Unexpected Love

Chapter 34

Catalina.

We watched with pride as James won the Puskas award ahead of two other footballers, Neymar included.

I glanced in his direction and saw the pained fake smile that scrawled across his face. He is definitely not amused and Bruna could've sensed it. She tried to place her hand on his to calm and reassure him but he pulled it away and folded his arms contemptuously, his light eyes showcasing his envious thoughts.

James gave a short but grateful speech that had everyone on their feet, even Mr Perez. The announcers then took control again and began to groove into the announcement of the FIFA World Eleven for the year.

Neuer took the stage first as the best goal keeper. He was soon joined by Sergio, Marcelo, Thiago Silva and Dani Alves who made up the back four and best defenders in the world. The midfield was a masterclass indeed as veteran magicians Iniesta and Luka were joined by young Paul Pogba whose jovial attitude matched his hairstyles. Up next came the fowards and a audible hush decended on the room.

Neymar mounted the stage with an almost sour look on his face but accepted the trophy nonetheless. Leo had a gracious smile when the called his name. Anto gave him a small thumbs up as he collected the glass trophy. At last, Cris' name was announced and he reached over and caressed my belly lovingly, he kissed my cheek and began walking to the steps with Neymar's eyes following his every move. When he collected the trophy a cool smile was plastered on his face as the audience clapped loudly for the Best Team in the world.

We were allowed a brief intermission before the Ballon d'Or winners were announced. Cris guided me by the small of my back to a lounge where Anto and Leo were already seated. Anto helped me into the couch next to her while Cris sat next to Leo and Luka who were already engaged in a conversation.

"Is it just me or is Neymar behaving extra crabby tonight?" Anto asked, glancing quickly at him and Bruna by the bar.

"I thought that was his everyday behaviour,"I mused, accepting a glass of water from the waiter.

"Maybe you're right. But that Bruna girl doesn't put me at ease either. I can't explain it but I just can't stand her. Especially after she practically threw herself at Leo," Anto said, taking a sip of her champagne.

"That makes two of us,"

"She threw herself at Cris too?"

"Faster than the speed of light,"

"God, what's her problem?"

"I ain't saying she a gold digga  but she ain't messin' with no broke..." I sang under my breath making Anto laugh.

"Look at how she's looking at you Catalina,"

"Is it a I'll stomp you with my heels look or a batting for the other side look?"

"Catalina!"

"Anto just kidding, but just answer."

"I'll stomp you in the face,"

"Good, I want her to hate me," I smirked,"Makes her get flustered and try to attack me? in which case I can always retaliate.

......................................................

"And the winner of the category of the Best Female Player in the world is..... Marta,"

The applause was thunderous as Marta climbed the steps to the stage. When they handed her the Golden Ball you could see her joyful tears reflecting off it's shiny surface.

"I would like to thank everyone who supported me..."

"You are really glad for her aren't you?" Cris asked in a low voice probably seeing the wan smile on my face.

"Very. You don't know what she's been through in her career. The rejection because of your complexion, of your god given skin colour. I know from years of personal experience that it can rob you of opportunities and furthermore dampen your prospects and your spirit. Being black or any shade of brown is definitely not an easy thing with all the predjudice in Brazil. It's not easy being a woman in Brazil generally. We usually produce fair skinned beauties who model but you never actually see the real diversity of the women in my country.  Marta broke that mold. Being a woman of colour who plays football is twice as hard in any country and she's handled in with grace. To reach this point is nothing short of spectacular." I admitted.

"And lastly I would just like to say thank you once more," Marta bowed slightly before being ushered backstage by the stage hand.

"Now for the past year, three men have enhanced the world of football by adding grace, power, intelligence, agility and style to the game. Their tireless efforts have been recognized by FIFA and numerous media outlets in the world and they ultimately made it to the top of the lists besting twenty seven other players." The male announcer started off.

"Neymar da Silva, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have dominated the game in this year and to just summarize what they have done, let's just turn your attention to the screen."

A video package started and to say it was awesome would be an understatement. They made the guys look like unstoppable beasts, my highlight being the breathtaking volley from Cris against Juventus that earned him a personal prize from me.

I think that night these three troublemakers where conceived.

"And now ladies and gentlemen. The winner of the category Best Male Player is..."

I heard Leo gulp audibly then I saw Neymar's eyes narrow at the trophy.

"Cristiano Ronaldo."

On instinct I rose the same time as him. I held his tear-streaked face in my hands and kissed him gently. He rested his forehead against mine as Junior ran to hug his father who lifted him up and spun him around. I took my seat as Cris climbed the steps slowly. Junior hopped into my lap.

"Are you proud of papa?" He asked.

"Of course I am Junior. Very happy for him," I smiled back at him.

"First and foremost I would like to thank God for without him none of this could be possible." Cris started.

"I thank my teammates from Real Madrid and Portugal, the two greatest lockerrooms in the world, because without them I couldn't have achieved half of what I did this year. We proved that as a team we were unstoppable and unforgettable."

He paused then continued.

"This year has been a rollercoaster year indeed. I have experienced my fair share of ups and downs and in my down times my greatest support system was my family and I just want to say thank you so much. My siblings and my dearest mother, I thank you and I love you guys so so much. Junior I love you buddy. To our little present that is coming soon, I love you. Catalina I love you, you have stuck beside me in everything, you have been there for the lowest of the lows, you've helped me with my recovery and also ensuring that I was in an good place mentally and I can never thank you enough for entering my life."

The tears started to flow again and I felt myself silently crying along with him.

"Thank all of those who voted for me and I graciously accept this prestigous award. God bless you all."