#carlosramirez

A few days later, Poppy and I travelled to Oasis Springs to say goodbye to Papi. There were so many that came to offer their condolences and respects. My father was there, which surprised my stepmother, Lucile probably more than anyone else.

My good friends Daryl and Tatsuo were there as well. They knew how much my abuelo meant to me. We became close those couple of years we shared an apartment. Not only was my dad there, but my half -brother, Jose. He had grown up since I saw him last. He was now a High School senior!

But, as I gave the eulogy and looked out amongst all the people that were there, I looked down at my mother. I could see her heart breaking as she looked up at me as I shared all the amazing things Rafael Castro had done and meant to so many.

CARLOS- “So, Marco, how are things at home with you?”

MARCO- “What do you mean?!”

CARLOS- “Well, you know, there is no man around, just you and your mom and her girlfriend. I know that is probably difficult for you.”

MARCO- “Lucile is not mom’s girlfriend, they are married, Lucile is her wife. And my Papa has been with us since my grams died so I have had a man around most of my life. I have a very good home life and I am close to both my moms and with Papa.”

CARLOS- “Oh, I had no idea Raphael lived with you. That is good I suppose. And I am glad you have a good relationship with your... moms. But Listen I have to go. Alivia, that is my wife, has a doctor’s appointment and I need to go with her. We are finding out if we are having another boy, or some fancy little girl. It’s been so good to meet you, Marco. So maybe next time I can bring my family? Or maybe you can come over for dinner?”

MARCO- “Yeah that would be...

NACHA- “Carlos, you have a minute. I would like to discuss something with you.”

CARLOS- “Work related or personal?”

NACHA- “It’s about Marco.”

CARLOS- “Sure, Nacha.

NACHA - “I have given it a lot of thought and I think it would be a good thing if Marco at least had the option to meet you. Not your decision, or mine, but his. I am going to talk to him tonight and explain things to him about our mothers role in all of this. Let him know you are reaching out and let him make the choice if he would like to meet you.”

CARLOS- “That is all I ask, Nacha. If he doesn’t want it, then I will accept that.”

CARLOS- “So when are you going to talk to him?”

NACHA- “Tonight after his scout meeting. I will let you know tomorrow his choice.”

CARLOS- “Nacha, you know that is not the truth. Your mother refused for me to even be around. Then she worked on my mother to convince her it would be the best if I gave up my rights as a father. It was NOT my decision and I have regretted it ever since.”

NACHA- “You still chose to do it Carlos. And why should I bring all this to my son now.?”

CARLOS- “Because he is MY son too. He has a brother Nacha, and another sibling on the way. He should have a choice, like I never had.”

NACHA- “I am sorry Carlos, I am not going to allow it. Not now, not after all these years. He is my son and I will not allow you---”

CARLOS- “You sound just like her. The woman you said that you would never become.”

NACHA- “What? Who are you talking about?”

CARLOS- “You know exactly who I am talking about, Nacha. Your mother. She said those same exact words to me. I think Marco should have that choice, not you. Just like, I should have had that choice. not her. You think about it, Nacha. Think about it the future, because he will want to know about me. Think about when he finds out what really happened, and that I tried to reach out and you made the choice for him, AGAIN. Think about it. I live here in town, you know where. If not there, you definitely know where I work.”

The next afternoon after school, I had another meeting. This time with my Father. Carlos Ramirez. We agreed to meet at the cafe (Rise & Grind @littledica​ & ONLINE ID: littledica ) Mother told him I would be wearing  green jacket. He found me right away sitting over in the back.

CARLOS- “Wow, you really look like Nacha! I do not think you have any of my features.”

MARCO- “Yeah, I get told I look a lot like her.”

CARLOS- “So I assume she told you the reason I could not come around, then?”

MARCO- “Yes, something about my grandmother and your mother.”

CARLOS- “Yes, but she was your grandmother as well, Watcher rest her soul.”

MARCO- “That explains the first five years as to why you chose not to find me, but what about the last ten?

He looked at me with a dumbfounded look and never answered that question.

CARLOS- “So what grade are you in? I assume you took back after your mother and are pretty good in school, right?

MARCO- I am in 9th grade, and I do pretty good in school, yes. What about your other son? How old is he?”

CARLOS- “Other son?... OH, yes, you mean Jose’, he is ten, 4th grade, I think. He does pretty good, he takes after his mother in that area, but he looks like me. That is one of the reasons It has taken a while for me to get the gumption to finally meet you. You understand trying to raise a kid and working and all.”

MARCO - (He finally answered, lame, but it is an answer) “Yes, I understand. That make sense I suppose.”

CARLOS - “So Marco, what do you do for fun? Play baseball, football, girls?”

MARCO- “None of that,I am not athletically inclined and girls just don’t seem to be drawn to me all that much, but there is a girl I met here. I am tutoring her in Chemistry.”

CARLOS- “Oh, that is interesting. So not extracurricular activities? Jose’ is in scouts. He really likes that. I never really did when I was a kid, but hey, it keeps him busy.”

MARCO- “Oh, yes I have been in scouting since I was about 7 or 8″