Used to Be | Sergio Agüero

chapter ten

sergio

FULL-TIME
Manchester City 1 - 3 Arsenal
Silva 31', Alexis 33', Mangala (OG) 46', Welbeck 89'
Ramsey (INJ)

Is it bad to say that, for a quick moment, I was glad I didn't play in that game, and that I didn't even go to the Etihad? I was beginning to imagine how angry Pellegrini would be with the boys.

However, of course, I was still gutted. The result was a terrible one, and it made us drop down to third, allowing Arsenal to go up second underneath Tottenham. And it didn't help that we were already in the second half of the season. The title race was so close.

I turned the telly off and covered my face with my hands, exhaling. "We can still win the league, we can still win it," I mentally told myself.

Sara told me it was best to avoid the crowd first, so I had to stay home. I stared at my wrapped ankle in frustration, and I suddenly felt like I could have made a huge difference if I was able to play. I don't mean to brag, but I know I could have changed that result.

My phone buzzed, snapping me out of my daydream.

Joe H: Still up for the drinks? If yes, I'll pick you up at 8

I quickly tapped in my reply.

You: of course mate. sorry about the loss.

Joe H: Yeah, so am I. Could've done much better. Gtg shower, see you later mate.

You: see you.

* * * *

Joe and I were joined by David and Raheem. Willy had some last minute plans and decided he wouldn't go. The lesser, the better, I thought. Less attention.

The bar was much less full than any of us thought it would be, so we were pretty delighted. There were only around five people there, and, despite it being only 8:30PM, were already in over their own heads. Nobody crowded us as we entered.

Joe challenged me, and whoever got tipsy first would lose. I think I was already on my seventh shot when David nudged me.

"Isn't that Cacères?" he whispered.

"I don't give a crap," I said.

"Doctor Cacères!" Raheem walked over to her. When I turned to look at them, she had a companion.

Her companion couldn't've been over six feet tall. He was clean-shaven with dirty blond hair, and wore thick, black-rimmed glasses.

So this is your new boyfriend, Sara?

And then I felt like punching him in the face.

"Wow," said a voice. I immediately knew it was his. "You're Raheem Sterling. Marvelous to meet you."

"You must be the doctor's boyfriend," Raheem chuckled.

"Ah, well, I am," he said. "Never thought that some of my favorite players were already well aware of my existence."

Sara laughed.

I didn't realise that David and Joe had left my side to greet her. I avoided them and went to the comfort room. I stayed there for some time.

"Sergio?" I heard a voice come through the door.

I pretended that I washed my face.

"Mate," David grabbed my arm. "Why'd you gotta let me drag your arse out there? Joe's been wondering where the bloody hell you are for the longest bloody time!"

Judging by the way he slurred his syllabication and words, I knew he had already had one too many drinks.

"You feeling alright, David?" I asked, heaving his arm onto my shoulder.

"Better than you when you found out Cacères was our physio!" he cracked. He earned himself a good elbow in the ribs.

"Easy, easy," he laughed. "Was only joking."

"Are they still there?" I asked.

"You mean Doc and the lover?" he asked. "Yeah, snogging on the couch."

I elbowed him again.

"What the hell is your deal, mate?" he rubbed his ribs, "You're supposed to be well over her, aren't you?"

I bit my lip. Yeah, I was supposed to. But for some reason, I wasn't.

"I am," I lied.

"You know how to amuse me," David smiled absently. "Funny, funny Sergio."

"They're not really snogging now, are they?" I asked.

"I think the Doc's too chaste for that, Serg," he said. "I still remember the days when you were together."

"Yeah," I said. "She's too good for that."