◖SWIM◗ Neymar Jr.

20

"Anjo, come on you need to rest." Neymar called out feeling a little helpless looking at the mess Serafina was making in the kitchen. Vegetables were scattered everywhere, unused pots set down on the table, containers of spices placed on the island with their lids wide open.

Serafina was cutting carrots with shaky hands when it suddenly dawned upon her 'what the fuck am i even doing.'

She glanced up at Neymar, who had been watching her with extreme concern from the beginning.

The moment her mother sped off to the airport, Serafina was restless. Even the comforting words from Neymar did nothing to ease her anxiety. Struggling out from the warm embrace of the man who looked at her, confused from her sudden action. "What's wrong anjo?"

"I- I need to do something- i can't-" Serafina shook her head desperately as if she could physically throw out the negative thoughts from her mind. She rushed to the kitchen, opening the fridge, taking out random groceries and placing them on the table. She opened the cupboards, taking out whatever she saw first- and that was how they got to this situation: A helpless Neymar and an inconsolable Serafina.

"Ney..." She whimpers finally breaking down for the nth time that day. Neymar quickly rushed to her, bringing her into his arms and whispering sweet nothings in her ears. She calmed down a bit.

"He's going to be alright my anjo. He's going to be alright." The man reassures the shaking woman in his arms. Serafina pulled away slightly, meeting his eyes with her own teary ones.

"It feels like i am 11 years old all over again Ney. Helpless, not knowing what to do- i promised myself to take care of all my family- they are everything to me- but here i am. In another country, unable to do anything while my grandfather is lurking his head in between life and death-" She cries burying her head into his firm chest, seeking comfort in the man that she had grown to love and adore and care for in such a short time.

"I know, baby i understand. But hear me out, panicking here and torturing yourself will be of no use. If anything, you will just worry your mom even more. You are my big girl right? Come, let's get you changed and retire for the day. Then you can call your mom first thing in the morning when you have a clearer head." He spoke so softly, so soothing to the anxious woman who nodded softly against him. He sighed, relieved that he finally managed to calm her down and move to carry her. He put one arm behind her legs, heaving her easily to a bridal position and began walking up the stairs to her bedroom.

He placed her down softly on her bed before walking over to close the door that was opened. He turned to see Serafina softly wiping off her tears. God he absolutely despite seeing her like this. He marched over, pulling out her pajamas and placing it beside her on the bed.
"Venha, anjo. Vamos nos lavar e levá-lo para a cama," [Come, angel. Let's wash up and get you to bed.] He took her hands and guide her to the bathroom. He helped her take off her make-up, wiping it off from her face as gently as he could while Serafina was sitting on the toilet seat, wondering what she had achieved in her previous life to meet such a wonderful man.

Neymar caught her staring up at him without blinking. He smiled and her, getting down on his knees so he was on her eye level. "I know, anjo. It's gonna be real hard without your mother here and the situation of your family. But you are a strong girl and you always have me to lean on to when you get tired of the hustling. Okay?" He said in a soft voice. Serafina gave him a weak smile, "Thank you, Ney. You are a good man." Neymar shook his head and stood up, playfully picking up the woman making her squeal in surprise, "Neymar!"

The said man jovially laughed at her high-pitched voice, glad that he could lighten up her mood even if it was a little. "Now, let's go to bed. I'll stay with you until you fall asleep."