Chapter 45 UNDER A STARRY NIGHT
UNDER A STARRY NIGHT
VICTORIA
During my last few hours in Ibiza, I’ve been able to clear my head a bit.
In Madrid, things await me that I never even thought I’d have to face, and that now represent a major bump in the road leading me straight to achieving what I desire.
I was well aware that my work had been a major problem in my relationship with Elena, but what I didn’t imagine was that it would have drained my energy, my strength, and my happiness to the point of becoming that soul-sucking demon that doesn’t even let you live.
My conversations with Elena, Jorge, and Carolina have managed to clear a path that, until now, was hidden behind the undergrowth.
Right before my eyes lies a great opportunity to reclaim what used to make me smile and dream, and although I’ll be grateful to these five frenetic years for teaching me so much, it’s time to put an end to something I no longer want and that no longer fulfills me the way it used to.
After a lot of searching, I managed to snag a seat on the flight to Madrid tomorrow at noon, and as much as I need to go back and sort out this madness, what I want most right now is to enjoy this evening in Ibiza with the guys.
Elena already had an idea to make this bachelorette party something magical, so I just had to help her buy what we needed for dinner and little else.
Night fell hours ago, and all around me the world carries on as if nothing were wrong.
Pablo and Inaki are bickering like two kids, while Carolina and Ana are laughing hysterically and enjoying the beer in their hands.
A little while ago, Jorge went inside, following in his sister’s footsteps, and although I would have loved to chase after him, the truth is I preferred to stay by the bonfire.
I know Elena needs to talk, even though we’ve already done so; she’s scared and worried about what might happen.
I snap back to reality thanks to the fire crackling in the center of the little circle we’ve formed after the barbecue.
Time has never been a lover’s ally, and right now I feel like it’s tightening a noose around my neck.
If I don’t do what I need to do, I’m going to miss out on a wonderful opportunity.
I decide to take a sip of my beer and set it down on the ground so I can get up and go talk to Elena; Jorge and I run into each other along the way, we hug, and he gives me a kiss on the cheek that gives me enough strength to keep going.
My heavy footsteps alert his sister, and when our eyes meet, I can barely control my urge to kiss and hug her.
Strange as it may seem, I need this to breathe and make sure everything will be okay.
“You should be with them…” she whispers softly against my lips. “I don’t want them to think something’s wrong. Jorge came to talk to me because he noticed we both seemed strange.”
“Well, you know he has a radar for that,” I say, making her smile. “I just needed a moment alone with you. I feel like time is flying by, and I don’t want tonight to end.”
“Are you scared, too?” she asks, and I nod, resting my forehead against hers. “It’s a strange feeling, but I can’t shake the silly idea that once I step off the plane in Madrid, I’ll wake up from this beautiful dream.”
“Believe me, I feel the same way. That’s why I’m having such a hard time enjoying this day.” With her arms around my neck, I pull her close in a hug. I can imagine why she’s feeling so down, and I can’t stand the thought of being the reason. “Everything will be okay, right?”
“I promise,” I assure her, though I can’t be sure myself.
“No matter what happens, I’ll do everything in my power to make things better.
I know I have very little time, but I’ll make it, and I’ll be back in time for the wedding.
” Elena pulls away from me, a couple of tears wet on her cheeks, and I wipe them away with my thumbs; but I can’t stop a knot from forming in my stomach.
“Forgive me for making you feel so insecure around me,” I apologize, my voice cracking.
“It’s all my fault that you can’t stop thinking everything will go wrong, that my job will be the reason we break up again and… ”
“Don’t say that…” she says, seeking my gaze to merge with me in a sea of emotions we’ve been navigating together since we found each other again.
“I also have to learn that nothing is the way it used to be, that this new opportunity is here because it’s our moment.
I’m scared out of my mind, I won’t lie to you, but I have to be strong and chase away my demons.
You’re my wife, and I have to support you, too. ”
“My wife?”
“You’ve never stopped being my wife, Vicky. I love you. I love you just as much as I did that day on the beach or that morning at the Las Dalias market. I still do, even more than the day we got married or divorced…” she replies, her lips trembling. “I love you more than ever.”
“And I love you, and I swear I love you like I’ve never loved you before,” I reply, giving her a kiss that tastes of fear and hope in equal measure.
“I promise this won’t end like this. I don’t care what’s happening in Madrid; I want to be here and give free rein to those dreams we didn’t have time to make come true. ”
“Like being…”
“Lovebirds! Are you planning to come out or what!?” Pablo interrupts us, shouting from the garden.
“We’d better do that…” she advises me.
“Yeah…” I reply and kiss her on the lips again as I hold her tight in my arms. “And smile, because I’ll fight for this like I should have done a long, long time ago.”