The Line Between Us - Alejandro Balde Love Story

Chapter 14: Confrontations and Confessions

The morning sun streamed through my apartment windows, but it did little to warm the chill settling in my chest. I had barely slept, replaying the night's conversation with Alejandro over and over in my mind. I couldn't shake the feeling that something important had shifted between us, and I needed to talk about it.

Berta and I were meeting at our favorite café, a cozy spot with walls adorned with vibrant artwork and the rich aroma of coffee filling the air. As soon as I walked in, I spotted her at our usual table, her expression a mix of excitement and concern.

"There you are! I've been waiting," she said, her eyes sparkling as I took a seat across from her. "You look like you've seen a ghost."

"Thanks," I replied dryly, stirring my coffee absentmindedly. "Just didn't sleep well."

"Still thinking about Alejandro, huh?" Berta asked, leaning forward with an encouraging smile.

I sighed, my shoulders dropping. "It's complicated."

"Complicated?" she echoed, raising an eyebrow. "You two were practically on the verge of something last night. I saw the way you looked at each other. You can't deny there's something there."

"I don't know, Berta. He's a footballer. I'm a model. It feels like such a cliché."

"Why not?" Berta challenged, crossing her arms. "You know Fermín is a footballer, and I'm a model, and look how well that's working out for us. You need to face the fact that what you and Alejandro have is real."

"But what if it's just a phase?" I countered, feeling a knot tighten in my stomach. "What if he's just caught up in the moment?"

"You're unstoppable, babes. The only thing slowing you down is your own hesitation," she said firmly, her gaze steady on mine. "You need to stop overthinking everything. Just embrace it!"

"But what if I get hurt?" I whispered, the vulnerability slipping out before I could stop myself.

"Isn't that part of being human?" Berta replied softly. "You'll never know unless you take the leap. You deserve to find happiness, even if it scares you."

I took a deep breath, trying to process her words. Berta always had a way of seeing through my defenses, making me question my own excuses. "I just... I need time to figure things out," I said finally, though I knew that was just another way of hiding.

Berta reached across the table, squeezing my hand. "Just remember, I'm here for you, no matter what. But don't let fear hold you back from something that could be amazing."

As I nodded, She swung the café door open, and a rush of fresh air hit me. It pulled my thoughts away from our conversation, but Berta's words echoed in my mind like a mantra.

Alejandro's POV

Later that afternoon, I found myself at a training session, but my thoughts were miles away. I couldn't shake the memory of last night with Isa—how close we had been to something real. Fermín caught my distracted demeanor as we took a break, leaning against a nearby wall with a knowing smirk.

"What's got you all lost in thought?" he asked, nudging my shoulder.

"Isa," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.

Fermín's grin widened. "Ah, the model. Berta's friend. She's been on your mind a lot lately."

I ran a hand through my hair, feeling the frustration bubble inside me. "It's not that simple, man. I mean, we had a moment, and then... it just slipped away."

"Sounds like you need to take control of the situation," Fermín said, his tone shifting to one of seriousness. "I've got your back, man. Love her, fight for her, and don't look back. What are you waiting for?"

I let his words sink in, the truth of them striking a chord deep within me. "But what if I mess it up? What if she gets hurt?"

"Life is all about risks, Ale. You can't let fear dictate your choices," he urged. "If you care about her, you owe it to yourself—and to her—to be honest about your feelings."

"I know, I just—" I hesitated, frustration clawing at me. "What if she doesn't feel the same way? What if I'm just another distraction?"

Fermín shook his head. "Dude, you're not just a distraction. You're a great guy, and I've seen how she looks at you. There's something real there. Don't let your insecurities get in the way."

I took a deep breath, the weight of his encouragement settling in. "You really think so?"

"I know so," he replied, clapping me on the back. "Now go get her before someone else does."

Returning to the field, the sun shone brightly overhead, but the warmth felt distant compared to the storm brewing inside me. Fermín was right; it was time to stop hesitating. I needed to talk to Isa, to tell her how I felt before it was too late.

With every step I took, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. I wasn't going to let fear keep me from what I wanted—not anymore. It was time to embrace the chaos and fight for what was worth it.