La Linea

Miguel enjoys soccer but was not good enough to make an advanced team. He often dreams of staying in Mexico and becoming a famous, wealthy soccer player and building a mansion for his family, but his dream always turns dark. Abuelita lovingly prepares tortillas, pozole, and frijoles for their breakfast. Thirteen-year-old Elena remains asleep after another of her frequent sleepless nights. Elena treasures the letters from their Mamá, whom they have only seen once in the last seven years when she returned for her sister’s funeral. Abuelita says that Don Clemente is out of town until Sunday. She wants Miguel to tell Elena that he is leaving. Miguel agrees but dreads telling Elena because she will throw a fit and want to go with him. Miguel says nothing when Elena wakes. Looking at the drought-stricken corn field, Miguel knows only the money that his parents send keeps them alive.

Miguel and his friends Lalo and Chuy, visit their secret swimming hole in the hills, which is one of the few swimming holes that has not dried up. They recall adventures they shared there, like practicing farting to prank a teacher and experimenting with alcohol. This time, Miguel brings cigarettes he took from his uncle. Lalo, who wants to be a doctor, announces that he is leaving San Jacinto to go to school in the capital. Chuy knows he is staying: His family is trying to keep San Jacinto alive. His father farms, and his mother thinks the town can attract tourists. Chuy, a talented carver, displays the fanciful creature he made. Miguel declares that he is also leaving, but his friends tell him not to kid himself. Miguel received this same letter from Papá twice before. Both times Papá failed to provide the money for Miguel to go north. Miguel worries that if Papá really wanted Miguel with him in California, he would have come for Miguel long ago.

Elena, sensing something is up, follows Miguel everywhere. He takes her to town for ice cream and to tell her he is leaving. Walking to San Jacinto, Elena raises her t-shirt to expose her midriff and slides her jeans lower. Miguel says she looks trashy, but Elena defies him, knowing he cannot parent her. Elena shares a letter she received from Mamá but withheld from Miguel. It includes a photo of their three-year-old twin sisters whom they have never met. Mamá promises there is almost enough money to send for Elena. Miguel is frustrated because Elena knows that Papa is sending for them in order: first Mamá, then Miguel, then Elena. San Jacinto is filled with kids playing and older people dozing and gossiping in the scruffy plaza. The young men left town to find work, and even the teenage girls are leaving. Miguel realizes Elena knows his secret. She tearfully insists it is unfair he gets to leave since they are almost the same age. 

Don Clemente is wealthy; He drives a Mercedes and lives in a large house inside a secure compound. He is a trafficker who specializes in arranging the safest passage across the border for a high price. Juanito, Don Clemente’s shady nephew, keeps Miguel waiting to see Don Clemente. Miguel dislikes Juanito and is jealous of how easy his life is. Juanito beat Miguel to the spot on the regional soccer team Miguel wanted, but then got kicked off the team. Don Clemente is scarred on his left side from a fire that took the life of his wife and daughter. Miguel’s father, Domingo, saved Don Clemente from the fire. Don Clemente gives Miguel instructions and cash for his trip but warns Miguel that there may be dishonest people along the route. Miguel is hurt to learn that Don Clemente offered to bring Mamá, Miguel, and Elena over the border, but his father was “too proud to accept” his help (16). Miguel knows Don Clemente added money to help Miguel now. 

Abuelita confirms the story that Papá refused Don Clemente’s offer to bring his family north but says that Papá knows what he is doing. Miguel still wants to go north but is angry at Papá. Abuelita tells Miguel to be open minded and not to be so hard on people. Although Miguel does not want her to, Abuelita plans to slaughter a goat and give him a goodbye party in three days. Miguel memorizes routes and names from Don Miguel’s papers and buys supplies, including a water bottle, backpack, and secret money pouch, all of which he hides from Elena. Working on final projects around the rancho, such as patching the roof and fence, validates Miguel’s decision to leave. Unlike Elena, Miguel is terrible at raising crops or animals or even doing even basic repairs. He knows his future awaits him in California.