Scoring the ballon d'or winner: a Alexia putellas story

Chapter 5: meeting her

The night of the game had arrived, and the campus stadium was buzzing with excitement. Paige and Nika had managed to secure their seats, and they had positioned themselves right on the edge of the stands, getting a clear view of the field. Paige's crutch was propped up beside her, and she held a tub of popcorn in her free hand.

As the stadium lights illuminated the field, the Barcelona women's football team walked out onto the pitch. The crowd roared with excitement, and Paige couldn't help but feel a surge of adrenaline. She scanned the Barcelona players, searching for Alexia. And there she was, number 11, Alexia Putellas, standing tall and proud, wearing the iconic Barcelona colors. Paige saw her for the first time in real life, her presence commanding attention and respect.

With the match underway, Nika tried her best to explain the rules of football to Paige, who was more accustomed to the intricacies of basketball. Paige listened intently, her eyes fixed on the game, but the nuances of the sport still left her somewhat perplexed. The fast-paced action, the strategic plays, and the constant movement on the field made it a challenge for Paige to fully grasp the game.

As the minutes ticked by, Barcelona's prowess became increasingly evident. Their cohesive teamwork, skillful passing, and strategic maneuvers allowed them to maintain control of the game. The crowd erupted with each near goal, and when Barcelona finally scored, the stadium was deafening.

When the match concluded, with Barcelona victorious, Paige and Nika couldn't help but join in the celebratory cheers. As students and fellow athletes, they were given the special privilege of going down to the pitch after the game to meet the players.

Paige was excited about the chance to approach Alexia, but as they made their way onto the field, she felt a sudden rush of nervousness. She muttered a quiet hello as she approached Alexia and Mapi, who were engaged in a conversation. However, they didn't hear her, lost in the excitement of their victory.

Nika playfully smacked Paige on the back of the head, her voice teasing. "You're too quiet, Paige! Come on, let's find a way to get their attention."

Paige felt a mix of embarrassment and determination. She wasn't about to let this opportunity slip away. As the two friends tried to think of a creative way to approach the Barcelona players, Paige knew that she had come so close to a real connection with her newfound Instagram friend, Alexia Putellas, and she wasn't about to give up now.

Paige took a deep breath, mustering all the confidence she could find, and with her crutch in hand, she approached Alexia, who was engaged in conversation with Mapi. As she drew nearer, the sound of her own heartbeats seemed to echo in her ears. Nika and Mapi continued chatting in the background, unaware of the impending introduction.

"Hi, Alexia," Paige began, her voice slightly shaky. "I'm Paige. Paige Bueckers. It's an honor to meet you."

Alexia turned to Paige, her bright smile instantly putting her at ease. "Paige, it's a pleasure to meet you too! I saw you in the stands, and I'm really glad you came to watch the game."

Paige couldn't help but feel a wave of relief as Alexia's warm and welcoming demeanor washed over her. It was as if she had known her forever. The two began to talk about the match, with Paige sharing her thoughts on Barcelona's performance.

"I couldn't help but notice your incredible teamwork and your skill on the field," Paige said, her passion for sports evident in her words. "It was an amazing game to watch."

Alexia's eyes sparkled with appreciation. "Thank you, Paige. It's always special to play in front of passionate fans like you. And I have to say, I've heard about your talents on the basketball court. You're an inspiration to many."

Paige felt her cheeks flush as she tried to hide her surprise. "You've heard about me?"

Alexia nodded, her admiration evident. "Absolutely. I've been following your journey, and I'm amazed by your skills and determination. It's a privilege to meet someone with such passion for sports."

The conversation flowed smoothly, and Paige felt a sense of camaraderie with Alexia. They discussed their respective sports, the challenges they faced, and their dreams for the future. Alexia's humble nature and genuine interest in Paige's story made the interaction even more special.

As they talked, the stadium lights began to dim, signaling that it was time for everyone to clear the pitch. Paige and Alexia exchanged a parting smile, their newfound connection solidified by their shared love for sports. Paige felt a sense of accomplishment and confidence that she had rarely experienced, knowing that she had taken the first step in forging a meaningful connection with the remarkable Alexia Putellas.

With Nika and Mapi joining them, the group began to make their way off the pitch, their conversations continuing, filled with laughter and enthusiasm. Paige couldn't help but feel that this unexpected encounter with Alexia was just the beginning of a journey that promised to be filled with friendship and inspiration.