Rubi Zepeta
Wednesday | August 12th, 2020.
Her smile was contagious, even through her mask.
“I haven’t seen you since history.”
I said, reminiscing. We both had it 7th period. Neither of us knew it’d be the last day of our junior year. She proceeded to give me a tour of her cozy apartment’s treasures.
“I was trying to paint my roller skates, but the paint got messed up and I just smudged it off. They’re drying now.”
She sighed, holding them up dejectedly.
“You rollerskate? And paint?!”
I blurted. I felt robbed. I didn't know how cool Rubi was outside the classroom. Rubi continued to show me her other works of art, from a cartoon strip she was drawing for her friend, to an endearing embroidery of a yellow boat she made with her mom.
Stacked high with Gatorade bottles, tools, and a large punching bag—her brother’s room. She explained how she boxed with her older brother regularly. I begged her to show me a couple punches, and was treated to a mind-blowing display of strength and agility.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see her knock someone out.
When the game started, all I could do was listen.
“When I used to get scared at night, I would cuddle up between my parents— but especially my dad. He just made me feel safe. I’d watch the moonlit palm trees outside his window before I fell asleep. Now whenever I see palm trees, I’m reminded of him.”
Rubi lost her Dad to the violence back in Mexico— that was when she moved to San Mateo.
Her two younger sisters emerged out of their room, peering around the corner as if they were Scooby Doo characters. When they left, she opened up about the pressure she bore as the oldest sister.
She always felt like the one they looked up to.
Perfection ruled her life: have high grades, look skinny, appear mentally stable all the time. The warmth of understanding enveloped me. I used to be a perfectionist too; I’d endure frequent breakdowns if my academics weren’t up to par, I’d viciously berate myself for not having the ideal body. When I left Rubi’s house, I left with a silent, shared understanding—we could call upon each other at any time. I wanted to be there for her.
A new friendship blossomed that day.