Unexpected Lines.

Why Did Everyone Know But ME?

Nobody's POV

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Kaia was barefoot in the sand, playing keepy-uppy with Archie while Lola toddled after the ball, squealing each time Steph faked a slide tackle. Archie collapsed in the sand in a heap of giggles, and Kaia ruffled his hair before jogging after the ball herself, the sun dipping low and staining the waves gold.

Not far away, their mum was swaying with Stephen to the tinny sound of music from Dan's speaker. It wasn't perfect-Stephen's rhythm was questionable at best-but her head was tilted back in laughter, her hand pressed against his chest like she was twenty again.

Kaia's chest warmed at the sight. For all the chaos today had thrown at them, this moment felt right.

Then she saw them.

Alba and Eli had stepped onto the sand, walking toward Alexia. Eli's body went rigid the moment she clocked who else was here, her hand instinctively tightening around Alba's wrist. She leaned close, whispering something urgent, but Alba didn't budge.

Her gaze swept the scene in front of her-the arch, the music, her mother in her old wedding dress, laughing in Stephen's arms. Then her eyes cut across the sand to Kaia, who was still holding Lola's tiny hand. Something flickered in Alba's expression-shock, ache, and fury all tangled up-but none of it aimed at Kaia.

"Look at them," Alba muttered in Spanish, her jaw tight. "They get to live like this. Smiling. Dancing. As if nothing ever happened."

Eli winced, gently tugging her hand. "Alba, please... not now."

But Alba was already pushing forward, ushering Eli toward Alexia like a storm.

Kaia's stomach dipped as she noticed the shift in air, noticed Alexia straighten, noticed Alba's eyes dart back toward their mum. Kaia bent down, scooped Lola into her arms, and held her closer. She could feel Steph glance at her, uneasy now too.

This was about to get complicated.

The ball flew off Lola's tiny foot, rolling lopsided through the sand until it bumped against Alexia's leg.

Alexia bent down without hesitation, scooping it up and dropping it back into the sand. She nudged it gently toward the little girl with the side of her foot.

Lola squealed, kicking it back, and Alexia tapped it toward her again.

Kaia jogged over, grinning, brushing sand off her calves as she joined the impromptu game. "Nice pass, peque."

Lola puffed her chest out proudly, and this time when the ball rolled near Alba, she gave it a cheeky tap back to her niece. "¡Vamos, meg her, Lola!" Alba urged, laughter in her voice.

Lola aimed directly for Alexia's legs, tongue poking out in concentration. The ball clipped Alexia's ankle and Alexia threw her hands up in mock defeat, "¡Ay! She got me!"

Alba whooped, clapping like Lola had just scored at Camp Nou. Even Eli-who'd been holding back, stiff with unease-softened at the sight, her smile small but real.

Kaia felt the corners of her lips twitch, watching the three of them fawn over her niece like they'd been part of her family forever.

Then-"Lola!"

Dan's voice cut through the waves, sharp and dad-serious. He stood near the arch, arms crossed, looking every inch the protective father. "Come here, stop wandering!"

Lola looked torn, her big eyes darting from Alexia to Kaia. "But I want play football with my new friends!" she whined, stomping one foot in the sand.

Kaia crouched down, tucking a curl behind Lola's ear. Her voice softened. "Hey, monkey. You've gotta listen to your dad, yeah? Before he stomps over here like a grumpy dinosaur."