Once More. | Manuel Neuer

Chapter Three.

Arabella walked behind Cristiano, trying to conceal herself from sight as they walked into the hotel. She was scared to face Manuel after forcefully ignoring him for the passed two years.

Arabella was so lost in her thoughts that when Cristiano stopped walking she walked straight into his back.
When she stumbled backwards her foot-movement was abruptly stopped by one of the suitcases and she tumbled backwards.
As she braced herself for the hit she was stopped mid-air.

"Whoa! Watch out!"
Arabella looked up. Her face turned as red as a tomato when she noticed how many eyes were on her and the man that caught her now.
She stumbled up straight quickly and rubbed her neck awkwardly.
"Sorry," she mumbled embarrassed as she turned around.
"It's fine, although I've never had girls literally fall for me," the man joked, his accent thick. Arabella smiled almost invisibly, he was German. 
"I'm Mario," the man said as he extended his hand.
"Arabella," she said, shaking his hand.

Arabella couldn't help but notice how his eyes opened a little wider when she told him her name. He quickly covered it up by smiling, though.
"That's a beautiful name," he smiled. "Well, I'll see you around, Arabella."
And just like that Mario turned around and walked away.

Arabella turned to Cristiano, who was looking at her with his left eyebrow raised.
"Did you see that?" She hissed. "When he heard who I was he was gone."
Cristiano just shrugged.
"He's with Germany, what did you expect," Cristiano shrugged.
As he turned around Arabella's shoulders slumped. She didn't like it when Cristiano acted like this towards her. It was selfish but she wished he of all people would be  understanding about everything that had happened with Manuel.

After getting their room key Arabella made her way up stairs. Cristiano and junior had gone away to get some breakfast but she didn't feel like it.
As she opened the door to their room her phone buzzed. She closed the door and unlocked her phone.

Manuel: hey Bella. It's crazy to think we are so close now. You've occupied my mind for so long, and I would imagine about what I would do when I would see you again. But seeing you today all those ideas went flying right out the window.
You still look as beautiful as you did two years ago, if not more.
I don't even know if you saw me, but I can't help but feel the same way I did two years ago.
I know you won't respond but Bella, please, even though it was short, I miss the way you made me feel.
Love, Manu.

Arabella sighed, tears forming in her eyes. She was so stupid. She shut out Manuel because she didn't want to get hurt, but two years later and he still thought the world of her. She was so scared of hurting that she had hurt Manuel to safe herself.