For The Love of The Game

“¿Puyi, hace cuántas veces yo tengo que decirle no desordenar alrededor en el vestuario?” (Puyi, how many times do I have to tell you not to mess around in the locker room?)

“¡Pero fue Cesc que me empujó!” (But it was Cesc who pushed me!) I shook my head as I rotated his shoulder, making sure that it was all right after I had to pop it back into place. Puyol was one of the strongest players I had ever worked with and I knew that with a bit of tape he would be fine for the match. I fixed him up and sent him towards the rest of the players that were starting to line up and head for the tunnel. I packed my equipment and placed my bag to the side along with the rest of the medical supplies that the sideline medical attendants would be taking with them. Spain had formed their line, waiting patiently in the tunnel. I walked ahead to the front to reach my brother and best friend. As I walked ahead, Xavi looked at me with a wide smile on his face, nodding to me in greeting. I smiled back noting how no matter what mood he was in, Xavi always had a smile on his face.

I reached the front of the line, first patting Iker on the shoulder as he turned to me with a grin, pointing to the Spain flag I had painted on my cheek. “I like it Karmen.” I leaned up to wrap my arms around his neck for a hug. As he bent down to wrap his arms around me as well, I quietly whispered in his ear.

“Good luck Iker, remember, if Cris gets any type of free kick or penalty, he likes to shoot for his right, so your left, he prefers the high corner.” Iker chuckled, nodding as he pulled away.

“Gracias niña.” I turned to my brother, directly behind Iker and jumped on him as he wrapped his arms around me for a great hug as he laughed.

“Te amo Karmen.”

“Te amo Sergio.” I replied as I held him tightly, not wanting to let go. He gently placed me back on the ground. I turned to Fernando, a small smile playing at his lips. I dug my head into his chest as he wrapped his arms around me. I leaned up towards him, giving him a small peck on the lips. I pulled back, done wishing them luck and ready to lecture Sergio, knowing that he was going to be the one that would come in contact with Ronaldo. I stood in front of my brother, hands on my hips, eyebrow arched. I knew I didn’t intimidate him at all, he stood in front of me at his full six foot height, his head tilted down towards me, a playful smile at his lips. I sighed as I dropped my arms to my sides, deciding that playing the intimidating card would not get me anything here, I decided to be the little sister that I was…and whine. “Sergio! Please don’t start anything today, you’re going to be marking him up, and I want to see skillful, sportsmanship out there. Please don’t let your temper take over you and play dirty. I know you can win this with fair play, prove it to the rest of Europe.”

He grinned as he pulled me towards him for a hug with one arm wrapped around my shoulders. I noticed his smile falter and turn into a hard glare as he eyed something in the corner. I turned to see the Portuguese team filing out in a line, coming to a halt right next to the Spanish team. Both teams were silent as the anticipation grew. I slightly turned my head to see Cristiano directly behind me, in line, second behind their captain, Nuno, just like my brother was behind Iker. I closed my eyes, letting out a deep sigh as I tried to calm myself and hold tears back from coming to my eyes. I felt a hand slowly brush up against me from the bruise on my waist to the small of my back. I turned my head completely, knowing that it had to be Cristiano. Once turned to face him, he let the infamous smirk that he had grace his lips as he winked, letting me know that he was thinking about me. I turned back around with a disgusted look to see Sergio’s jaw lock with a furious expression. I wanted to calm him before the match, but ended up having to turn to Fernando instead who was mumbling profanities under his breath as he was walking out of the Spaniard’s line to confront Cristiano. Iker came back and helped me hold Fernando in place, telling him that now was neither the time, nor place to take out club league frustrations…little did Iker know that this had nothing to do with the English League, sure, Iker knew that things were unresolved between Cris and I, and that feelings for Nando were in the mix, but he never thought Nando would be one to fight about something like that, or even that our relationship had escalated enough to the point that he would even want to fight Ronaldo. Fernando refused to calm down until my brother placed a firm hand on his shoulder, pulling him back behind him, Sergio’s gaze still fixed on Ronaldo, who still held his smirk, as if he was laughing at all of this on the inside.

