More Than A Game

Chapter 19

Staring at my reflection in the transparent window, so many emotions rushed through my body as the vibrant red coat I wore wasn't enough to hide the fact I was a straight up mess.

Straightening up my collar, I could still feel Ollie's kiss lingering against my lips. I knew that I had to forget what had happened at the party, but deep down I knew it would take a while. I sighed, walking into Adelaide Oval for the very second time. I walked up to the desk, where a middle aged lady who I later learnt was named Isabelle, quietly sat behind the table rapidly typing away on her laptop.

"Good morning. I'm Carmen Richwald. I have an appointment to take a interview with Travis Boak." I said as clearly as I could. Isabelle directed me to the game oval as I thanked her and made my way through the doors where I was met with a wide open space of bright, green grass.

Walking along the oval grass, I could feel the crisp air brushing itself against my face as I found myself coming closer to a figure. The closer I got, the more the figure was coming into action, kicking a football swiftly across the opposite direction. Letting out a smile, I walked up to Travis and begun introducing myself.

"Good morning Mr Boak, I'm Carmen Richwald and today I'll be conducting an interview with you, don't worry it isn't anything too personal and just so you know, it's a massive honour to be interviewing you."

Standing in front me, was a fairly tall and built male with combed over brown hair and a somewhat pale complexion. I've heard so many wonderful things about the football captain, so today would be an inspirational kind of morning for me.

"Lovely to meet you Carmen. I was happy to be interviewed by you, I know you'll do an amazing job since meeting you for the very first time." he said as he gave a little laugh. I smiled back as we walked off, starting the interview.

I started the interview by asking basic questions about his junior football days, the journey to the drafts and adjustment of first playing AFL. I learnt about some interesting and heartwarming stories about growing up in the public eye from an athletes point of view. The interview was a total success from the first moments it had begun as I asked about the new generation of the sport, the team environment at Port Adelaide and his future aspirations. As the minutes passed, so too did the pages of my notebook begin turning, becoming filled with exciting information.

I was enjoying getting to be up close with Travis, sharing laughs and stories with each other about our lives. I found it fascinating when Travis started showing me a couple of tricks he could with the famous sherrin when we both realised we were both becoming restless.

"As much as I enjoyed that interview, I think it's time to settle ourselves down and enjoy what the oval has to offer." He said as we both made our way to the goalposts and positioned ourself sitting, leant against the tall goalpost.

We spent a while in the position we were in taking on the beautiful scenery Adelaide Oval has to offer when the silence between the two of us disappeared.

"Hey Carmen, do you mind if I ask you a serious question? I understand if you don't want to answer or you don't think it's any of my business." Travis asked rather curiously. I took a moment to wonder what Travis would want to know but agreed that he could ask whatever he wanted.

"Has anything happened between you and Chad? We're all just curious to know and care for the both of you."

"Why, has anything happened to him? I could talk to him you know?" I spoke feeling sick inside, as if a rope was twisting in me.

"I don't actually know when it started but only recently I've noticed that Chad's been a little more, unbalanced. Usually he's focused and committed to football but now during training sessions he's a lot more sloppy and appears to always be confused. Chad's a great guy, don't get me wrong on that, it's just something just doesn't fit with his sudden change of behaviour.