Chapter 2 Summer of the Mariposas

Summary (Chapter 2: Summer of the Mariposas — “El Pájaro Pajarito”)

The story centers on Odilia (the eldest sister) and her four younger sisters—Juanita, Delia, Velia, and Pita/“Peta”/“Beat that”—as they face two looming problems: the drowned man/body they discovered earlier, and the sisters’ belief that they can sneak the body across the border into Mexico.

Main plot / what happens

• After a tense discussion about how to cross (“at dawn,” using Papa’s old car), the girls’ plan starts to unravel immediately. They argue, joke, bicker, and escalate—yet remain strangely determined.
• Odilia tries to keep everyone calm and fed, but she senses something bigger is coming: the sisters haven’t accepted that the “take the body to Mexico” idea likely won’t work.
• The sisters later pack excitedly as though they’re truly embarking on a “long adventurous journey,” while Odilia quietly prepares a counter-plan. Her goal is to get their mother (Mama) home and reassert control.
• Odilia becomes increasingly worried about consequences tied to what happened by the river. Once the “swimming hole” is discovered, border patrol attention could shut down their route—and their chances at freedom.
• When Mama finally arrives at the café, Odilia tries to get a moment to explain—but Mama is stressed, strict about “emergencies only,” and has to deal with her boss (Mr. Moore). Odilia leaves without being able to fully communicate the chaos.
• That night, Odilia executes her strategy: she impersonates Mama by wearing her clothes and staying in Mama’s room to stall the sisters, successfully for a short time.
• The plan nearly collapses when the girls break in and struggle with Odilia’s disguise. They realize something is off once they see it’s Odilia, not Mama.
• Enraged, the sisters decide the plan still goes forward—even without Odilia’s consent. They escape the house, and Odilia realizes they’ve taken keys to the car.
• They drive off in Papa’s Chevy Nova, damaging the yard fence in the process. Odilia chases after them and jumps into the car at the last second.
• As they speed into the night, Odilia tries to regain control using basic driving commands (lights, wipers, visibility). She vows that at the international bridge, she’ll finally confront the body situation—“no matter what.”

Highlights, jokes, and key reactions

• Recurring fairy-tale/absurd humor: The girls talk about crossing like it’s a fantasy quest. Odilia compares explanations to fairy godmothers turning a watermelon into a chariot, and they mock each other’s “magic” as if it’s real.
• Car disaster jokes: Papa’s old car is described like a “death trap” (brakes squealing, unknown mechanical problems), but the sisters still treat it as a heroic getaway vehicle.
• Sibling insults and rivalry: Juanita’s temper, the twins’ “discipline by sarcasm,” and Odilia being labeled a “goody good wannabe saint” add to the chapter’s chaotic tension.
• Disguise/stall sequence: Odilia’s plan to “be Mama” is clever and escalates quickly. The moment the sisters realize she isn’t their mother becomes a turning point.
• Emotional contrast: Beneath the yelling, Odilia’s guilt and fear surface—especially her grief over what her family has lost (Papa gone) and the sisters’ desperation to “fix” things by taking the body back.
• Big comedic-escalation moment: The car theft is both thrilling and ridiculous—fence damage, panic, and improvisation immediately after.

Where it lands

By the end, Odilia’s authority temporarily fails: the sisters escape successfully, and the drive toward Mexico begins. Their flight brings them closer to surrendering the body at the bridge, but it also raises the stakes—police and border attention become unavoidable.

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Personalities / characters appearing

• Odilia (narrator/eldest sister)
• Juanita (bossy, angry; often controlling until she panics)
• Delia (twin of Velia; sharp-mouthed, sometimes smug)
• Velia (twin of Delia; more physically impulsive, sarcastic)
• Pita / Peta / “Beat that” (younger sister; involved in the conflict)
• Mama (Odilia’s mother) (waitress at Mr. Ghee’s; strict about emergencies)
• Mr. Moore (restaurant manager/boss)
• Papa (absent father; referenced throughout; connected to the old Chevy Nova)