Javier and Katey found themselves in the tent again. Same way as last year. Javier just lying there. Katey in just his shirt. She smiled at him. Javier kissed her lightly and smiled.
"I'm not going without you," Katey said adamantly. "Susie is doing her best to cover for me, and if I miss too much school, I might get held back."
"Katey," Javier sighed, "it's not that easy. Mama is ill. Chabe needs my care. Carlos, well, Carlos is married now, but still in trouble."
"We always planned on taking them with us," Katey replied. "Castro's rule hasn't made Cuba any better."
"Just because you have money, you think you can get your way by helping me? That's it, that's what you think." Javier sat up.
"No, never Javier. I just want to help. Life will be better for you and your family. You can go to St. Louis where I lived, or you can live near my campus."
"But how can I just pick up Chabe and say we are leaving the only land you've ever known. She's just 7!"
"What about Carlos?"
"He is married now, to a woman named Miralda. She loves Rafael. The have a baby girl now. But Carlos owes so much money. He gambled away more than he had, and I'm trying to help him. He's gone into a depression. Always drinking. Miralda is scared for their children. I can't make enough for his family and my own."
"Javier, I want to help you. I also want to love you."
Javier, now fully clothed, except for his shirt, stood up. Katey took his shirt off and put her clothes on. She took his hand and stood up. Javier wrapped his arms around Katey, pulling her close, and he whispered "I love you" over and over again. Katey held on tight, knowing in her heart this would work.