(no subject)
Hm… Something, something, something, “bueno”, something, something.
Okay that’s good right? So we’re looking positive so far.
Although I am not terrified, my hands shake a little from nerves. I don’t really know these people and here I am, eating their food and attempting to eavesdrop on conversation. I’m sure little threat was felt by the latter since I only know “hurry,” "shut up," “cat,” and “good” in spanish. Not very helpful when trying to make friends.
“Lindsay!” Mariella calls to me, handing me a ceramic plate. Food has been laid out in a buffet fashion, with a variety of familiar dishes, and less familiar ones as well. I take her cue as invitation and fall into the swarm of family members helping themselves to dishes of food.
It must be really strange, I thought, to travel from your home country and reintegrate into a completely new and foreign one. Most of the people gathered here must be natives of Mexico, while I felt a few of the younger ones might have a strong foothold in American culture. A couple of them were in the living room, killing aliens on their Playstation and fighting over the controller. There is something very human and familiar about this struggle. I grew up with two brothers and a playstation. Remembering a familiar struggle makes me smile.
Mariella walks over to me, looking concerned.
“Are you having fun?” I pause. I don’t know, am I?
“Yes this is really nice. Thank you for inviting me,” I tell her, mustering a wide smile. She nods satisfied and stands with me for a moment, before noticing the two boys and shouting at them to share. At least, I think that’s what she said.
After gorging myself on tamales (homemade are the BEST), I finally sit on the couch. I had avoided the furniture, feeling uncomfortable about making myself at home in their home. One of the older men produced a small guitar and began singing to one of the small girls. Some people laughed and an older woman clapped. The little girl was very pleased. I wondered if they were all related.
As if Mariella could read my mind, she materialized at my side once more.
“Nipotina - granddaughter,” she told me.