Football Fan Fics

I walked into my apartment building, I checked my pockets to make sure my phone hadn’t fallen out while I was in the taxi. Today had been a good day. Since I had hit the second trimester the morning sickness subsided, which meant I woke up fresher and more alive than before. Also, today had been good because I had met a woman who visited the same gynaecologist as me, her name is Monica and she is into her fourth month, just like me. She was cheerful and happy and very excited about her first child. She was so friendly while we sat in the waiting room. She said a cheery hi, sat next to me and the next thing I knew we had hit it off and she invited me to coffee tomorrow.

I was about to press the elevator button when I noticed a yellow envelope half sticking out of my letter box next to the elevator. I walked over pulled it out and checked the address. At first I thought it was from Juan but I noticed the return address and recognised the name. Miguel Flores was Cristiano’s agent. I looked at the envelope for a moment wondering what it could possibly be before walking back to elevator and pushing the button.

I opened the door to my apartment, I shrugged my bag of my shoulder before ripping open the envelope and taking out what was inside. It was a booklet full of forms and when I looked at the title my heart stopped, Resigning Custody of a Minor. I flipped the booklet over in my hand a few times. Why would Cris want me to fill this out? I pulled my phone out of my pocket and furiously dialled his number, “Hello?” He asked into the phone.

“What the hell is this Cris?” I was shaking with fury.

“What?” He asked confused.

“Resigning Custody of a Minor,” I read to him.

“Oh,” he took a breath, “It’s just some forms so that you hand over all parental rights to me. Miguel thought it was necessary.”

“I don’t care what Miguel thinks. This is not his child, he has no say in this,” I spat.

“I think it is necessary then,” he replied more forcefully.

“Why?”

“So your name won’t be on the birth certificate.” He said simply.

I was appalled, “But I gave birth to the baby.”

“What if Irina wanted to see the birth certificate and it had your name on it, what would we do then, huh?” He asked.

“Don’t show her,” I shrugged.

“What if she insists?”

“Tell her it’s with your Dear agent Miguel and he won’t let you take it in case it falls into the wrong hands.”

“That’s ridiculous, she would never believe that.”

“Well, Cris don’t you worry, you have a way with lies, if she believes half the bullshit that comes out of your mouth she’ll believe this,” I said bitterly.

“What exactly do you mean by that?” He asked offended.

“I mean that I’m not signing these forms,” I replied.

“But why not?” He asked.

Before I could reply I hung up, because giving you the baby is different than saying that the baby is not mine.

My phone buzzed in my hand and before I could check the caller I.D I answered rudely, “We are not having this conversation Cris,” I huffed.

“Sammy, its Alvaro.”

“Oh,” my voice softened instantly.

“What conversation though?” He asked curiously.

“Can you believe he has the audacity to send me forms for emancipation from the baby?” I sat at the morning bar and leant over to the bag of Oreos on the counter.

“What? Why?”

“Cause what if Irina wants to see the birth certificate,” I said in a goofy voice.

“Well, what if she does want to?”

“He can make up a shit story, he’s good at them.”

“Sam-my,” he said sternly.

“Hey, don’t come and be the conscience I never had, Alvaro,” I munched on an Oreo.

“Anyway, how was the doctor’s appointment?”

One of Alvaro’s best qualities was that he knew when to stop. He knew how to push my buttons but, he only did so in moderation.

“It was good,” I smiled, “I made a friend!” I cheered.

“What’s her name?”

“Maybe it’s a him,” I replied smugly.

“Really?” He asked sarcastically.

“No, it’s a girl. Her name is Monica. She’s probably only 27 and she’s having her first child as well. We’re both in our 4^th months as well. She invited me to coffee tomorrow. And next week we’re going together to our appointment when we find out the sex of the baby!”

“Somebody was lonely,” he mocked.

I laughed, “I guess I really was. Okay, I better go. Bye  Alvaro.”

He paused momentarily before sighing thoughtfully, “Okay, bye querida!”

