After the long introduction for me, the rest of the family greeted each other. Then everyone except me and dad, took off to different rooms to rest and freshen up after their long journey from Spain. Now I realize why we need so many rooms for just 7 people.

"I hope you are not overwhelmed, princess."

"I am a fine dad."

"I know some of your cousins and even your grandfather seemed a little closed off, but that was not because of you dear. That's how they are."

"Don't worry papa Lucas warned me. I was kinda prepared for a bunch of Issacs and Martins." I said smiling.

"Haha. I hope now those idiots are treating you well."

"Yes, we are good." Though Isaac acts like a food policeman, it's like he has made it his life's only aim to make me eat at least three meals a day. Martin on the other hand kind of avoids me. He is not rude but it's not that smooth between us. Anyways I don't need to tell you all this dad.

"And how's school"

"Fine."

"Alicia look at me, I know your life drastically changed and everything is new and different for you but we are here, we, your family desperately want to help you. All you gotta do is ask. I know you can handle everything on your own, you are my strong girl but princess I and your brothers, we also need some ego boost. Solving your problems and helping you out, it's more for us than for you. When you were born, all the boys pledged to protect you always. Give them a chance. Try sharing your troubles, Xia"

"I don't wanna be a burden papa."

"ok so if Yahel has any problem in future or any of your brothers, they shall not ask you for help right? Because it will be a trouble for you-"

"No dad. They are my brothers they must tell me."

"And you are their sister Xia. If they are no burden to you then you are also not for them. Always saying that everything is fine or I am good, these are the most spoken lies dear. Lying to the world is fine but try to open up to your family. Lies or love, the family has the place for only one L. Think about it."

I nodded.

"last thing dear your family is not just limited to your 5 brothers but I meant all your 14 brothers, uncles, aunts and grandparents."

"yes, papa."

Papa left for somewhere while I was thinking about what papa said to me. Lies or love.

I choose love.

No one is perfect. Even my family isn't but at least I have a family that is mine. As they have accepted me with all my flaws and shortcomings, I'll do the same. I'll trust them and try to be one of them. I'll try not to treat myself as a stranger so I don't mess this up another chance that god gave me.

"is something bothering you Dear? " Tia Julia asked me. She was standing in front of me with Tita, I had no idea when they came here.

"No Tia" Lies or love. Dad's words were flying all over my mind.

"I was just thinking about something. By the way, how was your flight?"

"Alicia if you ever want to talk about something, anything for that matter, come to me. I am not your old orthodox grandma, you can talk to me about boys, parties, everything and I'll guide you and support you always."

"Okay, Tita I'll have you on speed dial." Tita kissed my forehead and went in the direction of the garden.

"Xia I am going to prepare lunch for everyone, what would you like to have?"

"Anything Tia that I could help you with."

"Don't bother sweetheart, you can go and have fun with your brothers while I'll be done in no time."

"please Tia I insist," I said making a puppy face.

"Okay fine come, I can't say no to these eyes."

"Where are you all going Mumma," Arlo asked.

"We are going to make some food to fill your little stomach."

"fill it with pancakes then."

"No more pancakes, you had them for breakfast."

Arlo cutely pouted.

"Hermana play with me."

"I'll play with you after I am done helping Tia with lunch, okay," I told him.

"I want to help, I want to help," Arlo said jumping.

"Fine but you will only do what I say and not make a mess of my kitchen," Tia said sternly.

"let's go then," I said in an attempt to save Arlo.

While we were making lunch, as tia predicted, Arlo was making a mess. Thanks to him 4 broken eggs were lying all over the counter.

Somewhere during the cooking, Aunt Sofia joined us and she was no better at cooking than Arlo. So we had to ask them to set the table and call the rest of the family for lunch.

I don't know who changed that but now our dining table was huge enough to fit all of us. Carla and a few other maids served the food for everyone.

Everyone was having their lunch and hardly talking among themselves.

I was hella nervous when Clara was bringing out the dessert. It was the first time I cooked something for my family. I was so shy that I asked Tia Julia to keep it a secret for me.

She helped me a lot with the recipe as it was my first time making a tart. I made a vanilla custard tart topped with lots of strawberries as Arlo insisted. He loves strawberries.



Clara served it to everybody and as promised, Tia didn't say a word but who baked the tart.

"Hermana the tart you made is so tasty. I loved the strawberries on top. Can you bake it every day for me?"

I guess I spoke too soon.

Now everyone was staring at me with wide eyes. Even the cold people.

Oh God, I hate being in the spotlight. Arlo what I asked of your mother, applies to you as well dear.

"You made it, really"

"aren't you too small to cook"

"serve it fast"

"I am her papa, I deserve the biggest piece."

A series of "Not fair" followed by some more comments and arguments.

It was a ruckus.

"quiet everyone. Now eat." Grandpa shouted and now there was pin-drop silence.

As everyone was eating their dessert, I had my fingers crossed.

"This is amazing dear," Tio said.

"the best tart I ever had." yahel said.

"I want the recipe for this," Alonzo said.

All the good brothers appreciated me and my tart, I thanked them all.

All the cold brothers, though they didn't say anything but the way they stuffed their mouths, was enough to make me happy.

"Can I say something to all of you?"

"No need to ask Linda, just speak your heart." (Sweetie) grandma told me.

"I wanted to tell you all that I'm very grateful to you for accepting me as your family. I know that it wasn't easy for you all to change your lifestyles and adjust to some broken girl. But I promise that I will try harder to be worth your while. I will try to overcome my past weakness and give my hundred per cent to this family. To my family. I know some of you are quite unhappy about my return and trust me I don't blame you all for not wanting a pathetic sister around. As I said before, give me some time and I assure you that I'll be a better person. I'll make you all proud of me someday."

I don't remember the last time I spoke this much in one go but it felt like a burden was off my heart. I finished my speech with a few tears escaping. Tia Julia was also crying along with grandma.

Tia Sofia came to me and wiped my tears. "Darling we all love you. And who said you are pathetic, baby you have Ortiz's blood running in your veins. Never, I repeat, Never call yourself weak. You are a fighter."

Tio Alvaro came to me and hugged me tightly," girl, don't you dare change yourself. Though some of your family comes off rude and heartless. But You my dear are the reason why we are living. During those eleven years without you, we hardly survived. You are the light in our dark world, keep shining." I tightly hugged my uncle again.

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Future chapters will be more interesting and fun so keep reading. I will try to update soon. :)