Cleofilas began the marriage with new love bright in her heart and ready for the passion always in books and tele-novelas. It begins slowly, and so subtle that she is shocked and cannot really grasp what has happened. A burning ache drips blood from her lips. Juan Pedro slaps her not once but many times in this first session of disciplined married life. She could think of nothing, pain stops all thought there is

Juan Pedro brought her to this place of dust and despair, this town of Seguin. Away from all things familiar and known, as of her father who said that he would never abandon her.

I have witnessed it in local teen mothers. Having a baby matures you very quickly. Perhaps responsibility and maturity can be called a slap in the face as well. Having the strength to leave a bad marriage and face the gossip of her home town was what built character in Cleofilas. She struggled with the pieces she had to work with, there was no clear pattern of behavior to work to study, and her parents never even raised voices to each other as far as she knew. Becoming an adult takes integrity and strength of your convictions in the face of all odds. You must improvise, overcome and adapt to face the challenges of becoming a woman and mother in a society that may ostracize you because there is no husband and there are obviously children present.

Cleofilas started this story starry eyed and naive. There was nearly a complete lack of understanding about relationships between men and women. Fairy-tales and half truths whispered and giggled about with friends. Romance novels never bring out the dirt. They do not talk about diapers and dishes. Marriage was a big awakening for Cleofilas. She waited her whole life for this. And yet, there are times of peace and some small happiness. She becomes a mother and that changes how she looks at herself and her life with Juan Pedro. She is not happy with her husband. He does n

Some common words found in the essay are:
Juan Pedro, , Creek Cleofilas, Seguin Felice, Sweet Cleofilas, Juan Pedrito, Felice Graciela, juan pedro, married life,
Approximate Word count = 1012
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)