I’m A Goddess?!

America, Here We Come!

The day that the Salvadores family has been anticipating has finally come! It was 5am on a quiet winter’s morning. All of the moving boxes has been shipped and is on its way to America. In the last six days they visited everyone they knew to say goodbye and now they gather together one last time in their cottage to say a final farewell to their home. “I’m going to miss this place.” Eva said stroking Spud and Tater’s fur. “Yes, so will I. One chapter’s being closed in our lives and a new one is about to begin.” Craig said as he put on his coat. “I think this will be an exciting journey. Who knows what awaits us!” Said Bertha. “Well, it’s that time. Let’s go!” Craig said as he headed towards the car.

    As they headed to the airport, Eva watched as the only home she ever knew passed her by. An hour later they were at the airport. Spud and Tater were put in crates and were sent to the loading facility for pets. “Are they going to be okay, Dad?” Eva asked nervously as she sat down. “Oh, they’ll be fine. You worry too much, Eva.” Miguel said yawning. “I’m going to get a coffee. Would anyone else like one?” Bertha asked as she grabbed her purse. “No thank you, my dear.” Craig said. “I do!” Eva said. “Then come with me! Since you’re the only one we might as well go together.” “Um, okay.” Eva said getting up.

    As they made it to the café, Eva noticed an attractive young man sitting at a table drinking coffee as he read his book. He was a bit muscular and had golden blonde hair that was tied back in a pony tail. “Oh, Eva. Look at that guy!” Bertha said winking. Eva was a bit annoyed. “Why should I? I don’t know him.” Eva mumbled. “Ah, you’re blushing!” Bertha said as she went on to look at the menu. After they ordered they went to sit at a table. Eva didn’t know why, but she couldn’t stop glancing at this stranger. At one glance, they met eyes and he just smiled at her. Eva quickly looked down at her coffee. “I can’t believe that just happened!” Eva thought to herself.

    It came time for them to board the plane. Everyone walked single file to their seats. First Craig and Bertha sat together. Then Miguel and Annabelle. Eva thought she was going to sit alone and hoped she was going to have all the elbow room she wanted to more comfortably fall asleep during the ride. But to much of Eva’s surprise somebody was already sitting next to her seat. It was the young man from the café! Eva hesitated. “Oh, no!” She thought. As she felt someone shoving her she went ahead and sat down.

    Eva blushed as she looked away from him. The pilot began to give instructions in the event of an emergency and within a few minutes after finishing the plane engines turned on. “Here we go!” Miguel shouted as the plane moved down the runway. It made a few laps and then took off into the early morning sky. It was sunrise and the plane was filled with a golden light. Everyone looked out the window. Craig pointed out their village as they passed it by. Before long, they were high above the clouds. 

    Eva quickly pulled out her book to make it look like she was reading. “I’m not going to get any sleep at all!” Eva thought as she buried her face in her book. “Hey.” Eva heard the stranger say. Eva slowly put down her book and turned to him. “Erm, hi.” Eva said with a polite smile. “You’re the girl who was at the café. What are the odds we’d end up on the same plane!” “Heh, heh yah.” Eva said having no idea what to say. “I’m Leo.” “Nice to meet you, Leo. I’m Eva.” Eva said pulling her hair back. 

    “Where are you headed?” Leo asked. “My family and I are headed to a place called Jacksonville, Florida. It’s in America.” “No way! That’s where I’m going.” “Really?” “Yeah. My adopted mother recently passed away and there’s a nice lady that’s  willing to adopt me there.” Leo said smiling. “I’m so sorry for your loss. I hope you can find happiness with your new family. I can’t imagine having to be adopted.” Eva said sympathetically. “It’s alright. Life can be hard. The secret is to keep on going.” Leo said as he looked out the window. “You’re right.” Eva said looking down.

    “Is it my imagination or is Eva talking to that handsome young man from the airport?” Bertha asked nudging Craig. “Huh?” Craig said waking up from his nap. “Oh, nothing.” Bertha said as she smiled. 

    Towards the end of the flight there began to occur some major turbulence. “Huh? What’s going on?” Eva asked freaking out. As the pilot announced that they were heading into a storm, Leo put his hand on Eva’s. “Everything will be fine.” He said. Eva’s face turned red. “What is he doing? He can’t just hold my hand. What do I do?” Eva thought, fearing that pulling back her hand would be disrespectful. The plane trembled and swayed side to side. 

    “Miguel, are we going to be alright?” Annabelle asked with a panicked expression. “Of course, my dear.” Miguel said looking just as worried. “Do you believe in God?” Leo asked Eva as he looked into her eyes. “Erm, I mean, I was never religious or anything. But I always believed that there was more to life than this.” Eva said looking down at her hand, surprised that he was still holding it. “Well, I do. Just trust that he will take care of us.” Leo said calmly. “Okay.” Eva said looking back at him.

