The Second Time Has Its Worth
Mom, I dont want to go to Grandmas! shouted sevenyearold Beatriz, trying to wriggle out of her mothers arms. She doesnt like me! She only likes Uncle Miguel!
Beatriz, dont make things up, replied Carolina, weary as she buttoned her daughters coat. Your grandmother loves all her grandchildren equally.
Thats not true! the girl stamped her foot. Yesterday she gave ice cream to Artur, Aunt Sofias son, and gave me nothing!
Maybe you had a sore throat? Carolina tried to excuse her.
No! She simply doesnt like me because Im not the child of her son!
Carolina froze, brush still in her hand. How could a sevenyearold know that? Who had told her?
Beatriz, who told you that?
No one, the girl turned to the window. I figured it out. Artur says his father and my father are brothers. And I know my dad isnt my real dad. My real dad lives far away.
Carolinas heart tightened. She sat beside her daughter on the couch.
Beatriz, listen carefully. João is your real father. He has loved you since you were two, and Grandma Margarida loves you too.
Then why does she always praise Artur and scold me? tears welled up in the girls eyes.
Carolina had no answer; Beatriz was right. The motherinlaw really treated her daughter differently from the older sons child.
Mom, were late, João entered the room. Beatriz, get dressed quick or Grandma will be waiting.
I dont want to go! Beatriz wailed again. She doesnt like me!
João looked at his wife, puzzled.
Whats happening?
Ill explain later, whispered Carolina. Beatriz, get dressed. Were all going together.
They walked silently through the city park. Beatriz dragged her feet, sobbing intermittently. João carried a shopping bag for his wife, while Carolina imagined how the visit would unfold.
Grandma Margarida had always been a hard woman. When João introduced Carolina and his twoyearold daughter, the motherinlaw received them with coldness.
Why do you have a child that isnt yours? she told her son. Find a decent woman and have your own kids.
But João was stubborn. He loved Carolina and Beatriz as if they were his own. He married her, adopted Beatriz legally, and gave her his surname.
Margarida accepted, yet she never could love her granddaughter the way she should, especially after her older son, Ricardo, gave her a real grandchild Artur.
Is anyone home? João called at the door.
Im here, Im here, a voice answered. Come in.
Margarida opened the door and embraced her son.
João, Ive missed you so much! she kissed his cheek and waved at Carolina. Hello, Carolina.
Hello, Mrs. Margarida.
And wheres my little granddaughter? the grandmother asked, noticing Beatriz hiding behind her father.
Im here, the girl muttered.
Come in, have a seat, Margarida led them to the living room. How are you? João, have you lost weight?
No, Mom, Im fine, he laughed. Carolina cooks wonderfully.
Thats good. And Beatriz, hows school? Good grades?
Im fine, the girl grumbled.
Beatriz, answer Grandma politely, Carolina chided.
Let her be, Margarida waved a hand. Kids are like that. Artur brought a two in math yesterday. Ricardo spent the afternoon studying with him.
Beatriz only gets fives in math, João said proudly.
Very good, the grandmother replied dryly. Ricardo said hes coming today with Artur. They miss their uncle.
Carolina saw Beatrizs face darken. She knew her grandmother was happier when a grandson visited than when a granddaughter did.
Mom, do you remember when Beatriz and I came last month? João asked. She recited a poem for you.
I remember, Margarida agreed. It was lovely.
Do you want me to recite another? Beatriz offered shyly.
Of course, go ahead.
The girl stood in the middle of the room and began a springtime poem. Carolina watched her effort, her wish to please.
Well done, the grandmother applauded when she finished. Now wash your hands, were having lunch.
Beatriz obeyed, and Carolina stayed in the kitchen to set the table.
Mrs. Margarida, may I speak with you? she whispered.
About what?
About Beatriz. She feels you treat her differently.
The motherinlaw slammed a plate on the table.
I dont know what youre talking about.
I do. Children notice everything. She cried today because she didnt want to come.
What am I doing wrong? Margarida turned. I feed her, I invite her over.
But you see the difference. When Artur comes, you kiss him, hug him, give him gifts. With Beatriz youre cold.
Because shes not mine! the grandmother exploded. I didnt give birth to her! She has her own grandma to care for her!
Mrs. Margarida, Beatriz isnt at fault for not being Joãos biological child. Shes been your granddaughter for five years. He adopted her and gave her his name.
Its just paperwork, she rolled her eyes. Blood isnt water. Artur is my grandson; this one is a goddaughter.
Carolina felt a lump form in her throat.
So youll never love my daughter?
Why should I? When you have real children, then well talk.
At that moment Beatriz entered the kitchen.
Mom, why does Grandma call me a goddaughter? she asked, voice trembling. Im a granddaughter!
Carolina realized she had heard everything. Margarida blushed.
Beatriz, go see your father, Carolina suggested.
I dont want to! I want to know why Grandma doesnt like me!
Beatriz, I love you, Margarida tried.
Lies! You said Im a goddaughter! Im not; Im Joãos daughter!
The girl ran out crying. Carolina glared at her motherinlaw and followed.
In the living room Beatriz sat on the sofa beside João, sobbing. He ran his fingers through her hair, bewildered.
What happened?
Your mother called Beatriz a goddaughter, Carolina said coldly. And she didnt hide it.
João went pale.
Mom, is it true?
Margarida emerged from the kitchen, ashamed.
My son, I didnt mean to it just happened.
Grandma said Im not hers, Beatriz sniffed. That I have my own grandma.
João stood up, his jaw clenched.
Mom, how can that be?
Son, I only
Only what?
After many tears and long conversations, Grandma Margarida finally embraced Beatriz and promised to love her as a true granddaughter. From that day on, the little girl never felt alone in the family again.
