The Right Kind of Wrong: A Brother's Best Friend Romance

by Fabiola Francisco

  “Sorry, but do you speak English?” I raise my eyebrows. No amount of months I’ve spent here has prepared me to communicate with a customs officer in Spanish. I’m still limited in my knowledge.

  “Sir, you’ve exceeded the number of days allowed to visit the country. I cannot let you continue beyond this point,” he informs with a heavy accent.

  “What?” My body shakes. “How is that even possible if I was allowed to buy a plane ticket?”

  “The airlines don’t monitor the length of stay of each customer. That’s the individual’s responsibility to know the laws.”

  “What’s going on?” Allyson steps toward me, but the officer stops her.

  “Ma’am, you cannot return to this point. I need you to continue going.” The officer steps out of his box office to guarantee she’s listening.

  “But he’s my boyfriend.” Her eyes widen.

  “Do you have a visa?” the officer asks her.

  “Yes, I work in Madrid.”

  “Then you must go on.” He points in the direction she needs to go, but Allyson stays planted with a frown and wide eyes.

  “Go, Ally. I’ll sort this out and let you know what’s happening.” The last thing I need is for her to stress or get into legal trouble for not following the officer’s command.

  She opens her mouth to argue, and I shake my head. “Go,” I mouth.

  Allyson hesitates a few seconds and then walks away. I look at the officer and ask, “What do I do now?”

  “You have to return to the United States. If you wish to extend your stay in Spain, you’ll need to apply for a visa at the consulate. Only then will you be able to return. Your other option is to wait for the days to roll over. There is a maximum of a ninety-day period to visit Spain within a one-hundred-and-eighty day period.”

  I’m hearing his explanation, but all I’m thinking about is having to wait half a year to return. There’s no way I’m going to miss the birth of my son and being there for Ally when she needs me.

  “Is there a way to apply for a visa here instead of flying back and returning? As you saw, my girlfriend is pregnant.”

  “No. You’ll have to leave the country and apply from your native country.”

  “Fuck,” I murmur. “So, where do I go?” My shoulders slump, and I shake my head.

  The next few hours are a nightmare. Between interviews with customs, booking a flight home, and figuring out how the hell to return as soon as possible, I’m exhausted and frustrated.

  Thankfully, I was able to send Ally a message so she wouldn’t worry more than necessary, and I promised I’d be back soon. I hope I can keep my promise. All I wanted was to be home with her now, holding her as we slept off the jet lag. Instead, I’m getting ready to climb into another crowded plane as if I were some kind of prisoner or some shit.

  It was an honest mistake, and they’re treating me as if I’m a criminal. As soon as I land, I’m going to the consulate and applying for a visa. I’d give my life savings away to be back by Allyson’s side.

  The first thing I do when I land in Richmond is call Easton. I arrived after the consulate closed—of course, they’re only open until one in the afternoon.

  “Hello?” His voice is drowned by loud music.

  “Hey, sorry to bother you, but I have a problem.”

  “What’s wrong? Is Ally okay?” Panic rings in his question as the background noise quiets.

  “Yeah, sorry, she’s okay. She’s in Madrid.”

  “Wait. Where are you?” His question lingers with confusion.

  “I’m back in Richmond. That’s why I’m calling. When I got to customs in Madrid, they said I had reached my maximum days to visit required by law, and I need to apply for a visa. Do you have any experience with this?” Besides being my best friend, he’s the closest lawyer I know that I can call up during the holidays and not get taken advantage of with high fees.

  “Shit,” he mumbles. “I’m not familiar with immigration law, but from my limited knowledge, you do need to apply for a visa in order to stay in the country longer than is permitted by law.”

  “Fuck,” I growl, and people standing nearby outside the airport stare at me.

  “Go to the consulate office tomorrow morning. It’s in DC. I remember Ally having to go a few times when she was preparing for her move. Also, go with patience. It’s an exhausting process from what she told me.” Easton’s advice does little to calm my nerves. There’s nothing I want more than to be with Ally right now, not standing in a cold airport, waiting for my Uber, and hoping to God I can be there for the rest of the pregnancy and my son’s birth.

