TRAITORS

by Gerardo Robledo

  He would be more at peace and more focused on school and at work. I don’t know if he already told you this, but his factory might make job cuts and perhaps he is one of those who will be affected being the newest there. On another note, I’m willing to go to Mexico with Norma these days to support Maria and give her a hand in taking care of Grandma Andrea.”

  “Oh you know that your father would kill the both of us!” Luis answered. “He had been very clear with us and has supported us so far. I do not want to disappoint his trust. In addition, he is not aware that I am undocumented, and I do not want to know how he would react if he finds out. Remember that we only have three more years to go to finish school and then we could form our life together… with his consent!”

  “There is no way he would find out. Since we are no longer minors, we do not need anyone’s permission to marry!” said Zina. “We just need to get married and bring the marriage certificate to the lawyer and that’s it! Remember, the lawyer said it would only take six to eight months for you to get your green card and you could finally travel to Mexico and visit your family. I think it’s the easiest and most practical way. If we do it without saying a word, my father will never know.”

  After a few minutes of silence and deep consideration, Pablo and Norma agreed with Zina. They convinced Luis that this might be best not only for him but for the whole family since Pablo would be gone for at least four months. He would be out of the country on a special assignment and he would like to leave with peace of mind. There were many things that bothered him: the situation of Luis, the welfare of his grandmother and the baby that was coming. Norma was already on her fourth month of pregnancy and Pablo would be returning when his wife is about to give birth to their firstborn.

  That same week, before Pablo left for his new mission, they all went to the Marriage Office on Van Nuys Boulevard in the city of Pacoima where Zina and Luis joined hands in civil matrimony. With them were Aunt Lupita and her husband, Pablo and Norma, and Norberto, along with his girlfriend Ximena. They were the official witnesses at the marriage ceremony. The couple was happy getting what they had always been dreaming of even though they know that it was only a way out of a problem. They went to celebrate in the house of Aunt Lupita and made plans for the future, in which they expected would be better.

  That weekend, Pablo was with the U.S. troops bound for Afghanistan, in high hopes that Luis’ situation would improve a bit and that Norma and Zina would visit Mexico to spend some time with Grandma Andrea. The planned visit pleased both the grandmother and Maria.

  A few days later, Norma and Zina were on a plane bound for the city of Guadalajara. On the way, Zina was practicing what little Spanish she had learned from Luis. With all these, Luis was more at peace during the next few days since he was confident to know that while he still could not be there, his grandmother would be in good hands—at least while recovering from her last relapse. He also took joy in the possibility of accelerating the immigration process and being able to see his beloved grandmother situation for himself.

  The wait to receive a call from his beloved Zina seemed like an eternity for Luis. When she finally did, she gave details of what had happened with his grandmother. Aside from taking care of Grandma Andrea and telling him related details, Zina also informed him of her observations about the situation in Mexico. She noticed that unemployment was very high. She mentioned that some of their relatives struggled to even get just a temporary job. Moreover, the government did little to improve the situation of the general population, and people had to find their own means to get ahead—the reason behind why Mexican citizens continue to emigrate in search of new opportunities.

  Zina was moved by the great love that Grandma Andrea had for her grandchildren and understood, to the full extent, Luis’ predicament. Grandma had been a mother to him and it showed in the words of the elderly woman the suffering of having her grandchildren away from her, not sharing every triumph with them and not being able to embrace them in times of distress or sadness. Zina also realized their great devotion to the Virgin Mary of Guadalupe, the patroness of Mexico, which Mrs. Andrea would entrust daily prayers to for the care of her children—both her little Luis and Pablo who risked his life daily on the battlefront. Although perhaps not understanding the purpose of the war, she supported him anyway and always had him in her prayers.

  Zina only stayed a few days in Mexico since her “excursion” was supposed to be just for four days. It was short but it was enough to offer her emotional support to the family of her beloved. Norma, meanwhile, stayed a few days more. On her return to Los Angeles, Zina met with Luis to recount everything that had happened during her visit to his hometown. They also agreed on a date to go to the lawyer since they already had with them the marriage certificate to accelerate the immigration process. The lawyer received all the documents and requested a change of process in the immigration application. Now it was only a matter of waiting. Time would be the most important ally in this delicate situation.

  A few weeks later, just when everything seemed under control, the unexpected happened. The factory where Luis worked started its job cuts, and as expected, Luis, along with many of his peers and colleagues was among the first to be dismissed. He could not afford to be without work even though Pablo was still helping him cover Grandma Andrea’s expenses.

  He felt it was now his responsibility to be in the front lines of dealing with the expenses since military personnel did not really receive large salaries. The most valuable asset that Luis had was his education. He had to quickly find a job because Grandma’s medicine couldn’t just wait, and although he had a little bit of savings, it would not last for long.