I hung up and looked down at the bag of Oreos on the table, it was empty, dammit!

***

I clasped my hands around my cup of chai latte, warming my fingertips. The warm breeze ran through my floral cardigan as I sat opposite Monica at the small café. We had taken a seat outside because the beautiful weather was too tempting. I looked up at her taking a deep breath before answering her question about the father of the baby. She asked it so casually and politely it took me a moment to be taken aback by her question. I gulped hard, “He’s in Spain. He has work restraints.”

“Oh, it must be hard on your own,” she said sympathetically.

“It is, but I’m coping.”

“If you need anything,” she said picking at her vanilla slice, “I’m here for you.”

“Thanks. But I have a friend here as well, he’s been a great help,” I shrugged.

She sipped her green tea quietly and I felt a buzz in my pocket. I pulled out my phone and checked the Caller I.D. “I have to get this,” I told Monica as I stood up, “Sorry.” I stood up and walked out onto the pavement, “Hey,” I said into the phone, “what’s up?”

“I have excellent news,” Alvaro replied excited.

“What news?”

“I’m coming to visit you!”

“What?!” I almost shouted, “When?!”

“I got a holiday from Jose. I got a yellow card in yesterday’s match, so I can’t play in the next league match. The only other match we have is in the Copa and Jose won’t be calling me up because of it’s versus Levante. Then comes the Christmas break!”

“Alvaro,” I cooed, “this is great!”

“I’m coming in two days, is that alright?”

“It’s great,” I smiled.

“Really? It’s not too soon?”

“No, no, it’ll be great to have someone with me for Christmas!”

“Awesome.”

“Alvaro, this is such good news. But, I have to go; I’m out with Monica, talk soon.”

“Okay, see you in two days!”

“See you then!”

I hung up and walked back to Monica who looked up at my cheery face, “Someone’s happy.”

“I just got some really good news,” I said as I pulled my chair into the table.

“Ooh, spill,” She smiled her wide smile. Monica really was a beauty, she had crazy black curly hair and a thin face with pretty features. She had the prettiest eye colour and long eyelashes.

“My boyfriend is coming to England for the Christmas holidays!”

“Really? That’s so great!” She smiled, “To celebrate I think we should have a double date at my place; my husband and me and you and your boyfriend. What do you say?”

“Absolutely, that’d be cool,” I spoke excitedly.

“Well, when does he come?”

“In two days.”

“This Friday? Then we should do it on the Saturday.”

“Are you free on Friday? That’s a better idea.” I was already planning out what I could do with Alvaro and I didn’t want to waste a whole day and opted to instead do the double date on Friday.

“Sure,” She smiled bursting with excitement, “I can’t wait!”

***

I looked around the lounge room briefly checking for anything out of place. I had been cleaning all day as I waited for Alvaro’s arrival. He had insisted that he would catch a taxi to my house and it wasn’t worth me waiting for him in the airport.

I checked the clock; it was 12:20 and Alvaro’s plane arrived at 10:35. I sat on the couch and bit my lip anxiously. I picked up my mobile contemplating ringing him up. It usually was a short trip from the airport to my house but I wasn’t sure of traffic today.

Just as I began to dial his number the intercom buzzer rang; sending a jolt up my spine. I walked over to the intercom and pressed the button to let him in. I felt giddy as I checked how I looked in the mirror by the wall. I had bought this dress especially for today. It was a dark red with lace around the neck and at the bottom where it hit just above my knees, I had put on some black stockings to match the outfit and I had paired it with dark red lipstick which complemented my tan skin. The dress was only a little tight on my baby belly which was still reasonably small; only the size of a half a basketball. I had left my wavy, short hair hanging around my face. 

I heard to knocks on the door and I twisted the knob and opened the door, my smile widening by the second. Before I could take in Alvaro’s appearance he pounced at me. Taking me into his arms, I threw my arms around him and squeezed his back. His arms slid to my waist and he pulled away to take me in, “Woah,” he smiled, “you look beautiful.”

