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)
As much as I’d dreaded returning to the chaos we left behind, I feel more settled with him by my side.
When we land in Valencia, the warm Mediterranean air greets us like an old friend, and Santi gives my hand a reassuring squeeze as we step out of the terminal.
“Home sweet home,” he says, flashing me a small smile.
∞∞∞
The week passes quickly, with Santi diving back into his rigorous training schedule for the two remaining matches of the season. Meanwhile, I prepare myself to step back into my life here. Returning to work feels daunting - like stepping into a spotlight I didn’t ask for - but I know I can’t avoid it forever.
Monday morning comes too quickly, and as I stand outside the familiar school gates, my stomach churns with nerves. I take a deep breath and step inside, greeted by the cheerful chaos of students arriving and the hum of chatter filling the air.
The first hurdle is the meeting with the headteacher, María. My heart pounds as I walk into the office, but her warm smile immediately puts me at ease.
“Olivia, it’s good to see you back,” she says, motioning for me to sit down. “How are you feeling?”
“Better,” I say honestly, though my hands twist nervously in my lap. “Thank you for being so understanding while I was away.”
“Of course, of course. We just want to make sure you’re okay. I know things have been complicated lately, but we are all here to support you. If there’s anything you need, please just let us know. And my door is open, always.”
Her kindness is unexpected, and I feel a lump form in my throat. I've been far too emotional for my own liking recently, but at least I don’t burst into tears.
“Thank you. I really appreciate that. I’m ready to get back to it, though.”
“Excellent,” she smiles. “And your students have missed you. Though I’m sure you’ll notice they’ve been a little... intrigued by everything going on. Teenagers have a knack for blowing things out of proportion. But honestly, they’re more impressed than anything. You’re practically a celebrity in their eyes.”
By the time I leave María’s office, I feel so much lighter. The sense of dread that has been following me round since I landed back in Spain begins to dissipate, replaced by a cautious optimism.
In the staff room, my colleagues greet me with smiles and polite questions about how I’ve been. There’s a bit of awkwardness - as if no one is quite sure how to address the elephant in the room - but their kindness feels genuine.
“It’s good to have you back, Olivia,” says Emma, the religious studies teacher who shares my lunch duties. “The place hasn’t been the same without you.”
“Thank you,” I reply, touched by her sincerity. “It’s good to be back.”
The real test comes when I step into my classroom. The usual hum of chatter quiets as I enter, all eyes turning to me.
For a moment, I freeze, but then I remember María’s words.
They’re more impressed than anything.
“Good morning everyone,” I say, my voice steady, though my heart races.
A few students exchange glances, and I catch snippets of whispers - something about Santi’s last match and did you see her on Instagram? - but for the most part, they seem... normal.
One brave student raises her hand as I start taking attendance.
“Profe, did you really meet Messi?”
I blink, thrown by the question, and then laugh.
“No, I didn’t meet Messi. Now, let’s get back to Macbeth, shall we?”
The class groans in unison, and I feel a small, unexpected smile tug at my lips.
They’re whispering, sure, but they’re still just teenagers - curious, a little cheeky, but not nearly as intimidating as I’d built them up to be in my head.
As the day progresses, I find my rhythm again. My lessons flow smoothly, and by the time that the final bells rings out through the halls, I feel a sense of accomplishment.
It might not have been perfect, but it certainly wasn’t the disaster I’d imagined, either.
∞∞∞
By the time Friday rolls around, I’ve decided to face one of my fears head-on.
“Santi,” I say over dinner, nervously twisting my napkin in my lap. “I’ve been thinking about what you said, and… I’d like to come to your game tomorrow.”
His face lights up in a way that makes my chest tighten. “You would?”
“I mean, it sounds like a pretty important match,” I smile. “So yes - I’d love to be there and show my support for you. But… I don’t think I can do it alone. Would it be alright if I invited Sarah to come with me? You don’t have to say yes, obviously, I totally understand if it’s not possible or just too -”
“Of course,” he says immediately, silencing my rambling with a smile. “I’d love that.”
Chapter Thirty-Six