The Lies We Tell Ourselves

Chapter 21 : The New Normal

Selena's POV

Selena's shoulders ached from the long day in court. The trial had been grueling, the opposing counsel a relentless bulldog, and the jury, well, the jury had been a fickle beast. She and Camila had won, but the victory tasted bittersweet, leaving a residue of exhaustion in its wake. They stepped into the cool relief of their home, the familiar scent of lavender and jasmine from Camila's hand soap mixing with the sweet aroma of freshly baked cookies.

'Someone's been baking,' Selena murmured, her gaze drawn to the cookies cooling on the kitchen counter. She could practically hear Camila's mom, Athena, humming a happy tune in the background. But something was amiss. Where was their babysitter?

The porch swing creaked as Camila's parents, Athena and Bobby, looked up from their playful tussle with Kelly. Athena's smile was bright, her warm brown eyes crinkling at the corners as she greeted Camila. Her curls, a cascade of dark chocolate, were pulled back in a loose braid, revealing a face that seemed almost too youthful for someone who was a grandmother. Bobby, with his easygoing demeanor and kind eyes, looked much like his wife, his skin tanned from spending long afternoons on the porch.

'Hi, sweetie,' Athena said, her voice warm and inviting. She turned to Selena, her smile widening. 'You must be Selena. It's so nice to finally meet you.'

'It's nice to meet you too,' Selena replied, a smile tugging at her lips. Athena's aura was infectious, full of warmth and genuine kindness. It was hard to imagine her being anything but sunshine and laughter.

'You know, we just decided to come over and help out a little,' Athena explained, her voice a soft melody. 'Especially since...' she paused, her smile turning mischievous. 'Since last week, Kelly is officially our granddaughter, giving that the adoption went through, yes or no?'

Camila's face flushed slightly. 'Mommy, you should have called first.'

'Well, as of last week, I don't have to,' Athena tossed back, her voice laced with playful defiance. 'This little girl is family now, no ifs, ands, or buts.'

Selena's heart swelled. This was the family she'd always dreamed of. A family that embraced her with open arms, a family that felt like home. She looked at Camila, her eyes shining with a mix of amusement and affection. 'So, you're officially a grandma now,' she teased.

'Grandma!' Kelly shrieked, giggling as she tugged on Athena's hair. 'Grandma!'

Athena caught her granddaughter, scooping her up into her arms, her laughter echoing through the house. 'That's right, sweetie,' she said, her voice thick with love. 'You have a grandma now.'

Selena watched the scene unfold, a feeling of deep contentment settling in her chest. Their little family, their chaotic, joyful, and sometimes messy little family, was complete. And it was perfect.