Mi Corazón Americano (On Going)

Chapter 8

JFK Airport was chaos at 4 AM, but their group was surprisingly energetic. Their parents had insisted on driving them, creating a caravan of cars filled with luggage, snacks, and excited teenagers.

"Okay, everyone has their passports?" Isabella, Diego's mom, was doing one final check. "Boarding passes? Emergency contacts?"

"And most importantly," Elena added, "the family photos to show my sisters in Colombia?"

"Mamá!" Sofia and Diego groaned in unison.

The farewell at security was emotional. Mothers were crying, fathers were pretending not to cry, and even Kennedy's perfectly planned schedule allowed for "5-7 minutes of emotional goodbyes."

"Call us as soon as you land," Elena hugged Sofia tight. "And remember—"

"—to take lots of pictures, be careful with street food, and never go anywhere alone," Sofia finished. "I know, Mamá."

"And you," Elena turned to Diego, pulling him into a hug. "Take care of my baby."

"Always, Señora Mendoza."

After what felt like a hundred hugs, kisses, and reminders, they finally made it through security. Their group claimed a corner of the gate area, spreading out across several seats.

"I can't believe this is really happening," Maya said, resting her head on Carlos's shoulder.

"Believe it," Valentina grinned. "In twelve hours, you'll all be experiencing true Colombian hospitality. Hope you're ready to gain ten pounds from my abuela's cooking."

Sofia curled up against Diego, watching their friends chat excitedly. Jasmine was teaching Marcus basic Spanish phrases, while Kennedy was doing one final check of her itinerary spreadsheet.

"Nervous?" Diego asked softly.

"A little," Sofia admitted. "But the good kind of nervous, you know?"

He nodded, pulling her closer. "Wait until you see Medellín at Christmas. The whole city lights up like magic."

"Ladies and gentlemen, we are now beginning boarding for flight 2475 to Medellín, Colombia..."

Kennedy jumped up. "That's us! Places everyone, remember the boarding order we practiced!"

"We practiced a boarding order?" Marcus whispered to Jasmine.

"Just smile and nod, baby. Smile and nod."

As they lined up to board, Sofia felt a rush of excitement. This wasn't just a vacation – it was the beginning of something bigger. Her Argentine roots, Diego's Colombian heritage, their American lives, all coming together in what promised to be the adventure of a lifetime.

"Ready for this?" Diego squeezed her hand.

Sofia looked at their friends – Maya and Carlos taking selfies for their families, Jasmine helping Marcus pronounce "gracias" correctly, Kennedy organizing everyone's boarding passes, and Valentina texting rapid-fire updates to her cousins.

"Ready for anything," she smiled, standing on tiptoes to kiss him. "As long as we're together."

"¡Oye, tortolitos!" Valentina called out. "Less kissing, more walking! We have a plane to catch!"

As they walked down the jetway, Sofia could hardly contain her smile. Christmas in Colombia with the boy she loved and their best friends – life couldn't get much better than this.

Little did she know, the real adventure was just beginning...

[To be continued...]