Page 114 of My Spanish Love Affair

As much as I’ve needed this time at home, it’s time to go back. To face my life in Spain. To face the challenges - and the joys - that come with being with Santi.

When we reach the car, Santi opens the door for me, his eyes searching mine as if he can sense the shift in my mood.

“You okay?” he asks softly.

I nod, a small smile tugging at my lips.

“Yeah,” I say, my voice steady. “It’s just… I think I’m ready to go home.”

His expression brightens, and he leans in to press a soft kiss to my forehead.

“Whenever you’re ready, my love.”

Chapter Thirty-Five

The flight back to Spain is quiet, although this time, I’m not alone.

Santi sits beside me, his hand resting lightly over mine on the armrest. Neither of us says much, but the comfort of his presence speaks volumes.

As much as I’d dreaded returning to the chaos we left behind, I feel more settled with him by my side.

When we land in Valencia, the warm Mediterranean air greets us like an old friend, and Santi gives my hand a reassuring squeeze as we step out of the terminal.

“Home sweet home,” he says, flashing me a small smile.

∞∞∞

The week passes quickly, with Santi diving back into his rigorous training schedule for the two remaining matches of the season. Meanwhile, I prepare myself to step back into my life here. Returning to work feels daunting - like stepping into a spotlight I didn’t ask for - but I know I can’t avoid it forever.

Monday morning comes too quickly, and as I stand outside the familiar school gates, my stomach churns with nerves. I takea deep breath and step inside, greeted by the cheerful chaos of students arriving and the hum of chatter filling the air.

The first hurdle is the meeting with the headteacher, María. My heart pounds as I walk into the office, but her warm smile immediately puts me at ease.

“Olivia, it’s good to see you back,” she says, motioning for me to sit down. “How are you feeling?”

“Better,” I say honestly, though my hands twist nervously in my lap. “Thank you for being so understanding while I was away.”

“Of course, of course. We just want to make sure you’re okay. I know things have been complicated lately, but we are all here to support you. If there’s anything you need, please just let us know. And my door is open, always.”

Her kindness is unexpected, and I feel a lump form in my throat. I've been far too emotional for my own liking recently, but at least I don’t burst into tears.

“Thank you. I really appreciate that. I’m ready to get back to it, though.”

“Excellent,” she smiles. “And your students have missed you. Though I’m sure you’ll notice they’ve been a little...intriguedby everything going on. Teenagers have a knack for blowing things out of proportion. But honestly, they’re more impressed than anything. You’re practically a celebrity in their eyes.”

By the time I leave María’s office, I feel so much lighter. The sense of dread that has been following me round since I landed back in Spain begins to dissipate, replaced by a cautious optimism.

In the staff room, my colleagues greet me with smiles and polite questions about how I’ve been. There’s a bit of awkwardness - as if no one is quite sure how to address theelephant in the room - but their kindness feels genuine.

“It’s good to have you back, Olivia,” says Emma, the religious studies teacher who shares my lunch duties. “The place hasn’t been the same without you.”

“Thank you,” I reply, touched by her sincerity. “It’s good to be back.”

The real test comes when I step into my classroom. The usual hum of chatter quiets as I enter, all eyes turning to me.

For a moment, I freeze, but then I remember María’s words.

They’re more impressed than anything.

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