First love (Pedri & Eric García)

Chapter 10

After his little trip to Barcelona, Eric had to go back to Girona. He actually appreciated being away from Pedri since it was still painful for him to think about his friend and Laia being together. No matter how many times you told yourself someone wasn't to blame...it was hard to fully accept it sometimes.

Eric hadn't been able to stop thinking about her for days. And then she posted a story on Instagram and he felt his heart break. She was wishing a happy birthday to someone she worked with but, to Eric, there was only Laia in that photo.

"Someone is here to see you, Eric", said one of his teammates. "By the front door. I wouldn't make her wait".

"Her?"

Eric wasn't expecting anyone there so he didn't know who could be visiting him. And it was a woman he shouldn't make wait. His mother? His sister? They would tell him if they were going to visit.

But soon he saw who it was. And it wasn't someone he expected to see at that moment.

"Haven't you done enough?"

"Eric, let me explain", said Laia, looking up at him with an expression Eric had never been able to say no to. "Please".

"Follow me".

Eric took Laia to one of the rooms he knew would be empty. They sat on the sofa and he looked at her again, not believing she was really there.

"You wanted to talk?"

"First of all, I need you to know that even if Pedri told you I just did this to hurt you or something like that...it's not true".

Eric nodded. So she really liked Pedri... "Then why did you get involved with one of my best friends?"

"I met him by chance at a club and I tried to get away from him when I realised who he was. But...I don't know. I guess I felt a connection to him that made me have to keep talking to him. And then we hung out and...you know".

"Why are you here? That's what I don't get".

"Because he won't listen to me".

"So you want me to send the message?", Eric couldn't believe what he was hearing. "You want me to help you get back with my friend? Are you insane?"

"No. I'm not asking you to do that. I just need to at least get one of you to understand I didn't mean for this to happen. I didn't want to hurt any of you".

"But you did", said Eric. But he wasn't accusing her, just stating a fact.

"I did. And I hate myself for it. You don't know how much".

Laia started to cry and that was the most painful sight for Eric. So he put his arms around her to try and make her feel better. When she noticed, she also wrapped her arms around him, around his waist. It was like her body followed a memory.

Eric just held her, kissing her head. He noticed the way his chest hurt. It was impossible to deny the pressure he felt and that made him close his eyes to try and steady his breathing. Having Laia back in his arms was bringing back everything, every memory, and he never wanted to let go. He should have never let her go all those years ago.

While looking at her, Eric thought Laia looked the same but also different. She was so much more mature now. And even more beautiful, even though he didn't think that was possible. These past 5 years served to turn her fully from a teen to a woman.

"I'm sorry, Eric", she whispered. "For everything. I was the one who gave up on us, not you. And now I do this...".

"We were kids, Laia. There's no point beating yourself up over that. And as for Pedri...I still haven't processed it fully, to be honest".

"I can't believe this is how we got to talk to each other again".

"Yeah", chuckled Eric. "But I'm glad we did. I've missed you".

"I've missed you too".

They stared at each other for what felt like hours. Laia also noticed the differences in Eric's appearance. He had a beard now and his hair was shorter. But he still looked like her Eric. He was the one who kept complimenting her when they were together, but Laia had always been obsessed with him. Eric was the boy she had dreamt about when she was a little girl. And now that he was a man...yeah, still what she thought her prince charming would look like. It hurt to acknowledge.

"I'll go now. Sorry to have bothered you but I needed to say my truth, I guess. It's just...it's so hard to go through all of this. Even though I know it's my fault".

"Do you want to have lunch with me?", asked Eric before Laia finished putting her coat and scarf back on.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. I feel we have a lot to catch up on. Apart from...you know".

After giving her the directions of the restaurant Eric visited often, they both went back to their cars. Laia had to stay still for a second before she started to drive. She needed to take deep breaths. Seeing Eric again, being so close to him...she guessed all of those who said you never forget your first love were right.