Spain or Shine Read Online Free PDF Page B

stepbrother named Danny, but he doesn’t live with me, so basically I’m an only child, like you.”
    As Alita appeared to bask in the idea of being like Jenna in any way, and continued asking questions, Elena shifted in her seat, trying to mask the gurgling sounds coming from her stomach. She was used to eating by six o’clock at home, but none of the Cruzes seemed to notice how late it was getting. Elena was starting to feel a little light-headed from the wine and her nearly empty stomach.
    They finally sat down for dinner at nine thirty. Elena wasn’t sure if this was due to Jenna’s unexpected arrival, or if this was the norm, but none of the Cruzes acted as if it was out of the ordinary.
    â€œThis is a special meal, girls,” Señora Cruz began to explain as she lifted the lid off of a skillet. “It is Señor Cruz’s favorite.”
    Señor Cruz beamed. “ Gracias , mi amor,” he said, as he leaned in to plant a kiss on his wife’s pink cheek.
    â€œI believe in America you would call this an omelet,” Señora Cruz explained to Elena and Jenna as she spooned out a portion of the omelet thing onto each of their plates. “It is made with bacalao, codfish.”
    Elena mustered a wary thank-you as she eyed the fish omelet. She’d never eaten an omelet for dinner, much less one with fish in it.
    â€œPlease tell us more about the program you are starting tomorrow.” Señor Cruz sectioned off a large bite of fishy omelet. “Señora Cruz and I are aware that your school is located on the high school campus. Will you be taking classes with Spanish students?”
    â€œThe classes are all taught in English, except the conversational Spanish class. That one is obviously a mix of Spanish and English,” Elena answered.
    â€œSo, are all the students Americans?” Alita asked excitedly.
    â€œNo. I’m pretty sure all the girls who applied through S.A.S.S., like me and Jenna, are American. Most of the other kids in the program are from the U.S., too, but there are also some from England, Ireland, and, I think, even Australia.”
    â€œThey’re all from English-speaking countries,” Jenna piped in, sliding her fork into her untouched omelet and pulling it out again, leaving four perfect little holes. Elena wondered if she was also unsure about fish in an omelet.
    Elena dared to take a bite of her omelet and found it to be surprisingly tasty. It was encouraging. Perhaps trying new things wouldn’t be as difficult as she’d thought it would be.
    â€œWe should speak in Spanish tonight then,” Señor Cruz said. “Elena and Jenna will learn more that way.”
    The two American girls exchanged glances, and then Jenna shrugged and said, “Why not?” Elena tried to cover her apprehension with her cheeriest smile.
    Señor Cruz proceeded in Spanish, asking Alita what her day would be like tomorrow.
    â€œMañana tendré un examen de matematicos,” she answered, making a sour face. Elena didn’t blame her, she hated math tests, too. Then Alita explained that after the test her class would be going to the aquarium. Elena was proud that she understood at least most of what was being said.
    Elena noticed that Señor and Señora Cruz spent a lot of time focusing on Alita, giving her space to tell them about her plans the following day. Elena couldn’t remember when she’d ever been handed that much uninterrupted airtime at home.
    Jenna joined in the Spanish conversation, stumbling through several questions and answers. Elena wasn’t as bold. If she was ever unsure about something, she felt it was best just to stay quiet. Her greatest fear was piping up and having everyone laugh at her. When Señor and Señora Cruz pitched her the occasional question, she answered with nods, shrugs, and the occasional “sí” or “ no .”
    â€œElena, you don’t seem to be