  “Thanks, Easton.” I run a hand through my hair.

  “Anytime. And Camden…” Easton pauses, and I wait for him to continue speaking. “Things will work out.”

  “Yeah,” I sigh and end the call.

  By the time I get home, I’m exhausted and in need of a shower and uninterrupted sleep. I send Ally a quick goodnight message since she’s probably deep in sleep and crash. The frustration from the last two days melts away, and I close my eyes.

  - - - - -

  My heart races as I listen to the employee in the consulate tell me it could take up to three months to receive either an approval or denial for my long-term visa. This is insane.

  “Sir, my girlfriend lives in Madrid with a work visa, and she is pregnant. In three months, she could have my baby, and I’ll miss it.” I try to remain as calm as possible, keeping my voice even.

  “According to your travel dates, you’ll be able to return in three months as a tourist again.” He looks at my dates and does the calculations, informing me that I will indeed be able to return if my visa is denied. The problem is that I want to be there now, not in three months.

  “Is there anything else I can do?” I tug at the roots of my hair and stare at the man.

  “You’re not married?” I shake my head. “If you were married, then you could live in Spain with your wife since she has a work visa. Spouses are granted permission. Since you aren’t, you’ll have to follow the same protocol as everyone else.”

  My shoulders slump. Then, he slides a paper toward me with a nod. I skim the contents and lift my eyebrows. Is he suggesting I marry Ally so I can live with her in Spain?

  After I fill out all the paperwork to apply for the visa, I leave the consulate office. Still clutching the paper in my hand, my mind is spinning, and I don’t know what will happen if I get denied. Ally and I are good, and I know that eventually, we’ll get to marriage, but it doesn’t sit right to marry her just so I can move to Spain. I haven’t even told her that I’m in love with her.

  I grab my phone and call a buddy of mine from college. Maybe he knows of a job in Madrid for a computer engineer. A work visa will guarantee I’m there with her.

  chapter 26

  Allyson

  I’m going insane. Getting back into a routine since I arrived in Madrid two weeks ago has proven to be difficult. Camden has no idea when he’ll hear if he’s approved for a long-term visa or not. I’m trying to remain calm, but with each passing day, I question everything going on in my life.

  Am I making the right choice by staying here? Will my child be American or Spanish? How will I handle parenthood in a foreign country with very little support? When will I see Camden if his visa gets denied?

  A jumbled cloud of thoughts fills my mind with every worst-case scenario and doubt. I look down at the pros and cons list on the paper in front of me. Neither one feels right, though. Sighing, I lean back on the sofa.

  In need of a distraction, I grab my phone and open my Instagram app, scrolling through pictures of my friends, liking different ones before moving on to another app. When social media doesn’t give me the distraction I crave, I open my e-book and continue reading the book I started weeks ago and haven’t had a chance to finish.

  I settle on the couch, positioning the pillow behind me so I can lean back on the armrest and bend my knees as much as my pregnant belly will
allow.

  The buzzing of my phone disrupts my reading, not that I was fully invested, and I groan as I prop myself up to grab it from the coffee table.

  “Hey,” I say, angling the phone to my face as Noel’s smile fills the screen.

  “How are you doing?”

  “Eh, I’m okay. Torn on a few things but trying to remain positive.” I shift on the sofa and sit criss-cross.

  “Are you sure you don’t want me to fly out there?”

  “I’m sure. Thank you, though.” Noel has been offering to come spend a few days with me here, but I’d rather be alone. Between my emotions from being pregnant and the harsh reality that Camden and I may not be able to be together right away, I’ve been a hermit. I go to work and come back home.

  “I’m going to fly over anyway. You can’t be alone right now. This stress isn’t good for you.” Noel takes on her caretaker role, turning serious.

  “I’m okay. I’m just super emotional from the hormones. When you get pregnant, you’ll understand.”

  “Psshh… Don’t even, girl. You know I’m not the pregnant kind. Or having babies. Or a family for that matter.”

