Free Isabel's Texas Two-Step by Annie Bryant Page A

dark clouds were visible over a range of hills, but there were blue skies above us. It was an Isabel Martinez kind of day—except for my sister and her friends.
    â€œThat must be the start of the Hill Country that Tony was talking about,” I said.
    Mom touched my hand. Holding it, I grabbed a nearby stool and sat next to her. We sat in silence, feeling a lovely breeze on our cheeks, listening to the birds that shrieked in the distance. I could have done this forever, except a cow let out this gigantic moo, and that got us both laughing.
    â€œBoy, Mami, this place is beautiful. You should see my room. It’s got white walls, but the color changes by thehour with the sunlight. I didn’t want to be there at first because it was so far away from everybody else, but now I love it. It’s charming ,” I said, waving my arms around, mimicking Aunt Inez. Mom gave me a funny look.
    â€œI’ll go take a look later, my dear. Right now I just want to sit here and rest. There’s nothing for me to do. Inez has taken care of every little detail,” she said, sounding a little wistful.
    â€œI think she’s just trying to be nice, Mom.” I worried that Mom didn’t laugh at my imitation of Aunt Inez.
    â€œI know that, but…”
    â€œI know what you mean. Even Ricardo said last night his mom was a little pushy.”
    Her eyebrows shot up. “He said that? What a naughty boy.”
    â€œHe wasn’t being mean, Mami. He just said it like it was a fact.”
    My mother shook her head. “Poor, poor Inez. All the money in the world can’t give her what she really wants. A daughter.”
    â€œBut Mom, she has so much. Have you seen the artwork in the living room? It’s…” I suddenly realized what I was saying and stopped myself. The last thing I wanted to talk about was the art collection.
    â€œIt’s beautiful, sí ?” She finished the sentence for me. I nodded silently. “Yes, I heard about that magnificent art collection downstairs. What a blessing to afford such fine things.” She paused. “Perhaps I should go and look at this fine collection everyone is talking about. Wouldyou like to take me on a little tour, Isabel?”
    My heart was pounding. I thought fast. “Um, I would, but…it’s so nice just sitting out here, don’t you think?”
    My mom smiled. “That is true. This landscape in front of us is just as lovely as any painting, and being here with you makes me much happier than any piece of artwork ever could.”
    I felt my heart returning to a normal rhythm, but I also felt completely terrible. I wanted to tell Mom everything. How Ricardo and I were in the living room when we weren’t supposed to be, how we broke the tip off the eagle’s wing. I opened my mouth but closed it again quickly. Mom looked so happy staring out at the hills, I just couldn’t upset her. Later. I would tell her later. I formulated a plan that I would tell her after the quince was over. Maybe just before we left for the airport.
    â€œRicardo said they’re not rich, they’re just lucky,” I told her.
    She shifted in her seat. “Yes, the Ruiz family has been lucky indeed. Just look at this view. I would love to have even a ranchito someday.”
    â€œWhen I’m a famous artist, I’ll buy you one. We’ll call it Bluebird Ranch, after the Bluebird of Happiness.” She squeezed my hand tighter, and we continued to look at the sky and the hills.
    â€œYou know what I think? I think I am the luckiest woman in the world. I have the best family that anyone could ask for. My two girls are more valuable than any piece of art, or piece of dirt, or herd of cattle, cook staff,cleaning lady…” She looked at me with a guilty smile.
    â€œMami? Are you a little bit jealous?” I teased.
    â€œAh, you are perceptive, my little Isabel. Okay, maybe I could use a housekeeper every