"The Look"

On "Motorcycle On the Sea of Tranquility," novel by Patricia Santana, is based on the sixties in San Diego, California. At some point in the novel, Yolanda, the protagonist, mentions her true love for Francisco Valdivia, her classmate from Southwest Junior High. One day, Yolanda is sick of waiting for Francisco to make a move and decides to make a move herself. “Here I was waiting for Francisco Valdivia to enter the locker hall so I can cast him The Look,” thought Yolanda. ‘The Look’ was a suggestion by her wise older sister, Ana Maria, who was experienced in relationships and dating. This side of Yolanda, a side that truly brings out the best of her, is what I believe ties in the idea of how Yolanda and her siblings ‘learn how to be Americans as well as Mexican Americans.’ Chapter 16 starts off with Yolanda confessing to her best friend, Lydia, her true love for Francisco Valdivia. At first, she’s not exactly sure how to do this and decides to write him a love note. Before she takes immediate action, although she’s sure that’s what she should do, Yolanda seeks advice from Ana Maria. “Red Coral” is the lipstick she instructed Yolanda to wear and then to wait by Francisco’s locker to give him the look. “Your eyes meet. Just an instant, not longer. Then quickly look down like to say ‘oops, I didn’t mean for you to catch me looking at you.’ Don’t do this more than once a day.” This was described by Ana Maria as The Look.