Part 2: Baja Leai & the Road to New York
Jesus and Andrea walk to Baja Leai University for early enrollment; they argue and reconcile; Superintendent Lopez approves their enrollment; they meet Justin Jack, a musician at the boarding house.
The next morning, Jesus got up out of bed the first time he awakened and shook off the pleasant daze that would hang around the morning after a smoke session like an uninvited overnight guest that had overstayed their welcome. Alfred was also waking up and beginning his day. A scraggly-bearded white man slept in the remaining occupied bed, unaware of the other two. Jesus crept carefully by, not to wake him.
Layla gave him a white collared shirt two sizes too big, and he wore his best pants, black khakis that actually fit him decently. Andrea was dressed considerably better, in a plain blue dress and black tights. Layla had given Andrea her own clothes to borrow. She also braided Andrea’s hair into two long pigtails.
All of this preparation was for them to go to the university and ask the superintendent, a certain mustached Jorge Lopez, to allow them to begin attending Baja Leai University a full semester early.
Jesus felt good about their chances. After all, it shouldn’t inconvenience the school at all. Their education was already paid for as long as they continued to fulfill the requirements of the scholarship, which was to maintain a GPA of no less than 3.2 and generally not cause any trouble.
It was half past eight when Andrea and Jesus departed the boarding house and began the short walk to campus, a walk that they would repeat many times in the upcoming months.
“How do you feel?” Asked Jesus, trying to make conversation after a few minutes of silent walking.
“Fine, I suppose,” She responded. Jesus waited for her to add more or return the question. After a few moments in which she attempted to do neither, he pressed on.
“Are you nervous?” He asked.
Jesus didn’t look, but he was pretty sure she had shrugged. “Not really. I figure it’s either going to go one of two ways,” She replied.
“Which are?”
“Either we can start this semester, or we have to wait until the fall semester.”
“I think they have classes in the summer, too. We could start then.”
“That’s true,” She said, “But, to tell you the truth, I’m not too worried about it. We already did the hard part, which was qualifying. Or, at least I did.”
“They probably just let you in because you’re a girl. You know how those big colleges like to have a bunch of women,” He said.
“You know, I could just tell them that you’re faking it. They would love to hear that.”
“Yeah, and what else? They wouldn’t believe you, and you don’t have any proof to back it up.”
“I don’t need any proof. I say the word, and they’ll squash you. You wouldn’t even get credit for the work you did because it was supposed to be in someone else’s name.”
Jesus was infuriated. “Fuck you, why would you even do that to me?”
“You’d be lucky to get off that easy. The police could arrest you,” She had stopped walking and turned to him.
“You’re such a bitch. You always have something to say.”
Andrea slapped him across his face. The hit stung, but not as much as his damaged pride. For a moment, Jesus wanted to punch her right in the mouth. He envisioned it, a solid right cross, knocking her straight on her ass. But what would that accomplish? Jesus swallowed his pride and took a deep breath to calm himself.
This is stupid. And even if it isn’t, it’s not the time.
“I’m sorry I said that. You’re not a bitch. I just think you’re not being fair,” He started walking again. She reluctantly followed suit.
“I just don’t think you deserve this. Christian earned it. What did you do?”
Jesus didn’t want to answer the question. The truth was he didn’t do anything. Miriam flashed across his mind. “Look, the important thing is that I’m here now, and I want to make the best of it. If I mess up and lose the scholarship, then you’ll have something to say about it. Until then, just let me be.”
She silently accepted this. The tension was palpable between the two as they continued walking side-by-side. Andrea held her tongue, unwilling to give up any ground in the argument. He wanted to make it through this important day without further incident.
A soft pitter-patter approached from behind them, and a moment later, Rufus had appeared seemingly out of nowhere, walking beside Jesus and Andrea. The dog seemed to absorb the steely tension in the air. As they approached campus, Andrea finally spoke up.
“I’m sorry I slapped you. That was too much. I’ve just been on edge lately with all that’s happened,” She said.
“It’s okay. Me too. I’m sorry I called you a bitch.”
“It’s nothing. Let’s just agree to work together on this. I don’t think fighting in front of Mr. Lopez will reflect well on either of us.”
Jesus nodded in agreement. As they entered the campus, the dog stayed behind, as if an invisible wall held him back from the University grounds. Maybe he had been chased out before. Some of the more well-dressed students gave Jesus and his obviously ill-fitting shirt odd looks, but Andrea and him did their best to ignore the bewildered stares and whispered comments.
