Something In between by Melissa de la Cruz

Author:Melissa de la Cruz
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin (UK) Ltd
Published: 2016-01-21T05:00:00+00:00

21

Those who deny freedom to others, deserve it not for themselves.

—ABRAHAM LINCOLN

WE MEET WITH the lawyer for our consultation the week after Christmas. Freddie Alvarado is Latino, in his midfifties, and has a close-trimmed beard and mustache. When he greets us, he’s holding a cup of green tea, which is my favorite drink. Dad, on the other hand, isn’t impressed and scowls at everything.

The office is filled with all kinds of photos of labor leaders past and present, including a shot of Mr. Alvarado standing between Larry Itliong and Philip Vera Cruz. I know who the two Filipino men in the photo are because Dad spent some time in the fields. Most Filipinos his age have worked, or have family who worked, in the fields at one time or another.

I can tell by Dad’s grimace that he thinks the picture is there to keep any potential Filipino clients happy.

“Welcome, Mr. and Mrs. de los Santos,” Mr. Alvarado says.

“Very interesting office,” Dad says, looking up and down the bookcases.

“I take great pride in meeting some of the political figures I’ve admired.”

While Mom and I sit on the chairs, Dad remains standing. “How much are you charging for this consultation? I want to know we’re getting a fair price.”

“Daddy,” I say, mortified. “We already know.”

Mom decides to speak up. “We would like to get started as soon as possible, Mr. Alvarado.”

“Of course,” he says. “You’ll be happy to know I’ve already begun researching your case. I believe with your work records and your children’s academic success, you have a good chance to prove you’re worthy candidates for a green card that can then lead to American citizenship.”

“How much will that cost?” Dad asks.

Mom steps on his foot.

Dad changes his tone. “I mean, what’s your well-counseled advice?”

Mom steps on his foot again. I make a mental note not to bring Dad next time. The way he’s acting right now, Mr. Alvarado will probably pay us to leave the country.

Mr. Alvarado seems to expect this kind of behavior and ignores the foot-smashing on our side of the desk. “I’d like to press for a deportation trial,” he says. “Your family also hasn’t committed any offenses, especially aggravated felonies.”

I’m a little nervous. The memory of running with Kayla through Lo’s living room to avoid the police flashes in my mind. Even though there weren’t any actual police, I still feel exposed.

“What exactly is a deportation trial?” Mom asks.

“It’ll mean you’ll be admitting fault that you have been living here without documentation,” says Mr. Alvarado. “But I’ll be able to argue that you should be able to stay and receive some kind of documentation in the meantime.”

I sense my parents are already feeling overwhelmed, so I speak up. “That’s a little scary, isn’t it? If we lose, couldn’t we be deported? Wouldn’t it be difficult to get back into the US if that happens? And wouldn’t my parents lose all their assets?”

Mr. Alvarado folds his hands. “You must have been researching this process, Ms. de los Santos.

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