AUTHOR'S P.O.V
Twenty minutes later, they were on their way to the Lanchester Mansion. The ride was quiet as everyone was lost in thought.
Valerie was away from them and they missed her terribly. It will take awhile to get used to her absence. She was a sister, a friend, a granddaughter and now, a wife and a daughter-in-law and would later become a mother.
Skye smiled. She was happy for Valerie. She missed her so much. She had Acio and Abuelita as well as her mom, dad, grandma and Dexy. They might not be the best people but they were family.
She never understood why they disliked Valerie so much. Her sister was the sweetest and kindest soul on earth. She wished they could all be one big, happy family but it was impossible.
They reached the Lanchesters’ home. The automatic gate opened and welcomed them in. As always they were impressed.
The Lanchester Mansion was expansive. It was three stories high with painted white walls, open floor planes and tall glass windows. A huge glass fountain stood in the centre of the the compound with a freshly trimmed lawn and flowering bushes. You could see it was designed with complete care.
They stepped out of the car and went to the door. Acio pressed the doorbell and the door was opened in a minute. A maid stood in front of them. She smiled and ushered them in. She showed us into the living room.
“Let Miss Raquel and Valerie know we're here.” Abuelita said politely.
The maid nodded politely and left. Skye turned to Abuelita as they seated ourselves.
“What if she's asleep?”
“Don’t be silly. Asleep at this time of the day?” She said, rolling her eyes. Mean.
“Last night was her wedding night in case you've forgotten.” She deadpanned.
Abuelita opened her mouth only to close it as no words escaped her. Skye burst out laughing as she sent a wink to Acio who shook his head as he chuckled.
“You’re here.”
They turned to see Raquel. She was dressed in a sleeveless, royal blue knee-length dress with a keyhole neckline that hugged her figure and matching shoes, looking as beautiful and elegant as ever.
She landed a kiss on Abuelita's cheeks. “¿Mamá como estas?”
“Estoy bien querida, ¿y tú?”
Raquel laughed. “Tan bien como siempre.”
She turned to Skye and Acio, asking about their wellbeing just as the maid from earlier brought refreshments.
“So where's Val?” Skye questioned.
“Impatient are we?” Raquel teased and she blushed in embarrassment.
“Don’t worry she's... Just the person we're talking about.”
They followed Raquel's eyes to see Valerie coming down the stairs wearing a dusty rose dress with asymmetrical curved neckline and flutter sleeves. She was smiling so wide they couldn't help but smile back at her.
