A Manchester Affair (Rúben Dias)

Chapter Six

When she woke up a couple of hours later, Lucía felt like a new person. Her body still felt weak, but most of the symptoms were gone.

She was no longer feeling hot because of the high temperature, but because of Rúben's body next to hers. He had also fallen asleep, but not before putting his arms around her to hug her tightly. She tried to get up without waking him up but the moment she moved, his eyes opened.

"Are you ok?"

"I am, yes. A lot better".

She tried to get up now, but he stopped her. "Don't move. I'll bring you whatever you need".

"It's ok. I can get up. I don't feel dizzy anymore and it'll be good to move a bit after spending the day laying down", she said, stretching.

"I'm serious. Stay here. Are you hungry? Thirsty?"

"Rúben", she said, trying not to laugh. "I need to pee. You can't help me with that".

"I can take you to the bathroom..."

"Oh my God, stop it!", she told him, laughing at how serious he actually was.

She could notice his eyes following her while she walked to the bathroom. And when she got out, he was still sitting in her bed staring at her.

"See? All good!"

"You almost fainted in front of me a couple of hours ago. Don't judge me for worrying".

"Yeah, well, migraines suck".

"I've never had one".

She frowned at him. "I hate you".

And that, finally, made him laugh.

"Rob brought me food, you can have some if you want".

"Rob?"

"A colleague from work", and then she realised what time it was. "Shit! I missed the match! What happened?"

"3-1 win for United".

"What?", she was shocked by that score. Arsenal had not lost a match this season. In fact, they had won all of them. "Who scored?"

"Ummm, two from Rashford and the other goal was scored by the new guy".

"Antony?"

"Yes, that one".

"I'm so happy for him", she said, with a huge smile on her face. He was a good friend while they both were at Ajax.

"Let's celebrate by eating".

"So, do you get these migraines often?", asked Rúben while they ate.

"Not really. I have 2, maybe 3 per year. They knock me out, though".

"Is there anything you need? Medicine or something?"

"Hydrating is the main thing and", she looked around to notice she had finished the drinks Rob brought, "I ran out of drinks. Great".

"I'll go buy more", he said, already getting up.

"Rúben, you don't have to. I can just drink water".

"No, I'll go. It's fine".

Just as he said that Lucía's phone rang. She had many messages she still didn't feel like answering.

"Hi, Scott. Congrats on the win!! You want to come to see me?", she looked at Rúben, who nodded. "Sure. When will you be here? Ok, see you in 10. Bye".

"I'll go get the drinks. You can let me know when he is gone and", he continued, looking away from her, "if he doesn't leave, I'll leave the bag outside of your door".