The Line Between Us - Alejandro Balde Love Story

Chapter 1: Goodbye

The early morning air felt heavier than usual, like the world knew I was leaving. I stood on the front step, suitcase in hand, trying to ignore the knot tightening in my stomach. This was it—the start of my new life in Barcelona. A dream come true, or at least, that's what everyone kept telling me. But standing there, about to leave everything I knew behind, it felt less like a dream and more like a giant leap into the unknown.

I glanced up at the familiar sight of our house. The chipped paint, the garden I used to play in as a kid, and the old swing that Nico once pushed me off of during an argument—all these memories were woven into the fabric of who I was. Leaving meant more than just stepping into a new city; it meant shedding the safety of home.

"Isa, you're really gonna leave us all alone here?" Nico's voice broke the silence, pulling me back to reality. He was leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed, a teasing grin already spreading across his face. Classic Nico, never missing an opportunity to crack a joke, even at a time like this.

I rolled my eyes, trying to match his lightheartedness. "Oh, please, you'll be fine. Probably better without me around to keep you in check."

Nico laughed, the sound light and carefree, as always. "Better? More like lost. Who's gonna tell me when I'm being a total idiot now?"

I shook my head, fighting the smile that crept onto my face. "I'm sure you'll manage to figure it out on your own," I shot back, though I couldn't help but feel the warmth of our banter. Nico had always been the jokester, the one who could lighten any mood with just a look. It was one of the things I'd miss most.

Before I could say anything else, Iñaki stepped outside, his serious expression making the moment feel heavier again. My oldest brother, the protector, always watching out for me even when I didn't need it—or at least thought I didn't. At 30, Iñaki was the glue that held us all together. He didn't need to say anything for me to feel the weight of his concern.

"You're really doing this, huh?" he asked, his voice low but steady as he walked toward me, his brow furrowed in that familiar way that showed he was worried.

"Yeah," I nodded, trying to sound more confident than I felt. "I'm really doing this."

Iñaki sighed, pulling me into a hug, his arms wrapping around me with the kind of warmth only an older brother could give. It wasn't the kind of hug that could be shrugged off; it lingered, tight and protective, like he was trying to shield me from everything that lay ahead.

"I'm proud of you, Isa. But... I'm gonna miss you."

I pressed my face into his shoulder, breathing in the familiar scent of home—of him. I'd miss this too, the solidity of Iñaki's presence. He was the one who always made me feel safe, no matter what. "I'll miss you too," I whispered, my voice catching slightly. I wasn't about to cry, though. No way.

"Alright, alright," Nico interrupted, waving his hands dramatically. "Are we getting sappy now? Come on, Isa, you're only going to Barcelona, not the moon. We'll see you every weekend."

I turned to Nico, raising an eyebrow. "Oh? You're gonna drive all the way down every weekend to check on me? How sweet of you."

He grinned, not missing a beat. "I mean, I'm sure I can find time between all my very important activities."

"Yeah, like napping and annoying everyone?" I shot back, a playful smirk on my face.

"Exactly! Someone's gotta keep the balance around here." He winked, stepping forward to pull me into a quick hug. His usual cocky exterior softened, just for a second. "Seriously though, Isa. You're gonna kill it in Barcelona. But don't forget where home is, okay?"

I hugged him back, tighter than I intended. "I won't. Promise."

The sound of a car horn made me pull away. My ride was here. The driver had already popped the trunk, waiting for me to load my suitcase and go. I glanced back at Iñaki and Nico, feeling a lump form in my throat. Leaving them—leaving home—felt way harder than I had imagined. They weren't just my brothers; they were my protectors, my annoyances, my best friends.

"I guess this is it," I said, my voice quieter now, betraying the emotion I was trying to keep under control.

Iñaki gave me a nod, his hand resting on my shoulder. "You're gonna be amazing, Isa. Just remember, we're only a phone call away if you need anything."

Nico, of course, couldn't resist one last quip. "Yeah, and don't let those Barcelona guys get in your head. They're all trouble."

I laughed, shaking my head. "I think I can handle myself, Nico."

"Uh-huh. Just saying—if any of them try anything, they'll have to deal with me." He gave me a playful shove, his smile still wide, but I could see the flicker of something else beneath it. This was hard for him, too, even if he wouldn't admit it.

I took a deep breath, my hand tightening around the suitcase handle. I wasn't just leaving Bilbao. I was leaving my brothers, my home, and the comfort of everything I knew. But I had to do this. For me. For the dream I had worked so hard for.

As the car pulled away, I glanced back one last time, watching them stand side by side on the front step—Nico already waving wildly, Iñaki with a small smile, his arms crossed over his chest. My heart squeezed, and I blinked away the tears threatening to spill over.

Barcelona was waiting. But a piece of me would always be here, with them.