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Chapter Seventeen: Garcia Family Fiesta

A/N: Hello! Time for an update! The song in the chapter is Heavan's Eyes from the Prince of Egypt. Enjoy!

"In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life. It goes on." -Robert Frost

Antonio was laying on his guest bed resting. So far he'd only been with his family for a few days and those days had been absolutely exhausting. It turned out that Carlito and Álex were twins. And they were both balls of un-utilized energy. They were always having races in the halls and down the stairs. He's also learned that Marianna's mother had died when her youngest brothers, Carlito and Álex, were born. He'd also met some of his other relatives.

Someone knocked on his door. He got up and went to answer it. He open the door and smiled. "Hi Marianna."

"Hi Antonio," she said coming in. "Sorry I haven't been to see you. Everyone's just been so busy with the reunion and all."

"I understand," Antonio, leading her over to the couch. "I wish I could help more," he added as they said down.

Marianna curled up a little bit, facing him. "It's ok. I think you've got your hands full just trying to get used to everyone."

"Yeah. I do. I'm surprised by all this. I mean...I never knew our grandfather was...so..."

"Well off? Well it didn't happen overnight. Grandpa and his sons built this business from the ground up."

Antonio looked away. "I know. That's why I feel bad about the inheritance he left me. Nether I, nor my father did anything to deserve it."

"That's not true. Who do you think got my dad all those connections in Mexico and the States? The business couldn't have grown without a little help."

"Really? I thought my father never talked to any of his brothers?"

"Well, my dad was the only one. And apparently he was sworn to secrecy. But he told me so that I could tell you if I ever got the chance. So in a way, you do deserve it. Because your dad did help. You might not work in the business like the rest of us, but helped in your own way. And besides, Grandpa would still want you to take it. To help you."

Antonio smiled. "I'm glad you think so. So, have more relatives arrived?"

Marianna nodded. "Uncle Filipe and Aunt María just got here. They're the last arrivals."

Antonio sighed. "I have to go meet them then."

"Oh don't worry, they'll come to you. Once Grandma tells them you're here. Which should be any-" she was interrupted by someone knocking. "second now. I swear that woman wastes no time."

Antonio laughed. He stood up. "Come in!"

A man and a woman, followed by three small children came in. The man smiled at Antonio. "You must be Antonio."

"I am. It's nice to- whoa!" Antonio's uncle hugged him fiercely. He was used it this now. So far everyone he'd met had hugged him or kissed him in greeting.

"I'm so glad to finally meet you," Filipe said. He stopped hugging his nephew and held him at arm's length. "God, you look just Aáron."

"I don't know, Filipe," said the woman coming closer. "I'd say he looks like that woman in the photo Aáron gave the family." She smiled at Antonio. "I'm his wife, María." She hugged Antonio, then kissed both his cheeks. Antonio still blushed a little every time someone did that. "And these are our children." The three kids, who'd been hiding shyly behind their parents legs looked at each other, then ran and tackled Antonio onto the ground.

"Oof!"

Filipe laughed. "The oldest is Pedro. He's six. Then Carla, she's five. And Alonso. He's four."

"Very nice," Antonio said. All three children were sitting on him. Pedro pushed his feet into Antonio's chin; Carla was hugging his thighs so her head was resting on his bent knees; and Alonso was on his stomach next to Pedro, and he had some of Antonio's fingers in his mouth. Antonio was aware of the fact that Marianna was laughing at him.

Filipe smiled. "Children, let your cousin up."

Pedro got up and grabbed Alonso under his armpits. He pulled his younger brother off and stood him up. Carla ran to her bothers and tackled Pedro to the ground. The started having a wrestling match, while Alonos simply sat down and watched while he sucked on his fingers. Antonio got up and smiled. "Cute kids."

"They're a handful," Filipe said. "But then so were my bothers and I when we were young."

"I'd believe it," María teased.

"We're so happy to finally meet you. Ever since Damián talked to Aáron and everything... We were thrilled to find out you were coming."

"I'm glad. It's nice to meet you all."

"We should've get going. We have to settle into our room and feed the little monsters before the big fire party tonight. We'll see you later."

"Ok. See you later."

"Children! Let's go!"

Pedro and Carla stopped their fight and ran to their parents. Alonso simply got up and walked over to his mother. He held his hands up and she picked him up. "Bye!" the three of the chorused.

