Alma Gemela

"My heart knew who it belonged to, long before I met her."

Mexico City 2019

I have been trying so hard to convince my mom, Lupe, to allow me to help her work. We needed money so we can eat and find a good place to live but the woman has been shutting down every suggestions I throw at her.

"Why don't you like it?" I start to question her again but this time, it has less conviction because my eyes caught something.

The first thing I thought was, 'Damn, she has beautiful sad eyes.' And I was soon mesmirized by how good she looks that I didn't even realized I stopped walking just to look back at her.

"What did you see in that girl?" Lupe asks.

I already forgot what we were even talking about. It wasn't just because of her nice outfit but I have a feeling that I knew this girl from somewhere.

Lupe continues with her, 'you should study and I'll do the working' but this time, I'm more focused on the girl at the other side of the street. Lupe saw a wanted waitress sign and wants to check it out but I'm not ready to go just yet.

After telling her that I'll be right behind her, I turn my attention back to the girl with her boyfriend who are now starting to argue.

The sad girl seems frustrated about something. I could only hear bits and pieces of what they're talking about over the noisy traffic and it seems like my suspicion is right. It is her boyfriend and she's definitely upset about something.

I watched them fight but not because I am nosy. I usually don't give a damn about other people, simply because I hate it when people butt in with my life.

I stayed and watch because for some reason, I am worried. It's funny because all my life I only cared about one person, and that's my mom. But after seeing this girl, I have a strong feeling of wanting to protect her.

It's weird.

So I decided to stay and just watch from afar.

She pushes him and when he starts to grab her, I was shocked. I had to cover my mouth with my hand to stop myself from calling anyone in case she needed help.

"Don't touch me! Don't touch me!" I heard her say and I thanked God this girl knows how to defend herself.

I am still shocked even after he had left her alone at the sidewalk clearly upset and she seems so lost.

She looks around, not knowing where to go and I thought for a second that she saw me looking at her.

I should've looked away but I couldn't.
I followed her with my eyes as she starts to walk away, I just hope that she'll be okay.

~~~

Walking around the park makes me calm. I needed it especially after what had happened back at that bar with my mom. I grew up always defending myself from other kids from school and even from guys who wouldn't take no for an answer.

So when I saw that Lupe was in trouble, it was easy for me grab that empty bottle and smash it into his head. But still there were some residue of fear and adrenaline from the incident, so I had to walk it off to calm myself.

And little did I know that I will see her again.

Especially not here at the park, crying alone with a silver flask on her hands. She's obviously minding her own business and I told myself that I should be too but again I have this weird voice inside of me that I couldn't seem to ignore.

It was like a force field that pulls me towards her.

My whole body just gravitates towards her. Its weird and confusing at the same time. So I gave in and timidly approach the bench.