Author's Note: Thank you everyone for all of your support! All the favorites, followings, and reviews mean so much and are helping me push this story through! Have a great weekend! Next chapter will be a bit longer, so it'll probably be done by Monday (but we'll see. It may be sooner since I'm stuck at home alone). Stay tuned!

SOFIA

Camilo and I walk back to Casita through the forest hand in hand. At first, it was because he claimed he was worried I might trip on the uneven terrain in the dark. Something I could've easily fixed by lighting a flame for us, mind you. But . . . I've chosen to keep quiet and not do so.

As the land levels out and clears of foliage the closer we get to our destination, Camilo's fingers remain entwined with mine. His grip soft yet steady. Guiding. I can't help but smile at it and their warmth as we walk side by side now, across the grass leading up to Casita, at a slow, casual pace. If I could, I'd make this moment last forever.

Feeling his tender hands in mine, it's like a dream. Full of happiness. Comfort. Like that first beam of summer sunlight.

The comparison reminds me of our gentle kiss back at the park.

Although it was unexpected, it was also absolutely perfect, and it still makes me giddy just thinking about it.

I've never liked someone before. Not like this. Chances have never allowed it. And I've certainly never kissed. Such a thing's impossible with a brother like Al always hovering over your shoulders. And although this is confusing and exciting all at once, one thing I know with confidence is . . . Camilo makes me happy. More than anyone I've ever met. I feel at peace with him, while also tingly and bursting with energy.

There's really no words to describe it, other than I like him. I want to be around him. So much so, I don't fear the problems of the past. I don't worry if or when he might betray us—betray me. Because in my heart of hearts, I know he won't.

Now if only I can convince Al of the same reasoning.

Glancing up from the lawn to look at Casita, I notice Mirabel and Al, our person in question, sitting next to each other out front. Mirabel peeks over at us as we near. "Alejandro!" She elbows him hard in the side, almost tipping him over.

He scowls at her, then follows her gaze to us. His eyes widen.

I gulp.

Faster than I can blink, he jumps up and teleports in a blur right in front of me. "Gracias a Dios, you're safe!" He hugs me tight to him. He buries his face in my shoulder, letting out a quiet, shuddering breath, his whole body shaking.

Tears fill my eyes.

He really was worried about me. A lot.

I let go of Camilo's hand and hug him back, equally as hard.

We stand there for a moment, just embracing each other. Al then steps back and, glimpsing between me and Camilo, rubs the back of his neck. "I . . um—"

"Stop." I hold a swift hand up, interrupting him. He jolts and stiffens, looking at me at full attention. "This time I talk, you listen."

Staring at me for a second, Al breathes in loudly, purses his lips, and nods.

My heart races.

Okay. It's now or never, and Mami and Papi didn't raise no quitter.

"First, what you did back there was unacceptable," I start, balling my hands into fists. "I appreciate you always looking out for me, I do. But you're not allowed to make all my decisions for me, and you're not, I repeat, not allowed to beat up my friends. Not without my specific say so, anyways."

I flash Camilo a teasing glimpse, to which he chuckles, crosses his arms, and grins.

"Two," I inhale a deep, trembling breath, the tears coming back with such force, it's hard to hold them in. "You're my brother," I whisper. "I love you and always will. However, you need to stop being so overprotective of me . . . I know I messed up in the past. I accept and own that. But . . . I've learned since then. I need you to trust and hear me more. I'm my own person, with my own wants, dreams, and feelings, not someone you can just boss around . . . And I need my brother, not a babysitter."

A couple of tears escape as I finally say it all, everything I've kept inside for so long, and I quickly move to wipe them away.

Al reaches a hand out and wipes another from my cheek, his brows furrowed and eyes full of glistening pain.

He opens and closes his mouth a couple times, seeming to struggle for words, then slumps his shoulders and sighs. "I know. You're right. I'm sorry," he says. "What I did back there . . . I . . . shouldn't have behaved the way I did. For that, I apologize. To both of you," he glances at Camilo. "I just . . . Ever since we were little, I've promised I would protect you. That I would always watch out for you. And when we had to leave home . . . I failed you. I never wanted you to have to go through something like that again, so I . . ." he breathes in deep through his nose and closes his eyes. "I may have gone a bit overboard. But you're right." He nods. "I need to trust in you more and work on giving you your space. You can fight your own battles and know when to call on me, if and when you need to."

He raises an accusatory eyebrow at Camilo. Not even trying to hide the hint.

The three of us exchange looks and burst into a fit of snickers.

Amid our ongoing laughter, Mirabel walks over. "There! Now was that so hard?" She puts her hands on her hips, grinning from ear to ear.

Al and I both smile at each other. He then frowns and squints at Camilo. "I still don't approve whatever this is, though! Just to be clear." He waves one hand between the two of us.

Camilo and I both chuckle and shift awkwardly in place, a blush tingling the tops of my cheeks.

His reaction paired with Al's wording inspires questions as we walk back into Casita.

Such as: what is this? And whatever we are, what does it mean for us and the rest of our stay here? Along with any future following, if there's one to begin with?