Juanita wakes up and starts her chores, replaying last night in her mind. She was a fool to think Tami’s invitation to the movie was anything more than that. They’ll never be true friends, and they’ll certainly never be a couple. She always knew that, but seeing it so clearly was still a firm slap in the face.
What hurt most was how happy Tami looked with Marvel. If he were a jerk, it would be easier to stomach, but he’s a genuinely nice guy. And even Juanita has to admit that the two of them are perfect for one another — good‑looking, well‑dressed, and privileged.
The reality settles her into her place. She’s a ranch hand, a servant. And that’s all she’ll ever be in Miss Tami’s eyes. Even when she’s dressed up and looking her best, she’ll never be glamorous enough to step into Tami’s social circle.
Her place is to serve, and she’ll do it wholeheartedly.
Juanita is in the kitchen cooking up a breakfast that smells as good as anything my mom ever made. The scent of bacon and eggs pulls me in. It’s been a while since I’ve had a real breakfast. But why is she cooking for me? I should be the one making up for what happened yesterday. I quietly approach her with an apology already on my tongue.
Tambara: I’m sorry about last night. I honestly didn’t realize that he planned it as a date.
From the side, Juanita’s expression is unreadable.
Juanita: It’s okay. I enjoyed the movies and being out.
There’s a flatness in her tone that doesn’t quite match her words.
She turns back to stirring her eggs, but then says something almost under her breath that does sound sincere.
Juanita: You two make a cute couple though.
I smile at that because I believe it’s true. But I still haven’t made up for how I treated her yesterday.
Tambara: I wanted to tell you that I decided to hire a gardener to help you with the more menial tasks around here. You do way too much.
Juanita: Thank you.
I pull out my phone to check the confirmation I received from the gardening club.
Tambara: He’ll be here in a few hours. Oh, and my mom is coming to visit for a few days. Do you think you can get the guest room ready for her?
Juanita turns off the oven and empties the skillet onto a serving dish on the counter before handing me a plate.
Juanita: Your mother? Of course.
Tambara: Yeah, she’s been looking forward to meeting you.
Juanita finally perks up a bit.
Juanita: Really? Me?
I manage to take a few bites before my phone rings. I look at the screen and see that it’s Mom.
Tambara: That’s her now. *answers the call* Hey Mom. How long before you get there?
On the phone, Maia surprises Tami by saying she’s already outside. She didn’t plan to arrive this early, but she caught an earlier train. She steps out of the car, grabs her suitcase, and walks toward the gate.
When Tami talked about buying a ranch, Maia pictured something much smaller. She’d seen photos, but the photos didn’t show how massive it really is. The place is stunning. Her head swivels from side to side as she tries to take it all in. She’s already looking forward to the time she’ll get to spend here. Even though she grew up in the city, she’s always been partial to the countryside. It reminds her of the time she spent in Henford with Dub’s family.
I hurry out and find Mom giving herself a mini tour of the ranch. Her face lights up with a warmth I don’t realize I miss until it’s right in front of me. She walks over and pulls me into a hug. As she lets go, I study her face, noticing tiny wrinkles around her eyes and mouth that weren’t there before. I realize I missed her birthday.
Tambara: I’m so sorry I missed your birthday.
Mom’s smile highlights the lines around her mouth.
Maia: It’s okay. I had a wonderful time.
Tambara: Still, maybe we can make up for it while you’re here.
Maia: Sure, that sounds nice. Where’s Juanita? I’m excited to finally meet her.
Tambara: She’s in the house cleaning up. She can show you to your bedroom.
I watch Mom step away and disappear into the house.
Maia finds Juanita in the kitchen.
Maia: Oh, hi there. You must be Juanita. I’m Maia, Tami’s mother.
Juanita:*tips an imaginary hat* Howdy. It’s so nice to meet you. I’m so sorry, I didn’t get the chance to make up your room yet.
Maia: No worries. Just point me toward the clean linens, and I can do it myself.
Juanita: No, I can’t have you doing that. You’re Miss Tami’s guest.
Maia smiles warmly.
Maia: I really don’t mind. Plus, that doesn’t sound like the job of a ranch hand.
Juanita: With all that Miss Tami has done for me, I really don’t mind.
Maia: Well, from what I’ve seen so far, you’ve done plenty.
Juanita smiles.
Maia takes a seat in the living room chair.
Maia: I’ve been looking forward to meeting you.
Juanita: Me? Why?
Maia: Because I know you’re the one making Tami’s dream of running this ranch possible. It’s not a small task, and I just had to meet the type of woman capable of such a thing.
Juanita watches Maia for a moment, noting her body language and the way she’s leaned in slightly with a soft smile on her face. Maia wants to hear what she has to say. It’s a subtle gesture, but it means a lot.
Juanita: Thank you. I was born into this world. I don’t really know anything else.
Mom stays inside for a while, but eventually follows Juanita out to the paddock where I’m busy brushing Finesse, preparing her for some barrel practice. As she approaches, I can’t help but recall the angry tones my parents used on my birthday, when Daddy revealed Finesse as my birthday gift. It felt like the beginning of the end of their marriage. I’m sure Mom has come to terms with that, but seeing Finesse again has to be slightly painful for her.
But none of that is evident on her face when she walks over.
Maia: How’s everything been going in the racing world?
Tambara: Not bad. I’ve won a few gold medals.
Maia: Nice. You always did seem to be a natural.
Her words surprise me. I didn’t think she ever noticed.
Tambara: I was just about to practice. Want to watch?
Maia: I’d love that.
Maia: And will I get to see a competition while I’m here?
Tambara: I was thinking about entering one tomorrow. The only gold we’re missing right now is for the advanced competition.
It’s true that I planned to enter, but I didn’t think Mom would be interested in attending. I’m glad she is.
Maia: I look forward to seeing that.
Maia walks over to the side of the field and makes herself comfortable. I place Finesse’s saddle and take a few practice rounds, glancing over now and then to see how impressed Mom looks.
The new gardener is in the greenhouse watering the plants. After watching Tami practice, Maia wanders toward the garden to admire the crops. Juanita is working with the beehives, moving slowly and deliberately. Maia pauses, impressed by the focus it takes, but she doesn’t interrupt.
Instead, she steps into the greenhouse and sits on the bench. This could easily become her favorite spot on the ranch. It’s quiet, a little humid, but being surrounded by the plants feels right. She can already imagine spending time here. Maybe she could even convince Tami to let her keep a few frogs in the corner. The soft croaking would make this the perfect place to unwind.
(Generation 5 Chapter Summaries)
