America: 50☆Stars (Vol. 2)

Episode 29: The Battle of Glorieta Pass

Watching him stomp off, Colorado wondered, 'What's with him?'

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March 27, 1862.

There was no fighting today.

Colorado and New Mexico sat around a campfire, having a nice campfire dinner in the cool night. They were surprised Texas and her forces didn't take this opportunity to attack them while they were waiting for reinforcements. Whatever her reasons for being cautious, they needed to be vigilant for anything that could happen. If the fight resumed tomorrow, they needed to be ready.

New Mexico raised a brow when he noticed Colorado chuckling to himself. "What's so funny?"

"Oh. I was just remembering yesterday's battle. I thought it was hilarious how you were able to scare a state like Texas without any fear whatsoever."

"Why would I fear Texas?"

"Well... I don't know." He shrugged. "I know she's a rebel, but I figure you and Texas were close since you guys grew up as a part of Mexico."

He scoffed, "Texas and I may have been a part of Mexico, but we're not close."

"Is that so?" Colorado began putting corn kernels in the Dutch oven over the fire.

"Admittedly, I did have issues with Mexico, especially since he decided to put his faith in that caudillo. However, I didn't plan to act brashly like Texas and claim independence for myself. The closest I ever considered independence was when I heard rumors of Mexico selling me to America. I was disappointed but not surprised. I had little to offer, but it wasn't right to sell me without my say on the matter. I figured becoming a republic would make a big statement. But really, I didn't plan to leave Mexico. I just wanted to be left alone and live a peaceful life of my accord. That was it.

But then, Texas had to make things worse for me. She heard the rumors, too. However, she misinterpreted my words to mean something else. She thought I wanted to join America. But never once did I consider joining America, nor did I want to join him. Again, I just wanted to be left alone and live a peaceful life of my accord. I knew joining America would anger Mexico and start a war. I didn't want that to happen. Yet, Texas didn't care what I wanted. She wanted to anger Mexico. She wanted to start a war."

Pop! Pop! Pop!

"Sorry. Continue your story." Colorado gathered the popcorn into a bowl.

New Mexico sighed, "As I was saying, Texas wanted America and Mexico to go to war. When they did, I knew it wasn't going to turn out well for me. I was powerless to stop the Americanos from invading my home. It was pointless to resist without making the situation much worse for me. Even so, I resented the invaders. The Americanos were nothing but abusive and disrespectful toward me and my people. I hoped to see them gone once the war concluded.

Of course, Mexico had to betray my expectations once again. I was ready to be disappointed. But never did I expect him to tell me I was going to become a part of America." He shook his head in scathing disbelief. "I couldn't believe it. I couldn't believe he sold me to America, for $15 million no less. I endured the entire duration of the war and had no say on the matter. I kept hoping things would turn out fine. In the end, everything went wrong for me. And I was helpless to do anything about it."