An American Family: Jail Time

On the birth certificate, Frances spells the baby’s name a new way. “It’s going to be Gennisis, she says. “It has the same meaning about a new beginning, but it’s a name that’s only hers. And it’s got ‘Isis’ in it. Like
the goddess.”

***

Frances brings Gennisis to see her father for the first time on Thursday, March 4. “I’ve got butterflies in my stomach, seeing her,” Luis says.

“She’s got curly hair like me, but she’s got your cheeks and eyes,” replies Frances.

“She’s beautiful,” he says. “Beautiful.”

Save for their first visit, Luis has been resolutely upbeat since his arrest, working on strategy for his case, trying to give Frances as much help and support as he can from inside. But the sight of his small daughter undoes him in some fundamental way. “If they give me a bunch of time, will you wait for me?” he asks Frances suddenly.

“Of course,” she says, surprised at the question. “Of course, I’ll wait for you. What did you think?”

***

On March 12, Luis went back to court again, this time to set the date for a preliminary hearing. But before the case was called, the district attorney offered a deal — four years, in return for a guilty plea. Taken aback at the comparatively short sentence, his attorney quickly presented the option. Luis shook his head no. “I’m not taking a deal,” he said. “I’m innocent. I’m going to trial.”

Chapter Three will appear next month. Chapter One: “Living on the Verge” is available in our archive.