AN: This story is written in 1st person, narrated by Carlos. Even though he was a jerk in the beginning, he matured a lot. So, this is what's going on after Katey left. I also wrote this because Rene Lavan is a good actor. The story takes place in late 1959.

I walked through by old adobe house looking for my family. I had just gotten off from work and I was starving. Funny, Mama's usually in the kitchen making supper now. There were empty liquor bottles all over the floor. Javier's been here. He was such a good kid, then that Yankee came along and screwed everything up.

I wandered out back and found Mama and Abuelito on the garden bench, while Chabe and Rafael played at their feet. Javier was no where to be seen. I wandered back into my house and towards Javier's room. He used to share a room with Abuelito, but because of his drinking problem and threatening behavior, Abuelito moved in with me and Rafael. Chabe still shares a room with Mama.

Sure enough, Javier was sitting on his bed in underwear, holding a liquor bottle, and swaying back and forth. He mumbled the words to an old revolution song as he slowly brought the alcohol to his lips and spilled more than he drank onto his bare chest. Javier's hair was long, curly, disheveled, and dirty. He hadn't shaven in months. He had acquired an overgrown beard that looked horrible. Carlos had tried to help Javier get back to normal, but it was no use. Everyone primarily ignored him nowadays. Although the new government had provided a welfare type system, Javier blew all the money he got from it on alcohol.

"Hey," I said. "My friend has a cute sister that's your age. Maybe you should clean yourself up and go to La Rosa Negra. You should start dancing again."

Javier just looked at me. "I ain't gonna dance with no one but my Katey."

"Oh, come on. Just give it a shot. You're a mess."

"I ain't gonna do nothing for no one." Javier brought the liquor bottle to his mouth and fell back onto the bed as he poured it into his mouth. He was beyond help.

I strutted out of the room and gave Javier a look. He just scratched his ugly, overgrown beard. He used to have so many girls chasing after him. Now, everyone ran away from him.

"Mama," I said, "I think you should talk to Javier. Make him clean up and go to La Rosa Negra tomorrow."

Mama smiled. "I'll do my best."

Mama walked into Javier's room and sat on the bed beside him. She gently took the bottle out of his hands and put her arm around him. "Javier, look at me."

He turned his head and looked into her big, brown eyes. "Yes, Mama?"

"I think it's time we get cleaned up, don't you?"

Now, Javier knew better than to argue with Mama. Even in his wasted state, Javier let Mama lead him to the bathroom. She sat him down on the toilet and began shaving off his horrible beard. When he was clean shaven and when his hair was cut, Mama said, "Look at my baby's pretty face."

Javier's drunken state was wearing off. He flashed his trademark grin and tilted his head. Mama helped him to shower and neaten up.

AN: Yeah, I know this seems very rushed, but don't worry. I have a way to work it all out. Give it a chance.