Teen Angel by Gloria Velásquez

Author:Gloria Velásquez
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Arte Público Press
Published: 2003-01-30T05:00:00+00:00

Eleven

Debbie was astonished when she saw me walk through the front door. “Dr. Martínez—you’re back!” she gasped, softening her voice to ask, “Are you feeling better?”

“Yes, Debbie, thank you. Have you managed to hang on to some of my clients?”

Debbie grinned. “Of course! And, for your information, they call almost daily wanting to know when you’re returning. Many of them declined the referrals you gave them. They insisted on waiting for you.”

“How nice,” I sighed, wondering if I was ready to listen to other people’s problems.

“Are you going to be available for appointments today?” Debbie asked.

Shaking my head, I explained, “I’m only here for a few hours, and I need to make some important calls. But you can go ahead and schedule appointments for tomorrow.”

“Terrific! It was getting awfully boring here without you,” Debbie said as I turned to go into my office.

I paused for a moment to gather strength from the beautiful mountain outside my window before I sat at my desk to open the stack of mail waiting for me. My hands began to shake as I opened the first get-well card. It was from one of my colleagues. My eyes blurred as I read the message. I opened a few before, but when the tears started to come easier, I pushed them away. Then, forcing myself to remember the reason why I had come into my office, I reached for the telephone and dialed the number for Roosevelt High School.

My call was immediately transferred to the Counseling Department, and moments later, Mr. Gross came on the line. After I introduced myself, I told Mr. Gross about Celia’s pregnancy and her father’s decision to kick her out of their apartment.

Mr. Gross listened carefully, and when I finally paused, he said, “Thank you, Dr. Martínez, for contacting me about Celia’s situation. There had been rumors circulating around the school, and naturally, we’ve been concerned. I must say that it’s a relief to know Celia has your support.”

I thanked Mr. Gross, adding, “Yes, but more importantly, we need to get Celia back home and in school again. Would it be possible to send Celia’s assignments home with her sister, Juanita, so that she won’t fall behind in any of her classes?”

“Yes, and I’ll personally contact each of Celia’s teachers this morning. Do you have any idea when she might be returning?”

“No, not at this time. I need to speak with Mr. Chávez first.”

“I see. But if there’s anything else I can do to help, Dr. Martínez, please let me know.”

I promised Mr. Gross that I’d contact him as soon as I had more information and hung up. Next, I dialed Mrs. Chávez to let her know that I’d drop by their apartment at one o’clock. Sounding nervous, Mrs. Chávez agreed, and informed me that Mr. Chávez didn’t leave for work until three o’clock.

As I hung up the receiver, there was a light tap, and Debbie’s face appeared through the open door. “Dr. Martínez, I forgot to mention that I have a dental appointment this morning and won’t be back until after lunch.

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