[color=#db6b93][h2][b][center]Jewel Cardenas[/center][/b][/h2][/color]

[hider=Family reunion]
[img]https://i.imgur.com/AeTuml7.png[/img][/hider]

Jewel had settled comfortably back inside the main house after showering and changing into her outfit for the day. She wore an off-the-shoulder top, a flowy white skirt, and espadrilles that laced up her ankles in a neat bow. She kept her makeup minimal, adding just a cherry-extract oil to her lips for moisture and a touch of blush for a slightly flushed effect. The house was quiet, filled with the kind of stillness that only comes when everyone else is out and the day’s activities haven’t yet begun in full. She busied herself in the kitchen, preparing a light snack, savoring the calm before the inevitable bustle of the upcoming festivities.

Time seemed to drift by, and Jewel found herself lost in thought. She tried reading a novel in the garden under the shade of the citrus trees, but her mind wandered. Just as she was about to give up, a familiar hum broke through her reverie—the distant, low drone of a plane. She paused, listening intently as the sound grew closer, signaling Iris’s arrival. Taking a deep breath, Jewel brushed her fingers through her hair and put on her sunhat, preparing herself for the reunion.

She walked out toward the marina, the warm sea breeze greeting her as she made her way down. The sun was beginning its descent, casting a golden hue across the island. By the time Jewel reached the marina, the plane had already docked, its passengers disembarking. The air was filled with laughter and greetings as the Cardenas family reunited with Iris. Jewel spotted her cousin immediately. Iris had always been the spark of the family, her energy infectious and her presence a welcome contrast to the island’s more tranquil pace. Jewel smiled, genuinely happy to see her after so much time apart, and embraced her warmly. [color=#db6b93]“I’ve missed you,”[/color] she said, her voice full of affection.

As she approached the rest of the group, Jewel’s eyes were drawn to another figure standing near the plane. Chris. Her heart quickened at the sight of him, and a brief flash of memories played through her mind. He was leaning casually against the plane, his aviator sunglasses perched on top of his head, revealing the blue eyes that had once captivated her. It had been a while since they’d last seen each other, and seeing him now stirred up a whirlwind of emotions she thought she had long since buried.

As the family gathered around, the marina buzzed with conversation and laughter, everyone catching up and sharing stories. Jewel found herself slipping into the familiar rhythm of family life, but her eyes kept straying to Chris. He was talking with her father, Miguel, their conversation appearing casual, but she knew better. There was always more beneath the surface with Chris—unspoken words and lingering tension that neither of them had ever fully addressed.

“The Cessna’s been busy today, eh?” Miguel teased Chris, his tone relaxed but with an undertone of smug satisfaction. Business had been booming lately, and Chris had definitely been reaping the benefits. Miguel also knew that Chris had been mostly loyal to the Flores family, but with their power and influence waning, most of his business was now coming from the Cardenas.

Elena, Jewel’s mother, called out, summoning everyone to help with the bags. “Iris, Mr. MacDonald, come inside for a cafecito and some treats, hmm? I’m sure it’s been a long day of travel for you both. We’ll get you home soon enough,” Elena said, adding a wink at the end. It was the way of the island to embrace the slowness of it all, to sit down and enjoy each other’s company before returning to their busy lives. It was less of an invitation, and more of a given.

As they all started toward the house, Jewel found herself walking next to Chris, their arms brushing slightly as they moved.

[color=#db6b93]“Long time, no see,”[/color] she said, her voice warm and familiar.

The words hung between them, heavy with meaning. Jewel knew this was just the beginning of whatever lay ahead. The island had a way of pulling people back together, forcing them to confront the past they had tried to escape. As the group moved toward the house, with the sun dipping lower in the sky, Jewel couldn’t shake the feeling that the next few days would bring more than just a family reunion.

[@Fading Memory][@Pilatus]