Friday night arrived with Santiago pulling up to the Wynn entrance in his striking lime green Lamborghini. The vibrant color of the car seemed to contrast sharply with the subtleties of the evening. Brittany, visibly pregnant and burdened with the challenges that came with it, shook her head in a mixture of annoyance and amusement. "I'm 8 months pregnant; how am I getting in that thing?" she quipped, her tone carrying a blend of exasperation and humor.
Santiago, quick to apologize for any oversight, sought assistance from the valet to ensure Brittany's comfort. With the car's wing doors lifted, Brittany, aided by Santiago, navigated her way into the luxurious sports car. The valet's assistance and Santiago's considerate gestures aimed to mitigate the challenges posed by the impracticality of the car for someone in Brittany's condition.
As they set out on the road, the Lamborghini purred with power, a stark contrast to the quietude that settled within the car. The drive to Henderson, to Santiago's parents' house for dinner, unfolded in silence. The hum of the engine served as the backdrop to unspoken thoughts and the anticipation of a significant family gathering.
As Santiago approached his parents' house, he took a deep breath, feeling a mix of nervousness and anticipation. Brittany, sensing his emotions, reached over to hold his hand in a reassuring gesture. With a smirk, Santiago remarked that they were half an hour late, suggesting that the shock might not be too severe, as his Abuela would likely be more concerned about her food being overcooked than anything else. The touch of humor in his comment served as a momentary reprieve from the weight of the impending revelation and hinted at Santiago's ability to find levity even in potentially tense situations.
"Let's get you out," Santiago strained, helping pull Brittany out of her seat as she glared at him in annoyance. As they stood on the driveway, Santiago smoothed down his clothes and took a deep breath, preparing himself for what lay ahead. Opening the front door, the inviting aroma of Abuela's Pozole wafted down the hall, creating a comforting and familiar atmosphere. The house felt like a haven of family warmth, but Santiago knew that the revelation he was about to make could disrupt that tranquility.
"Santi!" his mother's voice called from another room, excitement evident in her tone. Brittany placed her hand on Santiago's back, offering a reassuring touch as she reminded him, "There's no going back; I can't squeeze and keep the baby in here forever." Her attempt at injecting a bit of humor into the situation lightened the mood, emphasizing the inevitability of facing the truth with a touch of levity. Santiago couldn't help but crack a small smile at Brittany's remark, appreciating the way she managed to infuse a moment of tension with a glimmer of lightheartedness. The couple took a collective breath, mentally preparing themselves for the reactions and conversations that awaited them inside the family home.
Navigating through the familiar hallway of his parents' home, Santiago and Brittany eventually reached the dining room. The scene was set: Santiago's parents, two brothers, two sisters-in-law, his nephew, and the ever-watchful Abuela, all gathered around the table. Santiago took a deep breath, trying to mask the nervous tremor in his voice as he greeted them, "Hey."
However, his voice betrayed a hint of vulnerability, cracking almost like he was hitting puberty again. The room fell into an uneasy silence as the gaze of each family member turned towards Santiago and the unfamiliar woman at his side. The unspoken questions hung thick in the air, and the atmosphere teetered on the edge of anticipation. Abuela, sitting at the head of the table, squinted her eyes, trying to make sense of the unexpected addition to the family gathering. Santiago's mother, a mix of curiosity and concern on her face, glanced between her son and the woman who stood beside him.
Santiago, determined to break the uneasy silence, took charge of the introduction. Placing a reassuring hand on Brittany's lower back, he presented her to each member of his family. "This is Brittany," he declared with a warm smile, hoping to convey a sense of assurance. Santiago proceeded to make the rounds around the table in a clockwise fashion.
Pointing to each family member in turn, he introduced, "This is my brother Gustavo, his wife Isabel and their son Luca. My dad Carlos, my other brother Javier, Sofia Javier's wife, my mom Gloria, and lastly, my Abuela." As the introductions concluded, the room remained in an almost palpable silence as the family members exchanged curious glances, Their eyes oscillating between Brittany and Santiago, awaiting an explanation that would shed light on the surprising presence of Brittany in their midst.