"Bye," Antonio waved as they left.

Marianna got up once the two of them were alone again. "Yeah. Those are Filipe's little demons."

"I noticed."

"You'll get used to them...in time..."

"Hopefully."

"Come on, I'll give you a tour of the town."

"I'd like that," Antonio smiled, following her out.

-Samurai Ranger Life-

"So," Marianna said as they drove around. "I've been meaning to ask, are there any...special people in your life?"

Antonio grinned. "Oh yeah. The love of my life, Lauren Shiba. She's so beautiful. And smart. Funny. Amazing."

"I think someone's in love."

"I've been in love with her since we first met."

"Aw. Is she a fisherman too?"

"No," Antonio chuckled. "Lauren doesn't even have to work, if you know what I mean."

"I do." Marianna suddenly and a thought and wondered if she should share it. Antonio might've been her cousin, but she'd only known him a few days; plus this might be stepping over the line. "So, you're a fisherman struggling to get by and she's...very privileged."

"Yeah, I guess."

"And this has never been a problem for you guys?"

Antonio barely glanced at her. "Well, no." He sighed. "Not yet at least."

"Not yet?"

"Well...we've never had a problem with it. But I mean, when we get married, what if I couldn't provide for her? Maybe...maybe she deserves someone...I don't know...better..."

Marianna put a hand on his knee. "Hey, I'm sorry I brought it up. That was stupid. If you love this girl that much, I'm sure something as superficial and worthless as money could never come between you. Plus, you are the grandson of the man who founded the largest fishing company in Costa Rica. If you take Grandma's offer-"

"Wait offer? What offer?"

Marianna sighed and shook her head. "She's didn't ask you yet? Did she?"

"Ask me what?"

"Grandma is...not exactly the best person to run the business. Because you're the oldest grandchild and you have your own business and experience in this area...she talked it over with our uncles, and they all agree they want you to be the new boss."

Antonio stared at her in shock. "Me? But they don't even know me."

"They know of you. They know you're Grandpa's oldest and most mature grandson. They know you have worked as a fisherman your entire life. They know you own a business, and obviously have experience in this. Plus, it would be great. I mean, you can't make a lot selling fish out of a small cart. You could build a mansion by the sea for this Lauren."

Antonio rested his head on his finger tips a little. "I don't even...I don't think I'm the guy you want."

"You don't have to answer now. Just...think about it. It'll take a few months before they even think about switching over all the legal stuff. You got time."

Antonio could only nod. I'm starting to feel apprehensive about this trip.

-Samurai Ranger Life-

By the time they got back the house was hoping with activity. Antonio followed Marianna into the backyard. He saw a fire pit set up with a nice flame going. He saw cousins running around, and some of them had a soccer game going.

"Hey sis!" Carlito shouted, running up to them. He tackled Antonio in a hug and smiled. "Hey cuz!"

"Hey," Antonio smiled. "Can you get off?"

"Oh yeah, sure."

Antonio got up and looked around. Lights were strung around the yard and two long tables had been set up for food. "Where are we going to eat?"

"On the ground," Marianna said like it was obvious.

Antonio wandered closer to the fire. He stood around, feeling awkward.

"Hey Antonio," his uncle Adrián said. Antonio had wondered if his grandparents had a thing for names that start with 'A'.

"Hi."

"How's your visit going?"

"Pretty good so far."

"I'm glad. Everyone was so excited to hear you were coming. You look like Aáron."

"So I've been told."

"You know I was only eleven when he left. I was...heartbroken. All of us looked up to him. He was the oldest, you know. Our role model. Then he my dad had their fight and he left. It way as felt like there was something missing here, you know? Even when Dad built the house, and he designed a suite for each son, he put one in for your father. I think part of him always hoped that he'd come home. And he did in a way."

Antonio smiled shyly. "I'm glad you feel that way."

"If you don't mind my asking, what did happen to Aáron? When my father was trying to track you down, he said you looked a little young to be on your own."

"Fishing accident," Antonio lied. "You know...some friends of his needed an extra man and...accidents happen."

"I'm sorry. who old were you?"

"Fifteen," he lied again. "I was pretty grown up by that time, so that helped."

"Well, at least there's that."

Antonio turned away. He always hated lying, but the "story" of his dad's death was one he had practiced a lot over the years. Not even his friends new the truth.

"Food time!" someone shouted.

