Best Mistake ︱Pedri González

13

Pedri's POV

The morning of the match day dawned overcast and quiet. The bus ride to Girona was long but familiar, a routine I'd grown used to over the years. Esther and I had managed to patch things up again, or at least, that's what we told ourselves. The argument was forgotten for now, but the guilt still lingered. I was torn between the life I was trying to salvage and the secret I was keeping—my affair with Luciana.

As soon as we arrived at the hotel, I slipped away to find Esther. Her room was on the floor below all the players. I knocked softly and waited for her to open the door.

"Hey," she greeted me with a warm smile when she opened the door.

"Hey," I replied, stepping inside. "How's everything?"

"Better now," she said, closing the door behind me. "I missed you."

She wrapped her arms around me, we sank onto the bed, and the familiarity of her touch was comforting. But as we continued, the guilt only grew heavier. I was betraying not just Esther but also Luciana, who was still part of my life in a way that complicated everything.

Afterward, we lay together in silence. I felt Esther's head resting on my chest, but my mind was elsewhere.

"Are you okay?" Esther asked, her voice soft.

"Yeah," I said, forcing a smile. "Just a bit tired."

"You've been distant lately," she said, her fingers tracing patterns on my chest. "Is something going on?"

"Nothing," I lied, feeling the knot of guilt tighten in my stomach. "Just a lot on my mind."

Esther seemed to accept my answer, but the silence between us felt heavy. I knew I had to face the reality of my situation, but for now, I buried it deep inside.

The next morning, I joined Ferran, Gavi, and Eric in the hotel lobby. We talked about the game, but my mind was elsewhere.

"Hey, you good?" Ferran asked, noticing my distracted look.

"Yeah, just a bit preoccupied," I replied, trying to shake off the thoughts of Luciana.

"Big game today," Gavi said, slapping me on the back. "Let's focus on that."

We headed to the pre-match meal, where the conversation was light but filled with anticipation. I was trying hard to stay focused, but the guilt gnawed at me.

As we changed into our Barça gear and headed to the bus, I spotted Esther in the stands. I offered her a small smile, trying to convey my affection despite the turmoil inside.

"Looking good out there," Ferran said as we boarded the bus.

"Thanks," I said, nodding. "Let's make this game count."

When we hit the field, the game was as intense as expected. I was determined to make an impact, but my mind was still split between my duties and the mess I had created.

Finally, the chance came. I saw the ball coming towards me and took the shot. The net bulged, and I couldn't help but shout with joy. I ran towards the corner flag, searching for Esther in the stands.

"There's my girl," I said to myself as I saw her smiling back at me. I pointed directly at her, trying to communicate my dedication to her despite everything.

As the game continued, I felt a mix of pride and guilt. The final whistle blew, and the score was 2-1, with Ferran's goal alongside mine.

In the locker room, the team was buzzing with energy. Ferran came over and clapped me on the back.