Gloria, took the initiative to break the lingering silence. Acknowledging the unexpected addition to their dinner party, she calmly stated that she would retrieve an extra chair for their unexpected guest. Santiago, in response, guided Brittany to his usual seat at the family dining table. The atmosphere remained tense, with a mix of curiosity and apprehension hanging in the air.
Returning with an extra chair, placing it at the table for Santiago, taking a seat next to Brittany, he leaned in and whispered reassuringly, "Okay, so I'm just going to say it." The room, still enveloped in an awkward hush, began to tentatively engage with their meal. The family members stole glances at Brittany, their eyes filled with curiosity.
Santiago, determined to address the situation, prepared to make the awaited announcement to his family, navigating the delicate balance between anticipation and uncertainty in the air cleared his throat, his eyes scanning the room as he addressed his family.
"So, everyone, this is Brittany. She's from Ohio" he began, his words hanging in the air like a delicate thread of revelation. The room fell silent, and Santiago continued, "We met earlier this year before the Super Bowl during the play offs" Abeula's eyes narrowed with a cautious curiosity, a discerning glint suggesting that she had an inkling of where this announcement might be heading.
He took a deep breath, his eyes shifting nervously around the table before settling on Brittany. The weight of the revelation hung in the air, and he continued, "You may have already noticed, as it's quite hard not to see." as he smiles at her. The room held its collective breath as Santiago prepared to unveil the biggest news he had ever brought to his family. With a mixture of vulnerability and determination, he declared, "We're having a baby."
The room sat in silence as the weight of Santiago's revelation settled over the family. The news hung in the air, palpable and transformative. Santiago, now officially on the path to fatherhood, awaited the reactions of his family members. Their faces reflected a mix of shock, curiosity, and perhaps a hint of concern. The stillness was broken only by the soft hum of the air conditioning and the distant sounds of the evening.
"No, Santi" Abuela broke the tension, her voice carrying the weight of concern and disapproval. The room seemed to tighten with her words, and Santiago's heart sank at the visible distress on Abuela's face. Her thick Mexican accent emphasized the gravity of her response.
"por qué, Santiago?", "tienes una vida llena de promesas por delante" as tears roll down her face. "Esto traerá vergüenza a nuestra familia, un bebé fuera del matrimonio y con una mujer blanca. Santi, has sido muy imprudente". Abuela's words echoed through the room, her distress and disappointment made very clear. The cultural and traditional values she held dear collided with Santiago's choices, creating a poignant moment of conflict within the family.
Santiago, caught between the desire for familial approval and the path he had chosen, felt the weight of his grandmother's words in the heavy silence that followed.
Santiago lowered his gaze to his bowl of food, a heavy sigh escaping him. Letting down his Abuela, a second mother to him, weighed heavily on his heart. As Carlos led Abuela out of the room, Santiago's mom rose from her seat, crossing over to him. She enveloped him in a comforting embrace, whispering in Spanish, "Te quiero mucho, mi niño dulce" ("I love you very much, my sweet boy"). The genuine affection in her words provided a soothing balm to Santiago's wounded spirit.
Breaking the lingering silence, Gustavo offered his congratulations, a gesture echoed by Javier and their respective wives. The tense atmosphere began to dissipate, replaced by a mix of acceptance and support. Santiago, still grappling with the complexities of family expectations, found solace in the genuine expressions of love and congratulations from those who chose understanding over judgment. The room gradually shifted from a space of conflict to one where the bonds of family, though tested, remained resilient.
As Carlos returned to the room Gloria turned to Brittany, enveloping her in a warm hug, expressing genuine surprise that Santiago had a chance with someone so beautiful. Laughter erupted, effectively breaking the tension that had lingered in the room. Undeterred, Gloria, in her thick Mexican accent, pressed on with curiosity, "When is the baby due?" Brittany, composed in her response, stated, "She is due in five weeks." The revelation echoed around the dining table, the repetition of "five weeks" underscoring the collective shock. However, Gloria, sharp and observant, latched onto the subtle nuance of "she."