  I shake my head. “Maybe one day, but even if you never do have your own family, you’ll always live the life you want.” Noel goes for what she wants and gets it. She may want different things out of her life than most, but she’s happy. That’s what counts.

  “Anyway, if I find a decent flight, I’ll let you know. It’s time for Life with Noel to hit Spain.” She lifts her hand, palm facing up, and I laugh. Her blog is called Life with Noel, and I agree that it’s time for her to visit Spain since I know she’ll love it, but I’m not in the mood for someone to bring me out of my cave.

  “You don’t have to. Honestly, I’m fine.”

  Noel arches a brow through the screen. “And you know what ‘Fine’ means.” She rolls her eyes and pinches her lips.

  “Fucked up, insecure, neurotic, and emotional,” I respond with the acronym she taught me years ago. “And you know what, I am fine because I definitely feel some of those things.” I clench my jaw.

  “Ally, I love you, and that is why I’m going to say this, you can’t lock yourself up in your apartment and stop living just because Camden couldn’t go back to Madrid with you. You’re smart, independent, and strong. You two will figure out how to be together if that’s what you want, but putting your life on hold for a man is a no-go in my book and yours.”

  My shoulders drop, and I exhale deeply, looking at my best friend through a phone screen, wishing she were here in person, that someone was here to help me through this time. Maybe I should let her fly out here. I’m scared. Scared I’ll have this child alone in a foreign country without his father’s support. Scared that I’ll make the wrong decision and end up regretting it down the road.

  The choice should be easy to an outsider, but nothing that tears us in two ever really is.

  I know Noel is right, but what keeps me holed up is the pressure of deciding what’s best for me, this baby, and Camden. Is it fair for him to be the only one to be willing to uproot his life for us to be together? No.

  “Earth to Ally. Did you hear my speech? It was fucking powerful and great, so don’t tell me you spaced out.” Noel’s eyes widen.

  I chuckle. “I heard it, and you’re right, but I’m just… I don’t know what I am. I feel weird and sad and powerless. As if things were out of my control when, in reality, they aren’t. I have a choice.”

  “What are you saying?” She leans forward on her chair and rests her chin on her hands, sitting closer to her tablet so I can clearly see the furrow of her eyebrows.

  “That I do have choices in the matter, but I’m worried I’ll make the wrong one. I could move back to Virginia, ask my boss to put me back in my old position and be with Camden. Or, I can stay here, be somewhat selfish and let Camden be the one to uproot his life, and hope he gets a visa.” I swallow thickly and take a deep breath.

  “Either way, one of us is making a sacrifice for the other and giving something up.”

  Noel shakes her head as she speaks. “Ally, you need to change your mindset. This isn’t about sacrifice but about gaining something new, bigger than you ever imagined. Change always requires shifting our lives so we can open up to new opportunities and experiences. If we remain in the same routine, the same cycle, we can’t expect to live new things. They just don’t go hand in hand.” She sighs and leans back on her chair.

  I give her a small smile, my eyes welling with tears. She’s right. Nodding, I unsuccessfully swallow back my emotions, and a few tears roll down my cheeks.

  “Don’t cry,” she whispers.

  “I’m not,” my voice tightens. “Okay,” I laugh between tears. “I am, but not because I’m sad. I already told you I’m emotional. I know you’re right. Thank you for helping me put things into perspective.”

  “That’s what I’m here for.” She smiles widely. “Anyway, I’ll let you know if I find a flight that’s within my budget, and I’ll go visit. Berkeley is swamped at work, so we could make her jealous by sending her a ton of pics of us out and about in Madrid.” Noel laughs evilly.

  “You’re terrible.” I shake my head, giggling. That’s just like Noel. One minute she’s a wisdom guru, and the next, she’s plotting how to make her best friend jealous.

  “But you love me. Gotta go, babes. We’ll talk. Call or message me if you need another pep talk.” She winks and blows me a kiss.

  “Thank you,” I say honestly. I was feeling like the world was crushing me before she called. Thank goodness for great friends.

