“I also know that my brilliant daughter got awarded a fellowship to one of the world’s best psychology programs but wants to turn it down so she can take care of her family.”
My sister doesn’t deny any of it. I don’t remember the last time I saw her tear up without her shades on.
“And right now, you’re scared that I’ll break down again if your papa’s spirit doesn’t show up.”
Achi’s shoulders tremble when she answers. “I don’t want to see you like that again.”
Ma gives my achi space to cry and places her hand on top of my sister’s. “You’re the one who’s been taking care of this family, Jackie,” Ma says. “Let me take care of you too.”
I lean closer to Achi’s seat and stretch my arms to hug her when she bawls harder. “I’m alwaysseeingyou, Ach.”
She laughs between her sobs. “That’s such a stupid lie.”
“Whatever. You like my stupid lies so much that you’d rather room with me than go be the smartest person with the alligators in Florida.”
Ma shoots me a look that makes me feel like I’m in trouble.
“Sorry,” I add, and wag my finger at Achi. “Make sure your housing is far away from the alligators.”
“Annika,” Ma warns.
“Promise, that was my last joke.”
“Remember that you can tell me things, too, okay?”
“Ma, I’m not hiding anything.”
Achi scoffs. “Please.”
“What? Ma and I just had a heart-to-heart. I’m an open book!”
“Oh, youarean open book,” Achi agrees. “It’s so obvious when you’re hiding something.”
“When the two of you would turn on the ceiling fan to hide that you’re arguing at the bakery,” Ma prompts.
Achi and I gape at Ma. “You knew about that?”
Ma cocks her head at us. So this is where Achi gets her I-know-more-than-you-think head tilt from. “Why do you think you girls are so smart?”
My sister then adds, “How about all the times Nika used the upset-stomach excuse to get away from things.”
“She was saying she was suffering from PMS even before she had her first period,” Ma says, chuckling.
“Hey,” I protest. “I was an early bloomer.”
Ma nudges Achi. “How long do you think she’s been trying to hide her and Seph?”
“The most obvious people alive.” My sister rolls her eyes. “Was that ten years in the making?”
“I still think she’s too young to date.” Ma gives me a pointed look with that. “But at least he’s a good boy, and they were always so cute together. Remember when she burned her bangs because she was ironing her hair out for one of their rehearsals?”
“She was always in a rush whenever we got in the elevator, but if Seph’s there, she’d give this whole lecture about how it’s common courtesy to hold the doors open.”
My chest twists into knots the more they talk about Seph. God, I really miss him.
“Hey, can we move on from talking about me, please?”
“But isn’t this your favorite subject?” Achi teases.
