"Thanks for coming after me, Elena."

Placing a hand on his shoulder, Elena smiled her sincerity, "Anytime Mateo."

Reveling in the solid feel of him being safely back in the human world, Elena kept her hand where it rested. Of course she'd do it again, there was no question about that. No way would she ever abandon him to an eternity lost in the spirit world––he was her best friend and she needed him there by her side.

She was distracted as Zuzo and Cacahuate began swirling around their charges, leaving trails of glittering spirit magic in their wake. The teens could feel the magic soaking into their very essence like a blessing.

Laughing together, Elena and Mateo watched their spirit guides make their dramatic exit.

As the light faded along with the excitement of their little misadventure, Elena's gaze flicked back to Mateo, who was watching her quietly as her hand now gripped his shoulder tightly.

The fear for his safety, the worry that she would never see him again, and the relief that they had both made it safely back mingled together, nearly overwhelming her. Her throat tightened and she swallowed hard, trying to ignore the stinging in her eyes.

Unable to contain herself any longer, Elena let out a little whimper and flung her arms around Mateo's shoulders, clutching him to her in a bone crushing hug. Mateo stiffened in surprise, but relaxed into her embrace, slipping his arms around her.

"I–I was so worried for you, Mateo," she murmured, her face buried in his neck. "I don't know what I would have done had we not been able to get you back."

"Don't worry," he said quietly, hugging her closer as if checking to be sure she too was real, "I'm alright, Elena. Mostly because of you."

She pulled back and smiled, her eyes shining with unshed tears as she smacked him in the arm.

"Ow! What was that for?"

"Don't ever do that to me again, Mateo de Alva!"

"What?! Summon my spirit guide?"

"No! Running off to the spirit world without me. We're a team. We should have those kinds of adventures together."

Mateo chuckled, giving her a mock salute. "Yes ma'am. I'll keep that in mind next time a rogue spirit shows up with magical spirit corn."

"You'd better," she glared fiercely before she looped her arm in his and grinned. "Come on. I think my abuela was making pastelitos this morning. Maybe if we give her the sad puppy dog look together we can convince her to share. It's the least she can do after our ordeal."

Chuckling, Mateo shook his head in amusement at her plan, "I'm not so sure Luisa will part with her baked goods that easily but sure. Why not?"