Composer and author David Wendell Nelson has created an eBook version of his exciting new musical L.A. Vida. With expanded dialog, description, and audio content, the musical comes alive with hyperlinks to all the songs. This eBook contains the musical in its entirety. Simply click on the link to hear the song.
Chapter 1-Dreams of Oaxaca
Lupe Padilla is sleeping fitfully. Her troubled dreams deny her any meaningful rest. The same dream returns almost every night since her return from Oaxaca. The relentless Los Angeles summer heat makes sleep even more difficult, especially in an aging house with no air conditioning. Tangled in a single sheet, Lupe seems to be in constant motion, unable to find a comfortable position and occasionally crying out in pain. In her dream Lupe relives her trip and the tragic circumstances surrounding her visit.
The Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Soledad lies in the historic center of downtown Oaxaca. Constructed in the ornate Baroque style, it was completed in 1690 and dedicated to Our Lady of Solitude, the patron saint of Oaxaca. According to legend, a mule that had mysteriously joined a mule train bound for Guatemala perished at the site of the church. A statue of the Virgin of Solitude was discovered in its pack. The event was interpreted as a miracle and explains why so many Oaxaqueños are devoted to the Virgin. The Basílica’s walls have a somewhat green cast due to the cantera stone used its construction, which is ideal for ornate and detailed sculpture given its soft and porous nature. Perhaps the most dramatic example is that of the Virgin Mary kneeling and weeping at the foot of the cross.
It is a fitting work of art for such a somber and sorrowful occasion. The dying sun and brilliant evening spotlights highlight the carving to an even greater degree. The Virgin is clearly in profound anguish, just like Lupe. As Lupe approaches the Basílica, she is followed by her father, younger brother José Maria, Aunt Gabi, Rafael, and other family members. She stops momentarily and gazes up at the Virgin.
Lupe’s father takes her hand, glances at the Virgin, and softly says, “I know how she feels, mi corazón.”
Lupe cannot respond and begins to softly cry. José Maria puts his arm through his sister’s as they slowly open the huge narthex doors of the Basílica. As they enter, their footsteps echo in the cavernous interior. In the dim light a casket is barely visible in the apse of the church, more than 100 feet ahead of them. Each one makes the sign of the cross as they traverse the remaining distance and sit in the first row pew, all except Lupe. She stands fixed to the stone floor, staring at her mother’s casket. No one seems to be able to speak. The casket is only partially open. Lupe’s mother died a few days earlier from breast cancer, another victim of poor health care and limited funds. Lupe continues to weep softly at the sight of her mother’s serene face. At length, Lupe reluctantly tears herself away and approaches a rack of nearby devotional candles. She slowly lights a candle while gazing at the magnificent stained glass window directly behind the coffin. Despite the sorrowful circumstances, Lupe feels a wonderful sense of consolation in the magnificent Basílica.
Listen to "Now You're Gone"
Chapter 1-Dreams of Oaxaca
Lupe Padilla is sleeping fitfully. Her troubled dreams deny her any meaningful rest. The same dream returns almost every night since her return from Oaxaca. The relentless Los Angeles summer heat makes sleep even more difficult, especially in an aging house with no air conditioning. Tangled in a single sheet, Lupe seems to be in constant motion, unable to find a comfortable position and occasionally crying out in pain. In her dream Lupe relives her trip and the tragic circumstances surrounding her visit.
The Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Soledad lies in the historic center of downtown Oaxaca. Constructed in the ornate Baroque style, it was completed in 1690 and dedicated to Our Lady of Solitude, the patron saint of Oaxaca. According to legend, a mule that had mysteriously joined a mule train bound for Guatemala perished at the site of the church. A statue of the Virgin of Solitude was discovered in its pack. The event was interpreted as a miracle and explains why so many Oaxaqueños are devoted to the Virgin. The Basílica’s walls have a somewhat green cast due to the cantera stone used its construction, which is ideal for ornate and detailed sculpture given its soft and porous nature. Perhaps the most dramatic example is that of the Virgin Mary kneeling and weeping at the foot of the cross.
It is a fitting work of art for such a somber and sorrowful occasion. The dying sun and brilliant evening spotlights highlight the carving to an even greater degree. The Virgin is clearly in profound anguish, just like Lupe. As Lupe approaches the Basílica, she is followed by her father, younger brother José Maria, Aunt Gabi, Rafael, and other family members. She stops momentarily and gazes up at the Virgin.
Lupe’s father takes her hand, glances at the Virgin, and softly says, “I know how she feels, mi corazón.”
Lupe cannot respond and begins to softly cry. José Maria puts his arm through his sister’s as they slowly open the huge narthex doors of the Basílica. As they enter, their footsteps echo in the cavernous interior. In the dim light a casket is barely visible in the apse of the church, more than 100 feet ahead of them. Each one makes the sign of the cross as they traverse the remaining distance and sit in the first row pew, all except Lupe. She stands fixed to the stone floor, staring at her mother’s casket. No one seems to be able to speak. The casket is only partially open. Lupe’s mother died a few days earlier from breast cancer, another victim of poor health care and limited funds. Lupe continues to weep softly at the sight of her mother’s serene face. At length, Lupe reluctantly tears herself away and approaches a rack of nearby devotional candles. She slowly lights a candle while gazing at the magnificent stained glass window directly behind the coffin. Despite the sorrowful circumstances, Lupe feels a wonderful sense of consolation in the magnificent Basílica.
Listen to "Now You're Gone"
For you querida madre mia
We miss you so much
Everyday, since you went away
I say a prayer, I hope you can hear me
I say a prayer, so you’re always near me
Lupe holds up her candle with a distant look on her face.
Your whole life long, so kind and strong
You were the one who held us together
You were the one who loves me forever
But now you’re gone, now you’re gone
Lupe places the candle back in the rack and imagines what her mother might say if she could hear her prayer. There are tears in her eyes.
I hear you each day
When you come here to pray
Now you’re the one
To keep us together
I promise to help
I’ll be here forever
You’re family is here
Don’t let anything interfere
Take care of each other
‘Cause I’ve got a good feeling
Things will work out
If you just start believing
Lupe intuitively knows what she must do but is unsure and asks for her mother’s help.
Light my way
Shine each day
I’ll be the one
But you have to help me
I’ll be the one
To keep us a family
Familia y fe
Familia y fe
Familia, familia, familia
Lupe makes the sign of the cross and softly whispers, “I promise.”
She turns to go, her tear-stained face filled with sorrow. Lupe’s boyfriend Rafael, comes to her side and takes her in his arms as she begins to openly weep in profound dolor.
Lupe can barely speak, “She would always tell me, ‘Mi preciosa Lupita. Que sueñes con los angelitos. Y no te olvides nuestros esperanzas.’ What will happen now?”
Rafael can only respond with, “I wish I knew.”
It is now Lupe’s father who is frozen in place at the head of his wife’s casket. He appears to be in a state bewilderment at this final goodbye. He seems to be having one last conversation.
“Your father. Look,” Rafael tells Lupe.
Lupe approaches her father and gently takes his arm. It was Lupe’s mother who kept the family together. Mrs. Padilla and her sister Gabi made sure the family stayed on an even keel despite living in East Los Angeles. Indeed, it was these two strong-willed women that nurtured and cared for the Padilla family. It was Lupe’s mother who had such high hopes for her. Mr. Padilla is no doubt at a loss on how to continue without his wife. Lupe glances over her shoulder back towards her mother as she walks slowly down the aisle towards the narthex.
“I won’t forget Mamá,” she softly whispers to herself.
Chapter 2-Ballet Folklórico
Lupe continues to dream. As her family reluctantly exits the church, they navigate down the stairs and into the magnificent Plaza de la Danza, now filled with a crowd of over 2,000 enthusiastic people. The Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Soledad stands at the west end of the Plaza de la Danza and it is short walk from the church to the Plaza and their front row seats.
“Thank you so much Rafael. She loved the ballet. It’s a wonderful memory. We appreciate the invitation,” Mr. Padilla graciously says to Rafael.
As a member of the folklórico band, Rafael has arranged for front row seats for the Padilla family. As Lupe and her family take their seats, the lights come down and a hush falls over the audience.
“This is for your mother,” Rafael says tenderly as he squeezes Lupe’s hand and then leaves to join his fellow band members backstage.
A few minutes pass. Lupe is again overcome by wave of sorrow and softly begins to cry. Suddenly a solo spot brilliantly illuminates Rafael as he walks to center stage with his guitar. At over six feet tall, he cuts a dashing figure in his traje de charro outfit. With tight black pants trimmed along the outside seam in silver, short-waisted jacket with heavy brocade, and exquisitely detailed sombrero, Rafael is the quintessential mariachi. His collar length dark hair trails out beneath the sombrero. The silver metal work and reflective thread create flashes of light, bathing him in a luminous glow. His sombrero pulled low, he walks to a solitary chair in the center of the stage and sits down. He waits patiently for the crowd to settle down before playing.
The Plaza de la Danza is an outdoor venue in downtown Oaxaca and the arena is full this September evening. It is a huge open amphitheater of brilliant white stone. The adjacent Basilica de Nuestra Señora de la Soledad is bathed in a warm light and hovers over the plaza, as if to oversee the event. Due to Oaxaca’s 5,200 foot elevation, the night air begins to cool quickly and carries the wonderful aroma of Oaxacan mole from the nearby Restaurant Las Palmas.
Rafael looks up slowly from under his sombrero. He searches the first few rows of seats for Lupe. Lupe looks back at Rafael with a feeble smile. Her hair is pulled back and braided, highlighting her exquisite, yet tear-stained face. As the crowd quiets down, Rafael begins to play. Slowly at first, then with a quick accelerando and dramatic pause. Abruptly the lights come up full, revealing twelve dancers in their traditional folklórico costumes with a complete mariachi band made up of Rafael, another guitarist, guitarrón, violins, and trumpets. The instrumentalists gather around the still seated Rafael with six dancers on either side. The women are in brilliant pastel dresses and white peasant blouses with their dark hair neatly braided and wrapped in bold colored ribbon. The men sport white shirts and pants with brown huarache sandals, cowboy hats made of palm leaves, and colorful serapes. It is a vivid display of beautiful traditional dress. Rafael and his fellow mariachis launch into a high energy dance number packed with syncopated rhythms and virtuosic display. The music is punctuated by whistles and “gritos.”
Listen to "Ballet Folklórico".
We miss you so much
Everyday, since you went away
I say a prayer, I hope you can hear me
I say a prayer, so you’re always near me
Lupe holds up her candle with a distant look on her face.
Your whole life long, so kind and strong
You were the one who held us together
You were the one who loves me forever
But now you’re gone, now you’re gone
Lupe places the candle back in the rack and imagines what her mother might say if she could hear her prayer. There are tears in her eyes.
I hear you each day
When you come here to pray
Now you’re the one
To keep us together
I promise to help
I’ll be here forever
You’re family is here
Don’t let anything interfere
Take care of each other
‘Cause I’ve got a good feeling
Things will work out
If you just start believing
Lupe intuitively knows what she must do but is unsure and asks for her mother’s help.
Light my way
Shine each day
I’ll be the one
But you have to help me
I’ll be the one
To keep us a family
Familia y fe
Familia y fe
Familia, familia, familia
Lupe makes the sign of the cross and softly whispers, “I promise.”
She turns to go, her tear-stained face filled with sorrow. Lupe’s boyfriend Rafael, comes to her side and takes her in his arms as she begins to openly weep in profound dolor.
Lupe can barely speak, “She would always tell me, ‘Mi preciosa Lupita. Que sueñes con los angelitos. Y no te olvides nuestros esperanzas.’ What will happen now?”
Rafael can only respond with, “I wish I knew.”
It is now Lupe’s father who is frozen in place at the head of his wife’s casket. He appears to be in a state bewilderment at this final goodbye. He seems to be having one last conversation.
“Your father. Look,” Rafael tells Lupe.
Lupe approaches her father and gently takes his arm. It was Lupe’s mother who kept the family together. Mrs. Padilla and her sister Gabi made sure the family stayed on an even keel despite living in East Los Angeles. Indeed, it was these two strong-willed women that nurtured and cared for the Padilla family. It was Lupe’s mother who had such high hopes for her. Mr. Padilla is no doubt at a loss on how to continue without his wife. Lupe glances over her shoulder back towards her mother as she walks slowly down the aisle towards the narthex.
“I won’t forget Mamá,” she softly whispers to herself.
Chapter 2-Ballet Folklórico
Lupe continues to dream. As her family reluctantly exits the church, they navigate down the stairs and into the magnificent Plaza de la Danza, now filled with a crowd of over 2,000 enthusiastic people. The Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Soledad stands at the west end of the Plaza de la Danza and it is short walk from the church to the Plaza and their front row seats.
“Thank you so much Rafael. She loved the ballet. It’s a wonderful memory. We appreciate the invitation,” Mr. Padilla graciously says to Rafael.
As a member of the folklórico band, Rafael has arranged for front row seats for the Padilla family. As Lupe and her family take their seats, the lights come down and a hush falls over the audience.
“This is for your mother,” Rafael says tenderly as he squeezes Lupe’s hand and then leaves to join his fellow band members backstage.
A few minutes pass. Lupe is again overcome by wave of sorrow and softly begins to cry. Suddenly a solo spot brilliantly illuminates Rafael as he walks to center stage with his guitar. At over six feet tall, he cuts a dashing figure in his traje de charro outfit. With tight black pants trimmed along the outside seam in silver, short-waisted jacket with heavy brocade, and exquisitely detailed sombrero, Rafael is the quintessential mariachi. His collar length dark hair trails out beneath the sombrero. The silver metal work and reflective thread create flashes of light, bathing him in a luminous glow. His sombrero pulled low, he walks to a solitary chair in the center of the stage and sits down. He waits patiently for the crowd to settle down before playing.
The Plaza de la Danza is an outdoor venue in downtown Oaxaca and the arena is full this September evening. It is a huge open amphitheater of brilliant white stone. The adjacent Basilica de Nuestra Señora de la Soledad is bathed in a warm light and hovers over the plaza, as if to oversee the event. Due to Oaxaca’s 5,200 foot elevation, the night air begins to cool quickly and carries the wonderful aroma of Oaxacan mole from the nearby Restaurant Las Palmas.
Rafael looks up slowly from under his sombrero. He searches the first few rows of seats for Lupe. Lupe looks back at Rafael with a feeble smile. Her hair is pulled back and braided, highlighting her exquisite, yet tear-stained face. As the crowd quiets down, Rafael begins to play. Slowly at first, then with a quick accelerando and dramatic pause. Abruptly the lights come up full, revealing twelve dancers in their traditional folklórico costumes with a complete mariachi band made up of Rafael, another guitarist, guitarrón, violins, and trumpets. The instrumentalists gather around the still seated Rafael with six dancers on either side. The women are in brilliant pastel dresses and white peasant blouses with their dark hair neatly braided and wrapped in bold colored ribbon. The men sport white shirts and pants with brown huarache sandals, cowboy hats made of palm leaves, and colorful serapes. It is a vivid display of beautiful traditional dress. Rafael and his fellow mariachis launch into a high energy dance number packed with syncopated rhythms and virtuosic display. The music is punctuated by whistles and “gritos.”
Listen to "Ballet Folklórico".
The women pirouette and twirl their richly embroidered dresses while the men, with their heads down and hands behind their back, tap their feet and move about the women in a circular fashion. The dance grows in intensity as the men appear to pursue the women with greater vigor, culminating in wildly tapping feet, staccato trumpets, and strumming guitars. It all ends with a dramatic flourish. The appreciative crowd erupts into applause, as everyone rises to their feet. Everyone except Lupe. She continues to sit in seat, her head in her hands, as if the entire spectacle was just too much to bear. The dancers and musicians run to the front of the stage for a quick bow and then leave the stage. Rafael rushes straight to Lupe. He takes her hands and gently lifts her from her chair.
“Amorcito. I hope this helped,” whispers Rafael.
Lupe can only nod, unable to speak. The remainder of the family gathers around Rafael to express their gratitude for such a thoughtful gift. Gabi, Lupe’s aunt, takes both José Maria and Mr. Padilla by the arm begins to lead them away.
“Come on, let’s give these two some space,” she whispers. As they walk away Gabi calls back over her shoulder, “We’ll be at Las Palmas when you’re ready to join us.”
Rafael is the first to break the silence, “I’m so sorry about your mom. I can hardly believe it.”
“Me too,” Lupe whispers, attempting to rally her spirits.
“When do you go back to Los Angeles?,” Rafael asks.
“Tomorrow,” she replies.
“I have some news. I’ll be back in L.A. in November with the ballet tour.”
Lupe dries her eyes but can’t muster much enthusiasm and says, “Great. Just in time for Dia de los Muertos.”
Rafael nods. There is a uncomfortable lull in the conversation as he becomes more serious. He clearly has something to say. Lupe knows exactly what it will be and is not looking forward to the conversation. In fact, Rafael has been hinting at it for some time.
“You know, there’s something I need to say,” he says.
“To me,” Lupe squeaks.
“Solamente para ti. Just for you,” he says.
Listen to "Para Siempre"
“Amorcito. I hope this helped,” whispers Rafael.
Lupe can only nod, unable to speak. The remainder of the family gathers around Rafael to express their gratitude for such a thoughtful gift. Gabi, Lupe’s aunt, takes both José Maria and Mr. Padilla by the arm begins to lead them away.
“Come on, let’s give these two some space,” she whispers. As they walk away Gabi calls back over her shoulder, “We’ll be at Las Palmas when you’re ready to join us.”
Rafael is the first to break the silence, “I’m so sorry about your mom. I can hardly believe it.”
“Me too,” Lupe whispers, attempting to rally her spirits.
“When do you go back to Los Angeles?,” Rafael asks.
“Tomorrow,” she replies.
“I have some news. I’ll be back in L.A. in November with the ballet tour.”
Lupe dries her eyes but can’t muster much enthusiasm and says, “Great. Just in time for Dia de los Muertos.”
Rafael nods. There is a uncomfortable lull in the conversation as he becomes more serious. He clearly has something to say. Lupe knows exactly what it will be and is not looking forward to the conversation. In fact, Rafael has been hinting at it for some time.
“You know, there’s something I need to say,” he says.
“To me,” Lupe squeaks.
“Solamente para ti. Just for you,” he says.
Listen to "Para Siempre"
Before you have to go
There’s something you should know
Amorcito
I hope that what I say
Will make you want to stay Guadalupe
If you stay here with me
I promise it will be
A love so endlessly
Para siempre
If I could make you mine
I know what we would find
A love that lasts all time
Forever
You already know
That I don’t want to go
‘Cause I love you
I dream of you and me
To love unselfishly
It’s not that simple
So don’t ask me to stay
‘Cause you know what I’ll have to say
There’s something in my way
Amorcito
They say that love is blind
It’s true but not this time
I see them in my mind
Mi familia
You already know
That I love you so
Amorcito
I dream of you and me
Together endlessly
Para siempre
I wish I could stay
But for now I have to say
That there may come a day
When we’re together
So don’t ask me to choose
‘Cause either way I lose
So for now I must refuse
Mi Chente
Para siempre?
Please don’t ask me
Para siempre?
Don’t you ask me
Para siempre?
Lupe can only shake her head in frustration.
Para siempre?
“It’s only a dream,” Lupe whispers wistfully.
“Stay here. With me,” Rafael implores Lupe.
Again, Lupe shakes her head, the anguish of her inner conflict is plain to see.
Rafael continues to press the issue, “You said you loved me.”
“It’s not that simple.”
“What about us?” Rafael pleads, his exasperation beginning to show.
“I can’t leave my family now. Don’t ask me to do that.”
“If you really loved me, you’d stay.”
“That’s not fair. Don’t say that. What about what I want?,” she counters as the tears begin to fall.
Lupe has been pushed far enough. Her devotion to her family is absolute, but Rafael doesn’t understand, a fact that troubles Lupe. Concerned with only himself, Rafael is unsympathetic to Lupe’s torment. That he would ask her to sacrifice her family is clearly a source of antipathy. Lupe cannot reconcile the love she feels for Rafael and the threat he poses to her family. She is truly of two minds. Gabi appears and gathers up both Lupe and Rafael.
“Come you two, we’re going to be late,” she says.
Chapter 3-Boyle Heights
Lupe awakens from her troubled dream of Oaxaca. She is slow to emerge from her reverie. However, it is a much different reality here in Boyle Heights, just east of downtown Los Angeles. Lupe sits up in her bed with a wistful look on her face, the visions of Oaxaca still fresh in her mind. But here in Boyle Heights she must contend with the heartache of her mother’s death and the newly inherited task of keeping her family together.
The Padilla home on South Chicago Street is an aging 1920s single story that has seen better days. The rooms are small and dark with few windows. The front yard is surrounded by chain link fencing that is covered with beautiful magenta bougainvillea. The front porch pillars are covered with gray river rock, some of which have fallen off with age. Lupe’s mother lovingly tended the garden and flowers, which are now starting to show signs of neglect. The interior of the house appears to have changed little since the 1970s, with avocado colored linoleum flooring, faded floral wallpaper, and dingy sheer curtain panels over the windows. The mantel is crowded with photos and memorabilia from generations of the Padilla family. With the myriad portraits and art hangings, there is hardly an empty spot on any wall.
Lupe is in no hurry to leave her bed. It is a refuge from the daily life she must face. Her room barely accommodates the twin-sized bed. On either side there are simple pine nightstands, each one crammed with photos of her family, especially her mother. The photos come from every point in Lupe’s life: graduations, birthdays, holidays, and parties. They surround and console her like a soothing balm. Tall and slender like her mother, her long brown hair falls almost to her waist. With flawless mocha skin, flashing dark eyes, and a beautifully proportioned face, she is truly a Latina beauty. Softly, there comes a tapping on her bedroom door. Lupe’s little brother, José Maria, is standing just outside her door. At sixteen years old, he is a full nine years younger than Lupe. He wears a black T-shirt with the image of Vicente Fernandez on the front and “Sigo Siendo El Rey” on the back. José Maria is a late-bloomer, as was his father. Still shorter than Lupe, he is thin with a faint trace of a mustache he is desperately trying to grow. The death of his mother has affected him as much as his sister Lupe, although he staunchly tries not to show it. It does, however, manifest itself in occasional outbursts of anger and frustration. Both José Maria and Mr. Padilla are in the kitchen, José Maria waiting for Lupe to make breakfast and Mr. Padilla reading the morning paper. For over twenty years, Lupe’s father has not deviated from his daily workday morning regimen. Always up early, he starts with Oaxacan CEPCO coffee and the newspaper, La Opinión. By the time both of his children are awake, he is out the door to grab a quick bite of breakfast at his sister-in-law Gabi’s panadería just a few blocks away. Slightly overweight, his shock of gray hair still has a distinct curl to it and his mustache is always neat and trimmed. José Maria taps again on the door.
Click to hear "Good Morning Lupe No. 1"
There’s something you should know
Amorcito
I hope that what I say
Will make you want to stay Guadalupe
If you stay here with me
I promise it will be
A love so endlessly
Para siempre
If I could make you mine
I know what we would find
A love that lasts all time
Forever
You already know
That I don’t want to go
‘Cause I love you
I dream of you and me
To love unselfishly
It’s not that simple
So don’t ask me to stay
‘Cause you know what I’ll have to say
There’s something in my way
Amorcito
They say that love is blind
It’s true but not this time
I see them in my mind
Mi familia
You already know
That I love you so
Amorcito
I dream of you and me
Together endlessly
Para siempre
I wish I could stay
But for now I have to say
That there may come a day
When we’re together
So don’t ask me to choose
‘Cause either way I lose
So for now I must refuse
Mi Chente
Para siempre?
Please don’t ask me
Para siempre?
Don’t you ask me
Para siempre?
Lupe can only shake her head in frustration.
Para siempre?
“It’s only a dream,” Lupe whispers wistfully.
“Stay here. With me,” Rafael implores Lupe.
Again, Lupe shakes her head, the anguish of her inner conflict is plain to see.
Rafael continues to press the issue, “You said you loved me.”
“It’s not that simple.”
“What about us?” Rafael pleads, his exasperation beginning to show.
“I can’t leave my family now. Don’t ask me to do that.”
“If you really loved me, you’d stay.”
“That’s not fair. Don’t say that. What about what I want?,” she counters as the tears begin to fall.
Lupe has been pushed far enough. Her devotion to her family is absolute, but Rafael doesn’t understand, a fact that troubles Lupe. Concerned with only himself, Rafael is unsympathetic to Lupe’s torment. That he would ask her to sacrifice her family is clearly a source of antipathy. Lupe cannot reconcile the love she feels for Rafael and the threat he poses to her family. She is truly of two minds. Gabi appears and gathers up both Lupe and Rafael.
“Come you two, we’re going to be late,” she says.
Chapter 3-Boyle Heights
Lupe awakens from her troubled dream of Oaxaca. She is slow to emerge from her reverie. However, it is a much different reality here in Boyle Heights, just east of downtown Los Angeles. Lupe sits up in her bed with a wistful look on her face, the visions of Oaxaca still fresh in her mind. But here in Boyle Heights she must contend with the heartache of her mother’s death and the newly inherited task of keeping her family together.
The Padilla home on South Chicago Street is an aging 1920s single story that has seen better days. The rooms are small and dark with few windows. The front yard is surrounded by chain link fencing that is covered with beautiful magenta bougainvillea. The front porch pillars are covered with gray river rock, some of which have fallen off with age. Lupe’s mother lovingly tended the garden and flowers, which are now starting to show signs of neglect. The interior of the house appears to have changed little since the 1970s, with avocado colored linoleum flooring, faded floral wallpaper, and dingy sheer curtain panels over the windows. The mantel is crowded with photos and memorabilia from generations of the Padilla family. With the myriad portraits and art hangings, there is hardly an empty spot on any wall.
Lupe is in no hurry to leave her bed. It is a refuge from the daily life she must face. Her room barely accommodates the twin-sized bed. On either side there are simple pine nightstands, each one crammed with photos of her family, especially her mother. The photos come from every point in Lupe’s life: graduations, birthdays, holidays, and parties. They surround and console her like a soothing balm. Tall and slender like her mother, her long brown hair falls almost to her waist. With flawless mocha skin, flashing dark eyes, and a beautifully proportioned face, she is truly a Latina beauty. Softly, there comes a tapping on her bedroom door. Lupe’s little brother, José Maria, is standing just outside her door. At sixteen years old, he is a full nine years younger than Lupe. He wears a black T-shirt with the image of Vicente Fernandez on the front and “Sigo Siendo El Rey” on the back. José Maria is a late-bloomer, as was his father. Still shorter than Lupe, he is thin with a faint trace of a mustache he is desperately trying to grow. The death of his mother has affected him as much as his sister Lupe, although he staunchly tries not to show it. It does, however, manifest itself in occasional outbursts of anger and frustration. Both José Maria and Mr. Padilla are in the kitchen, José Maria waiting for Lupe to make breakfast and Mr. Padilla reading the morning paper. For over twenty years, Lupe’s father has not deviated from his daily workday morning regimen. Always up early, he starts with Oaxacan CEPCO coffee and the newspaper, La Opinión. By the time both of his children are awake, he is out the door to grab a quick bite of breakfast at his sister-in-law Gabi’s panadería just a few blocks away. Slightly overweight, his shock of gray hair still has a distinct curl to it and his mustache is always neat and trimmed. José Maria taps again on the door.
Click to hear "Good Morning Lupe No. 1"
Lupe, Guadalupe, Lupe, Guadalupe
Don’t knock on the door
Give her a few minutes more
I think we can guess what she’s dreaming about
That’s not very hard to do
In dreams she can go anywhere
Escape her sorrow and care
Lupe sits silently on the edge of her bed surveying the nightstand photos, as if to say good morning to all the smiling faces. Looking wistfully at her mother’s picture, she takes a deep breath and steels herself for the new day. She dresses quickly and comes out of her room into the kitchen wearing a light blue sun dress.
Lupe
Morning Papi
Mi corazón
Guadalupe
Hermanito
Lupe hugs José Maria. She goes to her father and pulls the newspaper down in order to kiss him on the cheek.
How did you sleep?
Fine, you want something to eat?
I do!
That’s okay
I’ll stop at Gabi’s on my way
Lupe are there any tamales for me?
I think I can find a few
Walk your sister to work
Don’t wear that same old shirt
But it’s Chente!
One thing more
Something for Nuestro Señor
Lupe can you stop by St. Mary’s today?
Light a candle for your mom?
Si. I remember what she would say
No te olvides familia y fe
She was right
I better be on my way
See you at the end of the day
There is a cloud of sadness over Mr. Padilla’s face as he says goodbye. José Maria is too busy eating to notice but Lupe is instantly aware.
“You okay Papi?,” she asks.
With a rueful smile he replies haltingly, “You look just like your sweet mother.”
“Que le vaya bien Papi,” Lupe replies.
Mr. Padilla puts the paper down, picks up his lunch pail and goes out the front door. Lupe goes straight to the refrigerator and begins to prepare breakfast.
“I bet you were dreaming about Oaxaca last night and someone that plays guitar,” José Maria teases.
“Oh really? Like who?” Lupe replies, feigning ignorance.
“Uh huh. Like your fiancé maybe?”
“Aren’t you late for school?” Lupe says with a smile.
“You know you love me!”
“Okay, okay. How old is that Chente shirt anyway?”
Lupe brings a plate of yesterday’s tamales to the hungry José Maria who is eagerly waiting. He begins to eat quickly.
“Gracias Lupita.”
“You gonna work at the plant after school?” Lupe asks.
“Like I have a choice. We need the money.”
José Maria stops eating his tamales for a moment as a pensive look crosses his face.
Lupe, do you think about Mommy a lot?
Of course I miss her every day
Yo se
I feel like I’m mad all the time
To live this way is such an uphill climb
José Maria quickly shovels in the last of his tamales and grabs his backpack for school. Lupe puts the dishes in the sink and goes to the table to pick up her purse. They both walk out the front door and onto the street, heading north on Chicago Street.
That’s true
But don’t forget all that we still have
We’re still a family, you, me, and Dad
“It’s not all that easy with the vato fools. At school. On the street,” he complains.
“You remember what Mom used to say?”
As they walk past St. Mary’s Catholic Church, they turn right on East 4th Street.
“Familia y fe. That’s all you need,” Lupe continues.
“I know, I know. But that’s easier said than done, especially in this part of town.”
A group of young men appears suddenly in front of them.
“Like these clowns,” José Maria says.
“It’s your old friend,” Lupe whispers.
“Not any more,” he replies.
At 4th and Soto Streets, Pinto, a local gang member, and two of his friends approach them and block their way. Both Lupe and José Maria are well-acquainted with Pinto, who has a reputation for his fiery temper. Pinto has been pressuring José Maria to join his gang with the temptation of easy money and has a serious infatuation with Lupe. An annoyed Lupe and José Maria come to a stop. Pinto speaks to José Maria first, in a slow and menacing tone while leering at Lupe.
Listen to "Pinto No. 1"
Don’t knock on the door
Give her a few minutes more
I think we can guess what she’s dreaming about
That’s not very hard to do
In dreams she can go anywhere
Escape her sorrow and care
Lupe sits silently on the edge of her bed surveying the nightstand photos, as if to say good morning to all the smiling faces. Looking wistfully at her mother’s picture, she takes a deep breath and steels herself for the new day. She dresses quickly and comes out of her room into the kitchen wearing a light blue sun dress.
Lupe
Morning Papi
Mi corazón
Guadalupe
Hermanito
Lupe hugs José Maria. She goes to her father and pulls the newspaper down in order to kiss him on the cheek.
How did you sleep?
Fine, you want something to eat?
I do!
That’s okay
I’ll stop at Gabi’s on my way
Lupe are there any tamales for me?
I think I can find a few
Walk your sister to work
Don’t wear that same old shirt
But it’s Chente!
One thing more
Something for Nuestro Señor
Lupe can you stop by St. Mary’s today?
Light a candle for your mom?
Si. I remember what she would say
No te olvides familia y fe
She was right
I better be on my way
See you at the end of the day
There is a cloud of sadness over Mr. Padilla’s face as he says goodbye. José Maria is too busy eating to notice but Lupe is instantly aware.
“You okay Papi?,” she asks.
With a rueful smile he replies haltingly, “You look just like your sweet mother.”
“Que le vaya bien Papi,” Lupe replies.
Mr. Padilla puts the paper down, picks up his lunch pail and goes out the front door. Lupe goes straight to the refrigerator and begins to prepare breakfast.
“I bet you were dreaming about Oaxaca last night and someone that plays guitar,” José Maria teases.
“Oh really? Like who?” Lupe replies, feigning ignorance.
“Uh huh. Like your fiancé maybe?”
“Aren’t you late for school?” Lupe says with a smile.
“You know you love me!”
“Okay, okay. How old is that Chente shirt anyway?”
Lupe brings a plate of yesterday’s tamales to the hungry José Maria who is eagerly waiting. He begins to eat quickly.
“Gracias Lupita.”
“You gonna work at the plant after school?” Lupe asks.
“Like I have a choice. We need the money.”
José Maria stops eating his tamales for a moment as a pensive look crosses his face.
Lupe, do you think about Mommy a lot?
Of course I miss her every day
Yo se
I feel like I’m mad all the time
To live this way is such an uphill climb
José Maria quickly shovels in the last of his tamales and grabs his backpack for school. Lupe puts the dishes in the sink and goes to the table to pick up her purse. They both walk out the front door and onto the street, heading north on Chicago Street.
That’s true
But don’t forget all that we still have
We’re still a family, you, me, and Dad
“It’s not all that easy with the vato fools. At school. On the street,” he complains.
