Half Truths. Tracy Ann Rodriguez

just in case. As I placed my clothes in the suitcase I realized I assumed I needed clothing did he say we would be staying the night. Just as I was about to grab my phone to re-read his message a new message arrived answering my question. I grabbed under clothing and two pairs of shoes just in case. I headed for the restroom to gather a few more things like my brush and my makeup bag and an extra pair of sandals to go with my outfits. I even go back to my closet to grab a nice fall dress that I recently bought. Once I double-check everything I close up my suitcase and place it by the door along with my purse and Kayden's diaper bag. I checked the time he should be arriving in a few minutes I fix the bed so it doesn't stay messy. After that, I begin to wash a few bottles I had left in the sink from last night. As I washed the bottles I noticed how jittery I was feeling. I'm nervous, not sure how this is going to go. I've never met anyone from his family. As I finished washing the bottles I heard my phone ding. Messaged received: I'm here. I reply give me a few minutes and i'll be right out. I turn off Kayden's swing and place him in his car seat. Once he is strapped in I grab a light blanket and place it over his legs. I make my way to the door. Right before I open the door I got a glimpse of myself in the mirror. I quickly fix my hair and apply my lip gloss on. I check my teeth all clean. I make my way out the door. I decided to take Kayden out first. Then I will return for the bags. As I make way to the car I see him getting out of the driver's side. I smile lightly and let him know the bags are in the doorway. I place Kayden down to grab his base out of my car. Do you think i will need the stroller? You can bring it just in case. I popped the trunk and got it down he grabbed it and loaded it up. I made sure Kayden's base was strapped in the backseat and buckled him in.

      Anthony

      I'm not quite sure how to feel about this whole situation. I need to really clear my head and think all this through. But there is no time for all that right now. I know we have a lot to discuss I'm just not sure how to go about it. I sent her a text letting her know I was outside. It took her a few minutes to come out I'm pretty sure she was seconding guessing herself. Once we were in the car it was no surprise to me that it was quiet and award. She has her body posturing towards the door and her head looking out the window. I turned on the radio hoping to ease the tension in the car but the song only seems to make things worst. So I changed the station I'm not sure what type of music to listen to so I put it on BOB FM can't go wrong there. Well, at least I thought it couldn't till I heard the words to the song playing. " I heard from a friend who heard from a friend who heard from another you been messing around" It's pretty obvious we have things to discuss so I lowered down the radio. Her cell phone went off. I can see her from the corner of my eye texting and smiling. It just came out of my mouth no hesitation Do you love him? I see her place her phone on her lap. I have her attention. It took her a minute but in a very low voice, she said yes. How long? Over a year. I waited a few seconds before asking the obvious question. Maybe because a part of me already knew the answer. Is he his? She finally looked at me and waited for me to look at her. I didn't just glance at her I actually looked at her. She didn't have to say yes I already knew from the look in her eyes. It's all starting to make sense. Funny how all those times are coming back to me now. I shake my head and let out a sarcastic laugh cause I'm finally putting two and two together. I'm sorry you had to find out this way. You must be thinking the worst of me right now. Were about twenty minutes away from arriving. I knew we had a lot to discuss before picking her up there's just not enough time to discuss this whole thing now. So Instead of interrogating her and making her feel even more out of place. I decided to avoid it for the time being. If Issa likes you your gold. The whole family will love you. I let out a light laughter to ease the tension. I see her half-smile at the corner of my eye. My sister Issa is the oldest out of us four she is very loud and straight forward. Very outspoken and very protective over the ones she loves. She is a little pushy and a little hard to deal with at times but she means well. What about your brother Nick? Well, Nick is..... I take a minute and try to think how could I easily some up my little shit brother. He is flawless I say carefree open to anything. He and Julian are somewhat similar in certain ways. I could see her staring at me now as I explain. A few years back I would say they were two peas in a pod. But Julian has done a lot of growing up. He has made a lot of good changes in his life and I hope one day I can say the same for Nick. And your parents? My mom's a bit dramatic she forgets were no longer boys but men. We don't need to check in every hour on the hour. But I don't blame her for being a considerate parent. Especially after all the trouble Julian and Nick put her through when they were teenagers. I want to look at her really look at her not just glimpse at her but I don't want her to feel out of place. So I continue to keep the focus on the road and just steal a glimpse from the corner of my eye. She smiles and nods and your dad? My old man is real laid back. Always minding his own business and doing what he needs to be done to provide for his family. If you mess with my mom well than that's a different story. And Gabbi what is she like? It was silent for a few seconds I just thought Gabbi what could I really say about Gabbi. She is now looking out the window as if she asked the wrong question. I really can't tell you what Gabbi is like that is something you will have to find out for yourself. I see her turn her face towards me for the first time since she has gotten in the car she is looking directly at me. I'm sorry should I not have asked about her? No, it's not that. It's just that I moved out before Gabbi moved in with Julian. Every time I went back home to visit she was always at school or work or her parent's house. So I never got the chance to really get to know her the way the rest of the family knows her. I know what I hear about her the way Julian explains her to me. What she shows at family events like holidays. Now that I think about it. I feel pretty bad for not getting to know my brother's wife. I looked directly at her. I can see the fear in her eyes. I honestly don't know how all this is going to go. I'm just as nervous as you. I haven't been home in a little over two years and I'm not quite sure what to expect. I'm not sure if it's going to be a Welcome home Anthony with open arms. Or if I'm going to get the cold shoulder and get a thousand and one questions. The conversation made the time go by fast I can see the hospital exit approach. I'm nervous and trying my best to play it cool.

      Alyna

      I'm starting to wonder why I agreed to come. I don't think we thought this whole thing through. What is his family to say? They're going to hate me! But can I really blame them. I hate me right now. I'm so ashamed of my actions. I didn't realize at the time who all I was hurting. We were lucky to find ground-level parking in the parking garage. Anthony pulled out the stroller while I grabbed Kayden out of the back seat. I made sure the car seat latched on to the stroller before making our way in. Do they know your here? No Nick sent me the room number earlier so there is no need to call them. We made our way to the elevator as we waited I decided it was best if he went alone. So before the elevator doors opened I let it out. Maybe it's best if you head on up without Kayden and me. Before he can say anything to make me change my mind I say. “yeah maybe it's best for your family to see you first alone. So that they are not so taken back from what's about to come.” Kayden and I can wait down here in the lobby and once you think they are ready. You can come get us. He looks confused but he agrees. Your right let's not put so much on them at once. Just as I was about to turn and leave. The elevator doors open. Nick and Issa were standing in front of us.

      Anthony

      I made my way into the elevator. I held my hand over the door and politely asked the woman with the stroller if she was coming in. She refused so I moved away from the doors and let them close. As soon as the doors closed Nick commented damn if she didn't have a package I would have easily got her number. My sister gave him a scowl and didn't bother to acknowledge that I was there. As we made our way to the room. I can't help but wonder what my mother is going to say. Issa pushed open the door and wasted no time. Look who I found in the hallway she said with a bit of attitude. I was right behind her as soon as my mom saw me she smiled wide and got up from her seat and hugged me tightly. Mijo Como Estas? I'm good mom how are you? She pulled back to look at me and just shook her head. Let me know… not well? I can see my old man getting up from his seat making his way towards me. Papa, he gave me his hand and patted me firm on my back. I turn to see an unbearable sight my little brother hooked up on machines just laying there lifeless. Full of bruises covering his face. He doesn't look like my brother at all. Gabbi is sitting next to him on the left side of the bed. As soon as she looks up I say hi with my hand.