Page 103 of Something in Between

“Like Dad?” Royce says.

Mrs. Blakely laughs. “Your dad wouldn’t get anything done without me.”

Royce elbows me. “What did I tell you? Maria wouldn’t be here without Mom pushing Dad to help.”

“He was glad to help,” Mrs. Blakely says. “It’s just that he has so much going on. He would have never known if I hadn’t pushed the issue. He probably would have just hired another housekeeper. But I like Maria, and she asked if I had any solutions. So here we are.”

“Do you have any solutions for Jasmine?” Royce asked.

“Not yet,” Mrs. Blakely says. “First, we need to take this to your father. He’ll know what to do. There are so many loopholes and ways of doing things. We might have to do a little research. Ask around Washington.”

“Dad will do it, right?” Royce asks. “Even if his politics are very conservative.”

“Just because someone is conservative doesn’t mean they don’t help people, Royce,” his mother chides. “You know that. Besides, this is your Jasmine we’re talking about. Her track record alone means that this is a special case, don’t you think? Let me talk to him first, and when Dad gets back in town this week, you and Jasmine should schedule some time to talk to him as well.”

* * *

A few days later, I’ve gotten out early from school and Royce and I are sitting in the waiting area of Congressman Blakely’s office. It strikes me as funny that Royce had to be penciled in to the appointment book like any other constituent, but I guess his dad’s schedule is that tight. Every moment is accounted for, even time with his son.

Mr. Blakely’s office is a testament to all he’s done in his political career. There are photos of him with two US presidents, senators, foreign dignitaries, celebrities, and of course of him in the House of Representatives, speaking on the floor. There are paintings too, probably commissioned by Mrs. Blakely. There’s one of him hanging next to a case that has all kinds of awards of recognition he’s received over the years from around the world. Behind him are the US and California flags.

“He’s ready for you,” says his assistant, a serious-looking guy in his twenties wearing a crisp suit. “Go on in.”

As Royce and I enter his office, Mr. Blakely stands, comes out from around his desk, and clasps Royce around the shoulder. He has Royce’s broad shoulders and classic features, but Royce has his mother’s eyes.

He tells us to sit, and instead of returning behind his desk, he takes a seat on the chair opposite the couch where we’re sitting.

“How’s work?” he asks Royce. “I’m told you’re quite an asset to the team. That press release you wrote about the water initiative was picked up almost word for word by the press.”

“Thanks, Dad,” he says, blushing.

I look at him admiringly. I’m so proud.

“Your mother told me what’s going on,” his dad says. “This is tough business we’re talking about. Jasmine is in the process of being deported?”

“Yes, sir,” says Royce.

“My entire family actually,” I say. “We tried to go through the appropriate process, but we lost the trial.”

“And we didn’t know who else to talk to,” Royce adds. “Mom said to come to you.”

“You came to the right place,” Congressman Blakely says. He studies me. “How are you doing, Jasmine?” he asks.

“I’m all right, sir.”

“I’m sorry about all this. Royce tells me that because of your status, you’re not eligible for the National Scholarship anymore.”

“Yes, sir.” I flush. I hope he doesn’t think I was some kind of fraud for having gone to the reception in D.C.

“That’s a terrible shame,” he says. He doesn’t seem to think so. I breathe a little easier.

“Thank you, sir,” I say.

“Call me Colin, please. I’ve told you before, let’s not be so formal,” he says. “I’ve been thinking about what we can do about your documentation status since Debra told me about it. Here’s my solution. I want to offer you a special chance at something. Have you ever heard of a private bill?”

“No, I haven’t,” I admit, hope rising in my chest.

Royce, who’s holding my hand, squeezes it.

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