The Agbayanis

At the shop,

my grandfather is bending over,

picking up a few screws that jumped

out of their containers during the tremor.

I tell him about my catch,

he coughs a little, punches me in the arm.

Are you going to your friend’s today?

The last day before the show?

Not today. I should be there

when Dad gets home.

I hope he’s not mad

that I’m not going to the game.

You need to tell him. He will understand.

And besides, we will ALL be there.

All of you? I ask.

We would not miss it.

I think about our plan,

sneaking away to sing.

I never thought about this,

that everyone might come;

her parents will find out for sure!

Why did we think we could keep it a secret?

Grandpa, you can’t invite Malia’s parents.

She’ll be in trouble!

Etan, it’s okay, the Agbayanis are part of us.