Chapter Text
September 14, 2025
Madrid quickly became Fina’s second home and something she couldn’t get enough of. She fell in love with the city again, but this time she explored the streets through the eyes of her girlfriend, Marta. The woman was like a native gliding through the streets and masterfully maneuvering the neighbourhoods. She had dozens of favourite places she now shared with Fina and that was one of the most attractive qualities of Marta. It always amazed her how she was able to find unique places for them to visit when sometimes it seemed that they’ve already seen everything.
The first two months of living together were blissful and full of surprises. Fina admired how Marta never skipped her morning pages with a cup of green tea on the side, and her evening meditation turned out to be a sacred ritual. In turn, Marta teased Fina for her poor choice of breakfast foods (in her defense, cereal or yogurt was nutritious enough) and made fun of her habit of scattering her pens or other trinkets around the surfaces of the apartment. But the pair learned to live with the small details, because having each other to wrap their bodies around at the end of the day was the best part of their lives and Fina made sure to memorise every crevice of Marta.
She couldn’t believe that his seemingly fairytale life was hers now. Everything had unraveled quickly and almost unconsciously Fina became one of the lesbian stereotypes she hoped to never be. Carmen and Claudia came to visit the couple a few times and the evenings were spent exploring Madrid’s nightlife or in their apartment sharing bottles of wine and teasing Fina about being a U-Haul lesbian (she threatened to block their numbers if they didn’t stop with the joke).
Everything was changing, her life was a snowglobe that was moving around so quickly and suddenly that you couldn’t even catch up. The first week of her master’s studies went smoothly, but the amount of work she needed to complete for the next one was already piling up. To her own surprise, Fina easily made new friends. There were twelve first-year journalism master students in her group. However, two of them stood out to her the most: Eleonor, who was always talking and sharing her opinion about something, and Darío, a more reserved guy but fun to hang out with nonetheless.
Eleonor had a few family members in the industry, who helped her get published early in her career, and she promised to mention Fina’s name over the next dinner. She was eager to get into the inner circle and start working as soon as it was possible. Darío had been working in a record store for years, he was a real nerd about music and the classics especially. Fina enjoyed rides in his car because it was never silent and she might’ve shazamed a few songs to look up later. They quickly formed a trio, hanging out together when they had the time and helping each other with any questions that might’ve arised from the seminars.
After some time, Fina also noticed a shift in Marta. In Toledo, she seemed more tense and reserved. Well, compared to Marta now, in Madrid. The woman was almost walking lighter, carrying herself easier, and was more relaxed between the four walls of hers (was it theirs now?) apartment. She spent a lot of time with her agent discussing the final details of her book, the events following its release, and talking about the future career possibilities. Apparently some studio wanted to buy the rights to the first trilogy Marta had written almost ten years ago and make a TV show. After hearing the news, Fina was more excited than Marta herself. It was a complicated thing, but they would ask Marta to come on set or observe the development while giving her own opinion. Fina wanted her to say yes to the offer. Seeing the characters of her girlfriend’s book, all the settings and scenes on screen were making Fina’s curiosity stronger. And she wanted Marta to be proud of her work and achievements.
Today, September 14th, was the release of Emmy Art’s newest book and the reading of a few chapters in a tiny vintage bookstore, hidden somewhere near the centre of Madrid. Marta confessed to Fina that she was still nervous to go and show up as herself, instead of sending her agent Elena to read the chapters. She did her best to comfort the woman and reassure her that this time, no one would spill her coffee or try to ask her out. Fina would be there to shoo away any unnecessary attention. The pair giggled at their first encounter, thinking of how fast the time has passed.
The place was beautiful, it was a small shop with shelves reaching up to the ceiling and bursting with the amount of books in them. The walls were lined with fairy lights and there was a strong smell of antique items in the air. Boxes of vintage postcards, pins, and posters lined the floor and surfaces that weren’t covered with books. Apparently, Marta knew the owner. It was no surprise anymore, Fina soon realised that Madrid was her city. Digna was special to her and had helped her a lot during her student years, Marta mentioned when they were out in the city. Fina was almost jealous that Marta had someone so special, understanding, and with a warm soul to confide in when she was young.
“And how did you meet her?”
