The Secret - Alexia Putellas

47.

Thank you Eliza!!!

Alexia was speechless.

"Hello, damn, that grandma really got on my nerves. She was so slow. Oh... shit... I see... um... everything okay here?", a third voice suddenly joins the conversation, entering the house while carrying a bag of groceries.

Erin is surprised to see that Austin was already there.

Damn.

"Hi, Austin. Sorry I'm late. I... um...", Erin stutters and then looks at Alexia, who's rooted by the kitchen island, pale, as if she'd just seen a ghost.

"Yes, sis, I've already met your girlfriend. She was just about to answer my question. Right, Alexia?", he questions critically, turning around on the chair, while Erin approaches her wife, realizing that she'd already finished the paella.

But she didn't care about dinner right now.

The therapist wraps an arm around Alexia's waist, immediately sensing how tense she was by her reaction of that familiar touch.

"Are you okay, love? You look pale...", Erin whispers concerned, tucking a strand of hair behind her wife's ear, while Alexia just gazes at Austin.

"Yes, I'm sure I won't leave her, Austin. No doubt", Alexia repeats herself, her fist clenching at the insinuation. She wouldn't let something like that be foisted on her.

Never.

"Why would she leave me, Austin?", Erin wonders as she reaches for Alexia's hand, hoping it would comfort her.

What was all of this about?

The older brother just shrugs his shoulders, now shifting his critical gaze towards his younger sister.

"Why? Austin? What did you tell her?", Erin repeats, frowning as Alexia tightly squeezes her hand, the athlete's rapid breathing audible.

Nala seemed to notice the negative vibe, as she suddenly starts growling as well. The little ball of fluff paces around the kitchen island and starts barking at Austin, who abruptly stands up.

It takes one single gesture from Erin, who lifted her pointer finger, signalizing for their little companion to shut up.

"You know, Erin... I just don't get it. You had your heart broken by Lauren, and you were grieving for weeks. Why would you let that happen to you again? It won't be any different with Alexia", Austin says, pointing at the brunette whose eyes never leave Austin's.

She felt like she was trapped in a nightmare. Like what just happened wasn't real.

And Alexia felt something else. Something she never felt before.

Anger.

Realizing that anger was brewing inside her, she squeezed Erin's hand even tighter. But the little attempt of begging for help got unnoticed by Erin.

"Are you serious?! You say something like that in front of her? How dare you? You know what, Austin...? Maybe you should focus on your own life instead of digging around in mine. Or is that because you don't have a life outside of soccer? Can't you see how happy I am?", Erin fires back, now clearly raising her voice against her brother, who wasn't amused about it.

Austin swallows, and takes another sip of his water, taking his time process his sisters words, before speaking up again.

"You serious? Are you really questioning our relationship as siblings, Erin? Ever since mom and dad died, I've only wanted what's best for you. Always. I just don't want you to...", he starts, his voice getting softer with every word, but Erin refuses to listen and interrupts him.