Forced Than Loved ★ Pablo Gavi

₃.₆

★☆★☆★

Back in Barcelona

★☆★☆★

The drive back to Barcelona was smoother than expected. With barely any traffic, the roads were open, and the sky was painted in soft hues of morning light. Everything about this day felt right, as if the universe was finally aligning with the excitement bubbling inside me. We were less than an hour away from my parent's house, and my heart felt like it was going to burst. But for some reason, time was dragging.

I let out an exaggerated groan, sinking further into my seat as I rested my head against the window. The quiet chatter of a movie played through my headphones, but even that wasn't enough to distract me from my impatience.

"Okay, Lilly," I whined, stretching my legs out as much as I could in the cramped car. "Why does this drive feel ten times longer even though there's barely any traffic?"

Lilly chuckled from the driver's seat, sparing me a quick glance before returning her focus to the road. "Maybe because someone is way too excited to be back?"

I rolled my eyes playfully, crossing my arms over my chest. "I am excited, but come on, does time have to slow down now of all times?"

She just laughed again, clearly amused by my restlessness, while I groaned dramatically and threw my head back. If only I could fast-forward the next thirty minutes. Still, as much as I was desperate to get home, I let myself soak in this moment—watching the familiar scenery of Barcelona slowly come into view, feeling the weight of this past year settle in my chest.

So much had changed. I had changed. Madrid had given me some of the best memories of my life, and I knew I would always have a piece of it with me. But this? Coming home? This felt right.

And the thought of my mom waiting for me with a big feast, oh God, I had been dreaming about that for days. I had only eaten something small this morning just to make sure I had room for whatever she had prepared.

I was ready to be wrapped in my parents' hugs. I was ready to sit at the dinner table and hear my dad's stories about work, my mom's endless fuss about how thin I looked, and my brother teasing me for being dramatic. I was ready to see my friends again, to laugh until my stomach hurt, to feel the warmth of familiarity again.

And most of all...

I was ready to see him.

The boy who had been on my mind since the moment I left. The one who had made Madrid feel a little less far away with every late-night call and every soft 'I miss you, mi amor.' I exhaled deeply, a small smile tugging at my lips.

Just a little longer.

I was almost home.

Lilly finally pulled into the driveway of my parents' house, and the second she put the car in park, my hands were already reaching for the door handle. My heart was racing, I hadn't seen them in so long, and I just couldn't wait a second longer.

As I stepped out, I noticed a few other cars parked outside. My brows furrowed for a moment before I smiled to myself. Of course, my parents would invite people over. They always loved a good gathering, especially when it involved family and close friends.

Lilly barely had time to turn off the engine before I was at the front door, ringing the doorbell with way too much enthusiasm.

"Calm down, Cass," she giggled, stepping up beside me. I ignored her teasing as I bounced on my feet, listening closely to the sounds coming from inside—faint chatter, the shuffle of footsteps, and finally, the familiar jingle of keys unlocking the door.