With an intrigued expression, Gloria turned her attention to Santiago, seeking clarification. "Did she say 'she'?" she asked, her eyes narrowing with curiosity. Santiago nodded, confirming the gender of their impending arrival. Carlos beamed excitedly, breaking into a broad smile. "A girl!" he exclaimed, his enthusiasm evident. The room, accustomed to a lineage dominated by boys in the Lopez family, was now buzzing with the realization that a new chapter was beginning.
Santiago however still grappling with his Abuela's reaction, couldn't help but be touched by the warmth and joy his father's reaction brought to the atmosphere.
"Holy shit," Sam whispered in overwhelming excitement as he walked through the private entrance of the Allegiant Stadium. The walls were adorned with the rich history of the Raiders, a visual journey through the team's legacy. Turning to Brittany, he couldn't help but express his gratitude.
"Britt, thank you for this. This is insane!" Sam's eyes sparkled with a mix of awe and gratitude. The magnitude of the experience began to sink in as they walked deeper into the heart of the stadium, surrounded by the echoes of triumphs and challenges that had shaped the Raiders over the years.
They were met by a stadium security guard who guided them through the labyrinthine corridors to the suite Santiago hired. The moment they stepped in, awe washed over them. The suite exuded luxury, adorned with white marble floors, and a sleek white kitchen beckoning with an array of mouthwatering Mexican dishes. Fridges stood filled with an assortment of drinks, promising refreshment in every sip.
The panoramic view from the balcony, perched above the stadium field, left all four of them gasping. Santiago's mother, Gloria, caught sight of Brittany and, unable to contain her excitement, shouted her name. With infectious joy, Gloria rushed over, enveloping Brittany in a warm hug. "Brittany, mi amor, welcome!" she exclaimed, her words a mix of English and Spanish.
Gloria beamed, leading them further into the expansive suite, eager to share the memorable experience that awaited them during the Raiders game.
Brittany took the opportunity to introduce Sam, Quinn and Rachel to Gloria, fostering an air of congeniality in the midst of Santiagos's family. Gloria, ever the gracious host, extended warm greetings to Santiago's family members, including Abuela, who regarded Brittany with an intense stare that seemed to pierce through the room. The air grew tense, charged with the complexity of the situation.
Just as the suite brimmed with an awkward ambiance, Puck dramatically swung open the doors with a whistle, his entrance cutting through the unease. Santiago and his friends Collin, Cole, Dave, Hunter, Finn, Casey and Pucks brother Jacob followed. In his training gear, bearing Raiders bags, Santiago urged Puck to tone down the theatrics. Puck, with his trademark smirk, scanned the room, relishing the chance to inject humor into the atmosphere.
"Well, well, look at this! Santiago, my man, you know how to treat your guests" Puck declared, raising an imaginary glass. The tension began to dissipate as Puck's energy diffused through the suite, setting the stage for what promised to be an eventful game day.
Santiago's smile radiated warmth as he seized the opportunity to engage with the group. With an air of excitement, he turned his attention to Brittany, a glint of mischief in his eyes. "I've got something for you" he announced, unveiling a Raiders jersey emblazoned with his name and squad number. The personalized touch drew a delighted expression from Brittany, who graciously accepted the gift.
But Santiago wasn't done; he reached into his stash, revealing a Raiders teddy bear fleece bodysuit for the baby. The adorable garment elicited audible coos from Gloria, who couldn't contain her joy at the prospect of her soon-to-arrive granddaughter donning the miniature fluffy suit. The suite buzzed with a mix of familial warmth and excitement for the impending game.
After a quick round of catching up with his family, Santiago sensed the need to address the tension with Abuela. He approached her with a gentle demeanor, planting a tender kiss on her head. "I need to go warm up" he declared, gracefully deflecting from the charged atmosphere. Abuela's stern gaze softened, and Santiago made his exit from the suite, leaving behind a mix of emotions and anticipation for the game ahead.
