Pedri

09

After Catalina left the car, Pedri sat there for a while, stunned by her reaction. He realized too late that he had pushed away the one person he needed the most.

Over the next few days, Pedri couldn't get Catalina out of his mind. He missed her terribly and regretted his words. The weight of his regret hung heavily on his shoulders. Pedri knew he had to make things right, but he didn't know how to approach her.

Pedri had a game the following day, he knew he wouldn't be able to play 90 minutes with the situation lingering in his mind. Truth be told, Pedri couldn't bear the thought of losing her, even if they weren't officially a couple as he had mentioned.

Pedri tried calling and texting Catalina, but she wasn't responding. The only solution he had was to go over to her dorm room and talk things out.

Catalina opened the door and rolled her eyes once she saw him, "Are you dumb or are you dumb?"

"What're you talking about?" Pedri asked, he put his foot on the door knowing that the likelihood of Catalina closing the door on him was high, "Let's talk."

"Why? So you can insult me again?"

"Come on, don't be like this."

Catalina opened her door wide open to let Pedri walk in. The two stayed in silence for a while, neither wanting to start the conversation they both knew they needed to have. Catalina couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by all the emotions she was feeling.

Catalina wiped her tears and looked at him, her eyes red and puffy. "Why did you have to be so cruel? I was just trying to be there for you."

Pedri hung his head, ashamed of his behaviour. "I know. And I'm sorry. I was just so angry and frustrated and I took it out on you."

Catalina sighed, feeling a mix of emotions. "Your disappointment in your team and the result of the game, does not give you any reason to lash out on me.

Pedri nodded, his own eyes showing the weight of his regret, "You're right. I know I shouldn't have done that, and I'm sorry. I don't want to lose you."

"And you saying that," Catalina started to say, Pedri knew exactly what she was referring to, "It made me feel like shit, like you have no respect for me."

"I was just so caught up in my own frustration, I shouldn't have said that. It was uncalled for, I never want to make you feel that way again. You know exactly how I feel towards you."

"With the way you acted, I really don't"

Pedri stepped closer to Catalina, his hand holding her face and wiping her tears away. She looked up into his eyes while sniffling, "I want us to be official. Nothing up in the air or anything."

Catalina's eyes widened in surprise as she looked at Pedri, the words sinking in slowly. She had hoped for this moment but didn't expect it to happen now, not in the midst of their argument.

"Official?" she repeated, her voice barely above a whisper.

Pedri's gaze didn't waver as he continued to hold her face, his thumb rubbing soothing circles on her cheek. He nodded, "I don't want to be without you, especially not after what just happened. I need you in my life, every day."

Catalina couldn't help but giggle out of happiness, something she never did. Pedri took that as a positive answer and gave her a soft smile, and he leaned down to kiss her, his hands gently pulling her closer. It was a tender, sweet kiss that spoke volumes, conveying all the emotions that had been bubbling between them As they broke apart, Pedri spoke again. "I promise to communicate better with you and to always show you the respect you deserve. You're the most important person in my life, and I don't want to ever lose you."

"Okay," Catalina nodded, "On a condition. You need to work on yourself, don't bring your negative results into our relationship. I didn't like how you handled yourself when you were upset. I don't want to walk on eggshells whenever you lose a game."

"I'll work on that, I promise not to lash out like that ever again."

"I believe you."

"I want us have a relationship built on mutual respect and trust."

Catalina gave Pedri a high-five, "Mutual respect and trust."

"And let's keep the high-fiving to a minimum, I'd rather kiss you more."

Catalina visibly cringed, "Never say that again."