Another Night

Chapter 10 - Second Match - Group G - Germany vs. Ghana

I had just exited the hall with a giant smile on my face when it disappeared at the sight of a cross-armed Victoria.

"Hi, Victoria," I spoke.

"Mara," she sternly spoke back. "What's with the smile?"

"Some people have feelings," I bit. "Aren't you happy you get to see the team you wanted today?"

"No, cause they're not under my control."

"You don't get to control a team," I started. "And if that's the case in your direction, poor Ghana."

"Listen," she stepped closer. "I don't tell you how to do your job and you don't tell me how to do mine."

"Alright," I shrugged. "I gotta get to my seat now, if you don't mind," I began walking away from her.

"You're not sitting at the benches?" She almost sounded surprised.

"I didn't last time," I pointed out. "Why?"

"I just remembered," she had a smirk plastered on her face.

"Good luck," I said to Victoria before leaving.

Victoria's POV

"Colin!" I called out as he passed by me.

"Hi, Victoria," he almost smiled. "What's up?"

"Nothing, no, I just saw Mara come out of the hall and she didn't do that at your last game-"

"And?"

"Well," I start. "Is she getting more access?"

"Same access, Victoria," he sighed. "Is that all? I have to get going-"

"I won't keep you long," I said. "Just wondering, because you know how much the German national team means to me, if I could get a pass to visit the island some time. I mean it's only fair since I didn't get them as my team and Ghana is on their way out, if I could visit and meet-"

"Alright," he rolled his eyes. "I'll get you a pass at half time I just really need to be somewhere, so find me then."

"Thank you so much, Colin!" I yelled after him as he speed walked to his destination.

Mara's POV

The game started and I decided to keep my cool so Marco and I won't get caught winking at each other or anything that can make people suspicious.

There was one more match for everyone in the group stage, meaning that we were at the top followed by Portugal which was one point above USA and Ghana was all the way at the bottom.

Bye Victoria.

I know I'll have less stress when she's finally out of my life and the cup.

The first half of the match ended in 2-0 with two goals from Mesut who was having the best match.

During half time I looked over at the benches where Colin was and Victoria was right on top of him. I laughed at the sight before going back to this morning's messages on my phone.

I bet you can score a goal for me

Alright, ten bucks says I don't

So, if you accidentally score a goal I get ten bucks?

Basically, cause now I'll try hard not to score

But the dedication is so cute

I thought we couldn't have that anymore

We can't, but I know you'll be dedicating it to me in your head

Or maybe some other cute liaison

Be that way

The second half was officially on its way and I found myself keeping an eye on Marco every time Germany was able to score.

Marco was completely open and Toni was crossing it to him before Marco even realized what was going on.

With the tap of his right foot, Marco scored the third goal of the match.

I started laughing and clapping as I saw him cover his face and shake his head. The guys started piling up to cheer with him and then he finally began to ease up because he did score in both his matches and there was more to come.

A shoe in for the golden boot if he didn't make bets with me.

Mesut later scored his third goal, completing his hat trick and Marco scored another goal from a free kick.

The match ended in 5-1 with a goal on Ghana's side from Jordan Ayew which Neuer almost managed to trap.

As the players began to swap jerseys since this was a huge match for Ghana, I began to evaluate the standings.

I felt bad for Ghana because they really put in a lot of effort and heart into their matches and now they were definitely at the bottom of the table.

The only thing that I enjoyed was Victoria being on her way out.

"Colin!" I caught up with him on the way to the bus.

"What's there to do in Barranquilla?" He looked over at me.

"Beaches, hiking, you name it," I smiled.

"I forgot how annoying that friend of yours was," Colin spoke and I gave him a questioning look. "Victoria."

"Not my friend," I shook my head.

"Right, I remember," Colin smiled as we stood in front of the bus. "I actually gave her-"

"Colin!" Joachim came over and the guys began to cheer.

"Congratulations!" I smiled over at Joachim before heading over to Neuer to give him a hug.

"Two for two!" I cheered with the team and congratulated some of the other players.

Just as I was going to go congratulate Marco, Joachim called me over.

"Mara," he spoke as I approached him. "Would you reserve a nice restaurant like you did last time? Tomorrow we could go out hiking like Colin said."

"Got it," I smile.

"Thank you," he spoke before getting on the bus.

"We're doing so great because you're an excellent cheerleader," Mario came up to me.

"If that's the case, I'm going to Colombia's matches," I laughed.

Mario then got on the bus and the rest of the team followed.

Marco was at the end of the line awaiting me.

"Hi," I smiled.

"Don't talk to me," he chuckled. "I'm not even sure how much ten bucks is in pesos."

"You don't owe me anything," I laughed before getting on the bus.

Marco and I sat down towards the back of the bus again and he started.

"Okay," he said. "I'll buy you choco conos."

"Actually that sounds quite good," I smiled as the guys began singing a song.

Marco places his bag on his lap in order to cover us holding hands.

I just really wished there was a way to kiss him right then and there.