Never Not You

Wake up Call

Aurora was jolted awake by a soft but persistent knocking on the door. Still groggy, she glanced around, her brain slowly catching up with the sound. She reluctantly slid out of bed and shuffled toward the door, checking through the peephole. On the other side, she saw Leah's family—her mum Amanda, dad David, and brother Jacob—waiting.

Aurora sighed, smoothing down her hair before opening the door. She gave them a tired smile, but only Amanda returned it, stepping forward to greet her with a warm embrace.

"Morning, love," Amanda said softly, pulling Aurora into a comforting hug.

"Morning," Aurora replied, though it was clear that her focus wasn't exactly on her.

Meanwhile, David and Jacob slipped right past them, not sparing Aurora more than a nod before they made their way straight toward the living room where Mateo was asleep. Aurora watched them, already knowing where their loyalties lay this morning.

As Amanda pulled back, she gave Aurora a kind smile, though her eyes were sparkling with excitement. "It's good to see you, sweetheart. How's everything going?" she asked, her tone soft but distracted, glancing over her shoulder at her husband and son, who were already crouching near Mateo's crib.

Aurora shrugged, trying not to let the awkwardness show. "We're good, just taking it easy."

"Good, good," Amanda nodded, though her attention was already drifting. After a few more moments of small talk, Amanda's face lit up as she heard a tiny stir from Mateo. "Oh, there's my little man waking up," she said, her voice hushed with excitement.

Without a second thought, Amanda turned and joined David and Jacob, leaving Aurora standing by the door.

Aurora watched as Mateo, now sitting up groggily, rubbed his eyes. The moment Amanda saw his sleepy, confused expression, she completely forgot about Aurora. She hurried over, gently reaching out to help Mateo balance, her face lighting up with pure joy at seeing her grandson awake.

Aurora shook her head with a small smile, stepping further into the room. She knew exactly where she ranked in the hierarchy now.

———————————————————————

Aurora sat on the couch, watching as Leah's family doted over Mateo. She sighed and pulled out her phone, typing a quick message to Leah

My Rory <3

Did you tell your family where we were staying?

It didn't take long for Leah to reply.

My Le <3

Yeah, why?

My Rory <3

They were my alarm clock today. 😂

My Le <3

Oh god, I didn't think they'd go over this early.
U can kick them out.

Aurora smiled to herself, imagining Leah's cringe on the other side of the conversation.

My Rory <3

Nah, it's fine.
Just wasn't expecting it.

She paused for a moment, before adding another message.

My Rory <3

Only your mum acknowledged me 😂

My Le <3

Classic Dad and Jacob ignoring you completely 😂

Aurora couldn't help but chuckle softly at that. It wasn't the first time Leah had warned her about how her family's attention would shift the moment Mateo was in the picture.

A follow-up message came through, this time more teasing.

My Le <3

At least Mum said hi—she's the real MVP in this situation.

Aurora smirked, shaking her head as she typed back.

My Rory <3

She really is. Your dad and brother? Traitors 😂

Leah's next message was quick and cheeky.

My Le <3

You've been replaced.
Sorry, love
Mateo's the star of the show now 😘

Aurora couldn't help but laugh quietly at Leah's predictable response. She glanced up at the scene unfolding in front of her—David and Jacob were still playfully cooing over Mateo while Amanda looked on with adoration. She decided to snap a quick photo of the three of them surrounding Mateo, who was now fully awake and enjoying all the attention.

She sent the picture to Leah.

My Rory <3

[image of Amanda, David and Jacob around Mateo]
This is what I'm dealing with right now

She leaned back into the couch, smiling a little as she watched Leah's family completely enthralled with Mateo. It wasn't the worst way to start the day, even if it hadn't been her alarm of choice.

Leah's response came almost instantly after seeing the picture of her family huddled around Mateo.

My Le <3

Oh wow, they didn't waste any time, huh?

Look at them all obsessed with him.
Can't say I blame them though, he is adorable.

I have to go now. 😭

My Rory <3

That's fine, Le.
Have fun

My Le <3

I won't
I miss you and Teo!
It's pure torture

Aurora giggled, imagining Leah dramatically clutching her heart, her flair for the theatrical shining through.

My Rory <3

You just saw us yesterday

My Le <3

Too long ago!

Aurora's heart swelled. Leah always had a way of making even the simplest moments feel monumental.

My Le <3

I love you so much, it hurts

My Rory <3

Love you more, mi vida
You're my everything

My Le <3

Aww, you just made my heart skip a beat

My Rory <3

Good
You make mine race every day