**A Second Chance Holds Its Worth**
Mom, I dont want to go to Grandmas! shouted sevenyearold Beatriz, trying to wriggle out of her mothers grasp. She never likes me! She only likes Uncle Miguel!
Beatriz, stop making things up, replied Carolina, weary, as she buttoned her daughters coat. Grandma 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 explain.
No! She simply doesnt like me because Im not her sons daughter!
Carolina froze, the brush still in her hand. How could a sevenyearold know such things? Who had told her?
Beatriz, who told you that?
No one, the girl turned toward the window. I figured it out. Artur says his father and my father are brothers. And I know my father isnt my real father. My real father lives far away.
Carolinas heart tightened. She sat beside her daughter on the sofa.
Listen carefully, Beatriz. João is your real dad. Hes loved you since you were two, and Grandma Margarida loves you too.
Then why does she always praise Artur and scold me? tears welled in the girls eyes.
Carolina had no answer; Beatriz was right. The motherinlaw really treated her daughter differently from her older sons child.
Mom, were late, João entered the room. Beatriz, get dressed fast 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, Carolina whispered. Beatriz, hurry. Well all go 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 greeted them coldly.
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 his own, married her, legally adopted her, and gave her his family name.
Margarida accepted, yet she never managed to love her granddaughter as she should, especially after her eldest son Ricardo brought home his real grandchild Artur.
Is anyone home? João asked, knocking on the door.
Im here, Im here, a voice called from inside. Come in.
Margarida opened the door and embraced her son.
My João, how Ive missed you! she kissed his cheek and turned to Carolina. Hello, Carolina.
Hello, Mrs. Margarida.
And wheres my little granddaughter? the old woman asked, noticing Beatriz hiding behind her father.
Im here, the girl murmured.
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. Carolinas cooking is excellent.
Good to hear. And Beatriz, hows school? Good grades?
Im okay, the girl grumbled.
Beatriz, answer Grandma politely, Carolina scolded.
Let her be, Margarida waved a hand. Kids are like that. Artur got 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 flatly. Ricardo said hell come today with Artur. Theyll miss Uncle.
Carolina saw Beatrizs face darken. She understood that the grandmother seemed 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.
Would you like 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 clapped when the recital ended. Now wash your hands; lunch is ready.
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 onto 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 give her food, I invite her over.
Yet you treat Artur with kisses, hugs, gifts. With Beatriz youre cold.
Because shes not mine! the old woman exploded. I didnt give birth to her! She has her own grandmother who takes care of her!
Mrs. Margarida, Beatriz isnt at fault for not being Joãos biological child. Shes been your granddaughter for five years; João adopted her and gave her his name.
Papers dont change blood, 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 advised.
I dont want that! I want to know why Grandma doesnt like me!
Beatriz, I like you, Margarida tried to say.
Lying! You said Im a goddaughter! Im not; Im Joãos daughter!
The girl fled, crying. Carolina glared at the motherinlaw and followed her.
In the living room, Beatriz sat on the sofa beside João, sobbing. He stroked her hair, bewildered.
What happened?
Your mother called Beatriz a goddaughter, Carolina said coldly. And she didnt hide it.
Joãos face went pale.
Mom, is it true?
Margarida emerged from the kitchen, embarrassed.
My son, I didnt mean it just happened.
Grandma said Im not hers, Beatriz sobbed. That I have my own grandmother.
João stood up, his jaw clenched.
Mom, how could you?
Son, I only
Only what?
After countless tears and long conversations, Grandma Margarida finally embraced Beatriz, promising to love her as a true granddaughter. From that day on, the little girl never felt lonely in the family again.
