“They had no spark,” Carmen says.
“Spark? The boy is cute, and you felt no spark?” Ramona asks.
I shrug.
“Can I have him? I think he’s very handsome,” she replies.
“Good idea,” Carmen says sarcastically. “I’m sure her father would love that. Why don’t you steal him away?”
“Well, if she did, it would solve my problems,” I mutter.
“I doubt it. Your father would find you someone else. Someone he deems suitable. And his second choice probably wouldn’t be as good as Mateo. You got lucky, girl,” Marcela says.
I don’t feel lucky. I feel as far from lucky as I can get.
“So, what’s not to like about Mateo?” Ramona asks.
“He’s fine. I just don’t want to marry. I’ve barely lived. My father has been so strict, I feel like I haven’t had any fun. I didn’t even get to go to homecoming or prom.”
“But you did get a fantasticquinceañera. I was so jealous. Mine wasn’t nearly as good as yours,” Marcela says.
Carmen stops me, tugging me around. “Look, Luisa, why don’t you sign up for art school? You loved it in high school.”
“That’s not what my father wants me to do.”
“And you’re the perfect daughter. We know,” she replies.
“It’s what’s expected.”
“And you always do what they expect you to do,” she says. “Maybe you need to change that. I mean, if you really want more than this life they’ve arranged for you, you’re going to have to be brave and rebel.”
Rebel? Everything inside me wants to rebel. Don’t they get that? “I don’t know if I’m brave enough to rebel.”
“What happens if you do? What’s the worst? You’re your father’s favorite. You think he’s going to disown you for fighting for what you want?”
“Carmen, it’s not that easy,” I say.
“Yes, it is. You just need to decide how badly you want what you say you want.”
She’s telling me everything I already know in my heart—I need to suck it up and be brave.
“Carmen’s right, Luisa. You need to act like you did when you were away from your family. You weren’t afraid of anything.”
“My father is different.”
“He loves you, kiddo,” Carmen adds.
“I know he loves me. But he’s very strict. You know that.”
She folds her arms and gives me the look.
“I get it. Okay. I’ll try.”
“You should start tonight. You said Mateo won’t be here, so maybe you should dance with a boy.”
“My father would flip.”
“I doubt that. Not if it’s your sister’s wedding. He’s not going to make a scene. Is he?” Marcela asks.
