Love On The Pitch

Clean Slate

After the exciting pick up of fussball as the boys like to call it, they all decide to go out for a few celebratory beers.

"I'm buying guys.. My treat "Alex says as they head to the German Beer House.

Strolling hand in hand across the cobblestone road Bastian can't help but reminisce about Alex's glorious football moment.

"I can't believe you didn't tell me you played" he says.
"To be honest, Bastian .. It's part of my past and I dont like to dwell on it too much. I have laid any chance of football career out to pasture,sort of speak." She says while taking a seat in the large team booth with the squad.

"You know Alex you could still play if wanted to " Thomas says.
Honestly guys.. No offence but football was a part of my life.. Not my whole life.
Nodding their heads they understood Alex's point even though, football was everything to them. Bastian has filled them in on the chat he had with Low earlier on the field about Alex's tragic past.

"Why don't you order some drinks ?"she turns to Bastian.. I'm going to use the restroom.

Sure. What would you like? I will have a ginger ale .. And get these guys... She nuggies Thomas..eine biere bitte!! She chuckles out.
The guys bust out laughing. We really need to work on her deutsch Basti!! Rolling his eyes " I know " he laughs.

Hitting restroom in the back corner of the bar, Alex gazes at herself in the mirror. God all this excitement has done a number on her body lately. She's been exhausted the last few days not to mention, her appetite has been off. Nothing seems to appeal to her. Splashing her face with a bit of water hoping it will help with the feeling of lightheadedness she has been experiencing.
Drying her hands with paper towels she tosses it the trash in a one shot rimmer and opens the door to exit.

Alex gets one step out of the bathroom and immediately bumps right into a male body... Looking up.. Her face drops into shear terror as she is met face to face ... Alone ... And isolated with Renaldo!
What the fuck is he doing in Germany. She thinks to herself.

Thinking of making a run for it she turns to sprint, only to be grabbed by the left arm and thrown back against the wall.

Ready to scream for help she is silenced by a large hand over the mouth.

" you think you can hide sweetheart?... I find you anywhere.... You tell that Basti of yours... he threatens to bash my face in... I take out his knee.... Will be nothing left of his football career. " at that he released her. Before allowing her to pass.. He places a tender kiss on her bruised cheek. Just to spite her.

"This fucker is capable of anything. I have to find a way to keep Bastian from getting hurt"she panics to herself.

Alex, walks swiftly to the table where all the guys are sitting. Trying to not make scene she slides in beside Bastian.

The guys are laughing and carrying on while enjoying their drinks.

Thomas notices Alex's hands shaking.
Thomas serious tone has the whole table silenced.

Alex... Are you alright?

I'm fine she replies trying to keep it cool. The boys glance at Bastian.

Bastian turns her chin to look at her face...what's wrong! he says with a sharp tone.
All the guys faces tight with concern.

"Guys relax I'm fine.. Really.. Just.. Umm tired I guess. "
Just as she finishes her sentence, Renaldo strolls by the german squads table and blows a kiss in Alex's direction as well as deliberately zipping up his fly just to infuriate Bastian.
A nanosecond passes and the whole German table erupts. Chairs being thrown out and knocked over as they all.. The whole team jumps to Alex's defence. Alex grabs Bastian arm and pleads "don't.. PLEASE!!"

Stay out of this. He says with a sharpe authoritative tone. Just before they can get their hands on Renaldo his team swoops in from the far hidden side of the bar to whisk him away.

Bastian and a few of the guys follow him out to the street where he jumps in and SUV and takes off.

Jesus fuckin Christ !! Bastian yells.

" Thomas.. He threatened to take out Bastian's knee. " this guys is a frickin lunatic. "
" I don't know why he's here." She says.
Thomas looks Alex in the eyes and repeats again... Are you ok..? Did he touch you ?

I'm fine Thomas.. Just a little shaken.. I'm more worried about what this bastard is capable of.

Bastian heads back to the table and gently grabs Alex's shaky hand.

She turns to look at him. "Your pale Alex." I'm fine honestly. Let's not let that ruin our night guys... Please guys.

They all sit down, with silent frustration, in their previous seats.
Alex isn't just Bastian's girl .. She is their girl too.. And Renaldo has done it again and messed with their girl.

After a moment or two of silence.. Alex says.. " you know what guys? .. You can do something for me..she says Anything Alex.. Yeah you name it..
The next time you play him.... Fuckin annihilate him please!!

Fucken eh! Thomas says!! Your damn fucking right we will! Mario says.
With that Bastian grabs Alex's hand gives it a squeeze.

She squeezes back.

That night Alex stirs in bed. Distracted about everything that has happened and stressed about the nightmare with Renaldo.. She gets up to go to the bathroom. Standing in front of the mirror with her hands in either side of the porcelain sink, a wave of nausea hits her.
Leaping for the toilet she just makes it in time to throw up all that she consumed for the day.

Rolling over to see the bathroom light lit and Alex not beside him Bastian throws on his track pants and heads to check on Alex.

Listening at the door before walking in he hears her heaving in the toilet.

Wiping her mouth and flushing toilet as he steps inside.

Are you alright? He asks

No.. She says on a sob. For the first time she felt like she had admitted defeat.

Running her hands through her messy hair, he pulls her into his chest. He allows her time to sob it out before taking her chin in his hands. "You don't always have to be so strong Alex. That's what I'm here for... What we are all here for."

Is that why you are sick? You worrying about all the Renaldo bullshit??

Shaking her head up and down.. " well don't be..your boys and I are going to clobber them next we face them. I don't want you stressing any more ". You understand ?? He says while lifting up into his arms.
She nods her head again.
Good. Now come let's go to bed he says whispering in her ear.

Carrying her gently to the bedroom her lays her down on the bed curls in behind her and wraps his arms around her.
Protected, shielded, safe.