Cristiano's Love [Sequel to Change of Heart]

Chapter 8

A few weeks later – Game Day - Universidad Complutense de Madrid vs. Universitat de Barcelona

Annabelle didn’t know why but her heart was beating rapidly in her chest.  It was rare for her to feel this unsettled and nervous but it was probably since she hasn’t played in a football game in months.  However, deep down for Annabelle it was all more than just a game this time.  She had finally made up her decision to bet her football career on this match.  ‘If I’m able to score a hat-trick today then I’ll keep playing football and aim to play professionally.’ she thought to herself as she jogged onto the field with her teammates. 

Unconsciously she searched the crowd for her family and she found them sitting close to the pitch in the center of the field.  She saw her parents beaming at her with pride as Gerard gave her a thumbs up with Milan in his arms.  Annabelle waved back at them but she felt her heart skip a beat when she saw Cristiano wave at her from beside her brother.  Then, Sofia jogged up beside her and gives her a pat on the back.

“It’s such a surprised to see you two together, especially considering how you guys met,” Sofia teased and Annabelle blushed.  “Anyway, I’m happy you decided to play today,” Annabelle smiles and they returned to their warm ups. 

However, feeling a dangerous glare at the back of her head, she turned around and met the eyes of someone rather familiar.  It was the blonde girl she had gotten into an altercation with the last time she was in Madrid for football.  She donned a number seven jersey as she gave her another dirty look before returning to her warm up activities.  Annabelle was beyond surprised to see that girl here but it just gave her another sense of purpose to beat them in today’s game.

The game was an intense one and Annabelle wasn’t sure if she was getting rusty or if the opposing team was just really good.  A dozen minutes have passed and the Barcelona team had only possessed the ball for a quarter of that time.  Half time approached and the Madrid team scored their second goal just before the referee blew the whistle.  Annabelle struggled to catch her breath while she struts off towards the sidelines with her teammates.  Then the blonde with the seven on her jersey jogged up to her.

“Maybe you should go back to modeling since you clearly don’t have it in you anymore.  All bark no bite,” she smirked at her before jogging off.  Sofia and her friends stared at the retreating player in spite while Annabelle hung her head.  Their coach rounded them up and switched up their line up a bit before giving them words of encourage. 

“Just relax Annie.  Football’s supposed to be fun remember?” the older woman smiled at Annabelle and gives her a pat on the shoulder before returning to the bench. 

Then a bunch of cheering and screaming directed everyone’s attention over to their side of the field.  Annabelle looks up to find Cristiano politely pushing through a crowd of people asking for autographs and pictures.  Her mouth dropped as she runs over to meet him halfway just as he gets onto the pitch.

“What are you doing?  You’re going to start a mob!”

“Stop worrying about that.  Bella, you need to get your head in the game,”

“I…”

“I don’t know what was going through your head during the first half but you’re pulling your team down,”

“Ouch…” Annabelle felt her stab in her heart but then it was replaced by anger.  “You don’t think I’m trying my best?!” she shouted at him in a hushed tone.

“No Bella.  I don’t.  You look like your scrambling around on the field.  You need to remember why it is that you’re playing.  You’re supposed to love it,”