Chapter 41: La Casa Del Sol

“I still can’t believe we found this place,” Peter said while sitting on a stool at the kitchen’s breakfast bar.

Leah, agreeing, “It’s quirky, but we’re quirky. Skylights everywhere, six big bedrooms, five bathrooms, and 8,400 square feet of living space. I thought $7,000 monthly was a lot of rent, but we’re taking in almost that much from renting both Bea’s house and the Bailey house. And there’s a pool here! Incredible.”

“Speaking of that, I hear all the splashing and carrying on. Who’s watching the youngsters?”

“Drew’s out there being the lifeguard. He’s enjoying a relaxing weekend.”

Carolina had come from the bedroom and joined them after putting coffee and sugar into her favorite mug.

“I swear, those electricians are really working him over, he comes home all tired and sweaty, and he isn’t really making a lot of money.”

“I know, Carolina, it’s true. But when we were first on our own, he felt obligated and burdened; he needed to support the five of us. The electrician apprenticeship is a huge piece of good luck, Drew feels, which will pay off in time.

“And he loves the work, even though it’s so physically hard. His muscles are like coiled ropes now; it’s amazing. And hot, I must say. Finally, he’s on a path to being very well paid without a big load of student loan debt. What’s not to love?”

“All good things,” said Peter. “I have nothing but respect for Andrew and how you and he have taken on so much responsibility for your four siblings. But I’m still getting used to you two as a couple. That’s not the norm for brothers and sisters on the edge of majority. I mean, how did it happen?”

“It was inevitable, I think. Carolina can verify how the six of us were packed into a tiny three- bedroom house, it was only 1,100 square feet. Our parents in the master bedroom, and three in the boys’ bedroom and three in the girls’ bedroom. It was crazy crowded.

“After we were orphaned, there was really no alternative. Drew and I took the master and shared the big bed in there. Over time, we became intimate. I honestly couldn’t stop myself. I mean, Drew was right there. In all his wonderful qualities. I love Drew. How could I not? We’ve been acting as mother and father for the Bailey family from the start.”

“You’re telling me that you figured out that Drew didn’t have ‘cooties’?”

“Exactly. And here we are. You and Carolina; me and Drew. With more space, Abel has a bedroom with Ted, Val shares with Nan and Nia, Tim shares with Diego and Danilo. It works because the bedrooms in this house are so large. Only Jared is in a bedroom by himself when he’s here visiting.

“I’m going to start lunch, are you guys hungry?”