Chapter 37 - Miami

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"I'm in Miami Bitchhhhhh!!!!"

Angelica recited the words to LMAFO's song as she drove south on US-1/South Federal Highway from Fort Lauderdale airport in her rental car. She was back home and pumped up! Her first stop was her parents' house in Hollywood.

"Fuck you, Bitch!" yelled Angelica to a woman who cut her off and stuck her middle finger out the window. Angelica stuck hers back at her. She forgot how rude people were in Miami. They were always in a hurry to go nowhere. But she loved her town and being there made her realize just how much she missed home.

She turned right on N 14th Avenue and then made a left on Fillmore Street. As she drove up to her parent's home, there were so many cars. The music was blaring and she smelled food. Everyone knew she was coming home, so they were there.

"Mamí, papí, abuelita, abuelito..." she yelled walking through the house. "I'm here!"

"Angelica?" said her dad, Alfredo, with a strong Spanish accent.

"Si, papí. It's me!"

"In the kitchen!"

She ran into the kitchen and hugged him. She kissed him so many times on his forehead, cheeks and nose.

"Ay mija, I missed you so much," said Alfredo almost in tears.

"I missed you too, papí," she said hugging him tighter.

Then, she hugged her aunts and uncles that were there helping.

"Mamí changed the curtains, didn't she?" asked Angelica.

"Yes, you know your mother."

Her parents lived in a stunning two-story, six-bedroom home located in Hollywood Lakes. Her mother recently renovated their home to include marble floors throughout; a gourmet kitchen with granite countertops, coffered ceiling and black appliances; a new roof; a concrete driveway; and a refinished pool.

"What are you cooking? It smells so good," said Angelica, checking the pots.

"Your abuela is making Ropa Vieja con arroz blanco y tostones."

"I love her food."

"I know. Me too," said her dad, chuckling.

Old-school Latin grandmothers cooked from morning to night, so Angelica's grandmother wasn't any different. She had the house filled with the aroma of a traditional Cuban dish. Ropa Vieja consisted of flank steak shredded and cooked in a tomato sauce with vegetables like onions, bell peppers, peas and topped with pimentos. It is usually served with white rice and plantains. Angelica's grandma made fried green plantains.

"Where's mom? At the hospital?"

"Yes. She should be here any minute. She can't wait to see you."

Her mom worked as a Head Nurse at the children's hospital in Fort Lauderdale. She has worked there ever since Angelica can remember.

"Everyone else is out back?"

"Yes, including your friend Claudia."

"Ok."

The backyard was a tropical paradise with large palm trees, a jungle gym/swing set in the corner of the patio attached to a tree house and an outdoor BBQ area. There was also plenty of room for entertaining.

"Familia!!" yelled Angelica, busting through the back door.

Everyone yelled and cheered when they saw her. Claudia ran up to her screaming. They hugged one another before Falio picked her up and swung her around. He hugged her tight.

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