(A/N: this chapter wasn't planned but i feel like its needed to understand the next bit)
The friendly match of football between Katie, Lauryn, and Aurora started off as a playful sibling rivalry. As they kicked the ball back and forth, Aurora found herself teaming up with Lauryn, and together, they began to dominate the game.
With swift passes and precise shots, they turned the match into a showdown between the sisters and Aurora. Eventually, it came down to Katie and Aurora facing off, both determined to win.
To everyone's surprise, Aurora managed to outmanoeuvre Katie and score the winning goal. With a playful smirk, she quipped, "Aren't you supposed to be the professional here?"
Lauryn chimed in, teasing her sister, "Yeah, Katie, aren't you supposed to be the best?"
Aurora laughed, shaking her head. "Oh, no, definitely not the best. That title belongs to Alexia."
Katie raised an eyebrow, curious. "Where did you learn to play like that?"
Aurora shrugged casually. "In Barcelona."
Katie's eyes widened in recognition. "Oh yeah you were in the Barcelona Femeni story. At their training right?"
Aurora nodded with a grin. "Yep, Alexia dragged me there and made me join. I used to train at La Masia before I stopped playing football."
Lauryn's excitement bubbled over as she bombarded Aurora with questions about her time at La Masia and why she stopped playing. Aurora simply shrugged, her gaze drifting off as she casually mentioned, "Alexia was going and I had the opportunity to go as well, so I thought, why not?"
Katie looked directly at Aurora, her expression curious yet gentle. "So, how come you talk about Alexia more than Leah, if you grew up with both of them?"
Aurora's heart skipped a beat as she processed the question. It was a delicate topic, one she hadn't fully prepared to discuss. She tensed slightly, searching for a way to navigate the conversation without revealing too much.
"Oh, you saw that interview then?" Aurora interjected, her voice a touch lighter, hoping to shift the focus away from the question at hand.
Katie's eyebrow arched slightly, sensing Aurora's attempt to steer the conversation elsewhere. "Yeah, I did," she replied evenly, her gaze still fixed on Aurora, prompting her to continue.
Lauryn seized the moment to add a playful jab. "Ella was freaking out when she heard you say you wanted to meet Katie," she chimed in with a mischievous grin, enjoying the chance to tease her sister.
Aurora laughed, grateful for the change in topic. "Oh really. And what about during the game where I was asked about Katie?," she asked, joining in on the teasing.
"Oh she was still freaking out but she wasn't that happy that Katie got your attention and not her" Just then, Ella joined them outside, catching the tail end of the conversation. Playfully, she nudged Lauryn. "Stop exposing me," she said with a laugh. Aurora just laughed along, thankful for the light-hearted moment amidst the deeper discussion.
As the evening settled, casting a soft golden hue over the landscape, Katie found a moment to pull Aurora aside. "I know we haven't known each other long," she began, her tone gentle yet probing, "but when I asked about Leah, your whole mood changed. Is everything okay?"
Aurora met Katie's gaze, her expression softening with a sigh. "Mmhm, just some stuff happened," she replied vaguely, her eyes betraying a hint of melancholy.
Katie pressed on gently, her concern evident. "Is that why you were crying at the airport?" she asked, her voice tinged with empathy.
Another sigh escaped Aurora's lips as she nodded. "Yeah, it was, but it's okay," she assured Katie quickly, not wanting to burden her newfound friend with the weight of her troubles. "Don't worry about it, and definitely don't let it ruin your friendship with Leah," she added hastily, a hint of anxiety creeping into her voice.
Immediately, Aurora backtracked, stumbling over her words in an attempt to clarify. "I'm not saying it would, but, like, if it does, then don't," she rambled, feeling a flush of embarrassment rise in her cheeks.
Katie pulled Aurora into a warm embrace, her gesture conveying both comfort and understanding. "It's okay, I won't get involved," she reassured Aurora softly, her voice tinged with warmth. "But I hope you'll tell me at some point. I think we're becoming good friends, no?"
Aurora nodded in agreement, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Yeah, we are," she conceded, her tone softening. Then, unable to resist a teasing jab, she added, "But you're still not my favourite McCabe."
Before Katie could respond, Ella's voice echoed from the house, breaking the moment. "Hey, you two! Dinner's ready!" she called out, prompting Aurora and Katie to exchange amused glances before making their way back inside.
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As Aurora's time in Ireland drew to a close, Ella clung to her like a koala, refusing to let go. Aurora couldn't help but laugh at Ella's antics, gently patting her back. "It's not forever, Ella," she reassured her with a smile.
But Ella remained undeterred, her grip tightening. "I don't care," she declared stubbornly. "You can stay, and Katie can go!"
Aurora chuckled at Ella's persistence, shooting a playful glance at Katie, who feigned offense but couldn't hide the twinkle in her eye. "Sorry, Katie," Aurora teased, "looks like you've been replaced."
Katie mock-scowled, but her eyes sparkled with amusement. "I see how it is," she quipped, her tone playful. "Guess I'll just have to find a new best friend."
Aurora grinned, her heart warmed by the affection of her newfound friends. "I'll be back, don't you worry," she promised sincerely.
Lauryn chimed in, pushing Ella aside playfully. "Move over, Ella, I want a hug too!"
Finally relenting, Ella released Aurora, allowing Lauryn to envelop her in a warm embrace. Then, it was Katie's turn. Pulling Aurora into a tight hug, Katie held her close, a mixture of emotions flickering in her eyes.