“You remember what Mom used to say?”
As they walk past St. Mary’s Catholic Church, they turn right on East 4th Street.
“Familia y fe. That’s all you need,” Lupe continues.
“I know, I know. But that’s easier said than done, especially in this part of town.”
A group of young men appears suddenly in front of them.
“Like these clowns,” José Maria says.
“It’s your old friend,” Lupe whispers.
“Not any more,” he replies.
At 4th and Soto Streets, Pinto, a local gang member, and two of his friends approach them and block their way. Both Lupe and José Maria are well-acquainted with Pinto, who has a reputation for his fiery temper. Pinto has been pressuring José Maria to join his gang with the temptation of easy money and has a serious infatuation with Lupe. An annoyed Lupe and José Maria come to a stop. Pinto speaks to José Maria first, in a slow and menacing tone while leering at Lupe.
Listen to "Pinto No. 1"
¡Qué onda güey!
Wanna make some money?
Need a little cash?
I can make it happen you just gotta ask
Lupe turns to José Maria and whispers, “Watch this!”
She seductively walks up to Pinto with a provocative smile and points to his car.
Hey, Pinto is that your ride?
Show me what it looks like on the inside?
Oo, I’d be glad to take you anywhere at all
Stick with me we can steal shit at the mall
Lupe puts her finger through Pinto’s belt loop and pulls him close, their faces almost touching. She looks down at Pinto’s crotch and makes an exaggerated, disappointed face.
What can you do with such a tiny limousine?
Why don’t you call me when you get a full-size man machine?
Lupe puts her hand on Pinto’s chest, pushes him back forcefully, and then walks away in disgust. She smiles mischievously.
Oo, híjole. Your sister’s such a tease
I’ll play the fool
Just stay away from her
You fuckin’ tool!
Lose the attitude, my little dude
Wanna earn some money?
I got a job for you
Leave us alone Mr. Pinche Cabrón
Anything you say, but don’t get in my way
Lupe and José Maria attempt to go around Pinto and his homies, but are prevented from advancing.
Come on!
You call this livin’, you’re stuck in hell
You should hang with creative clientele
Work with me a little, for monetary gain
You could help your family
Help them ease the pain
You don’t know anything about us, pendejo!
Me, pendejo? I thought we were still friends
That was a long time ago. Out of the way dude!
Pinto and his friends finally step aside to let them pass. Pinto opens his arms wide, as if to invite them to proceed.
Have a nice day!
Lupe and José Maria quickly leave Pinto behind and head for Roosevelt High School.
“It’s sad he’s turned into such a fool. You two used to be real close,” Lupe exclaims.
“Yeah. I can’t believe Dad lets him work at the plant.”
Lupe just shakes her head.
“After what happened to his dad, it was the right thing to do,” she says.
As they arrive at the high school, Lupe hugs her little brother and says, “Stop by Gabi’s on your way home. I’ll save you some pan dulce.”
José Maria simply nods his head. He disappears behind the wrought iron gate. Lupe turns north back up South Mathews Street. The morning is beginning to warm significantly. The sun is brilliant in the cloudless September sky. It promises to be another hot day in Los Angeles.
Chapter 4-Gabi's
The walk to Gabi’s panadería doesn’t take long. Just down East 4th Street a few blocks. Despite the brilliant sun and warm weather, a cloud of melancholy burdens Lupe’s heart as she makes her way.
Lupe and her mother shared a special bond, as women often do in Mexican families. Many times Mexican women are the glue that holds the family together. And Lupe’s mother was just that, the matriarch of the family. Mrs. Padilla’s sister, Gabi, was an influential figure in Lupe’s life as well. Both Gabi and Lupe’s mother were fierce defenders of the family and the role models that shaped Lupe from an early age. With a heart full of love and compassion, Lupe is indeed just like her mother. When Mrs. Padilla was diagnosed with cancer, the family was seized with a kind of paralysis; no one knew quite what to do. José Maria was too young to really understand all that was going on, while Lupe and her father struggled to get the necessary medical help. But with no insurance and limited funds, help was slow in coming, a factor that no doubt contributed to Mrs. Padilla’s death. Lupe still carries the lingering doubt that she could have done more for her mother. Lupe’s Aunt Gabi does her best to help fill the terrible void in Lupe’s life, but shopping trips and long talks over coffee help only so much. José Maria resolutely puts on a brave face but his anger and frustration are becoming more and more obvious. Lupe’s father seems to have retreated into a peaceful state of despair and now rarely even speaks of it, although at times the distant and plaintive look on his face betrays his grief. Perhaps it is just too painful. While still protective and caring of his children, Mr. Padilla is at a loss as how to fill the vacuum left by his wife.
The piquant aroma of baking bread drifts down East 4th Street. Gabi’s panadería is busy this morning with patrons on their way to work. The outdoor patio is shaded from the already warm sun by a series of canvas awnings. The racks and deli case are filled with artisan bread, pastries, desserts, sandwiches, nopales, bolillos, biscochitos, and an array of other delectable items. In the kitchen the two cooks, Nacho and Conchise, serve up menudo, posole, huevos motuleños, chilaquiles, birria, migas, and a host of other dishes. With the Santa Ana wind coming from the east, the delicious bouquet of comida Mexicana reaches Lupe a full block before she arrives. This is her first day back at work since arriving home from her trip to Oaxaca. As she enters the patio, she stops and surveys her aunt’s panadería. Lupe takes a deep breath and marches decisively into the shop. Gabi, Nacho, and Conchise all greet her with affectionate enthusiasm.
Gabi is first to spot Lupe and shout, “It’s Lupe!”
“Lupita!” chimes in Conchise.
“She’s back!” Nacho adds.
All three rush to Lupe and embrace her warmly. Lupe is still somewhat reserved. They all sit down at a table in anticipation.
“How are you Lupita,” asks a concerned Conchise.
“Okay, I guess,” Lupe replies with a touch of sorrow.
Nacho comes over to Lupe, puts his hand tenderly on her shoulder and asks, “Everything go okay?”
“Yeah. She’s buried right next to Grandma at the Basílica,” Lupe softly replies.
“But she’s so far away now,” Conchise comments.
“It’s where she grew up. She wanted to be there. I promised her,” Lupe replies.
Lupe’s gaze falls to the ground and whispers sadly, “I promised her a lot of things.”
Gabi puts her arm around Lupe and says, “I know. She had big dreams for you.”
Lupe becomes slightly exasperated and exclaims, “They’re my dreams too. Like college.”
Gabi lifts Lupe’s chin tenderly with her finger, looks squarely in her beautiful, doleful eyes, and says, “You just have to believe.”
“Yeah, I believe there’s no hope,” she retorts.
“Have a little faith mija. Qué te dijo tu mamá?” Gabi replies forcefully.
“I know, I know. Familia y fe,” she exclaims in frustration.
“Trust your tia,” Gabi says sweetly.
“And your cousin,” chimes in Conchise.
“And your cook!” adds Nacho.
“Thanks guys,” replies a grateful Lupe.
“How’s your dad holding up,” asks Nacho.
“Hard to say. He barely talks now,” says Lupe.
“Don’t worry, we’ll bring him around,” Gabi replies.
In a whisper, Lupe responds, “I hope so.”
With a large sigh Lupe attempts to shake off her sadness.
“So. What about you guys? What did I miss?” she exclaims with a touch of false enthusiasm.
Conchise is not about to let Lupe dismiss the whole trip in such a casual manner, especially when it concerns Rafael.
“Not so fast girlfriend. Did you see Rafael?” Conchise asks, clearly fishing for a salient piece of gossip.
“Yeah,” she softly replies.
Gabi’s protective instincts kick in as she warns Conchise under her breath, “Bad idea. She’s had a rough week.”
Unimpeded, Conchise is not dissuaded, “Yeah what girlfriend? Dish!”
Nacho comes to Lupe’s defense in the wake of such personal questions and says, “Hey, you should leave her alone!”
Conchise dismisses Nacho’s concern with a wave of her hand and says, “Inquiring minds want to know!”
Nacho forcefully reminds Conchise, “No seas metiche!”
“Me? Señor mandón!” fires back.
“I think you nopales are burning,” Nacho teases.
“Chale!”
Gabi rolls her eyes as she knows that Conchise and Nacho are about to start bickering again.
Conchise turns to Lupe and gently asks, “So how is the macho mariachi? I promise not to tell!”
“Oh yeah,” says a disbelieving Nacho.
“I saw him a lot,” Lupe whispers.
“I knew it! Musicians are so hot!” swoons Conchise.
“What about cooks?” comments Nacho, his pride slightly wounded.
“So what did you guys do?” asks Conchise suggestively.
“Rafael and I just hung out.”
Overcome with her amorous imagination, Conchise exclaims, “Oaxaca is so romantic!”
Lupe becomes more serious and replies, “It wasn’t exactly a vacation. And there was some stuff too with Rafael.”
Conchise continues her interrogation, “Stuff? Come on Lupita, your cousin wants to know all about...”
The conversation abruptly halts as a dejected José Maria shuffles into the panadería. Hair slightly disheveled and a bruise on his face, he stands next to the table and looks at his sister. Lupe is instantly alarmed. She rushes to José Maria. Everyone is concerned.
“Hermanito, what happened?” she asks in concern.
With an unsmiling face he replies, “I had a little trouble at school.”
“What kind of trouble?” Lupe asks.
“I got rolled. Those assholes took all my money.”
Gabi and Lupe come closer to inspect poor José Maria’s face.
“You okay?” asks Gabi.
“Yeah, but I made them work for it.”
Lupe attempts to touch her brother’s face and says, “Let me see.”
José Maria quickly turns away and says, “Really, I’m okay. Just pissed.”
Listen to "Ya No Tengo Nada"
Wanna make some money?
Need a little cash?
I can make it happen you just gotta ask
Lupe turns to José Maria and whispers, “Watch this!”
She seductively walks up to Pinto with a provocative smile and points to his car.
Hey, Pinto is that your ride?
Show me what it looks like on the inside?
Oo, I’d be glad to take you anywhere at all
Stick with me we can steal shit at the mall
Lupe puts her finger through Pinto’s belt loop and pulls him close, their faces almost touching. She looks down at Pinto’s crotch and makes an exaggerated, disappointed face.
What can you do with such a tiny limousine?
Why don’t you call me when you get a full-size man machine?
Lupe puts her hand on Pinto’s chest, pushes him back forcefully, and then walks away in disgust. She smiles mischievously.
Oo, híjole. Your sister’s such a tease
I’ll play the fool
Just stay away from her
You fuckin’ tool!
Lose the attitude, my little dude
Wanna earn some money?
I got a job for you
Leave us alone Mr. Pinche Cabrón
Anything you say, but don’t get in my way
Lupe and José Maria attempt to go around Pinto and his homies, but are prevented from advancing.
Come on!
You call this livin’, you’re stuck in hell
You should hang with creative clientele
Work with me a little, for monetary gain
You could help your family
Help them ease the pain
You don’t know anything about us, pendejo!
Me, pendejo? I thought we were still friends
That was a long time ago. Out of the way dude!
Pinto and his friends finally step aside to let them pass. Pinto opens his arms wide, as if to invite them to proceed.
Have a nice day!
Lupe and José Maria quickly leave Pinto behind and head for Roosevelt High School.
“It’s sad he’s turned into such a fool. You two used to be real close,” Lupe exclaims.
“Yeah. I can’t believe Dad lets him work at the plant.”
Lupe just shakes her head.
“After what happened to his dad, it was the right thing to do,” she says.
As they arrive at the high school, Lupe hugs her little brother and says, “Stop by Gabi’s on your way home. I’ll save you some pan dulce.”
José Maria simply nods his head. He disappears behind the wrought iron gate. Lupe turns north back up South Mathews Street. The morning is beginning to warm significantly. The sun is brilliant in the cloudless September sky. It promises to be another hot day in Los Angeles.
Chapter 4-Gabi's
The walk to Gabi’s panadería doesn’t take long. Just down East 4th Street a few blocks. Despite the brilliant sun and warm weather, a cloud of melancholy burdens Lupe’s heart as she makes her way.
Lupe and her mother shared a special bond, as women often do in Mexican families. Many times Mexican women are the glue that holds the family together. And Lupe’s mother was just that, the matriarch of the family. Mrs. Padilla’s sister, Gabi, was an influential figure in Lupe’s life as well. Both Gabi and Lupe’s mother were fierce defenders of the family and the role models that shaped Lupe from an early age. With a heart full of love and compassion, Lupe is indeed just like her mother. When Mrs. Padilla was diagnosed with cancer, the family was seized with a kind of paralysis; no one knew quite what to do. José Maria was too young to really understand all that was going on, while Lupe and her father struggled to get the necessary medical help. But with no insurance and limited funds, help was slow in coming, a factor that no doubt contributed to Mrs. Padilla’s death. Lupe still carries the lingering doubt that she could have done more for her mother. Lupe’s Aunt Gabi does her best to help fill the terrible void in Lupe’s life, but shopping trips and long talks over coffee help only so much. José Maria resolutely puts on a brave face but his anger and frustration are becoming more and more obvious. Lupe’s father seems to have retreated into a peaceful state of despair and now rarely even speaks of it, although at times the distant and plaintive look on his face betrays his grief. Perhaps it is just too painful. While still protective and caring of his children, Mr. Padilla is at a loss as how to fill the vacuum left by his wife.
The piquant aroma of baking bread drifts down East 4th Street. Gabi’s panadería is busy this morning with patrons on their way to work. The outdoor patio is shaded from the already warm sun by a series of canvas awnings. The racks and deli case are filled with artisan bread, pastries, desserts, sandwiches, nopales, bolillos, biscochitos, and an array of other delectable items. In the kitchen the two cooks, Nacho and Conchise, serve up menudo, posole, huevos motuleños, chilaquiles, birria, migas, and a host of other dishes. With the Santa Ana wind coming from the east, the delicious bouquet of comida Mexicana reaches Lupe a full block before she arrives. This is her first day back at work since arriving home from her trip to Oaxaca. As she enters the patio, she stops and surveys her aunt’s panadería. Lupe takes a deep breath and marches decisively into the shop. Gabi, Nacho, and Conchise all greet her with affectionate enthusiasm.
Gabi is first to spot Lupe and shout, “It’s Lupe!”
“Lupita!” chimes in Conchise.
“She’s back!” Nacho adds.
All three rush to Lupe and embrace her warmly. Lupe is still somewhat reserved. They all sit down at a table in anticipation.
“How are you Lupita,” asks a concerned Conchise.
“Okay, I guess,” Lupe replies with a touch of sorrow.
Nacho comes over to Lupe, puts his hand tenderly on her shoulder and asks, “Everything go okay?”
“Yeah. She’s buried right next to Grandma at the Basílica,” Lupe softly replies.
“But she’s so far away now,” Conchise comments.
“It’s where she grew up. She wanted to be there. I promised her,” Lupe replies.
Lupe’s gaze falls to the ground and whispers sadly, “I promised her a lot of things.”
Gabi puts her arm around Lupe and says, “I know. She had big dreams for you.”
Lupe becomes slightly exasperated and exclaims, “They’re my dreams too. Like college.”
Gabi lifts Lupe’s chin tenderly with her finger, looks squarely in her beautiful, doleful eyes, and says, “You just have to believe.”
“Yeah, I believe there’s no hope,” she retorts.
“Have a little faith mija. Qué te dijo tu mamá?” Gabi replies forcefully.
“I know, I know. Familia y fe,” she exclaims in frustration.
“Trust your tia,” Gabi says sweetly.
“And your cousin,” chimes in Conchise.
“And your cook!” adds Nacho.
“Thanks guys,” replies a grateful Lupe.
“How’s your dad holding up,” asks Nacho.
“Hard to say. He barely talks now,” says Lupe.
“Don’t worry, we’ll bring him around,” Gabi replies.
In a whisper, Lupe responds, “I hope so.”
With a large sigh Lupe attempts to shake off her sadness.
“So. What about you guys? What did I miss?” she exclaims with a touch of false enthusiasm.
Conchise is not about to let Lupe dismiss the whole trip in such a casual manner, especially when it concerns Rafael.
“Not so fast girlfriend. Did you see Rafael?” Conchise asks, clearly fishing for a salient piece of gossip.
“Yeah,” she softly replies.
Gabi’s protective instincts kick in as she warns Conchise under her breath, “Bad idea. She’s had a rough week.”
Unimpeded, Conchise is not dissuaded, “Yeah what girlfriend? Dish!”
Nacho comes to Lupe’s defense in the wake of such personal questions and says, “Hey, you should leave her alone!”
Conchise dismisses Nacho’s concern with a wave of her hand and says, “Inquiring minds want to know!”
Nacho forcefully reminds Conchise, “No seas metiche!”
“Me? Señor mandón!” fires back.
“I think you nopales are burning,” Nacho teases.
“Chale!”
Gabi rolls her eyes as she knows that Conchise and Nacho are about to start bickering again.
Conchise turns to Lupe and gently asks, “So how is the macho mariachi? I promise not to tell!”
“Oh yeah,” says a disbelieving Nacho.
“I saw him a lot,” Lupe whispers.
“I knew it! Musicians are so hot!” swoons Conchise.
“What about cooks?” comments Nacho, his pride slightly wounded.
“So what did you guys do?” asks Conchise suggestively.
“Rafael and I just hung out.”
Overcome with her amorous imagination, Conchise exclaims, “Oaxaca is so romantic!”
Lupe becomes more serious and replies, “It wasn’t exactly a vacation. And there was some stuff too with Rafael.”
Conchise continues her interrogation, “Stuff? Come on Lupita, your cousin wants to know all about...”
The conversation abruptly halts as a dejected José Maria shuffles into the panadería. Hair slightly disheveled and a bruise on his face, he stands next to the table and looks at his sister. Lupe is instantly alarmed. She rushes to José Maria. Everyone is concerned.
“Hermanito, what happened?” she asks in concern.
With an unsmiling face he replies, “I had a little trouble at school.”
“What kind of trouble?” Lupe asks.
“I got rolled. Those assholes took all my money.”
Gabi and Lupe come closer to inspect poor José Maria’s face.
“You okay?” asks Gabi.
“Yeah, but I made them work for it.”
Lupe attempts to touch her brother’s face and says, “Let me see.”
José Maria quickly turns away and says, “Really, I’m okay. Just pissed.”
Listen to "Ya No Tengo Nada"
It’s not enough
With all this lame ass stuff
You have to deal with day to day
The shit a school
With all the vato fools
Qué onda, güey?
They deal in death
With coke and weed and meth
It’s hard to stay out of jail
You want a job?
It’s only gangs and mobs
It’s like they want you to fail
You get a little
They take a lot
So get creative
Just don’t get caught
Try to kill the pain
With smoke and booze
When you got nothin’
You got nothin’ to lose
Lupe comes over to José Maria and puts her hands on his shoulders in an attempt to calm him down.
You have a family
You, me, and Dad
And crazy Aunt Gabi
“That’s right!” Gabi chimes in.
Now that’s not so bad
“Yeah, yeah,” José Maria complains as he moves away from his sister.
We have each other
And hearts full of love
There’s nothing this family
Can’t rise above
But look around us
They way we have to live
It makes me angry all the time
Pinto pimps me
We live in poverty
It’s such an uphill climb
You get a little
It costs a lot
It’s always way more
Than what you got
Between la migra
And all the cops
It’s like a war zone
That never stops
Remember what Mommy
Always would say
When you came home angry
When you had a bad day
It doesn’t matter
You’ll be okay
You need only two things
Familia y fe
“That’s about all I do have,” a frustrated José Maria complains.
“Come on dude, check this,” Nacho says as he tries to bolster José Maria’s spirits by doing a series of pop and lock dance moves.
“So?” asks Nacho.
José Maria doesn’t respond. Nacho does another series of pop and lock moves. José Maria finally manages a slight smile and a modest laugh.
“You’re pathetic homes!” he tells Nacho.
I remember
What she used to say
But it’s not that easy
Remember this is East L.A.
It’s a daily battle
With the vato fools
Estoy enojado
Every day at school
We got so little
They take a lot
Might as well get wasted
There’s always booze and pot
I don’t really mean that
I just forgot
Mom always said
Don’t be who you’re not
Ya no tengo nada
Y la lucha never stops
Ya no tengo nada
Con la migra and the cops
Ya no tengo nada
Y la lucha never stops
Ya no tengo nada
Con la migra and the cops
We got each other
I guess it’s true
It’s never easy
Livin’ here the way we do
I should be grateful
For what I got
I really am
You just think I’m not
Could be worse
At least I’m free
Free to get my ass kicked
By vatos stoned on PCP
I know what you’re saying
Family is the key
No voy a olvidarlo
Claro que si
I guess it’s true
It’s never easy
Livin’ here the way we do
I should be grateful
For what I got
I really am
You just think I’m not
I would never make it
Through the disarray
‘Cause there’s only two things
Mi familia y mi fe
I would never make it
Through the disarray
‘Cause there’s only two things
‘Cause there’s only two things
Mi familia y mi fe
Mi familia y mi fe
Mi familia y mi fe
Mi familia y mi fe
José Maria sits down in frustration. Lupe comes up from behind him and puts her hands tenderly on his shoulders.
“Ya tu sabes,” she gently says.
“Okay. I get the idea. I’m going to the plant and see Dad.”
“Let me get you something to take with you. Pan dulce?” suggests Gabi.
“Si, si. That would be great,” replies José Maria.
Gabi goes to the kitchen to collect the pan dulce. She carefully goes through the deli case to pick out the best ones.
With a mischievous look on his face, Nacho turns to Conchise and says, “Let’s have some fun with veggie boy.”
“Don’t. Just leave him alone,” she replies.
Nacho sits down next to José Maria.
Listen to "What's The Beef?"
With all this lame ass stuff
You have to deal with day to day
The shit a school
With all the vato fools
Qué onda, güey?
They deal in death
With coke and weed and meth
It’s hard to stay out of jail
You want a job?
It’s only gangs and mobs
It’s like they want you to fail
You get a little
They take a lot
So get creative
Just don’t get caught
Try to kill the pain
With smoke and booze
When you got nothin’
You got nothin’ to lose
Lupe comes over to José Maria and puts her hands on his shoulders in an attempt to calm him down.
You have a family
You, me, and Dad
And crazy Aunt Gabi
“That’s right!” Gabi chimes in.
Now that’s not so bad
“Yeah, yeah,” José Maria complains as he moves away from his sister.
We have each other
And hearts full of love
There’s nothing this family
Can’t rise above
But look around us
They way we have to live
It makes me angry all the time
Pinto pimps me
We live in poverty
It’s such an uphill climb
You get a little
It costs a lot
It’s always way more
Than what you got
Between la migra
And all the cops
It’s like a war zone
That never stops
Remember what Mommy
Always would say
When you came home angry
When you had a bad day
It doesn’t matter
You’ll be okay
You need only two things
Familia y fe
“That’s about all I do have,” a frustrated José Maria complains.
“Come on dude, check this,” Nacho says as he tries to bolster José Maria’s spirits by doing a series of pop and lock dance moves.
“So?” asks Nacho.
José Maria doesn’t respond. Nacho does another series of pop and lock moves. José Maria finally manages a slight smile and a modest laugh.
“You’re pathetic homes!” he tells Nacho.
I remember
What she used to say
But it’s not that easy
Remember this is East L.A.
It’s a daily battle
With the vato fools
Estoy enojado
Every day at school
We got so little
They take a lot
Might as well get wasted
There’s always booze and pot
I don’t really mean that
I just forgot
Mom always said
Don’t be who you’re not
Ya no tengo nada
Y la lucha never stops
Ya no tengo nada
Con la migra and the cops
Ya no tengo nada
Y la lucha never stops
Ya no tengo nada
Con la migra and the cops
We got each other
I guess it’s true
It’s never easy
Livin’ here the way we do
I should be grateful
For what I got
I really am
You just think I’m not
Could be worse
At least I’m free
Free to get my ass kicked
By vatos stoned on PCP
I know what you’re saying
Family is the key
No voy a olvidarlo
Claro que si
I guess it’s true
It’s never easy
Livin’ here the way we do
I should be grateful
For what I got
I really am
You just think I’m not
I would never make it
Through the disarray
‘Cause there’s only two things
Mi familia y mi fe
I would never make it
Through the disarray
‘Cause there’s only two things
‘Cause there’s only two things
Mi familia y mi fe
Mi familia y mi fe
Mi familia y mi fe
Mi familia y mi fe
José Maria sits down in frustration. Lupe comes up from behind him and puts her hands tenderly on his shoulders.
“Ya tu sabes,” she gently says.
“Okay. I get the idea. I’m going to the plant and see Dad.”
“Let me get you something to take with you. Pan dulce?” suggests Gabi.
“Si, si. That would be great,” replies José Maria.
Gabi goes to the kitchen to collect the pan dulce. She carefully goes through the deli case to pick out the best ones.
With a mischievous look on his face, Nacho turns to Conchise and says, “Let’s have some fun with veggie boy.”
“Don’t. Just leave him alone,” she replies.
Nacho sits down next to José Maria.
Listen to "What's The Beef?"
“You want some menudo?” asks Nacho.
“Dude, I work in a meat plant. You know what’s in that?” responds José Maria.
“Yeah. Peppers, garlic, cilantro.”
Almost laughing, José Maria retorts, “You don’t want to know!”
See all that pork and beef
Sittin’ on the table
Go ahead and read the stuff
That’s on the label
Not to worry
It’s FDA
You believe that?
I’m sure it’s got to be okay
Nitrates, sorbates, phosphates
I rest my case
Menudo, puerco, conejo, you lame-o
Nitrates, sorbates, phosphates
In your face
Menudo, puerco, conejo, even buffalo
Meat
No thanks
What’s the beef?
You wanna know?
Yeah. Meat
That’s right
It’s nothing but grief
Not so. Meat
Gotta pass
What’s the beef?
I gotta say, meat
Love it
I can’t get no relief
No way. Veal?
In a cage? Really?
Don’t you like the taste?
No. I just can’t eat it
Why?
‘Cause it’s got a face
So? Think about it homes
I am
You are what you eat
So what?
Come and see the plant
Okay
You’ll never touch a piece of meat
José Maria stands up and looks at Nacho.
“So my friend, are you really gonna eat that shit?”
“Yeah, and so are a lot of your sister’s customers!” replies Nacho, enjoying the situation.
“Animals are my friends. I don’t eat my friends,” José Maria quips.
“Yeah, but you’ll carve them up and put them in a package,” teases Nacho.
Gabi comes back from the deli case with a box of pan dulce. She joins Lupe and Conchise as they watch in amusement.
“Here’s something to keep you going,” she says.
“Thanks Gabi.”
José Maria takes the box and gets ready to leave.
“See you tonight. And I’m not making anything with meat!” says Lupe.
“Thanks sis.”
Nacho is unwilling to let his little joke go and continues.
So check this out
Pollo, butifarra, bistec, lomo
Conejo, fajita, puerco
I gotta go
Pollo, butifarra, bistec, lomo
Conejo, fajita, puerco
José Maria puts a finger to his mouth as if to vomit.
I’m gonna blow
Pollo, butifarra, bistec, lomo
Conejo, fajita, puerco, sabroso
Pollo, butifarra, bistec, lomo
Conejo, fajita, puerco, sabroso
Pollo, butifarra, bistec, lomo
Conejo, fajita, puerco, sabroso
Pollo, butifarra, bistec, lomo
Conejo, fajita, puerco, perro?
José Maria starts to head off to work. Conchise is appalled by what Nacho has just suggested.
“Perro? You’re a sick man Nacho! Good thing I love you.”
Nacho can’t resist one parting shot, “What about fish?”
Everyone laughs, even José Maria.
Chapter 5-The Plant
José Maria walks down East 4th Street to Soto Street carrying his box of pan dulce. Still exasperated, his pride has been damaged more than anything else. Lupe and Gabi have assuaged his anger and frustration to a degree, while Nacho is always good for a little comic relief. The bus ride south on Soto Street takes only a few minutes to reach the Ruiz Meat Packing Plant near the intersection of the 5 and 60 freeways. The day is beginning to heat up and the ubiquitous late summer inversion layer is forming along with the usual smog. The bus is filled with immigrants on their way to work and there is almost no English to be heard. José Maria recognizes a few of his fellow meat plant workers as they exit the bus. As the son of the plant manager, José Maria is well-known to all the workers. As he walks through the plant entry doors he is greeted warmly.
The Ruiz plant is straight out of Upton Sinclair’s “The Jungle.” Built in the 1920s, it is an aging brick structure that has not been modernized in over forty years. The work is dangerous and dirty with a high turnover rate. The machinery and tools are dangerously out of date while repetitive motion injuries are commonplace. In an effort to maximize production and profits, every corner possible has been cut: increased line speed, long hours, no on-site medical facility, non-unionized workers, minimum wage, use of illegal aliens, and no health care. Over half of the injuries and illnesses occurring are never even reported, due to fear of being fired. Time taken off for recovery would certainly cause job termination. Meat packing jobs are undoubtedly the most dangerous factory jobs in America. The plant is bathed in bright florescent light with workers in white jump suits, gloves, rubber boots, and hard hats. There are grinders, packing machines, and cutting saws, all of which are dangerous and even lethal. The constant hum from the perpetually moving machinery makes it difficult to carry on a conversation.
Mr. Padilla comes down the stairs from the second floor office to the first floor work area. As plant manager for over twenty years, he knows the workings of the operation better than the owner, Francisco Ruiz. Mr. Padilla is surprised to see José Maria coming through the entry doors so early in the day.
“José Maria, why so early? Qué paso?” he asks.
“I had some trouble at school,” José Maria explains.
“What happened to your face?” he asks, inspecting his son.
José Maria turns away.
“Ask Pinto.”
“What do you mean?”
“Nothing, but that dude’s a loose cannon. And he hassles Lupe.”
“Lupe? What has he done to Lupe?” he says, starting to anger.
“He’s got a major thing for her. He pimps her and pushes her around. The dude’s an idiot.”
A stern look comes across Mr. Padilla’s face as he contemplates his course of action.
“I’ll deal with him,” Mr. Padilla replies.
José Maria notices Pinto working on the cutting line.
He points to him and says, “And besides, that fool is always high. He’s gonna get hurt in here.”
Mr. Padilla goes to the men’s locker area, opens Pinto’s locker with his master key, and removes all his clothes. He marches to the cutting line, grabs Pinto by the collar and spins him around. The other laborers watch closely as they continue to work. José Maria follows his father.
“Hey,” Pinto protests with a serious attitude.
“Why are you harassing my family?”
“I harass nobody.”
“That’s not what I hear.”
“Oh, like from your idiot son?”
Listen to "Pinto Gets Fired"
“Dude, I work in a meat plant. You know what’s in that?” responds José Maria.
“Yeah. Peppers, garlic, cilantro.”
Almost laughing, José Maria retorts, “You don’t want to know!”
See all that pork and beef
Sittin’ on the table
Go ahead and read the stuff
That’s on the label
Not to worry
It’s FDA
You believe that?
I’m sure it’s got to be okay
Nitrates, sorbates, phosphates
I rest my case
Menudo, puerco, conejo, you lame-o
Nitrates, sorbates, phosphates
In your face
Menudo, puerco, conejo, even buffalo
Meat
No thanks
What’s the beef?
You wanna know?
Yeah. Meat
That’s right
It’s nothing but grief
Not so. Meat
Gotta pass
What’s the beef?
I gotta say, meat
Love it
I can’t get no relief
No way. Veal?
In a cage? Really?
Don’t you like the taste?
No. I just can’t eat it
Why?
‘Cause it’s got a face
So? Think about it homes
I am
You are what you eat
So what?
Come and see the plant
Okay
You’ll never touch a piece of meat
José Maria stands up and looks at Nacho.
“So my friend, are you really gonna eat that shit?”
“Yeah, and so are a lot of your sister’s customers!” replies Nacho, enjoying the situation.
“Animals are my friends. I don’t eat my friends,” José Maria quips.
“Yeah, but you’ll carve them up and put them in a package,” teases Nacho.
Gabi comes back from the deli case with a box of pan dulce. She joins Lupe and Conchise as they watch in amusement.
“Here’s something to keep you going,” she says.
“Thanks Gabi.”
José Maria takes the box and gets ready to leave.
“See you tonight. And I’m not making anything with meat!” says Lupe.
“Thanks sis.”
Nacho is unwilling to let his little joke go and continues.
So check this out
Pollo, butifarra, bistec, lomo
Conejo, fajita, puerco
I gotta go
Pollo, butifarra, bistec, lomo
Conejo, fajita, puerco
José Maria puts a finger to his mouth as if to vomit.
I’m gonna blow
Pollo, butifarra, bistec, lomo
Conejo, fajita, puerco, sabroso
Pollo, butifarra, bistec, lomo
Conejo, fajita, puerco, sabroso
Pollo, butifarra, bistec, lomo
Conejo, fajita, puerco, sabroso
Pollo, butifarra, bistec, lomo
Conejo, fajita, puerco, perro?
José Maria starts to head off to work. Conchise is appalled by what Nacho has just suggested.
“Perro? You’re a sick man Nacho! Good thing I love you.”
Nacho can’t resist one parting shot, “What about fish?”
Everyone laughs, even José Maria.
