Gavi's POV
I ring the doorbell even if I have keys to the house, to let my family know I'm there. To let them welcome us. And the first disappointment of the night comes when I see they sent my sister to open the door.
"Hi! You look stunning!", she says excitedly, hugging Mónica. "You look alright I guess, little bro".
"Are mum and dad home?", I'm not in the mood for jokes right now.
That takes the smile away and only makes me feel worse about everything that is about to happen.
"Yes, they are waiting for you. Follow me, Mónica".
We take our jackets off and follow my sister. By the time we get to the dining room, I feel like holding Mónica's hand isn't enough. I need to stand in front of her and shield her from whatever is coming.
Aurora, not me because I'm too busy being mad, makes the introductions and we sit down to eat. I can tell how nervous Mónica is but still, she's so polite. I wish her smile could calm me down this time but it only makes me worry more.
"So Mónica", starts my dad, "how is the music thing going?"
"Really well, actually. The EP got a great reception and we are working on a full-length album to release soon".
"Making a lot of money, then?"
What kind of question is that?
"Eh...to be honest, no. Streams don't really amount to much money but the concert tickets will make up for it, I guess. I don't really look much into it".
"Do your parents control the money side?"
"No, my manager does. He and some people that know what they are doing way better than me. I just know how to sing".
"Well, be careful with that. You never know who you can trust".
My dad's tone makes me feel like there is a double meaning to that. And him looking at me right after saying it only brings the point home more. But Mónica just nods at him and carries on eating.
"Let's talk about fun things", suggests my sister, noticing what's going on as well. "The summer holidays are almost here. What is everyone doing?"
My mum is the first one to talk.
"Well, we're going home, of course. Then you two can do whatever you want".
"To Sevilla?", asks Mónica.
"Yes, have you ever been?"
"No, but I would love to. I heard it's really pretty there".
"Maybe you can come with us when the season is over", offers my sister.
"I don't think that's a good idea", tells her my dad.
I can see Mónica looking down and trying not to show how that quick response hurt her.
"Why not?", I chime in.
"We are away from home almost all the time, Pablo. We are there to be with family".
"Mónica is family too".
My dad's ironic laugh only makes me angrier.
"Maybe another time, then", says Aurora but we are not listening to her.
"If my girlfriend isn't family, then what is she?"
"Pablo, don't...", but Mónica's plea is cut off by my dad's words.
"That's what I'm trying to work out tonight".
"Don't...not now", says my mum.
"Not now what? And what do you mean by working out who she is?"
I hit the table, letting my temper get the best of me and making Mónica flinch. But she recovers quickly and holds my hand to try and calm me down. It usually would but not now.
"Well, son. What did you expect? For us to accept anyone? You tell us one day you'll be fake dating a fame-hungry girl and then expect us to just be fine with it when she all of a sudden becomes a real girlfriend? Now that you're a football star? Not everyone is as naive as you".
"Fame hungry? You don't know her and insult her like that?"
"Going to a TV show is being fame hungry. Dating someone to make your career successful is being fame hungry. She said it herself that she isn't making a lot of money and you are. Excuse me for believing that maybe her intentions aren't as innocent as you think".
I'm torn between fighting my dad and consoling Mónica, who now has her hands on her face. But thankfully my sister is quicker than me and gets up to take Mónica out of the room. Away from this mess.
She only looks back at my parents to shake her head disapprovingly. At least someone is on our side.
"I can't believe you just did that, dad".
"I worry about you being taken advantage of. Is that a crime?"
"No! But do you know how you could have been sure that wasn't happening...getting to know her! Just five minutes of really talking to her would prove to you she's never tried to take advantage of me".
"Saúl doesn't like this either", says my mum.
"The same Saúl that insisted I do this".
"He made a mistake".
"No, you two have made a mistake. Don't talk to me again until you're ready to apologize to Mónica".
"Pablo, come on...".
"Do you understand you aren't just hurting her? You're hurting me! I get to be with her family and see how they accept me and you don't even bother talking to her for 5 minutes before calling her horrible names and making her cry".
"Stop comparing us to them!"
"Go back to being good parents like they are and I will!"
They keep talking but I don't listen. I keep walking towards where I know Aurora will be. I see her hugging Mónica while she cries and my heart breaks. I should have been able to protect her from this.
"Don't listen to them", I tell her, taking her in my arms. "Don't listen to anything they say. I know it's all a lie said to hurt us. I know who you are. They don't".
"Do you want me to leave?", asks my sister.
I nod, asking her to call a car for us. And when it arrives, I try to leave as quickly as possible.
"Pablo, don't leave like that".
"Better that I leave now before you make me hate you more".
YOU ARE READING
When it becomes real (Pablo Gavi)
FanfictionMónica's dream had always been the same: becoming a singer. It was all she wanted and after finishing second in the singing contest Operación Triunfo, she thought her dream was never going to become real. Despite being the fan favourite, she didn't...
