Who said life was Fair?-Chapter 1

1

Cool air spilled from the windows of the car, tickling my neck. Small strands of my black hair waved in front of my eyes, trying to make themselves known. I brushed them away quickly, ignoring their efforts. I half looked at all my packed bags, ready to go, for college. I had worked my whole life to go to Columbia in New York. Now I was a matter of minutes away from the gates. "I'm just so proud of you, Alejandra," My Mom said. "I told you to call me Alex," I said quietly. "Your name is Alejandra Isabel Santiago," She said harshly. I sighed, rolling my eyes. I was the first Santiago to graduate high school, let alone college! I had 5 little siblings, and I feared for their future. Yes, we were as latino as it got. Our Dad died a month before my youngest brother, Miguel was born. That was four years ago. Miguel just turned four. My other two brothers are Julian, whos 10 and Carlos, whos 15. My little sisters are named Sofia, whos 13 and Mercedes whos 17. My mama had me when she was only 15. Now as I saw her life destroyed, I hoped it wouldn't happen to any of my siblings. I knew Sofia hasn't "done it" yet, but I know Carlos has. I tried to shake away the thought of little Sofia or Mercedes pregnant. I wasn't like Mercedes. She was an early bloomer. I was still a virgin on the other hand. I focused on school and Sofia, learning from Mercedes focused of boys. Mama only took Miguel on the trip to school because she couldn't find a babysitter. "Alex?" I heard his tiny voice say. "Yeah?". "Why you go ¿Mariquita?". We all spoke English and Spanish. It hurt to hear him call me Sissy. " Porque I' m una muchacha grande, Miguel" I said, Because I'm a big girl. "But I'll miss you," He said, now in English. "I'll miss you too," I said, quietly. "But Jose stayed," He said. Jose, I didn't even consider him my brother anymore. "And Jose died, Miguel, I have to go here," I replied. "I loved him though,". Jose died when Miguel was 1. Miguel didn't remember him, he was only told about him. "I know,". "We're here!" Mamainterrupted. " ¡No!" Miguel whined. I nodded and opened the door. This was a new beginning for me. A new name for the Santiago family. Hopefully I would be more of a role model then Jose.