My Perfect Love Story

June 15, 1997 1:18 am  Savannah, GA "It's a girl!" The nurse exclaimed while carrying the newborn of Annalise and Javier Lopez. This family was in shock as they were expecting a boy, they merely thought of male names. Annalise took one look at her newborn and tears sprang to her eyes, which stung her eyes temporarily. She blinked rapidly, causing salty, tear droplets to fall on the beautiful face. Javier stares in adoration as his prepossessing wife took in every detail of their pride and joy. The love within the Lopez family radiates through the room, bringing tears to the nurses' eyes. The main nurse walked towards the side of Annalise's hospital bed intending to clean the slimy baby.  With no struggles, Annalise gently placed their precious child in the hands of the NICU nurse. After confirming the baby's coherent temperature, the nurse proceeds by giving the baby her first bath. The nurse made sure the birth mother can view everything she is doing as she placed the baby in a small bath filled with room temperature water.  The nurse was tender while cleansed the amniotic fluid from the baby's body. After cleaning the baby, the nurse approaches a sleeping Annalise and her prideful husband. Javier holds the baby for the first time and instantly fell in love. "Mr. Lopez, have you and Mrs. Lopez decided on the baby's name?" The nurse stood ere Mr. Lopez in anticipation. Every nurse or doctor seemed fascinated by the immediate love and adoration shown to the newborn.  "Welcome to the world, Mariana Estella Lopez."   _____ Love isn't always everlasting. Starting a family isn't easy. There weren't many job vacancies in Savannah, Georgia so, the Lopez family struggled. Annalise is a registered nurse, while Javier was a leasing agent. After the company experienced bankruptcy, many employees lost their job, including Javier. Their financial issues took a toll on their relationship. October 9, 2002 2:35 am Savannah, GA   The light pattering of rain in the 54-degree weather was like a lullaby in Mariana's ears. A smile was on her face as she dreamed of all the bright, happy aesthetics of the world. Mariana's mother was sitting calmly in their bedroom as her husband verbally attacked her. She never thought their relationship would be like this. Tears became visible as she faced her husband's anger full throttle. "Annalise! Do you hear me talking to you?!" His voice boomed through the thin walls, causing Annalise to jump in fear. The light pattering of rain became rough as thunder began to rumble. "Javier, please calm down. Why are you acting like this?" Annalise tried to be selective with her choice of words. She didn't want to add fuel to the fire. Annalise trembled in fear as the vein in his neck became visible. "You may have a job, but you will never amount to the things I've done for this family!" His sinister tone caused a tear to fall from Annalise's face. He walked out of the room, slamming the door loudly. The loud noise woke Mariana from her sleep. Mariana's breathing became heavy as she was frightened of the noise. Thunder rumbling outside causes her to scream and cry in fear. She ran out of her room and burst into her parents' bedroom. Annalise was startled by the burst of the door, thinking it was Javier, relieved to see it is Mariana. "Mommy, I'm scared!" Mariana climbed on the bed, crawling into her mother's arms. Cuddling in her mother's arms was soothing and relaxing to Mariana. Annalise feared Mariana heard the argument between her and Javier. She sang Mariana a quick lullaby that put her to sleep instantly. Mariana slept as Annalise laid her gently on the bed. Enjoy your youth, princess. _____ December 25, 2012 12:47 pm Savannah, GA The white snow looked beautiful in the wintry weather. Apprehensive about going home, Mariana was walking down the streets of Savannah, Georgia. Mariana had no specific location on where she is going, but she didn't want to go home. Her parents' arguing caused her to feel unsafe and stressed when she should feel comfortable. Mariana loved the snow as it reminded her of heaven and purity. The soft, cold substance felt warm on Mariana's deep, tan skin. The first thought that comes to Mariana's mind about snow is the beautiful guardian angels looking over her as she walks the reckless streets. Mariana found herself in an expensive, suburban neighborhood with clean, snow-filled streets as each family celebrates Christmas. She continues to walk until she hears cheerful screams and laughs from one home. Mariana follows the noises that she envies and sees a family of four seated in their living room, expressing gratitude and joy as they open Christmas presents. She watched as the children embraced their parents in warm, heartfelt hugs and kisses. Why can't I have that love? Mariana thought as tears began to surface. She watched them in adoration and jealousy, Mariana didn't realize how long she's been staring until one of the children exclaimed, "Mommy, look!" Gasps were made audible from Mariana and the family. Mariana ran away from their home quickly, trying not to slip on the snow. The fear of being reported to the police made Mariana run faster than she thought she could. She reached her neighborhood within 15 minutes. As Mariana walked to her home, she