Scared And Scarred

4️⃣ 9️⃣

Alicia's Pov

Tomorrow is Christmas, today both Tios and Papa are gone to bring a Christmas tree. Tita told me that they didn't celebrate Christmas before. So I planned to make this extra special for everyone.

In the cosy embrace of the evening, we gathered in the living room, where a majestic Christmas tree stood proudly, its branches reaching out in joyous celebration. Tias had meticulously arranged large boxes overflowing with decorations, ready for us to adorn the tree.

With the help of my brothers, we embarked on the task of adorning the tree and the surrounding living room. I refused the professional help, and relied on the collective effort of my fourteen brothers, each diligently following my orders. Together, we adorned the tree with faux snow, shimmering ornaments, and cherished photographs of every family member.

As we reached for the heights with a ladder to crown the tree with a star, the fruition of our efforts was met with a breathtaking sight. The tree stood magnificently, casting a spell of enchantment throughout the room with its radiant beauty.

It was already bedtime when we were done with everything. So we left for our rooms. Today I'll be sleeping in Rio's room, along with Rey. Both of them talk very little but are gentlemen. In this week, we have been here, Rio taught me Basketball while Rey taught me the basics of the piano. I daily spend at least an hour with both of them to work on the skills.

The next day I got up super early to place the gifts under the tree. Then I went back to bed. Today we all got dressed in matching PJs. I arranged them for everyone because they found it too cringe but no one can say no to my puppy face. It was a white T-shirt with red pants and cute reindeer slip-ons. The tees were personalized and 'Ortiz clan' was printed on the back. Everyone was looking adorable. I also made them wear Santa hats. Aww my adorable family. They say I take undue advantage of my puppy face and get things done. I didn't say, I don't.

We clicked loads of pictures together and went for breakfast. After that, we went to exchange gifts. I got so many gifts, now I will need two bags to take them with me back to America.

Along with their gifts, I gifted everyone a photo frame with their picture with me. I decorated the frames myself. For Tito, I gave him the picture I sneakily took while he was resting, wearing a sheet mask. Though I warned them to open his gift when he is alone.

Then we had lunch, and after that, we binge-watched three Christmas movies, with unlimited popcorn.

After dinner, we all went to the backyard. Tito lit a bonfire there and we talked, danced and played a few games. I fell asleep on the makeshift bed there in the backyard. This was the best Christmas ever. I didn't ask for any gift from Santa this year because he already gave me the best family. I have nothing else to ask for. I peacefully drifted off to sleep because I knew I was surrounded by people who cared for me and they would never leave me alone. I slept with a smile.

Two weeks went away too soon. We were now back in America. Vacation was over and life got back to a normal routine. Tita and Tito stayed back in Spain but promised me that they would visit soon.

I talk every day with my family in Spain. I get bored here at home all day, so I told Lucas that I'd join the school from the next session.

In the evening, I go to office with dad or Lucas and help them with the legal business. Okay, I am not of much help but I find something to entertain me there.

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(Not very happy with the chapter so I may change it a bit while editing the book. It is the second last chapter.)

Happy reading :)