Mary led the three of them—Arin, Gwen, and MJ—through quiet suburban streets lined with trees and small row houses.
She walked nervously but excitedly.
"I… hope you guys don't mind," Mary said, glancing back.
"My foster mom invited you for dinner. She really wanted to meet the friends I mentioned."
MJ smiled.
"That's really sweet."
Gwen nodded happily.
"I'd love to meet your family!"
Arin simply smiled cal.
"Thank you for inviting us."
Mary blushed faintly.
"You're welcome."
Soon, they reached a warm-looking house with lights spilling through the windows and the smell of cooking drifting outside.
Mary opened the door.
"Mamá! We're here!"
---
From the kitchen, a beautiful woman stepped out—
Rose Vásquez.
She was stunning with Warm eyes ,Long dark hair.
A beautiful, soft face with a gentle smile.
A motherly aura that make her even more beautiful.
Arin's heart stunned for half a second.
She's… beautiful.
He felt a strange pull in his chest seeing her beauty which he doesn't feel before.
But he didn't show even a flicker on his face because he doesn't want to disrespect her.
Rose smiled brightly.
"Oh! You must be Arin, Gwen, and Mary Jane !"
"I am Rosa Vásquez, mom, nice to meet you all "
Gwen bowed politely.
"Nice to meet you, Miss Rose."
MJ smiled .
"Thank you for having us."
Arin stepped forward last.
He extended a hand respectfully.
"Thank you for inviting us. It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Rose ."
Rosa smiled even more warmly as she shook his hand.
"My, my… such a polite young man. Mary spoke so highly of you."
Mary blushed behind him.
MJ and Gwen glanced at Arin.
He was perfectly calm.
But deep inside?
His heart was still beating faster than normal.
Rose's beauty surprised him.
He never thought she will look even more beautiful in real life than movie he saw
But Arin hid emotions perfectly.
---
Rose clapped her hands.
"Come, come, everyone's waiting.
Dinner is ready."
They stepped into the dining room.
All the Shazam siblings were already at the table—
Freddy , Pedro ,Eugene ,Darla
And Billy
The table was overflowing with variety of foods like Tamales,Rice and beans, Roasted chicken ,Fresh vegetables ,Homemade tortillas, Salsa and guacamole
And a large pitcher of cold lemonade
Darla waved wildly.
"Arin! Gwen! MJ! Sit here, sit here!"
Freddy smirked.
"About time you guys showed up."
Billy raised a brow at Arin.
"…You really DID come."
Mary elbowed Billy.
"Be polite."
Rosa placed dishes on the table.
"Everyone, start eating "
The entire table echoed:
"Yes, mom !"
Gwen and MJ giggled.
Arin smiled softly.
Soon, the dinner began.
---
The room filled with warmth.
The Shazam siblings fought over tortillas.
Darla kept telling stories nonstop.
Eugene bragged about video game achievements.
Freddy and Billy argued over superheroes.
Rosa kept serving food to everybody.
Gwen laughed softly at Darla's dramatic storytelling.
Billi teased Freddy about his nerdiness.
Mary kept sneaking shy glances at Arin.
And Arin?
He sat calmly at the table eating quietly, Listening to everyone.
Smiling occasionally.
But deep inside—
He felt something strange.
Something warm.
Is this what a real family dinner feels like…?
The warmth and the love.
Something he never had before.
He felt… nostalgic.
Rose watched him quietly for a moment.
Her motherly instincts sensed it immediately.
This boy…
Look alone.
Her heart softened.
She placed another piece of chicken on his plate.
"You should eat more, Arin."
Arin blinked.
"Oh—thank you."
Rose smiled gently.
Arin's heart warmed again.
As she sat beside him, Mary watched the scene.
Arin laughing softly with Darla…
Seeing Arin being welcomed by her family so easily…
Her feelings deepened even more.
Gwen and MJ noticed Mary staring at Arin again.
Both narrowed their eyes.
Competition…
---
As dinner continued, laughter filled the entire home.
Arin, for the first time in this world…
Felt like he wasn't just a visitor.
He felt wanted.
And as he looked around at everyone—
His eyes met Rose's again.
She smiled warmly at him.
Arin didn't look away this time.
He smiled back Softly.
Mary noticed.
Her heart squeezed.
She immediately turn her red face away so he didn't notice it.