ABIGAIL
The afternoon sun was blazing down on the streets and pedestrians walking along them.
It was around three in the afternoon, nearing four pm, and the brown-haired girl was inside her mother's flower shop organizing the display of greeting cards by the front.
Her attention was split between the cards and the television that stood in the corner of the shop, which was broadcasting some commentators giving their opinions and sharing stats before kick-off.
Manchester United was set to face Liverpool in a few minutes, and Abigail realized the man that occupied her mind was going to take part in the upcoming game.
She started at the screen as the lineups were announced, focusing on what the commentators said about Liverpool's number four.
The girl found herself disliking the one commentator who spoke badly about Virgil, saying how he made too many mistakes to be a worthy starter. She had no idea how the defender played but knew the commentator didn't know what he was talking about.
Before she knew it, the TV displayed the players lined up for the national anthem. Abigail found herself focusing on Virgil, which coincidentally, the camera focused on for a bit longer than the other players shown.
Soon enough the match started, and Abigail was getting her tasks in the shop done as she watched the match. She noticed the match was aggressive, multiple fouls and yellow cards being called on both teams.
Around the 70 minute mark, Casemiro tackled Salah with unnecessary force and aggression, resulting in a heated argument between the two players. Players from both sides came to their teammate's sides, resulting in a bigger conflict.
The tension between the two teams reached its peak when Antony started shoving players from Liverpool, reviving a body check from the Dutch defender.
Virgil's body check sent Antony to the floor, and the ref gave both the players yellow cards.
The yellows turned to reds, as Virgil had a yellow for a previous tackle and Antony for unsporting conduct. The two players walked off the pitch, Virgil with satisfaction and Antony with embarrassment from being humbled.
The game ended 3-1, with Liverpool winning thanks to goals from Mo Salah and Bobby Firmino, and with Abigail having a newly found respect for Virgil, as she had seen his talent and passion on the pitch.
The next day, Abigail was once again working in the front. It had become her new position, and she was learning to love it.
Throughout the day, the girl attended to customers like usual, giving each a sincere smile and kindness as she serviced them.
And to her luck, Virgil walked in for the second time that week. This time, with a bigger smile than ever.
Unlike the other times, Abigail spoke up first.
"So, it seems like you lied to me." She said in a playful tone.
Virgil laughed, "And how exactly?"
"Seems like you do enjoy football, considering you play it for a living, and you're pretty damn good at it too."
"You caught me, I do play football. Actually had a match yesterday." Virgil replied, holding his hands up jokingly.
"I know, I watched you getting sent off for body checking someone." The girl said.
Virgil felt his face redden, "Yeah.. United matches are tense. You caught me on a bad day."
Abigail took notice of the change in the man in front of her, "I wouldn't say it was a bad day, you played well, or at least I think you did."
The man shrugged, silently agreeing with her.
Abigail clasped her hands together, "So are you here to get another bouquet or did you just miss me that much?"
Virgil laughed again, "How about both?"
The girl laughed and started her routine of making the yellow bouquet once again, something she had gotten used to doing.
That afternoon, Virgil left with his fourth tulip bouquet and with a huge smile plastered on his face, leaving the girl inside with thoughts that would linger in her mind until his next return.
author's note: idc i'm pretending that bobby firmino and henderson didn't leave the club cus im mad about it. i loved them sm. i hate the saudí league but i wish them the best.
qotd: what la liga team is your favorite?
author's answer: i'm a barcelona fan! visca barca y visca catalunya always
published: 07/28/23
edited: 03/08/24
YOU ARE READING
tulips | virgil van dijk
Romance"you're my red tulip." - in which football star virgil van dijk falls for the pretty girl at the flower shop.