Chapter 5-The Plant
José Maria walks down East 4th Street to Soto Street carrying his box of pan dulce. Still exasperated, his pride has been damaged more than anything else. Lupe and Gabi have assuaged his anger and frustration to a degree, while Nacho is always good for a little comic relief. The bus ride south on Soto Street takes only a few minutes to reach the Ruiz Meat Packing Plant near the intersection of the 5 and 60 freeways. The day is beginning to heat up and the ubiquitous late summer inversion layer is forming along with the usual smog. The bus is filled with immigrants on their way to work and there is almost no English to be heard. José Maria recognizes a few of his fellow meat plant workers as they exit the bus. As the son of the plant manager, José Maria is well-known to all the workers. As he walks through the plant entry doors he is greeted warmly.
The Ruiz plant is straight out of Upton Sinclair’s “The Jungle.” Built in the 1920s, it is an aging brick structure that has not been modernized in over forty years. The work is dangerous and dirty with a high turnover rate. The machinery and tools are dangerously out of date while repetitive motion injuries are commonplace. In an effort to maximize production and profits, every corner possible has been cut: increased line speed, long hours, no on-site medical facility, non-unionized workers, minimum wage, use of illegal aliens, and no health care. Over half of the injuries and illnesses occurring are never even reported, due to fear of being fired. Time taken off for recovery would certainly cause job termination. Meat packing jobs are undoubtedly the most dangerous factory jobs in America. The plant is bathed in bright florescent light with workers in white jump suits, gloves, rubber boots, and hard hats. There are grinders, packing machines, and cutting saws, all of which are dangerous and even lethal. The constant hum from the perpetually moving machinery makes it difficult to carry on a conversation.
Mr. Padilla comes down the stairs from the second floor office to the first floor work area. As plant manager for over twenty years, he knows the workings of the operation better than the owner, Francisco Ruiz. Mr. Padilla is surprised to see José Maria coming through the entry doors so early in the day.
“José Maria, why so early? Qué paso?” he asks.
“I had some trouble at school,” José Maria explains.
“What happened to your face?” he asks, inspecting his son.
José Maria turns away.
“Ask Pinto.”
“What do you mean?”
“Nothing, but that dude’s a loose cannon. And he hassles Lupe.”
“Lupe? What has he done to Lupe?” he says, starting to anger.
“He’s got a major thing for her. He pimps her and pushes her around. The dude’s an idiot.”
A stern look comes across Mr. Padilla’s face as he contemplates his course of action.
“I’ll deal with him,” Mr. Padilla replies.
José Maria notices Pinto working on the cutting line.
He points to him and says, “And besides, that fool is always high. He’s gonna get hurt in here.”
Mr. Padilla goes to the men’s locker area, opens Pinto’s locker with his master key, and removes all his clothes. He marches to the cutting line, grabs Pinto by the collar and spins him around. The other laborers watch closely as they continue to work. José Maria follows his father.
“Hey,” Pinto protests with a serious attitude.
“Why are you harassing my family?”
“I harass nobody.”
“That’s not what I hear.”
“Oh, like from your idiot son?”
Listen to "Pinto Gets Fired"
“Hey, I cut you a serious break when I gave you this job. This is how you repay me?”
“Am I supposed to be grateful? This place wasted my old man, remember?”
In an effort to show some empathy, Mr. Padilla kindly replies, “We all remember. And we’ve all lost someone. I understand how you feel.”
“Really? Fuck off.”
“So that’s how it is?”
“That’s right. Better be careful man,” threatens Pinto.
Mr. Padilla throws Pinto’s clothes in his face. Pinto staggers backwards in surprise.
You got two minutes
Here’s all your stuff
Now get the hell out of here
“Say what?” Pinto protests.
“You’re done fool,” he says with authority.
Leave my family alone
You gangbangin’ cabrón
Do I make myself clear?
I wouldn’t do this
Don’t piss me off
Don’t forget who I am
I got friends of my own
These dudes are bad to the bone
Don’t be crazy old man
“Don’t threaten me,” Mr. Padilla warns.
I took a chance
Gave you this job
It was all up to you
If you hassle my son
There’ll be nowhere to run
It’s the last thing you’ll do
“Te arrepentirás!” yells Pinto
“Muévete.”
Mr. Padilla motions for Pancho and Jesús to leave the line and come over.
“Pancho. Jesús. Make sure Mr. Malinche here leaves the building.”
Pancho and Jesús attempt to take Pinto by the arms. Pinto’s temper is flaring as he pushes both of them away and whips out a switchblade. Pancho and Jesús back away in fear. Pinto moves towards the entry doors, waving the knife. Jesús takes a few steps towards Pinto.
“Hey, back off Jack! If you know what’s good for you! Sácate güey!”
Don’t be a fool like your idiot son
Better listen up Jack
I mean what I say
There’ll be hell to pay
Better watch your back
Pinto continues to back away, nearing the door. In a rage he screams, “I don’t need you guys! This place is a major health hazard. I’m calling la migra. They’ll bust this shit hole!”
José Maria turns to Pinto as he leaves and says sarcastically, “Hey, you can always steal shit at the mall!”
José Maria bows and spreads his arms wide, imitating Pinto’s gesture from earlier in the day and says, “Have a nice day!”
“Ya basta! That’s not necessary,” Mr. Padilla says to José Maria.
Pinto stops as he reaches the door. He gives them the finger as he leaves. Just as Pinto exits the building, a message comes over the public address system.
“Señor Padilla, please come to the office. Señor Padilla, ahora mismo.”
Pancho and Jesús go back to the line while José Maria walks over to Rosa, who is running the grinder. Mr. Padilla climbs the stairs to the second floor office. Everyone on the work floor glances towards the office nervously. These kinds of messages are usually not good news.
“Qué es eso?” José Maria asks Rosa, a line worker.
“No se. Vamos a ver,” she replies, while still monitoring the grinder.
“Ya se fue Pinto.”
“Ay, pobrecito,” Rosa says with exasperation.
Mr. Padilla quickly comes back out of the office with a look of concern on his face.
He stops at the top of the stairs and calls to José Maria, “José Maria. José Maria.”
José Maria comes up the stairs and his father whispers something in his ear. He nods and runs downstairs and gathers the line workers together.
“Shut it down, I can’t hear!” he calls to Pancho.
Pancho quickly shuts the conveyor motor down. The factory noise dies down as the workers gather around. They chatter in Spanish, concerned about what is about to transpire.
Jesús, one of the line workers, approaches José Maria and asks in concern, “What does that mean?”
“No me diga! Que lástima. Cuando?” asks Rosa.
“Ayer,” replies José Maria.
Mr. Padilla comes halfway down the stairs and calls to the workers, “People. People. Over here please.”
The twelve or so line workers gather at the bottom of the stairs.
Listen to "Announcement"
“Am I supposed to be grateful? This place wasted my old man, remember?”
In an effort to show some empathy, Mr. Padilla kindly replies, “We all remember. And we’ve all lost someone. I understand how you feel.”
“Really? Fuck off.”
“So that’s how it is?”
“That’s right. Better be careful man,” threatens Pinto.
Mr. Padilla throws Pinto’s clothes in his face. Pinto staggers backwards in surprise.
You got two minutes
Here’s all your stuff
Now get the hell out of here
“Say what?” Pinto protests.
“You’re done fool,” he says with authority.
Leave my family alone
You gangbangin’ cabrón
Do I make myself clear?
I wouldn’t do this
Don’t piss me off
Don’t forget who I am
I got friends of my own
These dudes are bad to the bone
Don’t be crazy old man
“Don’t threaten me,” Mr. Padilla warns.
I took a chance
Gave you this job
It was all up to you
If you hassle my son
There’ll be nowhere to run
It’s the last thing you’ll do
“Te arrepentirás!” yells Pinto
“Muévete.”
Mr. Padilla motions for Pancho and Jesús to leave the line and come over.
“Pancho. Jesús. Make sure Mr. Malinche here leaves the building.”
Pancho and Jesús attempt to take Pinto by the arms. Pinto’s temper is flaring as he pushes both of them away and whips out a switchblade. Pancho and Jesús back away in fear. Pinto moves towards the entry doors, waving the knife. Jesús takes a few steps towards Pinto.
“Hey, back off Jack! If you know what’s good for you! Sácate güey!”
Don’t be a fool like your idiot son
Better listen up Jack
I mean what I say
There’ll be hell to pay
Better watch your back
Pinto continues to back away, nearing the door. In a rage he screams, “I don’t need you guys! This place is a major health hazard. I’m calling la migra. They’ll bust this shit hole!”
José Maria turns to Pinto as he leaves and says sarcastically, “Hey, you can always steal shit at the mall!”
José Maria bows and spreads his arms wide, imitating Pinto’s gesture from earlier in the day and says, “Have a nice day!”
“Ya basta! That’s not necessary,” Mr. Padilla says to José Maria.
Pinto stops as he reaches the door. He gives them the finger as he leaves. Just as Pinto exits the building, a message comes over the public address system.
“Señor Padilla, please come to the office. Señor Padilla, ahora mismo.”
Pancho and Jesús go back to the line while José Maria walks over to Rosa, who is running the grinder. Mr. Padilla climbs the stairs to the second floor office. Everyone on the work floor glances towards the office nervously. These kinds of messages are usually not good news.
“Qué es eso?” José Maria asks Rosa, a line worker.
“No se. Vamos a ver,” she replies, while still monitoring the grinder.
“Ya se fue Pinto.”
“Ay, pobrecito,” Rosa says with exasperation.
Mr. Padilla quickly comes back out of the office with a look of concern on his face.
He stops at the top of the stairs and calls to José Maria, “José Maria. José Maria.”
José Maria comes up the stairs and his father whispers something in his ear. He nods and runs downstairs and gathers the line workers together.
“Shut it down, I can’t hear!” he calls to Pancho.
Pancho quickly shuts the conveyor motor down. The factory noise dies down as the workers gather around. They chatter in Spanish, concerned about what is about to transpire.
Jesús, one of the line workers, approaches José Maria and asks in concern, “What does that mean?”
“No me diga! Que lástima. Cuando?” asks Rosa.
“Ayer,” replies José Maria.
Mr. Padilla comes halfway down the stairs and calls to the workers, “People. People. Over here please.”
The twelve or so line workers gather at the bottom of the stairs.
Listen to "Announcement"
Gather round everyone
I have some news
It affects everyone in this room
I’m sorry to say
That after today
Things have to change all too soon
The workers begin to grumble softly, wondering where all this is leading.
Most of you know that the owner
Was here at the plant everyday
You should all know
That one day ago
Señor Ruiz just passed away
Some of the workers gasp in concern and surprise. They all know what this means. Their jobs are at stake.
“Creo que tenía un hijo,” Elvia says to Xochitl, her fellow line worker.
“I remember him. He used to work here,” Xochitl responds.
Pancho, another line worker chimes in, “So do I. He’s just another fresa!”
“Does that make the son dude the new owner?” Jesús asks Chuy, a fellow line worker.
“His father was a total pendejo! He couldn’t even speak Spanish,” Chuy comments.
“Qué vamos hacer?” Rosa asks in concern.
Mr. Padilla motions for the workers to settle down.
Before we all here start to panic
There is one piece of good news
Ruiz had a son
Now Jake is the one
It’s all up to him what to do
In an effort to calm them down, Mr. Padilla explains the situation, “Some of you may remember Jake. He used to work summers here as a boy. As Ruiz’ only heir, this plant is now his. Francisco and Jake had a falling out years ago and we don’t know his whereabouts. Or if he even wants this plant.”
All that we know is our future
And jobs are up in the air
If Jake ever shows
I’ll let you know
Without him we don’t have a prayer
The workers are filled with apprehension as they continue to chatter in Spanish.
“We never had a prayer anyway,” says a despondent Pancho.
Jesús, another line worker, can’t help but say what everyone is feeling, “Great. Another Ruiz.”
Chapter 6-It Was Just A Dream
Lupe is again dreaming fitfully. Her dreams are filled with sorrow and regret as she relives each moment with painful clarity. There is a brief moment however where she remembers Rafael’s visit to Los Angeles almost nine months ago. As she dreams, she is filled with the same apprehension and concern she felt that same day.
The Padilla dining room is filled with hungry family members and guests this January day. Many of the guests are plant workers, but certainly everyone is looking forward to Mrs. Padilla’s legendary cooking. The list is impressive: torta ahogada, pambazo, carne asada with Oaxaca cheese, huachinango, pozole verde estilo guerrero, and carnitas de puerco just to name a few. The delightful hours spent in the kitchen with her mother are a treasure Lupe remembers with deep affection. Everyone is seated at the table and chatting excitedly in Spanish. There is a sense of anticipation in the air. However, Lupe and Rafael don’t exhibit the same enthusiasm as the guests and appear to be arguing again. Rafael gets up from the table and motions for Lupe to follow. They begin to talk animately.
“So, what do you think? I’ve already talked to your dad. Should we do it now?” Rafael asks.
“I’m the only other girl in the family. And, you know, it’s gonna be hard on Mom,” Lupe replies.
“You’re not exactly a child anymore,” Rafael responds.
“If we’re gonna do this...” declares Lupe.
“If?” interrupts Rafael.
Lupe becomes more animated and forcefully declares, “If we’re going to do this, I’m still going to college and I’ll need to come back here at least three times a year. At least.”
“Or they could come to Oaxaca.”
Rafael is clearly not getting the picture.
“It’s not the same. I grew up here. My family’s history is here.”
Lupe pauses dramatically and then declares, “Are we really ready to do this?
Rafael takes Lupe’s hands, looks into her brown eyes, and nods.
“Are we agreed then?” she asks with a determined look.
“Seguro amorcito,” Rafael replies tenderly.
Rafael and Lupe walk back to the table and stop directly behind Mr. Padilla who is chatting with Mrs. Padilla. Lupe whispers something to her father. He stands up, turns around, and smiles at his daughter. With a spoon, he begins to tap on his water glass.
“Everyone! Everyone please!”
Everyone quiets down and listens attentively, especially Mrs. Padilla who has a concerned look on her face.
“Most of you here know Rafael. He’s visiting us from Oaxaca,” Mr. Padilla declares in a loud voice.
The male factory workers can’t help but chime in.
“Hey, hey, it’s El Rey!” chants Pancho.
“You look just like Chente dude!” teases Chuy.
Rafael graciously bows as Mr. Padilla continues, “Okay, okay, you two. Rafael has a little announcement.”
Mr. Padilla sits down while a worried Mrs. Padilla leans over and asks, “José, what are you talking about?”
Rafael begins to speak, “Estimados. I’ve know most of you for a long time, ever since the ballet started coming to L.A. Lupe and I are so glad you are all here today, especially Mr. and Mrs. Padilla.”
Mrs. Padilla is becoming increasingly nervous as she begins to understand the nature of Rafael’s announcement. She puts her hands to face in unease.
Rafael pauses dramatically and says, “Lupe and I are engaged.”
Everyone stands up, cheering and raising their glasses high in the air. They all rush to the engaged couple’s side to offer their congratulations. Everyone except Mrs. Padilla. She slowly stands up and looks questioningly at Lupe. Lupe knows that look, she has seen it before. As the guests gradually retreat to their seats, Mrs. Padilla takes Lupe aside.
In a whisper she asks Lupe, “Mi preciosa Lupita, what about college. Remember?”
“Don’t worry Mamá,” Lupe replies with a touch of guilt in her voice.
“Is this what you really want? Oaxaca is not your dream, it’s school. Y nuestras esparanzas?”
Lupe abruptly wakes up, still overwhelmed by the power of her dream. Her conflicting emotions are still unresolved. Sitting up slowly, she pushes back the covers and sits on the edge of the bed, lost in her reverie. She can hear her father and brother scrabbling in the kitchen. Retrieving a brush from the night stand, she methodically brushes her hair with a distant look on her face. She glances at the nightstand photos that surround her, especially the pictures of her mother. They are a silent reminder of her obligation to her family. After a few moments she slowly stands up, goes to the closet, and puts on a white embroidered blouse and blue capris.
Listen to "It Was Just A Dream"
I have some news
It affects everyone in this room
I’m sorry to say
That after today
Things have to change all too soon
The workers begin to grumble softly, wondering where all this is leading.
Most of you know that the owner
Was here at the plant everyday
You should all know
That one day ago
Señor Ruiz just passed away
Some of the workers gasp in concern and surprise. They all know what this means. Their jobs are at stake.
“Creo que tenía un hijo,” Elvia says to Xochitl, her fellow line worker.
“I remember him. He used to work here,” Xochitl responds.
Pancho, another line worker chimes in, “So do I. He’s just another fresa!”
“Does that make the son dude the new owner?” Jesús asks Chuy, a fellow line worker.
“His father was a total pendejo! He couldn’t even speak Spanish,” Chuy comments.
“Qué vamos hacer?” Rosa asks in concern.
Mr. Padilla motions for the workers to settle down.
Before we all here start to panic
There is one piece of good news
Ruiz had a son
Now Jake is the one
It’s all up to him what to do
In an effort to calm them down, Mr. Padilla explains the situation, “Some of you may remember Jake. He used to work summers here as a boy. As Ruiz’ only heir, this plant is now his. Francisco and Jake had a falling out years ago and we don’t know his whereabouts. Or if he even wants this plant.”
All that we know is our future
And jobs are up in the air
If Jake ever shows
I’ll let you know
Without him we don’t have a prayer
The workers are filled with apprehension as they continue to chatter in Spanish.
“We never had a prayer anyway,” says a despondent Pancho.
Jesús, another line worker, can’t help but say what everyone is feeling, “Great. Another Ruiz.”
Chapter 6-It Was Just A Dream
Lupe is again dreaming fitfully. Her dreams are filled with sorrow and regret as she relives each moment with painful clarity. There is a brief moment however where she remembers Rafael’s visit to Los Angeles almost nine months ago. As she dreams, she is filled with the same apprehension and concern she felt that same day.
The Padilla dining room is filled with hungry family members and guests this January day. Many of the guests are plant workers, but certainly everyone is looking forward to Mrs. Padilla’s legendary cooking. The list is impressive: torta ahogada, pambazo, carne asada with Oaxaca cheese, huachinango, pozole verde estilo guerrero, and carnitas de puerco just to name a few. The delightful hours spent in the kitchen with her mother are a treasure Lupe remembers with deep affection. Everyone is seated at the table and chatting excitedly in Spanish. There is a sense of anticipation in the air. However, Lupe and Rafael don’t exhibit the same enthusiasm as the guests and appear to be arguing again. Rafael gets up from the table and motions for Lupe to follow. They begin to talk animately.
“So, what do you think? I’ve already talked to your dad. Should we do it now?” Rafael asks.
“I’m the only other girl in the family. And, you know, it’s gonna be hard on Mom,” Lupe replies.
“You’re not exactly a child anymore,” Rafael responds.
“If we’re gonna do this...” declares Lupe.
“If?” interrupts Rafael.
Lupe becomes more animated and forcefully declares, “If we’re going to do this, I’m still going to college and I’ll need to come back here at least three times a year. At least.”
“Or they could come to Oaxaca.”
Rafael is clearly not getting the picture.
“It’s not the same. I grew up here. My family’s history is here.”
Lupe pauses dramatically and then declares, “Are we really ready to do this?
Rafael takes Lupe’s hands, looks into her brown eyes, and nods.
“Are we agreed then?” she asks with a determined look.
“Seguro amorcito,” Rafael replies tenderly.
Rafael and Lupe walk back to the table and stop directly behind Mr. Padilla who is chatting with Mrs. Padilla. Lupe whispers something to her father. He stands up, turns around, and smiles at his daughter. With a spoon, he begins to tap on his water glass.
“Everyone! Everyone please!”
Everyone quiets down and listens attentively, especially Mrs. Padilla who has a concerned look on her face.
“Most of you here know Rafael. He’s visiting us from Oaxaca,” Mr. Padilla declares in a loud voice.
The male factory workers can’t help but chime in.
“Hey, hey, it’s El Rey!” chants Pancho.
“You look just like Chente dude!” teases Chuy.
Rafael graciously bows as Mr. Padilla continues, “Okay, okay, you two. Rafael has a little announcement.”
Mr. Padilla sits down while a worried Mrs. Padilla leans over and asks, “José, what are you talking about?”
Rafael begins to speak, “Estimados. I’ve know most of you for a long time, ever since the ballet started coming to L.A. Lupe and I are so glad you are all here today, especially Mr. and Mrs. Padilla.”
Mrs. Padilla is becoming increasingly nervous as she begins to understand the nature of Rafael’s announcement. She puts her hands to face in unease.
Rafael pauses dramatically and says, “Lupe and I are engaged.”
Everyone stands up, cheering and raising their glasses high in the air. They all rush to the engaged couple’s side to offer their congratulations. Everyone except Mrs. Padilla. She slowly stands up and looks questioningly at Lupe. Lupe knows that look, she has seen it before. As the guests gradually retreat to their seats, Mrs. Padilla takes Lupe aside.
In a whisper she asks Lupe, “Mi preciosa Lupita, what about college. Remember?”
“Don’t worry Mamá,” Lupe replies with a touch of guilt in her voice.
“Is this what you really want? Oaxaca is not your dream, it’s school. Y nuestras esparanzas?”
Lupe abruptly wakes up, still overwhelmed by the power of her dream. Her conflicting emotions are still unresolved. Sitting up slowly, she pushes back the covers and sits on the edge of the bed, lost in her reverie. She can hear her father and brother scrabbling in the kitchen. Retrieving a brush from the night stand, she methodically brushes her hair with a distant look on her face. She glances at the nightstand photos that surround her, especially the pictures of her mother. They are a silent reminder of her obligation to her family. After a few moments she slowly stands up, goes to the closet, and puts on a white embroidered blouse and blue capris.
Listen to "It Was Just A Dream"
Same sweet dream
Same old routine
Work and be a family
Since Mom’s gone
From now on
It’s all up to me
Sacrifice
Pay the price
I do it ‘cause I love them
They don’t know
I want to go
But I don’t know when
So why should I have to choose
Either way I still lose
I won’t be the reason why
My family falls apart
What I hoped my life would be
I’ll give up reluctantly
Someday I won’t have to say
It was just a dream
So carry on
Pretend I’m strong
Don’t think about what could be
I can’t betray
My feet of clay
I can’t let them see
That it’s so true
I’m split in two
If only Mom could help me
If I pray
Perhaps someday
I’ll be fancy free
So why should I have to choose
Either way I still lose
I won’t be the reason why
My family falls apart
What I hoped my life would be
I’ll give up reluctantly
Someday I won’t have to say
It was just a dream
Someday I won’t have to say
It was just a dream
“I don’t think this is the dream Mom had in mind. Laundry and cooking. Not exactly the stuff dreams are made of,” she says to herself.
Lupe gently retrieves a photo of her mother from the nightstand. They are both in the kitchen holding large spoons in each hand and smiling contentedly. Lupe can’t be more than twelve.
Listen to "Good Morning Lupe No. 2"
Same old routine
Work and be a family
Since Mom’s gone
From now on
It’s all up to me
Sacrifice
Pay the price
I do it ‘cause I love them
They don’t know
I want to go
But I don’t know when
So why should I have to choose
Either way I still lose
I won’t be the reason why
My family falls apart
What I hoped my life would be
I’ll give up reluctantly
Someday I won’t have to say
It was just a dream
So carry on
Pretend I’m strong
Don’t think about what could be
I can’t betray
My feet of clay
I can’t let them see
That it’s so true
I’m split in two
If only Mom could help me
If I pray
Perhaps someday
I’ll be fancy free
So why should I have to choose
Either way I still lose
I won’t be the reason why
My family falls apart
What I hoped my life would be
I’ll give up reluctantly
Someday I won’t have to say
It was just a dream
Someday I won’t have to say
It was just a dream
“I don’t think this is the dream Mom had in mind. Laundry and cooking. Not exactly the stuff dreams are made of,” she says to herself.
Lupe gently retrieves a photo of her mother from the nightstand. They are both in the kitchen holding large spoons in each hand and smiling contentedly. Lupe can’t be more than twelve.
Listen to "Good Morning Lupe No. 2"
“Lo siento mucho Mamá, but I just can’t. We don’t have the money,” she says to her mother’s photo.
She puts down the photo in frustration and says, “Besides, what would I major in? Limpiando la casa?”
Lupe unhurriedly walks to her bedroom door, hesitates, takes a deep breath, and enters the kitchen. She is ready for another warm Los Angeles day. Despite her brave face, her father can sense her pain.
Morning
“Good morning mi hija,” Mr. Padilla cheerfully says as he hugs his daughter.
Morning
“You hungry hermanito?” she asks.
José Maria eagerly nods.
Lupita, are you alright?
Another restless night?
Lupe nods slowly, her eyes downcast.
I’m okay
I was dreaming of a place far away
“I think I know where,” José Maria tenderly teases.
I heard what happened at the plant yesterday
Is it true that Jake inherits it all?
It’s true that the plant is all his
But we don’t even know where he is
With a resentful tone José Maria says, “Must be nice having a meat plant fall into your lap. At least his pendejo father is gone.”
Show some respect for the dead
A kind word would be nice instead
Anybody hungry there’s plenty to eat
“I am!” exclaims José Maria
No thanks mi corazón
“Is there any of that soy-rizo left?” asks José Maria.
“Sure.”
Lupe goes to the kitchen in search of breakfast for José Maria, who sits at the table.
“Dad fired that lame-o Pinto yesterday,” explains José Maria.
“Glad to hear it.”
“The guy’s an idiot,” he continues.
Mr. Padilla warns them both, “Let me know if he bothers either of you again.”
I better be on my way
With Ruiz gone they’ll be hell to pay
“See you tonight,” Mr. Padilla says. “And take care of your sister.”
“Sure.”
“Que le vaya bien Papi,” Lupe says.
Mr. Padilla picks up his newspaper and lunch box and leaves through the front door saying “Adios.”
A look of concern comes over Lupe’s face as she says, “I wonder what will happen to all of us now?”
Lupe brings a plate of day-old soy-rizo over to the table. José Maria eats enthusiastically.
“He’ll probably make the plant a big mall,” warns José Maria, his animosity still showing.
“He would never do that!” Lupe says, defending Jake.
“Oh really?”
“I know him better than you.”
José Maria finishes off the soy-rizo with a large mouthful.
“You ready?” Lupe asks.
“Sure,” replies José Maria, barely able to speak through the soy-rizo.
“Charming,” comments Lupe on his lack of manners.
Lupe collects her purse while her brother searches for his backpack. They walk out the door and head towards the high school.
I guess I better start looking for a new job
You don’t really know that yet
I bet Jake is bad as his dad
The same thing we’ve always had
You’re too young to really know
Don’t say that ‘cause I know it’s not so
“I guess we’ll find out soon enough,” José Maria says. A puzzled look comes over his face as he asks, “Didn’t you guys used to be a thing?”
“That was a long time ago.”
“So what are you going to do about Rafael? And your compromiso?” asks José Maria.
“I just can’t bail on the family and move to Mexico!”
“You guys got a date yet?” continues José Maria.
“No. Nothing is simple.”
“Yeah, those long distance things are casi imposible.”
The morning is filled with the same brilliant summer sun as the days before. The day promises to be warm and accompanied by the usual smog. José Maria wears his ubiquitous Chente T-shirt while Lupe’s capris and blouse only highlight her alluring beauty. Her long brown hair floats in the light breeze. The walk down Chicago Street takes only a few minutes. As they turn onto East 4th and approach South Mathews Street, Pinto and his friends are again waiting.
Listen to "Pinto No.2"
She puts down the photo in frustration and says, “Besides, what would I major in? Limpiando la casa?”
Lupe unhurriedly walks to her bedroom door, hesitates, takes a deep breath, and enters the kitchen. She is ready for another warm Los Angeles day. Despite her brave face, her father can sense her pain.
Morning
“Good morning mi hija,” Mr. Padilla cheerfully says as he hugs his daughter.
Morning
“You hungry hermanito?” she asks.
José Maria eagerly nods.
Lupita, are you alright?
Another restless night?
Lupe nods slowly, her eyes downcast.
I’m okay
I was dreaming of a place far away
“I think I know where,” José Maria tenderly teases.
I heard what happened at the plant yesterday
Is it true that Jake inherits it all?
It’s true that the plant is all his
But we don’t even know where he is
With a resentful tone José Maria says, “Must be nice having a meat plant fall into your lap. At least his pendejo father is gone.”
Show some respect for the dead
A kind word would be nice instead
Anybody hungry there’s plenty to eat
“I am!” exclaims José Maria
No thanks mi corazón
“Is there any of that soy-rizo left?” asks José Maria.
“Sure.”
Lupe goes to the kitchen in search of breakfast for José Maria, who sits at the table.
“Dad fired that lame-o Pinto yesterday,” explains José Maria.
“Glad to hear it.”
“The guy’s an idiot,” he continues.
Mr. Padilla warns them both, “Let me know if he bothers either of you again.”
I better be on my way
With Ruiz gone they’ll be hell to pay
“See you tonight,” Mr. Padilla says. “And take care of your sister.”
“Sure.”
“Que le vaya bien Papi,” Lupe says.
Mr. Padilla picks up his newspaper and lunch box and leaves through the front door saying “Adios.”
A look of concern comes over Lupe’s face as she says, “I wonder what will happen to all of us now?”
Lupe brings a plate of day-old soy-rizo over to the table. José Maria eats enthusiastically.
“He’ll probably make the plant a big mall,” warns José Maria, his animosity still showing.
“He would never do that!” Lupe says, defending Jake.
“Oh really?”
“I know him better than you.”
José Maria finishes off the soy-rizo with a large mouthful.
“You ready?” Lupe asks.
“Sure,” replies José Maria, barely able to speak through the soy-rizo.
“Charming,” comments Lupe on his lack of manners.
Lupe collects her purse while her brother searches for his backpack. They walk out the door and head towards the high school.
I guess I better start looking for a new job
You don’t really know that yet
I bet Jake is bad as his dad
The same thing we’ve always had
You’re too young to really know
Don’t say that ‘cause I know it’s not so
“I guess we’ll find out soon enough,” José Maria says. A puzzled look comes over his face as he asks, “Didn’t you guys used to be a thing?”
“That was a long time ago.”
“So what are you going to do about Rafael? And your compromiso?” asks José Maria.
“I just can’t bail on the family and move to Mexico!”
“You guys got a date yet?” continues José Maria.
“No. Nothing is simple.”
“Yeah, those long distance things are casi imposible.”
The morning is filled with the same brilliant summer sun as the days before. The day promises to be warm and accompanied by the usual smog. José Maria wears his ubiquitous Chente T-shirt while Lupe’s capris and blouse only highlight her alluring beauty. Her long brown hair floats in the light breeze. The walk down Chicago Street takes only a few minutes. As they turn onto East 4th and approach South Mathews Street, Pinto and his friends are again waiting.
Listen to "Pinto No.2"
“Didn’t we just do this?” José Maria says to Lupe.
As they approach Pinto, he again blocks their way. The tattoo at the base of his neck can be easily seen through his short hair, “Only God can judge me.” In a black tank top and Dickies pants, Pinto is still incensed about being fired. This time his approach is far more antagonistic. Lupe protectively stands in front of José Maria. Shorter than Lupe, Pinto looks up and inspects her closely.
“¡Qué onda güey!” Pinto says, as he turns to José Maria.
“Out of the way loser!” snaps Lupe, her anger growing.
“Nice to see you too Lupe.”
Trouble at school, not to worry
I took care of all that, and in a hurry
No one’s gonna touch you if they want to live
Stick with me, I got a lot to give
Lupe rolls her eyes and says with derision, “Don’t listen to him.”
Anything can happen, without me there’s no guarantee
Better do it my way, ese you belong to me!
“I don’t think so,” is Lupe’s enraged response.
Think about it homes, you know it’s true
I’m the only one who’s gonna help you
Pinto leers at Lupe as he and his two homeboys let José Maria continue down South Mathews Street.
“See you tonight hermanito,” Lupe calls after her brother.
Pinto calls out to José Maria as well.
So go ahead, see what you get
Tell your dad, I won’t forget
“Dude, you owe me!” Pinto screams as José Maria walks away.
“Stay away from my family,” Lupe warns him.
With her brother now out of sight, Lupe turns to continue down East 4th Street to Gabi’s. However, Pinto continues to purposely block her way. First to the right, then to the left, Pinto deliberately blocks her each attempt with a vengeful smile on his face. Her impatience and exasperation now give way to outright hostility as she flies at Pinto in a fury. With her arms outstretched, she runs at Pinto and slams her hands against his shoulders. He is forced only a few steps backwards.
With a smirk on his face, Pinto says, “Oo, I like strong women!”
“Leave me alone,” Lupe screams.
“Hey, José Maria belongs to me.”
“Not while I’m alive!” she protests.
“Don’t get in the way, te lo advierto!”
Lupe flies at Pinto again with even more aggression and rage. The Padilla family women have been the protectors of the family for generations and Lupe is indeed just like her mother. This time she lowers her shoulder and charges like a fullback. Hitting Pinto squarely in the chest, she grabs his tank top and almost pulls him to the ground. The two homeboys laugh at Pinto’s apparent trouble in controlling Lupe. Pinto struggles for moment, but then grabs Lupe by the shoulders hurls her to the ground, ripping her blouse. Lupe is stunned for a moment, her blue capris ripped and the strap on her blouse torn away. She looks up at Pinto with utter loathing.
“Hey, you all owe me. Especially your lame ass father. I mean it! No te olvides!” he screams.
The homeboys and Pinto turn to walk west on East 4th Street leaving Lupe fuming on the ground, her disheveled long hair almost covering her entire face. She continues to sit on the sidewalk for a moment, her arms around her knees as she catches her breath. After collecting the scattered contents of her purse, she slowly stands and assesses the damage. Just the blouse and capris. And, of course, her dignity. At a slow pace she walks east to Gabi’s, still bristling with anger. The easterly Santa Ana winds again bring the hardy aroma of breakfast at Gabi’s a full block before she arrives. With Nacho and Conchise in the kitchen, Gabi is tending the tables by herself this morning. She is the first to see Lupe enter. Of course, she is instantly concerned for her niece and rushes to her side.
