CHAPTER 3 - Lunna Rivera
***A happy day.
Some time later…*
A few days passed, and it was almost time to head towards the unknown. I look at my reflection in the mirror once again and feel different, not only because I'm turning eighteen, but because I know I'll finally break out of my cocoon. I smile and leave my bathroom, heading towards the door of my room and then down the stairs. As I descend, I'm startled by their screams.
“Surprise!” I smile as I look at Grandma, Mom, Mrs. Salinas and her husband, some neighbors, and even some customers from the bakery.
Grandma and Mom come closer, and Abuela (Grandma) is holding a cake with some candles on top.
“Make a wish,” Mom says, her eyes shining…
“I already have everything I need, Mom, I just…” I close my eyes and blow, opening them to see the flame go out. “I just have to be grateful,” I smile, and we walk over to the table.
My mother cuts the cake and distributes the pieces. She knows I don't like this part because I don't have a favorite or a special person. Of course, I love my mother, but everyone has helped me so much that it would be selfish to give the first piece to just one person.
•••••••∞•••••••
That night was amazing, we had so much fun with cheerful conversations, and everyone laughed a lot. It was the best birthday ever! Even though Mom insisted on giving me a glamorous party with frilly dresses and a waltz. However, I wouldn't be happy with that! I like simple things, where you can enjoy life to the fullest and the best it can offer us.
“Daughter!” I feel a squeeze in my hand, look to the side, and Mom looks at me worriedly. “Are you okay?”
“Yes, it's just nerves!”
“I've said this many times, but I never tire of saying how proud I am of you, my daughter,” Mom says, smiling with tears in her eyes. “Your father would be too… we're so proud, right, Mom?” she says, looking at my grandmother. I find it so beautiful the affection they have for each other.
Mom lost her parents at a very young age, so when she met my father, my grandmother kind of adopted her as a daughter. Seeing the two of them like this, I admire the love, companionship, and trust that they feel for each other.
“Of course, we are. Please take care of yourself, my daughter,” she says, caressing my face.
“Don't worry, Mom, I'll take care of myself,” I say, looking at them.
“Did you put everything you need in your bag? Don't forget that when you get there, you need to call me and let me know that everything is okay.”
“Don't worry, Mom, it will take about a week before classes start. I'll have some time, and I've already met my roommates through a video call!” I say excitedly.
“I know, my love, it's just that… I…”
“Mom!” I crouch down to her level. “Don't worry, I'm not as helpless as I used to be. I'll know how to take care of myself, stay calm! I'll call you every day,” as I say that, she smiles.
“Do you promise?” She raises her palm facing me, just like she used to do when I was a child, so I wouldn't break my word.
“I promise!” I put my palm against hers, and we spin it until only our little fingers are united.
“Don't forget to withdraw money if you need it. I left a good portion of the money that your su padre (father) left for us, in his account.”
“Mom, relax!” I stand up, and we let go of each other's hands, sitting down next to her.
“We'll try to come see you, daughter,” she says, wiping her tears.
“Mom, I don't want you to kill yourself trying to come here, it's far, and the travel time is tiring. Besides, you can't sit for so long. So be careful!”
“Okay, okay! But…”
“Attention, passengers. Please proceed to gate AL 3679 with destination to Boston with a connection in JFK, New York.”
“Mom, I have to go.” I stand up, grabbing my bag with my English book, which will be one of my companions on this long flight.
She takes my arm and pulls me towards her, almost making me fall onto her and the wheelchair. Mom hugs me tightly, almost suffocating me, but I take advantage of the seconds there and deeply inhale the delicious strawberry scent in her hair. It will be a long time away from her, I will miss her so much!
I pull away from her, and her face is bathed in tears. I go to her side and hug grandma, who kisses my head. I stay there for a few seconds in her arms. It was to her that I used to run when I was scared, or when I needed her the most on stormy nights… she was there, holding me in her arms. I wipe away a tear and hear the last boarding call being made. I pull away from them, grandma sits next to mom, who is crying a lot. She takes my mother's hand and hugs her with her other arm.
“Te quiero abuelita y te quiero mamá(I love you abuela, and I love you mama),” I say in our mother tongue, making both of them look at me in astonishment. But they smile, I step back and walk towards the boarding gate, taking a deep breath, leaving behind the most important people in my life and going in search of a better life for them.
I look back one more time and both wave goodbye. I walked to where I needed to check in and start the procedures to get on the plane. I go through inspection and security and head to the boarding gate. With my boarding pass and backpack that meet the airline's regulations, I complete the inspection process and have immediate access to the boarding area. I double-check the flight time and gate on the various monitors scattered throughout the airport because I know that both the flight time and boarding gate can change at any moment, and that would be tragic because it's the first time I'm traveling alone.
“Attention, passengers! This is the final boarding call for the flight to Boston. Please proceed to gate AL 3679 with a connection in JFK, New York.”
I hear the boarding call again and pick up the pace. As soon as I reach the boarding lounge, to make sure I'm in the right place, I check the boarding gate for my flight and confirm that I'm in the correct boarding lounge. Ground agents explain how boarding will work and which priority groups will enter the aircraft. I check my boarding pass and confirm my group identification and boarding time, as well as the flight duration. Mom said that selecting groups makes boarding easier and helps to form shorter lines, so I wait for my group to be called to enter the corresponding boarding line. It doesn't take long for this to happen, and I hand my boarding pass and ID card to a young woman who smiles kindly after analyzing them.
“Have a great flight!” she hands me the papers back after checking them.
“Thank you very much!” I smile and walk through the glass corridor, where I can see several parked airplanes, they're huge.
“Wow!” I look to the side and see a little boy holding hands with his mother. “They're so big, mom! The planes are so huge!” she smiles at his excitement.
“They are indeed, Mattheu. Now let's go, or we'll miss the flight,” she says and he smiles excitedly.
I turn my attention back to the corridor and as soon as I reach the airplane door, I present the papers in my hands again and am allowed to enter. I'm a little lost, so I went to a flight attendant and asked for help.
“Hi, how are you? Good morning! Could you help me find my seat?” I ask.
“Hello, of course!” I hand her the paper. “Come with me, please!” I follow her, and we walk to the back of the plane. “The seats are identified by numbers and letters located at the base of the overhead bin,” she points with her hand. “The number marks the row you're sitting in, the letter indicates the position of the seat, which can be window, middle or aisle on both sides. Above each row, there's a seat location identification. Just follow the pattern and sit. If someone is in your seat, talk to them or let the flight attendant know,” we arrived at my seat and there was no one in it. “After locating your seat, use the overhead bin to store your carry-on luggage. Your bag or personal item should be under the seat in front of you, near your feet.”
“Thank you very much for your help,” I smile at her, and she does the same.
“You're welcome, and if there's any problem, let me know again, I know it's going to be a long flight!” I nod my head, she walks away, and I put my backpack next to my feet.
“Good morning dear passengers, this is your captain speaking, and I'll be in charge of this flight, welcome. This flight is bound for Boston. Fasten your seat belts and after a few minutes, the flight attendant will start giving safety instructions,” as soon as I hear it, I feel a little butterfly in my stomach and do as I'm told. The instructions are given very simply.
After the instructions, I lifted the window curtain and prepared for takeoff. Feeling the plane lifting off the ground is indescribable. I can't enjoy every second, I close my eyes and hold on to my seat firmly. When I open my eyes, I look out the window and finally appreciate the view and the city that begins to shrink below. It's really exciting! The city that welcomed us is getting behind. I'm going far away and leaving my heart here with my mother and grandmother, I open my bag, take out my book and start studying.