The Girl In Madrid

Chapter 1: Memories

Alexia didn't know that Aitana had gone back to Narqis until the new season began. That was what hurt the most, not that Aitana had moved on, but that she hadn't said anything. The summer had passed in silence. Ever since they returned from vacation, Aitana had been gone, absent from the places she used to occupy so easily. And only now did Alexia finally understand where she had been.

"I can't believe she went back to Narqis," Claudia muttered, irritation sharp in her voice. "How can she not see that their relationship was toxic from the start?"

Cata nodded in agreement. "Yeah. I really thought she'd move on. Meet someone new. Apparently not."

Alexia said nothing at first, staring ahead. When she finally spoke, her voice was low. "I don't get it either. Disappointment settled heavily in her chest.

After a moment, Cata asked carefully, "Do you think Narqis will come with her when Aitana picks up her things from your place?"

"I don't know," Alexia admitted. She ran a hand through her hair, pink again, like she was trying to remind herself she was still "herself". "But I really hope not. I don't think I could handle seeing her again."

Cata nodded slowly.

"We can come with you," Claudia offered. "Just in case she brings Narqis along."
Alexia didn't hesitate. "Yes. Please."

☆

That afternoon, Aitana arrived alone. Alexia felt a rush of relief when she realized Narqis wasn't with her, but it was immediately followed by something sharper, more painful. She hadn't seen Aitana in so long that the sight of her almost hurt. For a fleeting moment, Alexia wished she could take back everything she had said, everything she had admitted, just to keep Aitana close. But it was too late. And that was what hurt the most.

When Claudia and Cata saw that only Aitana stepped out of the car, they understood. Quietly, they slipped away before Aitana could notice them.

Alexia was sitting on the sofa when the knock came. She stood, her steps slow, deliberate, as if walking toward something fragile. "Hi," she said when she opened the door, her eyes meeting Aitana's.

"Hey," Aitana replied softly, smiling as she stepped forward and pulled Alexia into a hug. "Could you help me pack my things? My knee still isn't completely stable."

"Of course," Alexia said immediately, taking one of the large bags from her hands.

They worked together in silence, gathering clothes, shoes, small pieces of a shared life. It took barely thirty minutes.
When they were done, Alexia stood still, looking around the apartment. The emptiness felt sudden, unnatural. She had grown so used to Aitana's things, her presence, that the absence felt loud.

Aitana noticed her expression and reached for her hand. "I can still come visit sometimes," she said gently. "So you're not all alone. And you can invite people over too."