Listen to "Gabi Gets Mad"
As they approach Pinto, he again blocks their way. The tattoo at the base of his neck can be easily seen through his short hair, “Only God can judge me.” In a black tank top and Dickies pants, Pinto is still incensed about being fired. This time his approach is far more antagonistic. Lupe protectively stands in front of José Maria. Shorter than Lupe, Pinto looks up and inspects her closely.
“¡Qué onda güey!” Pinto says, as he turns to José Maria.
“Out of the way loser!” snaps Lupe, her anger growing.
“Nice to see you too Lupe.”
Trouble at school, not to worry
I took care of all that, and in a hurry
No one’s gonna touch you if they want to live
Stick with me, I got a lot to give
Lupe rolls her eyes and says with derision, “Don’t listen to him.”
Anything can happen, without me there’s no guarantee
Better do it my way, ese you belong to me!
“I don’t think so,” is Lupe’s enraged response.
Think about it homes, you know it’s true
I’m the only one who’s gonna help you
Pinto leers at Lupe as he and his two homeboys let José Maria continue down South Mathews Street.
“See you tonight hermanito,” Lupe calls after her brother.
Pinto calls out to José Maria as well.
So go ahead, see what you get
Tell your dad, I won’t forget
“Dude, you owe me!” Pinto screams as José Maria walks away.
“Stay away from my family,” Lupe warns him.
With her brother now out of sight, Lupe turns to continue down East 4th Street to Gabi’s. However, Pinto continues to purposely block her way. First to the right, then to the left, Pinto deliberately blocks her each attempt with a vengeful smile on his face. Her impatience and exasperation now give way to outright hostility as she flies at Pinto in a fury. With her arms outstretched, she runs at Pinto and slams her hands against his shoulders. He is forced only a few steps backwards.
With a smirk on his face, Pinto says, “Oo, I like strong women!”
“Leave me alone,” Lupe screams.
“Hey, José Maria belongs to me.”
“Not while I’m alive!” she protests.
“Don’t get in the way, te lo advierto!”
Lupe flies at Pinto again with even more aggression and rage. The Padilla family women have been the protectors of the family for generations and Lupe is indeed just like her mother. This time she lowers her shoulder and charges like a fullback. Hitting Pinto squarely in the chest, she grabs his tank top and almost pulls him to the ground. The two homeboys laugh at Pinto’s apparent trouble in controlling Lupe. Pinto struggles for moment, but then grabs Lupe by the shoulders hurls her to the ground, ripping her blouse. Lupe is stunned for a moment, her blue capris ripped and the strap on her blouse torn away. She looks up at Pinto with utter loathing.
“Hey, you all owe me. Especially your lame ass father. I mean it! No te olvides!” he screams.
The homeboys and Pinto turn to walk west on East 4th Street leaving Lupe fuming on the ground, her disheveled long hair almost covering her entire face. She continues to sit on the sidewalk for a moment, her arms around her knees as she catches her breath. After collecting the scattered contents of her purse, she slowly stands and assesses the damage. Just the blouse and capris. And, of course, her dignity. At a slow pace she walks east to Gabi’s, still bristling with anger. The easterly Santa Ana winds again bring the hardy aroma of breakfast at Gabi’s a full block before she arrives. With Nacho and Conchise in the kitchen, Gabi is tending the tables by herself this morning. She is the first to see Lupe enter. Of course, she is instantly concerned for her niece and rushes to her side.
Listen to "Gabi Gets Mad"
“Lupe, qué pasó?” Gabi asks hurriedly.
“I’m okay.”
“Your auntie wants to know. Come on mi hija.”
“That cabrón Pinto hassles us all the time.”
Gabi’s temper is rising, “He did this to you, that pinche little dude? I’ll turn that rooster into a hen.”
She makes the image of a gun with her hand.
“It’s not that bad. Don’t tell José Maria or Dad,” Lupe says.
“I’ve got a cuete in the till just in case.”
Lupe examines herself and says, “I look a mess!”
“Here, let’s pin that. If he comes around again I’ll break his face!” Gabi says as she reaches into her pocket for some pins.
Gabi repairs her blouse and brushes back Lupe’s hair. Nacho and Conchise have now just noticed Lupe and begin to walk over.
“Don’t say anything,” she says to Gabi under her breath.
Both Nacho and Conchise notice Lupe’s appearance and are worried.
Lupe what’s the matter girl do you feel alright
I guess I’m worried about the plant
I know exactly the thing that you need
A cup of Gabi’s tepache tea
Nacho quickly runs to the kitchen to retrieve the tepache.
“Thanks, I’m really okay,” Lupe says to Conchise.
She turns to Gabi and whispers, “Just seriously pissed!”
Turning back to Conchise she says, “You guys always take such good care of me.”
“What’s family for?” Gabi asks.
Nacho arrives with the tepache, sets it on a table, and pulls out a chair for Lupe to sit.
“Here’s your tepache,” Nacho announces as everyone else sits down too.
“Thanks Nacho,” Lupe says gratefully.
What about the factory, your dad and JM?
Will everybody lose their job?
Is it time to find a new career?
Maybe they can all work here
I think it’s time to get back to work
Conchise turns to Nacho and comments on his food-stained shirt.
You’ve got some caca all over your shirt
“You know you love me!” Nacho exclaims.
Chapter 7-Jake
The Los Angeles late summer heat continues on unabated for days. At least the plant is cool, not to keep the employees comfortable but to preserve the meat and slow the spread of disease. It is shortly before lunch and the workers are anxious for a break from the monotony of line work. At the bottom of the stairs that descend from the office, there are picnic style tables scattered around for employee breaks and lunch. The ambient noise level obscures almost any conversation. Jake walks slowly through the entry doors and stops. It is an all too familiar sight. He stands for a moment and ruefully stares, as the memories wash over him. All those summers he worked here. All the people. And his father. No one notices him. It has been seven years since he left this place. And seven years since he saw his father. Now he will never have the chance. Jake and his father had an acrimonious relationship, culminating in Jake joining the Peace Corps simply to get out of Los Angeles and leave the plant and his father far behind. But with his father now gone, he feels differently. Perhaps leaving on such bad terms and abandoning his father wasn’t the best course of action. From now on, he must live with that regret.
Listen to "Jake Arrives At The Factory"
“I’m okay.”
“Your auntie wants to know. Come on mi hija.”
“That cabrón Pinto hassles us all the time.”
Gabi’s temper is rising, “He did this to you, that pinche little dude? I’ll turn that rooster into a hen.”
She makes the image of a gun with her hand.
“It’s not that bad. Don’t tell José Maria or Dad,” Lupe says.
“I’ve got a cuete in the till just in case.”
Lupe examines herself and says, “I look a mess!”
“Here, let’s pin that. If he comes around again I’ll break his face!” Gabi says as she reaches into her pocket for some pins.
Gabi repairs her blouse and brushes back Lupe’s hair. Nacho and Conchise have now just noticed Lupe and begin to walk over.
“Don’t say anything,” she says to Gabi under her breath.
Both Nacho and Conchise notice Lupe’s appearance and are worried.
Lupe what’s the matter girl do you feel alright
I guess I’m worried about the plant
I know exactly the thing that you need
A cup of Gabi’s tepache tea
Nacho quickly runs to the kitchen to retrieve the tepache.
“Thanks, I’m really okay,” Lupe says to Conchise.
She turns to Gabi and whispers, “Just seriously pissed!”
Turning back to Conchise she says, “You guys always take such good care of me.”
“What’s family for?” Gabi asks.
Nacho arrives with the tepache, sets it on a table, and pulls out a chair for Lupe to sit.
“Here’s your tepache,” Nacho announces as everyone else sits down too.
“Thanks Nacho,” Lupe says gratefully.
What about the factory, your dad and JM?
Will everybody lose their job?
Is it time to find a new career?
Maybe they can all work here
I think it’s time to get back to work
Conchise turns to Nacho and comments on his food-stained shirt.
You’ve got some caca all over your shirt
“You know you love me!” Nacho exclaims.
Chapter 7-Jake
The Los Angeles late summer heat continues on unabated for days. At least the plant is cool, not to keep the employees comfortable but to preserve the meat and slow the spread of disease. It is shortly before lunch and the workers are anxious for a break from the monotony of line work. At the bottom of the stairs that descend from the office, there are picnic style tables scattered around for employee breaks and lunch. The ambient noise level obscures almost any conversation. Jake walks slowly through the entry doors and stops. It is an all too familiar sight. He stands for a moment and ruefully stares, as the memories wash over him. All those summers he worked here. All the people. And his father. No one notices him. It has been seven years since he left this place. And seven years since he saw his father. Now he will never have the chance. Jake and his father had an acrimonious relationship, culminating in Jake joining the Peace Corps simply to get out of Los Angeles and leave the plant and his father far behind. But with his father now gone, he feels differently. Perhaps leaving on such bad terms and abandoning his father wasn’t the best course of action. From now on, he must live with that regret.
Listen to "Jake Arrives At The Factory"
Nothing is different, nothing has changed
Seven years is a long time, to be back is so strange
I never thought I would come back here
I thought I was finally free
But now I can see, the only thing changing is me
This is part of my childhood, like it or not
We weren’t much of a family, but now I’m all that I’ve got
I told him that I didn’t want this
I told him but he couldn’t see
This plant’s not for me, it’s the last place that I want to be
Mr. Padilla comes down the stairs from the office and recognizes Jake from across the floor. In the seven years Jake has been gone, he has changed dramatically. Now over six feet tall with rather wavy light brown shoulder length hair, his work in the Peace Corps has honed his muscular body. The logo on his T-shirt declares “Peace Corps - The toughest job you’ll ever love.” It fits tightly across his broad shoulders.
“Jake? Jake, is that you?” Mr. Padilla calls excitedly.
He walks quickly to Jake, who is still frozen to his spot just inside the door. Jake seems reluctant to revisit the memories of this place. Mr. Padilla shakes Jake’s hand vigorously. Now that Jake has materialized, he has renewed hope.
“Good to see you Jake!” Mr. Padilla exclaims.
He motions Jake to follow him to the locker room to avoid the incessant factory noise.
“Good to see you too Mr. Padilla. It’s been a long time.”
“How have you been son?” Mr. Padilla asks in a fatherly manner.
“I guess as well as can be. Considering.”
“I was sorry to hear about your father,” he softly says.
“Thanks. I appreciate that. I can’t believe Mrs. Padilla is gone. She was a wonderful lady. I’m so sorry.”
“A bad year for us both, I think you’ll agree.”
“No doubt. How is the family doing?” Jake asks.
“It’s been tough. Especially on Lupe. She misses her mother.” Mr. Padilla glances at the factory floor sadly and continues, “We all do.”
“Lupe. Is she here?” Jake asks.
“She should be here in Gabi’s roach coach anytime,” Mr. Padilla replies.
“How is she?” Jake asks, trying not to show his increasing interest.
“Fine. She works for her Aunt Gabi.”
A distant, wistful look comes across Mr. Padilla’s face as he says, “I remember when you used to work summers here. Lupe and her mother would bring us tamales.”
“They were the best.”
Their conversation is abruptly cut short as the lunch horn sounds and a message comes over the loudspeaker system.
“Speaking of tamales, it’s lunch.”
“Mr. Padilla. Please come to the office. Mr. Padilla.”
“I’ll be right back. Don’t go away!” Mr. Padilla exclaims, not wanting to leave the conversation.
As Mr. Padilla runs up the stairs to the office, Jake slowly emerges from the locker room. The workers, including José Maria, have left their stations and are making themselves comfortable at the picnic tables near the stairs. Now without their boots, gloves, and hard hats, they sits shoulder to shoulder waiting for lunch to arrive. Jake sits down at a table on the other side of room, a fair distance from the workers. No one seems to notice at first, until Jesús spots Jake.
“Quien es ese hijo de papi?” asks Jesús under his breath.
“No se,” replies Xochitl.
She turns to Elvia and says, “But he’s cute!”
Jake smiles at Xochitl.
“Creo que es el hijo de Ruiz,” comments Elvia.
“Ruiz married that gabacha and had a pocho Jake,” says Chuy.
“Maybe we should call them “Trio Los Pochos!” quips Jesús.
All the men laugh. Jesús begins to poorly sing “Sin Ti” by Trio Los Panchos in an overly dramatic and hammy fashion.
“Sin ti no podré comer jamás!”
All the men continue laughing.
“You guys are mean,” comments Cierra, another line worker.
“Go over there and ask Loco Valdés if he knows anything about Infante, Negrete, and Solís!” says Pancho.
“Déjenle en paz you guys!” says Rosa.
José Maria gets up from the table and walks over to Jake, eyeing him warily.
Listen to hear "Caca in the Vaca"
Seven years is a long time, to be back is so strange
I never thought I would come back here
I thought I was finally free
But now I can see, the only thing changing is me
This is part of my childhood, like it or not
We weren’t much of a family, but now I’m all that I’ve got
I told him that I didn’t want this
I told him but he couldn’t see
This plant’s not for me, it’s the last place that I want to be
Mr. Padilla comes down the stairs from the office and recognizes Jake from across the floor. In the seven years Jake has been gone, he has changed dramatically. Now over six feet tall with rather wavy light brown shoulder length hair, his work in the Peace Corps has honed his muscular body. The logo on his T-shirt declares “Peace Corps - The toughest job you’ll ever love.” It fits tightly across his broad shoulders.
“Jake? Jake, is that you?” Mr. Padilla calls excitedly.
He walks quickly to Jake, who is still frozen to his spot just inside the door. Jake seems reluctant to revisit the memories of this place. Mr. Padilla shakes Jake’s hand vigorously. Now that Jake has materialized, he has renewed hope.
“Good to see you Jake!” Mr. Padilla exclaims.
He motions Jake to follow him to the locker room to avoid the incessant factory noise.
“Good to see you too Mr. Padilla. It’s been a long time.”
“How have you been son?” Mr. Padilla asks in a fatherly manner.
“I guess as well as can be. Considering.”
“I was sorry to hear about your father,” he softly says.
“Thanks. I appreciate that. I can’t believe Mrs. Padilla is gone. She was a wonderful lady. I’m so sorry.”
“A bad year for us both, I think you’ll agree.”
“No doubt. How is the family doing?” Jake asks.
“It’s been tough. Especially on Lupe. She misses her mother.” Mr. Padilla glances at the factory floor sadly and continues, “We all do.”
“Lupe. Is she here?” Jake asks.
“She should be here in Gabi’s roach coach anytime,” Mr. Padilla replies.
“How is she?” Jake asks, trying not to show his increasing interest.
“Fine. She works for her Aunt Gabi.”
A distant, wistful look comes across Mr. Padilla’s face as he says, “I remember when you used to work summers here. Lupe and her mother would bring us tamales.”
“They were the best.”
Their conversation is abruptly cut short as the lunch horn sounds and a message comes over the loudspeaker system.
“Speaking of tamales, it’s lunch.”
“Mr. Padilla. Please come to the office. Mr. Padilla.”
“I’ll be right back. Don’t go away!” Mr. Padilla exclaims, not wanting to leave the conversation.
As Mr. Padilla runs up the stairs to the office, Jake slowly emerges from the locker room. The workers, including José Maria, have left their stations and are making themselves comfortable at the picnic tables near the stairs. Now without their boots, gloves, and hard hats, they sits shoulder to shoulder waiting for lunch to arrive. Jake sits down at a table on the other side of room, a fair distance from the workers. No one seems to notice at first, until Jesús spots Jake.
“Quien es ese hijo de papi?” asks Jesús under his breath.
“No se,” replies Xochitl.
She turns to Elvia and says, “But he’s cute!”
Jake smiles at Xochitl.
“Creo que es el hijo de Ruiz,” comments Elvia.
“Ruiz married that gabacha and had a pocho Jake,” says Chuy.
“Maybe we should call them “Trio Los Pochos!” quips Jesús.
All the men laugh. Jesús begins to poorly sing “Sin Ti” by Trio Los Panchos in an overly dramatic and hammy fashion.
“Sin ti no podré comer jamás!”
All the men continue laughing.
“You guys are mean,” comments Cierra, another line worker.
“Go over there and ask Loco Valdés if he knows anything about Infante, Negrete, and Solís!” says Pancho.
“Déjenle en paz you guys!” says Rosa.
José Maria gets up from the table and walks over to Jake, eyeing him warily.
Listen to hear "Caca in the Vaca"
“So now you’re a factory owner. Must be nice,” he says with disdain.
“Nice to see you too José Maria,” replies Jake with a touch of attitude.
“So what are you gonna do with this place? Make it a mall?”
“Hey, I’ve been working everyday for the last seven years. What do you do? Gangbang?” Jake responds.
The workers are observing all this very carefully. José Maria continues his rant.
So check this out, it’s what your dad’s about
It’s like a bomb went off in here
Code violations, it’s a nasty occupation
Last week a guy lost an ear!
The pay is low, as bad as Mexico
You got no health care if you’re sick
You got caca in the vaca
Better stay real healthy that’s the trick
Land of the free and opportunity?
A place of privilege if you’re rich
Me and my neighbor, we’re just cheap labor
Your father didn’t give a shit!
The workers start to come over to Jake’s table for a closer look at the new owner. They begin to grumble at the mention of Jake’s father.
Ask any CEO, you go to Mexico
To get the labor that’s real cheap
You can cross the border and do it in short order
The Rio Grande is not that deep
The workers now have a chance to put in their two cents as well.
When there’s no work back in Jalisco
Then you do what you can to survive
Take any work you can find here
It’s a battle to just stay alive
José Maria carries on with his diatribe.
You see that grinder there?
You better watch your hair
You get laid off if you get hurt
If you lose your concentration better find a new vocation
You can lose more than your shirt
Land of the free, not for a refugee
This place is no salvación
All you want from Mexico is labor and a little blow
So all you gringos can get stoned
Land of the free, it’s gangs and PCP
It really sucks here all in all
If it’s all you’ve ever had, it’s no wonder we’re so mad
We got our backs against the wall
They say were free, it’s a democracy
We’re free to work here ‘til we die
No one cares that it’s a crime when there’s money on the line
There’s plenty more cheap labor you can buy
The workers again chime in.
I came here not for me but for my children
To give them a life that’s brand new
To give them a chance for a future
There’s nothing that I wouldn’t do
There’s nothing that I wouldn’t do
There’s nothing that I wouldn’t do
There’s nothing that we wouldn’t do
“Get the picture?” José Maria asks Jake.
Jake is slightly irked at his less than cordial reception upon his return, but he also realizes that the source of the workers’ frustration is with his father and not him.
Still, Jake fires back at José Maria with a touch of disdain, “Dude, I’ve worked here most of my life. Tell me something I don’t know.”
Mr. Padilla comes down the stairs to find everyone gathered around Jake.
“Okay, okay. Very nice. You can all go on tour with Pedro Infante when he comes back,” quips Mr. Padilla.
He motions for the workers and José Maria to return to their table. Everyone sits back down as Mr. Padilla walks over and puts his hand on Jake’s shoulder sympathetically.
“Don’t mind José Maria,” Mr. Padilla says apologetically.
“It’s okay,” Jake replies with a smile.
At that moment Lupe walks through the entry doors carrying two bags of food and drink. Her father walks over to greet her with an affectionate hug. He helps her carry the heavy bags to the lunch table. The young men are impatient for lunch but are equally interested in seeing Lupe, who is dressed in a blue sleeveless blouse and denim shorts. Graceful and svelte, it is impossible to conceal Lupe’s rare beauty in such an outfit, a fact that has not gone unnoticed by Jake. Lupe doesn’t see Jake in the corner of the room.
“Ay Lupe! Lonche!” cries Jesús.
“Me first mi corazón!” Pancho chimes in.
“You’re always first gordo,” Lupe teases.
Lupe pats Pancho on the head and begins to remove items from the food bags.
“You look good,” teases Chuy.
“Eat your heart out panzón!” Lupe laughs.
“Ay, ay, ay!” cries Jesús.
Lupe slaps Jesús good-naturedly on the head. Everyone laughs. The women attempt to control the Lupe gawking.
“Bastante Mr. Cachondo,” Xochitl reprimands Jesús.
Jake is watching intently from the other side of the room. Motioning for Jake to come over, Mr. Padilla joins the workers and sits down next to José Maria. As Lupe walks around the table distributing food, she rumples José Maria’s hair.
“Hi hermanito,” she says affectionately.
“You have anything without meat today?” he asks with a smile.
“Maybe,” she retorts.
“There’s someone here I think you know,” Mr. Padilla says to his daughter.
“Oh yeah,” José Maria says softly with an impish smile.
“Oh really? Who?” she asks.
Neither Mr. Padilla or José Maria respond. Jake comes quickly up behind Lupe and touches her shoulder.
“You have any of those good tamales?” he asks with a playful smile.
Lupe turns to face Jake who stands just a few feet away. She is stunned for a moment and cannot speak. She stares at Jake closely. He is not the boy from seven years ago. Now noticeably taller and ruggedly handsome, today he is an impressive young man. Tanned and brawny from working outdoors, he is almost as dark as Lupe. She is a bit overwhelmed by the proximity of such a stimulating man.
“Hi,” Jake says.
With a pathetic little voice, Lupe can barely manage a simple, “Hi.”
“Can I help?” he asks.
Lupe doesn’t respond and watches Jake distribute the remaining food, her eyes still fixed on him. Slowly emerging from her rapture, she helps to parcel out the food again. The workers are observing all this with great interest, especially the women. Everyone begins to eat.
“Ay! El no sabe ni papa de la comida Mexicana,” Jesús complains.
“Solo Taco Bell,” adds Pancho, laughing.
“Y Yumbo Yak!” laughs Chuy?
“Leave him alone fool. He’s your new patrón,” warns Cierra.
Rosa, who has been observing Jake and Lupe closely, says, “Creo que ellos dos ya se conocen.”
Jake and Lupe finish passing out the food and stand at the end of the table in awkward silence. Jake is the first to speak.
“It’s good to see you,” he says softly. There is an long awkward pause before he continues, “I’m so sorry to hear about your mom.”
They suddenly become aware that the whole table is scrutinizing their every word.
Jake motions towards his table in the corner and says, “Want to sit?”
“Sure,” Lupe says.
The workers go back to eating their lunch, except for Mr. Padilla and Rosa, who continue to monitor them closely. Jake and Lupe sit down on opposite sides of the picnic table.
“I heard about your dad. So sorry.”
“Well, you remember what happened. We had a huge fight. I told him I wanted nothing to do with this place. I never talked to him again.”
“You just disappeared,” Lupe says with a touch of resentment from seven years ago. “I heard you were in Africa.”
“The Peace Corps.”
“You never even said anything. Not even to me,” Lupe says with hurt in her voice.
“I just couldn’t stay here anymore. I was furious,” Jake explains.
“No word. Nothing. That was pretty heartless,” Lupe complains.
Jake becomes more reflective and looks at Lupe intently.
“But that was a long time ago,” he says thoughtfully.
“Yes it was. But now you have no family.”
Jake simply nods deliberately.
“What about you? Did you go to college?” Jake asks.
“No. Family and work. Dad’s still the plant manager. I work at my Aunt Gabi’s panadería. José Maria’s all grown up.”
“He’s got a bit of an attitude.”
“Hey, it’s East L.A. and he just lost his mother.” Lupe’s voice lowers to a whisper, “And so did I.”
“How you guys holding up?” Jake asks tenderly.
“Dad doesn’t say much, he really is lost without her. José Maria is pissed off all the time. Gabi holds us together.”
“What about you?” Jake asks.
Lupe takes a deep breath and becomes a little teary, “It’s been hard. Mom kept the family going. I don’t know if I can do that. I miss her a lot.”
Jake stands up, reaches across the table and hugs Lupe. Lupe puts her arms around Jake’s shoulders as a few tears run down her face. Rosa notices, taps Mr. Padilla on the arm and points. Jake holds Lupe for a moment and then they separate.
“Remember how she would bring us tamales?” Jake says, trying to cheer Lupe up.
Lupe nods sadly, wiping the tears away.
“She never told my dad about all the crazy stuff I did,” he continues.
“She liked you a lot,” Lupe replies, her tears subsiding.
“Remember the meat fights?”
Lupe smiles and laughs softly, “You loco!”
Lupe pauses for a moment and looks intently at Jake, “So what are you going to do with this place?”
“I don’t know.”
“If this place gets closed down a lot of people would suffer. Think about that.” Jake nods as Lupe says, “I have to go. Back to Gabi’s.”
They both stand up.
“With a poor accent Jake attempts, “Que le vaya bien Lupe.”
“Well, you still suck at Spanish! Igualmente Yaik!” she says with a laugh.
Lupe turns to go, with Jake watching her intently. She gathers the bags from the table and kisses both her father and brother on the cheek as everyone continues eating.
“See you at home,” she says to them both.
“Nos vemos,” Mr. Padilla and José Maria say in unison.
Lupe waves to the workers and says, “Adios.”
Everyone waves to Lupe in appreciation.
Watching Lupe as she goes, Jesús turns to Chuy and says under his breath, “All that cake and it’s not even her birthday!”
Xochitl overhears Jesús and punches him in the arm.
“Behave fool!” she exclaims.
Jake slowly sits back down at his table, the memories of Lupe and the plant filling his mind.
Listen to "Lovely Lupe"
“Nice to see you too José Maria,” replies Jake with a touch of attitude.
“So what are you gonna do with this place? Make it a mall?”
“Hey, I’ve been working everyday for the last seven years. What do you do? Gangbang?” Jake responds.
The workers are observing all this very carefully. José Maria continues his rant.
So check this out, it’s what your dad’s about
It’s like a bomb went off in here
Code violations, it’s a nasty occupation
Last week a guy lost an ear!
The pay is low, as bad as Mexico
You got no health care if you’re sick
You got caca in the vaca
Better stay real healthy that’s the trick
Land of the free and opportunity?
A place of privilege if you’re rich
Me and my neighbor, we’re just cheap labor
Your father didn’t give a shit!
The workers start to come over to Jake’s table for a closer look at the new owner. They begin to grumble at the mention of Jake’s father.
Ask any CEO, you go to Mexico
To get the labor that’s real cheap
You can cross the border and do it in short order
The Rio Grande is not that deep
The workers now have a chance to put in their two cents as well.
When there’s no work back in Jalisco
Then you do what you can to survive
Take any work you can find here
It’s a battle to just stay alive
José Maria carries on with his diatribe.
You see that grinder there?
You better watch your hair
You get laid off if you get hurt
If you lose your concentration better find a new vocation
You can lose more than your shirt
Land of the free, not for a refugee
This place is no salvación
All you want from Mexico is labor and a little blow
So all you gringos can get stoned
Land of the free, it’s gangs and PCP
It really sucks here all in all
If it’s all you’ve ever had, it’s no wonder we’re so mad
We got our backs against the wall
They say were free, it’s a democracy
We’re free to work here ‘til we die
No one cares that it’s a crime when there’s money on the line
There’s plenty more cheap labor you can buy
The workers again chime in.
I came here not for me but for my children
To give them a life that’s brand new
To give them a chance for a future
There’s nothing that I wouldn’t do
There’s nothing that I wouldn’t do
There’s nothing that I wouldn’t do
There’s nothing that we wouldn’t do
“Get the picture?” José Maria asks Jake.
Jake is slightly irked at his less than cordial reception upon his return, but he also realizes that the source of the workers’ frustration is with his father and not him.
Still, Jake fires back at José Maria with a touch of disdain, “Dude, I’ve worked here most of my life. Tell me something I don’t know.”
Mr. Padilla comes down the stairs to find everyone gathered around Jake.
“Okay, okay. Very nice. You can all go on tour with Pedro Infante when he comes back,” quips Mr. Padilla.
He motions for the workers and José Maria to return to their table. Everyone sits back down as Mr. Padilla walks over and puts his hand on Jake’s shoulder sympathetically.
“Don’t mind José Maria,” Mr. Padilla says apologetically.
“It’s okay,” Jake replies with a smile.
At that moment Lupe walks through the entry doors carrying two bags of food and drink. Her father walks over to greet her with an affectionate hug. He helps her carry the heavy bags to the lunch table. The young men are impatient for lunch but are equally interested in seeing Lupe, who is dressed in a blue sleeveless blouse and denim shorts. Graceful and svelte, it is impossible to conceal Lupe’s rare beauty in such an outfit, a fact that has not gone unnoticed by Jake. Lupe doesn’t see Jake in the corner of the room.
“Ay Lupe! Lonche!” cries Jesús.
“Me first mi corazón!” Pancho chimes in.
“You’re always first gordo,” Lupe teases.
Lupe pats Pancho on the head and begins to remove items from the food bags.
“You look good,” teases Chuy.
“Eat your heart out panzón!” Lupe laughs.
“Ay, ay, ay!” cries Jesús.
Lupe slaps Jesús good-naturedly on the head. Everyone laughs. The women attempt to control the Lupe gawking.
“Bastante Mr. Cachondo,” Xochitl reprimands Jesús.
Jake is watching intently from the other side of the room. Motioning for Jake to come over, Mr. Padilla joins the workers and sits down next to José Maria. As Lupe walks around the table distributing food, she rumples José Maria’s hair.
“Hi hermanito,” she says affectionately.
“You have anything without meat today?” he asks with a smile.
“Maybe,” she retorts.
“There’s someone here I think you know,” Mr. Padilla says to his daughter.
“Oh yeah,” José Maria says softly with an impish smile.
“Oh really? Who?” she asks.
Neither Mr. Padilla or José Maria respond. Jake comes quickly up behind Lupe and touches her shoulder.
“You have any of those good tamales?” he asks with a playful smile.
Lupe turns to face Jake who stands just a few feet away. She is stunned for a moment and cannot speak. She stares at Jake closely. He is not the boy from seven years ago. Now noticeably taller and ruggedly handsome, today he is an impressive young man. Tanned and brawny from working outdoors, he is almost as dark as Lupe. She is a bit overwhelmed by the proximity of such a stimulating man.
“Hi,” Jake says.
With a pathetic little voice, Lupe can barely manage a simple, “Hi.”
“Can I help?” he asks.
Lupe doesn’t respond and watches Jake distribute the remaining food, her eyes still fixed on him. Slowly emerging from her rapture, she helps to parcel out the food again. The workers are observing all this with great interest, especially the women. Everyone begins to eat.
“Ay! El no sabe ni papa de la comida Mexicana,” Jesús complains.
“Solo Taco Bell,” adds Pancho, laughing.
“Y Yumbo Yak!” laughs Chuy?
“Leave him alone fool. He’s your new patrón,” warns Cierra.
Rosa, who has been observing Jake and Lupe closely, says, “Creo que ellos dos ya se conocen.”
Jake and Lupe finish passing out the food and stand at the end of the table in awkward silence. Jake is the first to speak.
“It’s good to see you,” he says softly. There is an long awkward pause before he continues, “I’m so sorry to hear about your mom.”
They suddenly become aware that the whole table is scrutinizing their every word.
Jake motions towards his table in the corner and says, “Want to sit?”
“Sure,” Lupe says.
The workers go back to eating their lunch, except for Mr. Padilla and Rosa, who continue to monitor them closely. Jake and Lupe sit down on opposite sides of the picnic table.
“I heard about your dad. So sorry.”
“Well, you remember what happened. We had a huge fight. I told him I wanted nothing to do with this place. I never talked to him again.”
“You just disappeared,” Lupe says with a touch of resentment from seven years ago. “I heard you were in Africa.”
“The Peace Corps.”
“You never even said anything. Not even to me,” Lupe says with hurt in her voice.
“I just couldn’t stay here anymore. I was furious,” Jake explains.
“No word. Nothing. That was pretty heartless,” Lupe complains.
Jake becomes more reflective and looks at Lupe intently.
“But that was a long time ago,” he says thoughtfully.
“Yes it was. But now you have no family.”
Jake simply nods deliberately.
“What about you? Did you go to college?” Jake asks.
“No. Family and work. Dad’s still the plant manager. I work at my Aunt Gabi’s panadería. José Maria’s all grown up.”
“He’s got a bit of an attitude.”
“Hey, it’s East L.A. and he just lost his mother.” Lupe’s voice lowers to a whisper, “And so did I.”
“How you guys holding up?” Jake asks tenderly.
“Dad doesn’t say much, he really is lost without her. José Maria is pissed off all the time. Gabi holds us together.”
“What about you?” Jake asks.
Lupe takes a deep breath and becomes a little teary, “It’s been hard. Mom kept the family going. I don’t know if I can do that. I miss her a lot.”
Jake stands up, reaches across the table and hugs Lupe. Lupe puts her arms around Jake’s shoulders as a few tears run down her face. Rosa notices, taps Mr. Padilla on the arm and points. Jake holds Lupe for a moment and then they separate.
“Remember how she would bring us tamales?” Jake says, trying to cheer Lupe up.
Lupe nods sadly, wiping the tears away.
“She never told my dad about all the crazy stuff I did,” he continues.
“She liked you a lot,” Lupe replies, her tears subsiding.
“Remember the meat fights?”
Lupe smiles and laughs softly, “You loco!”
Lupe pauses for a moment and looks intently at Jake, “So what are you going to do with this place?”
“I don’t know.”
“If this place gets closed down a lot of people would suffer. Think about that.” Jake nods as Lupe says, “I have to go. Back to Gabi’s.”
They both stand up.
“With a poor accent Jake attempts, “Que le vaya bien Lupe.”
