Make Your Home Among Strangers

The night of Noche Buena, Lizet calls Omar. He asks her about school, and he forgives her for being distracted and confused. They talk, and Omar makes his intentions clear: “What we are is bigger than talking every night on the phone, El” (205). Omar comes over Christmas morning, and eases all tension in the family. Lizet admires the way he fits so perfectly, when she does not. Lizet makes a vow not to have sex with Omar, to maintain her resolve to end their relationship, but when Omar brings Lizet to the beach to deliver her Christmas gift—a small diamond engagement ring—Lizet pushes him down and they have a quick, angry encounter. Omar takes that act as a yes, although Lizet says nothing. She reflects on the ring: “A ring that said, ‘You’re a good investment.’ It felt heavy on my finger” (211). 

Each morning after Christmas, Lizet waits impatiently for her grades to arrive. Meanwhile, Omar wants to make big plans to go clubbing on New Year’s Eve—Lizet hesitates, afraid that she will learn she can’t face high school friends and pretend to be happy and successful.