"Thank you again, for your hospitality and your help." Adam gave Miguel a handshake.

"Of course. It's what we do. Especially for family."

"We'll make sure Jordi keeps in touch." Isabella handed him a box. "In case you get hungry on your drive."

"Thank you." Adam nodded as he took the box. "Hey Jordi, walk me to my car."

Adam waited until they were outside before turning to face Jordi. "Okay out with it. What's wrong?"

"Nothing."

"Liar. I see it all over your face. And it's not just your grandmother."

"I don't want to stay here."

"Jordi, you have to stay somewhere. You're underage, you have no job and you're still in school. Plus you're barely independently mobile again. Miguel and Isabella are nice people and they care about you. And aren't you friends with Ramon. What's so bad about staying here. It's only a couple of years. That's nothing. Then you can move back into your own house or sell and get an apartment."

"it's not them. It's not this."

"Then what is it?"

"I don't want to stay here. In Mexico. I only came back because of my abuela. And now she's gone and I'd rather be in Los Angeles. I know I'll have to go live in a group home or something, at least until I can try to get emancipated again but I don't care."

"You'd rather be in a foster home with strangers in LA than here with family."

"Those strangers won't remind me of my abuela every day.'

"Good point."

"Is everything okay?" Miguel spoke up from the porch.

"Actually I have a question. Is there any reason Jordi couldn't go back to Los Angeles with me?"

"Well I know Isabella would be disappointed but Alma spoke very highly of you so at least she knows Jordi is in good hands. Jordi was born in California so he is a citizen." Miguel shrugged. "No I can't think of any legal reasons why Jordi couldn't go with you."

"And on the matter of clearing out the house?"

"I could think of something. Perhaps entice Ramon and some of his amigos to pack it up."

"And looking after the house itself?"

"I would of course do that. I am certain I could find some nice young couple looking for something to rent. And if Jordi decides not to return when he's an adult and wants me to I can arrange to sell it for him."

"So it seems there's nothing to stop you from leaving."

"Does that mean you'll take me with you?"

"Better get your stuff." Adam nodded. "We've got a long drive ahead of us."