Caught up Between Two Loves

We were finally there, Switzerland. The Euro 2008 kicked off in two days, on Saturday. However, Spain being in the last group would start on Tuesday. The team arrived at the hotel and was getting settled. Sadly, Fernando and I couldn’t share the same room because the coach said I would be a distraction. I ended up sharing a room with Nagore which happened to be right below Spain National Team’s floor.

“Any other teams in this hotel?” I asked after finding out the floor we were on happened to have Greece National Team. It was the only floor that happened to have a free room and we didn’t want to stay in another hotel.

“Hmm…I think there’s Croatia and France. Don’t worry Portugal’s hotel is miles away from here.” Nagore said winking at me before putting away the last piece of clothing in the closet.

I rolled my eyes and plopped down on the bed. “Well, I guess we’re done unpacking…what now?”

“We could go shopping and tour around? I don’t know about you, but I’ve never been in Switzerland so…” She said hopefully.

“Sure why not?”

*A few hours later*

“Well that was fun!” I said as I placed five bags on my bed. “I’m not buying anything as long as we’re here.”

“Suit yourself. I’m going on another round next week with the other girls, care to join us?”

“What? You spent more than money, how could you possibly have any money left? I barely have any!”
Nagore smirked at me as she went through her wallet pulling out a credit card. “Xabi gave it to me yesterday and told me to get anything I want. Wait, Fernando didn’t give you one?”

I shook my head still surprised at what I found out. “Don’t worry; he probably knew you weren’t going to use it. You barely spend your own money, chica. Live a little.”

“And to live I need money, so there.” I said lying on my bed and closed my eyes.

“Alright, I’m just gonna go and get Jon. Alex was taking care of him while we went out. Oh since you’re not going with us next week, mind babysitting Jon for me?” Nagore asked as she stood in front of the door ready to leave.

“Yeah sure, I’ve got nothing better to do anyway.” I smiled and she returned it before leaving.

Just as I was about to relax, there was a knock at the door. I groaned getting up to open it. Planes always made me sleepy and I should have slept instead of going shopping right away. Thanks Nagore! I opened the door to see a smiling Fernando. I couldn’t help but smile back a little.

“Hey, thought I’d come and check on you. How’s everything? You seem tired.” He said concerned walking in the room and closing the door behind him.

I sat back on the bed. “Nagore and I went shopping, but I should have slept instead. You know how planes make me feel.” I let out a yawn which made Fernando chuckle.

“Alright then, I’ll let you sleep.” He pecked my lips and turned around to leave, but I grabbed his arm before he could.

“Stay?” I tried my best to pull those puppy dog eyes with a matching pout. He seemed hesitant so I added “At least till I fall asleep.”

He sighed in defeat and kicked his shoes off and jumped on the bed making me yelp. “Alright, bed time.” He pushed me back on the bed and wrapped his arms around me. “Thank you.” I said pecking his lips a few times before turning my back to him.

“I don’t know how I’m going to sleep with you not in my arms.” Fernando whispered in my ear and I mumbled a ‘me too’ sleepily and said “We’re just gonna have to get used to it.” And with that I fell asleep instantly.

*Kick off day*

“So are you coming or not?” Came Nani’s voice through the phone.

“I am. I just need to do a little convincing that’s all.”

“You can come alone you know or bring one of your friends. Fernando doesn’t have to come.”

“I know, I know. You’re probably right, it’s better if he didn’t. I want him to stay out of trouble.”

“I really miss you and I would really like you to meet some of the guys. They’re cool don’t worry.”

“Alright, I miss you too and the others. I’ll see them in two months probably. Anyway, you better go and I should too. See you.”

“Bye.”

I hung up and threw my phone on the bed. Portugal’s first match against Turkey was in two hours. I really wanted to go and support Nani, but I didn’t want to face Ronaldo yet. I would try my best to avoid him and be out of his sight. Now, I only needed to convince Fernando that I wanted to go to the match, without him. I reached his floor and softly knocked on the door. A few seconds later, the man himself opened it.

“Hey.” I said kissing his cheek. “I have to talk to you.” I glanced around the room and eyed Pepe. He nodded and left saying he would be in Villa’s room.

“I want to go to Portugal’s match.” I said waiting for a reaction. His face was blank for a moment trying to let what I said to sink in. And when it did, his expression turned to annoyance and disappointment.

“Why? No. No no no. You are not going!”