    Within the hour the turbulence stopped. The pilot then announced that they were out of the storm system. Everyone on board was relieved and began to talk again since all of the passengers were silent during the storm. The pilot then announced that they would be landing in about half an hour. 

    “Phew!” Eva said relaxing back in her chair. “Well, I hope to see you again.” Leo said. “Who knows, maybe we will, seeing as how we are going to the same place and everything.” Eva said. “In case we don’t, would you like to exchange numbers?” “Uh, sure.” Eva said reluctantly pulling out her phone. They swapped numbers and before they knew it the plane landed. Everyone applauded considering the ordeal they went through. “I’m sure we’ll meet again. Until then.” Leo said smiling at her. “Goodbye.” She said.

    It was about midday when they landed and everyone was exhausted from jet lag. “It would be late if we were still in Spain.” Eva said rubbing her eyes as they walked to the luggage area. “Let’s go get the dogs!” Eva said eagerly “We’ll be right back.” Craig said to the rest of the family. They went into a room where pets were being carted in one by one. Finally, they saw Spud and Tater. “You guys!” Eva said excitedly as she rushed to greet them. They were barking and wagging their tails. “I missed you so much, yes I did!” Eva said with her baby voice as she pet them through the bars of the crates. “Looks like they weren’t too traumatized by the ride here.” Craig said laughing. “Yeah, thank goodness!” Eva said.

    They wheeled them to the luggage area where everybody already got their bags. “Is everyone ready?” Craig asked. “Yes!” Everyone replied. “Then let’s go!” As they walked outside they crowded in a taxi cab. Craig put Spud and Tater on Eva’s lap. Eva just held them and closed her eyes. Thus began the drive to their new home. Everyone just made small talk and marveled at all the stores and buildings they passed by.

   “This is nothing like Spain but this place is impressive!” Bertha said looking out the window. “So Eva, I couldn’t help but notice that you were talking to that young man from the café. What’s his name?” Bertha asked. “Leo. But I’ll probably never see him again. We just made small talk.” “I see.” Bertha said.

    At last they arrived at the gate of their neighborhood (for it was a gated community). “What’s the code?” Asked the taxi driver. Craig pulled out a piece of paper from his pocket. “It’s 2343.” “This neighborhood’s incredible!” Annabelle said. As the gates opened, the taxi driver slowly drove through the neighborhood. There were a variety of different looking houses. They finally pulled up to a large brick house with a spacious front yard and a pond that they shared with their neighbor. “Wow, it’s beautiful!” Eva said as she got out of the car.

    As they all got out of the taxi, a neighbor who was putting away her groceries, walked up and greeted them. “Welcome to the neighborhood! I’m Ms. Roberta.” Roberta was a kind and outspoken lady who was in her 50’s. She had short, curly hair and wore trendy clothing. “Why, hello there! I’m Bertha and we are the Salvadores family!” Bertha said shaking her hand. 

    As Craig, Bertha and Roberta talked, everyone else went inside. As Eva was walking inside she saw a taxi pulling up next door. Before Eva got a look at who was in the cab Annabelle pulled her inside. “You gotta see this Eva! The house is huge!” As Miguel let the dogs outside in the backyard he exclaimed, “Wow! This house has a pool!” “It does?” Eva said rushing to see. Outside there was a screened-in underground pool with stones mounted on it to create a little waterfall. 

    “And look how big the rest of the backyard is!” Annabelle said as she pointed out a little fenced in meadow with fruit trees along the fence. There were also patches of beautiful flowers throughout the yard. “It’s like a little paradise!” Eva said clasping her hands. It didn’t take long after a much needed bathroom break that Spud and Tater started racing through the yard playing a game of tag with each other. 

    “I like it here.” Miguel said. “Me too my love. Who would’ve thought that America would be so-spectacular!” Annabelle said. “Well, this is the place where dreams come true!” Eva said with her hands behind her back-with the wind blowing through her hair. “I will start college this year.” Miguel said. “What will you study to be?” Annabelle asked. “I’m going to be a pilot!” “Lucky. All I get to be is a high school student.” Eva said crossing her arms. 