I turned to the two of them as Iker got back in the front of the line. Sergio still held on to Fernando’s shoulder. I turned to the rest of the Spanish team as they looked on at the little fiasco that was taking place. I gave them a little nod, letting them know that everything was under control. They all went back to their little conversations or mental preparations as I placed a hand on Sergio and Fernando’s cheeks. “Por favor, no luchando, para mí.” (Please, no fighting, for me.) Fernando’s shoulders slumped as he let his head fall back as a deep sigh was let out. I dropped my hand from his face as I stood in front of Sergio who still hadn’t responded to my pleading. His gaze was still fixed on Cristiano. I held his face between both my hands this time, pleading. “Por favor, Sergio, no luchando, por favor.” The only response I received was the unclenching of his jaw as he tilted his head and kissed my forehead, sadly, still keeping his glare on Ronaldo. I knew it was no use trying to plead with him anymore, he had let his anger get the best of him and there was nothing I could do to control him anymore, I just had to pray that he would take it out on the ball, and not anyone’s face, specifically Cristiano’s. I let my hands drop from his face as I let out one last sigh, turning to head to the back of the tunnel and towards the VIP stands with Addy, Megan and Geri who were waiting for me. I turned one last time to see that Ronaldo was hopping up and down and running in place to get ready to walk out. I caught Sergio leaned into Nando, whispering rapidly in his ear while patting his shoulder. I couldn’t hear what he was saying as the sound of my heart beating was the only thing that rang clear in my ears, but I knew it wasn’t anything good based on the look Iker was giving the two of them. I couldn’t help but to keep praying in my head that they wouldn’t start something and that Sergio wouldn’t screw up his focus and have to have Iker come out and make any rash saves because of his mistakes.

+++

Thirty-five minutes into the match and I’m already standing up, biting my nails and yelling at the players that are so far away they can’t hear me. Geri is standing with me, although Addison and Megan are not as enthralled as the two of us, they are fighting their own battles, flinching and gripping their seats with random outbursts as well. I screamed as David got possession of the ball and passed it off to Fernando who in turn ran and was setting up for a shot on goal. I jumped up screaming as he took the shot and the ball swished through to the back of the net from the far right corner. I jumped up and down, hugging Megan as Addison jumped out of her seat and hugged Geri. Megan pointed down to the pitch to show the boys celebrating. I laughed as Fernando was dog piled by the rest of the guys, getting up and sending a kiss in the direction of the VIP stands. My smile grew as Addy tugged on my arm with a childish grin. “He did that for you!” I rolled my eyes as I looked down on the pitch, watching as they set up. I could tell by Cris’s posture he was not happy with how this half was going. I couldn’t blame him, every attempt he had made so far had been stopped by either my brother slide tackling and getting the ball out of the way or Puyol making a full confrontation with him and getting the ball out of his grasp. Ronaldo may be quick on his feet, but one thing he always underestimated from my Spaniards was their ability to follow his agility and see through his fancy footwork. I always told him it was something my brother and the rest of La Seleccion’s defenders took pride in training on, but he never listened, his ego always getting in the way. He was paying for it now. Half time passed by, the score still one to nil as the boys marched out onto the pitch again. I couldn’t help but to smile. Except for the little bit of drama that occurred in the tunnel before the match, everything was going well, and Spain was winning, I couldn’t ask for more.

