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CHAPTER 1
ANNA'S POV
As the sun was setting in a dusty street in Mexico, I was in the kitchen at home with my twin sister Alma, as we first heard the gunshots, and the sirens that followed, that was our life in Mexico, the air was filled with tension.
“Alma, Hermana, I'm very scared.” I whispered my voice barely audible.
Alma,reached out and held my hands tight, her fears evident in her eyes, but I don't know how she keeps in together. “I know, Anna but we have to stay strong for each other.”
Our parents entered the room, their worry and exhaustion evident in their eyes, dad sat down in an armchair in the sitting room. “Everyday, I get worried that this violence will get close to us.”
My heart ached, as I watched the fear in my parents eyes. I know that my parents will do anything to keep us all safe.
“What if we left Mexico and started over somewhere new and safe.” Mom said while looking at all of our faces.
We all exchanged a weary glance, the weight of the decision hanging on our heads. Finally dad spoke and we all listened to him.
“I never thought that, I'll say this but we have to leave, and start over in America, it'll hold greater options for us.”
Mom nodded in agreement, her eyes shunning with new hope. “We need to do this, for our family to try for a fresh start.”
I felt hope,maybe just maybe there will be a way. Out of this nightmare that threatens to dim our lives here.
The following weeks that followed were filled with activity as we prepared to leave for America. We all packed all our belongings into the suitcase, as we prepared to say goodbye to the home we once knew.
As we stood on the foyer of our house in Mexico I was flooded with sadness. We needed to do this but Mexico will always hold a special place in my heart.
“We are doing the right thing, Anna.” Alma said to me to assure me. “We have to believe that we are.”
I nodded in agreement, my family we will help each other to overcome this ordeal and change. We couldn't do anything about what happened in Mexico, but we can start afresh in America.
Leaving Mexico was the best and bitter thing I've ever done in my life, but the safety of my family comes first.
Hours later we crossed the border into America. Alma looked at me and smiled, her smile reassuring. “We are going to be alright sis.”
I looked out the window at the rows of identical buildings, my heart filled with anticipation for the new adventures ahead. This was our chance to start anew, after experiencing the violence and deaths in Mexico.
As we pulled into our parking lot, my stomach was in knots as I saw the neighborhood, wondering how we'll fit in and how the neighbors will treat us, will they accept us.
Mom turned to us, with a reassuring smile, “Hija, we will make this place our home in no time, I promise.”
With fresh determination, we unloaded our belongings from the car, and we took all these into our new apartment in America. It smelled like new paint, new beginnings as we took our stuff inside the house.
“We will make this work, girls we sure will.” Dad said as he took our belongings inside.
I nodded in agreement with Alma as we looked at the rooms, checking the ones we will take as our room. This was the start of our new life, we were determined to make it work no matter what.
Over the next couple of days, we began to settle into our new life. We began to familiarize ourselves with the ways of life of the American people. We got to work around our neighborhood and try to make friends, it wasn't so bad afterall.
“It's so different here, sis.” I said as we walked around the neighborhood with my sister, it was beautiful and quiet here.
“I really like it here.” Alma said, smiling as she looked at me.
Our parents found work quickly, dad was a chef and he found work with little effort. It was filled with long hours but fulfilling too. Despite the challenges we are going to face, I know that we'll get through it. Me and my sister just need to find jobs for ourselves as we are adults now.
As we gathered around the dinner table, every evening, our conversations were filled with laughter and adventure for our new surroundings in America. It was a far cry from what we experienced in Mexico and I was grateful for that.
“I think we made the right decision coming here to stay.” Dad said while eating.
“Yes, it is and I am happy that our family is safe.” Mom added.
“Mom, dad we'll like to look for a job here.” Alma said as she drank water.
“Yes, we want to be independent here, not relying on you people for anything all the time,” I added while looking at our parents.
“Okay, just find jobs that you can do alright.” Mom told us.
“Alright, I know that once that happens, you'll start looking for apartments to move out.” Dad said to us.
“Dad,you know that we'll need to do that, we are grown ups now.” I told dad, smiling.
“I'll support and accept your decisions .” Mom added too.
We both exchanged knowing looks with our parents, their eyes shining with pride as they looked at us, “We are in this together as a family, no matter what happens.” Dad said to us his voice filled with love and affection for us.
We all ate dinner together while exchanging stories of how our day went. We talked about all this in the comfort and warmth of our new home, here in America. I knew that no matter what happens I'll face my family supporting me. We finished dinner, and we helped mom tidy up the kitchen and in washing the dishes. I went up to my room and I began to look for jobs online, the ones that I can do. I've always had a passion for baking and had a dream of working in a pastry shop and I'll actualize that dream here in America. Alma came into my room and we got talking.
“Sis,what are you exactly?” Alma asked as she sat down on my bed.
“Looking for a job, you should do that.” I told her while looking at a job opening I saw online.
“I know that, but I have something in mind, I'll tell you when I put it into play.” Alma assured me.
“Oksy, if you say so, I believe you sis.” I said as I put off my phone and gave her my full attention.
“Let's make the most of the time we have now before we get so immersed in work we don't have time to have fun.” Alma told me.
“Okay, what do you have in mind sis?” I asked her to play by her rules.
“Trust me, you'll know by tomorrow.” Alma said, smiling.
We discussed things, and our conversation turned funny in no time. I went to bed immediately after Alma left the room. America provided the security and stability we never had in Mexico and I was happy for that.