Page 45 of Sweet
The melted, stringy cheese hung in the air, like all Daisy’s plans for the future.
Her dad quietly said, “Alicia…”
“What? He’s her boyfriend now; I think it’s important to know his opinion.”
Daisy turned to Spider. “You don’t have to—”
“I think degrees are good to have,” Spider said. “And Daisy is smart enough to go wherever she wants.” He glanced at her and raised an eyebrow. “But I also know that if you’re not really into what you’re studying, it’s pretty useless, right?” He shrugged. “I mean, that was my experience in school. Not that I finished.”
She saw a flash of panic in his eyes, as if he’d said something wrong.
“Now that you’re staying in Metlin,” Daisy said casually, “you can study for your GED if you want.”
He squeezed her hand again. “Yeah, that’s a good idea.”
Alicia pursed her lips. “I like him.”
Tia Imelda shouted from the other table, “I told you!”
“Hey Mom,” Kiko said casually.
“What do you need, mijo?” Alicia preemptively reached for the spatula to serve more enchiladas. “How many do you want?”
“I have enough enchiladas.” He cleared his throat, trying to repress a smile. “So my guidance counselor was telling me that because my grades and extracurriculars were so good last year, I should try for early admission a couple of places for next year. That way if I get in, I can work on what I’d need for financial aid and all that.”
Alicia was nodding and serving more enchiladas. “That’s a good idea.”
Roberto frowned. “I thought you wanted to do the business program at Fresno State.”
“That’s still an option,” Kiko said. “But Ms. Sousa also suggested I apply to Stanford, so I did that, and I just got a letter that I was accepted.”
The big table fell so silent even the little kids stopped running around in circles.
Alicia’s arm was frozen in midserve. “You what?”
Daisy’s mouth fell open. “You got into Stanford?”
Spider nodded. “That’s cool, man.”
Alicia sprang to her feet, dropping the spatula as she let out an ear-piercing scream. “Roberto, our baby got into Stanford!”
Her father’s eyes were getting teary when he rose and walked over to Kiko, his arms were spread wide. “Guess you’re not going into the construction business after all.”
“That’s okay, right?”
“How could you even ask that?” Roberto openly wiped away tears as he embraced his son.
And as the table erupted in excited shouts and a million questions, Daisy leaned back and caught Kiko’s eye over her father’s shoulder. Her little brother winked at her.
“Sneaky little punk,” Daisy muttered. “I owe him one now.”
Spider put his arm around her. “Why didn’t you apply to Stanford?”
She shrugged. “They tried. Mom and Dad begged me. My aunts and uncles all called me. Mr. Talbot nearly wept when I told him I was staying local.”
Spider cocked his head. “Why not?”
She turned to look at him. “I know what I want. I always have.”
