The Tortured Poets Department

Guilty as Sin?

I had travelled to Eindhoven and Philips stadium alone. No one had joined me yet; I didn't even know if Eli would be travelling here. She probably would, along with Alba. They always supported Alexia with everything she did. It was honestly so cute.

Well, I didn't travel alone. I had brought Nala with me. I had dressed her in a Barcelona jersey, matching with the one I was wearing. I also had on a white miniskirt and a pair of blue sneakers. Of course, I had jewellery on.

It was always interesting to watch Alexia's games, especially now that she was back.

Nala was gorgeous today, and I fastened her leash to the red bag I was carrying. I felt like a hot girl, and Nala only added to that aesthetic. Her tiny paws led the way to the stadium. I even managed to send a few pictures to Alexia of her baby.

"Excuse me, could I have a picture?" a teenage girl asked. Her voice was laced with a Dutch accent, which I found hard to understand. I probably shouldn't as I knew people from all over the world, even a few Dutch girls. Beth had introduced me to her friends and a few of them were Dutch. That was still easier than understanding the rapid Catalan my girlfriend spoke with her family.

I agreed to the picture, and after that, girls flooded me. Markus had to push them away after a few minutes so we could make our way to our seats.

As I had predicted, Alba and Eli were there. They were sitting in the seats next to mine. "Hello there Odette" Eli said. She stood up as she saw me, pulling me in for a hug. Alba was already down on the ground, greeting Nala. "Hello" I smiled into her shoulder.

We had gotten closer during Alexia's recovery. She was over at least once a week, cooking meals and spending time with me and Alexia. It was nice to have some company. Alexia wasn't much when she was in pain, and I didn't blame her for that. I never was fun to be around when I was tired, and she was tired all the time during recovery. As I said before, I didn't blame her at all.

"Are you excited for the game? What do you think the scoreline will be?" Eli asked after she let me go. "I am excited. I hope they win. It was devastating to see her lose a year ago" I answered while smiling. "What about you?" I continued. "I hope they win. It hurts seeing my daughter in pain" Eli told me. I understood her. I would have felt the same if I was a mother. I felt the same towards my mother during cancer treatment.

A few minutes later, the team was walking out on the pitch. Alexia was starting on the bench, but Fridolina was starting and that was fun. She was Swedish so I was happy that she was starting, representing the team.

I knew that Alexia couldn't start a game yet, especially not a Champions league final.

Everyone was cheering as the game started. It didn't last long, because Wolfsburg scored in the third minute. The crowd went wild. Most supporters here were not supporting Barcelona. But our section was quiet.

The same thing repeated in the thirty-seventh minute when Popp scored for Wolfsburg. This didn't look so good, but I knew Barcelona could bounce back. They needed to bounce back, for Alexia. For the fans who were her, and for the players having their last season with the club. I couldn't say it like that, but I really hoped they would win. It was the same feeling I had whenever I was nominated for an award, or when I wasn't nominated for an award.

During the break, Eli got us all sodas. I took Nala for a short around our section, letting her stretch her tiny legs. I took her back after that, letting her sit on my lap as the second half started. This time, Barcelona started with a blast. Patri scored three minutes in. Barcelona was back in the game, and I knew they could turn it around.

Barely two minutes later, Patri scored again. Our section went wild. I was jumping around with Eli and Alba, screaming and chanting. They had turned it around, and they had equalized. "They are going to win this!" Alba screamed in my ear. "Yeah, they are!" I shouted back, not caring if anyone heard.