You've come all the way to Qatar for Christian. US soccer had reached out to the family and friends of the players to join them for Thanksgiving and the last two matches of the group stage for the boys. A big one vs England and the closing game vs Iran.
Christian had been locked in since he arrived in Qatar, which meant you and him haven't talked much, so seeing him has been great for both parties. He was super excited to have you and his parents in Qatar during these very crucial games.
-
"What the hell is a pelvic contusion?" Christian said as we walked back to our room from the hotel. He scored and won the game, however during the process he managed to get hit in all the wrong places.
I giggled, "You bruised your pelvis. That's in simple terms,"
He grunted, "I didn't get hit in the balls," he said quietly.
I hid my slight smile, "babe, you have an ice pack on your balls."
"I didn't get hit in the balls," he said with more of an attitude as we walked into our hotel room, "I'm going to hop in the shower," he said as he reached for a new pair of clothes.
"Okay, umm babe," I said and he turned to face me, "You did amazing today, congratulations," I said and placed a gentle kiss on his lips.
-
To say there have been no sexual advances since Christian's injury would be absolutely correct. The past few days he has been super diligent about his body and what he does and I've been trying my best to support him and help him in any way even if he doesn't allow me to do so.
"How was training today? How are you feeling about tomorrow?" I asked as Christian shuffled through his training bag.
He faced me, "You ask a lot of questions," he said and then turned around to his stuff again.
I was a little taken aback by his response but tried my best to not take offense to it and try to understand that he was probably stressed out, "Okay, umm is everything okay with your injury?" I asked carefully.
"I'm not injured," he murmured.
I signed, "I'm gonna go down to the lobby," I said and kissed his cheek while he was still shuffling through his stuff.
-
I go and take a walk around the hotel, trying to distract myself and my thoughts, "Y/N!" A voice said behind me.
I turn around to see Christian's parents, "Hi," I give them a light smile and wave.
They walk up to me, "Where is Christian?" His mom asked me.
"He, umm, is probably showering. I'm not sure. He didn't seem to be too happy so I wanted to give him space."
She nodded, "He's probably just stressing out about playing tomorrow. Earlier he was smiling so I could only see it be that," his mom said to me as she placed her hand on my shoulder as reassurance.
I nodded and continued to walk with them to the conference room we normally have meals at. It was close to dinner time so we stayed in the room and chatted away as they asked me questions and got to know me better.
After what felt like forever, Christian finally showed up. He kissed my cheek and sat next to me and his mom. He seemed to be in a better mood so I decided to take this opportunity and ask him how he was doing, "Are you feeling better?" I asked.
He turned to me, "I'm fine. Can you please stop asking me that?" he said quietly then returned to talking to his parents.
I nodded and smile as if nothing happened. Their conversation continued while I sat there trying my best to fight back tears. I truly didn't know what I did to him or if I said something to set him off so before the waterworks started to come down, I excused myself to catch a breath.
I sat down on a bench outside to try and take a mental break. I saw Tyler and Sarah walk by and they stopped to ask if everything was okay, but I immediately shut it down and told them that I would be in soon. After they left I kinda lost track of time and noticed that I've been out a while.
I took a deep breath before getting up and walking back into the hotel, but as I was walking back Christian was walking out of the hotel, "Hey," he said as he grabbed my hand, "I'm sorry I'm being a dick and taking it out on you," He spoke softly. I looked down at my feet knowing if I look up into his hazel eyes, tears will stream down. His fingers lift my chin to make me look up at him, "I'm sorry," he said and placed a kiss on my lips.
---
After the whistle blew 3-1 Netherlands, I could see the pain in Christian's eyes. Since he was a little boy, Christian's greatest desire has been to attend the World Cup and win. So it shattered me to watch it being snatched from him.
After the game, a bunch of the boys gathered with their family and friends in the stands, however, Christian went straight into the locker room. I knew immediately that he needed space, but his mother's thoughts broke my train of thought, "I hope he comes out," she said.
-
After what felt like forever, Christian eventually came out of the tunnel and came up to us. He first hugged his dad, then his mother pulled him into the tightest hug and a tear actually came down. Lastly, he looked at me, so broken, and lost for words, but I just embraced him. Held him because no matter what we say or do, this is going to hurt him for a while, but it will eventually fuel him.
The drive back to the hotel was silent. He's only said a few words here and there much not much. Nor is anyone trying to force him to talk. Once we arrived in our room, Christian crashed on the bed, closing his eyes and trying to block out everything. I lay next to him, kiss his cheek, and massage his scalp until he turns to lay his head on my chest and he falls asleep slowly forgetting the world.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A/N: probably not my best work, but I wanted to put something out because I haven't in forever!!!
I GRADUATE WITH A BACHELOR'S DEGREE IN NURSING ON FRIDAY!!!!! so I've been busy, to say the least! :) Also accepted my dream job as a pediatric oncology nurse :')))