It took them longer than anticipated to find the administrative offices. They tried to follow the path that Osito had led them down previously, but they quickly became misdirected and lost among the identical looking buildings. They stopped and asked a twenty-something student for directions, which only served to further become confused. It wasn’t until a helpful faculty member noticed their out of place appearance and bewildered expression and accompanied them to the office.
Noticing their apprehensive expressions, the secretary, a young, thin woman who looked barely out of college, but carried herself with a palpable air of superiority, addressed them as soon as they entered the office.
“Good morning, how can I help you?”
Andrea quickly spoke, “We would like to speak with superintendent Lopez.”
“And do you have an appointment?”
“Well, no, but-”
She cut her off, “I’m sorry, but Mr. Lopez doesn’t see visitors without an appointment. I’d be happy to set one up if you’d like.”
“Sure, that would be great.”
“Lovely,” She replied, “May I ask what you want to speak to Mr. Lopez about?” The secretary inquired.
“Well, my friend and I were recipients of an academic scholarship, and we want to see if it’s possible to begin taking classes in the spring semester,” Andrea explained.
“And when does the scholarship go into effect?”
“It doesn’t begin until the fall, but-” She said, suddenly cut off again by the secretary.
“Well, do you have the papers with you?”
“No, but that’s because it was lost when-”
“Ma’am, I’m very sorry that you and your,” She looked down, “Friend cannot find your paperwork, but we simply cannot make changes to established documents.
Jesus cut in, “Our orphanage was burned down! That’s why we lost the papers.”
The lady didn’t seem moved, “Do you have any police documentation of the incident?”
“No, but-” He started.
“We simply cannot grant requests for changes in established documents for unverified reasons.
Now, if you were to return with proper documentation, I’d be happy to refer you-”
Andrea interrupted her, “Please, ma’am, we just want to make an appointment with Mr. Lopez, that’s all.”
The secretary’s face turned to a scowl and a note of harshness invaded the sing-song nature of her speech, “Ma’am, as I was saying, I would be happy to refer you to the financial assistance office, but Mr. Lopez is a very busy man and doesn’t have the time-”
“Mr. Castillo!” Boomed Jorge Lopez jovially from behind them. “Good to see you again, young man,” He said. Lopez placed his hand on Jesus’ shoulder and continued, “And I do believe that I recognize you from your earlier visit with my dear friend, Mr. Zuniga, but would you remind me again of your name, young lady?”
Jesus quickly interjected before Andrea could respond, “Actually, it’s Mentez. Christian Mentez, and this is Andrea Soliana. We were wondering if we could have a moment of your time.”
The man’s brow furrowed in a quizzical expression. “Right. Well, Mr. Mentez and Mrs. Soliana, please join me in my office.” Lopez led them into a small office. They found two seats facing his desk.
Jesus took a quick look around the room. Diplomas, plaques, and awards in glass picture frames covered the walls. A tall bookshelf was stacked full of academic texts, law books, and yearbooks. Jesus scanned the titles, looking for something he recognized. There wasn’t anything. Opposite them, behind the superintendent’s desk, stood a large window. The blinds were drawn so that the window allowed in some light, but you could neither see in nor out of it. The room was tightly organized. Each cabinet, folder, book, and catalog had a place. There wasn’t much room left over for people. Andrea and Jesus had to awkwardly sideshuffle to sit down. Even Lopez’s pens were neatly placed, evenly centered to the right of his leather-bound notepad that lay open on the desk displaying cryptic, multi-tiered notes.
“Now,” He said, settling into his chair, which was considerably more comfortable and larger than Jesus and Andrea’s, “How may I help you?”
Jesus began to explaining the fire that had destroyed Sophia’s orphanage and how they had come to call Baja Leai home.
“We just want to begin our classes this semester, that’s all,” Finished Andrea.
“I don’t see how that would be a problem,” replied Lopez nonchalantly. Jesus was taken aback by the lightness in which he had given his answer. He had expected more push back. “It’s truly horrible what happened to your home in Nueva Casa. My thoughts go out to Mr. Zuniga and Mrs. Large. One cannot fathom why such tragic events befall the innocent and unwitting so readily. We would be happy to see to it that Baja Leai University provides ample opportunity to the disadvantaged. I’ll have my secretary help you with the relevant paperwork. Is there anything else I can help you two with?”
“No, sir,” Jesus answered.
“Thank you, that’s it for now,” Replied Andrea in turn.
“Great,” He said, rising from his chair and ambling between his desk and the bookshelf beside it.
He opened the office door and motioned Andrea into the administrative office. “Gloria, please ensure that these two’s admission paperwork is completed and filed this afternoon and have them meet with advisors to determine their course schedule.”
The secretary shot icicles at Andrea. It gave Andrea a warm, cheery confidence that lasted well into the afternoon.