As Santiago departed, the suite remained abuzz with chatter. Gloria marveled at the baby bodysuit, Quinn and Rachel exchanged smiles, and Sam, still awestruck by the grandeur of the suite, whispered another grateful thank you to Brittany.
As the game unfolded, the Raiders, in their first home game of the season against the Pittsburgh Steelers, faced a series of ups and downs on the field. Seated in a plush white chair, Brittany, still acquainting herself with the intricacies of the game, found solace next to Sam, the football enthusiast, who patiently explained the unfolding events.
In the initial moments of the game, both teams grappled with offensive struggles, resulting in a series of unsuccessful drives and frequent three-and-outs. However, the Raiders managed to break this deadlock, seizing momentum that ultimately led to them taking the lead. Embarking on a crucial drive from their own 26-yard line, Santiago orchestrated a remarkable 74-yard advancement in seven plays. The defining moment occurred in a fourth-and-inches scenario, with Santiago connecting with Davante Adams for an impressive 32-yard touchdown down the middle.
The Raiders' defense encountered difficulties in containing the Steelers' run game, especially in the second quarter. The Steelers made notable strides, amassing 47 rushing yards and putting the Silver and Black on the defensive. The game's ebb and flow captivated fans, both within the stadium and in the suite, keeping them on the edge of their seats in eager anticipation of the next significant play.
As Sam continued to provide play-by-play explanations to Brittany, the suite became a dynamic hub of reactions. Puck, with his eyes fixed on the action, offered sporadic exclamations, Quinn and Rachel exchanged supportive nods, and Gloria, ever the passionate matriarch, cheered enthusiastically for every Raiders success. The game became more than a contest on the field; it became a shared experience, weaving together the threads of family, anticipation, and the unifying spirit of sports.
With halftime festivities concluded and the tacos thoroughly enjoyed, Brittany found herself engaged in a conversation with Santiago's sister-in-law, Isabel. In a corner of the suite, Isabel shared some birthing tips, assuring Brittany, "Santiago will ensure it goes well." Brittany, appreciative of the support, listened attentively, grateful for the camaraderie within the Lopez family.
As the game resumed, attention shifted back to the field, where the Raiders encountered a challenging period. The Steelers surged, scoring 23 points and building a considerable lead. The suite's atmosphere mirrored the rollercoaster of emotions playing out on the field—moments of tension interspersed with bursts of excitement.
In the fourth quarter, the Raiders, determined to turn the tide, emerged from their slump. Santiago took charge, leading the offense on an impressive 80-yard drive. The 11-play sequence culminated in Santiago's touchdown throw to Adams, injecting a renewed sense of hope into the Raiders' fans, both in the stadium and in the suite.
Despite the late-game resurgence, the Raiders fell short, facing a 23-18 defeat as the Steelers managed to secure a few crucial plays down the stretch.
Abeula, her expression a mix of frustration and disappointment, shook her head disapprovingly, casting an accusing glance at her son Carlos. In a stern tone, her words laden with emotion, "Ves? Ahora estamos malditos," ("See? Now we are cursed.") Her anger and concern were palpable as she continued, "Esto es la advertencia de tu padre, el pecado y la maldición que Santi ha traído a la familia" ("This is your father's warning, the sin and curse Santi has brought onto the family.")
The words resonated with a deep-seated belief, tying the family's misfortune to Santiago's actions. Carlos, caught in the crossfire of his mother's emotions, listened solemnly, aware of the weight attached to the perceived transgressions. The suite, which had been filled with anticipation and excitement moments ago, now bore witness to a familial tension that transcended the dynamics of the football game. The clash between tradition, expectations, and the unfolding reality created an atmosphere charged with emotion, leaving those present to grapple with the complexities of familial ties and generational beliefs.
AN: We're now down to the final 10 Chapters of this story.