I blushed looking him up and down, he looked amazing in his tight fitting suit and aviators and that were resting on his head. I ran my hands over his smooth cheeks which were only recently shaven as I could tell. He moved my hands to rest on his lips and he kissed them before taking them in his own hands and leaning forward. He placed a passionate kiss on my lips.

I placed my hands on his chest and he moved his own hands impatiently to rest on my neck. I kissed him back urgently and ran my hands up and down his chest. I smiled as we kissed and he pulled away panting, “W-what is it?” he asked smiling too.

“I’ve missed you so, so much Alvaro,” I said looking up at him, my hands still resting on his chest and his still around my neck. I was panting too as I looked up at him.

“You won’t believe how much I’ve missed you too.”

He was about to lean down again when I placed a hand on his cheek, “We’re going out today.”

“Where to?” He asked looking a little disappointed he couldn’t go for seconds.

“Monica and her husband have invited us over for lunch,” I smiled.

“When?”

“In about an hour and a half,” Alvaro looked down at me pouting, “You’re the one who was late!” I laughed.

“Okay,” he smiled, “Sounds like fun.” He was about to lean down again when I stepped out of his arms.

“I have to get ready,” I turned to him, “Make yourself at home. I’ll be back.”

I walked over to my bedroom still smiling. It was great that Alvaro was here but I wasn’t going to lead him on to thinking that he’ll get anything more than a kiss. I knew he would understand because I’m pregnant but I still didn’t want to get his hopes up only to be disappointed. I picked up my make up before walking out again to put my make up on in the lounge room in front of the tall mirror next to the door.

“How are you feeling today?” He asked as I pulled out my mascara to apply it lightly.

“It’s one of my better days.”

“Has Cris brought up the forms again?”

“Thankfully not,” I pulled out my eye liner and began applying it to look like smokey eyes. I liked that look on me, it gave my light coloured eyes some vibrancy.

“Have you thought about it at least?”

“Nope,” I shrugged, “Now enough about this. How are things at home?” I asked changing the topic and reapplying my lipstick with a lighter, nude colour and coating with a thin layer of lip gloss to give it a soft, shiny look.

“Well between having to see a guy I despise so much every day at work and my girlfriend being all the way in England. It’s been good.”

“That’s nice to hear,” I said sarcastically. I was almost finished all I had to do was patch up my foundation and I was set.

Alvaro chuckled, “Are you done?” He asked from the couch where he was sitting and he stood up walking up to me.

I nodded as he wrapped his arms around my baby belly and rested his head on my shoulder, “You’re beautiful,” he sighed, taking in my scent.

I turned in his arms to face him, “You’re not too bad yourself,” I giggled, “We better leave, Monica lives very far.”

I picked up the bottle of non-alcoholic champagne and box of chocolates and handed them to Alvaro, “here hold these while I go get my shoes.” I walked over to my bedroom.

***

“Sammy, darling,” Monica cheered, “come in.” She gave me a tight hug before guiding us into the house and out on to the porch where there was a table set up for four and a barbeque sizzling, “aren’t you going to introduce me to your stud.” Monica nudged me lightly.

“Monica, this is Alvaro. Alvaro, this is Monica.”

“Hello Alvaro,” Monica cooed leaning her hand out for him to shake.

“Hey Monica,” Alvaro shook her hand smiling, “I’ve heard so much about you.”

“Oh my gosh! Sammy, his accent is gorgeous.” Monica laughed.

“James come over here, I want to introduce you!” James walked over to us; he was a skinny tall man with average features. His short ginger hair was a mess on his head and he wiped at his fogged up glasses, “Alvaro and Sammy, this is my husband James. James, this is my friend Sammy and her boyfriend Alvaro.”

“How ya doin?” James said in his thick Irish accent taking my hand in his and shaking it gently.

“I’m fine thanks, yourself?” I asked.

“Good, good,” he turned to Alvaro, “How are ya?”

