Never Not You

Arriving in spain

Aurora and Mateo stepped off the plane, the weight of their departure from Leah pressing heavily on them. The airport, with its bustling crowds and the distant echoes of announcements, felt like a world apart from the quiet turmoil Aurora was experiencing inside.

Alba picked up Aurora and Mateo from the airport, making sure to keep a low profile as they made their way to Alexia's house. Alexia was at training and wouldn't be able to pick them up, so Alba took on the task with a cheerful demeanor.

As they settled into the car, Alba chatted amiably with Aurora, who seemed lost in her thoughts. "You know, I'm surprised we weren't spotted," Aurora said, glancing around.

Alba laughed lightly. "You're literally in a hoodie and tracksuits. Nobody's going to think about who you are in an airport wearing that, especially with a pram and your kid. Nobody knows about Mateo."

Aurora nodded, a small, tired smile appearing on her face. "Yeah, that's true. It's just nice to be in a familiar place, even if it's only temporary."

As they drove, Alba kept the conversation light, focusing on her nephew who was grinning and playing with Mateo. The lively interaction was a welcome distraction for Aurora, offering a small sense of normalcy amid the chaos she was trying to escape.

Alba's easy-going attitude helped to ease some of Aurora's tension. "Besides, no one's really paying attention to anyone else at an airport. It's all just a blur of people."

Aurora chuckled softly, appreciating the attempt to lighten the mood. "You're right. It's just a relief to be away from everything for a bit."

Alba smiled, glancing at Aurora with understanding eyes. "Alexia's going to be thrilled to see you both. For now, let's get you settled and take a moment to breathe."

As they arrived at Alexia's house, the familiarity of the surroundings offered a momentary escape from the emotional turmoil Aurora had been enduring. Alba focused on keeping Mateo entertained, letting Aurora take a moment to compose herself before Alexia returned.

Aurora, feeling a small but comforting sense of normalcy, sent a text to Leah as soon as she settled at Alexia's house.

My Rory <3
I'm at Alexia's now.
Just wanted to let you know.
I love you.

Leah's reply came quickly, filled with warmth and reassurance.

My le <3
Good.
I love you too.

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Aurora shared a bit of lighthearted news with Alba, who was busy playing with Mateo. "Mateo's trying to crawl now. It's so cute."

Alba's eyes lit up with excitement. "Really? Let me see!"

She carefully turned Mateo onto his stomach and coaxed him with a playful tone. "Come on, little man, crawl to me!"

Aurora laughed softly. "He can't do it right now, Alba. He's not quite there yet."

Alba grinned, her eyes full of encouragement. "He'll learn soon enough. Look at him go already!"

Mateo wiggled enthusiastically, and although he wasn't crawling just yet, the effort made Alba's face light up with pride. Aurora watched, a smile on her face, grateful for these small, joyful moments amidst the chaos of her recent days.

———————————————————————

Alba devoted the entire day to encouraging Mateo to crawl. The room was filled with playful encouragements and a few playful groans as Mateo wriggled and attempted to move. Aurora watched from a distance, her heart aching with a mixture of gratitude and sadness. Despite Alba's efforts, Aurora found it difficult to fully embrace the fleeting moments of joy.

When Alexia returned from training, she found the scene both heartwarming and humorous. Alba was lying on the floor, exhausted but content, with Mateo cuddled peacefully on her chest. Both were fast asleep, a picture of tranquility.

Alexia smiled and snapped a quick photo, capturing the endearing sight. She shared the image with Aurora, who gave a small, appreciative smile.

Before Aurora could fully settle into the scene, the door opened, and Mapi walked in. Her eyes widened in relief and joy at seeing Aurora. Without hesitation, Mapi crossed the room and wrapped Aurora in a tight, heartfelt embrace.

Aurora was momentarily taken aback by the sudden affection but quickly relaxed into Mapi's hug. Mapi's warmth and the familiar embrace brought a momentary comfort, reminding Aurora of the support she had in her friends.

Alexia gently lifted Mateo off Alba and carefully positioned him in her arms, ensuring he was comfortable. Alba remained undisturbed on the floor, lost in sleep with a contented smile. Alexia turned to Aurora with concern in her eyes.

"How are you, Aina?" she asked softly.

Aurora shrugged, a small gesture that barely conveyed her distress.

Mapi, still visibly upset, asked, "Have you been reading them?"

Aurora nodded. The confirmation was enough to make both Alexia and Mapi scold her for exposing herself to the cruel messages. But their reprimands ceased when they noticed the tears welling up in Aurora's eyes.

"It's gotten worse," Aurora admitted, her voice trembling. "Don't tell Leah. She doesn't know, and she can't know, but I've received more messages."

Alexia's brow furrowed with worry. "What kind of messages?"

Aurora's voice was barely a whisper. "Death threats."

Mapi's face contorted with rage, but she held her anger in check as Alexia handed Mateo to her. The soothing presence of the baby seemed to calm Mapi down.

Alexia wrapped her arms around Aurora, pulling her into a comforting embrace. "You're safe here, Aina," she reassured her. "Nobody knows you're here. Leah's safe. Mateo is safe. You're all safe, okay?"

Aurora clung to Alexia, her sobs muffled by her friend's shoulder. The warmth and comfort of Alexia's embrace offered a small respite from the overwhelming fear and anxiety that had plagued her.

Alexia, noticing the distress in Aurora's eyes, gently said, "Can I see your phone? I need to see what's going on."

Aurora hesitated, her grip tightening around the phone as if afraid to let it go. "I don't want you to see them," she said softly. "They're terrible."

Alexia's gaze was firm but kind. "I need to see them, Aina. We need to do something about this."

Reluctantly, Aurora handed over her phone. Alexia took it with a reassuring nod and started scrolling through the messages. Her face grew darker with every line she read, the severity of the threats clearly visible.

She took screenshots of several messages and quickly began composing a text to Aurora's manager and lawyer, explaining the situation.

"This needs to be addressed immediately," Alexia said, her voice resolute. "We're not going to let this go unchecked."

As Alexia sent the screenshots, Aurora watched with a mix of relief and anxiety. The reality of the threats weighed heavily on her, but knowing steps were being taken to address them provided a glimmer of hope.

Alexia finished and turned back to Aurora. "I've sent these to your manager and lawyer. They'll handle it from here. For now, focus on taking care of yourself and Mateo. We're here for you."

Aurora nodded, her eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Alexia. I don't know what I'd do without you."

Alexia offered a warm smile. "You're not alone, Aina. We'll get through this together."