Dawning emerald

2- ADLIN

Letting out a heavy exhale, I brush back the memories of Bekham to the back of my head.

I paste a wide grin on my face while I greet the junior batch with high fives.

"Hey Maddy!" I greet Madeline Garcia, the best student, as I approach. "Oh hi Adlin!!" She returns my greeting with a hug. "Need some help with that?" I ask them, lifting the boxing gauze I'm holding to the other kids. "Nope, he's got us!" Clara, the youngest, exclaims, her blue eyes scanning past me. "Who's got you?" I ask, tilting my head in confusion. I turn around when Maddy points to the mystery guy behind me.

"Holy Andreus," I gasp, recalling the Greek god's name I was learning about yesterday. I come face to face with someone who resembles a Greek god, almost. Squinting my eyes, I focus on his face, my chest heaving with sudden surprise. Not quite a god, but certainly appealing-Standing before me is someone who could be a Greek deity, or at least could pass for one-a striking figure with olive skin, piercing pitch-black raven eyes that seem to search my soul, and long locks of thick brown hair adorned with subtle blond highlights. "Oh Zeus," I mutter in awe.

"Uh, you, okay?" the enigmatic man in front of me finally speaks, his deep voice wrapping around me like velvet. He reaches out, grabbing my biceps before I lose my balance. Oh great, now I'm nearly falling for him. "Uh, yeah," I stutter, taken aback by the strength of his grip, as if he never wants to let me go.

"By the way, how did you know my name? I believe I've never met anyone this beautiful," he says, loosening his grip. I regain my balance and lose my composure mentally at his words. "Uh, no, we've never met before," I reply, hoping he doesn't notice the heat flushing my cheeks. "By the way, I'm Andreus-uh, sorry, Andreas Esteban Cruz. Pleasure to meet you. And you are...?" he prompts me to introduce myself. "Adlin Rosea Valiente. Delighted to meet you," I say politely, hoping to match his elegance. He extends his hand for a handshake. I glance down at his hand as we shake-his knuckles are slightly red, his veins prominent, and there's a colourful bracelet adorning his wrist, his veins standing out against his tanned forearm. I return his firm handshake with a polite smile, noticing the subtle dimple that appears when he smiles.

"Will you be staying here long? I mean, in general? Where are you from and why did you come?" I inquire, once our handshake concludes. "Yeah, I just got back-" he begins, but before he can finish, he begins, but before he can finish, Olivia and Ruiz call out my name. I chuckle and bid farewell to Andreas, moving toward them.

Halfway there, I pause and turn to see him staring at me, a dark tint of red on his chiselled cheekbones. Feeling a bit self-conscious, I subtly sway my hips as I walk, "What, you trying to be a model now?" Olivia asks before gearing up for the footwork drill. My eyes lock with his, and he looks away to help the kids. "Yeah, only when someone's watching." I reply softly and concentrate on my session ahead.

But I found myself unable to shake off thoughts about Andreas's interaction. My attempts to focus on my boxing session were futile as I felt the intensity of his gaze like a blazing inferno, igniting every inch of my skin. It was as if his eyes were solely fixed on me, stirring sensations within me that I couldn't quite explain but undeniably craved. Once again, Olivia's concerned gaze met mine, her inquiry cutting through the intoxicating haze Andreas had cast upon me. "Yeah, I'm fine," I replied, my voice betraying the tumultuous emotions swirling within me. Desperately, I tried to redirect my attention to the task at hand, but the memory of his touch lingered, searing through me like a forbidden flame.

After a while before Ruiz left for a family emergency, I went to the locker room to freshen up and head back home since it was almost noon and my family was always big on lunch. Packing my back, I head out bidding goodbye to everyone, Searching for one particular set of raven eyes but nowhere to be seen. I head outside and wait for my uber. The scorching heat of Spain's afternoon wrapped around me like a sultry embrace, intensifying the already simmering tension between Andreas and me in my mind, I don't know why we had a normal goddamn conversation like normal people had when they meet a new normal person

That's if you were normal, The voice in my head snaps.

My mamá and papá were going to land in Spain tommorow and stay here for a while.A few moments I reach my abode, Thanking the driver I head inside.

In the heart of Spain, nestled amidst the vibrant streets, lies a Spanish house embracing the essence of modern minimalist trends. Its sleek façade, adorned with clean lines and geometric shapes, stands in stark contrast to the traditional architecture of its surroundings. Inside, the interiors exude a sense of serenity and sophistication, with neutral colour palettes and uncluttered spaces dominating the design.

Large windows allow natural light to flood the rooms, accentuating the simplicity of the décor and creating an airy ambiance. The furniture, characterized by its understated elegance, showcases smooth surfaces and minimalist silhouettes, complemented by pops of colour and texture for visual interest. In the kitchen, sleek countertops and streamlined cabinets offer ample storage space while maintaining a sense of openness and refinement. Modern appliances seamlessly blend into the design, enhancing both form and function.

As I step into the bustling kitchen, the aromas of traditional Spanish cuisine envelop me, triggering a flood of memories from my childhood. Servants scurry around, their hands laden with platters of Savory dishes, preparing for our family lunch. The air is filled with the tantalizing scents and Flavors of paella, with its rich saffron-infused rice and an array of fresh seafood. The aroma of sizzling chorizo and patatas bravas wafts through the air, tempting my taste buds with their Savory allure. Gazpacho, chilled and refreshing, awaits in elegant pitchers, ready to quench our thirst on this hot afternoon. As I make my way through the kitchen, I am transported back to simpler times, surrounded by the comforting familiarity of home and the promise of a delicious meal shared with loved ones. I fervently wish that Mami and Papi could arrive earlier from their Caribbean trip, that Camila would swiftly return from the Air Force just to be with me, and that Diego would make it in time after wrapping up his business deals.

Throughout the house, thoughtful touches of contemporary art and minimalist décor add personality and warmth to the space, creating a harmonious blend of modernity and tradition. Here, in this Spanish house embracing minimalist trends, simplicity is celebrated, and every element is carefully curated to evoke a sense of tranquillity and timeless elegance.

I found myself repeatedly drawnback to our conversation, the memory of Andreas's dimpled cheeks andirresistible allure consuming my thoughts. There are moments in life when you just know. When something deep within stirs, whispering of the paths yet to unfold. That's how it began for me, on an ordinary day in an ordinary city. But fate had other plans.

It was just a glance, a fleeting moment. But in that instant, something shifted. Call it intuition or destiny, but I knew deep down that he would be more than just a stranger passing by.

"By the way how did you know my name?".Andreas' voice filled my head

The answer was simple-Fate