Invisible string (Robin Le Normand)

Chapter 6

Leire had never been bothered by people noticing how she felt about something. However, her writing was her weakness. Comments about it could drastically change her mood and the way her writing had been trashed lately had hurt her very much. She so often felt like that was the only thing she was good at, so if writing was taken from her...what could she do with her life?

"You're successful, Leire. What are you talking about?"

"Am I? I guess that's relative but I'm a very small fish in a huge pond. And I'm getting smaller, not bigger".

Robin didn't know how to approach that change in mood. Normally, he would hold her hand to at least let her know he was there to support her. But he still didn't think touching Leire was a good idea now. So he tried to change the subject slightly.

"Have you been working on new ideas recently? You used to start writing the next book before one was published".

"No, I haven't been writing these past few days", she sighed. "I can't concentrate".

"Is it because of me?"

Leire rolled her eyes. "Not everything is because of you, Robin".

"I mean because of everything we're doing. It can be distracting".

"No. It's because of the booktok review".

Of course. He should have guessed. "I watched it".

"You did?"

"Yeah...when Jesús mentioned it, I got curious. And that guy didn't know what he was saying".

"You haven't read this new book. Maybe he's right".

"He isn't. Leire, I know your writing. That review didn't reflect who you are as a writer. At all".

"Thanks".

Leire didn't know how to react to Robin complimenting her because it felt familiar but it wasn't supposed to be familiar anymore. But she would accept any good feedback at that moment because her confidence was so low. And soon, the book would be out for everyone to read...and criticise. Was she ready for that?

"So...what are your plans? For like the next few days, I mean", said Robin, waking her up from her overthinking.

"I got an interview in two days. I'll have to mention you in it".

"Me? Why?"

"You know", she shrugged. "People need to know I'm here with you so a quick mention sorts that out".

"Right...will you be here in the afternoon tomorrow?"

"I guess".

Robin noticed Leire making herself a little smaller when he asked her about when she'd be at home. He would pay to know what was going on inside her head at that moment.

"Leire...we should try to make things the most normal possible. We'll be living together and spending time together. I know it's hard after what happened but if we're acting so defensive, it'll only make things worse".

"I guess you're right".

"I am sometimes", he chuckled. "So I was asking to know if we could go to do a weekly shop after my training and your interview. The sooner we get that done, the better".

"Yeah, that sounds good".

"Feel free to look around the kitchen to see what's missing".

After their conversation, they fell into a comfortable silence and kept watching the soap opera. Once the episode ended, it was time for bed.

"I'll go to sleep now. See you tomorrow", said Leire, getting up off the sofa quickly.

"Yes. Good night".

"Good night".

Robin stared at her leaving and then going up the stairs. That went well...but there still was a wall between them. But what could he expect? He was still surprised they weren't throwing things at each other. Well, that Leire wasn't throwing anything at him more like.

Because of that distance, Robin made sure to leave early so Leire could be alone. He didn't want her to feel like she couldn't relax while having breakfast and doing her morning routine. Leire was a creature of habit. Or she used to be...maybe she wasn't anymore and he didn't know.

Leire was awake when Robin left and she frowned looking at the time. It seemed a bit early. Maybe Simeone liked to start training earlier than the la Real managers did. Or maybe Robin was running away from her. She wouldn't blame him.

"Let's start the day, then".

Her routine hadn't changed much since her friendship with Robin ended, so he was right to believe Leire was going to go downstairs to grab some breakfast 10 minutes after he left. She started by making a cup of coffee with her lactose-free milk. Leire couldn't stop smiling while she looked at the bottle. It was so stupid but it meant a lot that Robin didn't forget her allergy because she would have had to go out to buy a coffee if he only had regular milk in the fridge. It had been a while since she switched to oat milk but the gesture meant a lot regardless.

While she sipped her coffee, she spotted an area in the living room where she could do some morning yoga. It was harder to empty her mind at the moment, but Leire tried her best. At least the stretching felt nice. And it opened up her appetite so she went back to the kitchen to eat some food.

After that, it was usually planning time. Leire was one of those people who loved making to-do lists but...what was she even doing that day? Wait for Robin? She could try to write but...the inspiration was still gone.

"I'll shower".

It was easier for Leire to empty her mind while she stood under the warm water. Eyes closed, she held her breath for as long as she could before taking a big deep breath. Trying to get the stress out of her body.

When she got out of the shower, Leire picked up her body cream. Rice milk and cherry blossom, that was the scent that drove Robin mad. She had been using the same cream for years and rarely reached for her only perfume because the scent of the cream lasted on her skin so long, that there was no need for perfumes.

The wait felt eternal but right before Leire went to pick up a second cup of coffee, the door opened and Leire felt her nerves making a comeback.

"Hey! You ready to go?"

Leire nodded and Robin told her to wait a few minutes while he got changed. Seeing him coming back from training wearing his Atleti clothes brought back so many memories. Memories of easier times. Memories of happier times.