The World (Sequel to International)

Birthday

November 2029

Mariana's POV:

"Happy birthday." I smiled.

"Thank you." Gabriel looked at me. He sighed. "7 years old. I'm old."

"You wanna talk about old?" Mapi walked in. "I'll show you old." 

"And there she is." I smiled. "Rough night?" She glared at me. "What did I tell you?"

"Don't stay up too late."

"And what did you do?"

"Stayed up too late." She mumbled and sat down. "I finally shut everything down, told Leila to go to bed and right as I closed my eyes, BOOM." She sat up. "Luca started crying. I changed him, loved him, told him to go to bed and right as I closed my eyes, BOOM." I laughed. "Felicia wanted to join the party."

"Where were you?" Gabriel looked at me.

"Fast asleep." I smiled. "Think of this a karma for how you acted when Felicia was born. Remember? When you said the hardest part was naming her."

"You'll never forget that will you?"

"Takin it to the grave." I kissed her cheek. "Gabriel as much as I'd love to keep you home and celebrate your birthday, I have to be a mature adult so. Get your things ready. Time for school." 

He got up and finished getting ready. 

"What do you need me to do?" Mapi asked.

"Get some rest." I laughed. "I'll take Luca and Felicia to see aunt Vir and aunt Nahi." I smiled. "And you sleep. Also, you have a few sketches to finish for those clients so do that too. You've procrastinated enough." 

"I love you." She smiled.

"And I love you. When we get home, you better have at least one sketch finished."

"Yes ma'am." She saluted. "Also," Gabriel walked back in. "birthday dinner, bud. What do you want?"

"If you're cooking, nothing."

"Hey!" She pouted. "Alexia's been helping me with the whole cooking thing. You name it, I'll cook it." She kneeled down to him. "What do you want?"

"Hmmm. Surprise me." He ran to the door.

"He's got the Mendes bottomless pit." I laughed. "You get Luca I got Felicia?"

"Ready and go." 

Mapi's POV:

I waved as Mariana drove away and smiled. Then I pulled out my phone. "Leila. It's go time." I ran into the house. I opened my computer and waited for her call. Her face appeared. 

"My young apprentice!" She screamed.

"My master." I bowed. 

"HAHAHA YES!" She cheered. "Alright. Let's get to work. Gabriel's big birthday surprise. What are we doing?"

"The venue has been rented."

"Check. Cake has been ordered?"

"It has. Lola is picking it up before the party on Saturday." I nodded. "Mariona is aware of the plan right?"

"Operation sunshine to distract the Mendes cuties is underway." She smiled. "The plane tickets are booked as well, so Sunday morning all of you will be on your way to Portugal."

"And Mariana's parents?"

"Gave Mariana and excuse for not flying in. Something about being old and cranky." She shrugged. "Mariana bought it, you'll surprise her and Gabriel with the plane tickets, all of you will fly to Portugal."