  After we end our call, I lean back on the couch, clutching my phone and grabbing my pros and cons list. Something still doesn’t feel right.

  As if a light bulb’s been turned on, grabbing the pen, I begin scribbling a third option on the list.

  - - - - -

  A vibration stirs me from sleep. I try to shift, but my stomach won’t let me lie on my side as comfortably as I used to, especially on the sofa. I groan when my phone starts vibrating again and sit up, my lower back pulsing in pain. A soft sigh moves past my lips, and I answer the phone.

  “Hey,” I smile.

  “Hey, Kiwi. How are you? Were you sleeping?”

  “No,” I lie.

  Camden chuckles. “You wanna go back to sleep, and we’ll talk tomorrow?”

  “No.” I shake my head even though he can hear me. “Let’s talk.” I clear my throat and lift my legs to the coffee table in front of me, dropping back into the couch cushions. Hearing his deep voice on the line soothes me and my doubts.

  As Camden asks me how I’m feeling and how our son is doing, my heart melts. How can I live without him in my life? It’s impossible. Not now, when I’ve seen what a life with him could be like. Not when we’re going to have a child together. When we could be a family.

  “I’m hoping I hear back from the consulate soon. It may be wishful thinking, but I’m going to do everything in my power to be by your side as soon as possible.”

  “Cam…” I sigh.

  “I promise, Kiwi,” he interrupts me. “I want to hold you, feel our son move, kiss you, make love to you…” he trails off, and my breath catches in the back of my throat. We haven’t said those three little words to each other, but I’m so irrevocably in love with him.

  “You’ve given me a different purpose in my life, and I refuse to give that up now.” His words are stern and kind at the same time.

  I wipe my cheek and smile. “I get what you mean. I feel the same way.” My free hand drops to my stomach, rubbing slow circles. I never imagined this to be my life, but I don’t want it any other way. I’ll take an unplanned pregnancy so long as I have Camden in my life.

  “We’ll overcome this.” The promise in his voice shines a light on the situation I couldn’t see as anything other than impossible.

  “We will,” I whisper. Just then, our baby kicks as if confirming that our wishes will come true. I hope so, baby boy. />
  “I know it’s late, so let’s video chat tomorrow,” Camden suggests after talking for a bit.

  “Okay.” I hate hanging up with him. I hate going to sleep alone after sleeping in his arms.

  I think of Noel’s advice about changing my mindset. I take a deep breath and focus on the positive and all I’m grateful for, starting with this man. If Camden were a different man, I’d be doing this on my own. I’m lucky to have his support.

  “Goodnight, Kiwi.” His voice turns soft.

  “Goodnight.” I end the call and get ready for bed, all the while telling myself that this baby and I will have his daddy in our lives. And until then, I have to continue living my life instead of locking myself up in my apartment. I came here to experience the culture, the people, and the lifestyle. I’m not doing any of that. If I stop truly living and become a hermit like I have been, then living in Spain is pointless, and I might as well move back home.

  Home. That’s my current challenge. Where exactly is home?

  chapter 27

  Camden

  Your visa has been denied.

  I stare in disbelief at the letter I received in the mail today. My heart halts with each word I re-read as everything crashes down around me. I wasn’t expecting to receive a response so soon after I submitted my application, and yet here it is a month after I submitted the form. I expected it to take the full three months they said it could take, and I had high hopes for an approval.

  I slump back on my couch and run a hand down my face in exasperation. My other fist clenches around the paper. How am I going to give Ally this news? I’ve been promising her that we’ll be together soon, and now that bubble has burst. I’m here in Virginia, and she’s in Spain. A vast ocean interferes with our destiny.

  My phone rings again, and I silence the call. Ally’s been calling, but I haven’t had the heart to answer and tell her what’s going on. Instead, I keep sending her to voicemail.

  I’ve already missed a month of watching her grow and transform, a month that I haven’t been there to comfort her and hold her. I miss her like hell, and the idea of not seeing her for at least another two months kills me.