Twins Under the Christmas Tree

Isi was an attractive woman and it wouldn’t take much effort on her part to jumpstart his libido, especially because he wasn’t dating other women. As of right now, Isi was the only female taking up space in his thoughts.

“The new sitter’s name is Maria,” Isi said. “She’ll take the boys to school and pick them up and stay until bedtime. Then my neighbor Mrs. Sneed will come over and watch TV until I get home from work.” Isi handed him a sheet of paper.

Conway caught her scent. The combination of flowery perfume and warm female sent a blast of testosterone through his bloodstream. He focused on the note. Isi had written down Maria’s full name, address, birth date and a bunch of numbers—driver’s license, social security and cell phone.

“What’s this for?” he asked.

“I need you to take Maria to the school and show her the ropes.” Isi took a deep breath. “She doesn’t speak English very well and Rose is the only employee at the school who’s bilingual. If she’s not working, please give Maria’s information to whoever’s at the front desk.”

“How am I supposed to show Maria anything, if I can’t communicate with her?”

“Javier and Miguel will interpret for you.”

“I didn’t know they spoke Spanish,” Conway said.

“They’re not fluent, but they should be able to understand most of what Maria says.” Isi slung the backpack over her shoulder. “I have to meet with my academic advisor before class, otherwise I’d stay and introduce you to Maria.”

“Are you sure this is a good idea?” What if he and Maria got their messages mixed up?

“Stop worrying. Everything will be fine.” Isi opened the door. “Thanks for helping with the boys this week.”

“No problem.”

She paused on the porch. “I’ll probably see you at the bar.”

“Yeah, I’ll drop by.” As he watched Isi’s sashaying fanny walk to her car, he worried that their relationship would never be the same as it was before he’d offered to watch her sons. Once she drove off, he said, “Are you guys going to be grouchy all day?”

“We don’t want Maria,” Miguel said.

“I bet she can cook.” His comment drew no response.

After the short amount of time he’d spent with the twins, it was nice to know they’d miss him. “You gotta give Maria a chance. I can’t watch you guys forever.”

“Why not?” Javier asked.

“The pecan harvest starts next month in November. There’s a lot I need to do on the farm to get ready for it.”

“We could help.” Miguel tugged his brother by the shirtsleeve and dragged him across the room until they stood in front of Conway. “We can pick nuts.”

“I appreciate the offer, but you guys have to stay in school.”

“How come?” Javier asked.

“Because that’s what kids do. They go to school to get smart and then they go to college like you’re mom is doing.”

“Did you go to college?” Miguel asked.

“Nope.”

“How come?”

“Do you always ask a lot of questions?”

Both boys bobbed their heads.

“I didn’t go to college because I didn’t have anyone telling me I should. Then I got older and figured out that what I wanted to do with my life didn’t require a college degree.”

“What did you want to do?” Miguel asked.

“I wanted to be a pecan farmer.”

Javier’s nose wrinkled. “I thought you were a cowboy.”

“I’m a cowboy when I rodeo on the weekends.”

“Can we rodeo?” Miguel asked.

Conway wasn’t about to let the munchkins change the subject. “I bet Maria’s a nice lady.”

“What if she’s mean?” Javier’s brown eyes pleaded with Conway.

“Then we’ll tell your mom.” And let Isi deal with the situation. From now on he’d keep his advice to himself.

The sound of a vehicle pulling up to the trailer drifted through the screen door. “That’s Maria. You guys be on your best behavior.” Conway stepped onto the porch.

Holy moly. The woman was as old and gnarled as the root of an ancient oak tree. She had more wrinkles than a ten-year-old road map. Polyester slacks, a silk-printed long-sleeve blouse with a navy blazer and low-heeled shoes was hardly proper attire for chasing after boys. Then again, this woman was so old, if she chased anything, she’d drop dead of a heart attack.

“Hola, Maria.” Hola and sí were about the only words Conway knew in Spanish.

She smiled, the gesture generating more facial wrinkles. He motioned for her to follow him inside. “Miguel, ask Maria what she’d like you to call her?”

Miguel translated Conway’s words then Maria spoke.

“What did she say?” Conway asked.

“She said we can call her La Anciana.”

Javier giggled.

“Okay.” Conway pointed at Maria and smiled. “La Anciana.” Then he indicated himself and said, “Conway” before moving his finger to the kitchen wall clock. “Miguel, tell La Anciana that it’s time to leave for school and she should follow us in her car.”

After Miguel spoke, Conway waited for the boys to get their backpacks then he held the door open for everyone. When Maria walked by him, her mouth curled in a snarl and he couldn’t figure out what the heck he’d done to tick her off.

When they arrived at the school, Rose wasn’t working. Conway turned over Maria’s information to the lady at the counter and explained that the boys’ new sitter didn’t speak English and that she’d be dropping the boys off and picking them up after school.

While the employee filled out Maria’s paperwork, Conway spoke to the boys. “Miguel, play with your brother at recess.” This was Javier’s first day back after his suspension. “And no fighting, Javi.” Conway hoped Miguel would stick by his brother’s side and ward off any threats by the bullies.

“Are you gonna pick us up?” Miguel asked.