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

Chapter 7: What's got you grinning like that

Paige and Nika had decided to spend the day together, unwinding after the excitement of the game and Paige's interaction with Alexia. They went to a local café, their favorite spot for relaxation and indulgence. As they sipped on their lattes and chatted about various topics, Paige's phone buzzed with a notification. She glanced at her screen and noticed that it was a message from Alexia on Instagram.

Paige couldn't help but feel a jolt of excitement and curiosity. She opened the message and began reading Alexia's words. "Hey, Paige! It's great to connect with you. I had a blast meeting you last night. How's the knee feeling today?"

Paige couldn't stop herself from smiling as she read the message. She turned her phone toward Nika, who was engaged in her own conversation but was quick to notice the look on Paige's face. "What's got you grinning like that?" Nika asked.

Paige showed Nika the message from Alexia. "It's Alexia. She sent me a message on Instagram! She's so friendly."

Nika leaned in to read the message and grinned. "That's amazing, Paige! It's like you're becoming friends with a football superstar. What are you going to say?"

Paige typed out her response, thinking carefully about what to say. "Hey, Alexia! The knee is a bit sore, but nothing I can't handle. Meeting you was the highlight of my week. You and your team are incredible. 😊"

With a sense of satisfaction, she hit send, and her message disappeared into the digital world, crossing the miles that separated them. Paige couldn't help but feel a renewed sense of excitement about her budding friendship with Alexia. The possibilities that lay ahead in the world of sports and friendship seemed limitless, and she knew that this connection was only the beginning of a remarkable journey.

As Paige and Nika continued to spend time together at the café, Nika's voice gradually faded into the background. She carried on with her animated storytelling, sharing anecdotes about her latest adventures, but Paige's mind was elsewhere. It was as if a world of its own had been created in her thoughts, a world where she and Alexia were getting to know each other better, one message at a time.

Paige's phone buzzed again, and she eagerly checked it. It was another message from Alexia. "I'm glad you're handling it well, Paige. It's part of the game, right? 😊 What do you like to do when you're not playing basketball?"

Paige's heart skipped a beat. The simple question made her feel like Alexia was genuinely interested in getting to know her beyond their respective sports. She quickly replied, "Absolutely, injuries are part of the journey. When I'm not playing, I love reading, and I'm a huge fan of outdoor adventures. What about you, Alexia?"

As Paige and Alexia continued their virtual conversation, their connection deepened with each exchange. Alexia shared her love for exploring new cities and cultures, and her passion for hiking and camping. Paige, in turn, opened up about her dreams of traveling the world, visiting iconic basketball courts, and the thrill of discovering new novels to read.

Nika, now keenly aware of her friend's preoccupation, glanced at Paige with a knowing smile. She could see that Paige had been swept up in a budding friendship that had taken center stage in her thoughts.

While Nika and Paige were worlds apart, mentally and geographically, the bonds of friendship they had with Alexia and the genuine connections they were forming were a testament to the power of sports, technology, and shared passions. As the afternoon sun streamed through the café windows, Paige's heart was brimming with anticipation for the conversations yet to come and the chance to know Alexia on a more personal level, beyond their roles as athletes.