Ximena smiled sadly as Alarico shifted on the couch. She was laying on him while he used his phone. He ran his hand through her hair and closed his eyes, not at all focused on his phone but rather his little sister that he craved to give attention.

"When papa coming back?" She managed to stutter.

He shrugged and she puffed out air, as if frustrated. He suggested that she lay down because then she would be much more comfortable but she declined, clinging onto him fearfully as if, if she didn't hold tight enough he would disappear.

"Are you hungry?" He asked worriedly.

Avarez who was sitting in an armchair next to them glanced at him then Ximena.

She shook her head meekly, making him smirk.

"Ok stay here I'm hungry"

He tried to shrug her off but she clung even tighter, shaking her head furiously.

"I wan snacks too" she said immediately, making him smirk.

He sat up, supporting her by placing his hand underneath her bum. She held onto his neck as he walked to the kitchen, not worried that he would drop her. He grabbed a basket of snacks and walked back to the living room.

"Junk food? Really?" Amertio stared at him, impassive.

Alarico shrugged as Alva stared at him.

He opened the pack of m and m's lazily as he laid down again making it spill onto Ximena's tiny chest. He placed one in his mouth and she stared at him in astonishment.

He placed one in her mouth when he caught her staring and she squealed excitedly. She however didn't like the chocolate part and ended up avoiding it thus wasting it all but Alarico didn't mind. Next he munched on Pringles the original flavour. Ximena had one and almost gagged. She did not like it all.

"That flavour is fucking disgusting" Amertio hissed making Alarico roll his eyes at him.

"Like your personality" he snapped, making Amertio growl at him.

"What are you? A dog?" Alarico rolled his eyes, riling Amertio up even more.

"I'll show you how much of a dog I am" he threatened as he charged for him, dropping his phone in the process.

Alarico held a dozing Ximena up, making him stop and flinch.

"Bastardis" he narrowed his eyes on him.

(Latin : Bastard)

Alarico searched his pockets as if looking for something before pulling out his middle finger making Amertio roll his eyes.

"You're a fucking child"

Alverio and Alva tried to hold back their laugh, knowing their triplet a little bit too well.

"I know you are," he paused and smirked, "but what am I?"

"That's it" Amertio stood up abruptly making Alarico flinch "run"

He wrapped his arms around Ximena, not needing to be told twice and ran off to the safety of his room, his older brother hot on his tail.

***

Esmeralda tried to hide her smile as her son walked around, casually sipping on a glass of water while his sister clung to him, drooling onto his shoulder.

"Let me put her in you must be exhausted" Esm" she tried persuading him but he shook his head stubbornly.

"It's ok mama, I think I got her '' he smiled politely.

"She's clung to you all day you must be tired" Esmeralda couldn't help but place her hands on her hips.

He shrugged and just as she was about to argue back an engine sound filled their ears.

"Do you think it's papa?" He asked as he adjusted Ximena on his hip.

She barely weighed anything which scared the fuck out of him.

She nodded and rushed out, ready to scold her husband for staying out too long and almost gasped when she noticed her nephews tugging large matching blue suitcases.

"Auntie Emmie" the pair of twins, Loreto and Leroy and Carmen and Camael squealed as they noticed her.

They rushed into her arms, clinging onto her as much as possible.

"Hey boys" she kissed their temples and smiled softly as her oldest nephew Adan walked to her, giving her a short side hug.

"How are you Adan?" She asked softly.

"Good" he replied shortly then pried his younger brothers off her.

"You guys should go in" she motioned towards the house and the youngest took off running leaving Adan behind.

"They are really excited huh" she nudged his ribs lightly.

"Very" he chuckled.

She smiled and kissed his forehead.

"It's always soo good to see you guys" she beamed and his cheeks brightened.

"You too auntie" he nodded "I'll head in as well"

She smiled as the ten year old took off, running to his siblings who almost toppled over themselves.

"Bri" she squealed as her best friend pulled her into a surprise hug.

She smelt of roses as always.

"Esme" she giggled "you look fabulous"

"I could say the same for you" she raised her eyebrow "How did Paris treat you?"

Bridget - her best friend and sister-in-law- and family - which included Adam, her husband and her five sons - took a trip to Paris. It was sudden because it was supposed to be a business trip for both Bridget and Adam but they decided to stay a few more weeks to spend more time as a family.

"It was wonderful" she squealed "we all have to go there some time"

Esmeralda chuckled.

"How is my niece?" Her eyes trailed to the house.

"Not completely fine" Esmeralda said honestly and Bridget let out a small sigh.

"I-" She was cut off by her husband.

"Esmeralda" his voice boomed and Esmeralda smiled.

He pulled her into a long hug and he kissed her cheek. They were actually best friends and he was the reason why she and Fernando met. She was always so grateful for him and somehow repaid him for linking him and Bridget together. Adam was Fernando's brother.

"I missed you" he whined like a child.

"I missed you too," she said softly.

"What about me?" Fernando pouted as he opened his arms.

She rolled her eyes, linked arms with Catalina and Bridgets arms and walked away, clearly ignoring him, making him pout and glance at his brother and father.

When the adults walked in Adan and Avarez were already in a serious conversation. They were to grown up for their own good.

Loreto, Leroy, Amertio, Amersio and Arrio were watching something funny on Arrio's phone. Carmen, Camael, Alva and Alverio were playing what seemed to be tag. Around their family their kids for once acted like kids.

"Where is Rico?" Adan asked as he searched the room.

Fernando glanced at Esmeralda who shrugged mouthing "he was with Mena"

"You did so good amica mea" his voice was a mere whisper making all of them freeze.

He never once talked so softly.

Alarico emerged into the living room, clearly unaware of the visitors. He wiped Ximena's mouth with wipes as tears stuck to her face.

He finally looked up and gasped, almost dropping Ximena. Ximena's eyes widened at the large number of people and she hid her face in Alarico's chest, begging him to protect her.

***

I hope you enjoy this chapter. Two chapters in a row, impressive. Please vote and comment <3