Settling The Score

Part 5

Hey, guys so this chapter just tells you a bit more about Lucy and Carlos' relationship, after this things will start to pick up, promise.
Please vote and comment!

o0o

I returned home that evening feeling downright exhausted.
After soccer practice, I spent hours working with Carlos on the Talent show preparation.
He seriously wasn't kidding, there was still a lot of work to be done.

"I'm home!" I announced after dropping my bag at the door. "Hola, Mija," Mila greeted from the living room.

I slumped down next to her on the couch. She looked as tired as I felt. "How are things going?" I asked her, putting my head on her shoulder. "I heard you weren't feeling well yesterday?"

She smiled down at me, her eyes wrinkling, "I am fine, mija, you shouldn't worry about me." But, I could see how wary she was underneath. Mom was right, she wasn't getting any younger.

"Carlos is not with you?" She asked.
"Nah, he still had some things to finish up at school. He said he'd catch a ride with someone else. Is Bella sleeping already?" I wondered.

"Sí, I just put her down," she said, getting up from the coach. "Come. I should get going, I cannot leave that Carlos alone all night. Heaven knows what the boy will get himself into."

I smiled internally. It didn't matter if Carlos was turning eighteen or thirty, he'd always be Mila's little boy.

"Want me to give you a ride?" I asked, following her to the door. "No, no stay with Bella, we must not wake her now. I will take the bus." She took her coat and bag, giving me a warm hug. "You sure Mila? I honestly don't mind..."

"I tell you I take the bus, I take the bus," she said firmly. Leaving no room for argument.

I shook my head, "Okay, bye Mila," I answered, "Be safe and let me know when you get home okay!"

"Sì, sì," she mumbled, closing the door behind her.

When I reached the kitchen, I sighed deeply, rummaging through the fridge looking for something to eat.

"Leelee?" A soft voice whispered behind me. A sleepy Bella stood there, holding a blanket in one hand and clutching her teddy-bear in the other.

I glanced at the clock. It was already well past nine. Mom wouldn't be home for another hour.

"Hi, pumpkin," I smiled warmly, lifting her and heading for the stairs. "Did I wake you?" I asked, opening her bedroom door and putting her in her bed. I sat next to her, to tuck her in.

"No," she mumbled, rubbing an eye, "I had a bad dream," she whispered, tears forming in her eyes. "Will you stay with me please Leelee?"

"Of course I will." I rubbed her tears away and got in next to her, holding her tightly. "I'll keep all the monsters away, I promise."

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The next morning, a tired-looking Carlos waited for me in the kitchen, breathing in his hot coffee. Bella ran up from behind me and jumped into his arms. "Carlos! Look at my pretty hair!" she boasted. I braided it for her this morning, putting in pink- butterfly hairpins as I went.

"Wow, Bells it looks awesome," he laughed, putting her down beside him. Mila shook her head, continuing packing our lunches.

Bella worshipped the ground Carlos walked on. I guess it was because she didn't have a lot of male figures in her life. I mean, she was only a year old when our father died.

We arrived at school, actually on time for once, and Carlos finally had his little bump in with Lucy. She was wearing an elegant white shirt, with a skirt and small heels. Carlos' eyes nearly jumped out their sockets at the sight of her.