1997/1998

The boat's stench was nearly unbearable.

The Ocean waves roared voraciously throughout the night, even with the wind being minimal and the waters seemingly calmer than they had anticipated.

The ocean's power was on full display, and the three inhabitants of that boat were very afraid, but grateful to be leaving their old country.

As Madame Melfi, Maritza and Violet sat and dealt with sea sickness, they all quietly pondered what being in America would be like.

They also hoped that they were good swimmers.

The boat captain told them they would need to swim for about fifty to 100 yards or so, since can't technically dock off the Florida coast.

So they did.

They swam like mad towards the beach until they reached the shores where an undisclosed gray van quickly picked them up, dropping them off at a safe location where they could shower, change clothing and prepare to meet up with their next connection.

That connection was Madame Melfi's old boss, Sedro.

She contacted him before they embarked on the Yola, and he promised to help them however he could.

They arrived at Sedro's home a few days after arriving in Florida, and adjusted quickly to their new way of life.

The girls would go to school, And Madame Melfi would work for Sedro.

Things seemingly began well enough.

Violet though, was quietly seething.

A few months after they had arrived, Violet and Maritza had a discussion.

It began when Madame Melfi told them to get some groceries for the house.

As they walked towards the grocery store, Violet asked Maritza "Mari, what happened that night?"

"what night?" Responded Maritza.

"You know," Violet said as she looked at her finger nails, "The night where we had to leave our house. When we got on that stinking boat in a rush to come here. THAT night."

"Oh," Maritza retorted as she looked away in slight shame, "well, I think... Madame Melfi just wanted to leave, that's all.."

Violet stared up at her.

Maritza looked away.

Violet took her hand and said "You don't need to lie to me. I know what happened."

Maritza shook nervously as she begged Violet for forgiveness.

"I swear Violet, I..."

"My dad always told me he wanted... no needed to kill you," Interrupted Violet as she let go of Maritza's hand, " I think you just did what you had to do to protect yourself, that's all. Human instinct, right? Survival?"

"Violet I swear that I..."

"Yeah," Interrupted Violet as she softly, "Don't you worry about it. You couldn't help it. You're only... well anyway, we're here now right?"

"But... How did you know...?" asked Maritza as they arrived at the grocery store.

"Honestly," Violet answered, "I didn't. Not for sure I didn't. Now I do. Thank you for telling me. Like I said, don't you worry about it. We're here now, we're all just fine..."

As they entered the store Maritza couldn't help but notice the hostile aura that now surrounded them both.

Maritza no longer trusted in her little step sister.

Violet was definitely up to something, she thought.

Little did she know...  She was absolutely right.