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

Adventures In Babysitting: Mortal Realm

While Manolo and Maria are out, Joaquin watches over their children.

“Come on, Maria.” Manolo said, “It's just one night.”

“Manolo, we can't.” Maria said, “Carlos is still too young to be without us.” As if on cue, Carlos started crying from the nursery, “Case and point.” They went to tend to their son.

“It's been a while since we've been alone. Besides, you've been under a lot of stress. We need a break.”

Maria picked up Carlos from his crib, “Well… Ok, fine. Only if you change him.”

...

That evening, Manolo was trying to put Carlos to sleep who was on the verge of tears, “Don't be sad, mijo. Mama and Papa will be gone for a few hours.”

Maria was talking to Joaquin, “Ok, so dinner is on the stove and have the girls in bed by eight.”

“How about eight-o-five?” Joaquin said, Maria rolling her eyes.

“If Carlos gets fussy, give him his horse, it calms him down. And to help him sleep, just-”

“Maria, relax. This isn't the first time I handled a baby. Your kids are in good hands.” Celina and Cecilia nodded in agreement. 

“Ok, he's asleep.” Manolo said, putting Carlos down, “He shouldn't cause you any trouble.”

“We'll be back later tonight.” Maria and Manolo knelt down to hug their daughters, “You be good to Tío Joaquin and keep an eye on your brother.”

“Bye Mama. Bye Papa.” The girls waved.

“Have fun, you two.” Joaquin said, “But not too much fun. You have enough kids already.” Manolo chuckled as he walked out the door, “I mean it!”

...

Joaquin and Chuy were sitting on the floor with the twins having a tea party, “Would you care for some sugar?” Cecilia asked. 

“Why, yes, thank you for asking.” Joaquin said. 

“Tío Joaquin.” Celina said, “You have to hold your cup out.”

“Oh, right.” Joaquin held out his tiny cup to Cecilia as she sprinkled the imaginary sugar into it. Chuy bleated and rolled his eyes at Joaquin, “Don't judge me.”

Just then, Carlos started crying, “Ok, girls, come on.” Joaquin said, standing up, “I'll give you dinner real quick and then I'll help your brother.” The twins and Chuy followed Joaquin out of the bedroom.

...

The restaurant they were going to was a good walk away from the house. When they were almost there, Manolo noticed Maria was glancing behind her every few moments, “Is everything ok?”

“Maybe this wasn't such a good idea.” Maria said, “Maybe we should wait a few more weeks before going out. Carlos is only four months old, and then with the girls-”

“Shush.” Manolo pressed a finger to her lips, “I know it's hard to be apart from the kids, but this is good for all of us.”

He lowered his finger and Maria sighed, “I'm just worried about Carlos and Joaquin. I don't want them to give each other a hard time.”

“Don't worry, Joaquin can handle him. Do you remember how the girls were when we left at Carlos’ age?”

Maria smiled at the memory, “They wouldn't let go of our fingers. Celina had a strong grip on my hair.”

Manolo kissed her forehead, “They'll be fine, mi amor, Joaquin is watching them. Let's just focus on us right now.”

“You're right, I'm sorry. It's not like they could burn the house down or anything.”