I’m A Goddess?!

Something To Celebrate

It was a cold and chilly morning. The sun was just beginning to rise as the villagers began to prepare for Thanksgiving. There was the smell of freshly baked bread in the air. Tables were being set, banners were being hung and apples were being gathered for this day long event. This part of Spain celebrated traditional holidays; but they also celebrated American holidays because most of these villagers immigrated from America years ago. This particular village’s twist was that they made every holiday an all-day event.

    Eva and the dogs were racing through the forest. She had so much energy from the anticipation of moving that she just had to run. The cold air was making her face numb, but she didn’t care. To Eva it felt quite refreshing. They ran and ran until they were stopped dead in their tracks. A stranger with a dark cloak stood before them. He stood with his eyes gazed on Eva, not saying a single word. “Um, excuse me sir, are you lost?” Eva said between breaths. 

    He said nothing as the wind ruffled his coat— and he gave an ever so slight smile. “Ok, then.” Eva said a little freaked out by this stranger. She began to run again and as she ran past him, he whispered, “Nothing is as it seems.” “What?” She stopped to look back but he was gone. Eva’s eyes grew wide. “W-what the heck just happened? Where did he go?” Eva looked all around for him. Spud and Tater stopped and looked back, wondering if Eva was going to keep going. Eva just sighed. “Let’s go back you guys. Thanksgiving will be starting soon.” 

    Eva turned around and walked back. “Was-that a hallucination?” Eva wondered as the dogs caught up with her. Eva took one last glance behind her and then she headed back. 

    By the time Eva returned the people were hustling and bustling with activity. “Eva!” A girl with curly red hair ran up to her. “Oh, hello Lily.” Eva said fixing her hair. Lily is a friend from school; though they have grown distant over the past several years since Lily is torn between being with people like Eva and being with the popular girls. 

    “Aren’t you excited about Thanksgiving?” Lily asked. “Well, we seem to be having a celebration every other day so it’s starting to lose its thrill.” Eva replied. “I suppose you’re right, these things were much more exciting when we were children. I’m still a bit excited though.” “Um, Lily. There’s something I have to tell you.” “What is it?” “We’re moving.” “What?!”

     In the meantime, Craig and Bertha were setting up their own booth with the pies made from the night before. “This is the perfect opportunity to tell everybody.” Craig said drinking some of his coffee. “Yes, but it’s not going to be easy. I’m going to miss everyone.” “So will I, but it’s for the best.” Craig said looking away. Bertha looked intently at him with tears welling up in her eyes.    

    Miguel was strolling around the village taking in the scenery as he stopped by the lake. This is where Annabelle and Miguel met every single morning. Miguel sat on the soft grass and looked into the water, seeing his reflection. “What is she going to say?” He wondered. “My love!”           “Annabelle!” Miguel said as he stood quickly. “My, aren’t you jumpy this morning?” Annabelle said laughing. “Yah, I guess I am. How are you doing this morning?” “Good, as always!” She said leaning in to give him a kiss.  

    “You always make my mornings brighter.” Annabelle said smiling. “And you make my life worth living.” Miguel said taking Annabelle by the hand. “Want to take a walk?” “You know I do!” She said as they walked down the cobblestone road. They kept walking until they came across a meadow filled with the most fragrant of flowers. “Annabelle.” Miguel said facing her. “What is it?” “There’s something very important I have to tell you.” Annabelle froze. “We’re moving to America.”   

    “What?! No!” She exclaimed as tears filled her eyes. “Wait, don’t cry! I will stay behind!” “You will?” Annabelle asked as she wiped away her tears. “I will, if you can’t come with us.” “W-what do you mean?” “Annabelle, I love you more than anything! But I’ve always wanted to leave this place to explore the world. You have my family’s permission to come with us so that we could travel the world together! I’m really hoping that you will! But if you won’t, I’ll stay for your sake.” He said caressing her face.

    “Miguel.” Annabelle said holding his hand and closing her eyes. “I really like it here. But, if you believe that we could live a better life in America, then I’ll go with you my love.” “You will?” “I’ll follow you anywhere!” She said. “Then we will go together! But, I don’t want you to come as just my girlfriend.” “What?” “Annabelle.” Miguel said kneeling down and opening a little black box that revealed a heart shaped diamond ring that glistened with the sun. “Will you marry me?”

    “Oh my God.” Annabelle said softly as she covered her mouth. “Yes! Yes I’ll marry you!” “Oh, Annabelle!” Miguel said rising to embrace her. He slid the ring on her finger and they kissed as the wind blew flower petals all around them. 

    Eva and Lily stood by a well as tensions arose. “You’re leaving? Why?” Lily asked clearly being upset. “It’s because my dad is losing his job and we have to live somewhere where he can have a stable job.” “Oh, that’s too bad. I can’t believe it! We’ve been the best of friends for as long as I can remember. Will you write me, Eva?” “Of course I will!” Eva said smiling. “We’ll keep in touch!” Lily said giving Eva a big hug. “Well, see you later! I’m going to go help out with the decorations!” Lily said running off. “Why do I have a feeling you mean you’re going to go gossip now?” Eva thought with a sigh. 

