The Resistance || Money Heist

Backstory || .001

          Ava had been shaped by a troubled past, one marred by reckless decisions and frequent run-ins with the police. Her adolescence was marked by a string of petty crimes: the thrill of pickpocketing, the rush of shoplifting from small convenience stores, and the chaos of causing disturbances, often fueled by alcohol. But everything began to shift when she turned sixteen. A quiet resolve stirred within her, igniting a desire to transcend her mischievous teen years. It was around this time that she met Martin Rodriguez, the boy she believed to be her soulmate. Martin was the epitome of the all-American boy, boasting an almost flawless record and a charming demeanor. He was a star athlete, commanding attention as the captain of the school's football team, while Ava shone brightly as head cheerleader. The two of them together painted a picture of perfect young romance.

However, beneath Martin's polished exterior lay a hidden side that few, including Ava, had glimpsed. He possessed a magnetic charm and charisma that pulled people in, and Ava found herself captivated. After they began dating, she quickly turned her life around. Her grades soared, and her behavior drastically improved, shedding the image of the reckless girl she had been. For the first time in more than two years, she felt an overwhelming sense of normalcy envelop her—a feeling she had long yearned for.By the age of twenty-two, Ava celebrated a milestone; she passed her nursing exams, finally stepping into the life her parents had ardently wished for her. Yet, despite her affection for Martin, an inexplicable void lingered in her heart. She delayed their engagement, crafting a myriad of excuses that disguised her true feelings. "We need more time," she'd often insist, convincing herself that they had to wait until they were completely settled. Looking into the future, it dawned on her that she would never feel ready to start a family with him. It wasn't that she viewed Martin's aspirations as negative—after all, he seemed like the ideal family man—but within her was a restless craving for something infinitely more exciting and adventurous. Her monotonous 9-5 job left her feeling stagnant, and she yearned for a vibrant spark to reignite her passion for life. Deep down, she recognized what she was missing but was too fearful to acknowledge it.

            One quiet evening, as Martin worked late hours at his job, Ava settled for a simple peanut butter and jelly sandwich for dinner. Wrapped up in the soft embrace of her couch, she felt a contented silence envelop her. That peace was suddenly disrupted by the ringing of the doorbell, catching her off guard. No one had mentioned stopping by, which made the sound feel strangely jarring. Setting her sandwich down on a paper plate—an intentional choice she made to avoid dirtying dishes when it was just her—she called out, "Who is it?" But before a response could be uttered, she pulled open the door, her heart racing with surprise. 

         Standing before her were two men she recognized immediately, each evoking a rush of memories from her past. Her eyes widened in disbelief, a soft smile creeping across her lips. The man with glasses stepped forward first, a familiar air surrounding him. "Sergio Marquina," he introduced himself, extending a hand as if expecting her to shake it. A laugh escaped Ava's lips, a mix of astonishment and joy. She hadn't seen Sergio in over twenty years; the years had sculpted his appearance into something new, yet his essence remained unchanged. If not for his brother standing beside him, she might have struggled to place him at all.

            "Andres," she breathed as her gaze darted away from Sergio to the man who stood beside him. Though he was slightly shorter and older, the moment her eyes landed on him, everything else faded away. It felt as if she had glimpsed a piece of her past she hadn't realized she was missing. Before she even fully processed what was happening, she leaned forward and wrapped her arms around Andres in an embrace that felt both warm and nostalgic, melting away any years of separation. Pulling away, her eyes locked onto his, and an electric wave surged through her as his charming smile flashed before her. Despite the fact that their last encounter had ended on a sour note, seeing him again ignited buried feelings that she thought she had long subdued. Their relationship had always danced between on-and-off phases, and even years apart couldn't extinguish the yearning that quietly lingered in her heart. 

                 Andres held her gaze steadily, a smirk playing on his lips, subtly acknowledging the effect he had on her. It was clear to both of them that no matter the time apart, she remained ensnared by his influence—a realization that sent a shiver down her spine.

               Sergio broke the momentary silence, his voice steady and confident. "I realize it's an unusual time to arrive, but we have a proposal to discuss. However, I think it would be best if we caught up first." His tone exuded a sense of authority, something Ava herself often lacked. That night, Ava welcomed them into her home, her heart surprisingly light after so long. They settled in, and the warmth among them blossomed. Laughter and conversation flowed effortlessly as they shared life updates and memories, and for the first time in ages, Ava felt a genuine happiness envelop her. Unbeknownst to her, this meeting was not just a nostalgic trip down memory lane, but the unmistakable start of a new chapter in her life—a chapter filled with unexpected turns and perhaps a family she had never envisioned for herself.