Secrets

Chapter 2: An old acquaintance

After a quick shower, Leire dressed in comfortable yet elegant clothes: lightweight pants and a white blouse that highlighted her skin. As she looked in the mirror, she noticed a spark in her green eyes that she hadn't seen in a long time. She tied her hair up in a messy bun and applied a bit of makeup, accentuating her cheekbones and lips with a touch of color.

She decided to walk to her favorite café instead of taking the subway. The fresh morning air was revitalizing, and the city was buzzing with the characteristic energy of New York. She walked through the busy streets, enjoying the hustle and bustle and the variety of people hurrying to their destinations. There was something about the vibrant atmosphere of the city that always managed to lift her spirits.

She arrived at the café, a hidden gem on a quiet corner. The aroma of freshly ground coffee and baked pastries enveloped her immediately, and she found herself smiling. She approached the counter and greeted Clara, the usual barista, who smiled back at her.

"Good morning, Leire! The usual, right?"

"Yes, please, Clara. An Americano and a croissant."

While waiting for her order, Leire let her thoughts wander, reflecting on recent events and the strange sense of anticipation she had felt upon waking up. Just as she was about to delve deeper into her thoughts, a familiar voice pulled her out of her reverie.

"Leire? Is that you?"

Leire turned and her heart skipped a beat. Standing in front of her was Alex, an old boyfriend from her past life. They had broken up many years ago, but the intensity of their relationship and how it had ended remained a vivid memory in her mind. Alex looked the same as ever, though with a maturity that suited him well. His blue eyes shone with a mix of surprise and joy.

"Alex!" Leire exclaimed, unable to hide her surprise. "What a surprise to see you here!"

"Likewise, Leire. I can't believe it. How many years has it been?"

"Too many," she replied with a smile, feeling a wave of nostalgia wash over her.

Clara handed Leire her order, and Alex suggested they sit together. Although she was initially happy to see Alex, there was a part of her that had not expected to see him again and, frankly, didn't much like the idea. She wanted to distance herself from her past, and Alex was a living reminder of everything she had left behind.

***

As they talked, Leire couldn't help but feel drawn to Alex again. There was something about his presence, the way he smiled and looked at her, that awakened feelings she thought she had forgotten. The conversation drifted towards their shared memories, and they laughed as they recalled anecdotes and adventures they had lived together.

"Do you remember that time at the lake?" Alex asked, his eyes twinkling mischievously.

"How could I forget?" Leire laughed. "We got soaked to the bone, and it was still one of the best days of my life!"

Alex's laughter was contagious, and Leire felt transported back to those days of youth and carefree moments. But behind the laughter and light conversation, there was a subtle tension growing between them. Leire could feel the electricity in the air, a mix of nostalgia and desire that made her feel alive and yet uneasy.

After a while, Alex looked at her with a more serious expression.

"Leire, I've always wondered... Why did you leave so abruptly? I never got a clear explanation."

Leire felt a knot form in her stomach. She had anticipated this question, but still wasn't prepared to answer it.

"It was... complicated, Alex. I needed a change. There were many things in my life that I needed to leave behind to find myself."