“Mr.,” Lopez said, faltering for a second, “Mentez, was it? Please stay here and speak with me for a moment,” He closed the door and sat down again in his great chair.
Jesus’ stomach was in his throat. He was found out! Lopez knew, he must have recognized him from their visit not so long ago. Jesus swallowed and unconsciously gripped his armrests. Jorge’s beady eyes narrowed. His moustache quivered. There was a long, empty silence as the older man stared down the young Jesus. It was all over. Jesus lowered his eyes and prepared himself for the inevitable death sentence. Still, his beady eyes fixed on Jesus from across the desk, he leaned back and placed his hand on his chin, in a thinking pose.
Just get it over with.
“Sir, I can explain,” He offered.
“There’s no need to explain,” The superintendent admonished. Jesus was practically shaking in his seat. Lopez cleared his throat distinctly.
“Come back here Monday. I’ll have some clothes for you and Mrs. Soliana. Can’t have you walking around campus like that. It’s terrible what happened. If you need anything, and I mean anything, don’t hesitate to come find me,” Lopez said. Jesus’ brain was still in the process of rewiring itself when Lopez added, “And don’t mind Gloria. If she gives you any trouble, just remind her who pays her salary.”
With a wink, the superintendent dismissed Jesus.
Returned from the university, Jesus and Andrea strode down the street towards Layla’s house.
Jesus spotted the bearded man from his dormitory. He was sitting on the porch strumming a steel string acoustic guitar lazily, an unlit cigarette hanging from his mouth.
“Hey, got a light?” He asked as they were about to pass by.
“Got a song?” Andrea rebutted.
The musician laughed. “The price of a song has gone down a lot these days; however, this cigarette would taste a lot better lit.”
“Well, let’s hear a song and see if it’s worth the light,” She replied.
He started to play a familiar Latin fingerpicking line.
“No, one of yours,” Andrea interrupted.
He stared into the distance contemplatively before responding.
“Alright miss, whatever you say,” He began strumming a slower Americana tune: I’m not in love, but I still love you the way I always did You took everything I dreamed of And I have nothing left to give A million pictures in my head.
And you haunt me from every frame
There’s a thin line between love and pain
Andrea stared at the performer intently. His voice was rich and true, betraying deep heartache.
He launched into the chorus:
There’s a thin line between love and pain
Like when the sun shines through pouring rain
I can’t point the finger when I’m the one to blame
There’s a thin line between love and pain
“Wow, that was poetic. I still don’t have a light,” She said.
“Well, I guess if I’m gonna see girls like you more often, I should probably quit smoking so I’ll be around longer,” He said. Andrea giggled. “I hope that doesn’t’ offend your boyfriend.”
“Oh, he’s not my boyfriend,” Said Andrea.
“You’ve been leading me on this entire time? How could you,” Joked Jesus.
“I guess it’s just not meant to be, kid,” Andrea said.
“Well I don’t mean to get in the middle of all this, but I’ve gotta run. I’ve got a long night of bad decisions ahead of me,” He said, rising. “I’m Justin Jack, by the way. I got a thing going on down at Americano’s. I’ll be down there most every night until they manage to chase me out of town,” He said, zipping up his guitar case. He slung it over the shoulder and added, “I’d offer to buy you a beer if you ever did make it down, but you don’t look old enough.”
“I’m older than I look,” She said.
“We’ll see about that,” With that, he started marching down the street with his guitar case swinging by his side, his short stature nearly causing it to scrape the ground. He still had an unlit cigarette pressed between his lips.
“Watch out, we just got home. At least let me talk to the fire marshal before you go breaking another heart,” Jesus said.
“You know what Jesus, you really need to get laid.”
“Let me know if you meet anyone with standards low enough.”
“Maybe I’ll take an ad out in the local newspaper,” She said.
“Better make it a full page one.”
“As long as it doesn’t have any photos.”
“What do you mean?” He said, “I think this shirt really brings out my figure,” He tugged at the oversized sleeves.
“That shirt is about the only thing you have going for you.”
“At least that’s something.”
“I wouldn’t count on it.”
“I would,” He said.
“You’re getting about as much action as a one string guitar.”
“Maybe I can take lessons. I know a guy.”
“The whole country singer thing doesn’t suit you.”
Jesus mimed playing an invisible guitar and sang in an exaggerated American country accent, “There’s a thin line between love and pain. Every girl I want to bang keeps on telling me the same damn thang. I don’t have the time, it ain’t worth the time. I’d rather have a guy whose got the hang.”
Andrea burst out laughing, “Hey, maybe you’re not totally hopeless.”