Dark and light: The Shadows

Chapter 18

Bekati did not want to leave her side. They took a private jet despite rebuttals, and though it was guaranteed as safe, Bekati made it her mission to be her Godmother's bodyguard. Storm had no idea how to feel. Her husband playfully kept his distance even after Bekati fell asleep beside them. The rest of the family felt like they were watching another person puppeteer this new adult's body. Even her girlfriend didn't believe it until Anya sneaked a video and sent it to her. Correction, multiple videos. 

Now they were at the house they rented, and Storm had warmed up to her protectiveness and hospitality. Bella nearly stepped in to remind Bekati she should rest in her room, but Storm stopped her and reminded her she found out only 24 hours ago and that 'she'll be tired of this soon.'

The two fell asleep even after getting some sleep on the six-hour-long flight. Anya found it weird but didn't mention anything.

The rest of them got into their rooms to occupy themselves till midday. Anya fell asleep too, and only then did she empathize with the previous two sleeping beauties. Abosk snickered when he stopped by to check if she was still awake. Rilen shook his head with a small sigh at the sight that tickled Abosk, then invited him outside to take a look around the yard. He had a soft spot for nicely grown plants around the yard. It was no wonder Bella was head over heels for him. Speaking of, Bella also fell victim to sleep, in the same room with Beka and Storm. There had to be something in that room that calmed mothers.

They woke up on time to begin their adventure around Tiradentes. Bella had to be the most excited. The personal guide sat at the front of the van with the chauffeur. Bekati wanted to retaliate against the driving around many times and Anya wanted to actually get on one of the trains and take a ride around. One kept her mouth shut and in the car, because she knew it was hot outside, the other knew everyone was on a schedule. These trips didn't go without an itinerary and occasional calls from Bella's manager.

They did get out of the car to check inside of a couple churches, leave money tips, and try new food. The twins were against the idea of trying street food, so the small party settled on a nearby restaurant that was half full. Storm had nothing to hide before, and the amount of food she ordered proved she wasn't eating for just herself. The table burst into giggles whenever Mateo reached over for a fried cassava and Storm glared at him, in which he retreated his hand. She'd soften moments later and hand him a singular one twice, whereas she'd be getting a spoonful of his quinoa rice. Anya glanced at Bekati occasionally as she ate. They ordered the same thing so Bekati wouldn't feel bad about what she ate, and to make sure she ate all. Meanwhile, Abosk was a bit more hungry than usual, but he rolled with it.

They marveled at how big the cobble-slab roads were. Abosk hadn't researched that part, so he could only guess the slanted roads were made possible by the slaves. Every step after that thought was taken with gratitude. If he saw a stall that looked kept tomorrow with curly-coily-haired people, he would be sure to have the gang get their meals from there.

From that point on though, the girls and guys took detours. They went into the same establishment, but the guys had to do mandatory pedicures, and so did the girls. But They had to do their nails first. Storm's small wedding would follow a spring theme but had gold trimmings. They sat beside each other, randomly conversing. Storm had to turn from the fumes a few times to clear her throat even after being offered a mask. Bekati didn't want to push her limits with this one, though she had some irritation by the scent of the fumes. She just wanted the result, and this would be the first and last time she put on those nails.

The guys were understandably done with their pedicures just before the girls were with their nails. Abosk sat in between his sisters while Bella and Storm's partners sat beside them.