I nodded. “Secreto,” I told him, and he smiled.
“Yes, for now, that’s better. His mother,” he said, shaking his head and widening his eyes.
I laughed. He didn’t have to say any more about it. I could easily imagine Tía Isabela’s face if she had seen them kiss like that.
“You’re a smart girl, Delia, and very pretty. I hope things get better for you here.”
“Gracias.”
After he pulled up to the school, I thanked him for the ride. As I started out, he reached for my arm.
“Edward was always trying to get back early to take you home from the bus, right? Home from the bus?”
“Sí.”
“I’ll take you home from the bus,” he said. “Wait for me if I’m not there right away. Understand?”
“Yes, thank you,” I said.
“Have a good day,” he told me, and I got out of his car. I watched him drive away, and then I headed in and hurried to my classroom.
Señorita Holt paused in the middle of whatever she was telling the other students when I stepped in.
“Why are you late?” she demanded. “In English. Reply in English.”
I looked at the others, who were all staring at me. Ignacio looked very concerned.
“My cousin Edward,” I began, “banged his car into a tree and is in hospital with bandages…” I gestured around my head. “Bad with his eyes.”
“Not bad with his eyes. Say it properly,” she ordered.
I thought. Everyone was so still they looked as if they were all holding their breath for me.
“Hurt his eyes. Now he’s blind.”
There was an audible gasp from some of the other students.
“Maybe not forever,” I added, proud of myself for remembering the English word forever.
“Very well. Take your seat. We’re practicing how to order food in restaurants right now. It was chapter seven. Did you read chapter seven last night?”
“No, Señorita Holt. My cousin…”
“Where are your books and workbooks?”
“I was at the hospital, and…”
“Never mind. Enough time has been wasted. Just sit down and do as well as you can. Who was next?” she asked, and Marta raised her hand eagerly.
Ignacio followed me with his eyes to my seat. He was afraid to speak, but he slid his chair and desk closer so I could use his book with him. I glanced at Señorita Holt to see if she would be upset, but she said nothing. It was hard to concentrate on the work, but I did my best, and I thought I did well with her questions, even though I hadn’t read the chapter.
Later, when we broke for lunch, I told Ignacio all that had happened. I did not talk about Edward and Jesse’s relationship, of course.
“I am sorry about your cousin’s accident,” Ignacio said. “Are you still able to come to the fiesta at my home on Saturday?”
“I do not know. I have not yet asked my aunt,” I said. “It’s not a good time for me to talk about going to a party.”
“No,” he said, his face darkening with disappointment.