I had wanted to finish this by Christmas but I've been sick. And not just a little sick… three weeks sick and counting. So this story has been languishing while I try to juggle the holidays and feeling like death. Anyway, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Wishing you all the best.

I do not own.

The house was finally decorated. The group stood around drinking horchata and munching on fried tortillas. Rex made sure Annie was far away from him.

"When are the kids arriving?" Claire asked.

"I think I see them now." Federico pointed in the distance.

Sure enough a procession of children appeared in the distance. Laughing and singing they made their way to the decorated house.

When they arrived, they sang their song. Abuela came out with a bowl of sweets. When the children were done, Abuela set the bowl down and politely clapped. Rex and his friends followed suit. Abuela picked the bowl up and bade the children to take some. Most of the children pushed their way forward to get the treats. One, however, stood shyly back.

"Hey, don't you want some candy?" Beverly knelt down to the child's eye level.

The little boy shrank back.

"It's okay." Beverly reassured him with a smile. She slowly held out a hand. "Come on, I'll help you get some."

The little boy looked at her hand before hesitantly putting his out. Beverly took his hand before he could change his mind and led him to Abuela. She gently nudged the pushier children out of the way and led the boy to the bowl. The little boy looked inside before quickly grabbing a handful.

"Gracias." He mumbled softly before darting back.

Abuela continued to pass the candy out. When the bowl was emptied of its contents, Abuela asked Caesar to bring out the piñata.

Caesar disappeared into the house and came out carrying a star-shaped paper machete. He climbed up the ladder and started hanging it off the awning.

"Oooo, it's so pretty." Annie said.

"Yeah, too bad it's going to be busted open." Claire replied.

"Then I better get a picture." Annie took out her phone. The flash went off blinding Caesar who teetered on the ladder. Beverly and Circe quickly grabbed the sides to steady him. But the piñata started to fall. Rex made his smack hands and dove for it. He managed to grab it before it hit the round. Unfortunately, he dove too hard and plowed into the statues, knocking them down.

"Rex, are you okay?" Circe ran to push the statues off of him.

"Owww." Rex replied still holding the piñata above is head.

Circe took the piñata from Rex so he could get up. Rex brushed the dust off himself. Caesar proceeded to hang the piñata.

Abuela handed the first child a stick. Noah tied a blindfold and spun him around. The boy was let loose. He swung with gusto but missed completely. After a few minutes he was stopped and the next child was given a turn. A few managed to hit it but none were able to break it.

"Oh, oh can I try?" Annie asked excitedly when the last disappointed child was done. The teens all looked apprehensively at each other. Abuela unaware of Annie's history agreed happily.

"Wait. You're going to give her a stick… and blindfold her?" Rex took a step away. In a lower tone he whispered, "Are we insane?"

"Shhh," Circe hushed him. "Be nice."

"Be nice? Be nice? She's the blond widow!" Rex squeaked.

"Shhhh, she'll hear you. Just stand behind me if you're worried." Circe told him firmly.

Rex moved to the back of the group. Noah tied the blindfold onto Annie, spun her and moved to a safe distance. Everyone took a step back.

She swung with all her might. Surprisingly, the stick made contact with the piñata. The piñata exploded and candy rained down. The kids cheered as they stooped down to get the treats.

Annie pulled her blindfold off. "I got it? Oh my gosh! I got it!" She excitedly jumped up and down. The stick flew from her hand, into the air, bouncing off the ceiling, and straight at Rex.

But before it can hit him, a sonic wave disintegrated it. Rex who had his hands up and eyes closed. He slowly opened one eye. When he saw that he was safe, he put his hands down in surprise.

Circe smirked. "You're welcome."

I am in Texas visiting the in-laws (yes, while feeling pretty sick). Hoping to recover here while the grandparents watch the kiddies. But I want to thank all of you for reading my stories. I don't know when I'm updating next but I hope to finish this story before the new year. Anyway, I'm surprise that I lasted here so long. So Happy Holidays to everyone and here's to the new year. May you continue to find my stories entertaining.