Chapter 5 Five years later

CHRISTINE'S LIVING ROOM

Sunlight streams through the windows, casting a warm glow on the room. Christine chases after her energetic four year old daughter, Nadia, who giggles and runs around the room. The result of the one night that she had with a stranger five years ago was not so bad after all, having giving birth to a beautiful daughter makes her sooo happy, even though she remembered the troubles she passed through, especially when mother learnt of the pregnancy, it was not so easy for her but now everything has become a memory.

"Nadia, sweetie, it's time to get ready for school!" Christine shouted for the umpteenth time.

"Catch me, Mama!" she giggled.

Christine finally catches up to Nadia and scoops her up in her arms, both of them laughing.

"Oh, you little troublemaker! You're growing up so fast," she said, smiling.

"I don't want to go to school, Mama. Can't we just play?" she said, pouting.

Christine smiles warmly, brushing a strand of Nadia's curly hair away from her face.

"I know it seems like playtime is more fun, but school is important too, my love. You'll make so many friends and learn amazing things, also we are going back to the US tomorrow." she said.

Nadia pouts, crossing her tiny arms with a huff.

"Yayyy, I'm finally going to see grandma, but only if you promise to play with me after school!" she said.

Christine kisses Nadia's cheek and places her down gently.

"Deal. Now go get ready, and remember to brush your teeth," she said.

Nadia races off towards the bathroom, her tiny feet pitter-pattering excitedly. Christine smiles to herself, marveling at how much Nadia has grown in the past five years.

Christine walks over to a nearby mirror and admires her own reflection. There is a newfound confidence in her eyes, a testament to the strength she has acquired over the years.

"Look how far we've come, Nadia. We've built a beautiful life together," she whispers to herself.

Her thoughts momentarily drift back to the challenges she faced during her pregnancy with Nadia. The sleepless nights, the uncertainty, the struggle to make ends meet. But now, all of that feels like a distant memory.

Christine's phone chimes, bringing her back to the present. She picks it up and reads the message with a smile.

TEXT MESSAGE: Congratulations, Christine! Your latest application has been approved, we will be expecting you as our new secretary the next week.

Christine fist pumps the air with excitement. She has flourished in her career over the years, and now she's becoming the secretary in one of the biggest companies in the US, she can't wait to go back to her country, after all her online registration didn't go to waste.

"Looks like Mama has a big celebration coming up, Nadia!" Christine said excitedly.

Nadia emerges from the bathroom, her backpack slung over her shoulder.

"Is it my celebration too, Mama?" she asked.

Christine laughs, crouching down to Nadia's level.

"Of course it is, my little star. We celebrate everything together," Christine said, smiling.

Nadia's face lights up, her accent betraying their time spent living in Mexico.

"Vamos a celebrar!" (Let's celebrate) she said excitedly.

Christine cringes at the accent, and they both burst into laughter. They share a hug, filled with love and gratitude, then they make their way to school.

******

It was a beautiful sunny morning as Christine and Nadia prepared for their journey to the USA. Christine packed their bags with excitement, knowing that a new chapter awaited them in a foreign land. The anticipation filled the air with possibilities as they boarded the plane and departed for their destination.

After a long flight, Christine and Nadia finally arrived at their new home in the USA. As they stepped off the plane, a warm breeze greeted them, promising a fresh start. Christine's heart fluttered as she looked around, taking in the unfamiliar sights and sounds.

At the arrival gate, Christine was greeted by her family who had been eagerly waiting with balloons and a sign that read, "Welcome Home, Christine and Nadia!" Tears of joy welled up in Christine's eyes as she embraced her parents, siblings, and extended family. They all showered Nadia with love, ruffling her hair and promising to spoil her during their stay.

That evening, the family threw a small but intimate welcoming party for Christine and Nadia. The house was decorated with colorful decorations, and the aroma of delicious food filled the air. Jeanette, who she hadn't seen in five years, arrived with her own family. They had kept in touch through video calls and messages, but finally being in each other's presence was an overwhelming reunion.

When Jeanette stepped through the door, Christine's face lit up, and she rushed to meet her. They hugged tightly, tears streaming down both their faces. It was a shared understanding that no amount of distance or time could break the bond they had nurtured since childhood.

Christine and Jeanette found a quiet corner in the bustling party. They sat on a cozy sofa, holding hands and catching up on each other's lives. Christine shared her joy about her job as a secretary, a position that had been approved even before she arrived in the USA. Jeanette's eyes sparkled with pride as she listened, admiring the strength and determination her best friend possessed.

As they continued conversing, Christine's gaze swept across the room and unexpectedly met the eyes of someone she hadn't expected to see in many years. It was Eugene, her high school ex-boyfriend. Time seemed to freeze in that moment as memories and emotions flooded back.

With hesitant steps, Christine approached Eugene. She noticed the mixture of surprise and curiosity in his eyes. They began talking, slowly at first, about life after high school, their accomplishments, and the paths they had taken.

Although their interaction was initially filled with bittersweet nostalgia, it soon transformed into genuine happiness for each other's successes.

"So I heard you travelled to Mexico," Eugene remarked.

Christine pondered, how did he become aware of her trip? She hadn't disclosed it to many people. She glanced around and observed her father eagerly selecting the candies that Nadia pointed at. He must have been spreading the word about her travels. She turned to face Eugene. "Yes, I did."

Eugene beamed. "Fantastic, how was it?" he asked.

"It was awesome," she replied with a smile.

"Christine, we could reconnect if you'd like. I know of a restaurant that serves an exquisite dish," he suggested, his smile widening.

She blinked rapidly. "If I didn't know any better, it seems like you're indirectly asking me out on a date, Eugene."

"I believe you're correct, Christine," he responded, smiling and sheepishly scratching the back of his head.