Soccer and Hockey

A second meeting

Canada sat alone in her empty apartment, writing in her journal as she had been at the stadium the day before. Yesterday still had her heart pounding, almost as if she were still running. Running from a soccer star at that. Every time she thought about him, whoever he was, she felt as if she had to keep running.

          Just as she began getting lost in thought, Canada was interrupted by a small rumble coming from her stomach. She didn’t feel hungry, but she couldn’t risk being weak for her up-coming game tonight. She had to take her team to nationals. So, as quickly as she could, she pulled herself out of her bed and made her way to her tiny kitchen only to find she had nothing to eat. Canada let out a soft sigh, picking up her phone along with the phone book. She searched and searched for a good place to order from, only to find the only thing she wanted right then was an Italian restaurant just down the street. Heaving a heavy sigh as she grabbed her keys, she pulled on her tennis shoes and began walking towards the door and down to her car.

…..........................................................

          Canada pushed open the glass doors into the traditional Italian restaurant, wondering what to order. Tortellini, fettuccini, capellini, ravioli, chicken parmesan, so many choices! Finally, Canada sat down in the back of the restaurant, the only part of the building free of smoke and alcohol. She looked around at the crowded tables surrounding her. There couldn’t have been one empty table in this restaurant, she couldn’t have guessed why. She could barely think with the deafening noise around her. Chattering and bickering, screams and hollers of little kids. Then suddenly, one word ringed in her head as she realized it was echoing throughout the room. Soccer.

          Suddenly, the bells on the front door chimed loudly and silence enveloped the building. A tall Italian male stood in the door, backed up by 10 others. The one up front especially caught her eye. He seemed familiar. Almost like…..the soccer star. Those unmistakable amber eyes, the dark brown hair, the gravity defying curl. It had to be him! Then, within seconds of their entry, the 11 men started walking and chatting, all but him. Quietly, he motioned the others off and looked around. Canada looked around timidly, hoping to go unnoticed.

          “Hey, don’t I know you?” The soccer star called out. Canada looked up timidly and pointed to herself questioningly. The tall amber-eyed man nodded and began walking towards her, and smile forming quickly on his face. Blushing ever so slightly, Canada smiled back weakly. Then, without a care in the world, the star pulled out a chair and sat down in front of the small blonde nation.