Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
Warnings: slight language.
"WHAT?!" screamed her project coordinator and friend, Lorena. "I can't believe you are thinking in rejecting such an amazing offer!" said Lorena with wide eyes.
"I don't even know how legit this offer is. What if I accept, drop the project here, go home expecting a full scholarship and it's just a joke?" said Luna.
"Well, the ticket is here and it looks real, you still have four days to decide. You have to take risks sometimes, don't you? I've heard that phrase directly from you in more than one occasion. As your project coordinator I can tell you that you can turn in your letter of resignation and you'll be on your way back home. You already have all your vaccines and paperwork from your last contract. Nothing bad will happen Luna, you already did what you came here for, to help. This community is better and is in great part thanks to you, you should be proud of yourself. Now is time for you to help yourself and achieve all your goals." said Lorena trying to convince Luna.
"I don't know… there's too much to do left. These past 4 years have been the most exciting, productive and constructive years of my life; I love this community and all the people here. I'm not sure if I'm ready to let this go" Luna's big hazel eyes filled with tears. "And if I accept all this stranger's demands from the beginning he'll think he has control over me, which nobody has in the world BUT ME!"
"That's true, but at the end of the day you are the one with the final decision. If his demands become too exaggerated you can always refuse and you still got to know that world that you have always dreamt of… It's a tough decision that only you can make. I just don't want you to feel that you have an obligation with this community. The only obligation that you have is towards you and your future. Take these next three days off, think about it. I'll take charge of everything around here." Lorena smiled and hold Luna's hands. She is a good friend, Luna thought.
The next three days were kind of a haze. This was, hands down, the biggest and most important decision that she encountered in her life. Her heart was in that little community in Central Mexico, but her future, all her life-long desires and dreams were in Hollywood. She couldn't sleep at all that third night, tossing and turning she made her decision.
"Here's my letter of resignation." She said to Lorena, placing the document on her desk.
Lorena looked at the document, then looked at Luna and smiled. "I knew you were going to do the right thing Luna, I sincerely hope from the bottom of my heart that you find exactly what you are looking for, and I KNOW that you will achieve all your goals, I feel so proud that I got to work with you, that we became friends and I'm so proud of YOU" both friends smiled and hugged. "Now let's go to your going away party"
Luna stared in confusion at her friend "My what?!"
"You heard me! I knew that you would make the right decision and eventually accept the offer, so I told everyone in the community that you were leaving" She giggled "Although everyone was sad by the news, once I told them you are going to Hollywood to become a movie director they were thrilled and wanted to organize something for you! Now, let's go!"
"You have no idea how I'm going to miss this place and every single one of you!" she thought about all the experiences, both good and bad, how this place had changed her. She remembered herself before coming here. She was a spoiled and over-protected brat that thought the world was easy and happy. It was only when she saw that community's poverty, how much they struggled to survive that she finally understood how incredibly lucky she was. And despite their poverty they were happy; they cared deeply for one another and help as much as they could anyone in need (all of them at some point).
The going away party was the perfect way to say good bye to Mexico. There was music, dancing, laughing, joking, and of course, what seemed like an interminable supply of Tequila and Mezcal. A little before ten o' clock Luna's heart skipped a beat when she was him enter through the plain wood door. She was shocked to see him there. He scanned the room looking for her. When he finally spotted her, a wide grin let his perfect pearl teeth show. He walked confidently towards her with his signature penetrating gaze. She thought she was going to faith for a moment.
"Hey stranger! To what do we owe the honor of this visit?" she said jokingly but with an evident nervous tone. "What are you doing here? I thought you were in France finally filming your movie!
"I was, but I came to visit my parents in Morelia and I ran into Lorena in Mexico City's airport. Apparently she was confirming that your ticket was real and well, she told me all about your mystery benefactor and that you were hesitant to take the offer. I'm glad you made up your mind and you're actually going to pursue directing as you always wanted. I assure you Luna, you're going to be big. Hollywood won't even know what hit it!" he said enthusiastically.
"Yup, you always wanted me to get out of this community and pursue my greatest love, directing" she said with a hint of sadness.
An awkward silence filled the conversation. These are the longest 5 seconds in the history of the universe! Luna thought. Luckily, an old jolly man broke the silence.
"Guillermo! What a surprise! What are you doing here? I thought you were in France breaking a bunch of girls hearts! You came back to continue with your documentary? Said the old man with a wide smile.
"Hahahaha just as happy as I remembered you Tata Humberto!" both men hugged and patted their backs in what seemed like they hadn't seen each other in decades. "Well, actually I'm here for the same reason that everyone is, to say good bye to this gorgeous, talented, amazing woman" he put an arm around Luna's shoulders and planted a kiss on her cheek, which in return turned to a deep pink color.
"Indeed she is, isn't she? But I haven't seen that shy part of you before Lunita, don't blush, mija!" said the old man teasingly and laughing.
The deep pink turned into deep red in her cheeks.
"Come on Tata Humberto, it's just the Tequila kicking in! Which reminds me, I need a refill… would any of you join me?" she said pointing at both men.
"Of course mija, bring the shots!" said the old man.
"Be right back!" Luna turned around and happily danced her way to the table that served as a bar.
"I can't believe you let that girl go… it must be killing you!" said the old man to the younger, both watching Luna joke around, dance and prepare the shots.
"Everyday old man, everyday… I guess I came back too late…" said Guillermo with a sorrowful smile and a hint of grief in his eyes.
"Yup, you're an idiot, deal with it" said the old man turning around and patting Guillermo on the shoulder.
"More than an idiot Tata Humberto, I'm a huge, unbelievable, gigantic, pathetic dumbass" said the young man with a self-punishing tone. Luna turned her gaze feeling Guillermo's stare, she gave him a warmhearted smile. He felt even more miserable.