GAME DAY- ALEXIA PUTELLAS

CHAPTER 14

A/N: Hello darlings!! Here I am again with some new updates. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did writing it. We see each other in the comment section, lots of love A!!

CLARA'S POV

When Ale and her sister fell slightly behind, chatting, Eli linked her arm with mine and confessed something to me.

- I don't know what happened this afternoon, darling, but what I do know is that my daughter loves you with all she has, because I swear, I've never seen her leave here the way she did a few hours ago. Both your daughter and you mean so much to Alexia, I only need to see how she looks at you two. I just wanted to say that and thank you because ever since Alexia met you, she's been so much happier. Her eyes sparkle again, and that hasn't happened for years, except for football. Ah- she says, moving closer to hug me- and I want you to know that I'm here for you too. You're part of the family now, so whatever you need, you've got me."

A tear escapes as we hug, and it's been far too long since anyone has made me feel like this. In Eli's arms, I feel that warmth of home that I lost years ago, the kind of warmth only a mother can give.

After a while of chatting, Eli tells us to sit down at the table. We sit like this: Eli at the head, Alexia and Alba on one side, with Ada and I opposite them.

During dinner, we share a few laughs, especially when Eli starts talking about the mischief her daughters got up to when they were little. You can tell the three of them adore each other, and that love, in some way, is being passed on to Ada and me.

When we finish dinner, I offer to help Eli clear the table, but she flatly refuses, saying that I'm her guest. In the end, it's Alexia who helps her mum, while Alba, Ada, and I move from the table to the sofa.

- Mummy, can I play with the doggies again?

- Yes, love, but be careful, okay?

My daughter nods and runs off with Nala and Viruta. Honestly, this girl adores animals. A few minutes later, Eli and Alexia join us on the sofa, and after chatting for a bit, Eli decides to bring out the photo albums.

- Mum, please...-Alexia complains, half-joking, when she sees her mother return with her hands full of photos.

I enjoy listening as the three of them share their memories with me, and although Ada wasn't paying attention at first, she eventually climbs into Alexia's lap to look at the photos with us. Soon, my daughter falls asleep in Alexia's arms, and the scene is so beautiful that I get emotional, and a small tear escapes, though I quickly wipe it away before anyone sees. When I check the time, it's nearly midnight.

- I think we should be going-  I say, referring to Ada and me.

- Why don't you stay?- suggests Eli- It's really late now, and there's plenty of space here. Plus, tomorrow I was planning on getting churros with chocolate for breakfast. What do you say?

I look at Alexia for an answer, and she simply shrugs and smiles.

- It's up to you, redhead- she says, kissing my cheek- If you want me to drive you home, we'll grab the car and go now. But if you want to stay, I'd be more than happy to lend you something comfortable to sleep in.

I think about it for a couple of minutes, and although it might sound a bit selfish, I need to hold on to that feeling of belonging to a family for a little longer.

- Alright, we'll stay- I say, and immediately the three of them celebrate, though Alexia can't move much, as she's still holding Ada in her arms.

We agree that Ada and I will sleep in Alexia's room, since it has two beds, so we won't disturb anyone. We don't take much longer to head to bed, so after saying goodnight to Alba and her mum, Ale takes us to her room and lends us some clothes to sleep in. She gives me one of her pyjamas, and we put one of Alexia's old football shirts on Ada, as the heating is on.