Finding Love

Mateo

"History always repeats itself but with what new benefits?"

"man you sure you're done with Rosalie?" Antony asked as we were practicing for the game later

"Yes. I gave her a chance and she didn't take it" I said but didn't believe it. Last night Neymar grilled me about our relationship and I ended up telling him what happened. He noticed we were hanging out less and I cracked under pressure, I missed her so much

"Is she coming today?" Antony asked. We hadn't talked in a long time which was my fault since I was ignoring her calls and texts

"Don't know" I said shrugging. Coach called for us to start laps and I went into practice mode. It's what I've been doing to get my mind off our argument. I was hurt when she didn't ask me to stay. I blamed my father for everything and told him to never speak to me again. 

Rosalie was everything I could ask for in a person. We matched so well and I even told her I was in love. But now everything is all over the place I didn't want her to give up again but If she wanted to work things out I needed her to say that. We wrapped up practice and mentally prepared for the game

...

"Croatia might be one of our hardest game but I believe in you all" Coach preached before we went on the field. I was honestly nervous for today, it just didn't feel right. I looked for my family but only saw my father and brother at the box. Ignoring them I quickly started to search for my mother. 

I looked over to the bottom left side of the stands and saw her next to Rose. Shocked was all over my face I wasn't expecting her to come. We made eye contact and stared before I pulled myself together and got in position as the ref started the game. 

5 minutes within the game Croatia already made a score and I was stressed. As predicted this was a hard game, their defense was strong and midfield fast. 

Going into the second quarter with no goal, I ran to the ball and took it from the player. Sprinting down the field I saw Neymar open and passed within seconds he made a goal and we cheered! We were at 1 to 1 and I was getting anxious, if the game went into penalty I was going to throw up.

5 minutes later there were still no goals and we went into penalty shots, I started having a mini panic attack. The pressure started to dwell on me as they flipped the coin and Croatia took the first shot. They made it and I let out an anxious groan, "I don't think I can do this" I breathed out to Neymar

"Mateo, you have to believe in yourself" he said holding my shoulder as we made the goal. After Croatia, I would go next and man did I wish I could take a moment before. Another goal was made and we were at 3 to 1. It was now my turn and I slowly walked to the ball, I looked around the stadium scared. If I missed this my entire career would be on the line it would be like 2018 all over again... 

I locked eyes with Rosalie and imagined her telling me everything was ok. Taking a moment I prayed to god this goes right. Running up to the ball I aimmed straight for the goal. Keeping my eyes open this time as I  watched the goalie go right and the ball went left  hitting the net

I froze as everyone screamed I could hear my teammates screaming my name proud and I realized, I made the goal. 

"Yea, Mateo!!!!" Vinicius cheered and I let out the biggest smile. We were now 3 to 2 and I had brought us back up. I was put back on the floor and hugged Neymar. This had to be the one of best moments from this year but the game wasn't over yet

Standing back in line we watched Croatia take another goal. "Damn" I stressed getting nervous again. Marquinhos was next and he ran up to score, what I thought would be a cheer turned into a frown. The ball hit the poll and bounced off finalizing 's Croatia's win. 

Tears fell down from my face as I watched my teammates drop to the floor defeated. We lost and were eliminated once again... 

I walked to Marquinhos and hugged him. I understood how he felt blaming yourself for the teams lost but I didn't want him to believe that. He was my senior and somebody I looked up to, we cried in each others arms. 

"You did good. You did good" I repeated in his ear as my voice was breaking. He broke from the hug and walked off

Croatia was celebrating a win we all stood on the field confused. Coach walked over and started talking to each of us saying we played well but I ignored him and walked off the field. The World Cup was over just like that... our dream to win was squashed. 

Walking away from the field I wanted to be alone for a minute 

"Mateo!" I heard a women's voice and turned to see Rosalie running down the stairs to me. She wrapped her hands around my neck "you were amazing" she softly reassured me. 

I grabbed her back and pulled her body into mine crying in her neck, "I'm sorry" she whispered rubbing my scalp as I let out my emotions. It felt like 2018, the pain of losing again hit different now. Though I made the penalty we were still eliminated. 

"We lost Rose" I hiccuped as she kissed my cheek. "Its ok, you played so hard baby" she lifted my chin and stared at me "don't undermine what you guys did out there" I nodded my head and pulled from the hug

"Thank you but I need some time" I said walking away as she stood watching me