Editor’s Note: This is the last of three stories about the Mejîa family of Ottumwa.

OTTUMWA — Mexican food, it turns out, is too spicy for some members of the Mejía family. Mother Maria especially does not like food that is spicy hot. And, she said, Mexican food has a lot of onions, which she said they don’t like. She will eat the rice, the chicken and some beans.

It’s at that point in the conversation Mom has to get stern. Franklin said he doesn’t like beans. Then he describes what beans do to him, prompting his little sisters to crack up with laughter.

“Franklin! Behave yourself. This is going to be in the newspaper,” his mother scolds.

Though Franklin grins, a little embarrassed, he doesn’t talk back to his mother. In fact, there is a lot of respect offered by Franklin and his friends when they’re with adults.

Before a recent soccer practice outside of the old Walsh school, a friend jogs over to see Franklin, but stops to greet Maria respectfully.

“Como esta? (How are you?)” says one young man as he reaches to shake her hand.

Another offers the same respect before Franklin’s mom heads off for her errands.

Both friends speak Spanish, but not everyone at soccer practice does. Of about 15 members present on a recent night, perhaps five can speak Spanish.

For all the players, 5:30 p.m. means it’s time to get down to business. Warmups, stretches and ball handling drills.

And a few hard-run laps.

“Don’t dog it,” shouts the coach, “don’t dog it or you’ll run again!”

Franklin runs somewhere about in the middle of the pack, teammates with longer legs pulling ahead.

That changes during ball handling.