Chapter Text
Blanca had been doing research on what to do with the money that she and the children were now earning. Truth be told, the salon was doing pretty well and she was able to put a little money aside. Angel was doing extremely well with her modeling gigs and so was Damon with being cast on the Solid Gold reboot. Even lil Papi was holding his own. He continued his job at the Carlyle and while he was studying, he took some clients for portraits.
Blanca began a friendly relationship with one of the bankers at the Citibank on the corner of where her salon was. Jose was kind and patient with her and understood that she had little or no experience with managing her money. He had grown up in a poor family in the Bronx where banking was a tin coffee can. Blanca was terrified that she’d have to reveal hers and Angel’s true assigned gender to him in order to open their accounts because none of their identification cards and certificates matched who they really were.
Blanca’s determination didn’t let this detail stop her. She knew she needed to do this for her children’s benefit. She needed them to be secure in the event that something happened to her.
She made an appointment with Jose on a day that the whole family could come. She began with the two easiest family members, Papi and Damon. To begin with, each opened a savings account, each with a respectable amount of money. In addition to that, each opened a checking account, which would be for them to use and move their money around. Finally, they each opened a CD which was earning a little more money than the basic savings account. Papi of course had the most modest amount of money, but in his mind, it was a great fortune and it was all thanks to Blanca. He made a mental note that he would need to do something extraordinarily special to show her how much he appreciates her. The boys signed all of their paperwork and received their temporary check books and folios. Next, was Angel and Blanca. Blanca was visibly nervous but began: “Jose, you have been a good friend to me, to us...my whole family. I need to tell you something very private.” She then placed her identification records on the table in front of him and Angel’s next to hers.
He carefully read all of the paperwork and records and slowly and calmly took Blanca’s hand in his and squeezed it and with all the respect and sincerity in the world stated, “Ms. Rodriguez, I don’t want you to worry about anything at all. I will be sure to take care of you and not let anything happen to your accounts.” Blanca’s hand flew to cup her face to shield her emotion. Angel had remained cool throughout the process. Neither had imagined there would be such a supportive and understanding human sitting on the other side of that table.
Blanca’s banking and finances were a bit more complicated. She needed to open her personal accounts along with her small business account. He guided her along the way seamlessly. She needed to secure things for the business now that she would be needing to hire a staff and pay payroll. Her business was providing enough profit now for her to have her own small checking, savings and CD accounts. Finally, Angel opened her accounts and when she handed over all of the payment checks she had received, everyone was in shock at how much she had earned.
Jose gave the family of four a brief overview of how to balance their checkbooks and how to reconcile their accounts. He gave each of them his card and encouraged them to call if they had any questions.
Although everyone was doing well, Blanca always feared that this good moment could be temporary and didn’t even consider moving to a better apartment. They would continue to improve their lives and live modestly.
They all said their goodbyes to Jose and left the bank thanking him. Blanca instructed the group, “let’s go home and put away our paperwork. I don’t want to be walking abound the streets of New York City with our bank account and private information.” They all understood and followed her home.
Each in their own mind was thinking how things had changed...from not eating a hot meal for days to having a loving family with financial security, a roof over their heads and unconditional love and support. Blanca had truly built a home.
Blanca flatly stated, “I want all y’all to be careful with your money.”