Cristiano's Love [Sequel to Change of Heart]

Chapter 7

The next few days were stressful for Annabelle as she returned to her normal life in Spain.  Well, as normal as it could be more her at least.  Cristiano had returned to Portugal and she decided to cut her vacation time short since the World Cup was technically over for her.  She didn’t really need to keep in contact with Rafaella to find out about Neymar’s condition.  The media seemed to be just as concerned for his well-being as she was.  He was mentioned in every magazine and news report that covered the World Cup.  Due to that, she was able to find out that he would make a full recovery by the end of the summer and that Bruna has not left his side during it all. 

Though Annabelle was hurt that Neymar had replaced her so quickly, she couldn’t really pass judgment since she was doing the same thing.  When she thought about Cristiano, a smile forced its way onto her face.  She was glad Neymar had Bruna and that she had Cristiano.  It was a lot easier to move on knowing that Neymar was doing the same.  Annabelle was lost in her own thoughts when her friend Sofia texted her.

S – Annie, you free?  Wanna come play a game with us later?

A – Yeah, sure!  When and where?

S – Come meet us at the university field in an hour?

A – K!  See you later! =P

Annabelle felt excited.  It has been a while since she’s played football and she missed it.  She thought back to her conversation with Cristiano about her playing professional ball.  Luna would have wanted her to pursue her dreams in playing football but Annabelle wasn’t ready to let go of modeling just yet.  She felt that it was her only connection to Luna and she wanted to keep that alive.  Then again, her thoughts were interrupted by her phone.  She picks it up to see Cristiano calling.

“Hey there,”

“Hey beautiful.  What are you wearing right now?” her boyfriend’s sultry voice asks from the other end of the phone, making her blush.

“Sorry to disappoint but I’m wearing sweats,”

“Aw… it’s already late, why are you still wearing sweats?”

“Well, I’m going to play football in a little bit with some of my old university teammates,”

“Oh nice!  Well go on then.  I’ll talk to you later,”

“Wait, did you need me for something?”

“Nah, I just wanted to hear your voice,”

“Oh…” Annabelle felt herself blush again.  She still wasn’t used to Cristiano’s sweet talking and didn’t know how to respond so she decided to change the subject.  “Well, when’s the next time I’ll see you?”

“Not sure.  My agent has been booking photo shoots and sponsorship deals like crazy since I have a break from football right now,”

“Yeah, mine is doing the same.  It’s okay, we’ll find some time before your season starts up again,” Cristiano agrees before letting her hang up to prep for her football game.

~*~*~*~

Annabelle scored the final goal against her fellow teammates on the opposing team and led her team to a 3-1 victory.  It felt liberating to play a football game again and it was even better to play with her old teammates.

“Annie!  You’re still the best, as always!” Sofia jumped onto her to give her a big hug.

“Yeah, Annie!  Why don’t you come back to the team?” a tall blonde asked her while giving her a high five.