Dark Moves Of Love ~ Neymar Jr

Chapter 66

When practice ended we headed to the cafeteria where Meerene had indeed cooked an amazing breakfast.

"I don't understand, he left without saying anything? Aren't you guys ok?" David asked me for the third time.

"I thought we were. I don't know. I'm never sure these days. I'm gonna go check my phone, maybe he called while we were in practice."

"Well if he hasn't, call him." David offered.

I hurried towards my room and as I had suspected there weren't any missed calls from Neymar or any texts. I called his phone but he didn't answer.

I returned to the cafeteria where the others had joined David and I heard Neymar's name being mentioned.

"Well?" I asked as soon as I sat down. "What is going on?"

"Neymar isn't here."

"I can see that."

"I'm not supposed to tell you this, actually I am not supposed to tell anyone..." Thiago started looking unsure.

"You mean to tell me you know where he is and you can't say?"

"Actually Scolari told me but said I shouldn't tell anyone because he wants to keep it on the DL."

"And that includes me?" I asked.

"Well I'm sure if he knew you are his girlfriend he'd tell you. Wanna go let him know?"

"Funny." I said, thinking just how evasive Coach Coto was this morning. So where is he?" I asked again.

Thiago looked around at everyone on the table and he seemed reluctant.

"Fine." I said. "Let's go talk over there." I pointed towards the exit. He got up and followed me while David protested, saying something about conspiracies.

"They only told me because I am the captain of the team. They don't want the press to get a wind of this, so you can't tell anyone. I'm sure Neymar will call you as soon as he can."

"Thiago just tell me." I said impatiently.

"He's in Rio. On a private clinic."

"Clinic? What's wrong with him?"

"His ankle. It hurt and as a precaution he went to have it checked out."

"It's not serious?"

"I hope not." He said and when he saw my expression he quickly added: "I mean, I don't think so. He won't miss a game I think."

"Fucking great." I muttered. "I'm going to Rio."

"What? No."

"Why not? We have a full day, besides it's not like anyone is looking for me."

"They might spot you. We'll call him and you'll talk to him. And we'll go to the excursion David has planned."

"Another excursion?"

"You know David."

"God." I muttered. "I'll keep calling but if he doesn't pick up before we leave I'm going to Rio."

I took my phone out and sent a text to Neymar: 'I can't believe I have to hear you are in the hospital from someone else. Please tell me you'll be fine. Call me.'

We returned to the table where everyone immediately started asking questions. "He's fine." I said quickly. "He had something to do, he might join us later."

"Why the secrecy?" Marina asked.

"It's nothing. The coaches just don't want the press to know Neymar isn't here."

"Okay, let's change the subject. Everyone wear sports clothes today." David said.

"Seriously where do you find the energy?" I asked him.

"You have to see a bit of Brazil while you're here! It'd be a shame if you are here for two months and only see Granja Comary and hotel rooms!"

"He's right." Marina said. "So where are we going?"

"As if I'd tell you!" David laughed.

We ate our breakfast quickly and went to our rooms to get ready. When I reached for the door my phone started ringing. I was so startled I almost dropped it.

"Finally!" I exclaimed when I saw the caller id.

"Hey babe." I heard Neymar say. He sounded tired.

"Neymar! What the hell?" I almost yelled.

"I know, I know, I'm sorry." He started. "I left late last night and I didn't want to call you too early, I thought you might be sleeping since we don't have practice today."

"We did, he had an early one. What happened?"

"I felt a little pain yesterday during the game, I thought it would go away but it became worse and I couldn't sleep. So I came to Rio with Dr. Runco and they ran some tests and now we are waiting."

"How are you feeling now?"

"I'm fine. It's honestly not that big of a deal. But Scolari wants to be 100% sure. Sending me to Rio in the middle of the night was a bit of an overreaction."

"And hiding the news from everyone. Only Thiago knows and he told only me."

"That's understandable. There's gonna be all sorts of commentary and trash talks if it gets out. Hopefully it's nothing important."

"When are you coming back? David has another trip planned, I don't know where."

"Once we get the results. You should go."

"I thought I'd wait for you."

"I don't know how long that would be. Look, go and if they clear me I'll call David and come find you guys."

"You sure?"

"Positive." He told me and I imagined he was smiling.

"Okay. Call me when you get the results."

"I will." He said and we hung up.

I got dressed quickly, putting on a swimming suit – because with David you never know—, shorts and a loose t- shirt. My mind flashed back to the scavenger hunt, Neymar and I standing in the middle of a fountain, soaked. I felt myself smile at the fond memory. We hadn't been in each other's lives for that long, but I knew he'd have a lasting effect on mine and I hoped I would in his as well. And we had been through a lot already. I hoped we would come out stronger because of it.

"Earth to Liv?" I heard Marina's voice. "Where are you, planet Neymar?" She joked.

"Yeah..." I said. "And I don't want to come back."

She laughed. "I don't know if you realize my friend," She said putting her arm on my shoulders as we walked towards the parking lot, "but we have found ourselves in a bit of a situation here, with these Brazilian boys. The World Cup won't last forever."

"Don't remind me." I said sadly.

"When that day comes that we will have to go..."

"It's gonna stink as hell." I finished her sentence.

"Pretty much. But hey, it was worth it, wasn't it?" She looked at me.

"Hell yeah."