In Another Life

Celina and Cecilia

Maya, Zatz and Tezcatlipoca rushed to Candle Maker's home as soon as they returned to the realm of the gods. 

They needed to tell him about what they found as soon as possible. 

"Candle Maker!" Maya said as they entered.

"Oh, hey guys." He said, "What are you doing here?"

"Something's been going on with Manolo and Maria." Zatz explained, "We couldn't tell you until we had proof. Tezcatlipoca?"

"Not until you apologize for keeping secrets from me." Tezcatlipoca said, "You know, I've always thought of us as family, and family tells-"

"Tezcatlipoca..." Zatz snarled as a warning. 

"Alright, alright. Take it easy, emo boy."

With a wave of his hand, Tezcatlipoca projected Maria and Manolo's visions from his mirror for everyone in the room to see.

Chimi, Rico, Pichu, King and Queen Teca, the past gods, Acat, Colmillo, Chiapa, and Maya and Zatz themselves. 

Candle Maker watched the whole thing with his jaw dropped, "Wha...?"

Tezcatlipoca ended the projection and picked up his mirror, "Well, if I'm not needed here-"

"Tezcatlipoca, wait." Maya said, "We need you to promise that you won't tell anyone else about this. We don't want to get into any trouble."

"Of course. My lips are sealed."

Tezcatlipoca had a smirk on his face, making Zatz grab him by his shirt collar and pull him toward his face with a death stare.

"Tell anyone, and you'll lose more than just your foot." He threatened in a low voice.

Tezcatlipoca stared back at him, his expression more serious as he nodded, "I promise." 

Zatz let him go and Tezcatlipoca walked toward the door, "And just for you guys, I won't mess with them either."

When he finally left, Candle Maker asked, "Why are they remembering their past lives?"

"That's why we're here." Maya said, "We thought you would know."

"I-I don't know. Normally when a soul remembers their past lives, both of them are already dead."

"There has to be a reason why this is happening."

"Ok, tell you what. I'll do some reading and if I find something, I'll let you know."

"Thank you, Candle Maker." Zatz said.

And with that, the two gods went on their way.

All they can do right now is wait.

----------------------------

Weeks passed like days back in the mortal realm. Before anyone knew, Maria's due date was only a matter of days.

To say Manolo was anticipating the birth was an understatement. He kept an eye out for any sign that Maria might be in labor. Maria teased him whenever he panicked at a mere kick, but she was touched by how attentive her husband was.

One afternoon, everyone was in the sitting room as the sun was starting to set.

Maria was reading a book on the sofa, Chuy sleeping beside her, Manolo was mindlessly playing his guitar and Joaquin had stepped out for a moment. 

Just then, the door opened as Joaquin stepped in, hanging up his cape, "Any word on the miracle of birth yet?"

"Nope." Maria said. She set her book down and motioned for Manolo to help her stand up.