8 months later after the border, 2018
"Lyla Lyla!" Mrs Park called out to her daughter who was upstairs in her room
"What? Mom can't you see I'm busy" she called out rolling her eyes to her Mom
"You have a Postcard. From Mexico" Mrs Park informed Lyla passing her the postcard
"Mexico? Why would I have a postcard from Mexico?" Lyla frowned in confusion
"I don't know, don't ask me. You look at it yourself" Mrs Park shrugged before leaving
Lyla turned back to the colourful postcard on her hands. Puerto Lobos, The location on it said. She flipped over the photo of Puerto Lobos on the front of the postcard to read the message .
Hi Lyla
I know it's been ages but I've finally made it home. To Dad's home in Mexico. I've been here a few months already and thought I would let you know. I'm free for a few days next week. Want to fly over so we can hang?
Peace, Sean
P.S I have a new phone so here's my number... hit me up so we can get in touch again
Lyla looked back at the postcard in shock, placing it down. Oh my god, Sean Diaz? In Mexico? She wanted to scream out loud in disbelief at the situation. No. way. She thought Sean was dead or something. It had been a year since she last heard him on the call at Beaver Creek. And now he was alive in freaking Mexico . What the?
Lyla looked down at the number written on the card, snapping a picture of it and decided to text the new number along with the photo of the postcard attached to it.
Sean? Sean Diaz is that really you?- Lyla texted Sean
Yes, it's me. Got my postcard I see. Made it to Puerto Lobos after all that shit that went down. How are you doing Lyla? - Sean replied back to Lyla
I'm doing good. Glad to know that you made it to Mexico and are doing alright. Thought you were dead or missing. It's been a year since you last called. Lyla responded to Sean
I know. I'm sorry a lot of stuff went down. But I'm alright now. I'm glad you're doing ok. Thought I'd check up on you with that postcard. Sean apologised to Lyla
That's fine, I understand. At least you're here now right? And Thanks, that was a nice postcard . Lyla said back to Sean
Yeah. Yeah I am. About a year later. You're welcome. So you want to hang out in Mexico and have a holiday for a few days to catch up with your old pal? Sean asked
Yeah I would love to. Just give me the details about the nearest airport and I'll come over . Lyla answered Sean quickly
Good good. I'm glad. Yes I'll send you the airport details and we'll meet at the airport. Gotcha ;) Sean replied
Lyla smiled, feeling excitement running through her veins as she booked the flights for the following week. She hadn't seen Sean for over a year and now she was going to see him again. She wondered what he would look like, would he still look the same? How would he think about her now after time and distance apart, would it be awkward?
She pushed those thoughts aside as she prepared to pack for the trip.
One week later, Puerto Lobos Airport - Mexico
Lyla walked through the gate having just landed after a two hour flight to Mexico. She shakily grabbed her phone to text Sean to let him know that she was here. This was it. Finally, After staring at planes with him two years ago, she had finally stepped on one from Seattle airport to Mexico.
She stopped at the Meeting point placing her suitcase next to her. Texting Sean she wrote.
Alright I'm here, Puerto Lobos arrivals now. Like we said. Can't wait to see you
Sean quickly responded and wrote back
On my way ;) see you soon Lyl
Lyla smirked at the message on her screen. Sean was still calling her Lyl even after all this time. She stood there waiting until she saw...
A tall skinny boy with dark skin and an eyepatch on his right eye looking like a pirate wearing a familiar blue hoodie with a red bear on it. It was Sean. He looked the same, only older, and with one eye missing.
Holy fuck, what happened to his eye? Lyla thought
Sean waved at her instantly recognising Lyla among the arriving passengers.
"Hey" he greeted her with a smile
"Hi" Lyla answered him back with a small smile
"It's good to see you again it's been so long" Sean said as he pulled Lyla into a hug
The hug felt warm and familiar, just like it had been two years before. Lyla hugged him back before they pulled apart
"It has. I've missed you and been thinking about you all this time. You probably saw my Twitter post with our old photo, didn't you?" Lyla looked back asking Sean
"I've missed you too Lyls and I did actually when I was at Karen's. I remember that photo just like old times eh" Sean nudged Lyla on the shoulder
"Yes. Just like old times. So what happened to your eye?" Lyla asked Sean frowning at his eye
"Oh that's a long story. Come come follow me. I'll take you to where you'll be staying at my beach house. It's a bit of a way from the airport" Sean motioned towards Lyla and her suitcase dragging it to the car as she followed him.
The drive was silent as Lyla sat next to Sean looking at the window roads and the sea near them . This was definitely different to Seattle. It looked as nice as the postcard and the air was warm and humid , not as cold as back home . It felt different . She opened the window letting the wind fly over her hair as she breathed in the salty sea air .