Alvaro shook hands with James before James rushed over to the barbeque to keep an eye on the food. Monica ordered us to sit down at the table, Alvaro and I sitting next to each other on one side of the table and Monica took the seat opposite us, “So,” Monica smiled widely at us, “This pregnancy must be exciting for you Alvaro.”

Alvaro looked at me from the corner of his eyes and I placed a hand on his thigh squeezing it a little. He cleared his throat, “Uh, yeah, of course it is.” He smiled briefly.

I kept my hand on his thigh and rubbed it up and down, turning to him, I caught his eye for a brief second and smiled at him appreciatively.  “He’s missing all the gory incidents,” I chuckled, “Of course he’d be excited.”

Monica laughed openly throwing her head back her hair flowing easily behind her, “What do you do in Spain anyway?” She asked politely.

“I’m a footballer, for Real Madrid.”

“Oh, James, JAMES,” She called him as he walked over carrying a bowl of food, “Alvaro’s a footballer!”

“Oh, I thought ya looked familiar,” James laughed setting the plate down as Monica lent over to peel off the plastic covering from the rest of the bowls, “Real Madrid did I hear ya sayin?” He asked.

“Yeah.”

“You got Cristiano Ronaldo, ye?” Alvaro’s jaw clenched but he smiled trying not to show it, he nodded before James continued, “He’s a Manchester United product keep in mind!” He laughed.

***

Conversation carried on, laughter bubbling out of us once in a while or James and Alvaro arguing over basketball, cars or whatever it is they talk about.

The food was great. James had cooked the meat to perfection and Monica had spiced it brilliantly. There was lovely Greek salad and delicious pasta to accompany the meat. I had tucked into the food and was leaning for my glass of juice when I heard my phone ring. I reached into my bag and stood up excusing myself from the table. I stood in the hallway which we had entered by and answered my phone, “Hola.”

“Hola Sammy. How are you?” Juan asked into the phone.

Laughter erupted from the backyard and echoed into the hallway, “I’m good, how are you?”

“I’m good. Am I calling at a bad time? Are you out?”

“Yeah, I am actually. I’m at lunch with Alvaro and friends.”

“Alvaro?” He asked.

“Yeah, he came over for Christmas a little earlier because he got a yellow card in his last match and he won’t be called up until after Christmas. So, he thought he’d come over and spend it with me in England.”

“I watched Real Madrid’s last match; he didn’t get a yellow card though. He’s one off a suspension.” He answered cautiously.

“You must have missed it-“ my reply was delayed as what Juan said sunk in.

“No Sammy,” he interrupted, “I’m telling you, he wasn’t suspended,” he persisted.

I bit my lip; I didn’t want Alvaro to fall out of favour with his coach. First it was the punch and now him racing over here to be with me when he had commitments elsewhere. But on top of it all it was the fact he had lied to me, whether it be for my benefit or not, I was furious. But then again, who was I to talk about lying? I tried to supress the fury I was feeling but there was still a nagging in the back of my head reminding me he had lied to me.

“Look Juan, I better get back to dinner. I’ll call you tonight when I get home, okay? Bye.”

“Adios Sammy,” He answered.

I hung up and walked back to the table where a conversation was going on about whether Manchester United or Liverpool were going to be a force to be reckoned with, Alvaro, the ex-Liverpool player obviously siding with his former team while James and Monica, both Manchester supporters, stood adamantly by their team, although Monica wasn’t into the sport all that much.

I sat down next to Alvaro smiling politely, “Who was it?” Alvaro whispered to me, leaning close to my ear disguising the action as a peck on the cheek.

“Juan,” I replied with a slight edge in my tone.

Alvaro looked at me for a moment, searching my face to find out why I was annoyed. But I kept my features neutral and after a moment of searching them he turned back around to the rest of the table.

“Aww, how cute!” Monica cheered.

“Anything for a fellow Liverpool fan,” Alvaro smiled smugly at James.

“Oh, no Sammy, not you too!” James laughed.

