George Washington Gómez: A Mexicotexan Novel

Jonesville hosts a Mexican festival known as a “kermesse.” Guálinto wishes to go but does not have enough money. El Colorado rounds up some friends who all pitch in to pay for Guálinto’s admittance. They initially enjoy their time at the kermesse, but eventually run into María Elena and her white and “Spaniard” friends. Guálinto attempts to win her back, but she denies him a final time.

Later, Guálinto runs into his sister Maruca, who is dressed up and following a white boy through the crowd. The boy bullies Maruca, and Guálinto intervenes and chases him off. Maruca is embarrassed by the episode and makes Guálinto promise not to tell María what has happened.

A few days later, Maruca returns home from the doctor’s office, having discovered she is pregnant. María is furious and beats her nearly to death, threatening to kill both her and the baby. Her anger moves to Carmen, who knew of the pregnancy and hid it from her, and she beats her as well. María finally attempts to banish both of her daughters from the house, but Feliciano intervenes at the last moment. Throughout the ordeal, Guálinto hides and avoids drawing attention to himself in cowardice.

The family becomes bitter towards one another in the following days.