    “It’s a good thing you finished high school a year early.” Annabelle said smiling. “Well, I am a pretty smart guy.” “I know you are.” Annabelle said leaning in for a kiss. “Heh, I bet I’ll get discovered two years before I finish High School.” Eva said with a competitive smirk. “Ha! Even if some music industry did discover you you’d still have to finish High School.” Miguel said. “Darn.” Eva murmured with a look of disappointment. “Oh, where are you going to college, Annabelle?” Eva asked. “Actually, Miguel and I discussed this not too long ago and we both decided that it would be best if I focused on being a stay-at-home mom.” Annabelle said with a smile. “Can’t you do both?” Eva asked in bewilderment. “Well.” Annabelle paused. “If I went to college then who would look after Spud and Tater while you’re away at school?” “Annabelle.” Eva said looking a bit concerned. “Don’t worry about me, Eva. It may be hard to understand but some people just want to be mommies.” “Okay. If that’s really what you want.” Eva said.

    “Hey kids! Would you like to meet the rest of our neighbors?” Bertha asked peeking her head through the door. “Alright, we’ll be right there!” Miguel replied. As they walked out front, Craig started putting the luggage inside. “Come and give me a hand.” Craig said. There were a few kids playing outside but other than that there wasn’t that much activity going on. 

    Once they finished putting away the luggage they were ready to meet the neighbors. “We already met Ms. Roberta, so let’s start with the other house next door!” Bertha said. “Mom! Do we really have to meet everyone? It’s such a big neighborhood.” Eva complained. “Don’t worry. We’ll visit 3 or 4 houses a day. I still want to meet everybody though!” Bertha said eagerly heading next door. They rang on the doorbell and much to Eva’s utter shock, a familiar face opened the door. “Leo?!” Eva said with her mouth open. “Eva?” Leo said looking just as surprised. Bertha gasped. “You two know each other?” Miguel asked curiously. “Yeah. We met on the plane.” Eva said. “Whoa, what are the odds, huh?” Miguel said laughing a little, looking over at Annabelle. 

    “Who is it, dear?” A strict looking woman who had her hair tightly wrapped in a bun joined Leo. “These are our new neighbors!” Leo said pleasantly. “Oh, is that so? Would you like to come in?” The woman asked emotionlessly. “Um, sure! Don’t mind if we do!” Bertha said walking inside. As the others followed, Leo closed the door behind them.

    “I’m Mary.” The woman said preparing a pot of tea. Mary was a slender woman in her 60’s and she had on a traditional-looking velvet green dress. “Nice to meet you Mary! I’m Bertha, this here is my daughter Eva, my son Miguel, his fiancé Annabelle, and my husband Craig.” “Nice to meet everybody.” She said as she slowly poured the tea into sophisticated looking cups. 

    “This is my new son, Leo. I adopted him overseas because his previous adopted mother had passed away and foster care said that he was interested in living here in America.” “Yes, well, I’m sorry for your loss, son. But on the bright side you will most certainly be living an exciting new life here!” Bertha said looking sympathetically at Leo. “It’s alright.” Leo said sadly. “Bad things happen. That’s life. All we can do is get back on our feet and keep going.” “That’s right, man. Just stay positive.” Miguel said. “Right. Besides, she’s in Heaven now.” Eva said. Leo looked up and smiled at her. Eva just looked down and started to blush. 

    Mary began to hand out the tea and she set a plate of plain biscuits on the table. “So what made you want to move to America?” Eva asked. “There are more career opportunities here.” Leo said. “Leo hasn’t told me what he wants to be yet, but I believe he would make a great leader someday.” Mary said taking the tiniest sip. “What kind of leader? Bertha asked. “President.” Mary said nonchalantly. They all looked at her with unbelief. “And I would know what would make a good leader because I was the former president’s advisor.” “What?!” They all exclaimed. “I decided to retire due to my declining health, so I decided that the next best thing to do would be to pass on what I learned. I believe that Leo was the best candidate to adopt because he was top of his class, made perfect grades since kindergarten, never broke the law, and from what I can see he is very mature for his age.” “It is something I’ll consider, Mother. But I’m still unsure right now.” Leo said. “That is fine, my son. But the door is still open if you want to step through.” Mary replied.

    “Anyways, what is your story? Tell me about your family.” Leo said looking intently at Bertha. “Well, we’re really just your typical family from Spain!” Bertha said. “I lost my job, so I figured if we were going to start a new life it might as well be here.” Craig said. “My little girl is going to be a rock star!” Said Bertha. “Really? I wish you luck.” Leo told Eva. “Ha! I don’t need luck! It’ll happen.” Eva said proudly. “Yes, and my son is going to be a commercial pilot.” “What better way to travel the world, huh?” Miguel said. “Your family is certainly filled with dreams. I’m glad you know what you want.” Leo said smiling. 

