18 Years a Lie

**** Anxiety washed over me as I realized I was late again, by 25 minutes even. Even a few minutes of lateness seemed to carry significant consequences. 'Oh dear, I'm always late,' I muttered to myself, hurrying downstairs. 'Anita, is that you?' My aunt exclaimed, her face a mixture of surprise and concern. 'Come, sit down, dear. I need to talk to you.' 'Oh no,' I thought, a wave of childlike rebelliousness over me. 'Here we go again.' I grumbled inwardly as I took a seat. 'Anii, I know you have mixed feelings about leaving,' my aunt began, her voice calm and steady. 'But you shouldn't let these anxieties hinder such a positive opportunity. I understand you're apprehensive about the journey and the prospect of living with strangers, but they will become your family.' 'I know, Aunt Jess,' I replied, forcing a smile. 'But I can't shake this feeling that I won't be happy there. Besides, I'm already late for the youth program. Can I go now?' 'Of course,' she said, but then added, 'Your father called this morning. He said you should start preparing for your departure. Your visa is ready, and you have about four months to get yourself ready.' Before I could respond, she continued, 'I know you'll be happy with this new chapter, even though leaving us will be difficult. I have no doubt you'll make us all proud.' My collected composure shattered. 'What?! How dare he? He doesn't know... who does he thinks he is! He has no right to make this decision. Four months is way too soon for that. I can't just leave like this. How will I say goodbye to... to...' Tears streamed down my face as the enormity of the situation hit me. 'Oh, Ani, my dear,' my aunt soothed, pulling me into a hug. 'I'm so sorry. I wish I could give you more time. I'll miss you terribly. But who knows what opportunities awaits you? You might finally achieve all your dreams.' She paused, then added, 'Remember, your aunts will also be there for you.' 'I know,' I sobbed, 'I will miss you so much, Aunt J.' I took a deep breath. 'And You're right. I have to do this for my future, for my younger siblings too.' I wiped away my tears, a newfound determination hardening my resolve. 'I can do this. I will do this.' I quickly grabbed my phone, texted Jade that I wouldn't be making it to the program, and retreated to my room, feeling utterly overwhelmed. Two months passed, and I hadn't heard a word from my father – no calls, no texts. I was too stubborn to reach out first, so I let the silence linger. Then, the dreaded call arrived . 'Anita, how are you?' his voice was hurried. 'Oh, Dad, buon giorno (good day). I'm fine, thank you. And you?' I responded in Italian, hoping to impress him with my newfound language skills. 'We are well. I called to update you on something urgent,' he said sharply. 'I hope your things are packed because I booked your ticket. Not in two months, but this weekend.' At that moment I could have sworn I heard my heart shatter like ceramic 'Oh my God, Dad! You don't call, you don't text, you don't even care how I feel. All you do is give orders as if I have no life, as if I'm just an inconvenience. I love you all, but this is too much.' Tears welled up in my eyes again. 'Anita, I've made a decision, and that's final. Saturday, or else...' He left the threat hanging in the air and abruptly ended the call. Shock held me captive for a moment. 'This weekend?' I repeated, my mind reeling. 'Isn't this too soon? What if something is wrong? What if I can't handle the madness of his family?' I wondered, a knot of anxiety tightening in my stomach. **** Everything moved like a whirlwind. I barely had time to say goodbye to my cousins, Gift and Elsa. Only Victoria came to help me pack my luggage and clear up my room. We cried, laughed, went shopping, did my nails, and took some pictures. And even Raphael came by and gave me a gift – a friendship necklace. 'Oh, what will I do without my dear friends?' I thought as a wave of sadness washed over me. I glanced at my watch. 11:00 AM. Only five more hours until I'd be on that plane to Italy. 'I hope this goes well,' I thought, trying to muster some optimism. 'I'll greet them with a smile and act overly enthusiastic so they won't unleash their anger on me.' I tried to convince myself, but a shiver ran down my spine. I tried to sleep but couldn't. I tossed and turned, the excitement of flying mixed with a deep-seated dread. Finally, I gave up and decided to read a novel on Dreame to distract myself. The plane landed in Italy at 4:00 PM. Exhausted but strangely excited, I stepped off the plane and was immediately overwhelmed by the sights and sounds of a new country. My excitement quickly faded, however, when I realized I was hopelessly lost in the airport. 'Ciao,' I asked a passing man, 'Do you speak English?' He simply walked away, leaving me feeling increasingly frustrated. 'It's official,' I thought, 'Italians are rude.' After several failed attempts to find my way, I sat down on a bench, feeling utterly lost and alone. Then, I heard it – my name. 'Anita!' The voice was distant but clear. 'Mommy! Daddy! I'm here! I panicked for a moment, then burst into tears of relief. 'I missed you all so much!' They embraced me warmly, their embrace banishing the fear that had gripped me. And even as they led me to the car, I realized that perhaps I had been worrying too much. I quickly learned that I had spoken too soon. Moving to Italy and meeting my father's family well my family as well would prove to be a far more challenging experience than I could have ever imagined. Oh how much of a shock I was in for.