“She was my professor, creative writing,” Marta smiled as they were walking arm in arm the day before the event through the streets of Madrid. “Digna was my professor who also happened to be the owner of my favourite bookstore. You can’t imagine the shock I felt when I saw her there, behind the shelves,” she laughed, “but Digna taught my class only for one semester. Which is a shame, because that woman is a genius.”
“¿De verdad? I am excited to meet her, I’m so happy, well jealous also,” Fina laughed, “that you had someone so close to you and who’s still important. I wish I had someone like that after my mother was gone.”
Marta pulled Fina’s body closer, rubbing her shoulder affectionately and planting a quick kiss to her temple. “Oh, cariño, I wish you did, too.”
“I’m sorry, tell me more about her. How did you get so close?”
“She saw me crying one day between the shelves. I had a horrible day then, it was after my literature theory exam, I thought I’d done horribly. Not only that, but I also was missing my mother that day, more than usual. So everything kind of burst out of my body and I spent like 40 minutes crying in there and sneezing from the dust,” Marta giggled. “She probably heard me sniffling or hyperventilating, and came to the rescue. I stayed there until closing, just to calm down, she didn’t let me leave until she was sure I’d be alright.”
“Well, I’m so proud of you and your work and your strength. This book feels really special and very… You . Even though I’ve known you for eight…? Months?”
“This book wouldn’t be here if not for you, Fina. You did this. Your love changed me.”
They stopped walking and turned to face each other. The city was moving around them, cars rushing past and people walking through the streets with a purpose. Street lights were slowly coming on and brightening the dim evening air. The heat was slowing down and giving a moment to breathe without burning. Marta smiled softly, the softest smile Fina had ever seen. The one where she could see her barely-there dimples and soft lines of her face, the tiny shift in her eyes and her cheeks stretching. She cupped Fina’s face and looked at her with eyes full of love.
“Fina, you soften all my corners and turn me into love. I am the way I am now because of you. Your stubbornness, fierce and fiery character ignite me and force me to be more and do more. I can’t believe I spent so long without you and your love. I am so incredibly lucky to have you in my life, do you know that?”
And Fina couldn’t reply to Marta’s words, she only moved closer and kissed her. The noise of the streets receded and the world got quiet. Her body felt light and heat coursed through her veins.
“Te quiero mucho, Marta.”
“Tu eres mi musa, Fina. This book is for you.”
Fina wished there were more windows and less people in this tiny store. It felt like a shoebox. More people showed up than either of them expected or her agent thought was possible. After brief conversations and last minute preparations, Digna announced that she was more than happy to accommodate for the event. More often than not, this type of evening did bring in business and quite a bit of it. The woman was warm and had a huge smile on her face when greeting Marta. Fina noticed Digna squeezing her shoulders, ensuring that whatever she decides to do will be good enough. And she couldn’t help but swell with love and pride.
Fina could see that Marta was still slightly nervous from her fidgeting with the necklace and her rings. She couldn’t wait to see her girlfriend up there in front of so many people and loyal fans, just like the first time. She was excited to hear her present her newest book. Even Andrés showed up with Luz and Begoña as well. Fina couldn’t feel anything but happiness for Marta and she was ready to be the backbone of the support group from the back of the room.
“I think it’s her best book,” Luz said and turned to Fina when Marta walked away from her friends. “It has Fina written all over it, don’t you agree?” she turned to Begoña and Andrés, and smiled knowingly towards Fina. The three of them shared some looks before talking to Fina.
She now felt the heat on her face, the shyness coming in, and hid her face in her palms. They were giving her too much credit for just existing in Marta’s life.
“Don’t be shy, Marta has never done this, not even Luz had this honor,” Begoña laughed, earning a playful shove from her wife. “She told me how difficult the process was, and then you showed up.”
“It’s true, I’ve never seen her so in love and… Well, happy,” Andrés added.
And Fina was starting to believe all of this, the life they were living, the woman she had the pleasure of waking up beside every morning. Fina was lucky, she was happy. She only wished her mother was there to see all of it and her father was closer to share her everyday experiences.
The crowd quieted down as Elena walked up the stage and introduced Marta by her writer’s name, praising her work and encouraging the audience to think of questions for later. Fina would keep hers for when they were alone, back in the apartment.
