the secret

chapter 24

two days later
Delaney POV
I woke up today and decided to stay in my pjs for a bit longer than usual. The days kept feeling worse and worse as I was away from Gavi. I tried my best to remind myself this was probably for the best but today felt the hardest.

I walked to the kitchen to make some breakfast and Lena was already up.
"Buenos días, I was starting to get worried. You never wake up this late" she looked concerned
"Just not feeling good today" I responded grabbing the milk from the fridge
"Well, if you aren't feeling well, I won't fly back home" she replied
"No, Lena. You have to go. I'll feel better within a few hours" I gave a slight smile. She nodded.

I served breakfast and we ate while watching Elite.

____
Lena's flight took off around noon. It was already 10, but the airport was only 15 minutes away. She went to finish grabbing her things while I sat on the couch.

The doorbell rang and I got up to see who it was.
I opened the door once I saw it was Joao. I let him inside to wait for Lena.
"Hey Joao" I smiled hugging him
"Hey, how are you?"
"Fine, just another day I guess" I sighed walking back to the couch. I laid my head back and closed my eyes for a second, because I was starting to get a headache.
"Im going to dim the lights a bit" I said getting up to dim the living room lights. I wiped a tear that had fallen.
"Delaney, you don't seem okay. What can I do to help?" Joao said walking over to sit next to me
"Nothing. I'll be okay" I sighed. He shook his head.

Lena came out with her luggage, "ready when you are" she said to Joao. I got up to say goodbye to them.
"I'll miss you Lena. Text me when you land. Say hi to my parents for me" I said hugging her tight
"I will. Please call me and let me know, I'll be on the next flight back if you're not okay" she said. I nodded.
"Be safe Joao, I'll see you when you get back" I said hugging him
"Take care, I'll be back soon" he smiled hugging me back.
I waved as they walked out and I went back to laying in the dark.
I called my parents to catch up with them and check in on them.

Joao POV
I sighed as Lena and I walked out of delaneys apartment. She was not okay, it hurt me to see her this way.
"I hate seeing her that upset" I said to Lena as we got into my car
"I know she's missing Gavi very much. I knew she should've told him the truth" Lena said shaking her head
"I could always tell she liked him deep down. I never thought she'd end up with Pedri. She and Gavi are perfect for each other" I said as I drove off
"I know" she replied

We finally got to the airport and went to check in. We made it just in time.

____

It was around 2pm when we landed. We took a rental car and drove to Lena's home. I sat on her couch when I got an incoming call. It was unknown, but I answered it.

Hello?

Hello Joao, this is Íker Casillas. How are you?

I'm good Sir, how are you? I'm surprised to hear from
you

I'm okay. Yes sorry I got your number from a friend. I just got off the phone with Delaney and she mentioned you were here in Barcelona for the day. My wife and I have a few things we would like to send back with you to give to her if that's okay. Could you stop by at our house?

Oh of course. I can head over in a bit. Im just having lunch with my family and I'll go after.

Sounds great. I'll text you the address.