I’m sneaking candy bars in my bag Tomas loved sweets and missed his American candy bars when we were in a jungle or desert somewhere Don’t do it Mom will have a fit She’ll accuse you of trying to attract bears or something I chuckled I don’t care I am tired of canned beans and dried prunes Tomas didn’t usually challenge Mom and Dad’s rules but this time I think he meant it I am a growing boy I need those calories Tomas stretched his arms and patted his belly Fine Pack those candy bars in your bags Then when a bear eats you alive I will tell you I told you so Marisol how do you plan to tell me that you told me so if I am in a bear’s belly I tossed my bed pillow at Tomas’s face Shut it smarty pants Tomas ducked and the pillow slammed Dad in the face
The Plan Dad’s face was a little red where the pillow hit him He laughed it off good-naturedly I hope that pillow bomb was not really meant for me young lady Dad tried to sound stern but the twinkle in his eyes gave him away Did you guys finish packing Your mom ran to the grocery store to pick up last minute toiletries and medicine No we’re not even close Tomas is way overthinking and trying to fit an outfit for every season in his bags Always be prepared That’s my motto Tomas snorted I rolled my eyes He was such a Boy Scout Tomas Marisol there’s just one season in Puerto Rico hot Pack T-shirts shorts and bathing suits You’ll be fine Dad was matter of fact I could tell Mom had probably given him a huge to do list to finish while she was out Although he was excited about the trip I knew there were a gazillion things for him and Mom to
finish before we boarded the airplane tomorrow morning Tomas nodded his head and mumbled Okay Fine Leave room in your carry-on bag for your laptops and notebooks for school Tomas and I nodded How could we possibly forget school work I’ve got your passports and boarding passes Dad continued then paused obviously trying to remember what Mom told him to tell us Toothbrushes Floss Check and check I said Tomas and I have our toiletries together Good Good Dad said Oh and young man don’t forget your deodorant Tomas blushed I laughed so hard I almost fell off the bed This time Tomas aimed a pillow bomb at me and clocked me on my back Dad took a deep breath Settle down you two I’m supposed to tell you the plan Listen up Tomas and I straightened up We knew we needed to find out exactly what this trip was going to be like We leave tomorrow at 7 a m and arrive in San Juan Puerto Rico around 4 p m with a one hour layover in Atlanta Tomas and I answered in unison Got it That means we’ll need to be at the airport at 5 a m to go