  Again, anxiety and desperation took a hold of Luis. He already knew how risky it was to go out and look for a job. Moreover, as he had to bring with him the falsified documents, which he had purchased to get a job, he knew that if he got caught, this would be a critical blow to his immigration status. But he could not just stand idly by. He really had to go out and look for another job.

  During the first week, everything went well. His applications were received by several places without many complications. He only had to wait for a call telling him the good news that he’d been hired since some companies had given him many reasons to hope, and better yet—these were great and well-paying jobs.

  That weekend, on the way to Zina’s house, something would happen that would forever change the course of their lives.

  The Price of Being

  An Immigrant

  That Friday was a normal day. Luis went out in search of work like any other day. He visited several local companies hoping to soon be welcomed on board since two weeks had passed and he was still unemployed. His cash reserves were nearly depleted but he couldn’t afford not to send money—at least for Grandma’s medicine. He came home around three in the afternoon a little excited about the responses he received from the last applications he filed. A local company had almost assured that he would begin to work in about two weeks’ time. It prompted him to call his friend Norberto to ask for a little bit of money to send to his grandmother in Mexico. Soon, his friend went to pick him up and accompanied him to remit the money at a Western Union branch at Foothill Avenue in Sylmar. Luis felt a little bit relieved.

  It was unusual for Luis to call Mexico on a Friday. He would normally call on Saturdays or Sundays since he was either in school or at work during weekdays. That afternoon, he was very happy with the results of his job application. He decided to call and share his happiness. The call surprised his grandmother, who thought for a moment that something was wrong.

  “How are you, my Sweet Granny? I sent some money for your medicines and a little extra to buy some soda. I know how much you like them, but I want you to please be sure to take your medicines because you know how important they are for your health. I’m about to go visit you. I want to see you in very good condition since we will go tou
r around many places and I want you to be able to withstand the travels. I’ll take you to the Virgin Mary of Guadalupe as I promised. I’m also taking you to visit your sister Petra in Michoacán, since I know you have not seen her for many years, and I can just imagine how bad you want to visit her.”

  Grandma cried in silence as if she sensed something. Her motherly heart told her something was wrong. Although our mothers are usually strong and they always made us feel safe, inside, their feelings rule over them. Perhaps she had been very sensitive due to the relapse that she had lately. In turn, Luis felt as if his heart would pop out of place because he felt the pain and tears in the words of his “Sweet Granny” and the pain of not being able to embrace her tight. It pierced him to the bones. A kiss may have been the best medicine for the two—kiss, which is a far better medicine than any other. It has the perfect effect to heal the pain. Hearing and knowing that they’re far is an unimaginable misery that one can only comprehend when he experiences it in the flesh. Only the love of a mother has the capacity to heal it. Meanwhile, Grandma Andrea had her little heart crushed by sorrow and many years of loneliness. Even though her grandchildren would constantly call her, and Pablo would sometimes visit, it was not the same as having them by her side every day and having them there to protect one another. A mother always knows that her children are safe under their wings but now, without knowing when it happened, it was her who needed to be under the protection of her children.

  It was an unusual conversation. They chatted for a little over two hours and promised to go on with the fight because the moment of seeing each other would be much sooner than first expected. Luis explained that perhaps he would come and visit her in less than eight months. She promised to do a better job of taking care of herself and would take her medicines without fail. They fondly recalled some experiences they had while Luis was still in Guadalajara along with some of the funny moments of his childhood. They were recounting the pleasant moments of his life which he had lived through by the side of his Sweet Granny. Grandma Andrea, alongside his mother, had dedicated her life guiding him through the pathways of life so as to give him the fundamentals of education that served him well in his daily struggles. It turned him into a good man and it stayed like a tattoo on his soul for the rest of his life.

  He also spoke to his sister Maria. He gave her lots of advice on how to care for their grandmother. He also thanked her for her dedication in taking care of her. “To you I entrust the most precious thing in my life,” he said. “I have always been grateful to you for taking care of Grandma. You have shown so much love and incredible maturity. Take good care of yourself, sister, I love you.”

  When they hung up the phone, both cried for a long time, as if sensing that something bad was about to happen; but every word they had spoken was a great encouragement to continue on with their daily lives. After reflecting for a while longer, he called Zina and told her he would pass by to see her. They had thought about going to a movie premiere, but with his financial situation, there was no room for wasting money. Seeing his girlfriend was enough for him and of course for her.

  He was on Hubbard Boulevard heading towards Highway 210 just before crossing Glenoaks Street, a car driving in the opposite direction lost control and crashed head on with Luis’ car. The other car flipped several times and crashed into the fence of a shopping center on the right side of the road. Luis’s car swerved and ended up crashing into another vehicle parked on the side. He immediately got out and ran towards the other car. Realizing that there wasn’t much he could do, he decided to call 911.