“Well, you still suck at Spanish! Igualmente Yaik!” she says with a laugh.
Lupe turns to go, with Jake watching her intently. She gathers the bags from the table and kisses both her father and brother on the cheek as everyone continues eating.
“See you at home,” she says to them both.
“Nos vemos,” Mr. Padilla and José Maria say in unison.
Lupe waves to the workers and says, “Adios.”
Everyone waves to Lupe in appreciation.
Watching Lupe as she goes, Jesús turns to Chuy and says under his breath, “All that cake and it’s not even her birthday!”
Xochitl overhears Jesús and punches him in the arm.
“Behave fool!” she exclaims.
Jake slowly sits back down at his table, the memories of Lupe and the plant filling his mind.
Listen to "Lovely Lupe"
Lupe, lovely Lupe
Still so fine after all this time
I always hoped I’d see her someday
I wonder if she remembers
How it used to be with her and me
And all that time we spent together
I wonder if she thinks about me
In seven years things are bound to change
I disappear and never even see her
I’d like to explain, she must think I’m insane
Lupe, Guadalupe
Does she conceal how she really feels?
She probably thinks I’m just a fool
“Maybe I am just a fool,” Jake says to himself.
Chapter 8-Oven Problems
A little later that same day Nacho and Conchise are working in the kitchen as Gabi looks after the customers at the panadería. The lunch hour rush is almost over with only a few customers still lingering over Gabi’s famous flan. Nacho and Conchise appear to be arguing over something as usual. Their on-again, off-again relationship is almost five years old, and still neither one can seem to get in the last word. Yet they stay together despite the turbulent times. Both are fabulous cooks and there is a certain amount of friendly and not-so-friendly culinary competition between the two. Nacho looks down in frustration at the floor of the kitchen with his hands on his hips. His white apron is covered with food stains. He twirls his thin mustache in disappointment. Conchise puts her hand on his shoulder in consolation.
Listen to "Oven Problems"
Still so fine after all this time
I always hoped I’d see her someday
I wonder if she remembers
How it used to be with her and me
And all that time we spent together
I wonder if she thinks about me
In seven years things are bound to change
I disappear and never even see her
I’d like to explain, she must think I’m insane
Lupe, Guadalupe
Does she conceal how she really feels?
She probably thinks I’m just a fool
“Maybe I am just a fool,” Jake says to himself.
Chapter 8-Oven Problems
A little later that same day Nacho and Conchise are working in the kitchen as Gabi looks after the customers at the panadería. The lunch hour rush is almost over with only a few customers still lingering over Gabi’s famous flan. Nacho and Conchise appear to be arguing over something as usual. Their on-again, off-again relationship is almost five years old, and still neither one can seem to get in the last word. Yet they stay together despite the turbulent times. Both are fabulous cooks and there is a certain amount of friendly and not-so-friendly culinary competition between the two. Nacho looks down in frustration at the floor of the kitchen with his hands on his hips. His white apron is covered with food stains. He twirls his thin mustache in disappointment. Conchise puts her hand on his shoulder in consolation.
Listen to "Oven Problems"
Don’t be ashamed
I’ve heard that before
It goes flat if it’s too cold
I can’t try anymore
I don’t think I left it in long enough
The longer the better
And the heat of your stuff
“This has never happened to me before,” complains Nacho.
“That’s what they all say,” Conchise teases.
Looking at the oven, Nacho continues, “This thing is so old, I don’t think it works anymore!”
Gabi has been listening to the conversation from the dining area and is getting the entirely wrong idea about the subject matter of their conversation.
Better pull it out now
It just won’t be the same
I thought it was special
It’s not as big as you claim
“Well, you’ll just have to do it again!” Conchise recommends.
“Anything you say,” Nacho says reluctantly.
Gabi walks back to the kitchen with a very puzzled look on her face.
“What are you guys talking about?” she asks.
“Nacho has some baking problems,” Conchise explains.
“Oh,” says a relieved Gabi.
At that moment Lupe arrives back from the plant carrying the empty bags. She goes to the kitchen and puts them away without speaking. There is a faraway look in her eye.
“Hi girlfriend,” Conchise says.
“Guess who I saw at the plant,” asks Lupe, not sure whether to divulge her secret.
“Do you mean Jake?” replies Gabi.
Lupe is amazed at how fast the word about Jake has traveled. She abruptly stops, stands upright in astonishment, and gapes at Gabi.
“How did you know? He just got here!”
Gabi produces a cell phone from her apron pocket and says with a smile, “I have my spies.” She looks closely at Lupe and says, “So, I hear that pocho was happy to see you.”
Lupe nods and smiles a little. She knows that Gabi is fishing for information. She purposely reveals as little as possible.
“Too bad about his father, what a waste,” Gabi comments.
“They hadn’t talked in seven years,” Lupe says.
“Does he get the plant now?” asks Conchise.
Lupe nods.
“What he does with it is the thing. If it closes, there goes our community garden. And my veggie supply,” adds Gabi.
“He’s been in Uganda all this time,” continues Lupe.
Nacho can’t resist being a smart ass and says, “Yeah, that’s right next to Viagra Falls.”
Conchise punches him in the arm and says, “Uganda tonto! Africa!”
“In the Peace Corps,” Lupe says.
Not giving up, Gabi again looks hard at Lupe and asks, “Yeah. And what else Lupita?”
“We talked about old times.”
After such a sudden encounter, even Lupe herself is not sure how to react to Jake’s unforeseen arrival, but everyone in the kitchen notices that she is a bit distracted.
“Uh-huh. I remember all those summers you two were at the plant.”
Lupe smiles and nods.
“I knew you had a thing going on!”
Conchise, the hopeless romantic, is immediately fascinated.
“Oo, with the new plant owner? Really?” Conchise tiptoes up to Lupe and whispers in her ear, “Is he really hot?”
“And then he leaves you without so much as a word,” Gabi says with disgust.
“True, but that’s ancient history you guys,” Lupe explains.
“So is there love in East L.A.,” Conchise teases.
Lupe just smiles, shakes her head, and replies, “Jake is an old friend.”
“And Rafael’s not here. At least not until November 2nd!” quips Nacho.
Lupe hits Nacho in the arm good-naturedly.
“Hey oven boy, somebody’s tamales are burning!” exclaims Conchise.
Chapter 9-Advice
A few days later Mr. Padilla, Jake, and two lawyers from the Starr Development Group sit at a table just outside the upstairs office. Just after noon time, the workers are on their lunch break and the din of the factory has momentarily subsided. The lawyers have documents spread evenly across the table. It is an odd collection of individuals: lawyers in Brooks Brothers suits, Jake in a T-shirt, and Mr. Padilla in overalls. As the lawyers attempt to explain the situation, a look of frustration crosses Jake’s face.
“I don’t understand. Why is that a problem?” Jake inquires, his voice rising.
The workers below are nervous and occasionally glance up as they eat, wondering what is going on.
The lawyer in the olive green suit answers quickly, “Two things. Money and time.”
“Mr. P, did you know about this?” asks Jake.
“I’ve noticed people looking around, but your father and I never spoke of it,” Mr. Padilla responds.
The lawyer in the black suit reminds Jake, “You have three weeks.”
“Three weeks?”
“That’s right.”
“So, what’s the plan here Jake?” asks the olive green suit.
“There’s a village in Uganda where I worked in the Peace Corps. I thought I’d use it to help the people there.”
“Pretty noble. Good luck,” replies the black suit.
“Just remember, since your father died before the sale of the plant, you now have control over the outcome of the transaction. Escrow closes in three weeks. At that point you’ll receive 5.2 million dollars.”
“Holy shit,” Jake says softly.
The black suit continues, “However, if you decide to cancel the transaction before then, you can retain ownership of the property.”
“The bad news is that there’s a cancellation penalty clause,” says the olive green suit.
“How bad?” asks Jake.
“$25,000.”
Jake turns to Mr. Padilla, “$25,000, do we even have that much?”
“Let’s talk later,” replies Mr. Padilla, unwilling to disclose anything in front of the lawyers.
The lawyers gather the documents on the table and file them away in their briefcases. Everyone stands up. Jake is still a bit shell-shocked at the $5.2 million.
“Let us know what it’s gonna be Jake,” says the olive green suit.
“And remember, three weeks,” the black suit says.
“Yes sir,” replies Jake.
The lawyers walk down the stairs accompanied by Jake and Mr. Padilla. The workers inspect the lawyers warily as Jake and Mr. Padilla show them to the door. Lawyers in a factory generally spell trouble for employees and especially illegal aliens. Jake is clearly unsure on what course to take, a fact that Mr. Padilla has noticed. Mr. Padilla guides Jake to a picnic table away from the workers. He offers Jake some fatherly advice.
Listen to "Advice"
I’ve heard that before
It goes flat if it’s too cold
I can’t try anymore
I don’t think I left it in long enough
The longer the better
And the heat of your stuff
“This has never happened to me before,” complains Nacho.
“That’s what they all say,” Conchise teases.
Looking at the oven, Nacho continues, “This thing is so old, I don’t think it works anymore!”
Gabi has been listening to the conversation from the dining area and is getting the entirely wrong idea about the subject matter of their conversation.
Better pull it out now
It just won’t be the same
I thought it was special
It’s not as big as you claim
“Well, you’ll just have to do it again!” Conchise recommends.
“Anything you say,” Nacho says reluctantly.
Gabi walks back to the kitchen with a very puzzled look on her face.
“What are you guys talking about?” she asks.
“Nacho has some baking problems,” Conchise explains.
“Oh,” says a relieved Gabi.
At that moment Lupe arrives back from the plant carrying the empty bags. She goes to the kitchen and puts them away without speaking. There is a faraway look in her eye.
“Hi girlfriend,” Conchise says.
“Guess who I saw at the plant,” asks Lupe, not sure whether to divulge her secret.
“Do you mean Jake?” replies Gabi.
Lupe is amazed at how fast the word about Jake has traveled. She abruptly stops, stands upright in astonishment, and gapes at Gabi.
“How did you know? He just got here!”
Gabi produces a cell phone from her apron pocket and says with a smile, “I have my spies.” She looks closely at Lupe and says, “So, I hear that pocho was happy to see you.”
Lupe nods and smiles a little. She knows that Gabi is fishing for information. She purposely reveals as little as possible.
“Too bad about his father, what a waste,” Gabi comments.
“They hadn’t talked in seven years,” Lupe says.
“Does he get the plant now?” asks Conchise.
Lupe nods.
“What he does with it is the thing. If it closes, there goes our community garden. And my veggie supply,” adds Gabi.
“He’s been in Uganda all this time,” continues Lupe.
Nacho can’t resist being a smart ass and says, “Yeah, that’s right next to Viagra Falls.”
Conchise punches him in the arm and says, “Uganda tonto! Africa!”
“In the Peace Corps,” Lupe says.
Not giving up, Gabi again looks hard at Lupe and asks, “Yeah. And what else Lupita?”
“We talked about old times.”
After such a sudden encounter, even Lupe herself is not sure how to react to Jake’s unforeseen arrival, but everyone in the kitchen notices that she is a bit distracted.
“Uh-huh. I remember all those summers you two were at the plant.”
Lupe smiles and nods.
“I knew you had a thing going on!”
Conchise, the hopeless romantic, is immediately fascinated.
“Oo, with the new plant owner? Really?” Conchise tiptoes up to Lupe and whispers in her ear, “Is he really hot?”
“And then he leaves you without so much as a word,” Gabi says with disgust.
“True, but that’s ancient history you guys,” Lupe explains.
“So is there love in East L.A.,” Conchise teases.
Lupe just smiles, shakes her head, and replies, “Jake is an old friend.”
“And Rafael’s not here. At least not until November 2nd!” quips Nacho.
Lupe hits Nacho in the arm good-naturedly.
“Hey oven boy, somebody’s tamales are burning!” exclaims Conchise.
Chapter 9-Advice
A few days later Mr. Padilla, Jake, and two lawyers from the Starr Development Group sit at a table just outside the upstairs office. Just after noon time, the workers are on their lunch break and the din of the factory has momentarily subsided. The lawyers have documents spread evenly across the table. It is an odd collection of individuals: lawyers in Brooks Brothers suits, Jake in a T-shirt, and Mr. Padilla in overalls. As the lawyers attempt to explain the situation, a look of frustration crosses Jake’s face.
“I don’t understand. Why is that a problem?” Jake inquires, his voice rising.
The workers below are nervous and occasionally glance up as they eat, wondering what is going on.
The lawyer in the olive green suit answers quickly, “Two things. Money and time.”
“Mr. P, did you know about this?” asks Jake.
“I’ve noticed people looking around, but your father and I never spoke of it,” Mr. Padilla responds.
The lawyer in the black suit reminds Jake, “You have three weeks.”
“Three weeks?”
“That’s right.”
“So, what’s the plan here Jake?” asks the olive green suit.
“There’s a village in Uganda where I worked in the Peace Corps. I thought I’d use it to help the people there.”
“Pretty noble. Good luck,” replies the black suit.
“Just remember, since your father died before the sale of the plant, you now have control over the outcome of the transaction. Escrow closes in three weeks. At that point you’ll receive 5.2 million dollars.”
“Holy shit,” Jake says softly.
The black suit continues, “However, if you decide to cancel the transaction before then, you can retain ownership of the property.”
“The bad news is that there’s a cancellation penalty clause,” says the olive green suit.
“How bad?” asks Jake.
“$25,000.”
Jake turns to Mr. Padilla, “$25,000, do we even have that much?”
“Let’s talk later,” replies Mr. Padilla, unwilling to disclose anything in front of the lawyers.
The lawyers gather the documents on the table and file them away in their briefcases. Everyone stands up. Jake is still a bit shell-shocked at the $5.2 million.
“Let us know what it’s gonna be Jake,” says the olive green suit.
“And remember, three weeks,” the black suit says.
“Yes sir,” replies Jake.
The lawyers walk down the stairs accompanied by Jake and Mr. Padilla. The workers inspect the lawyers warily as Jake and Mr. Padilla show them to the door. Lawyers in a factory generally spell trouble for employees and especially illegal aliens. Jake is clearly unsure on what course to take, a fact that Mr. Padilla has noticed. Mr. Padilla guides Jake to a picnic table away from the workers. He offers Jake some fatherly advice.
Listen to "Advice"
How many years Jake have we known each other?
Long time now, since I don’t know when
You’ve got a good heart, you’re kind and you’re real smart
But here’s some advice from a friend
Why did you spend all that time in Uganda?
I wanted to help, it was something I had to do
You helped people there, but are you aware
You could help all the people here too?
“What do you mean?” asks a puzzled Jake.
“If this plant closes, lots of people’s lives will change. And not for the better,” says Mr. Padilla.
“Lupe was saying the same thing,” replies Jake.
Your father made money by cutting every corner
That’s why I couldn’t stay, he used folks like tools
I learned long ago, something he didn’t know
But your dad sad to say was the fool
“I don’t understand,” says Jake, perplexed.
“Neither did your father. You will always get more out of people if you treat them right. And you’ll make more money too.”
“How do you go about doing that?”
Keep this place open, treat people right
Give them flexible hours both day and night
And people need health care no matter their age
And with day care on campus and a good living wage
And maybe a co-op to buy into the plant
With no mandated overtime for those who just can’t
And the issue of safety, there’s so much that we need
With so many hurt, we should get up to speed
Get everyone green cards, illegal folks too
When the INS gets here, we’ll tell them fuck you
“That’s a tall order. Is that even possible?” asks a confused Jake.
It’s not that hard. Someone could show you.
It’s a serious risk, I could lose it all
It’s a cause that’s humane, but think what you’ll gain
When the risk that you take is so small
“This is all so new to me. Ask me how to run the hopper. Or package a T-bone. I can do that. But I have no idea how to do something like this,” Jake declares.
“I do,” responds Mr. Padilla.
“But where am I going to get $25,000?” queries Jake despondently.
José Maria has left school after lunch in order to clock a few more hours at the plant. In the midday heat the walk over to Soto Street doesn’t take long. The Metro bus line runs south towards the 60 freeway, not far from the Ruiz plant. The driver recognizes José Maria and greets him warmly. After descending the bus stairs, he immediately stops. There are a number of white vans just outside the entrance to the factory. Four men exit their vehicles and appear to be conferring. José Maria walks calmly past the men unnoticed. He knows who they are. Once through the doors, he breaks into a full run. He is obviously frightened. José Maria’s father is sitting at the picnic table having lunch with the workers. He calls to his father from across the floor.
“Es la migra! They’re just outside!” he cries.
The workers are in an instant panic, even those who are legitimate U.S. citizens. They all know that being a true citizen doesn’t guarantee anything. Just being of Mexican descent can get you deported. The workers rise quickly to their feet and look to Mr. Padilla for some idea of what to do. Everyone is chattering in confusion and alarm, especially Rosa Medina and her husband Antonio who are both illegal aliens. Rosa is on the verge of hysteria with the prospect of deportation. Antonio takes her in his arms and holds her tightly, awaiting some kind of direction from Mr. Padilla.
“What’s going on?” Jake asks, not understanding the situation.
“It’s ICE. Your father had a habit of hiring undocumented people,” explains Mr. Padilla.
José Maria is quick to add, “What about Rosa and Antonio?”
“Are they undocumented?” Jake asks quickly.
“Yes. They’re right there,” says Mr. Padilla, pointing to the terrified Rosa.
Jake and Mr. Padilla talk expeditiously, hoping to resolve the situation before the INS agents come barging through the door.
“What do we do?” asks Jake in a rush.
“Your father didn’t do anything.”
“What do you mean,” asks a baffled Jake.
“He would let ICE deport the illegals, pay the fine, and then hire new ones.” Mr. Padilla looks Jake squarely in the eye and continues, “But now it’s up to you.”
José Maria interrupts, “But Dad, remember how we...”
“Chh. But now it’s up to you Jake,” says Mr. Padilla.
Mr. Padilla is intentionally making Jake decide without the help of José Maria’s suggestion.
“I have an idea. Remember the crawl space below the office?”
“Good idea,” exclaims Mr. Padilla.
He springs into action and runs to collect Rosa and Antonio while Jake barks orders at José Maria, “José Maria, you need to stall them. Use the grinder to make a bunch of noise! Turn everything on! Whatever!”
“Right!” José Maria replies as he charges to the electrical panel, turns on the line motors, packaging machine, and grinder.
He turns and sprints towards the door. Meanwhile, Mr. Padilla has gathered a trembling Rosa and frightened Antonio and marches them straight up to Jake.
“Vayan con Señor Yaik!” Mr. Padilla sternly commands the two illegals. He then turns to the remaining workers, “Go back to the line and the machines, you know the drill! Go!”
In a frenzy the workers put their gloves, goggles, hard hats, and boots back on and run back to their posts.
Mr. Padilla turns to Jake, who is already halfway up the stairs with Rosa and Antonio, and yells, “I’ll try to slow them down. Apúrense!”
Upon reaching the top of the stairs, Jake quickly removes two false floor panels in the second floor. Each space is only about two feet deep and will barely accommodate a single person. Rosa looks at Jake in disbelief.
“Go ahead. I used to hide from my father here as a boy. It’s okay.”
Rosa shakes her head, not understanding a word.
“What am I saying, you don’t understand English!”
Antonio firmly grabs a reluctant Rosa by the shoulders and maneuvers her into the crawl space. She barely fits. There can’t be more than six inches between her nose and the floor above. Jake puts the panel in place over Rosa as Antonio quickly slips into his spot. The panel goes on easily and Jake hurries back down the stairs. He rushes to the picnic tables and sits down just as two INS agents walk leisurely through the door accompanied by a very relaxed looking Mr. Padilla and José Maria. They have obviously done this before. Jake takes his cue from them. Now suddenly very composed and self-assured, he stands up and walks confidently to greet the agents. The first agent is short and Caucasian, the second is of South American descent, probably there for translation purposes.
“Mr. Padilla here tells me you’re the new owner,” yells the first agent.
Jake shakes his head, indicating he can’t hear over the factory din.
“Mr. P, can you shut the grinder down? And the line too?”
Mr. Padilla walks quickly to the electrical panel and shuts down everything. The noise subsides as the workers look on in trepidation.
“Sorry. I’m Jake Ruiz,” Jake says jovially, as he shakes hands with both agents.
“So you’re Francisco’s boy. Your dad liked to use illegals,” continues the first agent.
“I wouldn’t know. I just got here.”
“Mind if we have a look around,” asks the second agent.
“No problem. Go ahead.”
Both agents begin to systematically speak with each worker. Mr. Padilla helps translate. Each one nervously produces their papers. José Maria motions for Jake to follow him to the picnic table. They sit quietly.
“I have some pan dulce from Gabi’s,” says José Maria, producing two delicious looking pieces of bread from his pockets, both wrapped in foil.
“Thanks,” replies Jake. Quietly, so not to be heard by the agents, he continues, “So how long does this usually take?”
“Not long. I’ve seen this before.”
Jake and José Maria slowly eat the pan dulce until the agents have interviewed every worker. Both agents and Mr. Padilla approach Jake. Jake stands.
“Glad to see you’re not going to be a problem like your dad,” the first agent declares.
“Glad to help,” Jake says graciously.
The agents turn to go, accompanied by Mr. Padilla. As soon as they are out of sight, Jake and José Maria dash up the stairs. Jake quickly removes the panel. Rosa appears to be almost catatonic, as if she has been holding her breath this whole time. Jake gingerly helps her up. She is slow to recover. Both Jake and José Maria lift Antonio’s panel as he swiftly extricates himself.
“Muchisimas gracias Señor Yaik,” exclaims Antonio, vigorously shaking Jake’s hand.
Rosa has recovered enough to give Jake an enthusiastic bear hug.
A smiling Jake asks them, “Are you guys okay?”
They don’t understand.
“José Maria! Help me out here,” asks Jake.
“Como están?” José Maria asks them both.
“Bien, bien. Gracias a Señor Yaik!”
All four begin to descend the stairs as Mr. Padilla comes back through the entry doors.
In a loud voice, Mr. Padilla announces to the workers, “Everybody! Take a break. Everything is okay!”
Everyone cheers. The boots, goggles, hard hats, and gloves all come off again as the workers sit back down at the picnic tables. Antonio enthusiastically shakes Jake’s hand again.
“I think Rosa and Antonio are your new best friends,” José Maria laughs.
All the workers, including Rosa and Antonio, begin to relax and talk animatedly in Spanish. Jake, Mr. Padilla, and José Maria stand at the head of the table with smiles of satisfaction on their faces.
Mr. Padilla puts his hand on Jake’s shoulder and says, “Well done Jake.”
“Maybe there is hope for you ese!” quips José Maria.
“Who is ese?” asks a mystified Jake.
José Maria and Mr. Padilla enjoy a good laugh.
“November 2nd is our Dia de los Muertos party. We would be honored to have you,” proclaims Mr. Padilla.
“Gabi and Lupe are cooking,” José Maria says with a knowing smile.
“Thanks. That would be great.”
Mr. Padilla takes Jake aside for a moment and now speaks in a more serious tone.
“You did a good thing with Rosa and Antonio. I can see you haven’t changed,” he says in a fatherly manner.
“Just trying to help,” Jake modestly replies.
Mr. Padilla hesitates before continuing, unsure whether to broach the subject, “One more thing. The other day. I saw you and Lupe. You know about Rafael, right? But be careful, she just lost her mother.”
Jake nods.
Chapter 10-Ancient History
A few days later Nacho and Conchise are working in the kitchen at Gabi’s. Lupe is waiting tables and Gabi visits with the customers. Right in between lunch and dinner, there aren’t many customers this warm Saturday afternoon. Nacho contentedly sings to himself.
Pollo, butifarra, bistec, lomo, menudo, puerco, conejo, perro
“Perro?” Conchise repeats in surprise.
“Meat. It’s what’s for dinner,” Nacho explains sarcastically.
“But perro?” she asks, as she hits Nacho in the arm and laughs.
“Meat. Makes my day complete,” Nacho continues with a smile.
“Nacho’s a freak!” teases Conchise.
Lupe returns to the kitchen with an order and Nacho goes to work.
“I think I can handle this one. Why don’t you take a break?” he tells Conchise.
“Anything you say,” she replies, grateful for a break.
She sits down at a bar stool in the kitchen and watches the customers on the patio. She sips languidly on a glass of cold horchata. Conchise abruptly sits up on her stool.
Abruptly Lupe’s cell phone rings. She moves slightly away from Conchise and Nacho for a greater degree of privacy. It is Rafael calling from Oaxaca. Lupe’s demeanor suddenly becomes more serious.
“Hi,” Lupe says quickly.
Conchise and Nacho pretend to have no interest in the call but are indeed listening intently.
“Hey. I’m working,” a somewhat annoyed Lupe responds.
Lupe waits for Rafael’s response as her face becomes more clouded.
“I can’t do that. Not now. I thought we already talked about this,” Lupe continues.
Conchise turns to Nacho and whispers, “Uh-oh, trouble in paradise.”
Lupe is becoming more agitated and responds, “Don’t say that. Of course I do. Can’t you understand that?”
Nacho turns back to Conchise and softly says, “Sounds like more caca from Oaxaca.”
Lupe quickly dispatches Rafael in short order, “I said I would think about it. Sure. Okay, okay. Me too. Bye.”
Lupe exhales loudly with frustration as she puts her cell phone back in her apron pocket.
“Ay,” she says in frustration.
Lupe looks up from the kitchen to notice two of her high school friends walking through the front door and sitting down at a table. She knows why they are here and is not looking forward to the conversation. Still, she rushes over to the table and greets them warmly.
“Hey you guys! Como están?” Lupe asks excitedly.
Both Rosa Marta and Roberto embrace Lupe.
“Great! How have you been Lupe?” asks Roberto.
“Same old, same old I guess,” Lupe replies with a touch of sadness.
Rosa Marta adds, “So sorry to hear about your mom. I can hardly believe it.”
“Thanks, I appreciate that.”
Lupe sighs and changes the subject, “So, how’s college?”
“Great. We thought you were going to join us this semester. That’s why we came by, to check up on you,” says Rosa Marta.
“Well, things didn’t work out,” Lupe confesses.
“Hey, there’s always next semester,” adds Roberto.
“Right,” replies Lupe with false enthusiasm.
Both Rosa Marta and Roberto stand up and get ready to leave.
“Good to see you,” says Rosa Marta.
“Nos vemos. Next semester, okay?” says Roberto.
Trying her best to sound positive, Lupe replies, “Sure.”
Lupe waves to her friends as they leave the panadería. Gabi walks over to a despondent Lupe.
“I heard that,” Gabi says softly.
“It’s not fair. They’re at school, Jake has a factory fall into his lap, and I’m just the hired help,” Lupe complains.
“I know you have big dreams. And I’d help you if I could,” Gabi says.
“I mean, I love my family and all, but I want more than this.”
“You sound just like your mother. She sacrificed everything to hold us all together. And have some faith mija, things will work out.”
Gabi gives Lupe an extended hug. Lupe seems to brighten up slightly.
“Gracias tia,” Lupe responds gratefully.
“Come on mija, let’s get back to work,” Gabi says.
Lupe heads back to the kitchen while Gabi attends to the customers on the patio.
Upon reaching the kitchen Conchise turns to Lupe and says, “Hey, hey. Who’s that? Lupe, check out this bombón coming through the door!”
“Oh my God, it’s Jake!” Lupe says, trying to conceal her excitement.
Jake takes a seat at a table on the patio, trying not to appear too anxious. Gabi immediately notices Jake and heads back to the kitchen.
“Jake, as in plant owner Jake?” Conchise exclaims, not concealing her excitement as well as Lupe. “You and Jake were a thing? Oh my God, he is so ripe!”
“Easy girlfriend,” Nacho comments.
“I wonder if he’s hiring,” Conchise says with an impish laugh.
“Hey,” Nacho protests.
Conchise can hardly contain herself and adds, “Gee, tough choice. Macho mariachi or hunky jefe!”
“Conchise!” exclaims Lupe.
“Go on over. He’s here to see you,” Nacho explains.
“Go on Lupe. Don’t make me go over there,” exclaims Conchise.
Now back in the kitchen, Gabi says protectively, “Is Jake hitting on you?”
“I told him we had good flan,” Lupe says unconvincingly.
“Oh, that must be it!” Nacho retorts sarcastically.
Gabi’s protective instincts surface as she marches over to Jake’s table.
“Gabi! Gabi, don’t!” Lupe calls after her aunt.
Gabi is undeterred.
“Oh this should be good,” comments Nacho.
Upon reaching Jake’s table, Gabi curtly asks, “May I help you?”
“Hi Gabi. You may not remember me but...”
“I remember,” she interrupts. “What can I get for you?”
Jake is unfazed by Gabi’s abrupt manner.
He continues on, “I heard you had great flan.”
“Si.”
“Let’s try that. Is Lupe here?”
“I think she’s busy.”
“Could you tell her Jake says hello?”
Gabi simply nods and marches back to the kitchen where Lupe, Nacho, and Conchise are waiting.
“Why is he here mi hija? This guy broke your heart!” Gabi exclaims.
“Jake is just a friend,” she counters, becoming slightly annoyed with her aunt’s interference.
“And the new patrón! What about Rafael?” Gabi reminds Lupe.
“Gabi! This is my life you know!” Lupe snaps.
Lupe proceeds with authority to Jake’s table. He is waiting patiently, his face lighting up as she approaches. He stands up to greet her.
“Hi,” says Jake tenderly.
“Hi Jake. Sit down,” Lupe replies, smiling from head to toe.
Lupe sits down next to Jake. They talk in a hushed, intimate fashion.
“I don’t think Gabi likes me bothering you,” Jake says sheepishly.
“She’s a little protective.”
“Can you sit for a minute?”
“Sure. Can I get you something?”
“Gabi’s getting me some flan. I really just wanted to see you. And talk.”
“Sure you don’t have to run off?” Lupe retorts with a touch of sarcasm.
“I guess I deserved that,” Jake replies with a faint smile.
In the kitchen Gabi cuts a fresh piece of flan and lays it gently on a plate. Conchise swoops in and snatches it away from her.
“Give that to me! I’m doing this!” announces Conchise, as she walks to Jake’s table.
“I talked to your dad. He thinks I should keep the plant,” Jake says.
“He would know,” responds Lupe.
Conchise comes right up to Jake. Her interest in Jake is more than obvious as she speaks in a melodramatic, exaggerated tone.
“Hi, I’m Conchise. Here’s your flan. Or anything else you might want!”
“Thanks Conchise,” he replies with an amused smile.
Lupe knows Conchise all too well and asks sarcastically, “Gee, is the menudo burning or is that just you?”
“Bye!” Conchise says with exaggerated enthusiasm as she heads back to the kitchen.
Both Lupe and Jake laugh at Conchise’s over-the-top performance.
“Think of it this way. If the plant closes, most of these people won’t find a new job for a long time. If at all,” Lupe explains.
“Your dad seems to know a lot about it. I’m really out of my element here.”
Lupe pauses for a moment and looks at Jake thoughtfully. The cooks and Gabi watch them with great interest.
“So why the Peace Corps?” asks Lupe.
“I needed to get out of here and do something productive.”
“There were people here that cared about you. Did you ever think of that?” Lupe asks.
“I know it’s no excuse, but my dad was making me crazy,” Jake laments.
“He made a lot of us crazy.”
Jake pauses, looks intently at Lupe, and changes the subject.
“What about you? So what happened to college?”
“Money’s always been tight and with Mom gone now, I have to look after my family,” Lupe explains.
“You remind me so much of your mom,” Jake says tenderly.
Lupe takes a deep breath and changes the subject, “So, I heard what happened at the plant. You did a good thing.”
“I think Rosa likes me,” Jake jokes.
Becoming more serious, Jake pauses and continues, “You heard about the $25,000?”
Lupe nods.
“I have no clue where to get that kind of money,” Jake continues.
“Gabi always says you have to have a little faith.”
“I’m a little short on faith lately.”
“I know what you mean,” adds Lupe.
Gabi walks briskly over to Jake’s table and abruptly says, “Well, I think that’s enough. Come on mi hija.” Turning now to Jake, “She’s engaged.”
“Gabi!” protests Lupe.
Gabi does an about face and walks back to the kitchen.
“It’s okay. Everyone’s told me. They don’t want me bothering you.”
“You’re not bothering me,” says Lupe tenderly.
“I hope not,” Jake replies with a smile.
“I should get back to work,” Lupe says reluctantly.
“Good to see you,” Jake says.
“Good to see you too. And think about what I said.”
Lupe stands up and turns to go as Jake calls to her, “Sure. Tell Gabi thanks for the flan.”
Jake slowly stands up and watches Lupe as she goes. He lays a few dollars down on the table and heads back to the plant.
With Lupe now back in the kitchen, Gabi says, “What are you doing mi hija?”
“Like I said, Jake and I are friends. How is this a problem?” complains an increasingly annoyed Lupe.
“I don’t think Jake believes that. He’s the owner now.”
“He’s trying to help.”
Gabi looks unconvinced.
“Did you tell him about Rafael?”
Lupe now raises her voice in exasperation, “I didn’t have to! You and everyone else took care of that!”
“It’s my job as your tia!” Gabi says with a smile.
Still annoyed, Lupe responds, “It’s my life you know!”
Listen to "Ancient History"
Long time now, since I don’t know when
You’ve got a good heart, you’re kind and you’re real smart
But here’s some advice from a friend
Why did you spend all that time in Uganda?
I wanted to help, it was something I had to do
You helped people there, but are you aware
You could help all the people here too?
“What do you mean?” asks a puzzled Jake.
“If this plant closes, lots of people’s lives will change. And not for the better,” says Mr. Padilla.