“Nando, please. I’m just going there to support my friend, Nani. You know what? I don’t even know why I’m asking your permission to go.” I said raising my voice slightly. “If I want to go, I’ll go. I don’t want you to come, we don’t need another fight to break down and you’ll get in trouble.”

“Alright, then go. I don’t care.” He said indifferent looking away with his arms crossed. “Say hi to Ronaldo for me.”

“Would you just---“ I took in a deep breath calming down. “Look, I hate him as much as you do. Why are you being so difficult? Don’t you trust me?”

“I do trust you. It’s him that I don’t trust.” Fernando approached me and pulled me into an embrace. “I just don’t want to lose you. He has this charm that women fall for and I don’t want you to fall into the trap.”

I hugged him back breathing in his scent. “Don’t you think I would have fallen for it by now? If he did actually use that charm of his then it didn’t work obviously. I’m still in love with you and don’t plan on falling out of it.”

I pulled away slightly and pulled into a kiss that proved that I still loved him and no one else. He seemed to have caught up on it as he smiled against my lips and pulled away. “I love you. I’m sorry about my outburst…”

“I know, I forgive you. Now…can I go?” I asked biting my bottom lip.

“Yes, you can. Be back as soon as the match is over and come straight to my room. I’ll be watching the game here. Have fun!”

I beamed happily and kissed him again before leaving. Now, I could watch the game in peace.

Nani had managed to book me a seat at the front since it was all sold out. However, I told him I would be better in the back with the rest of the crowd mainly to avoid any eye contact with Cris. So, he just let the security guard know who I was so I could get in the locker rooms before and after the game.

There was still half an hour before the match started. I spotted Nani alone in the hall heading somewhere. I crept up behind him and jumped on his back which made him loose balance and fall. I laughed hard before getting up. Nani turned around with a shocked expression then softened once noticing it was only me.

“You scared. Never. Do. That. Again!” He said putting his hand over his heart.

I rolled my eyes and helped him up. “Sorry, couldn’t help myself. I missed you.” I said giving him a tight hug.

“I missed you too.” He hugged me back then pulled away. “Come with me.” He grabbed my hand to lead the way but I didn’t budge.

He glanced at me and understood why. “He’s not there, now come on.” He said dragging me towards the locker rooms.

I stepped in and looked around to see a few players of the Portugal National Team shirtless and couldn’t help but blush. Nani introduced me to their captain Nuno Gomes and the rest of the players. They were all really nice and funny.

“Here.” Nani tossed me a Portugal jersey, his jersey.

I shook my head handing it back to him. “No, I’m not wearing it!”

He threw it back at me. “Yes, you are.”

We kept throwing the jersey back and forth until I gave up. “Fine. Only because I want to support you.”

He grinned knowing he had won. “Thanks. Now, you have to go. The match will start soon.”

I gave him a final hug and a kiss on the cheek. “Good luck.”

Portugal 2-0 Turkey.

The crowd cheered while the Portugal team clapped and shook hands with the opposite team. I too was standing and applauding for their first win. I put my hat and big sunglasses back before passing the crowd and going back inside to congratulate Nani. It took me forever to get through, but I finally made it. While walking down the hall, I bumped into something hard and nearly fell over.

“Sorry, are you alright?”

I knew that voice. I’ve been trying to avoid it all this time. I quickly nodded with my head down and walked away before he said anything else. However, I couldn’t help but look back and saw him still looking at me. I turned away and brisk walked to find Nani hoping Cristiano wasn’t following me.

I heard footsteps behind me, so I picked up my pace and walked faster. The stranger matched my pace and was right behind my tail. And before I knew I was tackled to the ground. I yelped and turned to see it was only Nani. He rolled with laughter while I glared at him.

“You scared the shit out of me! I thought it was Ronaldo.” I said the last sentence in a low whisper.

“Well, I was just getting you back for earlier. Wait…Cris?” He said getting up and helped me up.

“Yes. I bumped into him and he just kept looking at me as if trying to figure out who I was.” I said feeling paranoid.

“Maybe because you were wearing my jersey and in disguise and didn’t get all fan girl on him. So, he probably thought you were either family or my girlfriend.” Nani explained coolly which made me calm down. “Don’t worry, I’ll cover for you.”

I smiled. “Thanks. Oh, congratulations on your first game.” I gave him a hug and a kiss on the cheek and he thanked me doing the same.

“I have to go before Fernando worries. See you sometime.” And with that I headed to the parking lot and drove off.