You Belong With Me

Chapter 12- Tom and Jerry

"I cannot believe your professors said no, I mean you’d be the only girl who would fly to South Africa just to feed those children, let’s face it!” Ali said.

“I know.” Mina said bitterly.

“And it could be the time for you and Iker to realize you two have the hots for each other and maybe you two would shag each other’s brains out.” Ali said and Mina shook her head.

“You and Unai are starting to write my love story with Iker.” I complained.

“So? You two look good together and you two get along.” Ali pointed out.

“Just because we get along doesn’t mean we can be together.” Mina argued.

“One way or another, you two are going to fall in love with each other, I just know.” Ali said.

“I have to go.” Mina said.

“But you don’t have work and you don’t have classes..” Ali said.

“Sorry, but Iker will pick me up in ten minutes.” Mina said.

“Ooohh that’s right, there’s a Madrid game.” Ali said.

“Yes.” Mina said.

Ali said goodbye and Mina scrambled towards the closet and pulled out a Real Madrid shirt, since her jersey was still in the hamper. She hastily put some lipstick on and tied her hair in a ponytail, then came out of her room, just in time for someone to knock on her door.

“Come in.” Mina said as she grabbed her bag.

And in came perfection. Mina shook her head at what she thought and smiled at Iker, who was smiling at her. Iker stood to wait for her.

“Not wearing your Iker jersey?” he checked.

“I cannot wear something that’s still in the hamper.” Mina explained.

“But Mina Kina, you’re forgetting I am Iker.” Iker said.

“Really? Coz to me you’re San Banana.” Mina said, smiling.

Iker handed her another jersey and Mina smiled and took it from him. He sat on her couch while she went inside her room to change and put on the new jersey that Iker gave her. Iker spotted pieces of paper tucked in Mina’s book, pulled out one and read it curiously. He shook his head and took out his phone and sent a text message to his agent.

“I am ready!” Mina announced and Iker stood up.

“Then let’s go.” Iker said.

Iker opened the door for Mina and she went in, thirty minutes later, they found themselves walking inside Bernabeu.

“Will you be alright here?” Iker asked.

“Yes.” Mina answered, smiling despite feeling nervous.

“Relax.” Iker said squeezing her right shoulder affectionately. “You’ll be fine, everyone loves you and I heard Caroline is coming, you should be comfortable here.” he added.

“Iker…” Mina began and Iker looked at her and smiled.

“Don’t thank me yet, Mina Kina.” Iker said and kissed the top of her head. “I’ll see you after the game.” he added.

“Well, I’m not going anywhere, San Banana. I am..” Mina began.

“My jersey girl, I know. I never forget.” Iker butted in and smiled.

When Iker left, Mina tried to look around and calm down, but to no avail. For her heart was beating uncontrollably and she couldn’t help but wonder about Iker and that smile and the new jersey that smelled like him. From start to half-time to the end, Mina couldn’t help but wish that Iker played.

“Hey.” Sergio greeted her and Mina stood up and smiled.

“Hey, Se.” Mina said.

“So, Iker is sulking in the locker room again.” Sergio said and Mina sighed.

“I had a feeling that would happen.” Mina said.

“He takes everything to heart. He loves Madrid so much, you know?” Sergio asked.

“I know.” Mina said and Sergio bumped his shoulder against hers slowly and chuckled.

“Well, I guess time for the jersey girl to go and check on the captain.” Sergio said.

“You’re sort of his lieutenant, aren’t you?” Mina asked.

“Sometimes but most of the times I am his cupid and you know what? I am coming up with a lot of ideas on how to get you and Iker together.” Sergio said.

“Just give it a rest, will you?” Mina asked.

“Ah, but I could tell you like him.” Sergio answered.

“She likes who?” Iker demanded as he appeared.

“Oh, there you are, Iker! I was wondering..” Sergio began.

“San Banana!” Mina greeted and hugged Iker, who smiled despite himself.

“San Banana and Mina Kina?” Sergio mouthed, shaking his head. Iker narrowed his eyes at him.

The three walked towards the parking lot and said goodbye, then Sergio left. Iker remained standing a bit and Mina looked at him. There was something at how Iker looked at the Bernabeu, there’s love and reverence, like this was his church. Iker turned and looked at Mina. He smiled at her. Somehow, there was something in Mina that made him feel secure and glowing inside.

“What are you looking at, Mina Kina?” Iker asked and Mina looked away. “Oh come on, don’t be shy!” he added.

“I just…the way you look at Bernabeu, there’s something..it’s like you look at the stadium and you have this pure love and reverence for it.” Mina said.

“I love Real Madrid and Bernabeu, Mina Kina.” Iker explained.

“If that isn’t obvious, then I don’t know what else is.” Mina said.

“And don’t worry, I love my jersey girl too.” Iker said, leaning close to tuck some loose hair strand behind her ear.

Mina and Iker spent the rest of the day in her place. They both ordered takeaways, talked some more and watched some cartoons.

“I can’t believe you are obsessed with Tom and Jerry, Mina Kina.” Iker said.

“Deal with it, San Banana.” Mina bantered.

“I am, I am. So, between you and me, who do you think is Tom and Jerry?” Iker asked.

“You’d be Tom, definitely.” Mina said.

“The cat, really?” Iker asked.

“You can’t be the mouse, Iker, you’re the one who’s bigger between us.” Mina pointed out.

“So you’re Jerry, huh?” he asked.

“Well, I’m tiny.” Mina answered and shrugged.

“And I’d chase you around wherever you go, Mina Kina.” Iker said and Mina had to take a sip of water just to make sure she could breathe.

“You’re Tom and you catch things fast. You even catch balls really good.” Mina said.

“And you’re Jerry, I’ll catch you. All the time.” Iker said.

Mina put her empty plate on the table, not sure of what to respond. Iker pulled her close and snuggled with her as they continued to watch the cartoon. An hour later, Mina opened her eyes and found a sleeping Iker. She watched him and tried her best not to wake him up. Mina took a deep breath and felt Iker’s arm moved and wrapped it around her.

Tom and Jerry aside, San Banana, will you catch me if I fall for you?