The Secret - Alexia Putellas

4.

Thank you Eliza!!!

The second Erin realized Alexia was sleeping, she couldn't help but smile.

So, she could sleep after all.

Though many patients had drifted off during sessions in the past, Erin was surprised Alexia had relaxed enough to do so as quickly as she did.

The therapist massaged her for another 30 minutes, taking extra time to work on the spots that were most tense. Her eyes wandered and she couldn't help but admire the tattoos on Alexia's back.

She wondered what each of them meant and what the story was behind them. It was hard to imagine Alexia being comfortable enough with her to tell her. But the longer Erin thought about it, the more she wanted to know.

She was curious.

Erin didn't mind that her shift had already ended. She just felt relieved the captain was finally getting some rest.

Because Alexia clearly really needed it.

Despite her cold behavior, and even though Erin barely knew her, she still felt drawn to Alexia. She wanted her to be okay.

As the blonde's hands started to tire from the long day, Alexia began to shift slightly, seeming to subconsciously pick up on the change in Erin's movements.

The captain slowly opens her eyes, peaking through heavy eyelids, before looking around the room. She was completely disoriented.

"What happened?", Alexia wonders with a small, tired voice, struggling hard not to fall back asleep.

"Hola, sleepyhead", Erin teases, her presence only confusing the brunette more.

Suddenly, Alexia seemed to realize where she was, her eyes shooting open. Erin removed her
hands and took a step back, not wanting to startle her even more.

"Ay dios mio... I'm so sorry", Alexia stutters, ashamed she had actually fallen asleep. She quickly sits up, her cheeks bright red.

"There's nothing to be sorry for", Erin chuckles softly. Alexia was adorable.

The captain seemed to be pretty embarrassed, but Erin was just happy she could help her get a short nap in.

"I didn't mean to...", Alexia mumbles, mostly to herself. She hastily reaches for her shirt, quickly throwing it over her head before standing up in a swift motion.

"You did nothing wrong. And we both know you needed it", Erin teases, waiting for Alexia's to make eye contact.

But that didn't happen.

"I- I didn't mean to. I lost control and I- it won't happen again. I promise", Alexia stutters nervously, her cheeks burning as she reaches for her shoes, quickly putting them on before grabbing her sports bag.

"Alexia, wait", Erin sighs, stepping in front of the athlete who was almost at the door.

"What?", Alexia paused, still looking at the floor, her hand already on the doorknob.

"We haven't worked on your knee yet", Erin states, nudging the brunette slightly.

"Oh... but...", Alexia struggles, nervously running her fingers through her hair, finally shifting her gaze to look at Erin.

"No 'buts'. I insist. Sit", Erin says, pointing over towards the therapy bench.

Alexia wanted to protest, but her brain still didn't seem to be working properly. So, she just set her sports bag down and silently made her way back over towards the therapy bench, her eyes meeting Erin's again.