lover boy

Chapter 24

Jude Bellingham

The morning began with a crisp, clear sky as I drove to the training ground. There was an undeniable buzz in the air - today was no ordinary day. It was the day of the Champions League Final, and we were set to face Borussia Dortmund. The anticipation and nerves were palpable, not just within me, but among the entire team.

Entering the locker room, the atmosphere was charged with a mix of excitement and determination. The coach, with his composed demeanor, meticulously went through the game plan. Every player listened intently, absorbing every detail. For me, this match held an extra layer of emotion - Dortmund was where I had grown up, where my football journey had begun, before I moved to Real Madrid. The thought of playing against my former club in such a monumental game filled me with a complex blend of pride and determination.

Training that morning was intense. We honed our defensive strategies, refined our attacking patterns, and meticulously prepared for every possible scenario. The focus in the air was palpable, but underneath it all, there was an undeniable excitement for the challenge ahead.

As we approached kickoff, I found a moment to check my phone. A message from Cecilia lit up the screen:

"Hey Jude! We're on our way to the stadium now. Wishing you all the luck in the world for today's final!"

Her words were a soothing balm to my nerves, filling me with a renewed sense of confidence and determination.

The Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, bathed in sunlight, was a sight to behold as we stepped onto the pitch. The stands were a sea of white and yellow, with fans from both sides chanting and waving flags in passionate support. The energy was electric, sending a surge of adrenaline through my veins as I lined up for kickoff.

The first half was a tense affair. Dortmund's defense proved resilient, denying us clear-cut chances despite our relentless attacking pressure. Every pass, every tackle, and every interception felt like a crucial moment in the unfolding drama of the final. The stakes were high, and the atmosphere in the stadium was nothing short of electric.

During halftime, as we regrouped and refocused for the second half, Cecilia's message echoed in my mind. Her unwavering support and belief in me gave me the strength to push forward, knowing that I had a team both on and off the pitch cheering me on.

The second half saw a shift in momentum. After a precise corner from Toni Kroos, Daniel Carvajal rose above Dortmund's defense to head the ball into the net. The eruption of cheers from the Real Madrid fans was deafening, signaling our breakthrough and putting us in the lead.

Amidst the intensity of the game, I stole a glance towards the stands and spotted Cecilia, adorned in my jersey, passionately cheering with her friends. A surge of pride and gratitude washed over me. Her presence in the stadium on this pivotal day meant more to me than words could express.

As the clock ticked down towards the final minutes, Vinícius Júnior sealed our victory with another goal for Real Madrid. The final whistle blew, and a wave of euphoria washed over us. We had done it - we were Champions League winners. The sense of achievement was overwhelming, shared among teammates who had become brothers on this remarkable journey.

The final whistle echoed through the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, igniting a wave of jubilation. My teammates and I embraced in celebration, surrounded by fans from both Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund, each group passionately supporting their respective teams. The stadium was a sea of white and yellow, adorned with flags and echoing with chants, embodying the electric atmosphere of a Champions League final.

Amidst this euphoria, I glanced around and spotted Cecilia among my family and friends. She was wearing my jersey, cheering enthusiastically alongside other Real Madrid supporters. Seeing her there, with a radiant smile and sparkling eyes, filled me with profound gratitude and a sense of unity. Her steadfast support had been a constant throughout the highs and lows of my career, and on this special day.

After sharing a moment with Cecilia and the fans, I made my way to greet my former teammates from Borussia Dortmund. It was an emotional encounter as I embraced them and commended them for their tough performance. "You really pushed us today. Respect for your effort," I said sincerely. Their faces reflected a mix of disappointment over the loss and respect for our victory. It was important to me that they knew how much their support and competition had contributed to my growth.

Finally, I ascended to the podium to receive the Champions League trophy. Surrounded by teammates who had become brothers and amidst the thunderous applause of the fans, I lifted the trophy high. It was more than just a victory; it was the culmination of a journey shared with many, including Cecilia, who had always believed in me.I reflected on the path that had led me here. From my early days in Dortmund to the pinnacle of European football with Real Madrid, the journey had been filled with sacrifices, challenges, and unforgettable moments. And now, standing on the podium with the Champions League trophy in hand, surrounded by teammates and supporters who had believed in me, I couldn't help but feel an immense sense of pride and gratitude.

It was a day etched in my memory forever. A day that exemplified the power of perseverance, teamwork, and unwavering support. And as I celebrated with my teammates, I knew that Cecilia's unwavering belief in me had played a crucial role in our success.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

After the final whistle blew, family and friends flooded onto the pitch in a wave of jubilation and celebration. My parents were among the first to reach me, their faces beaming with pride and tears of joy welling in their eyes.

"Jude, my boy, you've done it! We always believed in you!" my father exclaimed, wrapping me in a bear hug that spoke volumes of paternal pride.

My mother joined in, her embrace gentle yet filled with an overwhelming sense of maternal love. "You've worked so hard for this moment, sweetheart. We're beyond proud of you," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion.

Jobe approached with a more mature demeanor, a proud smile on his face.
"You were incredible out there. I knew you had it in you," he said, his voice filled with admiration.

I nodded gratefully at Jobe, feeling a rush of happiness at his words. "Thanks, Jobe. Your support means a lot to me," I replied, patting him on the shoulder and hugging him.

Beside him stood Cecilia, her eyes glistening with pride and joy. Her presence beside me was more than just supportive; it symbolized a significant step forward in our relationship, a public acknowledgment of our deep connection. It signifies to me that she's prepared. Prepared to reveal to the world that she means more to me than anything, and that she's my secret crush. The person to whom I've felt deeply drawn since the first moment. And hopefully, the person I can proudly call my girlfriend tonight.

Cecilia stepped closer to me, taking my hands in hers. "Jude, you were absolutely phenomenal out there. I'm so incredibly proud of you," she said softly, her voice filled with genuine admiration.

I smiled warmly at her, feeling a rush of happiness. "Thank you, your support means everything to me," I replied, leaning in to kiss her gently.

Cecilia returned the kiss with equal passion, wrapping her arms around me tightly. I picked her up by the waist and the hustle and bustle around us disappeared. Fans were amazed or cameras were pointed at us, but I didn't care as long as I kissed her.

"I've been waiting for this moment, Jude. Seeing you achieve your dreams fills my heart with pride," she whispered, her words carrying a depth of emotion that resonated deeply with me.

Surrounded by the thunderous cheers and celebrations of our supporters, I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with gratitude. This victory wasn't just mine; it was a triumph shared with everyone who had believed in me and supported me throughout my journey. As we stood together on the pitch, basking in the glow of our shared achievement, I knew this moment would forever hold a special place in my heart.

"It's because of you," I said softly, gazing into her eyes with a mixture of love and gratitude.

"No, Jude. It's your determination, your unwavering spirit that brought you here. I'm just grateful to be here by your side," she replied, hugging me a last time.

As we continued to revel in the joyous atmosphere, surrounded by friends, family, and teammates, I felt a renewed sense of optimism for the future. If I didn't hear the fans cheering and the beer shower from the pokel, I would think I was dreaming. With Cecilia standing beside me, sharing in my victories and offering unwavering support, I felt ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, knowing that our bond would strengthen with each triumph and trial we faced together.