    It was about 10am and Thanksgiving has officially begun. The town mayor, Mr. Gruff, stood on the platform to make his morning announcements. “My fellow townspeople! Today, as you know, is Thanksgiving Day. So have fun until it is over at sunset! There will be no work or school today. The activities for today include pie exchanges, bobbing for apples, face painting, balloon animals, bounce houses, dancing, carving pumpkins and of course meals which will be provided by the town. Enjoy!” The crowd applauded. 

    As Mr. Gruff began to step off the stage he stumbled back up to the microphone. “Oh, I almost forgot. I have some rather sad news this morning.” The crowd began to murmur. “The Salvadores family: Craig, Bertha, and their dear children Miguel and Eva-“ “Hey! Don’t forget about Spud and Tater!” Eva shouted crossing her arms. “Uh-hum, yes. And their mutts!” Eva frowned. “Will be moving to America! So don’t forget to-“ As he said this, Miguel rushed up to the platform to whisper something to the Mayor. “Oh, and it seems that our dear sweet Annabelle, who has become Miguel’s fiancé as of this morning, will be going with them! So don’t forget to say your goodbyes! We will miss you all.” The crowd became disappointed at this unexpected news.    

    The Mayor stepped off the platform. “Oh, Miguel!” Bertha exclaimed as she embraced him. “Congratulations to the two of you!” “Thank you,  Ms. Bertha.” Annabelle said giving her a hug. “Thank you Mother!” Miguel said as he put his arm around Annabelle’s waist. “Heh, we’re going to be one big happy family!” Craig said cheerfully.   

    “Looks like we’re going to be sisters!” Eva said giving Annabelle a big hug. “I know! Isn’t it wonderful! Looks like we will have a lot of slumber parties in our future!” Annabelle said winking. A crowd slowly formed around them to inquire about their move. “Whoa, I’m getting out of this crowd!” Eva said as she headed towards the festivities. 

    “Hmm, what should I do first?” Eva asked herself as she strolled along with her hands behind her back. She soon heard a bunch of kids laughing as they bounced in the bounce house. “Hey Eva! Come and play with us!” Shouted little Suzy. Eva hesitated. “Well, I know I shouldn’t, but-“ she said smiling as she ran inside the bounce house.

     It was only a few minutes later until Lily walked by and realized what was happening. “Eva!” Lily said dragging her out. This time Lily was accompanied by a couple of high maintenance girls. “You’re a lady! You know you’re much too old for that!” “Oh, come on Lily! The children made me do it!” One of Lily’s friends laughed ever so smugly. “You really don’t have any class, do you? Lily my dear, why are you friends with this outcast?”

    “Oh, uh, you know Susan. I’m just trying to be polite and all-“ Eva’s blood began to boil. “Thank you, but I don’t need your sympathy!” Eva said storming off. “Eva!” “Let her go.” Said Susan. “Yes, we shall be having much more fun without her.” Amanda said as they took hold of Lily’s arms to walk her away. Lily sighed as she walked with them.  “I just want what’s best for her.” “My dear, she will never understand your noblest of intentions.” Susan said giggling. 

    Eva ran off in the forest by herself to dry her tears. “Why is Lily being such a jerk?” Suddenly, she heard faint whispers in the wind. “Eva.” “Who’s there?” Eva was startled. As she heard no reply, she tried to compose herself. “Perhaps I should tell my parents about these hallucinations! Then again, I don’t want to end up in an insane asylum. Surely it’s harmless.” Eva said walking back to the village. 

    Thanksgiving went on all throughout the day and finally, it was sunset. The last event was Thanksgiving dinner. Everyone pushed the tables next to each other in the flowery meadow until the setting looked like an enormous banquet hall. There were cooked turkeys, stuffing, rolls, corn, green beans, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pies, and for a Spanish twist, Sangria. 

    Everyone took their seats and the Mayor rose to give a toast. “To the best village in all of Spain!” “Salud!” Everyone replied. Everyone then began to eat with conversation and great delight. “Eva.” Bertha began. “What is it, Mom?” “Why did you bring the dogs to the feast?” Eva just laughed. “Because I wanted them to enjoy it too!” Eva said looking back as she watched them chase each other back and forth. Spud came over to say hello and Eva gave him a bit of turkey. Tater was too busy chasing birds.

    There was a nice cool breeze that rushed over to refresh everybody. “Ah, I never want this day to end!” Eva said leaning back on her chair. “But it will, and a new day will begin.” Craig loved to speak in riddles. “Hey Dad, when all of life is over, will we be in Heaven?” “Of course we will dear. You know that.” “Do I?” Eva thought. Craig looked over at Eva a bit concerned about her, then he continued on with his meal. “Oh, Eva.” Craig thought. “America is going to open the door of your heart.”