The Tortured Poets Department

The Man

As soon as we get to eighty votes I will publish the next chapter!!

I had travelled to Australia to watch the world cup. It was a gesture of love, and I jumped at the chance to see Alexia captain her country.

It was a long journey, but I knew that I could write in Australia. Well, probably not. I also knew that I was supposed to go on tour. It had been in the works but with my mother passing and me being helplessly in love with Alexia, that came secondary.

Alexia knew I would be joining, at least for the knock-out stages. I didn't know if I wanted to join earlier, it was quite a trip. Being there alone would be awful, and I had no one to join me. No mother, no friends, and no girlfriend. Alexia would be busy with football and not much company. A month alone was more than I could take. Markus would be with me, and a few other members of security.

It was round of sixteen, against Switzerland. Spain were the favourites in this game, and I believed that Spain would win. I was secretly cheering for Sweden, hoping they would win the entire thing. Some may say that I was biased, but I wanted Alexia to do well too.

I was a bit nauseous after the trip. Which was unusual. Way more nauseous than I should have been. Something was not right, and I discovered that as I sat with my head in a plastic bag during the entire car ride.

Not that I threw up, but the nausea was so bad I thought I would.

I didn't sleep much that night, the nausea prominent and jetlag was a bitch. Instead, I spent the night reading a book, one about tuberculosis and Sweden right after the second world war, quite interesting and not something I would usually read. The author used his words in a poetic way and made it entertaining while still being informative.

Alexia wanted to go out for breakfast on matchday, or coffee at least. I was her girlfriend, and the only person outside of the team she talked to on match day. An honour for me.

I had to decline her invitation so I could sleep for a few hours. The game was not starting until seven and I needed to feel better if I was to attend that game, which I wanted.

Alexia
Want to go out for coffee?

Odette
I haven't slept at all. Been so nauseous and jet lag is strange.

Alexia
Sleep my love!

Alexia
Want me to call?

Odette
I do want that!

Odette
Call me now?

Alexia
Give me five. Need to get go somewhere more private.

Odette
I'll wait!

I managed to fall asleep before Alexia called me. A few hours later I woke up. The game was starting in two hours, and I was nowhere near finished. I also had a few missed calls from Alexia and a few messages.

Alexia
Sleep tight!

Alexia
I'll look for you during the game.

Odette
Sorry! Fell asleep. I'll be there and cheer you on love!

Odette
Good luck älskling!

I got dressed in a hurry and forced Markus to order me some food to eat in the car, a salad with chickpeas, hummus, and feta cheese. He obliged, but not without complaining about my time management. I didn't have time to set an alarm and it was only luck that made me wake up before the game.