We Were Here

Miguel describes the fraternity party as being attended by an extremely diversified group of people, including fraternity members, high school students, blond college girls and “Mexican hoochies” (247). Miguel has never been to a college party; Rondell has never been to any sort of party. Nonetheless, after drinking a cup of “jungle juice” and some beer from backyard kegs, all group members start to enjoy themselves.

Flaca brings Miguel into a room to talk privately, and asks how his lip was cut; he responds that he and his brother were “probably messin’ around” (249). She mentions that she has two older brothers, and is closest with the one named Rene. While she speaks, Miguel realizes how beautiful Flaca is and thinks that Diego would approve of her.

Miguel leaves the room to check on Rondell. He is sitting on a couch listening to music with a group of college boys. Rondell refers to Miguel by the nickname of “Mexico,” and one of the white students asks whether having a pet name like that is characteristic of a gay couple. Further discussion is averted by another group member and Miguel leaves feeling that Rondell is safe, although perhaps drunk.