Soon enough, Marta stepped in front of all of them with a copy of her book in hand. Fina could see the confidence radiating from her body, the assuredness in her steps and a smile for every single reader looking at her. She looked mesmerizing even though it was all polished up and hiding the slight nervousness, Fina couldn’t help herself but admire and fall in love with the woman again.
After some time Digna appeared beside them, standing to the right of Fina. Marta had just finished introducing herself and briefly thanking the crowd for coming in. The woman leaned closer to Fina and she tensed. Way too many people were paying attention to her tonight and not to Marta.
“I’m so glad she’s found you,” Digna whispered and affectionately squeezed her upper arm. “She’s happy and she has that sparkle back in her eyes. I’m sure it’s all thanks to you.”
“Hi everyone,” she began with her voice loud and clear, commanding attention from the whole room. “I’m very happy to be here with you. I now see some familiar faces that were there with me in Toledo, back in March. It’s nice to see you’re still not bored of what I have to say,” Marta softly laughed and shifted on her feet. “I never expected to write another book so soon, but life threw some inspiration at me and everything just fell into place. I know you’re all eager to get your copies signed and hear what I have to say, but before it all, I want to mention one thing.”
Marta paused for a second, looking around the room and seemingly searching for the eyes of Fina. Once they landed on hers, the deep blue seemed to darken even more and a smile appeared on her face. Fina mouthed i love you towards Marta, stretching her cheeks even more.
“I want to thank my friends for giving us this space tonight and their time to listen to me talk. And of course, to the one person without whom there wouldn’t be any of this. Thank you so much, you’re a star,” Marta said and started flipping through the book. Her copy was tabbed and dog-eared, Fina had fallen in love with this habit of hers, admiring the courage and thoughtfulness in each marking of the book.
She read a passage from the third or fourth chapter, talking about how different the world of the novel was and how the main characters adapted to it. The paragraph seemed to be similar to a character study of one of the girls, analysing her whys and hows . The voice of Marta soared through the room, firm and confident, with a hint of affection towards her hard work and her book, which Marta mentioned a few times, was her child.
“This is probably my favourite passage I’ve ever written,” she said after a pause and softly closed the book.
The room quieted down and in a few moments people thinned out, too. Only those who were eager to talk to Marta stayed, and started lining up for an autograph.
Emmy Art tops the charts days after the release of fifth book - The Prophecy of Pine Trees.
The mysterious Spanish author Emmy Art releases a new novel set in a futuristic world with a love story that seems to go against all odds. With characters you would give up everything for and settings worth to be adapted for a screen, the newest novel takes its fans and new readers on a wild and emotional journey through time and space. Emmy Art has never been this strong and so true to themselves in any of their works. The mysterious writer overtook the literary world with a storm and hopefully will bring more outstanding stories in the future.
Soon enough, the reviews were piling up on the internet and social media, some of them filled up Marta’s e-mail. Fina kept hearing about it every time a new one came out or Marta’s agent shared it with her. She was happy to read about the success of her girlfriend and her recognition because Marta deserved it all.
Emmy Art had finally reached their height and Marta was glad that she maintained her anonymity at least to some extent. Many book stores dedicated their window displays to her books or books of similar thematic scope.
It felt like life was finally falling into place and the puzzle pieces were fitting together perfectly. Fina’s studies became one of her best decisions and Marta’s work never lacked inspiration or the motivation.
Fina could not have asked for anything better from her life and every day with Marta she wished she had met her earlier in her life, because the time before her was lost time she will spend making up for until the end of their days.
“Why did you decide to dedicate your book to me?”
Marta looked at her surprised, eyes wide but full of love. “How couldn’t I? Fina, you’re the best thing that I’ve ever been able to call mine. It is because of you that I was able to write that book and it seemed only natural for me to dedicate it for you.”
Marta smiled and pulled Fina’s face closer to hers with the tip of her finger hooked under her chin. They pressed their foreheads together and Marta slowly kissed her.
“Oh my god, this is cliché,” Marta laughed at her words after a minute and the way she sounded. “I didn’t mean to sound like a pathetic guy from a cheap romcom.”
“It suits you.”