Emma Orfea Valdez.
Youngest and the only daughter in the Valdez clan in over a century. Fitting her name, she was the entire universe of the Valdez family. She made them whole, she shed light on the darkness they possessed. She was joy and they were...
1. When a sentence is written in italics with quotation marks at the beginning and end of the sentence then it means it has been signed rather than said out loud.
E.g. "Are you sure?"
2. When a sentence is written in italics with single quotation marks at the beginning and end of the sentence then it means it has been written or typed on phone.
E.g. 'Are you sure?'
3. When a sentence is written in italics with no quotation marks at the beginning or end of the sentence then it means it is an internal thought.
E.g. He doesn't know anything.
****The first two points will be required frequently since our fl is mute and communicates through sign language or by typing or writing out her words.
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I woke up the next morning feeling well-rested, considering the circumstances and my sleeping habits in unfamiliar places.
Doing my morning routine, I took a shower and changed into a soft, flowing and breathable dress. Summers in Malibu, although not as much as some other states of US, can be pretty hot. I had no intention of sweating my butt off so I chose a cotton dress to let air in my body.
Pulling on brown ankle boots, I brushed my hair and set out to find my dear mother.
Mom has always woken up before me and it was most likely that she was already down in the dinning room or kitchen, having her breakfast. Despite being aware of it, I knocked on her door and checked if she was there.
Just in case.
Not finding her there, I crossed the hallway and down the stairs, remembering the way like the back of my hands. Once I reached near the kitchen, I heard voice coming from inside so I walked in.
Mom was sitting on a barstool, in front of the breakfast bar, with a cup of coffee in her hand. My attention, however, was caught by another woman in the kitchen, leaning against the counter, dressed in a pair of pink grey pants and a white shirt. She also held a cup of something steaming in her hand adorned with expensive jewellery.
As soon as I entered the room, both the women's eyes flew to me.
Mom sat up straighter, a smile gracing her beautiful features, "Good morning, honey," she greeted me, receiving a nod of acknowledgement and return of the gesture from me. I took my seat beside her, climbing on the barstool. "There is waffle and egg benedict for breakfast, some juice and smoothie as well."
I nodded, my eyes escaping to the woman standing on the other side of the counter.
Following my gaze, mom's eyes also fell on the other occupant of the kitchen, "Oh, I forgot to introduce you, honey, this is América..." mom trailed off, smiling what seemed like a pleasant and happy one, when in reality it was that smile.