“Lupe was saying the same thing,” replies Jake.
Your father made money by cutting every corner
That’s why I couldn’t stay, he used folks like tools
I learned long ago, something he didn’t know
But your dad sad to say was the fool
“I don’t understand,” says Jake, perplexed.
“Neither did your father. You will always get more out of people if you treat them right. And you’ll make more money too.”
“How do you go about doing that?”
Keep this place open, treat people right
Give them flexible hours both day and night
And people need health care no matter their age
And with day care on campus and a good living wage
And maybe a co-op to buy into the plant
With no mandated overtime for those who just can’t
And the issue of safety, there’s so much that we need
With so many hurt, we should get up to speed
Get everyone green cards, illegal folks too
When the INS gets here, we’ll tell them fuck you
“That’s a tall order. Is that even possible?” asks a confused Jake.
It’s not that hard. Someone could show you.
It’s a serious risk, I could lose it all
It’s a cause that’s humane, but think what you’ll gain
When the risk that you take is so small
“This is all so new to me. Ask me how to run the hopper. Or package a T-bone. I can do that. But I have no idea how to do something like this,” Jake declares.
“I do,” responds Mr. Padilla.
“But where am I going to get $25,000?” queries Jake despondently.
José Maria has left school after lunch in order to clock a few more hours at the plant. In the midday heat the walk over to Soto Street doesn’t take long. The Metro bus line runs south towards the 60 freeway, not far from the Ruiz plant. The driver recognizes José Maria and greets him warmly. After descending the bus stairs, he immediately stops. There are a number of white vans just outside the entrance to the factory. Four men exit their vehicles and appear to be conferring. José Maria walks calmly past the men unnoticed. He knows who they are. Once through the doors, he breaks into a full run. He is obviously frightened. José Maria’s father is sitting at the picnic table having lunch with the workers. He calls to his father from across the floor.
“Es la migra! They’re just outside!” he cries.
The workers are in an instant panic, even those who are legitimate U.S. citizens. They all know that being a true citizen doesn’t guarantee anything. Just being of Mexican descent can get you deported. The workers rise quickly to their feet and look to Mr. Padilla for some idea of what to do. Everyone is chattering in confusion and alarm, especially Rosa Medina and her husband Antonio who are both illegal aliens. Rosa is on the verge of hysteria with the prospect of deportation. Antonio takes her in his arms and holds her tightly, awaiting some kind of direction from Mr. Padilla.
“What’s going on?” Jake asks, not understanding the situation.
“It’s ICE. Your father had a habit of hiring undocumented people,” explains Mr. Padilla.
José Maria is quick to add, “What about Rosa and Antonio?”
“Are they undocumented?” Jake asks quickly.
“Yes. They’re right there,” says Mr. Padilla, pointing to the terrified Rosa.
Jake and Mr. Padilla talk expeditiously, hoping to resolve the situation before the INS agents come barging through the door.
“What do we do?” asks Jake in a rush.
“Your father didn’t do anything.”
“What do you mean,” asks a baffled Jake.
“He would let ICE deport the illegals, pay the fine, and then hire new ones.” Mr. Padilla looks Jake squarely in the eye and continues, “But now it’s up to you.”
José Maria interrupts, “But Dad, remember how we...”
“Chh. But now it’s up to you Jake,” says Mr. Padilla.
Mr. Padilla is intentionally making Jake decide without the help of José Maria’s suggestion.
“I have an idea. Remember the crawl space below the office?”
“Good idea,” exclaims Mr. Padilla.
He springs into action and runs to collect Rosa and Antonio while Jake barks orders at José Maria, “José Maria, you need to stall them. Use the grinder to make a bunch of noise! Turn everything on! Whatever!”
“Right!” José Maria replies as he charges to the electrical panel, turns on the line motors, packaging machine, and grinder.
He turns and sprints towards the door. Meanwhile, Mr. Padilla has gathered a trembling Rosa and frightened Antonio and marches them straight up to Jake.
“Vayan con Señor Yaik!” Mr. Padilla sternly commands the two illegals. He then turns to the remaining workers, “Go back to the line and the machines, you know the drill! Go!”
In a frenzy the workers put their gloves, goggles, hard hats, and boots back on and run back to their posts.
Mr. Padilla turns to Jake, who is already halfway up the stairs with Rosa and Antonio, and yells, “I’ll try to slow them down. Apúrense!”
Upon reaching the top of the stairs, Jake quickly removes two false floor panels in the second floor. Each space is only about two feet deep and will barely accommodate a single person. Rosa looks at Jake in disbelief.
“Go ahead. I used to hide from my father here as a boy. It’s okay.”
Rosa shakes her head, not understanding a word.
“What am I saying, you don’t understand English!”
Antonio firmly grabs a reluctant Rosa by the shoulders and maneuvers her into the crawl space. She barely fits. There can’t be more than six inches between her nose and the floor above. Jake puts the panel in place over Rosa as Antonio quickly slips into his spot. The panel goes on easily and Jake hurries back down the stairs. He rushes to the picnic tables and sits down just as two INS agents walk leisurely through the door accompanied by a very relaxed looking Mr. Padilla and José Maria. They have obviously done this before. Jake takes his cue from them. Now suddenly very composed and self-assured, he stands up and walks confidently to greet the agents. The first agent is short and Caucasian, the second is of South American descent, probably there for translation purposes.
“Mr. Padilla here tells me you’re the new owner,” yells the first agent.
Jake shakes his head, indicating he can’t hear over the factory din.
“Mr. P, can you shut the grinder down? And the line too?”
Mr. Padilla walks quickly to the electrical panel and shuts down everything. The noise subsides as the workers look on in trepidation.
“Sorry. I’m Jake Ruiz,” Jake says jovially, as he shakes hands with both agents.
“So you’re Francisco’s boy. Your dad liked to use illegals,” continues the first agent.
“I wouldn’t know. I just got here.”
“Mind if we have a look around,” asks the second agent.
“No problem. Go ahead.”
Both agents begin to systematically speak with each worker. Mr. Padilla helps translate. Each one nervously produces their papers. José Maria motions for Jake to follow him to the picnic table. They sit quietly.
“I have some pan dulce from Gabi’s,” says José Maria, producing two delicious looking pieces of bread from his pockets, both wrapped in foil.
“Thanks,” replies Jake. Quietly, so not to be heard by the agents, he continues, “So how long does this usually take?”
“Not long. I’ve seen this before.”
Jake and José Maria slowly eat the pan dulce until the agents have interviewed every worker. Both agents and Mr. Padilla approach Jake. Jake stands.
“Glad to see you’re not going to be a problem like your dad,” the first agent declares.
“Glad to help,” Jake says graciously.
The agents turn to go, accompanied by Mr. Padilla. As soon as they are out of sight, Jake and José Maria dash up the stairs. Jake quickly removes the panel. Rosa appears to be almost catatonic, as if she has been holding her breath this whole time. Jake gingerly helps her up. She is slow to recover. Both Jake and José Maria lift Antonio’s panel as he swiftly extricates himself.
“Muchisimas gracias Señor Yaik,” exclaims Antonio, vigorously shaking Jake’s hand.
Rosa has recovered enough to give Jake an enthusiastic bear hug.
A smiling Jake asks them, “Are you guys okay?”
They don’t understand.
“José Maria! Help me out here,” asks Jake.
“Como están?” José Maria asks them both.
“Bien, bien. Gracias a Señor Yaik!”
All four begin to descend the stairs as Mr. Padilla comes back through the entry doors.
In a loud voice, Mr. Padilla announces to the workers, “Everybody! Take a break. Everything is okay!”
Everyone cheers. The boots, goggles, hard hats, and gloves all come off again as the workers sit back down at the picnic tables. Antonio enthusiastically shakes Jake’s hand again.
“I think Rosa and Antonio are your new best friends,” José Maria laughs.
All the workers, including Rosa and Antonio, begin to relax and talk animatedly in Spanish. Jake, Mr. Padilla, and José Maria stand at the head of the table with smiles of satisfaction on their faces.
Mr. Padilla puts his hand on Jake’s shoulder and says, “Well done Jake.”
“Maybe there is hope for you ese!” quips José Maria.
“Who is ese?” asks a mystified Jake.
José Maria and Mr. Padilla enjoy a good laugh.
“November 2nd is our Dia de los Muertos party. We would be honored to have you,” proclaims Mr. Padilla.
“Gabi and Lupe are cooking,” José Maria says with a knowing smile.
“Thanks. That would be great.”
Mr. Padilla takes Jake aside for a moment and now speaks in a more serious tone.
“You did a good thing with Rosa and Antonio. I can see you haven’t changed,” he says in a fatherly manner.
“Just trying to help,” Jake modestly replies.
Mr. Padilla hesitates before continuing, unsure whether to broach the subject, “One more thing. The other day. I saw you and Lupe. You know about Rafael, right? But be careful, she just lost her mother.”
Jake nods.
Chapter 10-Ancient History
A few days later Nacho and Conchise are working in the kitchen at Gabi’s. Lupe is waiting tables and Gabi visits with the customers. Right in between lunch and dinner, there aren’t many customers this warm Saturday afternoon. Nacho contentedly sings to himself.
Pollo, butifarra, bistec, lomo, menudo, puerco, conejo, perro
“Perro?” Conchise repeats in surprise.
“Meat. It’s what’s for dinner,” Nacho explains sarcastically.
“But perro?” she asks, as she hits Nacho in the arm and laughs.
“Meat. Makes my day complete,” Nacho continues with a smile.
“Nacho’s a freak!” teases Conchise.
Lupe returns to the kitchen with an order and Nacho goes to work.
“I think I can handle this one. Why don’t you take a break?” he tells Conchise.
“Anything you say,” she replies, grateful for a break.
She sits down at a bar stool in the kitchen and watches the customers on the patio. She sips languidly on a glass of cold horchata. Conchise abruptly sits up on her stool.
Abruptly Lupe’s cell phone rings. She moves slightly away from Conchise and Nacho for a greater degree of privacy. It is Rafael calling from Oaxaca. Lupe’s demeanor suddenly becomes more serious.
“Hi,” Lupe says quickly.
Conchise and Nacho pretend to have no interest in the call but are indeed listening intently.
“Hey. I’m working,” a somewhat annoyed Lupe responds.
Lupe waits for Rafael’s response as her face becomes more clouded.
“I can’t do that. Not now. I thought we already talked about this,” Lupe continues.
Conchise turns to Nacho and whispers, “Uh-oh, trouble in paradise.”
Lupe is becoming more agitated and responds, “Don’t say that. Of course I do. Can’t you understand that?”
Nacho turns back to Conchise and softly says, “Sounds like more caca from Oaxaca.”
Lupe quickly dispatches Rafael in short order, “I said I would think about it. Sure. Okay, okay. Me too. Bye.”
Lupe exhales loudly with frustration as she puts her cell phone back in her apron pocket.
“Ay,” she says in frustration.
Lupe looks up from the kitchen to notice two of her high school friends walking through the front door and sitting down at a table. She knows why they are here and is not looking forward to the conversation. Still, she rushes over to the table and greets them warmly.
“Hey you guys! Como están?” Lupe asks excitedly.
Both Rosa Marta and Roberto embrace Lupe.
“Great! How have you been Lupe?” asks Roberto.
“Same old, same old I guess,” Lupe replies with a touch of sadness.
Rosa Marta adds, “So sorry to hear about your mom. I can hardly believe it.”
“Thanks, I appreciate that.”
Lupe sighs and changes the subject, “So, how’s college?”
“Great. We thought you were going to join us this semester. That’s why we came by, to check up on you,” says Rosa Marta.
“Well, things didn’t work out,” Lupe confesses.
“Hey, there’s always next semester,” adds Roberto.
“Right,” replies Lupe with false enthusiasm.
Both Rosa Marta and Roberto stand up and get ready to leave.
“Good to see you,” says Rosa Marta.
“Nos vemos. Next semester, okay?” says Roberto.
Trying her best to sound positive, Lupe replies, “Sure.”
Lupe waves to her friends as they leave the panadería. Gabi walks over to a despondent Lupe.
“I heard that,” Gabi says softly.
“It’s not fair. They’re at school, Jake has a factory fall into his lap, and I’m just the hired help,” Lupe complains.
“I know you have big dreams. And I’d help you if I could,” Gabi says.
“I mean, I love my family and all, but I want more than this.”
“You sound just like your mother. She sacrificed everything to hold us all together. And have some faith mija, things will work out.”
Gabi gives Lupe an extended hug. Lupe seems to brighten up slightly.
“Gracias tia,” Lupe responds gratefully.
“Come on mija, let’s get back to work,” Gabi says.
Lupe heads back to the kitchen while Gabi attends to the customers on the patio.
Upon reaching the kitchen Conchise turns to Lupe and says, “Hey, hey. Who’s that? Lupe, check out this bombón coming through the door!”
“Oh my God, it’s Jake!” Lupe says, trying to conceal her excitement.
Jake takes a seat at a table on the patio, trying not to appear too anxious. Gabi immediately notices Jake and heads back to the kitchen.
“Jake, as in plant owner Jake?” Conchise exclaims, not concealing her excitement as well as Lupe. “You and Jake were a thing? Oh my God, he is so ripe!”
“Easy girlfriend,” Nacho comments.
“I wonder if he’s hiring,” Conchise says with an impish laugh.
“Hey,” Nacho protests.
Conchise can hardly contain herself and adds, “Gee, tough choice. Macho mariachi or hunky jefe!”
“Conchise!” exclaims Lupe.
“Go on over. He’s here to see you,” Nacho explains.
“Go on Lupe. Don’t make me go over there,” exclaims Conchise.
Now back in the kitchen, Gabi says protectively, “Is Jake hitting on you?”
“I told him we had good flan,” Lupe says unconvincingly.
“Oh, that must be it!” Nacho retorts sarcastically.
Gabi’s protective instincts surface as she marches over to Jake’s table.
“Gabi! Gabi, don’t!” Lupe calls after her aunt.
Gabi is undeterred.
“Oh this should be good,” comments Nacho.
Upon reaching Jake’s table, Gabi curtly asks, “May I help you?”
“Hi Gabi. You may not remember me but...”
“I remember,” she interrupts. “What can I get for you?”
Jake is unfazed by Gabi’s abrupt manner.
He continues on, “I heard you had great flan.”
“Si.”
“Let’s try that. Is Lupe here?”
“I think she’s busy.”
“Could you tell her Jake says hello?”
Gabi simply nods and marches back to the kitchen where Lupe, Nacho, and Conchise are waiting.
“Why is he here mi hija? This guy broke your heart!” Gabi exclaims.
“Jake is just a friend,” she counters, becoming slightly annoyed with her aunt’s interference.
“And the new patrón! What about Rafael?” Gabi reminds Lupe.
“Gabi! This is my life you know!” Lupe snaps.
Lupe proceeds with authority to Jake’s table. He is waiting patiently, his face lighting up as she approaches. He stands up to greet her.
“Hi,” says Jake tenderly.
“Hi Jake. Sit down,” Lupe replies, smiling from head to toe.
Lupe sits down next to Jake. They talk in a hushed, intimate fashion.
“I don’t think Gabi likes me bothering you,” Jake says sheepishly.
“She’s a little protective.”
“Can you sit for a minute?”
“Sure. Can I get you something?”
“Gabi’s getting me some flan. I really just wanted to see you. And talk.”
“Sure you don’t have to run off?” Lupe retorts with a touch of sarcasm.
“I guess I deserved that,” Jake replies with a faint smile.
In the kitchen Gabi cuts a fresh piece of flan and lays it gently on a plate. Conchise swoops in and snatches it away from her.
“Give that to me! I’m doing this!” announces Conchise, as she walks to Jake’s table.
“I talked to your dad. He thinks I should keep the plant,” Jake says.
“He would know,” responds Lupe.
Conchise comes right up to Jake. Her interest in Jake is more than obvious as she speaks in a melodramatic, exaggerated tone.
“Hi, I’m Conchise. Here’s your flan. Or anything else you might want!”
“Thanks Conchise,” he replies with an amused smile.
Lupe knows Conchise all too well and asks sarcastically, “Gee, is the menudo burning or is that just you?”
“Bye!” Conchise says with exaggerated enthusiasm as she heads back to the kitchen.
Both Lupe and Jake laugh at Conchise’s over-the-top performance.
“Think of it this way. If the plant closes, most of these people won’t find a new job for a long time. If at all,” Lupe explains.
“Your dad seems to know a lot about it. I’m really out of my element here.”
Lupe pauses for a moment and looks at Jake thoughtfully. The cooks and Gabi watch them with great interest.
“So why the Peace Corps?” asks Lupe.
“I needed to get out of here and do something productive.”
“There were people here that cared about you. Did you ever think of that?” Lupe asks.
“I know it’s no excuse, but my dad was making me crazy,” Jake laments.
“He made a lot of us crazy.”
Jake pauses, looks intently at Lupe, and changes the subject.
“What about you? So what happened to college?”
“Money’s always been tight and with Mom gone now, I have to look after my family,” Lupe explains.
“You remind me so much of your mom,” Jake says tenderly.
Lupe takes a deep breath and changes the subject, “So, I heard what happened at the plant. You did a good thing.”
“I think Rosa likes me,” Jake jokes.
Becoming more serious, Jake pauses and continues, “You heard about the $25,000?”
Lupe nods.
“I have no clue where to get that kind of money,” Jake continues.
“Gabi always says you have to have a little faith.”
“I’m a little short on faith lately.”
“I know what you mean,” adds Lupe.
Gabi walks briskly over to Jake’s table and abruptly says, “Well, I think that’s enough. Come on mi hija.” Turning now to Jake, “She’s engaged.”
“Gabi!” protests Lupe.
Gabi does an about face and walks back to the kitchen.
“It’s okay. Everyone’s told me. They don’t want me bothering you.”
“You’re not bothering me,” says Lupe tenderly.
“I hope not,” Jake replies with a smile.
“I should get back to work,” Lupe says reluctantly.
“Good to see you,” Jake says.
“Good to see you too. And think about what I said.”
Lupe stands up and turns to go as Jake calls to her, “Sure. Tell Gabi thanks for the flan.”
Jake slowly stands up and watches Lupe as she goes. He lays a few dollars down on the table and heads back to the plant.
With Lupe now back in the kitchen, Gabi says, “What are you doing mi hija?”
“Like I said, Jake and I are friends. How is this a problem?” complains an increasingly annoyed Lupe.
“I don’t think Jake believes that. He’s the owner now.”
“He’s trying to help.”
Gabi looks unconvinced.
“Did you tell him about Rafael?”
Lupe now raises her voice in exasperation, “I didn’t have to! You and everyone else took care of that!”
“It’s my job as your tia!” Gabi says with a smile.
Still annoyed, Lupe responds, “It’s my life you know!”
Listen to "Ancient History"
Still a little starstruck, Conchise says, “That boy is a total apachurro! Cuantos novios necesitas?” asks Conchise.
“He’s got the cachondo look,” teases Nacho.
“Nacho!” Lupe exclaims.
“Stick with Rafael,” Gabi suggests.
“You guys were a thing?” marvels Nacho.
“He’s a heartless pocho!” protests Gabi.
“I don’t think he was here for the flan. Si yo tuviera la misma suerte,” says Conchise.
Everybody knows that you got a past
Come on Lupe tell us, don’t be so tight-assed
Jake is back in town, he’s bound to come around
So between you and me, what’s it gonna be?
Come on Lupe tell me!
That’s ancient history!
Everybody wonders what you’re gonna do
“Leave her alone you guys,” says Gabi half-heartedly.
Both of them are so hot, I wish I were you
Rafael is cool and Nacho’s such a tool
“Hey!” protests Nacho.
Jake is really hot.
“You’re saying that I’m not?” asks a perturbed Nacho.
Let me put you on the spot
“You guys should be shot!” teases Lupe.
Gabi puts her arm on Lupe’s shoulder and takes her aside. In a more serious tone she cautions Lupe.
Pay no attention to those two fools you see
Still I’d be careful of that ancient history
Don’t forget to follow your heart when you get confused
But I see it deep in your eyes, Jake is hard to refuse
Auntie Gabi knows even though it’s long ago
What you felt back then can find you once again
And you never will know when
Both Gabi and Lupe rejoin the two cooks, who continue their meddling.
You know that we love you, we don’t mean to pry
But we have a few things, we’d like to clarify
Is it Rafael or not, or have you just forgot?
Does the thought of Jake and you have you in a stew?
What you gonna do?
“As if I would tell you!” Lupe says melodramatically with a mischievous smile.
“I heard Jake was hiring. I’d like to work under him,” Conchise says dreamily.
“You got no skills,” counters Nacho, his pride slightly injured.
“And I’m stuck with Nacho cheese,” Conchise says, pointing to Nacho.
Nacho makes a face at Conchise.
“Lupe has all the luck, Rafael or Jake! Tough choice. I think he liked my flan,” she continues.
“I think he likes something else,” Nacho says, pointing at Lupe.
“Enfermo de amor for sure. So what’s it gonna be Lupe? History can repeat itself!” Conchise says, hoping to get a rise out of Lupe.
“No me diga!” Lupe counters with feigned indignation.
“Ándale pues!” Nacho exclaims with a smile.
So is it Jake or not, or have you just forgot?
Is it Rafael and you, you don’t have a clue?
What you gonna do?
Come on tell us Lupe
Lupe motions for Conchise and Nacho to gather around closely as if she were to disclose some deep, dark secret.
She pauses dramatically, smiles and says, “Let’s see. Why not both? Or neither!”
Everyone laughs. While Lupe is being peppered with questions concerning her love life, Jake is walking back to the plant. Just around the corner from the panadería he is abruptly confronted by Pinto and his two friends. They purposely block his path and smile menacingly. Jake stops and carefully assesses the situation.
“Who are you?” asks Jake, annoyed.
“Let’s just say I’m a friend of the family,” Pinto warns Jake.
At least five inches taller than Pinto, Jake attempts to push past Pinto. Pinto is short but no pushover. He pushes Jake back with authority while the homies watch and laugh at Jake’s lack of success.
“Dude, is that the best you can do? Gee, no daddy to help you now,” taunts Pinto.
“Sure you want to do this?” asks Jake confidently.
“Your move jefe,” Pinto says with a smug smile on his face.
Jake charges again at Pinto, this time stopping short and seizing Pinto’s outstretched arm. With a quick twist, Pinto cries out in pain. Jake quickly places his foot behind Pinto’s and trips him. He goes down hard on the concrete. With a firm hold on Pinto’s arm, Jake puts his foot on his neck as he lies face down. With a modest amount of additional pressure, Pinto cries out again in pain.
“You were saying?” Jake asks calmly.
The two homeboys swiftly produce a switchblade and a Jennings pistol. They step towards Jake as the switchblade clicks open. Jake gradually releases Pinto and backs away, his hands slightly raised. Pinto struggles to his feet, rubbing his arm.
“That some kind of pocho Kung Fu shit?” he asks angrily.
“Next time I’ll break it.”
“Let me give you some advice carnál. Go back to your factory. That fuckin’ place killed your dad and mine. And stay away from Lupe. You don’t belong here anyway.”
Pinto and his friends disappear down the side street.
Chapter 11-The Garden
The plant is now quiet and empty. Only the office lights are on, casting a dull light over the silent machines on the plant floor. It has been a few days since Jake’s encounter with Pinto. At 7 P.M. the October sunset in Los Angeles is almost complete, the perennial smog creating the most vibrant colors. Jake sits alone in the patio area in front of the second floor office at a small table, wearing jeans, a long sleeve T-shirt with the logo “Ruiz Meats. Hecho en Boyle Heights,” and sandals. The T-shirt is a gift from Lupe. He has been living in the plant office for the last few weeks, a stark contrast from Ugandan village life. The three week deadline is fast approaching and Jake is no closer to a decision. It is not an easy choice. It would be easy to simply sell the plant and keep the money, although there are people’s livelihoods at stake. Using the money from the sale of the plant to help his African village is a commendable idea, but not easily implemented. The last option is perhaps the most dangerous and uncertain: keep the plant open and make it a safe, profitable enterprise. It is on this cusp Jake now stands.
The entry doors to the plant swing open. It is impossible to see who it is in the low light.
Listen to "So Sorry"
“He’s got the cachondo look,” teases Nacho.
“Nacho!” Lupe exclaims.
“Stick with Rafael,” Gabi suggests.
“You guys were a thing?” marvels Nacho.
“He’s a heartless pocho!” protests Gabi.
“I don’t think he was here for the flan. Si yo tuviera la misma suerte,” says Conchise.
Everybody knows that you got a past
Come on Lupe tell us, don’t be so tight-assed
Jake is back in town, he’s bound to come around
So between you and me, what’s it gonna be?
Come on Lupe tell me!
That’s ancient history!
Everybody wonders what you’re gonna do
“Leave her alone you guys,” says Gabi half-heartedly.
Both of them are so hot, I wish I were you
Rafael is cool and Nacho’s such a tool
“Hey!” protests Nacho.
Jake is really hot.
“You’re saying that I’m not?” asks a perturbed Nacho.
Let me put you on the spot
“You guys should be shot!” teases Lupe.
Gabi puts her arm on Lupe’s shoulder and takes her aside. In a more serious tone she cautions Lupe.
Pay no attention to those two fools you see
Still I’d be careful of that ancient history
Don’t forget to follow your heart when you get confused
But I see it deep in your eyes, Jake is hard to refuse
Auntie Gabi knows even though it’s long ago
What you felt back then can find you once again
And you never will know when
Both Gabi and Lupe rejoin the two cooks, who continue their meddling.
You know that we love you, we don’t mean to pry
But we have a few things, we’d like to clarify
Is it Rafael or not, or have you just forgot?
Does the thought of Jake and you have you in a stew?
What you gonna do?
“As if I would tell you!” Lupe says melodramatically with a mischievous smile.
“I heard Jake was hiring. I’d like to work under him,” Conchise says dreamily.
“You got no skills,” counters Nacho, his pride slightly injured.
“And I’m stuck with Nacho cheese,” Conchise says, pointing to Nacho.
Nacho makes a face at Conchise.
“Lupe has all the luck, Rafael or Jake! Tough choice. I think he liked my flan,” she continues.
“I think he likes something else,” Nacho says, pointing at Lupe.
“Enfermo de amor for sure. So what’s it gonna be Lupe? History can repeat itself!” Conchise says, hoping to get a rise out of Lupe.
“No me diga!” Lupe counters with feigned indignation.
“Ándale pues!” Nacho exclaims with a smile.
So is it Jake or not, or have you just forgot?
Is it Rafael and you, you don’t have a clue?
What you gonna do?
Come on tell us Lupe
Lupe motions for Conchise and Nacho to gather around closely as if she were to disclose some deep, dark secret.
She pauses dramatically, smiles and says, “Let’s see. Why not both? Or neither!”
Everyone laughs. While Lupe is being peppered with questions concerning her love life, Jake is walking back to the plant. Just around the corner from the panadería he is abruptly confronted by Pinto and his two friends. They purposely block his path and smile menacingly. Jake stops and carefully assesses the situation.
“Who are you?” asks Jake, annoyed.
“Let’s just say I’m a friend of the family,” Pinto warns Jake.
At least five inches taller than Pinto, Jake attempts to push past Pinto. Pinto is short but no pushover. He pushes Jake back with authority while the homies watch and laugh at Jake’s lack of success.
“Dude, is that the best you can do? Gee, no daddy to help you now,” taunts Pinto.
“Sure you want to do this?” asks Jake confidently.
“Your move jefe,” Pinto says with a smug smile on his face.
Jake charges again at Pinto, this time stopping short and seizing Pinto’s outstretched arm. With a quick twist, Pinto cries out in pain. Jake quickly places his foot behind Pinto’s and trips him. He goes down hard on the concrete. With a firm hold on Pinto’s arm, Jake puts his foot on his neck as he lies face down. With a modest amount of additional pressure, Pinto cries out again in pain.
“You were saying?” Jake asks calmly.
The two homeboys swiftly produce a switchblade and a Jennings pistol. They step towards Jake as the switchblade clicks open. Jake gradually releases Pinto and backs away, his hands slightly raised. Pinto struggles to his feet, rubbing his arm.
“That some kind of pocho Kung Fu shit?” he asks angrily.
“Next time I’ll break it.”
“Let me give you some advice carnál. Go back to your factory. That fuckin’ place killed your dad and mine. And stay away from Lupe. You don’t belong here anyway.”
Pinto and his friends disappear down the side street.
Chapter 11-The Garden
The plant is now quiet and empty. Only the office lights are on, casting a dull light over the silent machines on the plant floor. It has been a few days since Jake’s encounter with Pinto. At 7 P.M. the October sunset in Los Angeles is almost complete, the perennial smog creating the most vibrant colors. Jake sits alone in the patio area in front of the second floor office at a small table, wearing jeans, a long sleeve T-shirt with the logo “Ruiz Meats. Hecho en Boyle Heights,” and sandals. The T-shirt is a gift from Lupe. He has been living in the plant office for the last few weeks, a stark contrast from Ugandan village life. The three week deadline is fast approaching and Jake is no closer to a decision. It is not an easy choice. It would be easy to simply sell the plant and keep the money, although there are people’s livelihoods at stake. Using the money from the sale of the plant to help his African village is a commendable idea, but not easily implemented. The last option is perhaps the most dangerous and uncertain: keep the plant open and make it a safe, profitable enterprise. It is on this cusp Jake now stands.
The entry doors to the plant swing open. It is impossible to see who it is in the low light.
Listen to "So Sorry"
“Jake? Are you here?” Lupe calls.
She pauses and looks up toward the dim light on the patio of the office. In the faint light she sees almost nothing.
“Jake?”
“I’m up here.”
Lupe carries a bag as she ascends the stairs. The early evening is still warm and Lupe wears denim shorts, a somewhat sheer sleeveless peasant top with exquisite embroidery on the shoulders, and sandals. Her long dark hair spills over her shoulders. Jake stands up to greet her. He is mesmerized by her raw sensuality.
“Hi,” she says with a sweet smile.
“Hi,” he replies.
“You’re all by yourself every night up here. That’s not good.
“So I brought you a little something! ”
She sets the bag down on the table as Jake quickly clears the pile of papers he’s been reading. She reaches in and pulls out a large foil-wrapped item.
“Tamales!”
"Thanks!"
Jake I’m so sorry, are you alright?
“I am now,” Jake responds with a smile.
“You look tired,” Lupe says with concern.
“It’s been crazy.”
Lupe’s cell phone text message alert begins to sound.
“Oh, sorry,” she says, retrieving her phone from her pocket and glancing at the screen.
Jake says, “Let me guess...”
A slightly exasperated Lupe replies, “Yeah. He likes to keep in touch.”
Lupe quickly erases the message and puts the phone back in her pocket. She surveys the stack of papers spread out on the table in front of Jake.
“What are you doing?” Lupe asks.
“Trying to decide,” he replies.
It’s good to see you, you shouldn’t be alone
For the first time in my whole life
I’m all on my own
He wasn’t much of a father
I shouldn’t complain
Don’t forget what you have both good and bad
You’re not the one who’s to blame
I had no clue, all you went through
There’s a piece of my heart that I lost when she died
I guess we’re the same, me and you
I know what you feel, it seems so unreal
You have your family to help you be strong
It’s a pain that will never heal
Jake motions towards the plant.
This place is a train wreck
I’ve got no clue
For the past twenty years, my father’s worked here
Just ask him he’ll know what to do
Jake nods. Lupe takes Jake by the arm.
I’m here to lean on, whenever you need
Jake smiles, finding it hard to respond with Lupe so close.
You’re my family of one when there’s nowhere to run
Now Lupe smiles up at Jake.
That’s an East L.A. chacha’s guarantee
“You’re a sweetheart,” Jake says tenderly.
“I’m sorry you have to go through this,” Lupe says, trying to console Jake.
“I’m sorry we both do.”
Jake looks out over the vast floor of the plant thoughtfully.
“I don’t know how to run this place. I can barely run the grinder.”
“I remember,” says Lupe, laughing slightly.
“I need all the help I can get.”
“What does your heart tell you?”
Jake takes Lupe by the hands and looks into her soft brown eyes.
“It tells me a lot about you,” says Jake, looking at Lupe intently.
“You know, there’s something I want to show you.”
“What’s that?”
“It’s something you need to see. I think it will help.”
“Help me what?” asks a confused Jake.
“Decide.”
Lupe takes Jake’s hand and leads him down the stairs to the plant floor. He is baffled as to Lupe’s intent. There can’t be anything of consequence in this building, it’s nothing but machines. The tamales are all but forgotten, their minds on other things.
Listen to "The Plant"
She pauses and looks up toward the dim light on the patio of the office. In the faint light she sees almost nothing.
“Jake?”
“I’m up here.”
Lupe carries a bag as she ascends the stairs. The early evening is still warm and Lupe wears denim shorts, a somewhat sheer sleeveless peasant top with exquisite embroidery on the shoulders, and sandals. Her long dark hair spills over her shoulders. Jake stands up to greet her. He is mesmerized by her raw sensuality.
“Hi,” she says with a sweet smile.
“Hi,” he replies.
“You’re all by yourself every night up here. That’s not good.
“So I brought you a little something! ”
She sets the bag down on the table as Jake quickly clears the pile of papers he’s been reading. She reaches in and pulls out a large foil-wrapped item.
“Tamales!”
"Thanks!"
Jake I’m so sorry, are you alright?
“I am now,” Jake responds with a smile.
“You look tired,” Lupe says with concern.
“It’s been crazy.”
Lupe’s cell phone text message alert begins to sound.
