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Episode-4

I stared at him in shock, and a small sound of dismay escaped my throat. I hadn't expected this. He still avoided looking in my eyes.

'So if you are unable to pay the fifteen dollars for the Jacket, it will be given to the next one in line' I didn't

need to ask who that was:

Standing with all the dignity I could muster, I said, 'I'll speak to my grandfather about it, sir, and let you know tomorrow' I cried on the walk home from the bus stop. The dirt road was a quarter mile from the highway.So by the time I got home, my eyes were red and ?????.Where's Grandpa? I asked Grandma, looking down at the floor so she wouldn't ask me why I'd been crying. She was sewing on a quilt as usual and didn't look up.

'I think he's out back working in the bean field

I went outside and looked out at the fields. There he was. I could see him walking between the rows, his body bent over the little plants, hoe in hand. I walked slowly out to him, trying to think how I could best ask him for the money. There was a cool breeze blowing and a sweet smell of mesquite fruit in the air, but I didn't appreciate it. I kicked at a dirt clod. I wanted that Jacket so much. It was more than just being a valedictorian and giving a little thank you speech for the Jacket on graduation night. It represented eight years of hard work and expectation. 

I knew I had to be honest with Grandpa, it was my only chance. He saw my shadow and looked up.He waited for me to speak. I cleared my throat nervously and clasped my hands behind my back so he wouldn't see them shaking. 'Grandpa, I have a big favour to ask you, I said in Spanish, the only language he knew

He still waited silently. I tried again. 'Grandpa, this year the principal said the scholarship Jacket is not going to be free. It's going to cost fifteen dollars, and I have to take the money in tomorrow, otherwise it'll be given to someone else. The last words came out in an eager rush. Grandpa straightened up tiredly and leaned his chin on the hoe handle. He looked out over the field that was filled with the tiny green bean plants. I waited, desperately hoping he'd say I could have the money. He turned to me and asked quietly, 'What does a scholarshipacket mean?'