Twins Under the Christmas Tree

“Yes. Tell Maria that she’s to meet me back here at three-thirty.” He wanted to make sure she didn’t forget to return for the boys.

Miguel translated and Maria responded.

“What did she say?” Conway asked.

“She wants to know if she’s supposed to wash our clothes.”

Conway was certain Isi would appreciate help with the housework. “Sure. Tell her she can wash clothes if she wants.”

Miguel translated then said, “She wants to know what you’re going to do.”

“I’ll be at the farm.”

After Miguel conveyed the information, Conway said, “Have fun.” He tipped his hat to Maria then left the building.

Anxiety gnawed at his gut as he drove away from the school. Isi was desperate to find a sitter for the boys, but Maria wasn’t the right fit. The twins needed a young energetic person who would play outside with them. By the time he reached the edge of town, he’d broken out in a cold sweat. Instead of heading to the farm, he made a U-turn. He’d feel better if he stayed close by in case Javier got into trouble again at school.

* * *

A SIXTH SENSE told Isi she needed to go home after her classes and see how Maria and the boys were getting along, so she’d called in sick to work. She hoped the day had gone well and her sons had been on their best behavior, but she couldn’t ignore a nagging suspicion that not all was right. When she’d interviewed Maria over the phone, the woman hadn’t sounded very peppy but after raising five children of her own, she was certainly experienced enough to handle the twins. Even so, Isi worried the boys would be too taxing on the seventy-year-old woman.

She turned into the mobile home park and saw Conway’s truck next to the trailer. Uh-oh. She parked beneath the carport and got out of the car. Conway was throwing the football with Miguel and Javier played with a Slinky on the porch steps.

“Watch this, Mom.” Miguel tossed the ball to Conway.

“Where’s Maria?” she asked.

“She left,” Conway said.

“She was supposed to stay with the boys until Mrs. Sneed came over at eight o’clock.”