Perfection

23 Days After, 365 Days Until

Alexia

Alexia Putellas wins 2021/22 UEFA Women's Player of the Year for the second year in a row!

Yeah well, I've been sidelined for twenty-three days and I'm in doubt for winning any other award this year.

"Hey," I looked over my shoulder.

"Hola, Bonita." I sighed as Sam sat down next to me. "Riley at school?"

"Dropped her on my way here. I don't have to be at work for a few hours." I nodded. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing."

"Ale...you can't lie to me." I felt her push some of my baby hairs back into my ponytail. "What's wrong?"

"It's really nothing. I was nominated for an award and yes, I'm happy about it, but it just feels...unnecessary."

"Why?"

"I don't know. I didn't have the perfect season. I tore my ACL for fuck's sake."

"Do you ever have a perfect season?"

That question caught me off guard.

"I—no. I don't."

"Then you're going to accept the award." I nodded. "And stop expecting perfection."

"How do you say all the right things?"

"I don't." She kissed my cheek. "When is your sister coming to get you for therapy?"

"Three hours. I'm hoping to get off crutches today. Then it'll make life easier."

"Don't rush it. You have time."

"I know, but I hate not having training."

"You'll be back soon. Maybe this is the break you needed."

"Maybe." Sam wrapped her arms around me and laid her head on my chest. "Thank you for always coming here."

"I love being with you." One of her hands rested on my bare stomach. "Are you sure you're not going to head back to England to see your team?"

"I stayed as long as I could. I'm satisfied with staying here. I get to be with my mother and sister and Madre's Paella. But I get to be with you and Riley." I kissed her head. "Sam?"

"Yeah?"

"I—"

"Alexia, estoy aquí!"

"Alba?" Sam lifted her head. "What are you doing here so early?" I asked my sister as she walked into the room. Her hands were full of bags. She'd been shopping...no doubt.

"I thought I'd come spend some quality time with my sister, no? You seem to be busy."

"Shut up." I rolled my eyes. "Sam, this is my sister, Alba. Alba, Sam."

"Who is she to you?" My sister smirked.

"I'm going to punch that smile off your face."

"Anyway," Alba set her bags down. "Do you want to go get lunch after your therapy appointment?" She asked, sitting down on the other end of the couch. "¡Nala ven aquí!"

My little furry dog bounced over to my sister.

I looked at Sam. "What time do you get off work?"