[Previously titled 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗹𝘁𝘆 𝗣𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲]
❝No, Ace. I can't do it," I sob.
"I know you can take more than that, sunshine, come on," he encourages, pummeling into me in fervent motions. "One more for daddy, yeah?" He coaxes in a gruffly voice...
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O L I V I A
As my mom talks with Marta, I feel a rush of emotions. Seeing Ace unexpectedly and realizing we're all spending Christmas together is overwhelming. I recall Ace mentioning his childhood nanny being Mexican, a small detail that now feels strangely significant. Marta's friendly voice snaps me back to reality.
"Olivia, Isabella, please come in! Let's not stand out here,"
Ace and I share uncertain looks, but we follow them into the welcoming house. The living room is lively with people chatting and laughing, reminding me of happy times with family.
Marta guides us through the crowd, introducing us warmly to her relatives and friends who welcome us warmly. Despite feeling surprised by Ace's presence, I begin to relax in the festive setting.
While navigating the room, I spot Ace carrying our suitcases upstairs to a guest bedroom. Seeing him stirs a mix of emotions—confusion, lingering feelings, and a touch of sadness.
He appears composed and distant, and I can't help but wonder what's going through his mind. Marta's touch on my arm brings me back.
"Let's go to the kitchen. You both must be hungry and thirsty," she suggests kindly.
Marta leads us to the kitchen, where she proudly introduces us to the rest of her family. As the hours pass, my initial shock of seeing Ace fades away. After unpacking and freshening up in the bathroom within our room, I hesitate to join everyone downstairs.
The idea of facing Ace with my mom and others around makes me nervous. While I'm lost in thought, a soft knock on the door interrupts me. Opening it, I see a little girl with curious and wide eyes.
"Hello," I greet her, my voice gentle as I look down at her.
"Hola, abuela me dijo que dijera que la cena está lista," she says and I smile. (Hello, grandma told me to say that dinner is ready)
"Gracias. Estoy llegando en un minuto," I say gratefully to her. (Thank you. I'll be there in a minute)
I put my phone in charge and close the door behind me. As we walk toward the staircase, she beams up at me, her innocent enthusiasm infectious.
"She said to tell you that everyone is waiting," she says and I chuckle softly.
"Well then, I better not keep them waiting any longer,"
I follow the little girl downstairs, feeling a bit anxious about joining everyone. Her happy talk helps calm me down though. When I enter the dining area, I see everyone laughing and chatting.
My heart skips a beat when I notice the only empty seat is between my mom and Ace. He looks at me with mixed feelings. I gulp, feeling even more nervous.
