Marcia Argueta Mickelson - Where I Belong

G irls who were born in Guatemala can never be president of the United States. This is all I can think about every time I see Mr. Brody in one of his yellow button-downs. He crosses in front of me in the hall and turns into his classroom. As I watch him enter, I catch a glimpse of the huge U.S. map that covers his windows. I guess the oversized map he treasures so much is vastly more important than the sunlight we might receive on that side of the building.

He never actually said the words, but its the message I came away with. Freshman year, he asked for volunteers to run for president in a model election. I volunteered, only to be told that he wanted to make the elections realistic, with only natural-born citizens. I wanted to point out that it couldnt possibly be realistic because none of us were thirty-five. Of course I didnt say that, because I still wanted an A in the class. I did get the A, but I never quite forgave Mr. Brody.

I shake the bitter thought away as I head outdoors to the bus. Its not that I actually want to be president, but I dont like being told I cant do something just because of where Im from. I was only a few months old when my parents left Guatemala, but sometimes those few months feel like an anchor weighing down my entire life. Getting my citizenship two years ago, getting my college acceptance letters this springnone of it erases the fact that I wasnt born here.

Charlie Wheeler comes up right behind me as I step outside and head toward the buses. Hey, Millie. Hows it going?

Hey, Charlie. Thats all I say. Charlie Wheeler doesnt actually want to know how its going. Hes just one of those people who is surface-level friendly toward everyone. Convenient for the son of an aspiring U.S. senator, Im sure.

So I know its still a few weeks away, but Im having a pool party the day after graduation, he says. Just thought Id let you know in case youd like to come.

Leave it to Charlie to not see the irony of his invitation. During the summer, I have to stay home to babysit because my mother is babysitting his sister. My mom has been the Wheelers housekeeper since Charlies little sister, Caroline, was born seven years ago. Mami does more than just clean their house and cook their mealsshes practically raised Caroline Wheeler. I cant, Charlie, but thanks. I turn to face him as I say this, out of politeness, but quickly redirect my gaze toward the buses.

Charlie steps into the bus line with me. Well, let me know if you change your mind. Youd be welcome to bring Chloe or Jen or whoever, really. He gives me one last hopeful smile before turning toward the path that leads to student parking.

Imagine being rich enough to host an unlimited number of people for a graduation party at your house. And then paying my mom to clean up afterward.

I board the bus and take my usual seat next to my friend Chloe. Our school is right in the middle of Corpus Christi, Texastwo miles away from both the richest part of town and the poorest part of town. Currently, its headed to the latter.

Chloes concentrating on her latest sketch. She carries a small sketch pad everywhere and ninety percent of the pages are filled with drawings of horses. Its her dream to own a horse, probably not something that will happen soon. Her family is only slightly better off than mine.

Hey, I say, sliding in next to her. Let me see.

She angles the notebook toward me. Im not finished yet... she says tentatively.

Its great, Chlo. Youre amazing. I could never draw anything like that.

You have to say that because youre my best friend. She pulls the notebook back in front of her and starts shading in the horses mane.

I say that because I have eyes and can see how good you are.

She smiles because she knows its true. You going to the dance this Saturday?

No. My mom has to work late.

You never get to do anything. Chloe shakes her head.

Im used to it, I guess, I say even though Im not.

How late does she work? Can you go after shes done?

No, I say. The Wheelers are having a dinner party, so shes going to be there until way after midnight, serving and cleaning up. Theyve always been big entertainers, especially Dr. Wheeler, Charlie and Carolines mom. And now that Mr. Wheeler is running for Senate, they spend a lot of time courting big donors.

Well, I dont think I want to go anyway. Chloe pulls out her phone, checks it, and then shoves it back into the pocket of her jeans. Maybe Jen and I can come over and help you with the kids. We can watch a movie after they go to bed.