Barcelona Sun

closing our chapter

*Carlos*

I had gotten into real trouble at the big Sainz family dinner. Especially my sisters had been angry that I had left Elena just like that. And that now the thing with Sarah went through the press, which was not so dramatic for me as my sisters saw it, made it probably not better.

I had punished Elena for her honesty, although it had been me who had told her again and again that I didn't need to know. I had always stopped Elena from telling me who Matteo's father was.

I was supposed to talk to her, that had been the announcement. But when I got home, she hadn't been in her apartment. So I had asked downstairs at the front desk if she was just out for a little while and maybe I could have just waited in her apartment. But he had told me that she had gone away for a few days.

With Fernando.

I felt like shit. Why was she going away with him if there was nothing else but them both caring for Matteo? Was it maybe like Sarah had said? Was she just looking for a Formula 1 driver? Or someone with whom she could make Fernando jealous?

This thought tormented me the next days. I wanted to talk to her. I really did. But I didn't want to do it on the phone. I wanted to talk to her. For real.

I had just returned from jogging when I saw people carrying moving boxes out of the house. I immediately had a bad feeling.

Without paying attention to anyone or anything, I raced up the stairs. It was their apartment they were emptying. I let myself slide down the wall in the hallway, opposite her apartment door, and just stared into her apartment.

I could see her walking down the hall. How her bare feet sounded on the wooden floor. Her dress rustling. Her in the light of the morning sun.

And it was my fault she moved out. I knew it was my fault.

My fault alone.

I had hoped that she would come back and we could talk and maybe everything would clear up. But she was just gone.

This feeling slowly settled in me. It was horrible.

I had only known her for such a short time and yet I longed for her more than I ever thought possible. I just wanted her to come back.

Maybe I should just call her.

So I made my way up to my apartment and almost tripped over the little box outside my apartment door. I took it inside and opened it there.

Inside the box was the necklace I had given to Elena. I had to swallow and took the note that had been under the necklace.

Mi amor,

Thank you for the time we had together. It was the most beautiful time of my life. I can understand that it is unbearable for you that Fernando is the father of Matteo. I can understand that you hate me now. It's okay. I just want you to know that I never wanted to hurt you. I never wanted to keep it a secret from you or put you in this situation because of it. I just want you to be happy.

Matteo and I will move somewhere else so we won't disrupt your life anymore.

I wish you all the best for whatever you do. The best of luck at Ferrari. Some day you will win a championship I know it.

With love

Elena.

I ran my hand over my face and read the lines over and over again. It was goodbye.