    After some small talk the Salvadores’ were ready to move on to the next house. “Well, it was a pleasure you guys!” Bertha said extending her hand. Mary limply offered hers and they shook. “We’ll keep in touch!” Craig said as he headed out the door. “Goodbye, Eva.” Leo said shaking her hand. “I’ll see you around!” Eva replied. As Leo closed the door behind them, Bertha turned to Eva. “It’s him!” She said. “I know! Weird, right? He’s showing up everywhere!” Eva said. “It’s just a coincidence. Don’t get too worked up over nothing.” Miguel said snuggly. “Oh, you’re no fun!” Craig said. “Anyways, on to the next house, shall we?” Bertha said smiling. They visited the next house, then the next. This went on for several hours until they finally went back home. 

    “The moving truck’s here!” Eva said happily. “Yes, well, let’s start helping the movers out!” Bertha said with a skip in her step. Everyone else moaned. “Ugh, we’re exhausted! Can’t we just let the movers do it? That’s what they’re getting paid for.” Miguel said. “No complaining. Chop-chop!” Bertha said. “Fine.” Miguel replied. “Bertha took a box and brought it inside. Miguel looked over at Eva. “Ha! I can bring-“ Miguel said grabbing the boxes. “Two boxes!” He said as he walked off. “So what? I can bring-“ Eva said grabbing a heavy box and watching it slip through her fingers. “One.” Eva said bowing her head in defeat. 

    By the time it was evening, all of their belongings were inside. They thanked the movers and headed inside for some much needed rest. “I’ll prepare us some coffee.” Bertha said as she rummaged around a food box. “I’m hungry! What are we going to have for dinner?” Eva asked as her stomach began to growl. “I saw a place called Taco Shack that looks pretty good.” Miguel said. “I saw that too. We should go!” Annabelle exclaimed. “Alright. But not before coffee time.” Craig said puffing on his ol’ pipe. “A man needs his coffee.” “Alright!” Everyone agreed. While everyone was enjoying their coffee, Eva took the dogs outside to enjoy the sunset with them. “Oh, they need their dinner too!” Eva said as she went back inside. She pulled out the dog box and poured some food into their bowls. She brought their dishes outside to them and they ate. “What a lovely evening.” Eva said entranced by the beauty of her backyard. The fence was spaced so she could see Leo reclined on a chair, reading his book. “Oh no. Does this mean I get no privacy?” Eva thought. She paused for a bit, then thought, “That’s alright. I’ll just grow vines or something on the fence.” Eva breathed in the sweet smell of Jasmine and thought the evening was just magical. “Time to go, Eva!” Annabelle said opening the door. “Okay! Come on you guys!” Eva said as the dogs rushed inside. “We can unpack tomorrow. Let’s just take it easy for the rest of the night.” Bertha said a bit scatter-brained as she looked around at all the boxes they would have to unpack. “Come along, Mother.” Eva said grabbing her arm. 

    For the very first time in their lives they were at a Taco Shack. “Huh, a burrito place.” Eva said looking at the menu. “Is this what they call in America a fast food restaurant?” Bertha asked Craig. “Indeed it is. I heard everyone’s in and out within half an hour.” Craig replied. “Good gracious! That’s hardly enough time to taste what you’re eating!” Bertha said in shock. “Welcome to America, my dear!” Craig said laughing. 

    They all sat at a table and began to eat. “Wow! This is really good!” Miguel said as he devoured his burrito. “Just be careful not to gain weight.” Annabelle said as she cautiously picked at her food. “It’s like they know exactly how to make a stomach happy!” Eva said raising her burrito in the air. As they finished they headed to the car to go home. “Eva.” “Yes, Father?” “Would you like to see your new school really quick? It’s close to home. So close that you’ll be able to walk there.” “Sure!” Eva replied. As they arrived it was dusk. They saw a very large brick school that had two floors. “Mustang High, huh?” Eva said resting her chin on the palm of her hand. “You’ll be starting next week so we’ll have to do some school shopping shortly.” Craig said. “Okay.” Eva said unamused at the fact that she has to go back to school already. “Where did winter break go?” Eva thought to herself as her eye lids began to feel heavy. 

    As they made it home, Bertha rushed to prepare everyone’s beds. “I’ll help you.” Annabelle said. “Thank you, dear.” Bertha replied as they began to work together. Everyone else was gathered around the fireplace. “Heh, I actually start work tomorrow morning.” Craig said as he lit his pipe. “Geez Dad, don’t they know you just got here?” Eva asked. “Yes, well, my new job is a bit demanding.” “Be sure to set up two alarms, then.” Miguel said laughing. “Yeah, I’m gonna start visiting some colleges tomorrow.” Miguel said throwing his hands back behind his head. “And the rest of us will unpack.” Eva added. “That’s good to hear.” Craig said puffing on his pipe. “The beds are all ready!” Annabelle announced. And with that, one very exhausted family went straight to bed.