"Thank you," Aurora whispered, her voice filled with gratitude.
Katie furrowed her brow in confusion. "For what?" she asked softly.
"For helping me forget everything happening, even if it's just for a little while," Aurora explained, her voice tinged with emotion. "And for helping me feel happy again."
Katie's eyes glistened with unshed tears, her heart touched by Aurora's words. Ella couldn't resist teasing her, but Aurora quickly came to Katie's defence. "Leave her be, Ella," she joked, winking at Katie. "She's losing the love of her life right now."
Katie played along, feigning dramatic despair. "Yeah, Ella," she echoed with a grin. "The love of my life is leaving."
As Aurora prepared to depart, Ella couldn't resist one last bit of playful banter. Gasping dramatically, she exclaimed, "Are you cheating on me, Aurora?"
Aurora laughed, her eyes dancing with amusement. "Ella, shush!" she whispered, trying to stifle her giggles. "That's our secret! Katie isn't supposed to know."
Ella grinned mischievously, enjoying the teasing. "Fine, fine," she relented, though her eyes sparkled with mischief.
With a final round of hugs and farewells, Aurora made her way to the departure gate as her flight was called. Turning back one last time, she waved to her friends, her heart filled with gratitude for the unforgettable moments they had shared together. Then, with a smile on her face and anticipation in her heart, she boarded the plane ready to head back home once more.
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Back in Barcelona, Aurora found herself back in the familiar embrace of the studio, surrounded by the comforting hum of creativity. As she immersed herself in her music, her thoughts momentarily drifting away from the recent tumultuous events, she was interrupted by the arrival of two familiar faces.
Alexia and Mapi entered the studio, their playful banter echoing off the walls. "You better not be writing about her," Alexia teased, a mischievous glint in her eyes as she referred to Leah.
Aurora shook her head, a small smile playing on her lips. "I'm not," she reassured them, her voice calm and composed.
Alexia raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk tugging at her lips. "Are the songs about a certain Irish footballer then?" she prodded, her tone laced with amusement.
Mapi looked on, curiosity evident in her expression as she tried to piece together the conversation. "What's going on?" she asked, clearly feeling left out of the loop.
Aurora chuckled, shaking her head in amusement. "No, they're not about her," she replied, her tone light and casual. "And anyway, the songs I'm working on right now don't even have lyrics."
Alexia nodded, "Ah, got it," she remarked, a hint of relief in her voice.
Mapi leaned against the studio wall, a playful twinkle in her eye. "So, spill it, what have I missed?" she asked, her curiosity piqued as she awaited Aurora's response.
As the girls caught up, Aurora found herself immersed in their lively banter, feeling the weight of her recent troubles lift with each passing moment. Alexia and Mapi's infectious energy was contagious, and she couldn't help but smile as they reminisced about old times and shared stories.
"So, what's the plan for tonight?" Mapi asked, a mischievous glint in her eye as she leaned forward.
Aurora hesitated, considering her options before opening her mouth to decline. "Actually, I think I'm just going to—"
But before she could finish, Alexia interjected with a grin. "Oh no, you can't back out now! We've already made all the arrangements," she declared, her tone firm yet playful.
Mapi nodded enthusiastically in agreement. "Yep, everything's sorted. You're coming with us, whether you like it or not," she chimed in, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Aurora couldn't help but laugh at their persistence, feeling a sense of gratitude wash over her. Maybe a night out with her friends was exactly what she needed to lift her spirits and leave her worries behind, if only for a little while. With a resigned yet amused sigh, she nodded in agreement. "Alright, alright, I'm in," she conceded, unable to resist their persuasive charm.
The night unfolded into a whirlwind of excitement as Aurora, Alexia, and Mapi ventured into the bustling streets of Barcelona, their laughter echoing against the city's vibrant backdrop. They found themselves drawn to the pulsating rhythm emanating from a nearby club, its neon lights beckoning them closer.
Inside, the music enveloped them in its intoxicating embrace, the thumping bass reverberating through their bodies as they navigated through the crowded dance floor. With each beat, they surrendered to the rhythm, their movements fluid and unrestrained.
The air was electric, charged with anticipation and euphoria as they lost themselves in the music and the moment. Shots were passed around, laughter mingling with the clinking of glasses as they toasted to friendship and freedom.
Just as Aurora was starting to lose herself in the euphoria of the night, her phone rang, interrupting the pulsating rhythm of the club. With a furrowed brow, she fished her phone out of her pocket, the flashing screen momentarily blinding her in the dimly lit club.
The caller ID revealed a familiar name, and Aurora's heart sank as she realized it was Leah. For a fleeting moment, she considered ignoring the call, wanting to preserve the happiness she had found with her friends. But a sense of obligation tugged at her, compelling her to answer.
Aurora's hand trembled slightly as she swiped to answer the call, her mind already conjuring images of Leah's pleading voice. But to her surprise, it wasn't Leah on the other end—it was Alex.
"Alex?" she slurred, the loud thumping of the club's music making it difficult to hear.
As Aurora stumbled out of the club, her friends, Alexia and Mapi, followed closely behind, concern etched into their features. They could sense the tension in the air, their laughter and chatter subdued by the gravity of the situation.
Pressing the phone closer to her ear, Aurora strained to make out Alex's words over the cacophony of noise. With each passing moment, her confusion grew, her thoughts spinning in a whirlwind of alcohol-induced haze.