Sean looked over at her smiling .
"Never thought we would be meeting in Mexico again" he joked to her
"Never thought I would see you drive either. When we last spoke Esteban hadn't given you the hot rod yet he was still preparing it for you" Lyla replied to Sean
"Ha ha ha Very funny" He sarcastically said to her "I drove a lot of Cars to get here, carjacked one and drove Karen's one too"
"You know how to hotwire a car?" Lyla asked in surprise "So you're a car thief now?"
"I do" Sean confirmed while he continued looking at the road while steering at the same time. "Well no I had to do what I had to do to survive. Some asshole beat me up outside the highway as he thought I stole the car. Which I did but still he shouldn't of beat me"
"Oh. I'm sorry about that Sean. The world is full of assholes like these. Someone even told me to go back to China and said that I was a dog eater" Lyla looked at Sean giving him a sympathetic glance
"It's ok. I'm alright now" He quickly turned around to her, squeezing her hand across him. Before turning back in disgust "Yes I know, I saw what happened on Twitter when you stood up to me. It's disgusting. Just like how they think all Mexicans like Maracas and Nachos when we don't."
"Stereotypes. Ugh . They're the worst" Lyla rolled her eyes
"Tell me about it. But I don't have to worry about it here. I'm with my own people here unlike in America. No racism here" Sean scoffed back
"And what about Daniel? What happened to him? How come he isn't here with you?" Lyla asked curiously
Lyla saw Sean's face change at the instant that Daniel was mentioned. He was no longer smiling. His expression looked blank and sad and blankless while he stared at the road continuing to drive.
"Daniel. Daniel. He..." Sean trailed off as Lyla looked at him with concern
"It's Ok Sean. You don't have to tell me. If you don't want to" Lyla squeezed his hand reassuring him once more
"Daniel's safe with our grandparents back in Beaver Creek. I Just miss him so much, not being able to be with him everyday anymore. But I know he has a life and friends back there. It would be selfish of me to take that away from him"
"Oh. I'm sorry about that Sean. I'm glad Daniel's alright though. You've grown so much and have become stronger as a result. I'm sure he will be fine" Lyla reassured Sean squeezing his arm once more
"Yeah Yeah. I didn't come to Mexico to mope about my life. I came here for a fresh new start. We have arrived at my new home now" Sean said stopping the car
Lyla looked around out of the parking lot and saw a beach along with a small house that had a garage attached to it. She scanned the surroundings looking around. Not much else. This must be where Sean lives. In a beach in Puerto Lobos now.
Lyla stepped out of the car looking around the beach and the view around them. The sun was shining brightly and it was close to sunset now. The air was warm and humid around her.
"Wow. This is where you live now? On a beach in Puerto Lobos?" Lyla asked Sean
"Yep. Have been doing so for the past 8 months. And behind you is my new workplace and home" Sean pointed towards the garage behind him as Lyla turned to look
"This is nice. Certainly better than Lame Avenue back at home. I wouldn't mind living here permanently" Lyla admitted while looking at the scenery around them
"As much as how nice it is here. It can get quite lonely. It's beautiful but I do miss Lame Avenue sometimes and my old life" he sighed staring out at the sea in front of them
"You miss Esteban and having friends and family and a normal life is that what you mean?" Lyla raised an eyebrow at Sean
"Yes. I used to take it for granted and found school boring but thinking back I should have cherished it more. The stupid fights with Daniel, Dad's texts which I used to find annoying. And those boring mechanic lessons" There was a hint of sadness and regret in his voice
"Oh Sean" Lyla grabbed Sean's hands as they both stared into each other
"I'm sure Esteban would be proud of you and everything that you have done. And besides you have one friend in your life. I'm here now. I travelled all this way to see you" She reassured him
"Thanks Lyla. Looks like the Mexican brother and Asian Chick did last" He chuckled referring to their last conversation back at Lame Avenue
"Hell Yeah!" Lyla punched Sean in the arm. "I'm not going anywhere!"
"Friends Forever. What do you say to moving in with me at the garage here? You can see the beach everyday and besides wake up next to your favourite Diaz" he winked
Lyla blushed at his words and his offer. "Alright Seany Boy. Deal. I take your offer" She went up to him to shake his hand
"Really? Cool" he exclaimed in astonishment. "Welcome to Mexico, Miss Park. Let me show you to your room" he smirked while shaking and grabbing her hand and arm pulling her towards the garage
"So formal Sean" Lyla rolled her eyes as she followed Sean to the garage, both of them ready to begin their new lives together at Puerto Lobos.