I laughed uneasily before looking back down at my plate and realising I was no longer in the mood for this lunch, at all.

***

I walked out to the street ahead of Alvaro, Monica and James had waved us off at the doorstep with promises to catch up again before Christmas. The taxi was waiting by the curb for us, I opened my door and slipped in as Alvaro caught up with me and slid in next to me. “Sammy?” He asked.

“I’m not talking about it.”

“Was it Cris?” He asked curiously.

“No.”

He furrowed his eyebrows, “Juan?”

“Nope,” I looked out the window as the cab drove off.

“Me?” He asked cautiously.

I turned and looked at him, “You weren’t suspended from a match.”

He blushed and cleared his throat, “It’s not an important match, Jose won’t mind. Its’s no problem-“ he began.

“It is a problem, Alvaro, it is,” I sighed turning to the window again.

He placed a hand on my shoulder, “I’m sorry Sammy,” he said, “But at least I’m here now.”

“What exactly are you sorry for?” I asked shrugging his hand off my shoulder.

He paused for a moment, to think, “I’m sorry I upset you.”

I groaned, he didn’t even know why I was upset, I turned to face him, “We are not talking about this now Alvaro,” I said sternly.

***

I unlocked the front door, not a word had been spoken between us since the cab ride, I chucked my shoes off and set them next to the door. I bent down to pull out my mobile phone when Alvaro came from behind me and threw his arms around my waist. I tried to move out of his grasp but he only tightened his hold on me. I turned around in his arms to face him. I placed my arms on his shoulders, “Yes Alvaro?” I asked exasperatedly.

“Come on Sammy, I really am sorry.” He said.

“Do you even know why I’m upset?”

“Because-Because,” he stuttered.

“See you don’t,” I sighed, I dived under his arms and out of his embrace. I was about to work back to my bedroom but he stopped me in my tracks. He stood in front of me and held his hand out placing it on my shoulder to stop me. “What?” I asked impatiently.

“If I clearly don’t know why I upset you, then tell me.”

I sighed, “You lied to me.”

He looked down at the floor next to me before looking back up at me, “I’m sorry Sammy,” he sighed, “but I thought it was for the best.”

“You thought it was best to jeopardise your career,” I replied, “for me?”

“I’d do anything for you Sammy, you know that,” he said as he placed his hand on my hips.

“You punched Cris and now you’re bailing on the team. Are you sure Jose is fine with this? He is tough on you guys, I know he is.”

“He is fine with it. I asked him if I was needed for the next match and he said ‘no, Marcelo and Sergio’ll be on the wings’ I’m not needed in this match.”

“What about if they need you to be subbed on?”

“There are the Castilla players that fill in.”

“It doesn’t change the fact that you lied to me,” I stated simply.

Alvaro let go of my waist and ran a hand through his hair, he turned away from me and then back to face me. It was as if he was debating what to say next. He placed a hand on my shoulder, “I’m-I’m,” he stuttered, “I’m shocked that you of all people, is judging me for lying.”

I looked at him shocked and his eyes widened and it was clear he was shocked himself. I stepped back away from him. My face was heating up, from anger or embarrassment, I didn’t know. But I knew that I couldn’t even look at Alvaro right now.

I took a step forward to walk over to my bedroom, “That was different!” I yelled. I was absolutely furious and mad. Partly at Alvaro, but that was only a little bit, but mainly, I was mad at myself. Mad at myself for getting mad at Alvaro for something I was an artist at; lying. And I was mad at myself for ruining a perfectly good evening. I was mad, not for the first time ever, for getting myself in this mess in the first place.

“I know Sammy, I’m sorry,” I could hear him walking over to me, “I’m sorry.”

I quickened my pace, almost running to my bedroom and I opened the door and slammed it in his face.

Authors note: As I mentioned before there will probably be a one month hiatus on this story. I will be able to read and reply to your coments and I will not be able to write though. I’ll be back after a month and I promise long good chapters every saturday .

Thanks for reading guys. :)