Across The Worlds

Chapter 22:" Maybe in another world"

Kelly was dazed, remembering many things but only recalling Wednesday night. The stadium stands had been ablaze with applause and celebration. He had saved every shot, leaping and running around the field to celebrate. He spotted little James in the stands with Ginny and Blaise. He headed towards them and gave his shirt to the little boy. He looked around but couldn't find Mariam among them. When he asked Ginny, she said Mariam had probably gone to get an autograph from one of the officials. Disappointment clouded his eyes amid the celebratory noises. He wondered if she had seen him save that last shot.

He entered the corridor leading to the locker room, feeling extremely hot. His skin was turning red despite not wearing a shirt, having given it to James. He was still wearing his gloves and tried to remove them on his way inside. The corridor wasn't crowded with players, but as he turned towards the locker room, he found Mariam. Neither of them spoke until Mariam said, "You kept a clean sheet, champ."

He smiled at her, they ran towards each other. She jumped, and he caught her, hugging each other tightly. Her legs were around his waist, her arms around his neck, and his hands on her back. She ran her fingers through his chestnut hair. He sighed, not understanding this strange feeling that made his body feel like it was on fire. He needed to control himself, or he might lose her forever.

They looked into each other's eyes, their foreheads touching. Her gaze was different, not the strong look he was used to. He realized his gloves were on the ground; he was touching her with his hands. She surprised him by touching his face with her hands. Both were breathing heavily, then she placed her hand on his bare chest. Suddenly, she began to say in a pleading voice, "This is wrong. I shouldn't do this." She let her legs down from around his waist, trying to move away, saying, "This is wrong. This is wrong." They separated, and she headed outside while he went to the locker room, lost in thought.

They all went to celebrate at Nancy's bar, including some young players and Kelly. Mariam was at the bar helping Nancy with the crowd of customers. She moved between the tables while Kelly couldn't take his eyes off her. Unlike some of his friends, he didn't drink any alcohol and couldn't stop thinking. Finally, his friend Elliot said, "Man, you were amazing today. But I need to tell you something to keep your place for the Wednesday matches."

Kelly laughed and asked, "What is it then?" Elliot replied in a low voice, winking, "Don't mess around with a girl in the stadium, or the coach will bench you for a year. He did that to me when he found out I was going clubbing with the girl I was dating and coming back late. He was furious and benched me for a month. His reaction will be worse to what you did."

Kelly's face fell, and he said, "But I didn't do anything." Elliot replied slyly, "Don't lie, Kelly. I saw you by the locker room with your girl, her legs around your waist, and you without a shirt. Damn, do you think I'm an idiot? Should I continue?" Kelly trembled with a mix of fear and anger, saying, "It's not what you think. Nothing happened between us. I swear to you. We just... I don't know how to explain this, but it's complicated." Elliot laughed and said, "Calm down, man. I don't mean anything by it. I'm just warning you so you don't lose what you've achieved. Listen, don't date a girl like that. She's a journalist; she might be using you. The girl I was dating was selling stories about me to the press for money. She was a real bitch."
Kelly responded angrily, "You don't understand anything. She's not like that. I won't let you describe her that way."

He stormed off inside, finding Mary in the storeroom trying to reach something high. Suddenly, he lifted her from behind so she could reach it, causing her to scream in surprise. He laughed at her reaction, and she said, "Kelly, you scared me! What are you doing here? Aren't you celebrating with your friends?" He hesitated, then said, "Actually, no. I came to ask you to...".