slut - Alexia Putellas

57.

good evening.

this is one of those chapters i enjoy writing most, as i like to (at least) try portraying a situation or scene as real as it possibly could be. find out yourself.

enjoy. ☕️✍🏼

Under the scorching midday sun, Erin and Alexia made their way towards the VIP entrance of Johan Cruyff Stadium a couple of days later, the heat oppressive amidst the thronging crowd.

The therapist's grip on the paper bag, containing the club's latest jersey of the 22/23 season, was firm yet casual as it swung lightly by her side, while her other hand found solace in the touch of Alexia's wrist, the Ballon D'Or winner guiding them both towards the main stands.

It was match day.

Day of the 22/23 season opener against UD Tenerife.

For Alexia, this day marked the first official club match since her acl injury, relegating her to the stands instead of leading the team onto the field with the captain's armband.

"Seeing you back in action once your rehab is done will be amazing." Erin enthused, her voice tinged with excitement and deep admiration as they navigated past clusters of spectators. "Cheering for you when you're fully recovered will be such a proud moment for me, knowing how hard I've worked for this."

Glancing sideways, a soft, uncertain smile played on the athlete's lips as they approached the entrance.

"I can't wait for you to be there," she replied warmly, her gaze briefly lingering on Erin before turning back to the bustling stadium surroundings. "Your support means everything to me, Bonita."

Reaching the VIP section, where a few other sidelined teammates and special guests had already gathered, Alexia ushered Erin to their seats, her arm naturally finding its place around the blonde's waist as they settled in.

The roar of the fans and the vibrant energy of the stadium enveloped them the moment they've found their seats, excited chants creating an atmosphere charged with excitement.

Delightful anticipation filled the Johan Cruyff as the new season loomed ahead.

Excited chatter filled the stands as fans draped in the team's colors eagerly awaited the start of the new season, the atmosphere vibrant, with flags waving, drums beating, and chants echoing around the arena.

Among the sea of enthusiastic faces, the Ballon D'Or winner stood out not for her excitement but for her subdued demeanor.

She wanted to feel the excitement coursing through the air, to be swept up in the buzz of anticipation like everyone else around her.

She really wanted that.

Yet, try as she might, Alexia couldn't summon that same exhilaration.

She just couldn't.

For her, it was agonizing. A deep ache gripped her heart. It was the first time in her entire professional career that she couldn't take the field with her team, forced to watch from the stands due to a serious injury.

Few things had ever pained her this profoundly.

Few.

"I know this isn't easy for you, baby."

The therapist's voice was soft, barely audible over the din of the crowd as she placed the paper bag between her feet, looking at the injured midfielder to her left.

Turning her head, she noticed the athlete's sparkling hazel eyes drawn to the pitch where her team was warming up.

Alexia's gaze was fixed on the pitch, but her eyes betrayed a mix of sadness, frustration, and longing. They were distant, as if she was trying to focus on the warmup unfolding before her, yet her thoughts were elsewhere.