Invisible string (Robin Le Normand)

Chapter 7

The first time Leire and Robin talked, he was wearing his Real Sociedad tracksuit. One of Leire's first thoughts was that the navy blue polo Robin wore really suited him. She also thought that it was weird that a cute boy approached her while she was writing in the park. Because she didn't look her best. Far from it. And the way she was sitting down gave the impression that she shouldn't be approached. She sat down like that on purpose because she didn't need people bothering her while she worked.

But also, she had joked often with friends about meeting the love of her life while she was writing in the park. Sort of like on a romance novel. So the day that Robin finally decided to say hello to Leire, she couldn't help but think about that joke when she looked up to see who was talking to her.

"I'll be right back. I need to get changed into normal clothes".

It was seeing him wearing his football clothes, even if the colours were different now he played for Atleti, that really made Leire remember all the feelings she ended up having for Robin. Those she tried to forget about for the last two years. Slightly unsuccessfully, clearly.

"Oh, for God's sake!", she muttered, which got Robin's attention.

"You ok?"

"Yeah. Let's go".

Leire walked to the front door, not realising she should be heading to the garage because that was where cars were usually parked. But seeing Robin wearing a navy blue polo seemed like a bad joke. Did he read her mind or something? Or did he remember about all the times Leire told him that was her favourite colour? It wasn't. But it also was when Robin wore it.

"We can just walk around and you pick whatever you want".

"Sounds good", said Leire, focusing on the products sitting on the shelves. The car ride to the supermarket had been short and thank God for that because the silence was going to drive her insane.

They were trying to make things as normal as possible. But trying didn't mean they would achieve that goal right away.

"Leire, look at me for a second".

"What are you doing?", she asked when she saw Robin pointing her phone at her.

"Taking a photo for Instagram".

"Right. Better if I don't look at the camera and smile or it'll look more like a cereal ad".

Robin chuckled. "Right".

So she looked back at the cereal shelf, no longer being able to really read the words on the boxes because she was too aware of Robin being near her and taking photos.

They both had their own shopping lists and kept adding things to the trolley. Robin was more familiar with the layout of the shop, so he would leave for a few seconds to grab something and then got back to where Leire was waiting.

"I think we're done", she said. "This is going to cost a lot".

"Don't worry".

"Should we...".

"No", said Robin, leading them to the checkouts.

"You didn't know what I was going to say".

"Oh, I do", he laughed. "You were going to ask if we should pay separately. And not only would it be a pain to separate what's yours from what's mine but it is also stupid because remember how I earn stupid amounts of money for kicking a ball?"

Leire had often joked about that. "I almost forgot. But I'll make my own shop too sometimes and I'll pay for it".

"That's not the threat you think it is, you know?"

"You're so funny, Robin".

But he laughed. At her reaction and not at his own joke but he laughed anyway. And Leire tried not to join in. It would have been easy to go back to their usual way of acting around each other, even after such a long time. They had arguments before and their friendship didn't end. But those were small arguments, not like the one that happened two years ago. That one was one that ruined friendships.

"I can bring the heavier bags inside", offered Robin when they were back home and staring at all the stuff they bought.

"I can carry heavy stuff too".

"I didn't say you couldn't but it'd be easier for me".

"I'm a northerner, Robin. I can carry heavy things".

Robin bit his lip so as not to laugh at Leire and her reaction, because she would get mad if he did. Leire had a point. She was a northerner and they loved to show off how strong they were...and they also would carry two cases of milk and pretend like they weren't struggling because of their big ego. So when Leire got to the kitchen, she turned to look at Robin with a proud smile on her face.

"See? No problem".

"Actually...I keep those in the pantry so you'd need to bring them downstairs. You left before I could tell you".

Leire tried not to show her annoyance and Robin tried not to laugh...again. Why was teasing her so fun?

"No problem".

"Leire, I'll do it", he said, walking towards the milk but Leire put her arm in front of him to stop him.

"Over my dead body".

"I might actually have to pick up your injured body when you fall down the stairs".

But even though Leire struggled again, she managed to bring the cases downstairs without falling or dropping them. And then she went back upstairs to keep putting the food wherever it belonged.

"Pay attention so you memorize where everything is".

"I'm doing that already".

"Watch out or you'll hurt yourself", warned her Robin.

"I'm not doing anything that could hurt me...".

"I mean from rolling your eyes at me so much. You might get a migraine or something".

"I get them anyways...", Leire dropped her voice but still made sure Robin heard her. "Whenever I'm near you".

"Love you too".

Leire stared at Robin leaving the kitchen to pick up the final bag in the car and felt her heart hurt. She could notice the mocking tone in Robin's voice but...hearing him say those words brought back so many memories. Leire knew she was stupid enough to love Robin still but the question was did he love her?

"You ok?"

"Huh?", Leire turned around to face Robin, not realising what she had been doing before he got back.

"You seemed to not be ok. Why were you touching your chest like that? Does it hurt? Are you having a panic attack or something?"

When Leire noticed Robin approaching and moving his arms to touch her, she just moved away and shook her head. "I'm fine. Stop fussing".

The rejection hurt but Robin didn't want to show it. Just feeling the pain was bad enough.

"Maybe next time stop pretending you're the Hulk and let me carry what's too heavy for you. So you don't faint after every weekly shop".

"You're an idiot. You know that, right?"

"Yeah. But I'm your favourite idiot and that makes me feel special".

Leire wanted to tell Robin he was wrong but what a lie would that be. Because he was special. And she still felt so special whenever he paid so much attention to her.

"He might be an idiot. But I'm not much better".