am not interested!” said Ariel.
The color in Jessica’s face drained. She knew her son was devastated, and the fact that she couldn’t help him made her feel terrible. Ariel’s mind hadn’t left the basketball court, and Jessica had to do something about it. She said, “My son! I am worried about seeing you so heavy-hearted. You have always been a good player, and you were a good player today. It is only a bad day. Even if someone or no one applauds you, it wouldn’t make you less of a player. You will have your share of stardom and your popularity because of your talent. I know that will happen soon.”
Ariel didn’t reply. Seeing this, Jessica lost the courage to say anything else. None of it was working.
She zipped her lips until they reached home. Upon arrival, Ariel shut himself in his room. He began to leaf through his training photos, taking him back to when he was training for basketball. The album also had some pictures of Ariel with famous basketball players. Tears ran down his face; he looked at the pictures again and again until he fell asleep.
Chapter 2: In the Parallel World
Sofia fastened Anthony and Leslie’s seatbelts and headed to the park. Sofia left the Hamilton Street to ditch the traffic, but the street was closed by the police owing to the safety of the people attending a basketball match being held at the Jefferson High School basketball court. The people filled the court with the noise of a huge crowd watched the match between Jefferson Jaguars and Roosevelt Rockets.
“My babies, we will have to turn around. The street is closed,” said Sofia.
“But why? Why are the streets closed?” asked Leslie.
“Wow! That parking lot is full of cars. There must be something exciting going on!” added Anthony.
While the cars excited Anthony, the closing of the streets disappointed Leslie. She couldn’t reach the park sooner.
“Can we stay for a while? Can we? Can we?” Anthony was excited.
“No dear, we cannot. There is no parking in these blocks, and we would have to walk. With this swarm of human beings, I don’t see it fitting. Also, do not take off your seatbelts while I am driving. Understood?”
“Aye, Captain. Let’s go!” both the kids said in unison, and all three of them laughed while Sofia turned the car around.
After turning around, she got away from the traffic and the bustle of the Jefferson basketball court. She turned to another street with less traffic, and it took her back to Hamilton Street.
She saw a poster in front of Williams High School that read:
Next Friday
The Story of Uncle P–Challenging the Unknown
Do not miss! You can invite your whole family.
Sofia slowed down her car and asked one student about the tickets and the event.
“Hello, young man, can you give me more details regarding the event?” asked Sofia.
“How are you doing, ma’am?” replied the student.
“My name is Sofia Martinez, but you can call me Sofia,” she responded.
“Sofia, the event is next Friday. We all shall gather to listen to Uncle P’s fables. Uncle P is our new Spanish teacher, a motivational speaker, and a remarkable writer. He has power in his words. His stories have something to teach, not to just one age group or one gender, but to the entire family. The tickets are free of cost, and we will serve refreshments. You and the kids will have a good time. You have my word.”
“Do you want three tickets to bring your children along?” the student asked in a weak voice.
“Oh! These children in the car? No, they are not my children. I would have been the happiest mom if they were,” said Sofia with a heavy-heart. Yes, they weren’t her children. Sofia Martinez was just their nanny, a forty-year-old Dominican woman who had been taking care of Oliver Anderson’s children for over two years. She has widowed at thirty-five, and now Anthony and Leslie were her only reason to give life another chance.
She continued, “I’m their nanny, and I take them to the park every morning. We couldn’t make it to the park. Thus, we’re going back home. Anyway, I’d like three tickets. Let’s see who can accompany me to the show.”
“I am sorry for confusing them as your children. Here are your tickets. I hope to see you next Friday. I hope you have an amazing company with you. You both will not regret coming. I can assure you …” the student said. He felt embarrassed.
“Thank you for your kindness, sweetheart. See you on Friday at seven.” Sofia tried to make the boy feel as if nothing had happened. She then put her car in drive, and soon, they were at Oliver Anderson Mansion, where Anthony and Leslie lived with their father.
Sofia parked the car in the garage. The passenger doors of the car opened and Anthony and Leslie came out.
“Kids! Don’t run,” Sofia said in a high-pitched voice.
The kids had seen their father sitting in the porch, and they raced toward him.
“I will hug Dad first!” Leslie shouted as she tried to keep up with her brother while both of them made a run.
“I will get to him first,” replied Anthony as he got to the porch and hugged his father.
“But I wanted to win!” Leslie complained as she reached the porch after Anthony. She felt sad she couldn’t hug her father first.
“My sweetheart, why are you sad?” said Mr. Anderson while he hugged Anthony. Then he went to Leslie and kissed her on her cheek and said, “Why does it matter my dear? Dad loves both of his children.” Mr. Anderson took Leslie in his arms and hugged her tight.
“I love you, Dad.”
“Dad loves Leslie more.” Mr. Anderson then saw Sofia coming and said, “Welcome, Sofia. How are you doing?”
“I’m doing well. What about you?”
“When the kids are around, I am more than fine. Thanks for taking some time off to take the kids to the park.”
“No, you do not have to thank me. I should thank you instead. I enjoy every moment with your kids, so I should thank you for giving me the chance to take care of your beautiful kids,” replied Sofia.
“You are a sweet lady.”
Sofia blushed.
“Dad, let’s go inside!” Anthony pulled Mr. Anderson’s sleeves.
“Yes, why not dear? You go inside, I’ll follow.”
Anthony and Leslie ran inside.
“Come with us, Sofia,” Mr. Anderson said.
“Thank you for inviting me, but I need to go. I have a few commitments for the afternoon.” She didn’t want to feel uninvited in the “family hour.”
“No,