  Before the firefighters and paramedics arrived, he and some others tried to get the passengers out of the other car but were unsuccessful. Within minutes, the police and the firefighters came and began rescuing the injured. They had to force the doors open since the passengers had been locked in and the doors were jammed. Inside the car were a lady driver and her two children about the age of twelve and six. The older child sustained the most serious injuries as did the mom who had hit the windshield and became unconscious. The injured were taken to the nearest hospital. Luis did not have major wounds, just some pain in the neck area and arm from trying to maneuver the car. He also suffered a tear in his right arm that was treated immediately, thus there was no need to take him to the hospital. Luis could not leave until he was able to clarify how the accident happened. Two others were also asked to stay as they were witnesses who had seen everything and had tried to help the injured.

  The officer approached Luis, who had managed to calm himself down. He asked for his documents. Luis only gave the insurance card.

  “I have no license,” said Luis “but it wasn’t my fault. The other car lost control and crashed against mine.”

  One of the witnesses came forward and confirmed his statement.

  “We can’t do anything for you, Sir,” said the policeman “from this moment on, you are considered at fault for driving without a license. I’m sorry, but you’re under arrest since there were injuries involved”.

  They read him his rights. He was handcuffed and taken to the police station in San Fernando. Once they arrived at the station, he decided to exercise his right to make a phone call—one of the rights that all detainees have. He called Zina to explain the situation. She immediately called Norma, and they left to where Luis was jailed.

  Upon reaching the police station, they quickly inquired about Luis. He was given no visitation rights until necessary investigations were made as the injured were still in the hospital and legal proceedings were yet not allowed. Using her military privileges, Norma was able to talk to Luis and he explained what had happened. She assured him that they would do everything possible to get him out of there soon. Though they knew it was going to be complicated, she didn’t say anything so that he wouldn’t be more worried than he already was. On Monday morning, Luis had to see the judge who would either impose charges or order his release. That day, Norma and Zina were present in the court room to show their support, although they didn’t know what fate awaited the young man.

  Although the mother and the younger son had already been released from the hospital, the older son was in the intensive care unit. No one knew how soon he would recover. There was talk of two months, but it was a matter of waiting. The woman testified in court that she had lost control of her car and affirmed that she wouldn’t be pressing charges against Luis; yet due to the absence of a driver’s license, the court charged him with attempted vehicular manslaughter since the child was injured. The charges were clear.

  The judge also clarified that after he served his sentence pertaining to the accident, the defendant must report to the immigration service, since the police found a fake ID and a fake Social Security card, which was considered a felony. Such cases should be resolved by a Federal Court judge.

  Luis was taken back to his cell. He was to be transferred to the county jail where he would serve his sentence and he would remain there while his family sorted out the case with the help of a lawyer. With tears in their eyes, Luis and Zina said goodbye with a terrible sense of helplessness and anguish, not knowing what fate had in store for them.

  Immediately, the family moved to find a good lawyer to take on the case. Norma also sent Pablo an e-mail. Pablo wasn’t able to communicate until two days after. Confused, he asked for a clearer explanation of the accident. He could not believe how, just a few days ago, everything was fine and now his life had been turned a hundred and eighty degrees. Already aware of the situation, he gave some ideas on how to solve the case and asked his wife to do everything possible to clarify the situation and get his brother out of jail. He also asked her to avoid telling his family in Mexico, so as not to stress Grandma Andrea.

  Things would not be so easy because the bail was extremely high and there was no money to pay for it. The best thing to do was to save what little they had to pay the attorney’s fees that, they knew, were not going to be ch
eap. Because of this, they decided to immediately ask family members for a little help to be able to afford Luis’ representation. It would be quite difficult though, because the judge had to wait until the child was released from the hospital in order to reduce the charges. The lawyer reiterated what the judge had said that while the child is still in the hospital, the case would remain on hold and only until he is released, that the final verdict be pronounced. The lawyer also clarified that he would only work on the case concerning the accident and that they should start looking for an immigration lawyer who specializes in deportation as the involvement of fake documents was extremely delicate. In most cases, the defendants were deported after several months of fighting to be set free.

  Pablo requested permission to travel and be with his family throughout the proceedings of his brother, but his superiors did not find sufficient reasons and denied his request. It was not a matter of life or death and his battalion was, at that time, in a very important operation and could not do without him. He had no choice but to follow their orders. However, they allowed him daily communication with his family back in the States to receive updates.

  Meanwhile, Zina could not hide her dismay and helplessness for not being able to do much. On her next visit, she decided to talk to Luis about something she thought necessary.

  “I will talk to my father tonight and ask for his help. Maybe he can pull some strings and use his influence to get you out of here,” said Zina. “We know that your only crime was not having a driver’s license and the other person involved in the incident did not file charges against you. In addition to which, she pleaded guilty.”

  “I don’t think that’s a good idea,” said Luis. “You already know how upright your father is. Right? Upon learning that I am undocumented, he will be furious with you; and worse if the records show that we were secretly married. I can only imagine all the consequences this would bring. Better talk to your mom first. I think she will understand this entire dilemma. She may not support us, but I know that she will not be against you either.”