Never Not You

Meet the girls

It was the week before Christmas when Aurora decided to gather her friends from Barcelona in the small, cozy flat they were temporarily calling home. She had missed them dearly; apart from occasional text exchanges, she hadn't seen most of them in nearly nine months. The prospect of their reunion filled her with a mix of excitement and nervousness, especially considering the news she was about to share.

Leah, as always, was a pillar of support. She reassured Aurora as they prepared for the gathering, helping to tidy up and finish making food and snacks. Aurora glanced at her baby son, peacefully sleeping in his crib, feeling a surge of gratitude for Leah's calming presence.

As the evening approached, Mapi arrived earlier than the others, her vibrant presence filling the room as she darted straight to the crib where the baby slept. She cooed and giggled, showering him with kisses and affection, completely captivated by the little one.

"Aurora, he's absolutely precious!" Mapi exclaimed, lifting the baby carefully into her arms. "I can't believe how much he's grown already."

Aurora smiled warmly, watching her friend bond with her son. "Thank you, Mapi." she replied, her heart swelling with joy at the sight of them together.

Alexia arrived shortly after, greeted by the sight of Mapi doting on the baby. "Really, Mapi, you've already stolen him!" Alexia teased with a grin, setting down a tray of snacks on the table.

Mapi glanced up with a playful smirk. "Can you blame me? Look at this little angel!" she retorted, gently rocking the baby in her arms.

Mapi only let go of the baby when Leah approached informing her of the plan. "I'll take him into the bedroom so Aurora can have her moment with everyone. She'll introduce him when she's ready."

Aurora, with a mix of nervousness and amusement, tried to keep Mapi from devouring all the snacks that Alexia had carefully arranged on the table. Mapi's infectious energy was matched only by her voracious appetite, and Aurora had to playfully swat her hand away from the tapas.

Just then, the doorbell rang, and Alexia hurried to open it. Aitana, the first to arrive, spotted Aurora immediately and called out excitedly, "Aina!"

"Hey, Tana!" Aurora replied cheerfully, turning away from Mapi momentarily to greet her friend.

Aitana stepped inside, followed by the others who trickled in one by one. There were no hugs exchanged at first, as Aurora stayed in the kitchen, overseeing the final touches to the food and drinks. The atmosphere in the lounge grew lively as the friends settled in, catching up with each other's lives and exchanging anecdotes.

Mapi, unable to resist the temptation of the snacks any longer, finally relinquished her hold on the food as she joined the others in the lounge area. Alexia, ever the gracious host, offered drinks and ensured everyone was comfortable.

Aurora observed from the kitchen, a mixture of joy and apprehension swirling inside her. She felt a deep sense of gratitude for her friends' presence, yet the weight of the news she needed to share hung heavy in her mind. This gathering was more than just a reunion—it was a moment of transition, of saying goodbye to one chapter and preparing for the next.

As Aurora joined her friends in the lounge, her nerves were palpable. Alexia, sensing her unease, nodded reassuringly at her, silently conveying her support. The group noticed Aurora's demeanour immediately, and Leila, asked with a concerned tone, "Aina, where have you been?"

Aurora hesitated briefly, gathering her thoughts before responding, "Between Alexia's and England." She glanced at Alexia, who raised her hands in a gesture of innocence, signalling that the decision wasn't hers alone.