Scandinavian Tequila: A Novel: Standalone Literary Novels

Chapter One

L ook at this Diego ! Remarked Javier out of the blue.

What do you want now? Retorted Diego, who was in no mood for Javier’s usual antics and distractions.

The chassis metal feels more like plastic than metal. What’s going on?

The American company is saving money per unit; what else do you think is going on?

True, but plastic does not feel right.

Neither do your words in the middle of our shift!

The summer heat blared across the factory floor. The San Luis Potosí Assembly was a decent factory, and Diego was thankful that he and his brother had been given the opportunity to work here. Still, the Mexican summer was a force of nature that was not easily countered. The heat of the thousands of welders and other car assembly machines did not help matters either.

Where do you want to eat later? Asked Javier.

Let’s do Alejandro’s. Replied Diego almost immediately.

That’s what we did yesterday.

And it’s something we can do again!

Fine, Alejandro’s it is then.

The conversation started to die down, and a few moments later, it ended completely, as the two Rojas brothers focused entirely on the shift at hand. It was mind numbingly boring and repetitive, but the alternation between maintaining the various assembly machines, and then working on the cars themselves, helped to keep their minds in check until the shift ended.

Four hours, from 6:00AM to 10:00AM. The pay was decent, but the hours were poor. Still, Diego couldn’t complain. Working midday would be an experience that could only be rivaled by a brief stint in a prison cell. Those tend to lack air conditioning in nearly all cases, but the experience is comparable.

Diego and Javier washed up first, before proceeding to pack their factory overalls in their individual lockers and change back into their regular clothes. Once they were dressed, they clocked out of the factory, and walked to Javier’s car, the car that the two brothers always share together.

"Tell me the truth, you want to go to Alejandro’s because of that vikinga." Teased Javier without delay, as the two brothers walked to the car.

Or I want to go and eat a decent lunch that doesn’t cost my entire shift’s pay! Replied Diego, as they reached the car.

The two brothers got in and continued the conversation as Javier started the engine.

¡Ojos azules, pelo rubia; estás enamorado! Continued Javier.

¡Hipócrita! Retorted Diego, with his favorite rebuttal whenever this subject of teasing decides to come up. Javier after all always had a grin on his face whenever he ordered food at Alejandro’s.

With the last word thrown in, and Javier’s inner jester now sated, the two brothers remained silent as Javier pulled out of the assembly plant parking lot and got on the road to Alejandro’s. The July sun was bearing down, and she still had two hours of pain to go until she reaches the apex of her misery.

Mexico was changing, Diego could see that as his brother drove the car. He could see it in the way that people walk, in the conversations that fly in the air, even the pace of construction that one could see on the road felt different as the days passed on by. The soul of the country was moving forward as nations so often do with the march of time, but it felt different somehow. This wasn’t just a change; it was an evolution. You could smell it on the summer air.

You need to get the AC fixed. Said Diego out of the blue.

Who’s going to pay for it? Retorted Javier.

Why don’t you get Alejandro to give you his cousin’s number? Asked Diego, remembering that Alejandro, the owner of the humble little restaurant that they were about to visit, mentioned some time ago about his cousin and his auto shop business.

Ah that’s right. Why not, I doubt that I’ll find a better deal.

I’ll cover a portion as well. After all, we still have the misery of the August heat to deal with. A month of AC relief is well worth the two or three days of shift pay that we’ll have to cough up.

More like a week’s worth of pay!

I doubt it. Alejandro comes from good family.

That he does.

The ride to Alejandro’s did not take that long. Ten or so minutes later from the end of their conversation, the two brothers arrived at Alejandro’s. His sign that hung over the entrance could use a paintjob and straightening, but it wasn’t all that bad. Javier parked his car in the spot that had the most shade, and the two brothers got out soon after, walking towards the entrance.

They entered and could see a decently packed locale. It was around 10:30AM, which meant that everyone who finished their four-hour shifts was here. Considering the additional benefits that a full-time salaried employee tends to get, Diego wasn’t at all surprised that the place was packed.

"How’s my favorite vikinga doing today?" Asked Javier, walking up to the cashier.

She’s doing alright. She replied slowly, and with a heavy accent.

I’m glad to hear that! The usual for my brother and I. Added Javier, and the cashier placed the order immediately after.

As the cashier rung up the order, Alejandro heard the two of them, and proceeded to step out of the kitchen: Good morning my favorite rascals!

Good morning! How’s the day going along? Asked Diego.

It was slow, but it’s picking up fast now. How was your shift at the car assembly plant? Replied Alejandro.

Boring as always. Luckily I have Javier to keep me annoyed enough to focus on the task at hand. Added Diego with a smile, as he grabbed his brother’s shoulder and shook it in an affectionate way.

Someone needs to keep him out of trouble! Replied Javier with a smile, which caused Alejandro to laugh before returning to the kitchen.

Go and take a seat, I’ll bring out the food when it’s ready. Suggested the cashier, and the two brothers immediately complied with the cashier’s suggestion.

