Lucy waited for the right time to speak to Jose about her pregnancy. She had no doubt now as she had missed her period the last two months, and the morning sickness was further evidence of her condition.
She was worried that she would not be able to work at the dance hall when her pregnancy showed. She might have another two months at the most before it would be too noticeable to keep undercover.
Lucy laughed when she thought that she might have to resort to wearing a tight girdle as the one the girl at the clinic wore. The woman had resembled a piñata bursting with treats inside. Her animated laugh halted when reality dawned on her. There is no way they could survive with what only on what Jose took in. Who would hire a ballooned woman anyway? Soon enough she would resemble the Good Year Blimp.
Lucy calculated that perhaps she could look for daytime work before her pregnancy was noticeable. Her best friend worked in a fish processing plant in Downtown. The women there worked until the very end of their pregnancy, even if they had to stand for eight hours in a freezing climate.
The following day which was a Sunday, they walked to Olvera Street after mass, to get breakfast at little Mexican fast food place they loved to eat in. Lucy had put on her favorite pink dress, and made up her face especially pretty. Seeing that Jose was in an especially happy mood, in comparison to his perpetual frown, Lucy ventured to tell Jose about her condition. Afterwards, Jose looked down pensively at his callous hands.
-“What’s the matter? I told you I was careful. We’ve been together a whole year, and it’s you who refuses to use condoms anyway. Aren’t you even remotely happy?” Lucy asked expectantly.
-“Of course I am happy.” Jose said, followed by a soulful sigh. “It’s just that... it’s going to be tougher, as it is, I’m not even paid for all the hours I put in at the car wash.
What can I do? At least I take the tips home. People are getting laid off, instead of being hired. Others are getting their hours cut down. Companies now are afraid to hire without proof of legal papers, for the migra is cracking down on large companies with large Latino workforce.
.
That is why I am at the car wash, you know they look the other way, even if…even if we are exploited without remorse. I work long hours, and the job is so damn tiring Lucy; I don’t have the time to find another job or the energy.” Jose admitted with despair in his eyes, his backed hunched over as if in admitted defeat.
- “Don’t worry Jose, I am having this baby. God will provide. We are not the only people struggling to make ends meet, that get pregnant. I will get up early tomorrow morning to find work, and work two jobs as long as they allow me to work. I don’t think I will be able to work at the dance hall more than a couple of months anyway.” Lucy said with tears clouding her vision.
Lucy washed the makeup off her pale and gaunt face. She hurried to bed to make the most of her four hours of sleep before she would have to get up to report to the fish plant ….at seven in the morning. She found their bed still made and empty. It was cold, but she did not register what it meant. Her body was too tired to rationalize what this meant. Her body clamored for rest and her mind required numbness.
to be continued...
