GAME DAY- ALEXIA PUTELLAS

CHAPTER 10

2/3

CLARA'S POV

The afternoon we spent with Alexia was incredible. It's been a few days since then, and I still can't quite believe it. The footballer makes me fall for her a little more each day, especially when I see how she interacts with Ada. They're gradually building trust with each other and are even starting to have their own little inside jokes, which completely melts my heart.

Today is Ada's Christmas performance, so the morning has been a bit hectic. The three of us—Lorena, my daughter, and I—woke up half an hour early to get everything ready, and even so, we're running late.

- Come on, girls, we need to leave now if we don't want to be late- I say as I put on my coat and scarf.

- We're coming, just give us one more minute- my best friend replies from the bathroom.

I head to the bathroom to see what they're up to, and I find a scene that's definitely photo-worthy: Ada is sitting on the sink while Lorena lightly applies lipstick to her lips, using the same shade she's wearing.

- So that's why you were taking so long...- I say after watching them for a few seconds without being noticed.

- Mummy, do I look pretty?- my daughter asks as she climbs down from the sink.

- You look absolutely beautiful, as always. With or without makeup, you'll always be gorgeous.

The girls finally put on their coats, grab everything they need, and, with time running short, we manage to leave the house and head to Ada's school.

When we arrive, everyone is a bit on edge. The teachers are rushing around making last-minute preparations, and the parents are waiting with their children for everything to start. According to the email sent out a few days ago, the performances will be held in the school's theatre. After dropping Ada off at her class, Lorena and I head towards the theatre.

We're just about to enter when Alba, Alexia's sister, crosses paths with us.

- Thank goodness I've found a familiar face- she says, grabbing my arm- Would you mind helping me with something for the decorations? The other teachers are already busy with their classes, and we need some help.

- Of course, no problem, but I wanted to find a seat to watch Ada- I reply honestly.

- Don't worry, I'll save you a seat-  Lorena says, holding out her hand for me to give her my coat and bag.

- Could you save two more seats?- Alba asks this time- Otherwise, it'll be impossible to find a decent spot later.

- Sure, no problem- my friend replies with a smile I know all too well- Go on, you don't want to be late.

I follow Alba through the corridors, backstage to the stage area. The curtain is closed, so no one in the audience can see us.

- Alba, have you found someone to help us?- a voice asks from behind us.

The mysterious person is carrying a bunch of tinsel that covers their face, so I can't see who it is.

- Yes, I've brought reinforcements- the teacher replies happily, though I don't really understand what's happening.

I watch as Alba approaches the mysterious person and helps them set down everything she was carrying on a chair, revealing a face I know all too well.

- Pleased to meet you, I'm...- the previously mysterious person begins, still dusting glitter off their clothes.

- Alexia- I finish the sentence for her, as she hadn't looked in my direction and didn't realise I was the reinforcement her sister had brought.

- Clara, what are you doing here? Well, it's obvious why you're here, you've come to see Ada, but I meant...

- Alexia, calm down, breathe- I say, taking her hands to help her relax- I was about to go in, and Alba intercepted me for help. How can I be of use?- I ask, this time addressing the teacher.

- Ah, yes, we need to hang this tinsel at the back. Here, take a stapler- she says, handing me a stapler and some tinsel.

Alexia smiles at me as we both set to work on what her sister asked us to do. It doesn't take us more than ten minutes to hang everything the footballer had been carrying.

- All done- the blonde says to her sister.

- There's just one more thing, sis- Alba says, using her affectionate nickname for Alexia- Could you bring up the little decorated tree from the storage room? I think we left it just inside the door on the right.

- You're being a bit bossy today, aren't you?- Alexia teases her sister- Alright, we'll go get it.

I follow Alexia as we leave the theatre, and when I see there's no one around, I start a conversation with her.

- Don't you have training today?

- Actually, no, I'm on holiday. Yesterday was our last match of the year, and we don't play again until January.

- I watched it from home, those were some stunning goals you scored- I confess, feeling my face heat up.

- You could say I've had a special motivation lately- Alexia says, looking at me mischievously.

I decide to play a bit dumb to tease her.

- Oh really? And who might that be? Don't tell me the crazy people on Twitter are right and you're with Mapi?

Alexia laughs at my words, which is understandable.

- Do people on Twitter really think I'm with her?

- It seems so. Apparently, they haven't seen all the posts and stories Mapi puts up about her relationship with Ingrid.

- There's no one blinder than those who refuse to see- Alexia replies, wrapping her arm around my waist and pulling me close just under the storage room doorframe.

- So... are you going to tell me who your special motivation is?- I ask, wrapping my arms around her neck.

- Well, I don't know, maybe you'll recognise her. She's a bit shorter than me, has fire-coloured hair, and eyes as blue as a calm sea. Oh, and she has the most beautiful and wonderful daughter in the world.

- Hmm... I'm not sure who you're talking about- I say, continuing to play dumb.

Alexia responds by pulling my body even closer to hers, leaving barely any space between us.

- We're under the mistletoe, redhead- Alexia says, her mouth very close to mine.

- Then we'll have to follow the tradition, won't we?

The blonde doesn't hesitate, and in a fraction of a second, I feel her lips brush against mine, making my legs tremble and causing me to doubt whether I can stay on my feet—thank goodness she's holding me tightly. After a few seconds, I decide to deepen the kiss, and the footballer doesn't resist. With our tongues intertwined, dancing a rhythm only they know, Alexia slightly lifts me off the ground and spins us around without breaking our kiss.

Eventually, after a few minutes, we have to pull apart slightly due to the lack of air. Alexia smiles like a fool, and I know I look just the same. My goodness, what a kiss! I never would have imagined that a simple kiss could make me feel so much.

- I think I'm going to become addicted to your kisses- Alexia confesses, resting her forehead against mine.

We separate when we hear footsteps approaching. Fortunately, it's only Alba, who grins mischievously when she sees us in this state.

- Well, well- says the younger Putellas- I was wondering why you were taking so long.

- We had to follow the mistletoe tradition- the footballer replies, making me blush as red as a tomato, which prompts laughter from the sisters.

- I'll get you back, blonde- I say as we carry the small tree up to the stage.

Alexia doesn't reply; she just turns to look at me and winks with a side smile.

God, this girl drives me crazy!