Taking a seat, Diego looked around at the humble little restaurant, which felt more like an unofficial food truck with a roof than a restaurant. Still, the price was quite low and very reasonable for the quality of food that one can get, the owner was a good friend that Diego had known for many years, and Diego had to admit, the teases that Javier loved to pull regarding the cashier weren’t inaccurate, at least in part. This made Alejandro’s the favorite place to get lunch after a shift at the car assembly plant.

The cashier, who doubled as an unofficial waitress, brought the food on over to the table. It consisted of yellow rice, beans, supplementary bean sauce, as well as ground beef wrapped in tortillas. Diego had a Sprite, while Javier had a Fanta as the drink. Furthermore, in what was the most obvious sign of change that was currently taking place in Mexico, there were also six aebleskiver balls as accompanying dessert, three for Diego, and three for Javier.

"Perhaps the vikinga herself made this!" Teased Javier, who decided to start his lunch with one of the aebleskiver balls.

Quizás. Replied Diego with a smile, who also took an aebleskiver ball and ate it alongside his brother.

For the rest of the meal, the two brothers were silent. Even though the work was repetitive, the car assembly plant does drain the energy away from the worker who labors away within the confines of her walls. Javier did not utter a single jest, and Diego did not utter a single remark. The only thing that the two brothers did was eat their lunch in silence and finish it with two aebleskiver balls.

As they were getting ready to leave, one of the old TV’s that was currently on and tuned into a news channel caught Diego’s eye. It mentioned something about an immigration pact with The Scandinavian Union, a topic that immediately caught the interest of Diego.

Alejandro, mind turning up the volume of the TV that is directly facing me? Yelled out Diego, which caused the other guests of Alejandro’s to stop their conversations, before turning to face him.

Sure thing. Replied Alejandro, who fished under the counter for the remote, before turning the volume up loud enough so that everyone could hear.

The news station was talking about The Scandinavian Union Immigration Act, and what the bill that had just passed the president’s desk contained. Diego had heard of the act, and he had seen the various protests against it numerous times as he and Javier arrived back home from work. The Scandinavian Union for Diego was a strange country, a country that was heavily populated, a country that almost entirely rejects the usage of contraception or family planning. A country that produces more expatriates than any other country in the entire world.

As the news coverage continued, Diego and Javier started to find out just what The Scandinavian Union Immigration Act contained.

A removal of the previous number quota on Scandinavian Union immigrants, as well as the merit points system that used to be the main determining factor on whether a perspective immigrant was given permission to immigrate to Mexico.

All immigrants are unable to collect welfare from the state until they are at least permanent residents.

No collection of tuition subsidy or assistance for any recent immigrants from The Scandinavian Union.

Length of residency needed to apply for permanent residency has been increased to five years for all immigrants to Mexico. The length of time that is needed to apply for Mexican Citizenship is increased to eight years of continuous residency in Mexico, with three of those years being spent as a permanent resident.

Diego remembered parts of the bill being on the picket banners of those protesting on the streets. He also started to think of the possible implications of what this new law would bring to Mexico. It was going to cause great change, whether good or bad, Diego did not know.

But what he did know, judging by what his eyes could see, was that this news broadcast was making the cashier nervous. She continued to ring up customers and take their orders, but she clearly did not like what she was hearing on the TV. This confused Diego, after all she was clearly of Scandinavian descent. Why was she uncomfortable with this new law?

Actually, I think that a bag of twelve aebleskiver balls would be good for the trip back home. I hate to admit it, but I’m starting to like them. Said Javier, finishing up with his lunch.

Alright I’ll get them; wait for me outside while I pay. Replied Diego, as he got up from the table and made his way on over to the cashier.

Diego queued in line and waited. He had his attention on the TV that was now on his right, and the news coverage that it was covering. Occasional glimpses of protest footage could be seen at the front of the National Palace. Diego had a feeling that the protests will be something that will continue for quite some time, but the riot police are the best in the world here, and he was confident that any violent disturbances will be quickly pacified.

What else can I get you Diego? Asked the cashier.

A dozen aebleskiver balls please. Replied Diego.

The cashier smiled as she rung up Diego’s order and went to the kitchen in order to get him the bag of dozen. She returned a few moments later with the bag, and Diego paid for them. He remembered that Javier needed to have his car’s AC fixed, and that Alejandro’s cousin had an auto shop business.

Alejandro, mind coming over for a moment? Called out Diego.

Alejandro came over as quickly as he could: Yes?

I remember you mentioning something about your cousin having an auto shop business. Does he do AC repairs?

He does. I’m assuming your brother’s ride needs an upgrade?

You assume correctly my friend.

I’ll write his number down for you. Call him in the evening, I’ll make sure that he gives you a good discount on whatever your brother decides to end up doing to his car. Said Alejandro, as he took out a pen and notepad, before writing down his cousin’s name on a blank sheet of paper and ripping it off to give to Diego.

