ER [wlw]

Chapter 36

The house is already alive with conversation and the smell of food by the time we all step inside. The warmth from the kitchen spills into the hallway, carrying the scent of turkey, stuffing, and something sweet and cinnamon-spiced. Laughter and chatter fill every space, making it feel like we've walked straight into a memory instead of just another Thanksgiving.

Will tugs at my sleeve, his eyes wide as he takes in the unfamiliar mansion of Ari's grandparents, Silvia and Jules. "There's so many people here."

I squeeze his shoulder reassuringly. "Yeah, it's a big family."

Ramona leans down next to him, her dark hair pulled back into a messy bun, a few loose strands framing her face. I have my curls styles in a similar way. "Don't worry, kid. They're nice, loud, but nice."

Will looks skeptical, his blonde hair slightly tousled as he tugs at the collar of his red button-up shirt. Bellamy nudges him with her elbow her loose blonde curls bouncing lightly around her shoulders as she smiles at him. She chose to wear a cute red and white dress with a bow around the middle. "It's f-f-fun," she says, smiling up at him. "Wanna come me-meet my c-cousins?"

He nods. "Sure."

They both run off to join all the other kids running around leaving me, Ramona, Hector, and Aunt Pam. Ari's family is huge, and very diverse it's a beautiful thing honestly. Everybody is dressed up to match their partners and their kids outfits, me and Ramona went with matching red dresses.

Bellamy's been in a good mood since Ari agreed to let her stay at our place for an extra day each week. It wasn't a perfect solution, but it made her feel heard, and that's what mattered. I glance at Ari across the room, who's deep in conversation with Kya, she gives us a small nod and smile. We haven't talked about it since that phone call, but things have felt... okay.

"Dears, I'm gonna go mingle with everyone. I haven't seen everyone since the last holiday and I just love this family." Aunt Pam beams at us happily, her silver hair styled in loose waves that frame her face. Her vibrant floral dress matches her cheerful personality, and the gold necklace around her neck catches the light as she speaks.

"I'll join you too." Ramona's Papá says, his deep voice carrying easily through the room. His short-cropped graying hair and neatly pressed suit give him an air of elegance. Despite his more reserved demeanor, there's a warmth in his eyes that shows his affection for the family.

I chuckle. "Have fun."

They leave us, without a second thought.

"I swear she doesn't even come to spend the holiday with me, just the De'Sacra's." I say to Ramona, watching as Auntie disappears.

Ramona laughs. "That is a possibility..." She smiles, sweetly. "But that's ok because I'm here for you." Her arm goes around my waist.

"What do we have here? Never in a million years would I expect you two to be a match." A familiar voice calls from behind. Ari's sister, Aya and in her arms is her son Lucas. Beside her is her wife Sabine, if you didn't know them you'd think they were in the mafia or something. The tattoos, the black outfits and everything just really give that vibe. They're a great match though.

"Hey." I smile, although nervous. She isn't exactly my biggest fan, but I know her and Ramona are friends.

Aya's gaze flicks back and forth between me and Ramona as she tilts her head. "Wait... it's actually kind of cute?"

"Kind of?" Ramona quirks a brow.

Aya tilts her head. "Okay, it's really cute. Just unexpected. Like, you hated her."

Ramona shifts a little her expression softening when she looks at me. "People change."

I smile at that. Truer words couldn't have been said.