Days And Nights (Book of Life and Maya and the Three One Shots)

Adventures In Babysitting

While Zatz and Maya go to the mortal realm, Chaska babysits Dawn and Dusk, when Tezcatlipoca shows up and causes mischief.

Dawn and Dusk were learning how to control their powers, being able to control and manipulate light. They also had a taste for trouble, especially now that they had powers. 

Zatz and Maya had plans to visit the mortal realm to visit some friends. Sometimes they’d bring Dawn and Dusk with them, but this time, they had decided to have Chaska babysit them for the day. 

“We won’t be gone for the whole day.” Maya said to Dawn and Dusk, “We’ll be back around bedtime.” 

“What are you gonna do in the mortal realm?” Dawn asked. 

“We’re just going to visit some friends.” Zatz explained, “Tia Chaska is gonna spend the day with you.” 

“Can we go with you next time?” Dusk asked, “But not when you’re working.”

“Deal.” Maya said. 

Maya and Zatz hugged their children before they stood up and turned to Chaska, “Please keep an eye on them. They’re still not in full control of their powers and have been-“

“Don’t worry about a thing, Maya.” Chaska said, “I know kids can be desperate to learn their powers. Zatz wasn’t any different. He tried the most ridiculous things to tap into them.” 

“Let’s not get into that now.” Zatz said. He turned to the twins, “Kids, be good to Chaska.” 

“Bye!” Dawn and Dusk waved.

“We love you.” Maya said as she and Zatz left. 

“Have fun, you two.” Chaska called out. 

“What were you saying about papa?” Dusk asked Chaska.

Chaska smiled and said, “When your father got his powers for the first time, he was very desperate to control them. His father once told me he bungee jumped trying to tap into them.” 

“Really?” Dawn asked in awe. 

“Yes, but don’t you two start being reckless just to activate them. Come on, let’s go outside. I’ll show you some moves.” 
...

It was late morning in San Angel. Joaquin was gone for the day, working with the soldiers, leaving Manolo and Maria with their twin girls, who had just turned two. 

Celina and Cecilia were just starting to walk, along with learning a few words, and were big enough to ride on Chuy’s back.

Maria had been making polvorones after breakfast and was starting to take them out of the oven. The smell of the fresh cookies attracted Celina, who was slowly walking in her mother’s direction. 

“Whoa, whoa, whoa, mija.” Manolo said, picking her up, “You can have galletas later, right now they’re too hot for you.” 

“No, papa.” Celina babbled as he carried her away from the kitchen.

Maria chuckled at the interaction, placing the trays on the counter before going into the living room. Manolo set Celina on the floor where some of the girls’ toys were scattered, while Cecilia was on the sofa, trying to brush her hair. 

Maria sat down and seated Cecilia in her lap, “Here, let me help you with that.” She took the brush from her daughter and set to work on her hair. 

After a few minutes, a knock was heard at the door.

“I’ll get it.” Manolo said walking to answer the door.