viewed old houses, brown snow, and old vehicles. Mariana entered her home slowly, scared of what's to come into view. She was relieved to hear silence, yet it scared her. Why was the place so quiet? What happened while I was gone? Mariana continued to inquire as she walks to her room. She saw her parents' bedroom closed across the hall. As much as she wanted to go in there, she feared her father was home. Mariana's room was the same as she left it. White, plain walls with a full-body mirror in the corner. A poster of Fantasia and Selena on the walls and a twin bed with blue bedding sets. As Mariana sat on her bed, she heard a loud creak come from under the mattress. Being the curious human she is, she looked under the bed to see a gratitude box. Annalise brought Mariana a gratitude box for her 10th birthday to write down all the things she is grateful for. Mariana smiled at the purple, vibrant miniature chest as it brought back many great childhood memories. Mariana hasn't used the gratitude box since she was 12 so, she was very excited to open it and reminisce. She took her time to read all the index cards in the chest. I'm grateful for my mommy. I'm grateful for my friends. I'm grateful for my teachers. I'm grateful for my dolls. I'm grateful for the weekend. The list of grateful things puts an immediate smile on Mariana's face. She was smiling so hard her cheeks began to hurt. There was one card left in the box and Mariana was eager to pick it up. Yet, tears fell from her hazel-brown eyes as she read the last card repeatedly. I'm grateful for my daddy. Feeling instant anger and resentment towards the subject, Mariana ripped the card to shreds as the tears fell shamelessly from her eyes. She roughly threw all of the cards in the box and flushed the ripped card in the toilet. Mariana never wanted positive connotations to be associated with the man that happened to be her father. Mariana washed her face with cold water and cleaned her face clear from tears or sadness. She walked out of her room and made her way towards her mother's bedroom. Mariana entered the room quietly, seeing nothing but a neatly made bed and the muted television on. Walking into the room didn't feel safe for Mariana, especially since she wasn't aware of her father's whereabouts. However, the sniffling noises in the bathroom made her careless. She knocked softly on the bathroom door, "Mom," She whispered. Opening the door allowed Mariana to see her mom crying over the sink, Mariana hated seeing her mother in such a vulnerable state. Annalise turned around quickly, not wanting Mariana to see her cry miserably. "I'm okay, Ana. I just got something in my eye while I was cooking." Annalise's excuse was pitiful, Mariana didn't believe a word she said. "Mom, there's nothing on the stove. I'm 15, you don't have to hide from me anymore. I know what he does to you mom and I will never forgive him for it, Mom, we have to leave before it gets worse." Mariana stood before her mom in tears. "I'm sorry baby, I don't want you to have hatred for your father. You don't deserve to witness this stress and toxicity. You are such a great kid." Annalise stared at her daughter, fearing her reaction to the damage done. Mariana gasped deeply as she viewed her mother's bruised neck, nose, and black eye. Mariana cried hysterically as she saw the pain inflicted on her mother, she wanted to leave with her mom, Mariana knew their environment wasn't healthy for them. She heard the front door open and her eyes opened wide. "Ana, leave! Go to your room now. Lock your door and DO NOT leave that room until you hear my knock. Do you understand me?" Annalise spoke frantically as she heard Javier summon her with anger lingering in his voice. "Yes, I understand." Without another word, Mariana ran out of the bedroom and sprinted to her room, not wanting to be seen by him. She locked her door and sat in a corner with her hands covering her ears. Although the sounds were muffled, Mariana could hear each painful noise and scream from downstairs. Mariana was scared for her mother's life, as much as she wanted to go downstairs, she knew she shouldn't. What scared Mariana the most was, she didn't hear a knock. _____ June 25, 2020 10:30 am Houston, TX "Mariana Estella Lopez." The principal called her name as she walked across the stage, receiving her diploma. Mariana worked extremely hard to get her mother out of the toxic, dangerous relationship she was in. After working hard and graduating high school, Mariana and her mother flew to Houston, Texas, away from her abusive father. Mariana has worked hard to achieve her dreams and she finally graduated from Rice University with a Business Administration degree. Mariana has recently opened a clothing store, which will become more developed with her degree. She has learned a lot throughout her 23 years of living and is prepared to begin dating. Finding a man for Mariana was always a challenge as she is critical and high maintenance. She doesn't want to experience an abusive relationship so, she is picky with her choices. Mariana has worked hard to have a perfect life, but now she is fully interested in the thought of having a significant other. _____                                                               ~My Perfect Love Story~