“No.” I scoff. “She does notlikeme.”
“Ah, I see. So you must be blind then.”
“Abuelita! She really doesn’t. She’s in love with someone else,” I say, shrugging.
She stays quiet momentarily, making me wonder what she could be thinking.
“Bueno, this has happened before, and it didn’t stop your mother from making a move,” she finally says.
“What? Abuelita, are you talking about Papi? Did he love someone else?”
Abuelita coos as she looks up at the birds that fly by.
“Abuelita, what is ‘el flan de perdón’?”
She finally looks over at me as if I have said the magic words that’ll open Pandora’s box.
She sighs. “Oh mija, I haven’t had that since that night your father came home drunk, crying.”
“What was he crying about?”
“Mariposa told him the news about her being pregnant.”
“Oh. Interesting. Tears of joy?” I hope.
“Ah, mija. No, he was blabbering like a baby. I was shocked when I found out.”
“Why is that?”
She doesn’t respond.
“Abuelita?”
Nothing.
“Abuelita.” I shake her softly, causing her to jump.
“Oh perdón, mija. I fell asleep.”
“Abuelita! Why were you shocked when you found out my mother was pregnant?”
“Ah, si. Because I swore your father was dating someone else.”
* * *
I feel as if I’m floating through Sofia’s bridal shower, my thoughts tangled in the past instead of the lush greenery and floral arrangements that adorn the white tent. It’s beautiful, but all I can think about is Abuelita’s words. My father…with someone else?
How Sofia managed to turn a basic campground into an outdoor venue suited for a bridal shower to defeat all bridal showers is impressive, to say the least. The white tent, taking over the spot where the first dinner took place, is accented with an elegant chandelier, which sparkles and casts a warm glow over the shower. Lush greenery and blooming flowers are hanging off each support pole and across the top, creating a frame of foliage. There’s a white photo booth in the corner to take some photos as souvenirs.
We are welcomed with glasses of pink champagne as soon as we walk inside the tent. I sip and admire the details throughout.
As we make our way to our seats, a beautifully decorated table with white linen and delicate flower arrangement greets us. The centerpieces on each table are tall and grand, featuring a variety of blooms in shades of pink and cream, with candlelight adding a warm and inviting touch.
“Candles? It’s literally two in the afternoon,” Valentina says with an eye roll.
She’s probably used to these kinds of events, but to me, it feels as if I’m in a fairy tale. This is something straight out of my childhood imagination when I’d play with my dolls, picturing them having an extravagant tea party.
Sofia is a vision in a stunning cream-colored gown, her hair styled in loose waves and adorned with a delicate flower crown. I notice Valentina stare at her for a while before getting distracted by Silvana approaching her. Even Silvie looks gorgeous, wearing a stunning pink tulle dress.
