Chapter 4-FIRST DAY IN PARADISE

Carmen thrust the door open. She wore a huge smile as well as a pair of her favorite overalls. Her make-up was perfected and her hair pulled up in a tight pony tail. Sophie smiled back.

Sophie: ALEXANDRA!

The tall, skinny girl walked up, looking at her feet. She wanted to be anywhere but here. Carmen smiled. It was incredible how much the girl resembled Shane.

Sophie: Carmen, Shane, this is Alexandra Morales.

Shane came up behind Carmen in the doorway. She noticed Carmen said nothing. She looked over at Alex. She chuckled, noticing the shoes the girl wore with the dress.

Shane: Hey, I’m Shane.

Alex looked up and saw the tall woman looking at her. She smiled.

Alex: Hey Shane, I’m Alex.

Shane: So you like Alex better?

Alex: Yeah, the andra part doesn’t really suit me.

Shane: I felt the same way when people thought my name was Shandra.

Alex smiled. Shane seemed like a lot of fun. Carmen still had not yet said a word. On the way to the house, Sophie had just told her about Carmen being her mom.

Sophie: Um, Alex. I’m gonna go, you gonna be ok?

Alex looked up at Shane who smiled warmly.

Alex: I’ll be fine!

Sophie: Great. Well then, Carmen, Shane, I’ll see you guys later.

Shane: Bye! Thanks!

Sophie left. Shane turned to Carmen, wanting to break her silence. Her eyes dropped down Alex’s body, looking at her feet. There they were, black converses, torn up and run down. Shane chuckled.

Shane: Hey, Carmen, I think someone forgot their “Cha-Cha” heels!

Carmen looked at the girl. A single tear fell. Alex took a deep breath and a step closer to her mother.

Alex: Madre?

Carmen lifted her head to reveal a tear-stained face. She nodded.

Carmen: Si.

Alex looked up at her mother with affection and Carmen pulled her into a tight hug. Shane looked completely puzzled. Carmen knew she would be.

Carmen: Shane, she asked if I was her mom.

Shane smiled.

Shane: Oh, right I knew that!