Perfection

The Day of Return, Champions League Final

Alexia

I took some deep breaths as I walked around the stadium I would play in, in less than twenty-four hours. Was I nervous? Yes. I was terrified. I hadn't played a single minute leading up to this game.

But Sam was right. Mapí was right. Atiana and Jonatan were right. Mi madre and Alba too. I was in my head and stressing. Yes, rehab was hard and I was worried I wouldn't be the same. I was still worried about that, but they were all right.

I worked hard. I showed that I could overcome an injury when a lot of people just gave up. They ended their career or they didn't force themselves to be better.

I desired perfection. I worked hard because of my need for trophies. I was always destined for greatness, but I had to work for it. My father had always told me I was going to be the greatest, but I had to believe in myself in order to be great.

I believed and so, I was here.

"What are you thinking about, my friend?" An arm slung around my shoulder.

"Hola, María." I smiled, putting an around her. "I'm thinking about how grateful I am right now. These past few months haven't been easy. They've been scary and uncertain. At the beginning, I was so sure I wouldn't play again, but now...now look at me." The smile never left my face.

"Now look at you." She repeated. "You're married, you have a child, you're making your return. You're happy and healthy. I've never been prouder of you, Ale. You are not only my best friend, but an inspiration to me. I love you."

I turned and hugged my best friend as tight as I could. "I love you too, Mapí. Thank you for always being by my side."

"I always will be."

We made our way back to the hotel and had a nice team dinner. After that, we watched a movie then all went to our rooms. I was rooming with Keira for this trip and she was a great roommate. She was in the shower right now though, so I took this as my opportunity to call my wife.

I smiled as I hit dial, but it turned into a small frown as she didn't answer. It was almost to the last ring and she still hadn't—

"Hi, oh my goodness! I just got out of the shower when I heard the phone." I sighed a breath of relief when hearing her voice. "Were you afraid I wasn't going to answer?"

"N—No. I wasn't."

"Sure," She giggled. "How is it? Camp?"

"Good. Good. We're training well. Big game tomorrow."

"How are you feeling?"

"Great. My body feels in form—"

"I meant mentally, babe."

I took a somewhat shaky breath. "Nervous. But I know I'll be okay."

"You're going to be great. Your manager said you weren't playing long anyway, right? Working your game fitness back up?"

"Sí, not long. I'm allowed up to twenty, but Jonatan said it'd probably be around ten to fifteen. I'm out there though. That's all that matters." There was no talking for a moment. I closed my eyes with the phone held close to my ear. "I love you, Sam."