When Mariana was finished with her shift, she sat down in a cafe with Mona and a cup of hot chocolate. The steam created a barrier between them as Mona had a waffle with berries.

Mariana smiled and Mona mirrored her look. She felt bored and didn't want to go home just yet so here she was. But she held onto her cup tightly her eyes dipped down to Mona's sides, in case she had anything on her.

Mona looked up and a smile flicked across her lips briefly. Her voluminous, dark hair cascaded down her winged eyeliner that flew over her eyes, making her face look sharp and beautiful. She had on a green dress, which matched her enchanting eyes, making her look like a child of the earth.

"So," Mariana began as she swished her cup gently, "you're a pharmacist?"

"Yeah, I'm there almost everyday." Her face lightened gradually like the softness of her voice. Her mouth shaped into a smile as if she wasn't used to someone this interested in her.

"By the way, I hope I didn't scare you the last time we spoke. You seemed a bit uneasy and I just wanted to make sure everything was okay." Mona settled her hands down slowly in concern.

"Hm?" Mariana turned her head back to focus on her. She was busy checking out the area they were seated in, even though the other people were indulged into their own conversations.

"Are you alright? I hope I don't make you feel comfortable."

"I'm okay, it's nothing, I just have some... issues," she giggled nervously while her hands shook and tapped the table vigorously.

Mona raised an eyebrow and then glanced down at her convulsing fingers. Her eyes then jumped up to Mariana who drank her chocolate.

"Sure your okay?"

"Yeah." Mariana put the cup down and then straightened herself to look like a normal human. "Anyway, how are your kids doing?"

"They're good! Right now they are probably getting picked up by their nanny from kindergarten."

"Aw that's nice, I'm hoping for Elisa to go to preschool next year," Mariana said and wiped an imaginary tear from her eye, "my little bambina, I hope she'll have friends like your daughter."

"Yeah, Rina loves making new friends. In her class, she seems to be the favorite among the other children."

"Yeah. So you do go to that park often?" Mariana jerked her head to the window, as if the place she was referring to was just outside.

"Um sort of. Either we go there, or I take them for a little walk in the forest since I always loved nature and the outdoors. I used to live out in the countryside with my dad, so I try and get them out of the house every Sunday at least."

"Yeah same here." Mariana nodded in agreement. "I take mine to the park from time to time. Or they play at their grandma's place."

"Oh! I took mine camping once just for something different. But that time it was just the three of us out in the woods. I didn't feel that comfortable so I might go with someone else next time."

"Wow, you guys were in the middle of a forest by yourselves?" Mariana was surprised but mildly fascinated. "What was it scary and we're you with their dad?"

"Yeah it was quite scary so I'll just stick to the typical backyard, and I can't really be with him right now..." she mumbled as her body shrunk back. She hid part of her face so it seemed like half of it

"Oh sorry, I won't ask if you don't feel comfortable talking about it."

"Thanks." Mona brushed a green streak of hair behind her ear and hid a shy grin behind her luscious locks. Her brown eyes twinkled like tiny stars as she gazed up in beauty.

Mariana drank her hot chocolate, letting out a little sigh and then continued, " Elisa prefers to make tents out blankets and place it over the couch." Mariana explained, "we added fairy lights inside and played—um—some sounds while she rolled around with her brother," Mariana chuckled and fluttered her hands like they were butterflies.

"Aw that's such a cute thing to do."

"Thanks..." Mariana puffed out her rosy cheeks like a chipmunk and grinned.

"By the way, I was just wondering, and I don't want to sound be rude, I'm just curious. Is she actually yours or..." She was too scared to finish her sentence.

"Adopted?" Mariana finished off her sentence as she could predict what it was, by having heard it numerous of times. She gently sipped some of her hot chocolate before answering, "no they are mine. Their father is black, and Elisa takes mostly after him. Her brother does look more like me but has his hair."

"Ah okay, I was just asking out of curiosity," Mona said innocently as she didn't want to offend.

"Meh its's okay, I'm used to it." Mariana continued to drink her hot chocolate. "If I had a dollar for every time someone would ask me that question, I would be able to buy my own yacht," she laughed. Mona also laughed along with her until they finished their drinks.

"Well Mona I'll see you later," Mariana said and got up.

"Okay, bye Mariana, thanks for chatting with me!"

"Bye!" Mariana quickly took her and left the cafe.

****

When Mariana got home and finished cleaning, Crystal paid her a surprise visit. She got out some leftover slices of chocolate cake and a bottle of wine. They sat down together in the living room. The TV noise blurred in the background as Mariana replenished her glass.

"So how are you?" Mariana asked, quickly drinking her wine like it was a stress reliever from her kids.

"I'm alright, just been relaxing at home." Crystal chuckled and took a sip. Rio was walking around the couch and purred near her. She started stroking his silky fur, until she hissed and her hand suddenly stopped.

"Mom, are you alright?" Mariana sat up in her chair, prepared to help by any means.

