New Romantics || j. rodriguez

Chapter 29 || The Final Game

This was it. The last game. Everyone was filled with nervousness, causing a silence to fall upon us. Currently we were tied with Barcelona for first place, and we would find out who won at the end of the game. We were facing Getafe today, and Barcelona would face Deportivo. My mind was filled with thoughts of all the situations that could happen as I felt a presence sit next to me, "Hey, don't be nervous, remember what I told you yesterday." James comforted, rubbing my arm.

I simply nodded and pulled my socks higher as he left to put his cleats on. Carlo came through the door, giving everyone an individual preperation talk, he got to me, the final player, and I could only imagine what he would say. "Scarlet, you are going to play the best game of your life out there. Okay, maybe, just maybe, if you win Copa America with Argentina that would be better." That brought a smile to my face, thinking about teaming up with Leo and Kun, and lifting the trophy in Chile. "But, do whatever you feel you need to play at your best. Score, assist, pass, save, anything you think we need to do to win it all tonight. Don't think about losing, think about raising that trophy high in the air with twenty sweaty men cheerinng around you, just as happy as you are. Good luck." Carlo patted my shoulder, and I felt a few nerves slip away.

I played with the zipper on my jacket between my teeth and stood up, ready to walk out. I followed Cristiano's bright Nike cleats throughout the hallway to the field. I didn't spend any of my time talking to players from the opposing team, but focused on what was important. These thirty-seven other games filled with sweat and sometimes blood, would not go to waste. The little kids came up, and I found more insparation, people of all ages look up to us. The fans, the team, Real Madrid legends, Carlo, the trophy, the love for the game, and most importantly, James Rodriguez.

We had not hung out everyday for the past three months for nothing, he meant something to me. He was my motivation, my energy source. I would fight for him, fight this game for the entire team.

With one foot in front of another, I walked onto the pitch. I was going to play with all I had for this game.

|| last minute of game ||

We were winning 7-3 with only seconds left. I had scored my two final goals of the season, with one assist to the one and only, number ten, James Rodriguez. Suddenly, the referre blew the whistle, indicating the match was officially over, no injury time added. I ran all the way back to the Real Madrid defensive area of the field, and hugged my brother tightly. "Serg, we might have it all." I filled my hands with more of his jersey.

Sergio wrapped his arms around me, "I know we do. I just know it." He spoke into my hair.

The team gathered around as they showed the standings on this year's La Liga on the titrons. The tension grew as they stared to show the teams that would be relegated as they worked their way up to show second place. I close my eyes, but opened them once I heard cheering from the players surrounding me. I saw the high definition picture of the Real Madrid crest with a number one underneath, and my heart pounded fast. "We won !" I shouted as I jumped in the air.

I grabbed hands of my teammates, not even bothering to look who they were, and ran around the field, jumping in front of the stands filled with white jerseys. Our celebration continued for the next few minutes as they worked on the finishing touches. "And the winners of the La Liga 2014-15 season... Real Madrid !"

I smiled and waved at the fans as I walked closer to the stairs, then began watching as the referees and staff collected their medals. We formed a line as it came closer to the time to get the trophy in our hands. I stood between my brother, Sergio and Gareth. Gareth and I made jokes, in English, as the fans held on our arms while we climbed up the stairs.

One by one I shook hands with each official, and once the first place ribbon was resting around my neck, a weight was lifted off my shoulders. All of us, the players, gathered in one area, getting ready to life the trophy for the fans all around the world. I felt an arm wrap around my shoulders as the last three players began to collect their ribbon. "Hey Scar."

I looked into the eyes of James, who I had barely seen all night, "Long night, huh ?"

James released his hold on me and reached for my hand instead, "I wish it could last forever" he confessed.

I looked away to see the trophy being passed to Iker, "It's here." I pointed to Iker, who smiled down at the trophy, proudly.

I prepared to cheer with the rest of the team, but hands pressed against my cheeks. Just as they yelled, James' soft lips connected with my own. I kissed back, my life feeling worry free. James pulled back and rested his forehead against mine. "Was that real ?" I questioned him in a hushed voice.

"It always has been."

new romantics
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