She placed Angel in his toddler chair and went to pour herself a cup of coffee. Angel grabbed his spoon and tried to feed himself. Carmen knew not to try to help him. He liked to be independent a trait that reminded Carmen of someone else. Actually a lot about Angel reminded Carmen of her. The one who left her at the altar, the person that changed her life for forever. Angel fixed his green eyes on Carmen and extended his hand.

Angel: Mami yum yum.

Carmen: No thank you.

Angel hoped down from his chair and ran into his room. She watched him leave and went to pick out her clothes for the day, before picking out Angel’s. Carmen put on her business suit and flat ironed her shoulder length bob so the ends were bumped under. Now off to get Angel ready. She walked into his room and found him dressed in his own little way. Angel had put socks on his hands, shorts on his bottom, and a jacket on.

Carmen: Angel what is this?

Carmen put her hands on her hips and looked jokingly stern. Angel shrugged his little shoulders, and looked down at his feet. The action tugged at Carmen’s heart. Carmen got Angel properly dressed and into the car. She pulled up to Mercedes drive way and got Angel out the car. Mercedes opened the door and when Angel saw her he smiled the widest smile ever. He ran to her awaiting arms.

Angel: Hola uela

Mercedes: Hola mi amor y es abuela. Carmen qué le tiene fue la enseñanza mi nieto. (Hi my love and it’s abuela. Carmen what have you been teaching my grandson?).

Carmen: Hola mamita.

Carmen kissed Mercedes plump cheeks and carried Angel’s bag into the house.

Carmen: Sea bueno por abuela. Yo él recogerá en seis. (Be good for grandma. I will pick him up at six.)

Carmen kissed and hugged Angel one last time before leaving. She hated to part from him but work called. Being a single mother meant she had to do it all. She could have had another choice but this was the path she choose.

Mercedes: Leave already I have him. I am going to make him some cookies.