La Familià (Lim X Vergara Family) Au

XXI

The sunlight pours into Ensley's stylish Condo , but her mind is focused as she flips through work emails. Her phone rings, and when she sees "Mom" on the screen, a smile spreads across her face. She picks up, leaning back in her chair.

"Hey, Mom! What's up?"

Her mom's voice is light but filled with curiosity. "Hi, Ensley! I was just thinking, it's been a while since we saw all of you. Your dad and I were wondering when are you and Ariah planning to come visit us? We miss you, Mac, and the girls."

Ensley laughs softly, the mention of her sister and nieces bringing warmth to her voice. "I know, we've been talking about it. Work's been crazy, but I was just saying to Ariah the other day that it's about time we made a trip back home. Mairwen's been asking about Grandma and Grandpa too."

There's a pause as her mom's voice softens, almost pleading.

"We'd love to have you all here soon, especially before things get too hectic with the holidays. Maybe we could spend a few weeks together. It's been so long since the whole family was here at the same time."

Ensley's expression softens, knowing her mom has been wanting a big family gathering. She glances at her calendar, mentally calculating her next break from work.

"You're right. It's been way too long. I'll talk to Ariah and Mac, see when we can get time off and come for a good visit. It would be nice to just relax with all of you."

Her mom's tone brightens, hopeful and excited.

"That would be perfect! You know your dad is already talking about planning a barbecue when everyone's here. And I know the girls would love spending time in the backyard, just like you and Ariah used to."

Ensley smiles at the memory, the image of Mairwen and Iyah running around in the backyard forming in her mind.

"Yeah, they'd love that. We'll figure something out soon, Mom. I promise."

"Okay, sweetie. Just let us know when you're coming. We can't wait to see all of you."

The call wraps up with a few more exchanges about the family, and Ensley ends the call, setting her phone down with a thoughtful look. She leans back, the prospect of a family reunion swirling in her mind as she imagines the upcoming visit.

Ensley, still holding her phone after the call with her mom, pulls up Ariah's contact and taps "Call." She paces her apartment, phone to her ear, waiting as the line rings.

Ariah, wearing her scrubs, is in the break room, sipping a cup of coffee during a rare moment of downtime. She sees her phone light up with Ensley's name and answers with a tired but happy smile.

"Hey, superstar! What's up?"

Ensley grins, settling onto her couch.
"Hey, doc! Just talked to Mom. She's asking when we're all coming to visit them in the US. They miss us, and Dad's already planning a barbecue."

Ariah leans back, a soft sigh escaping as she takes a sip of coffee.
"A barbecue, huh? That sounds like Dad. I swear, he starts planning those as soon as summer ends. What did you tell her?"

"I told her I'd check with you and Mac to figure out when we can all go. I think it's time, don't you? The girls would love it, and it's been ages since we had a proper family visit."

Ariah glances at the clock, the exhaustion of her shift showing in her eyes, but the thought of family time Mairwen and Iyah playing in their grandparents' backyard brings a smile to her face.

"You're right. It has been too long. The girls would be over the moon to see them, and honestly, so would I. It'd be nice to take a break from all this chaos."

She gestures around the busy hospital, even though Ensley can't see her. "Yeah, I figured you could use a break. What's your schedule looking like? Think you and Mac can get some time off?"

Ariah takes another sip of her coffee, thinking it over. She knows how hard it is to arrange time away, but the idea of a family visit is tempting.
"Mac's schedule is flexible, and I can probably swing some time off in a few weeks. Let me talk to her tonight, and we'll figure it out. I'll have to coordinate with the hospital, but I think we can make it work."

"Perfect! Let me know as soon as you do, so I can tell Mom and Dad. I think Dad might explode if we don't give him a date soon."

Both sisters laugh, sharing a familiar sense of humor when it comes to their parents.

"I miss them too. It'll be good for the girls to spend some time with family. Iyah's been asking about Grandma a lot lately."

"Exactly. And I miss you guys, too. We'll make this work, I know it."

Ariah nods, feeling the warmth of the conversation, despite the exhaustion of her job."Okay, sis. I'll talk to Mac tonight, and we'll figure out the details. Tell Mom and Dad we're working on it."

"Will do! Love you. Try not to overwork yourself, okay?"

"You too. Talk soon."

As the call ends, Ariah looks out the window of the break room, a small smile playing on her lips, thinking of the upcoming trip. She stands up, ready to head back to her patients, with the comforting thought of family time on the horizon.