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

Chapter 12: would you like to FaceTime sometime?

With each passing day, Paige's determination to overcome her injury grew stronger. Her relentless rehab sessions had paid off, and she was beginning to regain her mobility. Slowly but surely, she was back on the court, shooting baskets, and carefully testing the strength of her once-injured knee. The exhilaration of being able to practice again filled her with renewed hope.

As she practiced, Paige's phone was never far from her side. She had developed a constant stream of messages with Alexia. Their conversations spanned a wide range of topics, from their respective sports to their dreams and aspirations. Paige felt a deep connection to Alexia, someone who understood the trials and tribulations of an athlete's journey.

Simultaneously, in Spain, Alexia was chatting with Mapi about her own budding friendship with Paige. "You know, Mapi," Alexia said, "Paige has become such an important part of my life, even though we're separated by an ocean. Her strength and determination to recover from her injury are inspiring. I can't wait to see her back on the basketball court."

Mapi nodded, her eyes sparkling with understanding. "It's incredible how sports can bring people from different parts of the world together. Paige is lucky to have you as a friend, Alexia."

Alexia smiled, her thoughts drifting back to Paige. The bond they had formed transcended the boundaries of their sports, languages, and distance. It was a testament to the power of shared passion, empathy, and the unifying force of friendship. She couldn't help but look forward to the day when they could potentially meet in person and share the court or pitch as athletes, as friends, and as two individuals whose lives had been irrevocably changed by the connection they had forged.

As Paige continued her gradual return to practice, her growing confidence extended beyond the court. She was ready to take another step in her friendship with Alexia. With her phone in hand, she composed a message, her heart pounding with anticipation.

"Hey, Alexia," she typed. "I've really enjoyed our chats and feel like I know you so well already. Would you be interested in a FaceTime call sometime? 😊"

Paige hesitated for a moment before hitting send. She hoped that her invitation would be well-received. She was eager to deepen their connection, knowing that talking face to face, even through a screen, could bring them even closer.

However, what Paige hadn't considered in her excitement was the time zone difference. As her message winged its way to Alexia in Spain, she remained unaware that it was already late evening there, while it was still daytime in the United States. The time zone factor would soon become apparent, but for now, Paige could only wait, her heart racing with anticipation and a glimmer of uncertainty about Alexia's response.

On the other side of the world, Alexia had just woken up and was scrolling through her messages. She saw Paige's response and smiled. She appreciated Paige's enthusiasm and was equally excited about the prospect of connecting face to face, even if it was through a video call.

Paige was in the middle of a practice session, focusing on her shots and dribbling, when her phone buzzed with a new message. She paused for a moment, her heart racing, and quickly checked her phone. It was a response from Alexia.

"Hey, Paige," Alexia's message read, "I'd love to FaceTime sometime! 😊 I'm in Spain, though, so our time zones might be a bit different. How about we plan a time that works for both of us?"

Paige's face broke into a bright smile as she read Alexia's response. The prospect of a FaceTime call filled her with excitement, and she quickly replied, "That sounds great, Alexia! I can't wait to 'meet' you 'in person.' We'll figure out a time that works for both of us. 😄"

With a renewed sense of motivation, Paige continued her practice, fueled by the anticipation of the upcoming FaceTime call with her newfound friend. She knew that the time zone difference was a challenge, but it was a hurdle she was more than willing to overcome.

As she got out of bed and headed to the shower, Alexia couldn't help but look up some of Paige's basketball highlights. While she wasn't well-versed in basketball, she had a deep respect for athletes in any sport. Watching Paige's plays on her phone, she marveled at the agility, speed, and precision with which Paige moved on the court. Although she didn't fully understand the rules of basketball, the raw athleticism and skill displayed in the highlights left her in awe.

Alexia's curiosity about Paige's sport grew, and she realized that they had much to learn from each other. As she finished watching the highlights, she was already looking forward to the upcoming FaceTime call, where they could share more about their respective sports and personal lives. The world of sports had brought them together, and it was an opportunity for them to connect and learn from each other in ways they hadn't imagined.