Habibi: An Unexpected Love

Isabella

Mexico City

"Straighten your back," I mentally ordered myself. "Smile," I put on the best smile I could for my interviewers. I had applied for a work visa in the city of Toronto, and I was jumping with joy as I would be leaving my country in search of better economic opportunities. It's not that I didn't like Mexico, but my dream had always been to settle in Canada and explore every corner of that beautiful country.

"Your application is impressive, Miss..." one of the men in suits began speaking through the laptop screen, "... Sánchez. Isabella Elizabeth Sánchez Figueroa..." He furrowed his brow. "Am I pronouncing it correctly?" I nodded slowly.

"We are thrilled to have you as part of our team at WB Automotive. We look forward to seeing you here soon."

"Thank you so much for the decision to recruit me as an employee of your company," I smiled kindly. We said our goodbyes, and as the screen turned off, I let out a long sigh, released the stomach I had been holding in, and slouched slightly... just a little.

The door to my room opened, and my older brother, Julio, appeared.

"Are you finished?" he asked, noticing that I had closed my laptop screen.

"Yes, and before you come in, how many times do I have to tell you to knock before entering? Goodness!" I said irritably.

"Yes, yes, whatever. So, how did it go?" A smile formed on my lips, and he closed his eyes, as if hearing that relieved him of some burden. Yes, I always thought that I was a burden to my three brothers. Being the youngest and the only girl, they were always there for me, encouraging me to pursue my dreams. And now, one of them had just come true. He opened his eyes and smiled. "Great. You'll fulfill your dream of going to Canada and getting away from us, as you always dreamed." The last part was a complaint from his side.

"Getting away? Please, you guys have always said that you're worried about my future and blah blah, I understand, but now it's time for me to live my life, to forge my own path."

"And you will, we're all sure of it, but... why all the way there? You could stay and manage the bakery. Didn't you burn the midnight oil to become an excellent business administrator? Well, this is one, and you're letting it go, let me tell you, Isa." I shook my head and rolled my eyes.

"The bakery belongs to you guys. I want something bigger. Our parents always said we had to find our own paths, and my path takes me on a plane to Toronto." I stood up and approached him to give him a hug, resting my cheek against his chest. Julio was one of those tall men, and I was small compared to him.

"Alright, alright. Congratulations on your achievement. We'll celebrate at the bakery. Learn how to make some pastries, so that even when you're far away, you'll remember us. Because, Isa... you'll be alone. We won't be able to run by your side. We don't have visas or round-trip tickets. You know that, right?"

"Yes, don't spoil the moment by bringing up things that may not happen. I'll be fine. I won't need you for a long time because I'll be focused on my new job. I'll be the best of the best and I'll be able to help at home, as well as expand the family bakery." He sighed.

"Alright," he left a kiss on my head and pulled away from the hug. "

Learn to bake, for God's sake, and give us the peace of mind that you'll be alright, even if it means eating pastries, but not too much. I don't think you want to gain weight again. You're more toxic and hysterical when your clothes don't fit."

***

The day had arrived. I waved goodbye to my three brothers at Mexico City's airport. The oldest, Julio, was the pillar of the family, almost like a second father. Then there was Luis, the most sentimental of the four. He wiped his cheeks with one hand as he bid farewell from a distance. And finally, Esteban, the grumpiest of the four. I think he was the most realistic among us. He had given me a lecture on safety, bought me a door stopper to prevent anyone from entering from the other side, a pepper spray, and in the last week, he made me practice self-defense. He wanted me to report to him every morning when I woke up, and if anything went wrong, and I was in danger, I had to say the keyword: "Horno de leña" (Wood-fired oven). Something fundamental in our family bakery, so he thought it would be easy to remember. I held back tears. I didn't want them to see me all teary-eyed before boarding the plane. When the stairs took me further away, I lost sight of them. I closed my eyes, gripped the handle of my travel suitcase, took a breath, and exhaled slowly. I wanted to erase that feeling of wanting to open my eyes and go back home with them. I had to convince myself that this new path would be the best for all of us. I could help at home and fulfill everyone's dream: to become someone in life.

After a four-hour and forty-minute flight, I had arrived in Toronto, on Canadian soil. My heart raced with excitement for the new adventure ahead. Someone bumped into my suitcase as they passed by after crossing the glass doors of the airport. I let it go, as it didn't really matter. My eyes were busy observing everything around me, taking in every detail.

"This will be the best day of your life, Isa!" I exclaimed excitedly. A man in a suit held a sign that read "Isabella Sánchez." I waved to indicate that it was me, and he smiled and told me he would take me to the building where there were apartments for foreign employees. I could stay there for up to six months while I found something on my own. It was temporary support provided by the company. Who wouldn't save money during this time? With the salary, I could afford to find something good, cheap, and nice in the city... What could go wrong?