The World (Sequel to International)

Not Right Now

January 2031

Mariana's POV:

We got to the venue and I went right to Mapi's side. Gabriel went to sit with Dario.

"How was it?" Mapi smiled.

"It was cute." I looked at her. "What's wrong?"

"What?"

"You have the face. What happened?"

She sighed. "I hate that you know me that well." I laughed. "Nahikari's friend or whatever they were, Alex. She came by." She shook her head. "Still as cocky as ever."

"Is she still here?" 

"No. We made her leave. She said she didn't want to start anything and then proceeded to get me going. She knows how too. Everyone knows how to get me." She looked at me. "You. They talk about you and that's all it takes."

"Do I have to kick her ass?"

"No." She laughed. "I just, I hated the way she talked about Nahikari then, and I hate the way she talks about her now. I know Alex had her struggles, but Nahikari was there for her. When everyone else turned their backs on Alex, Nahi stayed. And she just," She scoffed. "Treats her like that? And for her to come today. On the best day of Nahikari's life and try to start shit? No. That's not ok."

"And where do I come in?"

"The way she says peoples names. The way she says Nahikari when she wants to get under Virginia's skin. The way she says your name to get under mine."

"I can take care of myself, Mapi." I put my hand on her shoulder. "And if I can't, I know that you'll take care of me. But just ignore her. Nahikari's moved on, she's happy now. We all need to move on too. I still don't fully understand what happened but it's in the past. Look ahead to the future. Nahi and Vir are married now. Lola and Camren have twins. Maxi is growing up and is healthy. Dario is officially a member of this chaos. Nat and Daan are getting married soon and we're going to have another baby." I smiled. "Focus on the present and look ahead to the future."

Lola grabbed the microphone. "Attention! The happy couple is here! Please welcome the newlyweds!!! Virginia and Nahikari!" Lola yelled. They walked in. 

We all clapped and the party started. 

Mapi's POV:

I watched Mariana dance with Virginia and smiled. "I wonder what Alex gave them as a gift." Leila walked over and got a drink. 

"Knowing her something sarcastic." I shook my head. "Dario's fitting in." I looked at him and smiled.

"It's like he was always meant to be part of this family. He was the last piece of the puzzle for Mariona and I." She smiled. "He's the best."

"We all got lucky in the kid department." I saw Alexia dance with Maxi. "We all met the loves of our lives and had some amazing kids." 

"We didn't have Dario." She whispered. "We adopted him."

"You know what I mean." I laughed. "Patri!" I smiled. "How's it going?"

"Carla just asked when we're having kids." She froze. "How do I tell her that I am still a kids?" 

I laughed. "Oh sweet baby Patri." 

"Attention!" Virginia said. "Um, can everyone listen up, please? First thanks for coming. We know it was sort of last minute and not your normal wedding but this is what we wanted. To everyone who was at the courthouse with us, thank you. We love you so much and happy you were part of that moment with us. To those who weren't, we love you too, ok." She laughed. "Patri did record what happened for us. It wasn't a normal wedding so we didn't want you all to have to go with us. Besides this is the real important part. The celebration. Two families coming together, everyone who loves us here in one space. I don't want to speak for Nahikari, she can speak for herself but I think she feels the same way on this. This was the best day ever, because of all of you. So thank you again."

She walked towards us. "Look at you. Nice words." Leila laughed and hugged her. "Who would've thought. Virginia Torrecilla. Married."

"Not me." She smiled. "But seeing you two met the loves of your lives and marry them. I don't know. Just made me want it too. And getting to call her my wife?" She looked at Nahikari laughing with Mariana. "Proudest day of my life." 

"Now bring on the babies." Leila said.

"Uhh." Virginia looked at me.

"Oh baby crazy." I pushed Leila. 

Mariana's POV:

I felt my phone ring. "I'll be right back." I said to Nahikari. I walked outside and answered it. "Hello?" I answered it.

"Mariana." My mom said.

"Hey, mama." I smiled. "What's up?"

"I know you're at your friend's wedding, but you should come home."

"What happened." 

"It's your father."

"I'll be there as soon as I can." I hung up and went back inside.

"Mari! Come dance!" Lola yelled.

I went straight to Mapi. "Hey beautiful." She smiled. "What's wrong?"

"I have to go." I said. "I have to go to Portugal. It's my dad."

She nodded. "Ok. We'll go." She kissed my forehead. "What should I do with the kids?"

"Nahikari and I will watch them." Virginia said.

"What about your honeymoon?" 

"We're halfway done with the season." She said. "There wasn't going to be a honeymoon. Not right now. Go. I'll watch them."

"Gabriel should come." I said.

"Go get in the car. I'll get him."

"Ok." 

Mapi's POV:

I walked over to Dario and Gabriel. "Hey kid." I leaned down to him. "We gotta go."

"Right now?"

"Yeah. Have to go back to Portugal."

"Already?"

"Not for camp." I smiled. "Your grandpa needs us right now. Ok?"

"Ok. Bye Dario." He waved and we left. 

We got in the car and I looked at Mariana. "You ok?" I whispered.

"I just need to get to Portugal." She looked down. "I can't lose another person. Not right now."