Scared And Scarred

2️⃣ 9️⃣

After the long introduction for me, the rest of the family greeted each other. Then everyone except me and dad, took off to different rooms to rest and freshen up after their long journey from Spain.
Now I realize why we need so many rooms for just 7 people.

"I hope you are not overwhelmed, princess."

"I am a fine dad."

"I know some of your cousins and even your grandfather seemed a little closed off, but that was not because of you dear. That's how they are."

"Don't worry papa Lucas warned me. I was kinda prepared for a bunch of Issacs and Martins." I said smiling.

"Haha. I hope now those idiots are treating you well."

"Yes, we are good."
Though Isaac acts like a food policeman, it's like he has made it his life's only aim to make me eat at least three meals a day. Martin on the other hand kind of avoids me. He is not rude but it's not that smooth between us. Anyways I don't need to tell you all this dad.

"And how's school"

"Fine."

"Alicia look at me, I know your life drastically changed and everything is new and different for you but we are here, we, your family desperately want to help you. All you gotta do is ask. I know you can handle everything on your own, you are my strong girl but princess I and your brothers, we also need some ego boost. Solving your problems and helping you out, it's more for us than for you. When you were born, all the boys pledged to protect you always. Give them a chance.
Try sharing your troubles, Xia"

"I don't wanna be a burden papa."

"ok so if Yahel has any problem in future or any of your brothers, they shall not ask you for help right? Because it will be a trouble for you-"

"No dad. They are my brothers they must tell me."

"And you are their sister Xia. If they are no burden to you then you are also not for them. Always saying that everything is fine or I am good, these are the most spoken lies dear. Lying to the world is fine but try to open up to your family. Lies or love, the family has the place for only one L. Think about it."

I nodded.

"last thing dear your family is not just limited to your 5 brothers but I meant all your 14 brothers, uncles, aunts and grandparents."

"yes, papa."

Papa left for somewhere while I was thinking about what papa said to me. Lies or love.

I choose love.

No one is perfect. Even my family isn't but at least I have a family that is mine. As they have accepted me with all my flaws and shortcomings, I'll do the same. I'll trust them and try to be one of them. I'll try not to treat myself as a stranger so I don't mess this up another chance that god gave me.

"is something bothering you Dear? " Tia Julia asked me. She was standing in front of me with Tita, I had no idea when they came here.

"No Tia"
Lies or love.
Dad's words were flying all over my mind.

"I was just thinking about something. By the way, how was your flight?"

"Alicia if you ever want to talk about something, anything for that matter, come to me. I am not your old orthodox grandma, you can talk to me about boys, parties, everything and I'll guide you and support you always."

"Okay, Tita I'll have you on speed dial." Tita kissed my forehead and went in the direction of the garden.

"Xia I am going to prepare lunch for everyone, what would you like to have?"