“Oh, sorry,” she says, retrieving her phone from her pocket and glancing at the screen.
Jake says, “Let me guess...”
A slightly exasperated Lupe replies, “Yeah. He likes to keep in touch.”
Lupe quickly erases the message and puts the phone back in her pocket. She surveys the stack of papers spread out on the table in front of Jake.
“What are you doing?” Lupe asks.
“Trying to decide,” he replies.
It’s good to see you, you shouldn’t be alone
For the first time in my whole life
I’m all on my own
He wasn’t much of a father
I shouldn’t complain
Don’t forget what you have both good and bad
You’re not the one who’s to blame
I had no clue, all you went through
There’s a piece of my heart that I lost when she died
I guess we’re the same, me and you
I know what you feel, it seems so unreal
You have your family to help you be strong
It’s a pain that will never heal
Jake motions towards the plant.
This place is a train wreck
I’ve got no clue
For the past twenty years, my father’s worked here
Just ask him he’ll know what to do
Jake nods. Lupe takes Jake by the arm.
I’m here to lean on, whenever you need
Jake smiles, finding it hard to respond with Lupe so close.
You’re my family of one when there’s nowhere to run
Now Lupe smiles up at Jake.
That’s an East L.A. chacha’s guarantee
“You’re a sweetheart,” Jake says tenderly.
“I’m sorry you have to go through this,” Lupe says, trying to console Jake.
“I’m sorry we both do.”
Jake looks out over the vast floor of the plant thoughtfully.
“I don’t know how to run this place. I can barely run the grinder.”
“I remember,” says Lupe, laughing slightly.
“I need all the help I can get.”
“What does your heart tell you?”
Jake takes Lupe by the hands and looks into her soft brown eyes.
“It tells me a lot about you,” says Jake, looking at Lupe intently.
“You know, there’s something I want to show you.”
“What’s that?”
“It’s something you need to see. I think it will help.”
“Help me what?” asks a confused Jake.
“Decide.”
Lupe takes Jake’s hand and leads him down the stairs to the plant floor. He is baffled as to Lupe’s intent. There can’t be anything of consequence in this building, it’s nothing but machines. The tamales are all but forgotten, their minds on other things.
Listen to "The Plant"
Where you taking me?
Just wait and see
There’s something that I need to show you
I’ve seen this place too many times
The grinder and the cutting line are strangely silent. The winking standby lights from the electrical panel of the hulking grinder and packing machine give the place an almost surreal quality. The low light bathes everything in a colorless, gray hue. They walk among the machines and reminisce. Lupe pauses next to a large, six foot tall stainless steel container.
Remember when we used to be twelve or thirteen
And the hopper was a great place to hide
I sure do
Good thing though
My Dad didn’t know
I’m sure he would have tanned my backside
Oh yeah!
And Mom would always bring pan dulce
Sure, and all those great tamales just in case
They were the best
When Dad was gone I’d ride inside the hopper
It’s so strange to retrace
Our lives in this place
This place touches a lot of lives
Yours and mine
We spent a lot of time here over the years
With Lupe holding his hand tightly, it seems an odd place to have a nostalgic moment. It all comes back so easily. And how they both felt about each other seven years ago. It doesn’t seem that long ago now, especially with Lupe’s hand in his. It just seems so natural and right. Jake stops suddenly and takes both of Lupe’s hands. His eyes are fixed on the cement floor, as if he has a confession to make. He slowly lifts his head and looks at Lupe with a contrite look on his face. Lupe knows what he is about to say. Her face takes on a sympathetic, compassionate quality.
You know, I never apologized
For leaving like I did
I didn’t mean to hurt you
I’m so sorry
You and I were real close
And it did hurt me. I never said anything. But Mom knew
It was a tough time for me. With my dad
I hated you for a long time. No letters, nothing
It’s like you were ashamed of me. For being Mexican
No, never. It’s just that I couldn’t take it anymore.
So I just ran away from it all.
You left my family with your pocho dad
He treated us like caca and you didn’t even try to help
I was only, what, 18 or so? I know that’s no excuse.
I only wish I could make it up to you
I know. But that was a long time ago
Let’s think about the future
Fair enough. But I have to say, you’re more beautiful than ever
Still the same old smoothie huh?
So check this out. Follow me Yaik!
Now at the very back end of the plant, the only remaining feature is a solitary door leading to the outside. Jake is still at a loss to explain Lupe’s intentions.
Lupe charges through the door. They materialize in the middle of a sea of pallets and Evergreen shipping containers. They stretch for a good fifty yards behind the plant. Now outside, the ceaseless noise from the 60 freeway rises and falls. Lupe deftly navigates through the labyrinth of storage yard items, most of them stacked well over head high. Jake, still puzzled, blindly follows Lupe. Exiting the canyon of containers and pallets, they stand in front of a large, well-tended garden. Many of the plant workers, including Rosa and Antonio, are tending the garden by lantern light. The variety of fruits and vegetables is amazing. Almost everything is ready to harvest, being this late in October. Jake is stunned. About ten people are attentively hoeing, pulling weeds, and watering.
Listen to "The Garden"
Just wait and see
There’s something that I need to show you
I’ve seen this place too many times
The grinder and the cutting line are strangely silent. The winking standby lights from the electrical panel of the hulking grinder and packing machine give the place an almost surreal quality. The low light bathes everything in a colorless, gray hue. They walk among the machines and reminisce. Lupe pauses next to a large, six foot tall stainless steel container.
Remember when we used to be twelve or thirteen
And the hopper was a great place to hide
I sure do
Good thing though
My Dad didn’t know
I’m sure he would have tanned my backside
Oh yeah!
And Mom would always bring pan dulce
Sure, and all those great tamales just in case
They were the best
When Dad was gone I’d ride inside the hopper
It’s so strange to retrace
Our lives in this place
This place touches a lot of lives
Yours and mine
We spent a lot of time here over the years
With Lupe holding his hand tightly, it seems an odd place to have a nostalgic moment. It all comes back so easily. And how they both felt about each other seven years ago. It doesn’t seem that long ago now, especially with Lupe’s hand in his. It just seems so natural and right. Jake stops suddenly and takes both of Lupe’s hands. His eyes are fixed on the cement floor, as if he has a confession to make. He slowly lifts his head and looks at Lupe with a contrite look on his face. Lupe knows what he is about to say. Her face takes on a sympathetic, compassionate quality.
You know, I never apologized
For leaving like I did
I didn’t mean to hurt you
I’m so sorry
You and I were real close
And it did hurt me. I never said anything. But Mom knew
It was a tough time for me. With my dad
I hated you for a long time. No letters, nothing
It’s like you were ashamed of me. For being Mexican
No, never. It’s just that I couldn’t take it anymore.
So I just ran away from it all.
You left my family with your pocho dad
He treated us like caca and you didn’t even try to help
I was only, what, 18 or so? I know that’s no excuse.
I only wish I could make it up to you
I know. But that was a long time ago
Let’s think about the future
Fair enough. But I have to say, you’re more beautiful than ever
Still the same old smoothie huh?
So check this out. Follow me Yaik!
Now at the very back end of the plant, the only remaining feature is a solitary door leading to the outside. Jake is still at a loss to explain Lupe’s intentions.
Lupe charges through the door. They materialize in the middle of a sea of pallets and Evergreen shipping containers. They stretch for a good fifty yards behind the plant. Now outside, the ceaseless noise from the 60 freeway rises and falls. Lupe deftly navigates through the labyrinth of storage yard items, most of them stacked well over head high. Jake, still puzzled, blindly follows Lupe. Exiting the canyon of containers and pallets, they stand in front of a large, well-tended garden. Many of the plant workers, including Rosa and Antonio, are tending the garden by lantern light. The variety of fruits and vegetables is amazing. Almost everything is ready to harvest, being this late in October. Jake is stunned. About ten people are attentively hoeing, pulling weeds, and watering.
Listen to "The Garden"
What is this?
It’s a garden you tonto!
I never knew this was even here!
“Neither did your father,” laughs Lupe.
Jake stands in wonder for a moment and surveys all that is in front of him. He recognizes some of the plant personnel.
These are all factory people?
“That’s right.”
And they work here almost every night
“Makes for a long day,” Jake says with admiration.
They do what they have to. To get by in this life
And they grow all this on their own?
“That’s right,” Lupe says proudly.
This feeds lots of people, like the Medinas right there
And this is all on factory land?
“Yup, pretty amazing.”
Jake and Lupe enter the garden. Jake surveys this jewel in the middle of such industrial chaos. They walk unobserved for a moment before Antonio Medina recognizes them. Both Antonio and Rosa come running over in excitement.
“Mira, es el jefe!” exclaims Antonio.
Rosa grabs Jake and hugs him like a mama bear.
“Muchisimas gracias Señor!”
“Si, si, le debemos todo!”
“Es un hombre muy valiente!” exclaims Rosa.
Lupe turns to Rosa and whispers, “No entiende ni papa!”
“Entonces di le en Inglés!”
She says you’re very brave
“Tell her I’m happy to help.”
Dice que le encanta ayudar
“Antonio, traeme una bolsa para el patrón.”
Antonio goes in search of a bag.
“Is that like tequila?”
Lupe laughs.
Yaik is you, like Yumbo Yak
If you don’t speak English and you want a snack
It’s hard to learn to habla Inglés
When no puedo hablar is all over your face
Antonio returns with a large bag and gives it to Jake.
“Tenemos un regalo para Señor Yaik,” Rosa proudly announces.
They have a gift for you
“Hortalizas, frutas mas finas,” says Antonio
“Fruits and veggies,” translates Lupe.
Jake holds the bag as they walk through the garden, the Medinas selecting only the best produce.
“Fresas!”
Thank you
“Muy buena para amantes,” teases Rosa.
“Rosa!” protests Lupe.
“Jalapeños.”
Great
Rosa points to Jake and says, “Es un tipazo!”
“What?” asks Jake.
“Manzanas.”
Fine
“Son novios, no?” Rosa asks with a twinkle in her eye.
What did she say?
“Lo veo.”
“Peras.”
Thanks!
“Rosa!”
“En tus ojos!”
She thinks I’m gay?
“Amantes!”
“Mango,” says Antonio, making the shape of a woman’s hips with his hands.
Mango
“Híjole.”
“No, no!” Rosa reprimands him for teaching Jake such an inappropriate saying.
Híjole
“Antonio!”
“Híjole que mango,” says Antonio, pointing to Lupe.
“Antonio!”
What did she say?
“Dulce.”
“Oh no,” says Lupe, knowing what is coming.
Dulce
“Sin decir,” comments Rosa.
“Como Lupe, no?” Antonio asks Jake suggestively.
“Ah, ah!” Rosa reprimands Antonio and hits him in the arm.
What’s that really mean?
“Si, si.”
You don’t wanna know
“Es obvio.”
He doesn’t know exactly what you say
“Amantes,” swoons Rosa.
But he can guess what you’re trying to convey
“Te gusta la lechuga?” ask Antonio.
Rosa hits Antonio in the arm again. Lupe looks at Jake tenderly.
Rosa thinks that we’re sweethearts
“And what did you tell her?” Jake asks slowly.
Antonio realizes they are intruding on Lupe and Jake’s private moment.
“Ya vamanos. Dejemos a los amantes solos.”
Rosa squeezes Lupe’s hand and smiles knowingly. Antonio gathers the lanterns while Rosa rounds up the other gardeners. Jake and Lupe watch the gardeners pack up and leave. Jake holds a bag brimming with vegetables and fruit.
“This is their community garden. They’re trying to make their lives better anyway they can. And this is where Gabi’s gets all of her fruit and vegetables for the restaurant. Like I said, this place touches lots of lives. With no plant, all that goes away,” Lupe says.
“It’s like my Peace Corps village. Everyone works together,” Jake responds with a new found respect.
Moving closer, Jake turns to Lupe, takes her hands, and looks into her eyes, “Thanks for showing me all this. I think I understand what you mean now.”
“That’s what I always liked about. You have a heart Yaik Ruiz. I glad that hasn’t changed,” says Lupe.
Lupe begins to laugh slightly and says, “Even though you don’t know Chente from Infante!”
“I plead guilty on that one. Ask me about Prince or Dr. Dre,” replies Jake.
Standing so close to Jake, Lupe can’t help but feel the sexual tension. Still looking intently at Jake, her beautiful Latina face takes on a distant, wistful quality.
“You know, I remember when we were amantes,” Lupe says wistfully.
Not understanding, Jake opens the bag and pulls out a ripe yellow squash and says, “Is this an amante?”
Laughing playfully, Lupe says, “Maybe someday I’ll tell you.”
Jake pulls out his cell phone and says, “Well, I’ll just have to look it up!”
“Not now smarty,” quips Lupe.
Lupe puts her arm through Jake’s as they walk to the end of the garden where a huge Chilean wine palm marks the end of factory property. A small bench and table sit directly underneath the palm, offering the gardeners a bit of shade and relaxation during the day. Jake puts the heavy bag down on the table as they both sit. There is a long pause before Jake begins to speak. Apprehensive of being too bold, he has trouble verbalizing all that he feels. Despite a seven year separation, Lupe still knows Jake well and attempts to put him at ease.
“It’s okay.”
“So. You and Rafael. And I’ve only been here for a little while. So I would understand if you...”
Jake is rambling. Lupe puts a single finger gently on Jake’s mouth to silence him and says, “Let me worry about that. And sorry about giving you such a hard time. I was pretty pissed.”
“That’s okay. I deserved it,” Jake admits.
“Yes, you did. Now show me the man I know you can be.”
Lupe looks pensively at the garden and the factory looming in the background. The last few months have been a blur, leaving her tired and emotionally numb. And now this.
“Lots of memories here,” Lupe says in a whisper.
“Both good and bad.”
Listen to "Remember"
It’s a garden you tonto!
I never knew this was even here!
“Neither did your father,” laughs Lupe.
Jake stands in wonder for a moment and surveys all that is in front of him. He recognizes some of the plant personnel.
These are all factory people?
“That’s right.”
And they work here almost every night
“Makes for a long day,” Jake says with admiration.
They do what they have to. To get by in this life
And they grow all this on their own?
“That’s right,” Lupe says proudly.
This feeds lots of people, like the Medinas right there
And this is all on factory land?
“Yup, pretty amazing.”
Jake and Lupe enter the garden. Jake surveys this jewel in the middle of such industrial chaos. They walk unobserved for a moment before Antonio Medina recognizes them. Both Antonio and Rosa come running over in excitement.
“Mira, es el jefe!” exclaims Antonio.
Rosa grabs Jake and hugs him like a mama bear.
“Muchisimas gracias Señor!”
“Si, si, le debemos todo!”
“Es un hombre muy valiente!” exclaims Rosa.
Lupe turns to Rosa and whispers, “No entiende ni papa!”
“Entonces di le en Inglés!”
She says you’re very brave
“Tell her I’m happy to help.”
Dice que le encanta ayudar
“Antonio, traeme una bolsa para el patrón.”
Antonio goes in search of a bag.
“Is that like tequila?”
Lupe laughs.
Yaik is you, like Yumbo Yak
If you don’t speak English and you want a snack
It’s hard to learn to habla Inglés
When no puedo hablar is all over your face
Antonio returns with a large bag and gives it to Jake.
“Tenemos un regalo para Señor Yaik,” Rosa proudly announces.
They have a gift for you
“Hortalizas, frutas mas finas,” says Antonio
“Fruits and veggies,” translates Lupe.
Jake holds the bag as they walk through the garden, the Medinas selecting only the best produce.
“Fresas!”
Thank you
“Muy buena para amantes,” teases Rosa.
“Rosa!” protests Lupe.
“Jalapeños.”
Great
Rosa points to Jake and says, “Es un tipazo!”
“What?” asks Jake.
“Manzanas.”
Fine
“Son novios, no?” Rosa asks with a twinkle in her eye.
What did she say?
“Lo veo.”
“Peras.”
Thanks!
“Rosa!”
“En tus ojos!”
She thinks I’m gay?
“Amantes!”
“Mango,” says Antonio, making the shape of a woman’s hips with his hands.
Mango
“Híjole.”
“No, no!” Rosa reprimands him for teaching Jake such an inappropriate saying.
Híjole
“Antonio!”
“Híjole que mango,” says Antonio, pointing to Lupe.
“Antonio!”
What did she say?
“Dulce.”
“Oh no,” says Lupe, knowing what is coming.
Dulce
“Sin decir,” comments Rosa.
“Como Lupe, no?” Antonio asks Jake suggestively.
“Ah, ah!” Rosa reprimands Antonio and hits him in the arm.
What’s that really mean?
“Si, si.”
You don’t wanna know
“Es obvio.”
He doesn’t know exactly what you say
“Amantes,” swoons Rosa.
But he can guess what you’re trying to convey
“Te gusta la lechuga?” ask Antonio.
Rosa hits Antonio in the arm again. Lupe looks at Jake tenderly.
Rosa thinks that we’re sweethearts
“And what did you tell her?” Jake asks slowly.
Antonio realizes they are intruding on Lupe and Jake’s private moment.
“Ya vamanos. Dejemos a los amantes solos.”
Rosa squeezes Lupe’s hand and smiles knowingly. Antonio gathers the lanterns while Rosa rounds up the other gardeners. Jake and Lupe watch the gardeners pack up and leave. Jake holds a bag brimming with vegetables and fruit.
“This is their community garden. They’re trying to make their lives better anyway they can. And this is where Gabi’s gets all of her fruit and vegetables for the restaurant. Like I said, this place touches lots of lives. With no plant, all that goes away,” Lupe says.
“It’s like my Peace Corps village. Everyone works together,” Jake responds with a new found respect.
Moving closer, Jake turns to Lupe, takes her hands, and looks into her eyes, “Thanks for showing me all this. I think I understand what you mean now.”
“That’s what I always liked about. You have a heart Yaik Ruiz. I glad that hasn’t changed,” says Lupe.
Lupe begins to laugh slightly and says, “Even though you don’t know Chente from Infante!”
“I plead guilty on that one. Ask me about Prince or Dr. Dre,” replies Jake.
Standing so close to Jake, Lupe can’t help but feel the sexual tension. Still looking intently at Jake, her beautiful Latina face takes on a distant, wistful quality.
“You know, I remember when we were amantes,” Lupe says wistfully.
Not understanding, Jake opens the bag and pulls out a ripe yellow squash and says, “Is this an amante?”
Laughing playfully, Lupe says, “Maybe someday I’ll tell you.”
Jake pulls out his cell phone and says, “Well, I’ll just have to look it up!”
“Not now smarty,” quips Lupe.
Lupe puts her arm through Jake’s as they walk to the end of the garden where a huge Chilean wine palm marks the end of factory property. A small bench and table sit directly underneath the palm, offering the gardeners a bit of shade and relaxation during the day. Jake puts the heavy bag down on the table as they both sit. There is a long pause before Jake begins to speak. Apprehensive of being too bold, he has trouble verbalizing all that he feels. Despite a seven year separation, Lupe still knows Jake well and attempts to put him at ease.
“It’s okay.”
“So. You and Rafael. And I’ve only been here for a little while. So I would understand if you...”
Jake is rambling. Lupe puts a single finger gently on Jake’s mouth to silence him and says, “Let me worry about that. And sorry about giving you such a hard time. I was pretty pissed.”
“That’s okay. I deserved it,” Jake admits.
“Yes, you did. Now show me the man I know you can be.”
Lupe looks pensively at the garden and the factory looming in the background. The last few months have been a blur, leaving her tired and emotionally numb. And now this.
“Lots of memories here,” Lupe says in a whisper.
“Both good and bad.”
Listen to "Remember"
Remember, remember
When we were both so young
Our lives had just begun
I remember, I remember
We didn’t know how far we had to fall
Your mother, your father
I was always on my own
But now you’re all alone
That’s all behind me
Don’t remind me
But you have family to catch you when you fall
Carry the sins of my father
Why do things always have to change?
I never thought this could ever happen
I’m tired of the pain
It all seems so strange
Both of them stand and look across the garden towards the factory. Jake puts his arms around Lupe’s waist from behind and holds her tenderly. It is certainly a bittersweet moment, filled with a variety of emotion. The death of two parents hovers in the air, contrasted by a newly rekindled relationship. The fate of the factory is still unclear and the problem of a another boyfriend must be addressed.
Now you have to hold it all together
Everyday’s a battle to get through
No one ever wants to talk about it
Jake releases Lupe and turns her around to face him.
So who takes care of you?
I wish I knew
Lupe looks at Jake, as if she expects an answer. Jake nods.
Tomorrow and tomorrow
The same thing everyday
Should I bail and walk away?
Don’t surrender, don’t surrender
Lupe grabs Jake firmly around the waist and pulls him close. She smiles playfully.
Is there something here that you really love?
Remember?
Jake kisses her forehead.
“Let me think. Maybe,” she says teasing.
Should I remind you?
Lupe runs her hands through Jake’s long brown hair.
I remember.
They can’t resist any longer. The passion of their first kiss causes Jake to stumble backwards. He lands squarely on the bench with Lupe in his lap. They laugh at the failure of their first kiss. Pressed tightly together, they appear to melt into each other, their eyes closed tightly in ecstasy. Neither Jake or Lupe notice Rosa returning to the garden for a forgotten shovel. Not noticing the two lovers, she searches slowly in the dark. Upon discovering her lost shovel, Rosa turns to go but stops short. There they were on the bench, engaged in a passionate kiss.
Rosa smiles knowingly and says to herself, “Amantes. Lo sabía desde el principio.” She quickly leaves.
Chapter 12-Dia De Los Muertos
“Oo, that smells good!” exclaims Lupe.
“No caca in this vaca!” Nacho proclaims, carefully stirring the menudo.
Nacho, Gabi, Lupe, and Conchise are all congregated in the kitchen working on an elaborate dinner for the party: menudo, the famous Padilla green chili pork tamales, pan de muertos, pumpkin enchiladas, skull cookies with icing, pabassinas, candied pumpkin, and red chile margaritas. Everyone has gathered at the Padilla household for the annual Dia de los Muertos party. Many of the workers from the plant are in attendance, including Rosa and Antonio. Neither Jake nor Rafael have arrived yet, an unpleasant eventuality that Lupe must deal with very shortly. Mr. Padilla has gone to pick Rafael up at the theatre, a task Lupe has shirked, falsely citing her kitchen duties. Of course, Lupe is only putting off the inevitable. The mood is ebullient and boisterous, yet the absence of Mrs. Padilla looms like a shadow over the party. It is the first Dia de los Muertos party without her. The women have created a makeshift altar in honor of the family and friends who have died. It is a small card table with a bright orange tablecloth, candles, sugar skulls, marigolds, and a variety of food. The pungent marigold scent permeates the room. In the background, a tinny record of Pedro Infante is playing.
Rosa motions for Gabi to come out of the kitchen. Rosa excitedly whispers something in Gabi’s ear.
“No me diga!” Gabi exclaims.
She marches back into the kitchen and speaks to Lupe in a whisper, so not to be overheard. They move to just outside of the kitchen for more privacy.
“Rosa told me what happened in the garden.”
“I think Jake is their new best friend. They gave him a whole bag of veggies!”
“That’s not what I meant. I mean everything!”
“Hey, who’s watching the tamales?” Nacho calls to Gabi and Lupe from the kitchen.
“Oh, there was some fruit in there too. I think.” Lupe says softly, starting to worry.
Gabi puts her arm around Lupe and takes her into the living room next to the altar.
“I mean the part about you and Jake on the bench. Besando el patrón mija!”
Lupe is mortified, a look of panic on her face. How did Rosa know that? Lupe realizes it is too late to deny it or offer any defense.
“Oh. That,” is all she can muster.
“Listen Lupita, I know it’s your life, I just hope you know what you’re doing. Does Rafael know about Jake?”
“No,” says Lupe in a pathetic whisper.
“Mija!”
“I know, I know! Everything is happening so fast.”
Again, Nacho calls from the kitchen, “If it’s not too much trouble, we’re cooking dinner here!”
Conchise has secretly followed them to the living room in order to eavesdrop on their private conversation. Just around the corner and out of sight, she has heard it all.
Now that the cat is out of the bag, Conchise appears and talks loudly enough so even Nacho can hear, “Oo, the garden of love! And with the boss no less! Ay!”
Lupe is appalled. It wouldn’t have been so bad with just Gabi knowing, but Conchise has never been able to keep a secret.
“Oh great! Ahora todo el mundo sabe! No puedo hacer nada en esta familia!”
Giving up on any degree of privacy, Lupe returns to the kitchen followed by Gabi and Conchise.
“Stick to your tamales Miss Casamentera!” Nacho tells Conchise.
“And what do you know about it papanatas?”
“I know I love your tamales!”
Gabi is still concerned about Lupe and softly asks, “What does your heart tell you?”
Still embarrassed, Lupe responds slowly and in a whisper, “Well, Jake is here and Rafael...”
Mr. Padilla and Rafael briskly walk through the door. Rafael is still in his mariachi outfit from the performance.
“Is here!” Nacho finishes the sentence for Lupe.
Everyone gathers around Rafael in admiration. He has a bit of a rock star image, traveling the world with the ballet folklórico.
“Welcome back to L.A. Rafael!” shouts Nacho.
The men vigorously shake his hand while the adoring women lavish affectionate hugs upon him. All the women except Lupe, who remains behind in the kitchen.
“Love the outfit Chente!” Conchise exclaims, kissing him on the cheek.
“Wonderful to see you Rafael,” says Gabi.
As the adoring fans move away, Lupe comes slowly out of the kitchen and gives him a cursory hug. He looks intently at her, but Lupe avoids his gaze.
“Amorcito, how are you?”
Lupe’s manner is somewhat aloof and the conversation is strained.
“Fine. How was the tour?”
“Great. We’ve been all over Mexico and the U.S.”
Rafael is concerned about Lupe’s less than enthusiastic welcome and says, “You okay?”
“How about a song Chente?” Nacho says enthusiastically.
Unfortunately for Rafael, this is not what he has been waiting for.
“Give him a chance to relax,” Gabi suggests.
“He’s famous. We all want a song, right?”
Nacho retrieves an aging classical guitar from the living room and gives it to a reluctant Rafael. Mr. Padilla brings a chair. He sits down, quickly tunes the guitar, and begins to sing. Conchise stands right behind him, swaying to the music. Lupe, however, keeps her eyes on the floor, again avoiding any eye contact.
Listen to "No Se Olvidar"
When we were both so young
Our lives had just begun
I remember, I remember
We didn’t know how far we had to fall
Your mother, your father
I was always on my own
But now you’re all alone
That’s all behind me
Don’t remind me
But you have family to catch you when you fall
Carry the sins of my father
Why do things always have to change?
I never thought this could ever happen
I’m tired of the pain
It all seems so strange
Both of them stand and look across the garden towards the factory. Jake puts his arms around Lupe’s waist from behind and holds her tenderly. It is certainly a bittersweet moment, filled with a variety of emotion. The death of two parents hovers in the air, contrasted by a newly rekindled relationship. The fate of the factory is still unclear and the problem of a another boyfriend must be addressed.
Now you have to hold it all together
Everyday’s a battle to get through
No one ever wants to talk about it
Jake releases Lupe and turns her around to face him.
So who takes care of you?
I wish I knew
Lupe looks at Jake, as if she expects an answer. Jake nods.
Tomorrow and tomorrow
The same thing everyday
Should I bail and walk away?
Don’t surrender, don’t surrender
Lupe grabs Jake firmly around the waist and pulls him close. She smiles playfully.
Is there something here that you really love?
Remember?
Jake kisses her forehead.
“Let me think. Maybe,” she says teasing.
Should I remind you?
Lupe runs her hands through Jake’s long brown hair.
I remember.
They can’t resist any longer. The passion of their first kiss causes Jake to stumble backwards. He lands squarely on the bench with Lupe in his lap. They laugh at the failure of their first kiss. Pressed tightly together, they appear to melt into each other, their eyes closed tightly in ecstasy. Neither Jake or Lupe notice Rosa returning to the garden for a forgotten shovel. Not noticing the two lovers, she searches slowly in the dark. Upon discovering her lost shovel, Rosa turns to go but stops short. There they were on the bench, engaged in a passionate kiss.
Rosa smiles knowingly and says to herself, “Amantes. Lo sabía desde el principio.” She quickly leaves.
Chapter 12-Dia De Los Muertos
“Oo, that smells good!” exclaims Lupe.
“No caca in this vaca!” Nacho proclaims, carefully stirring the menudo.
Nacho, Gabi, Lupe, and Conchise are all congregated in the kitchen working on an elaborate dinner for the party: menudo, the famous Padilla green chili pork tamales, pan de muertos, pumpkin enchiladas, skull cookies with icing, pabassinas, candied pumpkin, and red chile margaritas. Everyone has gathered at the Padilla household for the annual Dia de los Muertos party. Many of the workers from the plant are in attendance, including Rosa and Antonio. Neither Jake nor Rafael have arrived yet, an unpleasant eventuality that Lupe must deal with very shortly. Mr. Padilla has gone to pick Rafael up at the theatre, a task Lupe has shirked, falsely citing her kitchen duties. Of course, Lupe is only putting off the inevitable. The mood is ebullient and boisterous, yet the absence of Mrs. Padilla looms like a shadow over the party. It is the first Dia de los Muertos party without her. The women have created a makeshift altar in honor of the family and friends who have died. It is a small card table with a bright orange tablecloth, candles, sugar skulls, marigolds, and a variety of food. The pungent marigold scent permeates the room. In the background, a tinny record of Pedro Infante is playing.
Rosa motions for Gabi to come out of the kitchen. Rosa excitedly whispers something in Gabi’s ear.
“No me diga!” Gabi exclaims.
She marches back into the kitchen and speaks to Lupe in a whisper, so not to be overheard. They move to just outside of the kitchen for more privacy.
“Rosa told me what happened in the garden.”
“I think Jake is their new best friend. They gave him a whole bag of veggies!”
“That’s not what I meant. I mean everything!”
“Hey, who’s watching the tamales?” Nacho calls to Gabi and Lupe from the kitchen.
“Oh, there was some fruit in there too. I think.” Lupe says softly, starting to worry.
Gabi puts her arm around Lupe and takes her into the living room next to the altar.
“I mean the part about you and Jake on the bench. Besando el patrón mija!”
Lupe is mortified, a look of panic on her face. How did Rosa know that? Lupe realizes it is too late to deny it or offer any defense.
“Oh. That,” is all she can muster.
“Listen Lupita, I know it’s your life, I just hope you know what you’re doing. Does Rafael know about Jake?”
“No,” says Lupe in a pathetic whisper.
“Mija!”
“I know, I know! Everything is happening so fast.”
Again, Nacho calls from the kitchen, “If it’s not too much trouble, we’re cooking dinner here!”
Conchise has secretly followed them to the living room in order to eavesdrop on their private conversation. Just around the corner and out of sight, she has heard it all.
Now that the cat is out of the bag, Conchise appears and talks loudly enough so even Nacho can hear, “Oo, the garden of love! And with the boss no less! Ay!”
Lupe is appalled. It wouldn’t have been so bad with just Gabi knowing, but Conchise has never been able to keep a secret.
“Oh great! Ahora todo el mundo sabe! No puedo hacer nada en esta familia!”
Giving up on any degree of privacy, Lupe returns to the kitchen followed by Gabi and Conchise.
“Stick to your tamales Miss Casamentera!” Nacho tells Conchise.
“And what do you know about it papanatas?”
“I know I love your tamales!”
Gabi is still concerned about Lupe and softly asks, “What does your heart tell you?”
Still embarrassed, Lupe responds slowly and in a whisper, “Well, Jake is here and Rafael...”
Mr. Padilla and Rafael briskly walk through the door. Rafael is still in his mariachi outfit from the performance.
“Is here!” Nacho finishes the sentence for Lupe.
Everyone gathers around Rafael in admiration. He has a bit of a rock star image, traveling the world with the ballet folklórico.
“Welcome back to L.A. Rafael!” shouts Nacho.
The men vigorously shake his hand while the adoring women lavish affectionate hugs upon him. All the women except Lupe, who remains behind in the kitchen.
“Love the outfit Chente!” Conchise exclaims, kissing him on the cheek.
“Wonderful to see you Rafael,” says Gabi.
As the adoring fans move away, Lupe comes slowly out of the kitchen and gives him a cursory hug. He looks intently at her, but Lupe avoids his gaze.
“Amorcito, how are you?”
Lupe’s manner is somewhat aloof and the conversation is strained.
“Fine. How was the tour?”
“Great. We’ve been all over Mexico and the U.S.”
Rafael is concerned about Lupe’s less than enthusiastic welcome and says, “You okay?”
“How about a song Chente?” Nacho says enthusiastically.
Unfortunately for Rafael, this is not what he has been waiting for.
“Give him a chance to relax,” Gabi suggests.
“He’s famous. We all want a song, right?”
Nacho retrieves an aging classical guitar from the living room and gives it to a reluctant Rafael. Mr. Padilla brings a chair. He sits down, quickly tunes the guitar, and begins to sing. Conchise stands right behind him, swaying to the music. Lupe, however, keeps her eyes on the floor, again avoiding any eye contact.
Listen to "No Se Olvidar"
No matter where you are
No se olivdar amorcito
I’ve known it all along
That I’ve been gone too long
No me olvides
There’s something on your mind
I’m in love but I’m not blind
But after all this time
Me olivdaste?
No matter where you are
Te voy a encontrar
Pues no se olvidar amorcito
No se olvidar
No se olvidar
No se olvidar
“No puedo olvidar,” he whispers, looking directly at Lupe.
Everyone applauds enthusiastically. Conchise whistles loudly. Rafael quickly hands the guitar to Nacho and attempts to walk over to Lupe, despite all the back slapping and adulation.
