the secret

Chapter 68

the next morning.

"Please remember that voting for the golden boy trophy ends tomorrow at midnight. Last year Pedri from fc Barcelona won of course, it would be so interesting if Pablo Gavi wins this year. Barcelona is known for their incredible talents in their young players" the interview on the tv says.

I hope he wins. He deserves it, and it would hopefully boost his confidence. The award ceremony is in two days, i wasn't yet sure if I should go or not.

"I'm sure Pablo will win it this year, it would be crazy if he didn't" joao says. I nod, trying not to get emotional.
"Nani, we should talk" joao says.
I finish feeding Isabella and set her down.
"Look, as much as I love hanging out with you and Isabella, I think you really should head back to Barcelona" he gives me a small smile.

I'm shocked that he would say such a thing to me.

"What-"
"It's not my business but you and Pablo are married. You can't just run away from your problems like before. You have beautiful children who love you both. They depend on you, and they're so young it's not good for them to see you two like this. Isabella is changing every single day, it's not fair for Pablo to miss that. And I know you both love each other too much to give up on each other"
"I know, Joao but-"
"No, no excuses. You both agreed and promised to love each other and be there for each other when you got married. Own up to it. I can tell you're still hurting and you miss him".
I nod, and wipe my tears.
"You're right" I reply.
"Good. And in fact I've already planned for me to take you tonight. So get ready for this road trip isa!" Joao cheers, causing Isabella to smile.
"Are you serious? And what would you have done if I disagreed?" I laugh.
"I had my ways" he smirks.

____

We had the car all set up with our bags and such. I placed Isabella in her carseat after feeding her and changing her diaper.

"Madrid, you were amazing once again. I will miss my apartment" I sighed as I looked around.
"Come back any time you want, it is your apartment after all" Joao laughs.

I smiled. We turned the lights off before heading out. Joao carries the carseat downstairs to the car, with me following behind. He places the carseat inside while I sit up front.

Once we're ready, we drive off toward Barcelona. I choose a playlist we both like, and get ready for these hours ahead of us. We should make it there by midnight or after.

Pedri POV
"Guapo, what are you thinking about?" Cata says as she leans her head on my shoulder.
"Nothing" I lie. The truth is, I still feel terrible about how I treated Delaney. She didn't deserve that. Now she won't even answer my texts unless they're about Mateo.

"Papa, can we go see Bella? I want to show her my picture" Mateo smiles as he walks over to us. He shows me the drawing he had been working hard on.
"Sorry Mate, Isabella is not home" I reply.
"Why? Where is she?"
"She is with your mami, they went to... the doctor"
"But why? It's almost night time" He says confused.
"Don't worry, you will see them soon, okay?"
"No! I want my mami and Bella" he pouts.
"Mateo, please calm down. I don't want you to be upset" I say as I sit up to pick him up.
"No! I want to go to my mami and papi's house!"
"Mateo, listen to your papa, he is only trying to help" Catalina says.
"I don't know you! You're not my mami!" Mateo yells, now starting to cry.

I sigh and pick him up as I try and soothe him. He isn't calming down, he's never acted this way before.
After a few minutes he is still upset and I give in.