Half an hour later Maria pulled into the Montez's driveway.

,,Home sweet home. Here we are", the middle-aged Mexican said as she turned the engine off and took the keys.

Gabriella smiled. She was happy about being home. To see the big white house with the black roof again was a terrific feeling. Gabriella loved the view of her home. She loved everything about it. Especially during summer when she could look at the flowers her mom always planted- white lilies, red roses, yellow gerberas and much more. Maria was a natural when it came to things like flowers and gardens respectively. She enjoyed taking care of her plants and everyone could see it. If there was a competition for the most enchanting and cherished garden in Albuquerque, Maria Montez would certainly win. And Gabriella wasn't the only one who thought so. Beside her many neighbors assured Maria the same thing. But even now in winter time Gabriella found the view of the Montez's house extraordinary beautiful. She liked the way the snow encased it; wintry but still inviting and warm. When Gabriella looked to her right she saw Mrs Bullock the old lady next door. She was walking her West Highland white terrier who has been her everything after her husband died some years ago. She gave Gabriella a heartily smile and waved.

,,Gabriella. How nice to see you again! Your mother told me you would come home today. I hope you don't choose Cambridge over Albuquerque, do you?", the old lady said.

,,Don't worry! Albuquerque is and will always be my hometown! No matter what!", Gabriella assured with a smile.

,,That's good to hear!...Anyway I gotta go now. C.C. is getting impatient", Mrs Bullock said looking at her dog.

,,That's fine. I have to go inside now anyway. So…take care!"

The old woman wanted to go as she turned around again and said:,, Oh and Gabriella?...It's good to have you here again! Something' missing without you! Now take care of yourself."

,,Thank you", the young student answered kindly as she watched Mrs Bullock going down the street.

How she missed being home. How she missed talking to the neighbors. And how she missed meeting her friends. Finally she could see them again. All of them. And first of all the person she loved the most- her mom. Since Gabriella's 7th birthday her mother has been the center of her life. Well actually she's always been. The relationship between Maria and Gabriella just became stronger and they started to support and trust each other even more than before. Their life had changed all at once when IT happened for the first time.

,,That's it", the older Montez said while closing the front door behind her daughter and herself. She put the black suitcase Gabriella brought with her down and continued talking:,, Oh lord! What did you put into that case? It seems to weigh 200 lbs!"

,,I've just put something to wear and a few presents inside", the young woman replied.

,,If you're talking about ,,something" to wear, I know you're probably talking about your whole closet! And I'm sure you bought new stuff also! Right?"

Maria looked at her 21 year old daughter who just blushed.

,,I knew I was right!...Anyway I'm thirsty. How about you?"

Gabriella nodded and her mom responded she would get them something to drink.

,,Do you want me to help you?", Gabriella offered politely. But Maria shook her head and told her to go and sit on the couch. Gabriella did as she was told and went into the living room. There she looked around. She looked at photos that were taken over ten years ago. Many of them were pictures on which Gabriella could see a smaller version of herself. She took a silver frame from the shelf and looked at the photo. It was a picture of two little girls – one was still a small baby – and their mother. Gabriella was still staring at it when Maria entered the room with two glasses of Iced Tea. After putting the glasses on the table, Maria peeked over her daughter's shoulder and said:,, You were only 4 when this picture was taken. I can't believe you grew so fast!"

,,Oh mom, you always say that!"

,,I mean it! You know that's one of my favorite pictures! You and April were the most adorable girls in the state! And today you're the most beautiful young women I've ever seen! And I don't say it 'cause I'm your mother but because it's the truth!", Maria smiled before she gave her firstborn daughter a heartily hug and a kiss on the front head at the same time.