It's been about a month since the day Pedri decided to ask me to be his girlfriend. We're in this bubble of unicorns and rainbows and all things beautiful and colourful. He actually showed up at my work place with a bouquet of flowers asking me on a date, on a random Wednesday.
A fricking Wednesday. How sweet is that?
The team have a little break from Xavi and so do I from the Torres family as they decided to close the cafe for a little while and go on holiday.
Ela decided to dye her hair darker, talking about some identity crisis. Me and her have gotten even closer and everything would've been even more perfect if her and Gavi wouldn't still refuse to admit their feelings for one another. Even after that little incident at the club.
Sigh.
'You heard him!' she says on the other side of the phone. 'He punched that jerk because apparently he was being a good bestfriend and taking care of me.' she sighed. 'Nothing more, nothing less.'
We were both packing our suitcases, as Pedri's family has been so lovely to invite us to their home in the Canary Islands for the one week break the boys got off training.
'I just don't understand!' I said frustrated. 'It's so obvious that he likes you and I don't get how blind he is not seeing how obvious it is that you like him and, and, and...' I start stuttering as I was trying to close my suitcase.
Ela let out a slight chuckle. 'It's time we all accept it and move on.'
Even though she was trying really hard to shake off her feelings towards him, I could still hear the disappointment and sadness in her voice.
'I can talk to him!' I said sternly. 'I'll even knock some sense into him... trust me.'
'Please don't.' and even if I couldn't see her, I knew she was smiling. 'Tell me, how do you feel about meeting Pedri's family?'
'I'm terrified.' I said sincerely.
Because that was the truth. I was terrified to meet Pedri's family. Yes, I've heard all the stories from Gavi how they're very sweet and welcoming but I kinda have trauma from Neymar's parents.
Oh, they disliked me.
***
'Mi amor, you have nothing to worry about!' Pedri tells me for the 10000th time. 'They're going to love you!' he smiled. 'My family has been constantly asking about you.'
Me and Pedri were sitting side by side, while Gavi and Ela were just a few rows in front of us. I was trying my hardest to focus on what's happening over there, just so I can avoid thinking about meeting Pedri's family. The flight is just a few hours, but the tension between the two best friends was making the air a bit awkward for everyone.
'Irina!' Pedri says, pulling me back from my thoughts. 'Stop worrying, you'll make a great first impression!' he smiles at me, putting his hand on my bouncing leg.
***
After 3 and a half hours, the flight finally lands in Tenerife, the 4 of us now standing in front of the conveyer belt waiting for our suitcases.
'Mama! Hola! Si, si! Gracias!' Pedri says excitedly over the phone, a familiar shine to his eyes. 'We're just waiting for our suitcases and we'll be out soon!'
As soon as Pedri finished his phone call, the belt started moving, indicating that they started loading our luggages. Because we were sat in first class, our suitcases were the first ones that showed up, only after a few minutes of waiting.
'My parents should be waiting out here!' Pedri yells to Gavi. 'Just look for a black car!'
Suddenly, a woman yells from a short distance Pedri's name. A massive smile plastered on her face.
That must be his mum.
'Mama!' Pedri says excitedly, sprinting towards her.
'It's going to be okay.' Ela says as she's slowing down her pace, looking at me.
'Mama, papa, this is Irina.' Pedri says smiling, as soon as we reach him and his parents.
I extend my hand towards his mum, flashing her a soft smile and trying my hardest not to show my internal freak out.
She suddenly pulls me into a hug, surprising me. 'Mi hija, families get hugs.' she beams at me, making me relax instantly. 'I've been begging Pedri to introduce us.' she chuckles.
After his mother let go of me, his father pulls me into his arms.
I can't help but feel a little sense of sadness taking over. Growing up, I didn't have a complete family like Pedri. My mum was also playing my father's role, as they divorced when I was a little girl. But on the other hand, I couldn't help but feel at home here, surrounded by these wonderful people.
***
We were now on our way to Tegueste, Pedri's hometown. Looking out the window, I couldn't help but notice the spectacular view. A warm breeze in the hair hits my face as Pedri squeezes my hand gently. I turn my attention to him, being welcomed by his usual smile. The thing about me and Pedri was that we didn't have to talk much to understand eachother. A look was just enough and I wished I could stop this moment and capture it forever. This was the feeling I've been searching for.
The feeling of being loved, and to love in return.