With three minutes into the second half, David got another amazing feed from Xavi, taking it straight to goal and working around Portugal’s defense again, having the ball hit the back of the net through the lower left corner pocket. Another celebration, my brother jumping over everyone and landing clear on the other side of the group as he overshot himself. Addison and I fell out of our seats laughing at him as he got up and dusted the imaginary dirt off of himself. As the Portuguese had possession of the ball again, Ronaldo was cutting clear from the other side, avoiding Sergio, and cutting through Albiol to get to goal. Sitting in anticipation on the edge of my seat, I didn’t want to close my eyes in fear that in that split second I would miss something important. I was fixated on Cristiano’s legs as he worked around and was put in a position to go head on against Iker. Ronaldo took the shot, Iker diving in front of it, but only to have it bounce back a bit to Ronaldo’s right, who was right there for the rebound. None of the defenders were around to catch the rebound before Cristiano, I looked to see my brother a few yards away, but just watching. Cris took another shot, Iker not anticipating in the right direction and missing the ball, letting it fly in just passed him, giving a goal to the Portuguese. Ronaldo looked up towards the VIP stands, sending a wink and holding his hand over his heart then pointing towards the VIP stands as Pepe jumped on his back. I couldn’t help but to sneer, adding to my anger that he had to be the one to score. Addison turned to me, a sympathetic look on her face. I looked on as I watched Iker run his hands down his face and begin to yell commands at the defenders. I looked at Megan, patting her on the back knowing she was hurting for Iker. Addison wrapped her arm around her as Geri paced in front of our seats. I knew we were still ahead by a goal, but I couldn’t help to feel that some of the defenders, mainly my brother, just stood, not expecting a rebound. I watched as he chatted with Iker as the forwards set up with the ball on the half line. Iker smacked him upside the head and pointed to his position, Sergio running back to his spot on the pitch. I heard Geri chuckle as he watched the same exchange that I just saw between Iker and Sergio. “Ramos…sometimes he can’t help what he does.” I looked up at Geri as he looked down at me with a smile, his blue eyes shining.

“Es mi hermano…que es un idiota.” (It’s my brother…he’s an idiot.) They all laughed at my remark as I turned back to the pitch. Ronaldo had gotten the ball again and was running up on my brother’s side. I was silently praying that it would end up like one of their earlier clashes were Sergio would just slide tackle him and get the ball, taking it up the field himself and passing it off to someone…but I don’t always get what I want. Sergio had decided that now would be a good time to implement some dirty play. I watched as he flat out kicked the back of Ronaldo’s calf as if he was attempting to get the ball from him, and he quickly pulled back, holding his hands up defensively as if it was fair play while Cris fell to the ground clutching his calves. I gasped as my hand shot to my mouth, I couldn’t help but to feel a little pain for Ronaldo, after working with him, I knew his calf muscles were always weak and sore from players always attacking him in that same general area, but I was more furious at the way Sergio was acting. I stood up, gripping the metal bar in front of our seats right behind the glass that encased the VIP area. “¡Sergio usted idiota estúpido! Le dije no ser irracional. ¡Usted nunca escucha! Espere hasta que consiga las manos en usted, deseará que nuestra mama nunca le diera a luz. ¡Pendejo!” (Sergio you stupid idiot! I told you not to be irrational. You never listen! Wait till I get my hands on you, you’ll wish mom never gave birth to you. Idiot!) I spoke in a hushed tone, feeling my three friend’s eyes on me. I closed my eyes breathing in and out deeply before looking back down on the pitch, watching Albiol and Xavi pull Sergio away from Cristiano, Xabi holding Nando back from getting involved, but failing to keep him from yelling his own profanities into the mix. My knuckles were turning white from clutching the bar so tightly. Cris had long since gotten up, forgetting about the pain in his legs as Sergio and him were going back and forth, shoving each other in the chest. Sergio was getting in his face, trying to be intimidating, too bad Cristiano had a good two inches over him, but that didn’t seem to stop my brother from being the overprotective older sibling that he was by nature. I flinched back as I felt a hand on my shoulder. I turned to see Megan standing next to me, a look of worry on her face as she nodded her head back down to the pitch. I looked on to see she was letting me know a ref was running to the commotion now…with a red card already out in his hand. I looked up at the ceiling. “Ay Dios…mierda Sergio.” (Oh God…shit Sergio.) Megan began to rub my back, cooing in my ear that everything would get sorted out and things would be fine. I looked back to see Geri holding Addison in his arms as they stared down at what was unfolding, Geri resting his chin on the top of Addy’s head. I looked down to see Sergio pull his arm back, ready to send a punch towards Cristiano while Puyol got involved, holding Sergio’s arm back. Cris was held back by Pepe and Nani, finally letting the anger rise in him. Iker and Nuno were standing by the ref, playing their parts as captain, trying to explain each side. I looked on as the ref pushed both captains aside and marched right up to Sergio, throwing his red card in the air. Sergio was furious now, I watched his eyes widen as he was done messing with Cris now, and he was arguing with the ref. I shook my head, internally begging him to stop. That’s when Iker pulled him back this time, full force. Iker needed no ones help getting Sergio back from the altercation that was taking place. Cristiano sent Sergio a smirk that only caused his blood to boil even more, now Cris deserved what was coming. The ref turned towards him, flashing him a yellow card. Ronaldo lost the smirk and dropped his hands, arguing at the logic behind the yellow card. I didn’t know what Nando said, but whatever it was caused Cristiano to jerk his head back to look at him. A few words were exchanged between the two as teammates filed away, ready to continue the match. Fernando shoved Cris’s shoulder and spit in front of his feet before turning to walk back to his position, turning only once more towards Cris, giving him his infamous ‘bitchface’.

