Invisible string (lestappen)

Chapter 5 : Charles

'What's uuuup Calamar ? Fancy a little padel game today ? I need to stay in shape'

I smile at the text I just received from Pierre and answer almost immediately.

'I'm in the mood to win. Let's do it'

I'm glad he proposed to me. We were for sure going to hang out at some point this week as we're both in Monaco at the moment. Which is quite a rare situation. It's a free race week, so he decided to stay here with Kika for a few days to see some friends. I did the same, as I do every time I get the chance.

Unless I'm on another continent where it's impossible to return, I try to be in Monaco as much as possible. All my family and friends are here, it's the place where I feel the happiest. My whole life is here.

My phone buzzes.

'Please, let me laugh. I'm going to kick your ass and we both know it. Let's meet there at 3 p.m ?'

I type 'Yeah perfect' and put my phone back on my kitchen counter.

'Who are you texting ?', Alex asks curiously.

She's cooking lunch. Making her famous salmon pasta recipe. She insisted on making them today and I basically couldn't say no. To be fair, they taste amazing, so I'm not really complaining.

'Pierre. He wants to play padel later today'

'That's nice. You haven't played in a while, right ?'

I sigh.

'Yeah. It's been weeks. My level is probably embarrassing, but hopefully I'll still be able to beat him. If not, I won't stop hearing about it for the next years'

She laughs softly as she puts water to boil.

'Pierre does have a good memory, doesn't he ?'

I laugh too, shaking my head.

'Whatever. I won't give him the privilege to mock me'

'I know you won't'

I get up from the stool I was sitting on to adjust my gym shorts.

'Do you need help cooking?'

She waves her hand.

'No, I'm fine. Don't worry about it. I'll let you know when it's ready'

'Okay. I'm going for a quick run then. I won't be long'

'Okay, I'll wait for you'

Without wasting any time, I put on my running shoes.

It won't be a long run, but I'm in need of some fresh air right now. That's why I love it so much. Especially out in the open. It helps me clear my head when I feel overwhelmed. When I'm alone with my thoughts and they start colliding. I get out there, run, and suddenly nothing else matters but putting one foot after the other and feeling the wind on my skin.

It's my therapy.

•••

I ran for about thirty minutes. I'll do more tomorrow, but right now my stomach is growling so loudly I can't ignore it anymore. The smell of my girlfriend's food greets me as I return home.

I go straight to the bathroom for a quick, much-needed shower. A few minutes later, I'm having lunch with Alex on the terrace.

'It's honestly delicious'

Her face flushes.

'Thank you. I did my best'

I swallow the bite I just took before asking.