OFFSIDE

72

❝ From the night we met. ❞
« ♫ ♡ ♫ »

Pablo's POV
Waiting at the arrivals gate of Barcelona-El Prat Airport, I glance at the screen showing the flight statuses. Renata and Sara's flight from Seville has just landed. I feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. I hope Elena will be happy with the surprise. She's mentioned her old friends a few times, always with a hint of nostalgia. I never really understood what caused their fallout, but I figured maybe this reunion could mend whatever was broken.

As people start streaming out of the arrival gate, I spot Renata and Sara. They look a bit tired from the flight, but their faces light up when they see me. I wave and walk toward them, a big smile on my face.

"Pablo!" Renata calls out, her French accent still noticeable despite her good Spanish. She was born in French and lived there until her fourth birthday. She gives me a quick hug. Sara follows suit, and we exchange greetings.

"It's so good to see you both," I say. "How was the flight?"

"Boring, but not too bad," Sara replies. "I'm just glad to be here. It's been ages since we've seen Elena."

"She's going to be thrilled," I assure them, taking one of Renata's bags. "Let's get your luggage and head to the car. I've parked just outside."

As we make our way through the airport, Renata and Sara start asking questions about life in Barcelona.

"So, how's everything going here?" Renata asks, looking around with wide eyes.

"It's been good," I reply. "Barcelona is an amazing city. Busy, but there's always something to do. And with the football season in full swing, it's been hectic but exciting."

"How's Elena been?" Sara asks, a note of concern in her voice.

"She's been good, really focused on her art. She's even got some of her paintings noticed by a few galleries. It's an exciting time for her."

"That's amazing!" Renata exclaims. "I remember how passionate she was about her art. It's great to hear she's getting the recognition she deserves. And that she has her own life."

"Yeah, she's really talented," I agree. "I think she's found a good balance between supporting me and pursuing her own dreams."

We reach the luggage carousel and wait for their bags. As we stand there, Sara nudges Renata and whispers something. I don't catch all of it, but it seems like they're talking about Elena. I decide to address the elephant in the room.

"So, I know you guys had some kind of falling out," I begin cautiously. "I don't know the details, but I really hope this visit can help mend things."

Renata and Sara exchange a glance, and then Renata speaks up. "Yeah, we've been meaning to talk to her about that. It's been weighing on us too."

"Good," I say, relieved. "I think it'll mean a lot to her."

We grab their bags and head to the parking lot. The sun is shining brightly, and it's a perfect day in Barcelona. I load their bags into the trunk and open the car doors for them. As we start driving towards the city, Renata and Sara continue asking questions.

"What's your favorite thing about living here?" Renata asks.

"Hmm, that's tough," I say, thinking. "The city life, definitely. And the architecture. There's so much history in this city. Plus, the weather is amazing. Hot, but not like the Seville warmth."

Sara laughs. "Yeah, we noticed. It's cooler than in Seville."

"Yeah. I have worn more sweaters the past month than I ever did back home. I would drive past some sights."