Thanks. Replied Diego, as he took the piece of paper.

Anything else that I can do for you? Asked Alejandro.

No, go back to the kitchen before I mess up your routine!

Too late for that! Finished Alejandro, as he turned around and walked back to the kitchen, in order to help his staff with the lunch rush.

Right as he was about to leave, Diego realized that he had been here dozens of times, and yet for whatever reason, he couldn’t remember the cashier’s name. He decided to ask her before he left.

What’s your name? I feel bad knowing that you know my name, but the same isn’t so on my end. Asked Diego plainly.

I’m Greta. Replied Greta with a smile.

I will do my best to remember, that’s a promise!

I appreciate that!

See you around Greta.

See you, Diego!

With the bag of aebleskiver balls in hand, Diego turned around and walked out of Alejandro’s. His brother was waiting for him next to the door.

Took you long enough. What were you doing? Asked Javier.

Firstly, getting you the number to the auto shop that we were talking about on the way here. Diego handed Javier the piece of paper, which Javier proceeded to look at before placing it in his pocket. Alejandro said to wait until the evening to call, he is going to make sure that we get a discount.

Mighty nice of him, anything else?

"The name of the vikinga is Greta."

Look at you! Are you sure that the auto shop number is the only thing that you got while I melted in the sun waiting for you? Teased Javier, as the two brothers started to make their way to the car.

I’m sure. Replied Diego with a smile as he walked to his brother’s car.

Getting in, Javier started the engine and quickly pulled out of the parking lot, heading straight for his parent’s house. The ride wouldn’t be long, which was perfect because Diego had plenty to talk about with his brother.

So, what do you think about this new law? Asked Diego.

The Scandinavian Union Immigration Act? Replied Javier.

The very one.

"Honestly, I can’t complain. More vikingas means a better Mexico!"

I had a feeling that you’d have that as your response. But honestly, what do you think?

That’s a tricky and complicated answer, you really want to hear it?

Yes, I do. We have the entire ride back home, so begin at your earliest convenience.

Chapter Two

T he first part of my response is why? I don’t know much about The Scandinavian Union, but I know they have angered the various European countries at such a level that they have implemented strict immigration controls at the German border. The Baltic Sea is constantly under patrol by naval vessels hunting for illegal immigrant boats, and with the exception of a few countries, of which we are now a part of, the borders are closed. Admitted Javier.

Honestly, the why is something that only the politicians know. But I reckon it has to do with the economy. Replied Diego.

"I have no doubt. We are going to get a bunch of Scandinavian immigrants, and while more vikingas won’t be bad at all, I’m concerned about our future in the car assembly plant, or our father’s business selling handmade artisanal goods to tourists."

"Papa is going to be fine. And so are we."

Think about it Diego. All of the factories in Europe are operated by migrant laborers from The Scandinavian Union. You think the Americans are going to keep us employed when they have a virtually unlimited pool of fresh Scandinavian workers to tap?

The government won’t let us all go out of work.

Or maybe the government wants us all out of work, so that the Americans and the Europeans can bring their production on over to our country, knowing that they can get an even better deal than what they used to get with our already meager wages?

I see you feel strongly about this. Said Diego, not wanting to get into a debate on the new law with his brother.

I do. While it’s probably not going to be anything that’ll harm us, I don’t want to see the life that we have built crumble because we can’t compete with the new arrivals. Replied Javier.

The two brothers remained silent for the rest of the ride back. Javier parked the car on the street, right in front of his parent’s house, and got out. The sun was starting to get unbearable, and even with every single window down, the fury of the sun could not be escaped. Diego and Javier wanted to do nothing else but drink a gallon of water and hide in the shade.

Javier grabbed the house key from his keychain and proceeded to unlock the door. The two brothers stepped into the house, took off their shoes, and Diego closed and locked the door behind them when they finished.

¡Mamá, tus dos ángeles llegaron! Yelled out Javier.

I reckon my two angels want something to drink? Replied Maria Rojas, who had every single AC unit in the house on the maximum.

You know your sons too well! Added Diego, with a smile.

With the heat outside, consider it a lucky guess. Retorted Javier.

The two brothers went straight to the kitchen, where their mother had already served some lemonade from the pitcher. They took a seat and gobbled the lemonade down within a few moments. The refreshing coldness of the cold liquid immediately calmed the frustrated nerves of the two brothers.

How was your day? Asked Diego, in order to jumpstart conversation.

It was good. I didn’t do much because of the heat, but I made sure that the pantry remains full, and that your father has some good artisanal goods to sell to the tourists. Replied Maria.

Have you heard about the new law? Asked Javier.

The one about the Scandinavians and the lifting of the immigration quota that used to affect them? Replied Maria.

Indeed. Said Javier, his tone frustrated.

I heard it on the radio a short time after the both of you and your father left for work. Honestly, it’s not that bad; it’ll help your father’s business greatly. Said Maria, who grabbed a glass and joined