
Zita was practically floating when she arrived home with Beatriz. At the front door, Carmen and the girls crowded around Beatriz, hugging and congratulating her. Elena wasn’t there, but she was probably with Xaviera. As Carmen fussed, Zita went into the kitchen and unpacked the groceries she’d bought on the way home. Tonight they would prepare a huge meal to celebrate with all of Beatriz’s favorite foods: tamales, stuffed cucumbers and fried fritters.
Carmen walked in, wiping her eyes with the back of her sleeve.
“Happy, Mama?”
“Sí. Of course. It is such good news.” She hugged Zita, holding her tightly. “We saved another one.”
Tears welled up in Zita’s eyes and a lump lodged in her throat. “We did,” she whispered. This was why she did this. To give these girls a better chance at life. She swallowed. “Have you invited the others yet?”
Carmen nodded. “They will be here. I couldn’t get in touch with Daniella, though.”
“I’ll go check her cabin,” Zita said. “Her cell might have run flat again.”
She walked outside, taking a deep breath and calming her emotions. Beatriz was safe and no longer needed to fear her stepfather. She would stay with them and grow up with the other girls. If Elena and Teresa were also accepted, that would be it for a while because they could only foster six girls at a time. This was one of the reasons studying law was so important. Zita would be able to help other immigrants who they weren’t able to foster.
She stopped at Daniella’s cabin and knocked. There was a murmur of voices inside before Daniella opened the door, adjusting her top. Zita glanced over Daniella’s shoulder and saw a guy sitting at the table, seemingly engrossed in the notes strewn across it. She hid her smile as she said, “I hope I’m not disturbing you.”
Daniella waved her hand, slightly flustered. “No, I was just studying.”
Zita bet it wasn’t all they were doing. “We’re having a party over at the house if you want to come. Beatriz’s application was approved.”
“That’s fantastic!” Daniella grinned. She glanced at the guy.
“You can bring your friend as well,” Zita said.
“Ah, maybe.”
Zita smiled. “Drop by any time.” She left, walking slowly back through the garden. It was nice to see Daniella with a guy. It meant she was letting men back into her life, which she hadn’t been able to do earlier.
Zita entered the kitchen where she found Carmen cooking and Beatriz sitting at the breakfast bar, nibbling on some chips. Elena walked in with Xaviera, and Beatriz jumped off her stool.
“Did you hear, Elena? They’ve approved my application! I’m staying!” She beamed and held her hands out to take Xaviera.
Elena scowled and shifted Xaviera away from Beatriz. “There’s no need to brag,” she said in Spanish. “It’s insensitive. I should have never brought you with me.”
Beatriz’s face fell and her bottom lip trembled.
“Elena...” Carmen began.
Elena shoved Xaviera into Zita’s arms and ran outside, crying.
Zita exchanged a look with her mother as she soothed the baby. It was understandable that Elena was upset, but she was taking her anger and fear out on Beatriz more often.
“I’ll talk with her,” Carmen said and followed Elena outside.
Moving over to Beatriz, Zita put an arm around her shoulders. “She didn’t mean it, Bea,” she said. “She’s just emotional at the moment.”
Beatriz brushed away the tears and nodded, climbing back onto the stool. “I should have thought. I won’t say anything else.”
“You’re allowed to celebrate. I’m sure Elena will come around.”
“I hope so.” Bea looked so upset.
Zita sighed.
A couple of hours later, dinner was prepared and Bridget, Jack, Carly and Evan had arrived. Zita checked the time, just as Bess and Saint started barking. She hurried to the front door and opened it. David was getting out of his car. She grinned, thrilled he’d agreed to celebrate with them.
