Two R's Do Not Make a Right

Chapter 12

I called Bella with shaking fingers as soon as I could comprehend what happened. We've been friends since 10th grade. She was present throughout the breakup and the beginning of the relationship. I can't really say throughout because he made me isolate myself, made me feel guilty for spending any amount of time with anyone besides himself. She didn't judge me, didn't repeatedly tell me, "I told you so!" And if I'm honest she of all people had every right to. But she didn't. She spent nights consoling my lost mind while answering his damned phone calls calling me every single name that could ever exist in Portuguese, Spanish and English. Any sweet whispers in my ear turned to foul, toxic cement like words smeared across the walls of my mind reminding me of my fatal decision.

She knew how to handle and comfort me. She answered after the first ring. After a long string of colorful words she couldn't believe his audacity to approach me once again. Shortly after our breakup he would terrorize me through any means. Stalking being one. I assumed I was always a phase because as soon as he appeared, he disappeared. That aided my recovery.
She calmed me down reassuring me. He was never to get that close again. I was stronger now, more aware of the harm available if looked for.

I smiled as I heard Enzo in the background, walking into her house. At this, I decided to say my goodbyes feeling a hell of a lot better. Netflix and chill with Percy and Zeus sounded perfect right now. I was scrolling through Instagram realising how soon the FIFA Best ceremony was. Cris already asked me to attend with Gio and Junior. My family was beyond jealous because I was seated right in the front while they were positioned next to Zidane. Everyone was flying straight to London this weekend and flying back to Brazil the following morning. It was a minor bump in their perfect holiday plan. I couldn't believe the extent they reached to ensure a perfect holiday. I was flying from here to London on Friday so I was there a day early. I've been to London many times so I was comfortable going alone.

I watched Rough Night with Scarlett Johansson and afterward I decided sleep was catching up with me.

I woke up extra early this morning because I fell asleep at 8pm. By the time I heard the door close I had finished exercising, showering and feeding the dogs. My bodyguards slash personal entertainment was here! Fun! I walked downstairs in a summer dress and sandals only to be greeted by something holding tight onto the back of my calves. I looked up to see Isco standing there smiling as if he was hiding something. "I held up my end of the bargain! So feed me lady!" At this I laughed and picked up Junior. I gave him a massive hug and he kissed my cheek. "Please tell daddy who you are?"
"Lia's future husband!"
"Why are you teaching my child rubbish?!" He shouted from the kitchen. I only laughed walking into the kitchen shocked to see the second presence in the kitchen. Tears brimmed the corners of my eyes. "JAMES!" He stood there seemingly offended. "I thought I was your fiancé!" He then crossed his arms over his chest. I couldn't care less about his arms as I hugged him relishing in the few times I got and get to see my brother. We were inseparable during his time at Los Blancos and Zidane always feared the two of us together. We were worse than a crowd of two year olds.
"So no thank you for me? I was only supposed to bring Junior but this fool couldn't miss the opportunity to see you." As I hugged Isco as a sign of gratitude, my phone's FaceTime ringtone interrupted. It was Cris. I stood to the side so he couldn't see James. "Hey! Whoa someone is very tanned!"
"I have to look my best after all I am receiving an award this weekend!" At this both Isco and I snorted.
"You know I'm joking. Anyways just checking that my house is in one-" at this I flipped the phone camera on James. " I guess I better start praying for my house right now! James! No wonder you aren't replying to my texts!" James and Cris were like a married couple. Gio would sometimes be pushed to the side for James. Both were heartbroken after the transfer but they still talk. Daily.
"Yah man! How's Venezuela? I'm telling you Columbia would've been a better option."
"It's been great, I hope I'm seeing you this weekend?"
"Don't be planning your affair on my phone! Let me see my family!"
After Xavier lectured me about the history of the stunning country and my mom bragging about all her shopping I ended the call.

I sighed and couldn't help keeping the smile plastered on my face as I looked at James again. I was thinking about going to the park for Junior when I asked the fools in front of me. They shook their heads in agreement simultaneously. I could honestly say that I was the babysitter for today. I packed a picnic basket as they got blankets and sunblock. Junior was beyond excited as I was loading up my Range Rover. Isco got in the drivers seat expecting the keys to come flying in his direction. Instead he got an unamused Lia with her eyebrows raised expectantly. No one was allowed to drive my car and with James sitting alongside him, Isco was forced to sit in the back. He made his displeasure clear with a sour face the entire ride there. James and I couldn't help but laugh. The park was almost empty because of it being a Monday. We found a nice spot next to the playground when Junior looked at me with wide, pleading eyes.
"That child has you wrapped around his arm never mind finger." Isco jokes.
"Like you aren't as bad!" James just laughs in response. I took Junior by the hand to the swings.

*Isco's point of view*
As Lia walked away I stared off into the distance. James knew from the moment I met Lia I liked her. He has tried many times to convince me to confess my feelings. The question I posed for myself was "what 20 year old wants a kid?". Junior will forever be my first priority. Whenever she's around Junior, he clings to her. I know for certain that it's not due to her giving him anything he wants because he hasn't done that with anyone else. He's a shy child but talks non stop when with her. She makes him happy. I figured it'd be as if I was ruining her life by incorporating my main source of happiness.

James could see the deliberation in my eyes and shook his head disapprovingly. He knew what had me so conflicted. Worst of all, he knew about the thing between her and Marco. It hurt to know that she feels something for him. "Man, you should've seen how happy she was when I teased her about him. If only she knew how happy I was just seeing her and having a conversation with her. It made my day."
"Well she'll never know if you don't let her know. You see the way she is with Junior." He pointed in their direction. She just caught him as he went down the slide. Her smile was so broad, it was contagious and it has me smiling. Junior was laughing. The picture was surreal and supposedly unrealistic for me. James looked at me with sad eyes, "you're torturing yourself." I stuck my head in my hands while sighing. In order to get my mind off of this topic, we spoke about Bayern Munich and how James was finding the Bundesliga. Shortly after the topic was long forgotten, Lia and Junior returned.