“Híjole mi hija, crunch time,” Gabi shakes her head and whispers to Lupe.
Rafael takes Lupe’s hands as they both sit down on the sofa. Poor Lupe manages a faint smile.
“What’s wrong amorcito corazón?”
“We have to talk,” Lupe whispers.
There is an immediate knock at the door. Mr. Padilla opens the door and a smiling Jake Ruiz walks inside. Lupe is becoming progressively more nervous.
Nacho whispers in Gabi’s ear, “Oh, this should be good!”
“Jake, welcome. Please come in,” Mr. Padilla says graciously.
“Thanks Mr. Padilla,” says Jake, shaking his hand. “And hello everyone.”
“Hi Jake. Buenas noches!” everyone replies.
Mr. Padilla announces to the group at large, “As you all know, Jake is the new plant owner. And after his help with the Medina family...”
Rosa and Antonio applaud enthusiastically, “Muchisimas gracias Señor Yaik!”
“He deserves some of Lupe’s Dia de los Muertos cooking!”
“Don’t forget Gabi and Conchise too!” Nacho reminds him.
“That’s right. Gabi, Conchise, and Nacho have all been busy in the kitchen.”
Everyone applauds gratefully. Mr. Padilla takes Jake in tow and walks over to introduce him to Rafael. Everyone goes back to chatting and snacking, except, of course, Gabi, Nacho, and Conchise, who watch with a kind of perverse fascination.
“And this is Rafael. Visiting us from Oaxaca.”
Both Jake and Rafael shake hands. Jake glances at Lupe for any sign that she has informed Rafael of the bad news. The tension on Lupe’s face requires no explanation.
“How are you Lupe?” Jake asks.
“Fine,” she squeaks.
Rafael is increasingly confused by the unease in Lupe’s manner.
Rosa and Antonio are overjoyed to see Jake again and shake his hand in gratitude. Rosa cannot resist giving him another affectionate bear hug.
Rosa explains to Rafael, “Este hombre valiente nos salvó de la migra.”
Only glancing at Jake, Lupe translates, “She said you saved them from ICE.”
“So you’re the hero I’ve been hearing about,” says Rafael.
Rosa continues, “Tenemos un regalo para tu madre Lupe. Y tu padre Señor Yaik.”
Translating again, Lupe says, “This is for my mom and your dad.”
Rosa hands them each a brightly wrapped package. Lupe motions Jake to follow her to the altar. They deposit the gifts on the table.
Jake kisses Rosa on the cheek and says, “Thank you so much.”
Rosa turns to Lupe and Jake and says, “La semana que viene, vengan a cenar.”
Rosa now addresses Antonio, “Y les enseñaré a los amantes cocinar nopales.”
Rafael is stunned by Rosa’s words and looks at Lupe and Jake in disbelief. Lupe closes her eyes in dismay, sits down, and puts her head in her hands.
“What did she say?” Jake asks Lupe.
She can’t respond, however, Conchise is more than willing to help out.
“They want you to come over for dinner.”
Gabi takes Lupe by the arm and whispers, “Now mija!”
She begins to speak but is interrupted by her father. Rafael is in a panic.
In a loud voice, Mr. Padilla addresses all the partygoers, “Everyone! Atención! A toast!”
Everyone finds a glass and something to drink. A shell-shocked Rafael cannot move.
“Tonight we remember those who are no longer with us. We were blessed to have them in our lives. May we keep them in our hearts always.”
Mr. Padilla pauses for a moment and looks at his daughter tenderly. Lupe looks up at her father in alarm.
“Salud!” he cries.
The crowd responds, “Salud!” and enthusiastically empty their glasses.
Mr. Padilla turns to Jake and quietly says, “Jake, Rosa has a little something to say.” Turning to Rosa he says, “Rosa, ahorita!”
Rosa marches to the center of the dining room and proclaims in a very loud voice, “Mis amigos! Amigos, cállense por favor, estoy hablando!”
Rosa waits a moment for dramatic effect and says, “Tenemos un regalito. For Mr. Yaik.”
Rosa produces an envelope and hands it to Jake along with another bear hug.
“Gracias Rosa,” says Jake with a poor accent.
Mr. Padilla comes over to Jake to explain, “Everyone here has contributed a little something. It may not be $25,000 but it’s the thought that counts.”
Jake is amazed at this wonderful gesture of generosity. He cannot respond for a moment.
“Thank you all so much. It’s a very generous gift. While it may not be $25,000, I’ve learned to have a little faith.”
Jake turns to Lupe with his hand pressed together as if in prayer, bows, and says, “Thanks to Lupe here.”
Jake pauses dramatically and forcefully declares, “And so, I’ve decided not to sell the plant!”
The partygoers erupt into ecstatic applause. Mr. Padilla pats Jake enthusiastically on the back while the Medinas shower him with hugs and vigorous hand shaking. Lupe comes over to Jake slowly and kisses him on the cheek.
“I knew you’d do the right thing.”
“Pretty fly for a pretty pocho patrón!” quips José Maria.
They both laugh. However, Rafael’s frustration is reached its limit.
“What’s going on between you and Lupe?” he bellows at Jake.
Rafael pushes Jake. Jake retreats a few steps and looks questioningly at Lupe.
“Now mi hija!” screams Gabi.
Lupe steps between them and says to Rafael, “You don’t understand.”
“I understand alright. He’s the problem.”
Rafael points to Jake in contempt. Rafael attempts to push Jake again, but Jake parries and sends him crashing into the altar, scattering items everywhere. Mr. Padilla firmly picks up Rafael off the floor and presses him against the wall.
“You are a guest in my house. Behave accordingly.”
Mr. Padilla releases Rafael. The women attempt to reassemble the altar.
“I’m sorry Mr. Padilla but this ladrón thinks he can steal what’s mine.”
In complete frustration, Lupe screams, “What’s your? I’ve been trying to tell you...”
Just then, three shots ring out, interrupting Lupe. Glass flies everywhere. Everyone drops to the floor for cover. The women scream in terror. Pinto has sprayed the house with gunfire, blowing out the front windows.
From outside the house, Pinto yells, “Have a nice day Padilla! Now I’m gonna fire your ass!”
Three more shots ring out. More glass and debris fly through the air.
“It’s that a pinche Pinto! I’ll deal with him!” yells Gabi, as she whips out a snub nose .38 and charges out the front door in a fury.
“Gabi no!” screams Lupe and Conchise.
Gabi gets off three shots as Pinto runs off.
“Nobody messes with my family!”
Gabi returns to the house, the adrenaline still pumping furiously. Everyone slowly gets off the floor and assesses the damage, everyone except Jake. He sits in the corner grasping his bleeding arm, cut by the flying glass.
“Jake!” Lupe cries.
She rushes to his side and gingerly examines his arm.
“Give those to me!” she screams at José Maria, pointing to the napkins on the table.
Lupe presses the napkins firmly to Jake’s arm. Mr. Padilla and Antonio come over to inspect Jake. Lupe delicately lifts up the blood soak napkins.
“That will need some stitches. Can you walk?” asks Mr. Padilla.
“I think so.”
Lupe and her father get Jake to his feet and into a chair. She tenderly kisses Jake on the cheek, to Rafael’s chagrin.
“I’ll need to bandage that before we go. José Maria, get the med kit from the kitchen.”
José Maria sprints to the kitchen and retrieves the kit. Mr. Padilla deftly bandages Jake’s arm, stopping most of the bleeding. In the meantime, Rafael comes over to José Maria.
“Espero que este pinche puto se sangre hasta la madre y se muera.”
“Chuy, take Jake to County General. Here, take my keys,” says Mr. Padilla
Mr. Padilla and Antonio get Jake to his feet and out the front door and into the Padilla family Ford truck, followed by a concerned Lupe. Chuy slips behind the steering wheel.
“Best to go to County General,” advises Mr. Padilla.
“I know,” replies Chuy as he disappears down the driveway.
As Mr. Padilla, Lupe, and Antonio return to the house, the clean up effort is already underway. Glass covers the floor and has ruined all the food on the dining room table. The entire front window pane is gone, but there seems to be no other major damage. Lupe apprehensively approaches a shell-shocked Rafael.
In a whisper she slowly says, “I can’t do this. I can’t marry you.”
Rafael dejectedly looks at the ground and says nothing. He turns away from Lupe without a word and walks through the front door and sits down on the front porch steps.
Listen to "Ya Me Voy"
No se olivdar amorcito
I’ve known it all along
That I’ve been gone too long
No me olvides
There’s something on your mind
I’m in love but I’m not blind
But after all this time
Me olivdaste?
No matter where you are
Te voy a encontrar
Pues no se olvidar amorcito
No se olvidar
No se olvidar
No se olvidar
“No puedo olvidar,” he whispers, looking directly at Lupe.
Everyone applauds enthusiastically. Conchise whistles loudly. Rafael quickly hands the guitar to Nacho and attempts to walk over to Lupe, despite all the back slapping and adulation.
“Híjole mi hija, crunch time,” Gabi shakes her head and whispers to Lupe.
Rafael takes Lupe’s hands as they both sit down on the sofa. Poor Lupe manages a faint smile.
“What’s wrong amorcito corazón?”
“We have to talk,” Lupe whispers.
There is an immediate knock at the door. Mr. Padilla opens the door and a smiling Jake Ruiz walks inside. Lupe is becoming progressively more nervous.
Nacho whispers in Gabi’s ear, “Oh, this should be good!”
“Jake, welcome. Please come in,” Mr. Padilla says graciously.
“Thanks Mr. Padilla,” says Jake, shaking his hand. “And hello everyone.”
“Hi Jake. Buenas noches!” everyone replies.
Mr. Padilla announces to the group at large, “As you all know, Jake is the new plant owner. And after his help with the Medina family...”
Rosa and Antonio applaud enthusiastically, “Muchisimas gracias Señor Yaik!”
“He deserves some of Lupe’s Dia de los Muertos cooking!”
“Don’t forget Gabi and Conchise too!” Nacho reminds him.
“That’s right. Gabi, Conchise, and Nacho have all been busy in the kitchen.”
Everyone applauds gratefully. Mr. Padilla takes Jake in tow and walks over to introduce him to Rafael. Everyone goes back to chatting and snacking, except, of course, Gabi, Nacho, and Conchise, who watch with a kind of perverse fascination.
“And this is Rafael. Visiting us from Oaxaca.”
Both Jake and Rafael shake hands. Jake glances at Lupe for any sign that she has informed Rafael of the bad news. The tension on Lupe’s face requires no explanation.
“How are you Lupe?” Jake asks.
“Fine,” she squeaks.
Rafael is increasingly confused by the unease in Lupe’s manner.
Rosa and Antonio are overjoyed to see Jake again and shake his hand in gratitude. Rosa cannot resist giving him another affectionate bear hug.
Rosa explains to Rafael, “Este hombre valiente nos salvó de la migra.”
Only glancing at Jake, Lupe translates, “She said you saved them from ICE.”
“So you’re the hero I’ve been hearing about,” says Rafael.
Rosa continues, “Tenemos un regalo para tu madre Lupe. Y tu padre Señor Yaik.”
Translating again, Lupe says, “This is for my mom and your dad.”
Rosa hands them each a brightly wrapped package. Lupe motions Jake to follow her to the altar. They deposit the gifts on the table.
Jake kisses Rosa on the cheek and says, “Thank you so much.”
Rosa turns to Lupe and Jake and says, “La semana que viene, vengan a cenar.”
Rosa now addresses Antonio, “Y les enseñaré a los amantes cocinar nopales.”
Rafael is stunned by Rosa’s words and looks at Lupe and Jake in disbelief. Lupe closes her eyes in dismay, sits down, and puts her head in her hands.
“What did she say?” Jake asks Lupe.
She can’t respond, however, Conchise is more than willing to help out.
“They want you to come over for dinner.”
Gabi takes Lupe by the arm and whispers, “Now mija!”
She begins to speak but is interrupted by her father. Rafael is in a panic.
In a loud voice, Mr. Padilla addresses all the partygoers, “Everyone! Atención! A toast!”
Everyone finds a glass and something to drink. A shell-shocked Rafael cannot move.
“Tonight we remember those who are no longer with us. We were blessed to have them in our lives. May we keep them in our hearts always.”
Mr. Padilla pauses for a moment and looks at his daughter tenderly. Lupe looks up at her father in alarm.
“Salud!” he cries.
The crowd responds, “Salud!” and enthusiastically empty their glasses.
Mr. Padilla turns to Jake and quietly says, “Jake, Rosa has a little something to say.” Turning to Rosa he says, “Rosa, ahorita!”
Rosa marches to the center of the dining room and proclaims in a very loud voice, “Mis amigos! Amigos, cállense por favor, estoy hablando!”
Rosa waits a moment for dramatic effect and says, “Tenemos un regalito. For Mr. Yaik.”
Rosa produces an envelope and hands it to Jake along with another bear hug.
“Gracias Rosa,” says Jake with a poor accent.
Mr. Padilla comes over to Jake to explain, “Everyone here has contributed a little something. It may not be $25,000 but it’s the thought that counts.”
Jake is amazed at this wonderful gesture of generosity. He cannot respond for a moment.
“Thank you all so much. It’s a very generous gift. While it may not be $25,000, I’ve learned to have a little faith.”
Jake turns to Lupe with his hand pressed together as if in prayer, bows, and says, “Thanks to Lupe here.”
Jake pauses dramatically and forcefully declares, “And so, I’ve decided not to sell the plant!”
The partygoers erupt into ecstatic applause. Mr. Padilla pats Jake enthusiastically on the back while the Medinas shower him with hugs and vigorous hand shaking. Lupe comes over to Jake slowly and kisses him on the cheek.
“I knew you’d do the right thing.”
“Pretty fly for a pretty pocho patrón!” quips José Maria.
They both laugh. However, Rafael’s frustration is reached its limit.
“What’s going on between you and Lupe?” he bellows at Jake.
Rafael pushes Jake. Jake retreats a few steps and looks questioningly at Lupe.
“Now mi hija!” screams Gabi.
Lupe steps between them and says to Rafael, “You don’t understand.”
“I understand alright. He’s the problem.”
Rafael points to Jake in contempt. Rafael attempts to push Jake again, but Jake parries and sends him crashing into the altar, scattering items everywhere. Mr. Padilla firmly picks up Rafael off the floor and presses him against the wall.
“You are a guest in my house. Behave accordingly.”
Mr. Padilla releases Rafael. The women attempt to reassemble the altar.
“I’m sorry Mr. Padilla but this ladrón thinks he can steal what’s mine.”
In complete frustration, Lupe screams, “What’s your? I’ve been trying to tell you...”
Just then, three shots ring out, interrupting Lupe. Glass flies everywhere. Everyone drops to the floor for cover. The women scream in terror. Pinto has sprayed the house with gunfire, blowing out the front windows.
From outside the house, Pinto yells, “Have a nice day Padilla! Now I’m gonna fire your ass!”
Three more shots ring out. More glass and debris fly through the air.
“It’s that a pinche Pinto! I’ll deal with him!” yells Gabi, as she whips out a snub nose .38 and charges out the front door in a fury.
“Gabi no!” screams Lupe and Conchise.
Gabi gets off three shots as Pinto runs off.
“Nobody messes with my family!”
Gabi returns to the house, the adrenaline still pumping furiously. Everyone slowly gets off the floor and assesses the damage, everyone except Jake. He sits in the corner grasping his bleeding arm, cut by the flying glass.
“Jake!” Lupe cries.
She rushes to his side and gingerly examines his arm.
“Give those to me!” she screams at José Maria, pointing to the napkins on the table.
Lupe presses the napkins firmly to Jake’s arm. Mr. Padilla and Antonio come over to inspect Jake. Lupe delicately lifts up the blood soak napkins.
“That will need some stitches. Can you walk?” asks Mr. Padilla.
“I think so.”
Lupe and her father get Jake to his feet and into a chair. She tenderly kisses Jake on the cheek, to Rafael’s chagrin.
“I’ll need to bandage that before we go. José Maria, get the med kit from the kitchen.”
José Maria sprints to the kitchen and retrieves the kit. Mr. Padilla deftly bandages Jake’s arm, stopping most of the bleeding. In the meantime, Rafael comes over to José Maria.
“Espero que este pinche puto se sangre hasta la madre y se muera.”
“Chuy, take Jake to County General. Here, take my keys,” says Mr. Padilla
Mr. Padilla and Antonio get Jake to his feet and out the front door and into the Padilla family Ford truck, followed by a concerned Lupe. Chuy slips behind the steering wheel.
“Best to go to County General,” advises Mr. Padilla.
“I know,” replies Chuy as he disappears down the driveway.
As Mr. Padilla, Lupe, and Antonio return to the house, the clean up effort is already underway. Glass covers the floor and has ruined all the food on the dining room table. The entire front window pane is gone, but there seems to be no other major damage. Lupe apprehensively approaches a shell-shocked Rafael.
In a whisper she slowly says, “I can’t do this. I can’t marry you.”
Rafael dejectedly looks at the ground and says nothing. He turns away from Lupe without a word and walks through the front door and sits down on the front porch steps.
Listen to "Ya Me Voy"
“Ay, ay, ay! Esta canción es de dolor. Por que ya te me fuiste mi Lupe.”
I used to sing your name
But now the song has changed, sad to say
I thought you’d always be
Waiting here for me, ya se fue
You’re all I ever wanted
But I want you to be free
I’m glad he makes you happy
I’m just sorry it’s not me
Para siempre is so long
But now the song is gone
Gone away
You want him I can see
And that’s enough for me
Ya me voy
You love him I can see
No te preocupes mas por mi
Ya me voy
Ya me voy
Ya me voy
Chapter 13-I Wanted You To Know
A few hours later Lupe stand in front of St. Mary’s. The November night air is cool as fall finally approaches in Southern California. Lupe glances up at the tall front entry doors. As she does, a profound sense of consolation washes over her. She enters reverently. The devotional candles flicker in the dim light. A sense of peace descends upon Lupe, but now it is somehow different. The grief for the loss of her mother now seems tempered by a renewed sense of devotion to her family, and, of course, her affection for Jake. Lupe can almost feel her mother’s presence in this place. She approaches the rack of devotional candles. Lupe lights one slowly with a melancholy visage.
“For you Mamá,” she says, gazing at the beautiful stained glass window just above the candles.
Lupe turns back towards the candles and tenderly sings to her mother.
Listen to "I Wanted You To Know"
I used to sing your name
But now the song has changed, sad to say
I thought you’d always be
Waiting here for me, ya se fue
You’re all I ever wanted
But I want you to be free
I’m glad he makes you happy
I’m just sorry it’s not me
Para siempre is so long
But now the song is gone
Gone away
You want him I can see
And that’s enough for me
Ya me voy
You love him I can see
No te preocupes mas por mi
Ya me voy
Ya me voy
Ya me voy
Chapter 13-I Wanted You To Know
A few hours later Lupe stand in front of St. Mary’s. The November night air is cool as fall finally approaches in Southern California. Lupe glances up at the tall front entry doors. As she does, a profound sense of consolation washes over her. She enters reverently. The devotional candles flicker in the dim light. A sense of peace descends upon Lupe, but now it is somehow different. The grief for the loss of her mother now seems tempered by a renewed sense of devotion to her family, and, of course, her affection for Jake. Lupe can almost feel her mother’s presence in this place. She approaches the rack of devotional candles. Lupe lights one slowly with a melancholy visage.
“For you Mamá,” she says, gazing at the beautiful stained glass window just above the candles.
Lupe turns back towards the candles and tenderly sings to her mother.
Listen to "I Wanted You To Know"
All those times that I came here
Day after day
To ask you to help me
To show me the way
Well, I’ve finally decided
And you were right all along
To dream my own dream
And to sing my own song
I wanted you to know
I wanted you to know
I don’t have to choose
There’ll be time for that one day
Love has to wait
I’ll get to that someday
Lupe imagines what her mother might say.
Now is your time
I’ll be here to help you
Just follow your heart
And remember I love you
I used to come here everyday to pray
And ask for help to get me through the day
I never thought my answer would be you
What my mother used to is still true
Familia y fe
Familia y fe
I wanted you to know
And ask for help to get me through the day
I never thought my answer would be you
What my mother used to say is still true
Familia y fe, familia y fe
Familia y fe, familia y fe
I wanted you to know
Lupe tenderly says to herself, “I guess it’s not just a dream anymore.”
Lupe makes the sign of the cross and slowly walks towards the narthex. As she opens the heavy wooden doors she is filled with an exhilarating sense of relief. The cool night air seems to carry away any uncertainty she may have had.
Chapter 14-Familia Y Fe
The cleanup continues at the Padilla home. Despite the harrowing encounter with Pinto, the family and friends are determined to celebrate nonetheless. With glass everywhere, the furniture must be cleaned, the floors swept, and almost all the food thrown out. Nacho looks with dismay at the dining room table filled with inedible food.
“Oh no, not the tamales. Well, it’s not caca in the vaca now, it’s glass in the menudo!”
“So sorry mi corazón, it was sabroso,” Conchise says.
She picks up the menudo, goes to the kitchen, and dumps it into the sink.
Carrying the large plate of tamales to the kitchen Nacho comments, “I don’t think that idiot Pinto will be back.”
He puts the tamales in the trash can with a frown.
“Not with Gabi around!” exclaims Conchise.
“Not unless he wants to lose his huevos rancheros! Remind me not to piss you off Gabi!” Nacho exclaims as everyone laughs.
A smiling Gabi bows graciously for them. Gabi’s cell phone loudly rings.
“Bueno? Muy bien, muy bien. Si, hablaré con José. Okay. Bye.”
Gabi motions for everyone to gather around, “Hey everybody, Jake will be fine. Just a few stitches.”
There is a general sigh of relief. A few moments later Lupe walks through the door. There is a different expression on her face now, a sense of peace.
Mr. Padilla notices his daughter first and says, “Mija, you’re back.”
“I had to go and talk to someone.”
“Well, I’m glad you’re back,” says a relieved Mr. Padilla.
Gabi notices the change in Lupe and tenderly says, “Let me guess. You’ve been at St. Mary’s.”
Lupe nods and says, “I told Mom I’m going to college.”
Nacho has overheard the conversation and races to the kitchen. He returns with two large bottles, one in each hand.
Lifting both bottles high overhead for all to see, he exclaims, “College? Let’s get this party started!”
Everyone cheers. Nacho uncorks the bottles while Lupe and Gabi pass out the glasses.
Listen to "Familia Y Fe"
Day after day
To ask you to help me
To show me the way
Well, I’ve finally decided
And you were right all along
To dream my own dream
And to sing my own song
I wanted you to know
I wanted you to know
I don’t have to choose
There’ll be time for that one day
Love has to wait
I’ll get to that someday
Lupe imagines what her mother might say.
Now is your time
I’ll be here to help you
Just follow your heart
And remember I love you
I used to come here everyday to pray
And ask for help to get me through the day
I never thought my answer would be you
What my mother used to is still true
Familia y fe
Familia y fe
I wanted you to know
And ask for help to get me through the day
I never thought my answer would be you
What my mother used to say is still true
Familia y fe, familia y fe
Familia y fe, familia y fe
I wanted you to know
Lupe tenderly says to herself, “I guess it’s not just a dream anymore.”
Lupe makes the sign of the cross and slowly walks towards the narthex. As she opens the heavy wooden doors she is filled with an exhilarating sense of relief. The cool night air seems to carry away any uncertainty she may have had.
Chapter 14-Familia Y Fe
The cleanup continues at the Padilla home. Despite the harrowing encounter with Pinto, the family and friends are determined to celebrate nonetheless. With glass everywhere, the furniture must be cleaned, the floors swept, and almost all the food thrown out. Nacho looks with dismay at the dining room table filled with inedible food.
“Oh no, not the tamales. Well, it’s not caca in the vaca now, it’s glass in the menudo!”
“So sorry mi corazón, it was sabroso,” Conchise says.
She picks up the menudo, goes to the kitchen, and dumps it into the sink.
Carrying the large plate of tamales to the kitchen Nacho comments, “I don’t think that idiot Pinto will be back.”
He puts the tamales in the trash can with a frown.
“Not with Gabi around!” exclaims Conchise.
“Not unless he wants to lose his huevos rancheros! Remind me not to piss you off Gabi!” Nacho exclaims as everyone laughs.
A smiling Gabi bows graciously for them. Gabi’s cell phone loudly rings.
“Bueno? Muy bien, muy bien. Si, hablaré con José. Okay. Bye.”
Gabi motions for everyone to gather around, “Hey everybody, Jake will be fine. Just a few stitches.”
There is a general sigh of relief. A few moments later Lupe walks through the door. There is a different expression on her face now, a sense of peace.
Mr. Padilla notices his daughter first and says, “Mija, you’re back.”
“I had to go and talk to someone.”
“Well, I’m glad you’re back,” says a relieved Mr. Padilla.
Gabi notices the change in Lupe and tenderly says, “Let me guess. You’ve been at St. Mary’s.”
Lupe nods and says, “I told Mom I’m going to college.”
Nacho has overheard the conversation and races to the kitchen. He returns with two large bottles, one in each hand.
Lifting both bottles high overhead for all to see, he exclaims, “College? Let’s get this party started!”
Everyone cheers. Nacho uncorks the bottles while Lupe and Gabi pass out the glasses.
Listen to "Familia Y Fe"
We’ve got tequila and some vintage pulque too
How ‘bout a red hot, straight shot, starting with you!
Nacho holds Lupe’s arm high in the air. Lupe takes a shot and makes a face.
“Pain killer!” exclaims José Maria.
But there’s a reason why we all came here today
So after all the beer, we’re all here
To remember and pray
“That’s right,” adds Mr. Padilla.
It’s supposed to be a party
To celebrate the ones who’ve passed
We’re supposed to have a good time
It’s no crime
Just don’t get drunk off your ass!
“Oh no, not us!” the men respond sarcastically.
“What about dancing?” asks Nacho playfully.
A cumbia style dance ensues. Everyone pairs up. Rosa and Antonio, Gabi and Mr. Padilla, Nacho and Conchise, Lupe and her little brother, as well as the remaining guests. Nacho tries to show a struggling Conchise the steps. Abruptly the music changes.
Hey, yo! We gotta change it up
This is old school stuff
Check out this chido rhyme
From some vatos in their prime
José Maria points to Nacho, who enthusiastically joins in.
We don’t mean to interfere, what?
With your lame song and your beer, what?
But we got a different way, what?
You ever heard of Dr. Dre?
To everyone’s surprise, Nacho does a series of pop and lock dance moves. José Maria acts as emcee.
“Ya quiero presentarles al jefe de la cocina. Give it up for grand master Nacho!”
“Híjole, check that out!” the men comment.
“Ay, Dios mio!” exclaims Gabi.
Nacho looks directly at Conchise as he continues.
Hey girl, you look good to me
Yeah so good to me
Conchise puts her hands on her hips and says with a smile, “You’re ridiculous!”
Gabi says, “I don’t know, he’s kind of cute!”
You sure cook, you know it’s true
Is that all you do?
“Okay, okay. That’s enough. That’s just the tequila talking,” says Conchise laughing.
Nacho turns to José Maria and says, “Hey, home boy. Help me out.”
José Maria joins Nacho as they do a few pop and lock moves in perfect unison. Everyone is amazed. Lupe now intercedes.
“Very nice boys, but not exactly appropriate for the occasion. Remember, we’re here for Mom.”
Querida madre, made me what I am today
Remember, be thankful
For all the things we have each day
“Yeah, like gangs and this shitty house,” complains José Maria, as Gabi and Lupe glare at him.
If she were here now
I know exactly what she’d say
Remember you’re in my house
So watch your mouth
And don’t talk that way!
“You got that right!” says José Maria, laughing slightly.
He then continues.
I know why were here
To reflect and persevere
If we didn’t live this way
She’d probably be alive today
She battled all her life
It was always such a fight
So excuse me if I say
It never should have been this way
Lupe, Gabi, and Mr. Padilla gather around a frustrated José Maria. Lupe puts a hand on his shoulder in consolation.
Remember, what she always used to say
“Yeah, yeah.”
Honor her memory, that’s the key
And remember each day
I know she hears me
At St. Mary’s when I pray
I know she’s always near
Keep her here, tu familia y fe
“I know,” he says reluctantly.
In an attempt to cheer up José Maria, Nacho says, “Dude, a toast for Mrs. P!”
Gabi, Lupe, and Conchise refill everyone’s glasses. Mr. Padilla leads the toast.
“To Señora Padilla, querida madre y esposa. Salud!”
“Salud!” everyone chimes in loudly.
José Maria seems to come out of his funk and smiles a little.
I know she’d like this
How we remember her today
Let’s have a good time
Patrón and lime
I know she’d want it this way
El dia de los muertos
Y podemos recordar
How their lives shaped us all
May we recall our dear fallen stars
It’s supposed to be a party
That’s why we all came here today
So after all the beer, we’re all here
To remember and pray
El dia de los muertos
Y podemos recordar
How their lives shaped us all
May we recall our dear fallen stars
Con me familia y fe, familia y fe
I know why we’re here
To reflect and persevere
Honor them today
Familia y fe
Mr. Padilla puts his arm on José Maria’s shoulder as he says, “No te olvides tu familia y tu fe. Honor those who gave you life. Every minute, every day.”
“Órale!” shouts Nacho.
I know why we’re here
To reflect and persevere
Honor them today
Familia y fe
Familia
Everyone raises their glasses high and shouts, “Salud!”
How ‘bout a red hot, straight shot, starting with you!
Nacho holds Lupe’s arm high in the air. Lupe takes a shot and makes a face.
“Pain killer!” exclaims José Maria.
But there’s a reason why we all came here today
So after all the beer, we’re all here
To remember and pray
“That’s right,” adds Mr. Padilla.
It’s supposed to be a party
To celebrate the ones who’ve passed
We’re supposed to have a good time
It’s no crime
Just don’t get drunk off your ass!
“Oh no, not us!” the men respond sarcastically.
“What about dancing?” asks Nacho playfully.
A cumbia style dance ensues. Everyone pairs up. Rosa and Antonio, Gabi and Mr. Padilla, Nacho and Conchise, Lupe and her little brother, as well as the remaining guests. Nacho tries to show a struggling Conchise the steps. Abruptly the music changes.
Hey, yo! We gotta change it up
This is old school stuff
Check out this chido rhyme
From some vatos in their prime
José Maria points to Nacho, who enthusiastically joins in.
We don’t mean to interfere, what?
With your lame song and your beer, what?
But we got a different way, what?
You ever heard of Dr. Dre?
To everyone’s surprise, Nacho does a series of pop and lock dance moves. José Maria acts as emcee.
“Ya quiero presentarles al jefe de la cocina. Give it up for grand master Nacho!”
“Híjole, check that out!” the men comment.
“Ay, Dios mio!” exclaims Gabi.
Nacho looks directly at Conchise as he continues.
Hey girl, you look good to me
Yeah so good to me
Conchise puts her hands on her hips and says with a smile, “You’re ridiculous!”
Gabi says, “I don’t know, he’s kind of cute!”
You sure cook, you know it’s true
Is that all you do?
“Okay, okay. That’s enough. That’s just the tequila talking,” says Conchise laughing.
Nacho turns to José Maria and says, “Hey, home boy. Help me out.”
José Maria joins Nacho as they do a few pop and lock moves in perfect unison. Everyone is amazed. Lupe now intercedes.
“Very nice boys, but not exactly appropriate for the occasion. Remember, we’re here for Mom.”
Querida madre, made me what I am today
Remember, be thankful
For all the things we have each day
“Yeah, like gangs and this shitty house,” complains José Maria, as Gabi and Lupe glare at him.
If she were here now
I know exactly what she’d say
Remember you’re in my house
So watch your mouth
And don’t talk that way!
“You got that right!” says José Maria, laughing slightly.
He then continues.
I know why were here
To reflect and persevere
If we didn’t live this way
She’d probably be alive today
She battled all her life
It was always such a fight
So excuse me if I say
It never should have been this way
Lupe, Gabi, and Mr. Padilla gather around a frustrated José Maria. Lupe puts a hand on his shoulder in consolation.
Remember, what she always used to say
“Yeah, yeah.”
Honor her memory, that’s the key
And remember each day
I know she hears me
At St. Mary’s when I pray
I know she’s always near
Keep her here, tu familia y fe
“I know,” he says reluctantly.
In an attempt to cheer up José Maria, Nacho says, “Dude, a toast for Mrs. P!”
Gabi, Lupe, and Conchise refill everyone’s glasses. Mr. Padilla leads the toast.
“To Señora Padilla, querida madre y esposa. Salud!”
“Salud!” everyone chimes in loudly.
José Maria seems to come out of his funk and smiles a little.
I know she’d like this
How we remember her today
Let’s have a good time
Patrón and lime
I know she’d want it this way
El dia de los muertos
Y podemos recordar
How their lives shaped us all
May we recall our dear fallen stars
It’s supposed to be a party
That’s why we all came here today
So after all the beer, we’re all here
To remember and pray
El dia de los muertos
Y podemos recordar
How their lives shaped us all
May we recall our dear fallen stars
Con me familia y fe, familia y fe
I know why we’re here
To reflect and persevere
Honor them today
Familia y fe
Mr. Padilla puts his arm on José Maria’s shoulder as he says, “No te olvides tu familia y tu fe. Honor those who gave you life. Every minute, every day.”
“Órale!” shouts Nacho.
I know why we’re here
To reflect and persevere
Honor them today
Familia y fe
Familia
Everyone raises their glasses high and shouts, “Salud!”
- THE END -