Chapter 67 Storm
JESSICA
"Yes, that is perfect," Sofia said, smiling at my messy bun.
I smiled as well, still feeling uncomfortable with my exposed body.
The bikini barely covered me up.
Gosh.
I hugged myself, rubbing my arms cause of a fake cold.
"Are you shy?" Sofia asked, chuckling with Mica.
"Of course she is," Mica said. "Relax, Jessica. We are all in bikinis. Including mother. It's nothing to be shy about."
"Yeah." Sofia supported. "Relax, okay?"
I nodded slightly.
"Enjoy the vibes," she urged, making me lower my hands from my body.
"Here," Mica said, handing me a swimming cap.
"Thank you," I said, taking it from her and putting it on as I followed them around the pool and towards the opposite side of the pool where there are benches.
Ms. Ximena sat on the bench and put on her dark glasses as the girls moved closer to the pool happily.
"Come on, Jessica," Sofia called.
Oh Geez.
I took steps towards the pool.
Mica and Sofia dived in instantly, making some water splash on my feet.
God, it is cold.
"Whoo!!" Mica squealed, brushing her hair back.
"Come in, Jess. Dive in." Sofia urged. "The water is amazing."
"I uh....I will take the stairs," I walked towards the stairs instantly.
Mica huffed. "You are a real introvert, aren't you, Jessica?"
"She sure is," Sofis said, chuckling as in entered the water.
Sofia was right. The water is really amazing. Very refreshing to my body.
"Great right?" Sofia asked.
I nodded, smiling.
"Told ya," she said, wiggling her brows.
"Mom, aren't you coming in?" Mica called, making me look towards Ms. Ximena. She is lying on the beach on her back with her dark shades still on.
"I need to tan my skin first, sweetie," she said.
"The sun is not even scorching," Mica said.
"I have to manage the little available. Leave your mom alone now and enjoy the pool," Ms. Ximena sang.
Sofia chuckled, looking my way.
"That's how she is. Always sitting and looking pretty," she shrugged.
I smiled.
"What about you? How is your mom?"
My heart tightened.
"Oh um...she....she is good. She's fine." I said, nodded.
I don't know if she is my birth mother.
"How is she?"
"She is amazing. She is my great support system and best friend."
"Aw,"
I nodded. "And a good baker."
"Wow. That is nice. I love bakers." she said.
"Yeah, me too." Mica chipped. "But our mom is a fashion designer. She can't bake to save our lives," she said, rolling her eyes.
"I heard that, Mica." Ms. Ximens said, making me chuckle slightly.
"I thought you were sleeping, Mom," Mica said.
"I am not."
"Well," Sofia chipped in. "she might not be a baker but she makes the best dresses for us."
"That's my girl," Ms. Ximena sang.
Sofia grinned.
I smiling.
Mica scoffed.
"Yeah, whatever," Mica muttered, swimming towards the other end of the pool.
"Jealous much," Sofia teased, following Sofia behind.
"You wish," Mica said.
"And it came true," Sofia teased, chuckling.
I smiled as I stared at them.
They are pretty blondes like Aunt Ximena and very nice.
Especially Sofia. She is the younger one and Mica is is oldest.
Well, just with a year.
Mica is twenty-two and Sofia is twenty-one.
My age.
I wish they would stay in New York. I love their energy. They are not judgmental or picky. Even though I just met them last night, I feel like we connected.
They both took me to the guest room last after the heated argument at the table.
My heart ached slightly just as it did last time when Uncle Xavier was pouring out all his pain to his family.
His father was awful to him. I felt bad for him.
I don't even want to imagine all he went through.
To think it even affects his love for cupcakes. I took note of the fact that cupcakes are his favorite snack thanks to his mom. His family is the reason he hates cupcakes.
That explains his reaction when I told him there would be cakes at my party.
Could that be why he didn't show up? Because he doesn't like cakes?
I moved my hands in the water as my heart tightened slightly.
I guess I shouldn't be upset that much about his absence at my party.
The look on his family's faces confirmed his pain. Especially his mother's face.
I couldn't understand their language but I saw the emotion.
It is going to take a lot for Uncle to forgive them.
No wonder we never knew about his Mexican roots. I doubt if he told Dad and Uncle Brad.
I guess it is because he shut his family out for all they did to him.
But if he is not ready to forgive them, why did he come back here?
"Jessica!" Sofia took my attention. She is now seated on the edge of the pool with Mica, their legs in the pool and Sofia is gesturing at me.
I smiled.
"Swim over!" she urged.
I was about to swim but something caught my eye at the mansion.
My heart picked up the minute I spotted Uncle Xavier up a window, leaning on the frame and staring at me.
I gulped as my heart raced.
