When it becomes real (Pablo Gavi)

Chapter 40

Gavi's POV

Mónica and I are on our way to her parent's house for our classic pre-match dinner.

"You ok?"

"Yes, why wouldn't I be?"

But I ask her because she's been acting weird since she picked me up. All fidgety and nervous.

But it doesn't take me long to find out the reason. Because when we get inside the house, I see my parents there.

"No, you're staying", says Mónica, holding my hand when I take a step back.

"What are you doing here?"

"We apologized to Mónica already and now it's time to apologize to you", says my mum.

"It'll take more than apologizing", I say to her before turning to Mónica. "Have you forgiven them already?"

"No, but I'm willing to try. And it's about time you talk to them".

For the first time since we met, I'm annoyed at her. I can't believe she hid this from me.

"Start talking then. I don't have all day".

"We'll leave you alone", says Mónica's mum.

"You can leave too", I tell Mónica and immediately regret my tone seeing how her face falls.

But she does as I said and leaves to join her parents in another room.

"Pablo, I know saying we did what we did because we worried about you fixes nothing, but it's true. It's hard to see your son become this huge star and...there's always someone waiting to take advantage of that".

"Sure".

"That person wasn't Mónica. We get it now".

"You could have reached that conclusion before you hurt us both".

"We should have, yes. But we were idiots. And hurt our son because of it", says my dad. "And our daughter. And your girlfriend".

"Did you say all of this to her?"

"We apologized to her already. A couple of days ago. And we'll continue to apologize for as long as it takes. But we promise you we'll change. We'll accept her and treat her like what she is...part of the family".

I try to think quickly about what I should do. I want my parents back but I don't want them to think that they can fix something like this so easily.

"Ok, prove to me you really mean it and I'll forgive you. But not right now. You have to earn it".

"We will", says my mum before getting up to hug me. I've missed this. I've missed them.

"Are you staying for dinner?"

"Mónica's parents were gracious enough to invite us. So if that's ok with you...".

"Sure. I'll go tell them we can start whenever they want".

After a few more hugs, I go to find everyone and I see Mónica's parents but not her.

"All good?"

"Yes. Thank you for letting them stay here after how they treated your daughter".

"Well, they apologized to us too", says Mónica's mum. "And I guess one can't hold grudges forever. But they also know that if they hurt her again, they'll be in a lot of trouble".

She goes to meet my parents and when Mónica's dad is going to join her, he stops by my side. "Like you are in trouble right now. Mónica is in her room. Go talk".

I sigh. I'm such an idiot.

"Can I come in?"

I'm going to knock again when I don't hear any response but then the door opens.

"I'm sorry I spoke to you like that".

"Is dinner ready?", is all she asks.

And when she tries to leave, I grab her arm and stop her. "Let me apologize, please".

Thankfully, instead of trying to leave, she hugs me.

"I'm sorry".

"I'll forgive you. But if you do that again, I'll let my mum kick you. And you know where she'll choose to kick".

"Sounds fair", I say, laughing and holding her hand to lead her to dinner with our parents. "Thank you for doing this for me".

"I'll do anything to make you happy".

"Me too".

This dinner should have happened such a long time ago but I guess it's better late than never. Now we can all be a family together.