Chapter 3

The New Picture

On Monday morning, Sofia got up early. It was picture day. She needed her cousin Hector’s help before pictures. She ran across the yard to talk to him. They didn’t have much time.

“I can help you, but we have to be quiet,” Hector said.

Hector and Sofia tiptoed into baby Mariela’s room.

“Don’t forget to give this back,” he whispered. “It’s my mom’s favorite one.”

“Gracias, Hector,” Sofia said.

She ran back home to finish getting ready. It was a big day, and she wanted everything to be perfect. Sofia couldn’t wait to take her school picture this year!

* * *

The day school pictures were delivered, Sofia ran home. Mamá and Tía Carmen were talking and drinking coffee in the kitchen.

Sofia rushed past them.

“What’s the big hurry, Sofia?” Mamá asked.

Sofia went straight to her frame on the piano. She slipped her new school picture inside.

She jumped when Mamá and Tía Carmen walked in. Her sisters were right behind them.

“What do you think?” Sofia asked. She was very proud.

When her sisters saw the picture, they started laughing.

But Sofia didn’t care. She loved her picture. Mariela’s big bow made her stand out.

“Oh, Sofia!” Mamá said, smiling. “Muy hermosa!”

“How did you get baby Mariela’s bow?” Tía Carmen asked.

“Hector helped me,” Sofia said. “No te preocupes. I already put it back in its spot.”

“Thank you,” Tía Carmen said. “And the bow looks perfect in your picture.”

“Thank you!” Sofia said.

“Why did you wear the bow, Sofia?” Mamá asked.

Sofia told them how she had mixed up the old school pictures.

“No one even noticed,” Sofia said, frowning. “I looked too much like Elena.”

“Not any more,” Mamá said.

“¡Yo sé!” Sofia giggled. “Now my picture is special.”

“It always was,” Mamá said. “All three of my girls are special.”

She put her arms out to give Sofia, Luisa, and Elena a big hug.

“Te quiero, Mamá,” Sofia said.

“Te quiero, Sofia,” Mamá said.