Jesse continued, nervously rattling on. “He’s not nauseous anymore, but he’s still a little uncomfortable…chilled. I’ve been helping him sip liquids. That’s what his nurse wanted. He’s not in any pain, but…”
“Hello, Mother,” Edward said.
“Edward.”
“Who’s with you?”
“Just Delia,” she said. “Sophia was concerned about her schoolwork.”
“Good. Avoiding me might make her a better student,” Edward said. Jesse laughed. “Hola, Delia,” Edward continued, smiling. “Cómo está?”
“Bien, Edward, and you?”
“I’m peachy keen, right, Jesse?”
Jesse didn’t reply.
“I hear from Jesse that you have made arrangements for Delia’s going and coming from school. Garman’s taking her and picking her up?”
“Yes, Edward.”
“That’s very considerate of you, Mother. How’s Sophia taking it? I imagine she has to ride the bus.”
“Don’t be ludicrous, Edward. Casto is seeing to her transportation to and from school.”
“Casto? And she hasn’t thrown a tantrum?”
“I didn’t say that,” Tía Isabela said. Edward smiled.
“I would like to spend a few minutes alone with my son,” Tía Isabela said, “to discuss his operation.”
“Oh, right,” Jesse said, standing quickly again.
“Why alone?”
“I’d like it that way, Edward.”
“Uh-oh, I hear something ominous in your tone of voice, Mother.”
Tía Isabela looked at Jesse, who moved quickly toward the door.
“I’ll just go for a soda,” Jesse said. “Delia, would you like a soda, too?”
“What’s the word for soda, Delia?” Edward asked me.
“Edward, do you mind if we get to more serious matters? I have things to do,” Tía Isabela said.
“Soda?” Edward insisted.
“Soda,” I said, and he laughed.
Jesse raised his eyebrows and looked at Tía Isabela.
“I don’t mind their staying to hear the news, Mother,” Edward said. “Really. In fact, I think I’d like them to stay, if you don’t mind.”
“Very well, if you insist.” She moved closer to his bed. “Mostly, your operation went well, Edward, but Dr. Fryman is not optimistic about the recovery of your right eye.”
“Shouldn’t that be ophthalmistic or something?” Edward asked.