Antonio smiled as he followed the crowd of people over to the tables of food. He grinned uncontrollably. He saw so many different types of fish with an array of fruits and vegetables. He started filling his plate; reaching over others like everyone else.

"Mama, what's with this?" Filipe asked. "I don't recognize this fish."

"Antonio gave me the recipe," Gabriella explained.

Filipe nodded and took a couple of the tacos Antonio had consented to being cooked. He'd wanted to do it himself, but Gabriella had assured him she'd follow the recipe exactly. He grabbed a soda out of the cooler and sat down in the giant circle with everyone else around the fire. He looked around, watching everyone. The adults helped the younger children, even if it wasn't their son or daughter. Older children joked and laughed even if they weren't sibling. The men seemed to be play flirting with the women, who flirted right back.

It's like they're more than a family, Antonio thought as he ate. They're like a community. A village all in themselves. He smiled. Part of him had always wanted a big family. Brothers and sisters. Jayden was the closest thing he'd ever had to a brother his whole life.

"Mm! Antonio this taco is amazing!" one of his aunts shouted.

"Fantastic!" another yelled.

Antonio blushed a little. "Thanks!"

"You're natural cook," Marianna told him.

"Thanks."

By the time everyone was done eating, the sun had gone down and the only source of light was the bonfire crackling in the middle of the circle. Almost as if by habit, everyone started to pull out musical instruments. A couple of people had guitars, and others had tambourines or maracas.

"You play?" Filippe asked Antonio, handing him a guitar.

Antonio smiled. "A little."

One if his uncles started a song and everyone joined in. Antonio recognized a folk song his dad had tight him and strummed along with ease. Some of the small children got up and started to dance around, holding hands. Antonio laughed at how cute it was. The older kids clearly had a dance for this song, and started to attempt to teach the younger children. A couple of songs later, Fillipe took the guitar from Antonio and passed it to a teenage cousin.

"Sorry, nephew, but all the adults dance in this next one."

"But I don't know how-"

"Come on," Marianna smiled, taking his hand. "I'll show you."

As the music started Antonio followed her movements. He glanced around and saw all his aunts and uncles were up as well. Marianna sang the words as she helped him dance. "A single thread in a tapestry, though its color brightly shines, can never see its purpose in the pattern of the grand design. And the stone that sits on the very top of the mountain's mighty face, does it think it's more important than the stones that form the base?"

Antonio smiled when he realized he recognized the song. He had a faint and memory of his dad singing it and dancing with his mom around their small house. He started to sing along. "So how can you see what your life is worth? Or where your value lies? You can never see through the eyes of man. You must look at your life; look at your life through heaven's eyes

Lai-la-lai..."

"See. You got his cuz," Marianna smiled as she helped him move his arms. "A lake of gold in the desert sand is less than a cool fresh spring. And to one lost sheep, a shepherd boy is greater than the richest king? If a man lose ev'rything he owns has he truly lost his worth? Or is it the beginning of a new and brighter birth?"

Antonio felt those words certainly rang true for his own life. "So how do you measure the worth of a man in wealth or strength or size? In how much he gained or how much he gave? The answer will come; the answer will come to him who tries. To look at his life through heaven's eyes."

Marianna seemed to look into his eyes as she snag the next words; still she helped him dance, but he was starting to get the hang of the repeated movements. "And that's why we share all we have with you; though there's little to be found. When all you've got is nothing, there's a lot to go around. No life can escape being blown about by the winds of change and chance. And though you never know all the steps; you must learn to join the dance. You must learn to join the dance."

Antonio simply grinned as danced with more confidence and sang out with his relatives. "So how do you judge what a man is worth by what he builds or buys? You can never see with your eyes on earth; look through heaven's eyes. Look at your life; look at your life: look at your life through heaven's eyes."

The music stopped and Antonio practically fell back in the grass. He laughed. "That was fun." He sat up and looked around. He tried to imagine what it would be like to live like this. To have these amazing people who barely knew him, but had accepted him as family, around him all the time. To be in a place that was his roots, speaking his native language. Living with the customs he and his dad left behind when he was young. He thought about it as he clapped along to the next song. The shadows were long and dark against the firelight.

But in the circle of singing and laughing Garcias, it was warm. Light and happiness radiated from person to person and Antonio couldn't help but feel at home. And suddenly, heading up his grandfather's company didn't sound so crazy anymore.