Iker was shoving Sergio now, yelling at him from what I could tell. Sergio waved his arm in the air and turned, walking angrily off of the pitch towards the tunnel for the locker room. I gently, but quickly threw my purse at Megan who was now sitting in her seat. She took it, looking at me confused. “Karmen, donde vas?” (Karmen, where are you going?) I looked back, my hand gripping on the doorframe. I couldn’t even answer my friends as I shook my head with a frustrated sigh, exiting the area and running towards the tunnels. I flashed my badge to the security guards that were standing at the end of the entranceway. My heels clicked on the floor as I ran through the many hallways till I finally reached the doors of the Spanish locker room. I could hear Sergio’s voice as he yelled and slammed, what I was guessing, were his fists into the lockers. I stormed in to catch him still wearing his boots with his shirt off, his hair band wrapped around his wrist, knuckles bleeding, and his back towards me. “¡SERGIO!” He quickly turned his head. He walked towards me, grabbing my face between his hands.

“Lamento mucho Karmen. Comenzó diciendo cosas del comienzo del juego, y yo no podría controlarme ya. Lo siento. Tuve que a.” (I’m so sorry Karmen. He started saying things from the start of the game, and I couldn’t control myself anymore. I’m sorry. I had to.) I placed my hand over one of Sergio’s wrists, easing up on him, knowing that what he said was exactly the way Cristiano would act in a situation like that. Rubbing things in, making things worse to make himself look better, it was in his nature. Being with him I learned that there were other things in his nature…but the bad always overshadowed the good with Cris. I sighed as I started crying thinking about how much trouble my brother was going to go through now because of me. At the sight of my falling tears, Sergio’s face softened as he shushed me and moved his thumbs to wipe away the tears.

“Lo siento Sergio. I didn’t mean for all of this to happen.” He hugged me tightly against himself as I sobbed on his shoulder, my face rubbing into his hair that was sticking to the crook of his neck. I didn’t care that he was sweaty, it didn’t matter. He held me tight before letting go.

“I told you I’d take care of everything, and I will. I promised, and I plan on keeping that promise, like always.” I nodded as he placed his finger under my chin, forcing me to look up from the ground. “Promesa.” I sniffled and took his hands in my smaller ones, looking at his knuckles.

“Let me bandage these, come on.” I led him to the corner of the locker room where all the medical supplies were placed before the start of the match. Now all I had left was to find out what Nando said to Cris on the pitch after Sergio was carded, and I had a feeling that would be a long conversation that would have me getting a phone call from Cristiano as well.