Lifeline (Marc Guiu)

Chapter 35 (Final chapter)

Once the season was over, it was time to go back home. Marc stil didn't know where he was going to play next season but he just wanted a few days off to relax before heading to the US for the FIFA Club World Cup. It was a nice time to head to Barcelona for a few days too and Alicia wanted to meet Victoria before she left to go on holidays with Fermín. Barça didn't qualify for the tournament so he was done with his season already.

"So, do you know where you'll play next season, Marc?", asked Victoria.

"Not yet but hopefully I'll know soon so I know where I'll live and all that".

"And I'll know where I have to go too. Mostly to get all the uni stuff sorted".

"Of course", was all Victoria said before changing the topic.

Alicia had noticed her friend was acting weird and she didn't get why...because Victoria wasn't telling Alicia what was bothering her. And if there was a constant in their lives, it was Victoria knowing she could trust Alicia. She could tell her everything. And she always had...but not now.

"Vicky. Can we talk?"

"Sure", was Victoria's answer while she busied herself making coffee.

"Why are you acting so weird? Is everything ok?"

"Of course. Everything is fine".

"Did Fermín do something...".

"He's not the problem", said Victoria before trying to leave the kitchen.

That wasn't explanation enough so Alicia grabbed her best friend's arm to stop her from finishing that conversation.

"Vicky, you know you can tell me anything. What's wrong? You're scaring me".

"I don't want you to leave!"

What? "What do you mean?"

"You're gone...all the time".

"I'm not gone all the time but I live in London..."

"And now you'll live somewhere else and maybe it's even further away and you won't visit as often and...and I miss my friend".

Victoria started to cry and Alicia hugged her. Why hadn't she told her earlier that she felt that way? They could have done something about it.

"We'll always be friends, Vicky. It doesn't matter where we live. Our friendship is forever".

"I know. It's just hard to not have you around".

"It's hard for me too", confessed Alicia. "Harder maybe. I have Marc but not much else. I'm away from my family, my friends, ...it's not always easy but I know this is what we have to do now. One day, we'll be back home to stay. But that won't be anytime soon".

"I know. I don't want to make you feel bad about this. I want you to be happy and I know Marc makes you happy. I just...Fermín is gone often for matches and I'm home alone and I miss you. I know he misses you too but it's different".

"I get that. I feel very lonely when Marc is away".

The two friends looked at each other. Having been in each other's lives for so long, this situation was very hard for them. Harder than they expected.

"Are you ok?", it was Fermín asking after finding his girlfriend and her best friend hugging and crying in the middle of the kitchen.

"Yeah. Just having a moment".

"Can I help?"

Victoria laughed and shook her head. "It's ok. Let's go watch the movie".

While in Barcelona, Alicia and Marc stayed with their families but also couldn't stay away from each for too long. So soon Alicia was in Marc's house, sitting on his bed and seeing him move around the room getting his suitcase ready.

"I talked to Vicky".

"What about?"

"It's been hard for her to not have me around. I miss her a lot too".

Marc turned to look at her and he tried to hide his worry. "What are you trying to say?"

"Nothing. Just that we miss each other".

"I would assume you do, yeah. I miss my friends too. It's a bit of a shitty situation but we can't do much about it".

"I guess", sighed Alicia.

Marc stopped packing his clothes and sat down next to Alicia.

"Please, tell me you're not leaving me alone wherever it is I go".

"I won't do that. I can't be away from you. I just don't like being away from everyone else I love either".

"I know", he told her, grabbing her hand so he could squeeze it. "I'm sorry this is my fault".

"It's not your fault".

"I could try and play for a Spanish team..."

"Marc", Alicia's tone turned serious. "Do what's best for you career, ok? We'll make this work. I can try and travel back home more when you're away for matches. Vicky could visit me more often. We'll make it work".

"You promise?"

She smiled. "I promise. It'll be harder sometimes. We might argue because of it but...we will make it work. Because I don't plan to stop loving you anytime soon".

"I don't plan on doing that either. So...should we invite Victoria and Fermín to the US trip so you aren't alone there while I play?"

"See? We are making it work".