Chapter 11
On Saturday morning, Zita woke early. David was picking her up, and after they’d taken the dogs for a walk, they were going to do something together, just the two of them. Walking into the kitchen, she found Beatriz holding Xaviera, and Alejandra feeding Julio.
“Buenos días,” she said, heading for the coffee machine.
“Morning,” the girls replied.
“Where’s Mama?”
Alejandra nodded to the back door. “In the garden, of course.”
“Have you had breakfast?” Zita asked, putting some bread in the toaster.
The girls shook their head.
“What do you want?” She was happy to get the girls some food while they held the two babies, who were blissfully quiet at the moment.
When Zita was done, she took Xaviera from Beatriz so she could eat, and wandered outside to find her mother.
Carmen was weeding her vegetable beds.
“Hola, Mamá.”
“Niñita, how are you today?”
“I’m feeling well, thanks.”
Carmen examined her carefully and then nodded as if satisfied. “Good, you’ve been looking very tired lately.”
“We all have. It’s hard work with the babies.” Though her mother never appeared tired. Nothing seemed to faze her.
“Sí.Have you plans for the day?”
“I’m taking the dogs for a walk with David.”
Her mother smiled. “You are seeing a bit of David. He’s a nice man.”
“He is,” Zita agreed.
Xaviera started fretting. Zita shushed her, jiggling her up and down gently.
“Is Elena up yet?” Carmen asked.
“I haven’t seen her. Beatriz had Xaviera when I came downstairs.”
Carmen frowned.
Zita understood why. Elena was struggling to cope with motherhood. At only fourteen, she hadn’t wanted to have the baby, but by the time she’d arrived in the States she’d had no choice. “Do you think it’s post-partum depression?”
Carmen shook her head. “No. We will keep an eye on her though. It might be best to offer Xaviera up for adoption.”
Zita held the baby closer, sheltering her. It was a practical solution, but her heart felt the warmth of the baby girl against her chest and she didn’t want to be parted from her. “Elena may still change her mind.”
Her mother sighed. “It is too late to stop either of us getting attached.” She ran a hand over Xaviera’s hair. “But it might be the best for the baby.”
Carmen was right. Xaviera wriggled and put her hand in her mouth. “I’ll take her inside and see that she’s fed.”
Slowly she walked back into the house. Julio was in his portable crib and Beatriz and Alejandra were watching music videos on the television. “Is Elena in her room?”
