Chapter 18
RETURNING TO MY ISLAND
VICTORIA
After my fight with Joana, breathing in the sea air has helped clear my head.
It’s been almost a week since we argued, and I haven’t been able to see her to make things right.
I have to admit I didn’t like how it all ended: her leaving like that, slamming the door in my face…
With Elena, I developed a phobia of arguments, which is why I broke down and couldn’t answer her questions as quickly as she wanted.
I know it wasn’t right to hide everything that was going on with me and how I feel, but I care about her, and the last thing I want is to hurt her.
After so long without exploring the island, I thought I’d forgotten what it feels like to be here with the sea breeze brushing against your face and the sun warming your cheeks.
It’s not that I don’t enjoy summer in Madrid, but it took me just a few minutes to relive the emotions that welcomed me the first time I came here with my parents, and I let myself be carried away by the flight of the seagulls overhead.
It was unforgettable and, contrary to what I expected, breathtaking.
I had just turned sixteen, and they promised me a fun summer—and boy, was it ever.
That morning I met Elena when I was twelve, and from then on, we were inseparable.
Our relationship grew; we had a sweet start, and the day we kissed for the first time, everything changed.
I’ve never been as happy as I was back then, and I’m glad to be back despite the trouble I’ve caused.
I spoke with Carolina before catching my flight in the capital.
Apparently, she didn’t have time to tell Elena that I was coming alone after all, so I’ll be the one to tell her once I meet up with her.
I wonder if she’s waiting for me at the hotel, if she’s as eager to find out what’s become of my life as I am to find out how things have been going for her.
Maybe we won’t see each other until the get-together her brother has organized for tomorrow, but either way, I’m nervous and my head is a mess.
I have just over ten minutes left to get to Gardenias, and I can’t wait to strip down and dive right into the pool.
I’d thought about going to the beach, but I prefer something quieter and less hectic.
Plus, Carol told me she’ll be waiting for me at the door, so I’m afraid she won’t let me get away until I tell her in great detail what happened with Joana.
Some things will never change; they’ll stay the same no matter how much time passes, because there’s always—always—a perfect moment for a good gossip session.
Even though it’s been two and a half years since we last saw each other.
I don’t need to ask the taxi driver how much longer it will take to get there because the palm trees rise on the horizon, hiding the white hotel buildings.
It takes me a couple of minutes to spot the entrance, crowded with people coming and going with all the gear they need for a day at the beach, and when the car slows down, I pay the fare and get out to grab my suitcase and walk confidently inside.
I’ve spent years vacationing here; I feel right at home, and it shows as I make my way to the gardens in the center.
“May I ask where that pretty girl from Madrid is headed!?” When I recognize the voice and see who’s asking, my smile widens, and I can’t help but laugh.
My eyes meet Carolina’s, I drop my suitcase, and we both run to each other and melt into a big hug.
She looks gorgeous, with her curly red hair falling over her shoulders, and that little round, upturned nose that always gave her a playful touch.
“We’re all here at last!” she shouts in my ear and makes me jump up with her. “How was the trip?”
“Just as I remembered,” I reply as we exchange two kisses and she steps away to grab my suitcase. “How are things here? Is everything ready?”
“Apparently there was a problem with the flowers, but Elena has sorted everything out.”
“Elena always comes to the rescue,” I joke, and then let her drag me inside the hotel. “I can see she’s done an incredible job here.”
“Well, Jorge gives her a hand when he has free time at the gym, but I have to say she does all the work herself. She’s become a bit of a workaholic.
I wonder who she got that from.” Carolina bursts out laughing, and I stick my tongue out at her.
“I suppose she’s still in her office, in case you want to pay her a visit. ”
By reflex, my eyes go to the office window; Elena and I used to visit her father when we were little girls to ask him for money to buy us silly things, and that memory, along with the swaying of the curtains I see, makes me shake my head a couple of times.
“I was hoping to see her when I arrived,” I admit. “But given the circumstances, I’d rather let things happen naturally.”
“The only thing I’ll say is to be careful, okay?” she warns, stopping in her tracks for a few seconds. “I don’t want things to go wrong between you two. And I certainly don’t want Ana and Jorge to turn against you.”
“Don’t worry. The last thing I want is to cause a scene.”
“Then let’s go get the key to your room and head down to the pool,” she plans with a smile. “You need to get a little tan and leave behind that pale Madrid look you’re carrying around.”
“Come on!”
“What!? Could it be a lie!?”
Laughter accompanies us as we blend in with the crowd already enjoying Ibiza and this beautiful paradise overlooking the most stunning sea I’ve ever seen.