Page 20 of Devil's Thirst
Vi dangles the cracker over the floor and shoots a sly look at her mother. Lina gives her a warning rumble from the back of her throat.
Hearing my signal, I snatch the cracker and send Violet into a fit of giggles.
“You see her, Mama G. Surely we weren’t that sassy as babies,” Lina says with exasperation.
Gloria’s head tips back as laughter bubbles up from deep in her chest. “Oh, mija. That’s not sassy. That’s just being a baby.”
Violet slaps her hands on the table with a squeal of joy, then goes still, her face turning red with strain. No guesswork is needed to know she’s making a mess of her diaper. Now I’m laughing hysterically with Gloria, and Lina’s shaking her head but can’t stop a smile from spreading across her face.
“Yup, just a baby,” Gloria confirms.
“I don’t mind changing her,” I offer honestly.
“No, it’s okay. Really. Won’t take me but two minutes.” Lina stands and collects her squirming bundle of joy, who is now proudly announcing “poo poo” to everyone in the restaurant.
“I wish I could be more help,” I tell Gloria once Lina has disappeared to the back of the shop. “She has so much on her plate.”
“Me, too, mija. If my sciatica didn’t give me such trouble, I’d watch the little one more often for her.”
“You do plenty, Mama G.”
“At least you girls have one another. It’s the one decent thing your mother did for you.” Gloria knew our mother lacked maternal instinct but didn’t know the true depths of her depravity until Mom took Gloria hostage to manipulate Lina. That was the day both my parents were killed. It needed to happen, but I’m glad I wasn’t there to witness it like Lina and Gloria. I can’t imagine how awful that would have been.
“I hadn’t thought about it like that, but I suppose you’re right.” I can feel Gloria studying me, prompting me to look over at her. “What?”
“Are you taking care of yourself, Mellie girl? I think maybe you’re practicing too much and not eating enough.” Worry is etched in the furrowed creases of her forehead.
I smile reassuringly and squeeze her hand. “I promise I’m doing fine. We’re practicing a lot, but that’s because the show starts in less than three weeks.”
“Yes! I’m so excited for you. Lina already got us tickets for opening night.”
“I told you guys I could get you tickets.”
She shrugs. “You know your sister. She wanted to do it herself.”
I’m suddenly overwhelmed with love for my tiny family. Being surrounded by a thriving family tree of relations who offer a sense of belonging sounds very appealing, but what my family lacks in size, it makes up for in quality. I need to remember to be more grateful for my blessings rather than focus on what I lack. Like my ability to keep them safe and make them happy. Sometimes I forget that my choices aren’t a burden but an honor.
If I can keep The Society at bay, I’ll do it. Whatever the cost.
“Go home,goober. You’ve practiced enough,” Hazel chides me as she packs up her sewing bag.
“I’m not staying long, promise.” I raise my right hand with my pledge.
According to the director, the lighting crew will be working in the rafters for hours. I’ll have people around, and thechoreographer changed up a sequence of mine, so I’d feel better if I could get in a few repetitions while it’s fresh in my mind.
“Good. No reason to wear yourself out before the show even starts.”
“Thirty minutes max, Scout’s honor.”
She flicks a thumbs-up, then heads for the door. “Text me.”
“Will do!”
I keep my word and stick to a short session focused on the new steps. While on stage, I feel the presence of someone watching, but several techs are moving around behind the scenes. It’s hard to know where the sensation is coming from.
When I call it a night, I pause, letting my gaze scour the shadows at the back of the theater.
“Is someone there?” I call out, giving in to my need to know.