The Reunion

♡Nia's POV♡

Two Days Later

Two days later, I awoke at the crack of dawn, eager to begin my journey. My flight was scheduled to depart in just two hours, so I rushed through my morning routine, preparing a quick breakfast to sustain me for the trip ahead.

Hours later, I found myself at the bustling airport terminal, awaiting my flight's boarding call. As the announcement echoed through the terminal, I couldn't help but feel a mixture of excitement and nostalgia.

"Good afternoon, passengers. This is the pre-boarding announcement for flight 89B to San Casas. We are now inviting those passengers with small children and those requiring special assistance to begin boarding at this time. Please have your boarding pass and identification ready. Regular boarding will commence in approximately ten minutes. Thank you for choosing our airline."

After a brief wait, it was finally time to board the plane. As I settled into my seat, I couldn't help but think about the adventure that awaited me.

Four hours later, the plane touched down at San Casas Airport. Retrieving my luggage, I entered the terminal and was immediately greeted by the vibrant atmosphere of the city.

"I've missed this place," I murmured to myself. San Casas was renowned for its rich culture, beautiful beaches, and ancient history. It was also famous for its delectable cuisine, and I couldn't wait to savor the local dishes.

"Carmen, Carmen!" I heard my name called out, and I turned to see a familiar face rushing toward me. "Diego!" I exclaimed, enveloping him in a warm hug. "You've grown so much," I said with a smile.

"I'm thirteen now," he replied proudly, his eyes filled with excitement.

Turning to my best friend, I saw tears glistening in her eyes. "Come here, big baby," I said, embracing her tightly. It felt like a reunion of long-lost friends, and memories of our childhood flooded back.

"It's been ten years," she said, her voice trembling with emotion. "I can't believe you're really here."

"Yeah, I made it," I replied, my heart swelling with happiness. "Come on, let's go. I'm starving, and I can't wait to try the local food," I said, playfully tugging at her arm. We left the airport and hailed a cab to the heart of the city.

As we drove past picturesque beaches and historic landmarks, I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia and belonging. San Casas had always held a special place in my heart.

Upon arriving at Sofia's home, I was filled with excitement for the days ahead.

After dropping off my luggage, Sofia had prepared a delicious lunch for us. While grabbing a soda from the refrigerator, I couldn't help but notice the childhood photos displayed there.

"I grew boobs way before you did!" she teased, laughing. "Well, mine are bigger now," I smirked, and we shared a hearty laugh.

"Ewww, ladies!" Diego interjected with a playful grin.

"Sofia, I'm hungry!" Diego yelled. "Carmen needs to try the tamales," he continued. "Ohhh, I really miss those tamales that Abuela always made whenever we came back from dance rehearsals," I said. As soon as Abuela was mentioned, Sofia grabbed my hands .

Our conversation then turned more serious. Sofia shared the challenges she and her family had been facing, revealing that Abuela was battling cancer. I was taken aback, not having known about this ordeal.

"It's been really hard for us lately. I'm trying my best to take care of her. Diego had to drop out of school. That's why I have to win the contest.. I have to take this opportunity."She said with a gloomy smile 

"You should have told me," I said, my voice filled with concern.

"You had your own struggles in LA; I didn't want to burden you further. I'm so sorry," Sofia explained, her eyes reflecting her regret.

During our time together, I presented gifts to both Sofia and Diego, small tokens of appreciation for their warmth and hospitality.

"I got this for you," I told Sofia, offering a beautiful bracelet.

"I love it!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with delight as she examined the gift. She leaned in to give me a grateful peck on the cheek.

As for Diego, I had a special surprise for him, and his face lit up with excitement when he unwrapped the package. It was a moment of pure joy, and it made me feel even more connected to my dear friends.

"Diego, I brought something for you," I said, a grin playing on my lips. He eagerly unwrapped his gift, revealing a cool gadget he had longed for. His excitement was contagious, and his youthful enthusiasm brought a smile to my face.

"You should practice your English with Carmen; take advantage,"sofia exclaimed." 

"She should practice her Spanish too; maybe she won't sound like a butcher," he said, laughing. "I'll get you, little man," I said, tickling him. 

As the day turned into evening, we decided to venture out into the city, exploring its vibrant streets, colorful buildings, and lively atmosphere. It was a beautiful reminder of the charm of San Casas.

The following day, our adventure continued as we embarked on a visit to the pageant academy. Sofia was participating in the Miss San Casas pageant, and she had arranged for me to meet her pageant trainer, Camille Leclerc.

Camille welcomed us warmly, introducing herself as the pageant trainer responsible for preparing contestants in various aspects, from modeling and poise to talent and overall presentation.

Sofia's eyes sparkled with excitement as she realized the opportunities that lay ahead. Her determination to win the pageant and secure a better future for her family was evident in her every word and action.

With Sofia's dreams in mind, I couldn't help but be proud of my friend's resilience and ambition.

After a brief chat with Camille, I excused myself, promising to catch up with Sofia later. There were some supplies I needed to gather for the upcoming preparations, and I was eager to make the most of my time in San Casas.

As I ventured out into the bustling streets of this vibrant city, I couldn't help but feel a sense of adventure and anticipation for the days to come. San Casas was not just a place; it was a chapter in my life waiting to be written.