ETHEREAL

Chapter 23

"Well till then we'll see you and your family again."

After the insufferably long farewells, I was finally led to an awaiting car where we made our way home.

My mother held onto my hands the whole way there making sure to be careful. "I'm so glad you've made friends as helpful as them honey, they're good people to have around you."

If only she knew.

"Freya!! Get down here the guests will be here any second."

I apply a good coat of sunscreen on my mostly healed skin, at least everywhere I could reach with just one good arm, put on one of my overalls and made my way downstairs.

The sun has quickly set down to a nice purple hue but it's never a bad thing to be on the safe side.

My skin has definitely gotten better but too much sun exposure is still not recommended so my parents decided to have the barbeque after sunset.

Having my dominate hand in a cast has been a real pain, I also found out that I'm a horrible left-hand drawer and definitely not ambidextrous.

I made my way through all the commotion and follow the noise coming from the backyard. The smell of meat on the grill coming to my senses.

The pool was lit up very beautifully and the fountains were on, this is the first time since we've moved that I've really paid attention to how big it is.

"Freya my dear have you applied your sunscreen?" Dad asks but I couldn't take him seriously with his #1 dad apron.

I simply nodded afraid that I'll fail to hide my laugh.

The sound of the door bell brought both of our attention inside the house.

"Go on and welcome them in, the food is almost all done."

I sigh knowing I didn't have much of a choice, I made my way to the front door and was welcomed by Axel and two other kids sticking by his side like glue.

His sling that was once there now gone and holding a pink unicorn bag which I assume was for the little girl on his arm.

"Freya thanks for welcoming us again, your home is very beautiful." I smiled towards the familiar lady and just behind them I could see Luca and his family walking over.

"Thank you Ms. Andrés you have very beautiful children." I said the words before I could even process it and it doesn't fail to put the signature smirk back on Axels face.

He also didn't fail to hide the way he looked me up and down, smiling at the fact that even to a pool party I never fail to wear overalls.

"Oh dear please call me Meredith and these two are Alex and Jane and this little koala over here is our little Flora. Please forgive them they really love their bubba." Flora laughed as Axel made a silly face towards her and it didn't fail to put a smile to my face.

Bubba, what a cute nickname.

"Well it looks like our final guests are here." I exclaimed as Luca and his family stood beside Axel and his. The stark difference between the two families being highlighted especially having them stand next to each other.

"Damon, Rachel, Tyler and Luca nice to have you guys again." I politely greeted them and motioned for the maids to take their bags to the backyard.

"Nice to be here, make sure to stick around this time alright?" I didn't fail to miss the hint of sarcasm over Rachel's voice and apparently Luca didn't either as he sent her a deathly glare effectively shutting her mouth.

I figured that before things got heated before they even made it past the door that I'd at least take them to the backyard first.

"I apologize for my previous behaviour but this time I'll definitely be sticking around, now if you guys would follow me, my dad has been working very hard on the grill."

I led them towards the backyard where my mother's tiny stature is seen running around frantically making sure that not a single pool noodle is out of place, that is until she sees that the guests have arrived.

"Welcome everyone to the Livingston's backyard barbecue, don't be afraid to enjoy yourselves."

Unedited