breeze blowing and a sweet smell of mesquite fruit in the air, but I didn’t appreciate it. I kicked 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 sighed. “Fine. But this is your responsibility even if you don’t get it.” I quickly wiped my tears away as soon as my happy tears came running down my face. He wiped his hands on his pants and shoved his hand into his pockets. I couldn’t feel anything as if I was numb. He gave the $15 to me and I ran inside. 

“Grandma! Look.” I showed her the $15 dollar note and she went silent for a bit. She went back to knitting after that. Loud knocking came from out of the door as I leaned forward to see what she was going to say. 

“Marta!” It sounded like a mad man. Grandma looked up with a confused expression and told me “ Go check who that is. I hopped towards the door. As I opened the door I could see a tall man with a brownish, grayish hat. “Marta.” He gasped for some air. I knew he was running towards my house. We really didn’t have many cars. Not even the principal. “Marta. It’s going onto being free so you don’t have to worry about the $15. I heard my grandma interrupt and told me “Dile por que.” I knew in english she basically said “Tell him why.” I told him exactly what  my grandma had said in english. He stood there for a bit and sighed. “Joann is not getting it. You are.” “I have $15!” He didn’t want to say anything but just to take it. It’s been a few days.

It was graduation day. One by one prizes are given out until they see who the valedictorian will be. As the principal held out the scholarship jacket my eyes brightened up and beamed with joy. “And the valedictorian for this year goes to…. Marta!” my eyes started tearing up as I got shocked. People clap me on the way onto the stage. I gave out my final speech while holding the jacket. “Thank you so much! Thank you team and school for this special moment to happen!” Everyone started clapping and as I looked onto the side to finally leave.

My eyes caught attention to my grandparents being here. “Nana! Papa!” I ran crying towards them hugging.