Love is Always Write Anthology Volume 6

get in via Jersey City, I can make it to Diego's house without being seen."
    Doña Vibi informed them, "Esteban, Diego is in South Jersey with Camila. Do you have your set of keys from Diego's house?"
    "No, Mom, I left them inside Diego's house, because I only need them if I'm in Jersey. Let me think what's I'm going to do, I'll call you back."
    She quickly added, "Esteban, I'm so glad you're leaving the church. I don't care if they blame me."
    Their father voice was heard over hers, "Valeria! How could you say such a thing?"
    "Sergio, they're going to blame his Italian blood as usual, so what? He's twice Italian, and we better deal with it."
    "Mujer!"
    Javier knew that meant woman, and it had been a clear warning of some sort. Esteban seemed alarmed. "Please don't fight over this because it is a personal decision, so there is nothing any of you can do. Dad, Mom has nothing to do with it. And forget all that stupid argument about Italian blood. We all descend from Romans."
    "I know, but your grandma won't listen. Esteban, call us later, and don't worry, I'll keep them from killing each other."
    "Thanks, Dad. Mom, don't fight with grandma, please."
    The silence that followed promised that nothing would stop that fight, still, Doña Vibi ended the call saying, "Va bene."
    "I hope so, Mom, that everything will be all right," Esteban agreed.
    Raul let a deep breath escape and said, "I found it strange there was no press outside of the archdiocese when we left, but I never imagined they would dare to hunt you down at home."
    Esteban combed his short hair with a hand. "Me neither. My hope is that once the trial starts, they forget about me."
    "Yes, they probably will. For now you can stay with me." He looked at Javier in the back seat through the rearview mirror and added, "You're welcome to stay as well, Javier, my place is big enough."
    For some reason Javier would never know, he answered, "Thanks, but before I accept, you should know I'm HIV positive."
    Raul frowned, glanced at Esteban and back to the mirror before he shrugged and affirmed.
    "So what? I'm not having sex with you."
    "Well, there are some people who don't feel comfortable sharing their space with people who have the virus."
    "Ignorant people! Everybody knows how the thing is passed from one person to another, right?"
    In that moment, Javier noticed that Esteban had turned to look at him as much as the seatbelt allowed.
    "Javier, you don't need to disclose your status to anybody unless you're planning to be intimate with that person."
    "Really? I thought I should tell people."
    "Well, it's up to you, but I think it's better if you wait until you know the person better, and this goes for any possible employer as well. I don't think you're a risk if the contact is casual."
    Javier nodded, feeling like a kid. He wished that explaining his experience with his family was possible, but out of loyalty for them, he didn't want to tell about the way he'd been treated. He felt grateful when Raul changed the subject.
    "Listen, guys, I want to cross the river before the rush hour hits us, so I'm taking the Holland Tunnel right now, but instead of going to Hoboken, I'm heading for Jersey City. We can stop at the Exchange Place mall and get something to eat, while deciding what's next."
    Esteban nodded. "It sounds like a plan. I'm going to see if I can get Diego on the phone."
    Raul took his eyes from the road for a second, turning to look at his brother, and Esteban questioned him, "What?"
    Raul shook his head putting his attention back on the highway.
    Again, Javier wondered about Esteban's relation with Diego. His brother-in-law never mentioned having anything but friendship with Esteban, of course, with him being a priest and all even if there was something more Diego wouldn't confide to him. Mauricio never said anything either, but Esteban mentioned Diego's home and Doña Vibi asked if Esteban had his keys, obviously to Diego's home.
    Javier wanted to ask so many questions, but he didn't dare.
    Then Raul said, "Esteban, this might be for the best, because the last place you want to be is where the whole family is going to gather to discuss your tragedy."
    "What tragedy?"
    Raul drawled with mockery.
    "You're quitting the church, that is a tragedy for the Hidalgo family in case you haven't realized it yet."
    Esteban sighed, his shoulders sinking in the car seat. "I hope they don't blame Mom."
    "It's inevitable. They blamed her when I divorced, when Tina divorced, and