lover boy

Chapter 36

Jude Bellingham

The plane's cabin was filled with the low hum of chatter and the occasional rustle of magazines. I stared out of the small window, watching as the landscape below transformed into a sprawling cityscape. Berlin. It had been a while since I'd been here, back when I played for Dortmund. The memories of that time were a mixture of nostalgia and regret, and now they felt like distant echoes.

The upcoming weeks promised to be intense. The European Championship was just around the corner, and the pressure was already building. Each game would be scrutinized, every move analyzed. The excitement of playing on such a grand stage was overshadowed by the weight of expectations and the responsibility of representing my country.

As the plane touched down and taxied to the gate, I could already see the frenzy outside. Fans lined the airport terminal, their cheers and chants creating a palpable buzz. It was clear that the city was brimming with energy, a stark reminder of the enormity of the tournament ahead.

Stepping off the plane and into the airport, I was greeted by a wave of noise and excitement. The sight of fans holding up banners, cameras flashing, and journalists huddled together was a stark contrast to the quiet of the plane. It was both exhilarating and overwhelming.

Walking through the terminal, I couldn't help but notice the sea of faces, each one eager to catch a glimpse of the players. The buzz in the air was infectious, but beneath it, I felt a growing tension. It was one thing to face the pressure of the games; it was another to navigate the whirlwind of media and fan attention.

I had a few familiar faces from my Dortmund days to look forward to seeing again—old opponents and teammates who had become friends over the years. The prospect of catching up with them was a small comfort in the midst of the chaos.

As I moved through the crowd, the excitement of being back in Germany mingled with a sense of unease. The city held memories of a time when life was different, and now it was the backdrop for a new chapter. The European Championship was a chance to prove myself on an international stage, but it also brought me closer to Cecilia, who had made Berlin her new home.

Despite everything, I couldn't ignore the feeling of anticipation. The coming days would be a whirlwind of training, matches, and media obligations. And through it all, I wondered if fate had a way of making paths cross again.

Navigating through the bustling airport, I could feel the familiar mix of excitement and anxiety tightening in my chest. It was a strange feeling, balancing the thrill of being part of such a prestigious event with the pressure to perform under the harsh spotlight of the media and fans. Each step towards the baggage claim felt heavier, weighed down by the expectations that came with representing my country on such a grand stage.

As I collected my luggage and made my way to the team bus, I couldn't help but notice how the city had changed since my time with Dortmund. The landmarks were still there, but Germany had evolved, and so had I. The memories of my time here, both good and bad, seemed to resurface with every corner I turned.

On the bus, the team was in high spirits, chattering and joking as we made our way to the hotel. The camaraderie among the players was a welcome distraction from the pressures that awaited us. It was good to see familiar faces, especially those I hadn't seen since my Dortmund days.

We arrived at the hotel to a frenzy of photographers and fans eager to catch a glimpse of us. I briefly wondered how Cecilia was dealing with the news that I'd be in Berlin. We hadn't spoken since the breakup, and I wasn't sure if she'd even want to see me. Part of me hoped that if our paths did cross, it would be under better circumstances.

The hotel was a whirlwind of activity. Media personnel were everywhere, and the constant buzz of cameras and microphones created a backdrop of tension. As I walked through the lobby, I spotted several journalists setting up for interviews, their eyes scanning the room in search of their next story.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves as I headed to my room. The suite was luxurious, but it felt oddly empty without the usual warmth and familiarity of home. My thoughts drifted back to Cecilia and the life we once had. I had seen the tabloid rumors—articles about me supposedly sleeping with half of England in the aftermath of our breakup. It stung, but I understood why such rumors spread. The truth, however, was that I was far from the carefree, untroubled person those stories depicted.

After a quick shower, I decided to take a walk around the hotel to clear my head. The late afternoon sky was overcast, adding a somber tone to the cityscape. I wandered through the nearby park, hoping that the quiet might offer some solace amidst the chaos of the tournament.

The team's first training session was scheduled for the next day, and the weight of that responsibility was already starting to settle in. The anticipation of the games, coupled with the intensity of the training, promised to be both physically and mentally draining.

As I walked, I couldn't help but wonder about Cecilia's life in Berlin. She had moved here to start anew, and I hoped she was finding happiness. Despite everything that had happened, I wanted nothing but the best for her. She deserves everything. The city was large, but it felt strangely small, knowing she was here too.

Returning to the hotel, I found myself in a quieter moment, contemplating the upcoming challenges. The European Championship was a massive opportunity, and I needed to focus on performing my best. Yet, a part of me couldn't shake the feeling of unresolved emotions and the chance encounters that might await.

As I finally settled back into my room, the lingering thoughts of the upcoming tournament and Cecilia continued to swirl in my mind. The solitude of the room was a stark contrast to the bustling energy of the city outside. I tried to focus on getting some rest, but the buzzing anticipation of the European Championship kept my thoughts racing.

Just as I was about to drift off, a knock on the door jolted me awake. I opened it to find one of my teammates, a familiar face from the squad, standing there with a broad grin.

"Hey, Jude," he said. "A few of us are heading out to a club tonight. You in?"

The offer was unexpected, but it was a welcome distraction from the whirlwind of my thoughts. I could use a break from the pressure, and the thought of spending time with the team in a more relaxed setting was tempting.

"Yeah, sure," I replied, nodding. "I could use a night out."

"Great! We're meeting up in about an hour. I'll see you downstairs," he said, giving me a friendly pat on the shoulder before heading off.

I closed the door and quickly changed into something more suitable for a night out. The idea of going to a club, surrounded by teammates and the lively atmosphere, seemed like just what I needed to take my mind off the tournament and the unresolved feelings I had.

As I left the hotel room and made my way downstairs, I felt a flicker of excitement. The night ahead promised a temporary escape from the intensity of the upcoming games and the personal struggles I was grappling with. For now, I was ready to immerse myself in the energy of the city and enjoy a bit of normalcy amidst the chaos.