Total pages in book: 115
Estimated words: 110351 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 552(@200wpm)___ 441(@250wpm)___ 368(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 110351 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 552(@200wpm)___ 441(@250wpm)___ 368(@300wpm)
I laugh. “Maybe I’m changing. Being here has opened me up to so much. New experiences, new people…”
“Rugby players…” Laura chimes in.
“A certain rugby player,” I admit, shaking my head at her cheeky grin. “Just one. But it’s not just him, Laura. It’s the festivals, the language, the food… everything about this place feels alive, and I want to soak up as much of it as I can. I’m not staying here forever, so I want to make the most of it.”
Laura nods thoughtfully, her expression softening. “I get that. I do. I just miss you, you know?”
“I miss you too,” I say, my voice quieter now. “But I feel like I’m finally starting to find myself here. For the first time in ages, I’m not just... drifting.”
“That’s all I want for you,” Laura says softly. Then her teasing grin returns. “That, and for you to give me more details about this Santi guy. Is he funny? Thoughtful? What’s he like?”
I smile, thinking of him. “Both.”
“Wait a minute. He’s hot, funny and thoughtful?!”
I laugh softly. “He’s not what I expected. He’s so grounded. He talks about his family all the time - especially his mum. He’s always messaging me first and responds quickly, and he always makes the plans for us. And he’s got this ridiculous sense of humor that makes me laugh even when I don’t want to.”
Laura tilts her head, a dreamy look on her face. “He sounds like a keeper.”
“I think he might be,” I say softly, surprising myself with the admission.
“Well, you’d better invite me to the wedding. I’ll be Maid of Honour, of course.”
I shake my head at that. “Don’t get your hopes up just yet. I don’t really know how this will work… You know, logistically.”
“What do you mean?” Laura asks, her brows furrowing.
“Well, Santi’s pretty committed to a life here. And as much as I really do love Spain, I don’t want to stay here forever.”
“I don’t think you need to worry about that just yet,” she says, taking on a much more serious tone. “You just need to lean back and enjoy this. It sounds like he’s super into you - don’t sweat the rest of it just yet.”
“Yeah. I guess so,” I nod. “Anyway - tell me all about you. I’m not having it that you’re not seeing anyone.”
“Well, there might be someone…” Laura smiles, and I squeal in delight.
As we keep chatting, I realise how grateful I am for her endless support. As much as I like the people here and have made friends with some of my co-workers, nothing is quite the same as my friendship with Laura, where we’d hit it off immediately and been practically inseparable ever since.
Not only that, but I’m so grateful for technology, and for the chance to share this new chapter of my life with my best friend - even if she’s hundreds of miles away.
∞∞∞
Like most Thursday afternoons, my classroom hums with the low murmur of conversation and the occasional burst of laughter. The Spanish sun streams through the tall windows, casting golden patches across the desks where my fifteen-year-old students are scattered in small groups, deep in discussion.
“Okay, everyone,” I say, clapping my hands lightly to get their attention. “Remember, the goal is to practice speaking as much as possible. This is your chance to impress me with your English.”
A few murmurs of complaint ripple through the room, but most of the students smile and nod in understanding.
Over the last few weeks, I’ve learned that keeping the tone light helps them relax, and adopting Sarah’s method of speaking in English as much as possible has really been paying off.
Total immersion might be challenging, but it works.
“Your task is to discuss your heroes,” I continue, pacing between the desks. “It can be anyone. A family member, a historical figure, a celebrity. But by the end of the session, I want you to be able to explain why they’re your hero, and tell us all at least one interesting fact about them. Got it?”
A sea of nodding heads greets me, and the students dive into the task with surprising enthusiasm. I move around the room, listening to snippets of conversations and offering encouragement when needed.
Although most of the kids are speaking in English, I recognise a few wild Spanish phrases being tossed around here and there.
“Remember everyone,” I call out, interrupting their flow. “English only. No Spanish cheat codes!”
There’s a collective groan, but I catch a few smirks.
“Miss, sometimes it’s too hard!” a boy named Diego protests, dragging out the word hard in a dramatic whine.
“You can do it,” I reply. “Think of it as practice for the real world. Now, back to your heroes!”
In reality, I’m beyond impressed by all of their work ethic, focus and dedication. Most of my students have been learning English since they were tiny, so their language skills are already at a superb level. I’m only pushing them because I believe in them all and want them to succeed in their end-of-year exams.