Is he really staring at me?
His eyes are....
"Come on, Jessica. We are about to swim race," Sofia took my attention again.
They are entering the pool.
I returned my gaze to uncle.
He stood up straight and walked away from the window to my disappointment.
I was sure he was staring at me.
Or.....am I wrong?
"Hey!" Mica yelled, taking my attention. Sofia splashes her water.
"Stop!"
"No!"
"Ugh!!" Mica groaned, splashing water back at Sofia.
"Hey!" Sofia protested, making Mica laugh.
"Serve you right!" she said, still laughing.
I smiled, moving my eyes to the window. Uncle is still not there.
I heaved a sigh, swimming my way towards Mica and Sofia.
"Time to race!" Sofia squealed!
AN HOUR LATER......
"You can bake too?" Sofia asked.
We are done swimming and are currently lying on different benches close to each other with our towels, taking in the tiny sun that seems to be disappearing.
Why do I have a feeling it is going to rain soon?
I nodded. "Yes. My mom taught me all I know."
"Wow. You can bake us some cupcakes and donuts, right?" Sofia asked.
"Yes, I can."
"Great. Let's do that later today, okay?"
"Sure."
"So, Jessica," Ms. Ximena called.
"Yes, ma'am,"
"Oh, cut the ma'am, dear. Ximena is fine. You make me feel old when you call me ma'am."
"You are old, Mom," Mica said.
"Shut up, Mica."
Sofia chuckled.
I smiled slightly.
"How do you know my brother, sweetie?" Ms. Ximena asked.
My heart picked up.
"You two are not dating, right?"
My cheeks heated up. Just like they did when those boys called him my boyfriend, forced us to kiss and his mom joked about when we are getting married.
"I mean, it is not as if it is impossible. You both are adults."
I fiddled with the swimming cap in my hands as my heart raced.
"He is forty-five and you are....."
"She is my age, Mom." Sofia chipped in. "Uncle is too old for her."
"Callate, Sofia. I had you when I was your age and my ex-husband, your dad, was the same age as your uncle. Even older." Ms. Ximena said proudly.
"Geez, mom," Mica muttered.
"What? Age doesn't matter." Ms. Ximen said, moving her eyes to me. "So sweetie, tell me. What is your relationship with Xavier?"
"He is my dad's best friend."
Her face twitched.
"Oh," Sofia said.
"It just got interesting," Mica said.
"Indeed." Sofia supported.
"You still think age doesn't matter, Mom?" Mica asked.
Ms. Ximena heaved a sigh as I lowered my gaze.
"Well, that is nice to hear," she said, making me look at her. "I apologize for placing such thoughts in your head."
I nodded slightly as guilt clenched me.
"Ignore what I said earlier. He is almost like an uncle to you just as he is to my girls," she added.
"Exactly. Their dating is forbidden," Mica said.
That added to my guilt.
"Yeah and until I see one in real life, forbidden relationships like that only happen in books," Sofia said.
We already kissed.
Twice.
But he doesn't remember the first time.
God, this is bad.
I am not even worthy to say God's name.
"What kind of pastries will you all be baking tonight though?" Ms. Ximena broke the silence.
"Cupcakes and donuts. Right, Jessica?" Sofia asked happily.
I managed to smile.
"Yes. Cupcakes."
"Okay. You girls will help her and.... "
The sky rumbled, taking our attention.
The clouds have some dark areas.
It is definitely going to rain.
"Oh boy," I heard Sofia mutter.
"It is just a rumble. It is not going to rain." Mica said.
Next and like it heard Mica's brag, it started pouring instantly.
We gasped in unison.
"You were saying, Mica,"
"Ugh, I hate the rain. Hurry girls! let's go in!" Ms. Ximena urged as we all ran towards the mansion.
THUNDER CLAP!
"Ah!" we screamed in unison, running into the mansion as the rain increased. A huge wind followed us in as well.
Ms. Ximena hurried towards the door and closed it quickly.
She turned to us.
We all burst out into laughter.
"Oh my gosh, that was fun." Sofia as we laughed.
"That hideous wind could pick any of us up and throw us away if we didn't act fast," Mica said, making us chuckle.
"What the fuck is going on here?" A familiar voice took our attention.
I froze.
Uncle Xavier.
He stood in front of us, two steps away from us with his hands in his pockets.
His eyes are on me.
My heart is racing already.
"Xavier," Ms. Ximena called, taking his attention. "We just escaped the heavy rain outside. It is really...."
"Why the fuck are you naked, Jessica?" he retorted, looking at me.
I furrowed my brows, looking at my body.
I am still in my bikini.
I looked at him, opening my mouth to speak but....,
"It's a bikini, uncle," Mica spoke up, scoffing.