Wrong choice (Ferran Torres)

Chapter 27

They said it was the small things that truly made people happy. And Ferran absolutely believed that claim to be true. Especially when he woke up and saw Anna next to him. Money, fame, a succesful career in football, ...none of it compared to falling asleep with the love of his life on his arms. And seeing Anna was still there when he woke up was the cherry on top. Had it been up to him, he would have stayed there all day. But they couldn't do that, so he got out of bed to make a cup of tea for when Anna woke up.

When he made it downstairs, he heard the doorbell and wondered who it could be.

"Where is she?", demanded Hugo.

"Get out of my house".

"Torres. I know she's here and I need to talk to her".

"And I need you to get out of my house before I call the police".

"You can't give her what she needs".

"And you can?", laughed Ferran. "This stupid fucking child can do way better than you, old man. I don't cheat. I don't abandon the people who need me. Unlike you".

"I'll give it two months. Until you get it out of your system and want to move on to the next. She's not as great as it seems, you know? Pretty to look at, good in bed but whines too much".

"Leave NOW! Before I get really mad".

"She's making a big mistake. She'll come back to me. You'll see".

Ferran closed the door and shook his head. He made his way upstairs, having forgotten about the tea he was supposed to make, and found Anna sitting on the top of the stairs.

"Did you hear all that?"

"Thank you", was all she said.

"I'm sorry you had to hear those words".

"Sit with me, please", said Anna, patting the space next to her. "I've decided something and I wanted to tell you first".

"Ok".

"I'm going to go to Madrid tomorrow to work with the guys from the English football channel. And in a few days I'll go to London. We had planned a trip there and we'll move it on the schedule so it's sooner. I'll stay there for a few weeks. I need...I need space. Time to think".

"Right", said Ferran. He didn't like hearing that but understood.

Anna could tell what was going on in Ferran's head and needed him to understand the situation.

"It's too much to ask and I know it but...can you wait for me? For me to be fully ready for this, I mean".

"I've been waiting for over a year, Anna. I'm a pro at waiting".

"I don't like feeling like I'm using you...but I need time".

"I know. You're worth waiting for".

"You're crazy for thinking that", she told him and Ferran shrugged. "You know, you're pretty cool for a stupid fucking child".

"Thanks", he chuckled.

"When did he call you that?"

"A few times. It's fine. I know he just felt intimidated by my youth and my charm".

Anna laughed and moved closer to hug Ferran's side, placing her head on his shoulder. Ferran put his arm around her, keeping her close to him.

"We should have a good breakfast".

"I thought you didn't eat breakfast".

"Well...yeah, I don't. But we missed dinner last night".

"Sorry...".

"Please, Anna. I would skip dinner every day if that meant having you in my arms and being able to kiss you until we both fall asleep".

"That's so sweet...".

"I'm a little corny", he shrugged.

"I'm more direct, I guess. But I don't want you to skip dinner when I'm around".

"Why?"

"Because you'll need the energy".

"Oh, I like direct".

When they got to the kitchen, Ferran told Anna to sit down and to let him get everything ready. He just made some scrambled eggs with some veggies on the side. Plus a couple of pieces of toast. Simple but a solid breakfast.

He then placed their plates on the kitchen island and turned to look at Anna, sitting down on the chair next to his. Ferran couldn't help placing his hand on her cheek before leaning down to peck her lips softly.

Anna noticed how he always held her like she was the most fragile and valuable creature in the world. It made her feel so loved. So special. It was...perfect.

While she didn't want to ruin their moment mentioning Hugo, she knew there were still more plans she needed to share with Ferran.

"My brother will go pick my things from Hugo's to take to my parents".

"You can bring your things here".

"I need my own place, Fer".

"I know. But I have plenty of room here to keep everything while you find that place. Don't bother your parents with that".

"I'll bother you instead", she joked.

"Nothing you do can bother me...well, that's not true. You leaving for weeks will bother me. But I get it".

"I really need those weeks away. I just hate it means being away from you too. But I'll call you every day".

He nodded. "It's okay. I'll be waiting. Always".