We all know she’s bluffing, but Denver backs away from the food anyway. The only way she’s been able to hold everyone hostage for this is because dinner won’t be served until after we’re done.
Nonna slips on her reading glasses and glances at a clean copy of the questionnaire she printed for herself earlier in the week. “Okay, first question. Who’s going to college?” She examines each of us. “I think we have a full sweep this year!” Her enthusiasm is the only thing keeping this Thing going year after year.
We all raise a hand, then call out the lettersLSUas we write the answer on the line markedIf yes, where?A loud chorus of “Match” rumbles through the room.
I skim the paper and hope the food isn’t cold by the time we finish. There are so many questions.
“Next!” Nonna says. “What is your major?”
Even though I want to shout out my answer to help move this thing along, I’ll have to wait my turn since Nonna starts on the opposite side of the table.
“Sophie, what did you put down?”
Sophie clears her throat and says, “Nursing.” Charlie’s mom, Aunt Ayin, raises her hand and shouts, “Match!” Sophie beams and Nonna claps.
Did I mention Nonna makes all the wives and husbands who marry into this family retroactively fill out one of these forms so they can join in the fun? Being in this family is not for the fainthearted.
Next is Wes. When he calls out, “Business,” four uncles and two aunts holler, “Match!”
And so it goes until we get around the table and it’s Charlie’s turn.
He hesitates a second and every eye in the room is on him. There is a string of 3-D geometric drawings lining the right edge of his paper that are perfection in shape and size. School is not his thing and I know he struggles with his parents’ expectation that he follow in their footsteps and choose a career in medicine. But he’s never going to do that; he gets squeamish at the sight of blood. Charlie is one of those people who is going to do great in the real world if only he can just get there.
“Undecided,” he says, and he has, by far, the most matches in the room.
“You have plenty of time to decide what you want to do!” Nonna waves a hand toward the room. “They all seem to have figured it out.”
He grins, then starts scribbling a brick wall along the bottom of his page.
“Olivia’s turn,” Nonna says.
I’m the exact opposite of Charlie. I love school. Love my classes. I’ve already studied the course catalog for next fall and can’t wait for orientation, when I’ll make my schedule. “I’m double majoring in accounting and political science with a minor in Spanish,” I answer.
Both of my parents could have matched me with the accounting part, but they’re out of town for work this week. It’s hard to stand out in a family this size, so I’m pleased that the room remains silent.
Until Jo Lynn says, “That’s a weird combo.”
“Not at all,” I say. “I want to go to law school and specialize in international tax law.”
The Evil Joes exchange a look that I decipher as them thinking I’m snotty, but I just know what I want. I’m driven. And I’m tired of this being something that people think I need to apologize for.
Nonna pats my hand. “And you’ll do great! Everyone knows how hard you work! I just can’t believe someone beat you out of valedictorian.”
“I’m happy to take the second spot,” I say quickly. And mostly that’s true, but a small part of me is frustrated to have come so close to graduating with the highest honor and fallen just a bit short.
Nonna turns back to Sophie, moving to the next question, but I’m distracted by the notification that just popped up on my phone. It’s an e-mail from the vice principal of my school.
Dragging the phone from the table, I settle it on my leg and slide it open.
To: Oliva Perkins
From: Dwayne Spencer
Subject: Off-campus PE form
Miss Perkins,
It has come to our attention that my office has not received the form required to show proof of completion of your off-campus PE class. I remind you that it is up to you to ensure you fulfill the necessary hours and return a completed valid form. In order to allow you to graduate with your class, we will need to have your signed form no later than 8 a.m. on Monday, May 16th.
