We got to the gala two hours later, somehow all four of us and Kinsey's and my luggage were able to fit in Lilly's small Volkswagen and drive the distance while staying above the speed limit.
"I'm never going to get used to this whole kilometers thing." Kinsey mumbled under her breath as we piled out of the car that was parked just around the corner from where the gala was being held. As soon as we neared the entrance my heart rate sky rocketed.
"I-I can't do this." I mumbled, stopping in my tracks.
"Alex?" Lilly questioned, putting a hand on my arm. "You can do this."
"Give me a second." I spoke, clenching and unclenching my fists and taking a deep breath. With a huge exhale I linked my arms through Kinsey's and Lilly's and walked right to the entrance.
"Name?" The tall guard bellowed, putting up a hand to stop us from entering.
"Alexandria Schräder." I spoke calmly, my head held high.
"Ah yes, enter." The guard smiled, moving to the side. We all entered without a hitch.
"They announce you." A familiar voice drifted into my ears. I spun around, grinning from ear to ear.
"Elena!" I giggled, enveloping the older lady in a warm hug.
"Ah, Liebe." Elena chuckled when we pulled away from our hug. "You look breath-taking."
"Danke Elena. Oh, these are my friends. Lilly, Kinsey, and Piper." I introduced, stepping aside while she went and hugged each of them.
"My name is Elena Götze." She spoke, looking at all of us with a warm smile on her face.
"As in Mario's Oma?" Piper spoke, eyes wide.
"Yes, speaking of the little devil." Elena spoke, waving over a very attractive brunette. "My little chipmunk, are you enjoying yourself?"
"Oma." Mario groaned when Elena pinched his cheeks. His gaze settled on me and he stood straight, a charming smile crossing his face.
"Alex wie gehts?" Mario grinned, enveloping me into a warm hug.
"Prima." I smiled as he moved over to hug Kinzey. "Mario, this is Lilly and her cousin Piper."
"I know Lilly, Thomas is quite taken by you." Mario said hugging her.
"I wouldn't say taken..." Lilly blushed, turning her gaze to the ground.
"I would." A voice drifted from behind us, my eyes grew wide as Thomas approached Lilly with a bouquet of lilies. "I know it's not much."
"Thomas-" Lilly grinned, her eyes brightening. I watched with envy as they embraced in a warm, loving hug.
"You two save that for later, they are about to announce your names." Elena spoke, a glint in her eyes. "I'll put those flowers in a vase and you can pick it up before you leave."
"Danke Oma." Thomas grinned, sending her a wink. I bit back unwanted tears as I turned away from the two to look at the door where people were piling into the small lobby.
"Alex, you alright?" Kinsey asked, setting her hand on top of my shoulder in a comforting manner. I looked back at her and nodded, plastering a fake smile on my face.
"Of course." I spoke nonchalantly.
"Willkommen auf der ersten Mannschaft Gala des Jahres. Ich möchte mit einen Dank an Joachim Löw, die das möglich zu beginnen. Können Sie Deutschland in einem anderen Sieg in der Weltmeisterschaft zu führen." A voice spoke over the intercom just as the lights dimmed in the lobby, causing the lights in the restaurant to dim also. A spotlight was pointed at the doorway to the restaurant where Jogi stood with a beautiful woman. The lobby erupted into applause as Jogi entered the restaurant and the announcer began to list off names on the guest list.
YOU ARE READING
Fallen Stars // Manuel Neuer
Fanfiction"There are stars who's light only reaches the earth long after they have fallen apart. There are people who's remembrance gives light in this world, long after they have passed away. This light shines in our darkest nights on the road we must follow...