"I'm fine, just a little arthritis." Her head towards the light and Mariana discerned a feeble smile that lightened her face. She elevated her hand and she saw her nails were painted deep red with the tip beautifully pointed.

"Look Mariana, I'm getting old." Crystal chuckled as she tried to flex her fingers but they were stiff.

"Do you need anything for it?" Mariana asked sweetly, batting her eyelashes.

"It's okay, doesn't last too long." She smiled through the pain and continued grasping her hands to get them to move properly. However, Mariana maintained her eye on her, in case it got worse.

"Ita!" Elisa came running in from the kitchen, with a frying pan whirling around her curly Afro freely. Her yellow summer dress blew around like she was a super girl ready to save the day.

"Hi my little Bonita." Crystal picked her up and sat her down. She took the frying pan off and her fingers crept to the side of Elisa's cheeks and tickled them, causing her to giggle and wiggle out like a worm.

"Ita, I don' like pwease," Elisa squealed and moved away, feeling extremely ticklish.

"Aw okay," Crystal said before letting go of her chubby cheeks.

Elisa shuffled over and rested her head on Crystal's thigh like it was a pillow. She peacefully began sucking on her thumb like it was a pacifier. Just in time, the sun shone lightly from the window and glazed upon her face like a sleeping beauty.

"Aw." Crystal draped her hand over her delicate face and stroked it gently.

Elisa squirmed. Her legs fidgeted, and she yawned like a newborn baby. She wasn't that tired but her abuelita was just comfy to lie on.

Crystal adjusted her slightly, so she won't fall off. She then let her eyes explore the whole room. She loved the baby pink curtains that draped the windows, the small cabinet that had glass decorations including snow gloves and ornaments.

"I love how your living room looks, it feels so cozy."

"Thanks." Mariana smiled proudly. She loved it when people came round and said how nice her house looked.

"I love visiting you guys," she said and shifted one leg up and began massaging her foot.

Meanwhile, Mariana walked around near the display of the TV.

Her hands grazed over her and Micah's previous anniversary cards and their wedding photos. She had her favorite centered in the middle. It was her and Micah in black and white, with the tail of her wedding dress flowing above them. It put them in a closed circle like they were two souls joined into one. Their eyes closed in bliss, lips barely touched but their mere breath traveled light ways to each other's hearts. That's how they knew the other person was there and that was all they needed.

To have the other person there, together and forever.

She picked it up and then wiped the photo a little with her thumb. She sadly sniffed as she wished to relive that day all over again. Walking down that aisle, seeing Micah blush insanely as he couldn't keep his eyes off her, taking pictures with her new family. It was in that moment, that she had lost one, but gained another.

A happy sigh escaped her mouth and she and set the picture back. When she turned around, she got the chance to behold the most adorable sight.

Elisa had Crystal's palm within hers. Her eyes were ahead, staring at the TV, but she slowly pressed down like a cat purring, slowly digging its vibrating paws.

It helped her arthritis as the pain in her joints slowly subsided by the soft massage.

"This girl. She's so good." Crystal removed her hand and stroked Elisa's hair. "She just rubbed my hand, and it eased the pain." She continued brushing through her hair and poked her cheeks. Elisa grinned as she got bathed in the affection, even though she didn't understand why.

"Next time I come, I'm going to bring you something special." Crystal bobbed her nose.

"Yay!" She sprang her arms out and started cheering.

"Te quiero Ita!" Elisa exclaimed and gave her a massive hug.

"Aw I love you too!" Crystal hugged her back, and they sat on the couch. They swayed to the sides, while holding onto each other like they were two best friends who haven't seen each other in a long time.

When Micah finished mowing the backyard, he sat next to Mariana and watched the TV. Her fingers rubbed through his hair gently as she was closely snuggled into him. Her arm wrapped around his and  if it were possible, she would've super glued them together.

"Your mother came to visit today," Mariana said.

"Yeah I know, she came to say hi to me before leaving," Micah replied as his arm extended behind her. He was also swinging Axel on his legs who drew with a toy sketch. 

"I wish I knew she was coming, so I can prepare something special for her." She sighed and rested her head on her palm.

"Aw it's okay Mari, you can do it next time."

"I know, but I just want to make the best of the time she comes."

"I know what you mean, but I'm sure she doesn't mind. Besides, whenever you do have the chance to make sure, it's always so delicious."

"Thanks. I appreciate that." She smiled.

"Hey, perhaps we should search up a new recipe together, buy the ingredients, and then make it. What do you say?"

"Ooh that's a good idea! How about we do the shopping on Saturday?" Mariana suggested.

"Sure!"

She grinned and clung onto his arm. She inhaled his sweet scent; he smelled of coca butter and that made her moan with delight.

"You smell good," she murmured and nibbled lightly his ear.

"Thanks." He smirked kissed her forehead, making her grin like a little kid.

She hummed to herself as she came closer to his face. She held it in place and tugged at his lip while nibbling and licking around his ear.

A/N: Hey I hope you enjoyed the chapter! Who else thinks of licking their future man cuz they clingy? No? Just me? Okay 🥲🥲