He looked over at the sleeping girl in the bed next to him, feeling the guilt wash over him. Her long brown hair was splayed out over the pillow and she had a soft smile of her face, obviously having a pleasant dream. She looked like an angel sleeping, and it made him feel like a complete bastard for what he was doing to her. He knew he would never be able to commit to her fully, not while his wife and child were waiting for him at home. He knew very well what would happen if this ever got out, yet he couldn’t seem to stop himself. Every time she called him up, he’d find the excuses shot out of his head and he was at her front door minutes later. It was only after, when she fell asleep and the guilt eating away at him prevented him from doing the same he realised that this couldn’t go on. Sighing heavily as his phone vibrated, he picked up and held it to his ear.
“Hello?”
“Where are you?”
“I’m on my way home right now, I crashed at Iker’s last night. I’ll be there soon.”
There was a noise in the background, and then another voice was heard down the line.
“Papa!”
He bit his lip hearing his daughter’s excitement, looking over at the sleeping girl next to him again. She rolled over in her sleep, her arm sprawling across his lap and he took a sharp intake of breath.
“I’ll be home soon Zaida. I love you.”
He heard the excited giggle as his wife pulled the phone out of the little girl’s hand, holding back to her own ear.
“Hurry back, ok? We haven’t seen you since yesterday afternoon.”
“I’ll be there as soon as I can. Give Zaida a kiss from me.”
He hung up, slotting his phone back into the pocket of his jeans before standing up and pulling them on. The sleeping girl opened one eye at the movement, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes and looking up at him, her hazel eyes still not focussing properly. He kissed her on the forehead, brushing her hair out of her face.
“I have to go.”
She nodded, a brief flash of disappointment showing on her face before she replaced it with a smile. It wasn’t brief enough though, and he caught it. The guilt was back tenfold, knowing that he was hurting her by doing this. He couldn’t give her what she wanted; yet he was too selfish to let her go. Did he love her? Was it even possible to love two people at the same time?
“I’m sorry, I promised Zaida I’d spend some time with her today.”
“It’s fine, I understand. She’s your daughter, she always comes first. I’d be the same in your position.”
“I hate leaving you like this.”
She nodded again, trying hard to keep the tears at bay. She always picked the wrong guys, always ended up getting hurt. She let him kiss her, not having the energy or the heart to pull back. She looked away as he slid his wedding ring back onto his finger, not wanting to be reminded of what they were doing.
“I’ll call you later.”
And with that, he was walking out of the door, leaving her sat in bed with the sheets wrapped tightly around her and the hot tears already flowing steadily.
He opened the front door to his house and was instantly greeting by his daughter, who ran at him from the living room, grabbing onto his left leg and squeezing tightly. He laughed and picked her up, giving her a kiss on the cheek. She wrapped her arms around his neck, snuggling against his chest as he walked through the house trying to find his wife. Zaida was struggling against him, so he put her back down and she reached for his hand, pulling him towards the kitchen. He followed his daughter, watching as she thrust a piece of paper at him proudly. He looked down at it, smiling as he saw what she had drawn. In the messy scrawl of a three year old was a picture of four stick people, all holding hands and smiling. He recognised three of the people instantly, but the fourth baffled him. Looking down at his daughter, ha asked her who the fourth person was. With a beaming smile, she replied.
“Gina. She’s pretty, I like her.”
Biting his lip as the smile on his face faded, he started panicking. If Zaida had picked up on it, would his wife have done the same? It was too much of a risk, and it wasn’t one he was willing to take. Giving his daughter another kiss and telling her it was a beautiful picture before excusing himself, he left her in the kitchen. Pulling his phone out of his back pocket, he dialled the number he knew off by heart, waiting several seconds before she picked up.
“That was quick! Zaida bored of you already?”
“No. And that’s not why I’m calling. This thing…whatever it is. It has to stop.”
Her face fell and she struggled to hide the sadness in her voice as she replied.
“David, I know your family comes first and I understand that. I would never try to come between you and them.”
“The thing is, you already are. I am missing the best years of my daughter’s life when I’m with you, and I can’t do it anymore. She drew a picture of the family the other day and showed it to me just now. You’re in it!”
Her face paled as he said those words, knowing that this was where it ended. This was his way of saying it’s over between them.
“She’s three years old, I’m not going to break everything she ever knew.”
“I’m not asking you to. I may be a lot of things David, but I’m not a home wrecker. If you’re sure that this is what you want, then it’s fine with me. I knew when we started this that it wasn’t going to be forever and I thought it wasn’t going to be serious. I just didn’t think that somewhere down the line, I’d fall in love with you.”
He hesitated for a second, knowing that once he’d said the words, he couldn’t take them back. It would change everything. Taking a deep breath, he finally spoke.
“I love you too. But I love my daughter more, and I can’t do this anymore. I’m sorry.”
He didn’t wait for a reply, hanging up before he heard the broken sob escape her. She’d known it was coming, but that didn’t make it hurt any less. He tucked the phone back into his pocket, walking back into the house and greeting his wife with a kiss. He’d made his decision, and only the guilt eating away at him inside told him that it had been the wrong one. He’d broken two hearts with those few sentences, and watching his daughter drawing yet another picture, her tongue poking out in concentration, he hoped that it would all be worth it in the long run. He told himself that he was doing this for her. That had to be enough.
_________________________________________________________
It had been six months since he’d last seen her face to face. She’d done her best to avoid him since then, and he’d accepted that she needed to move on with her life. He wanted to focus on his family, wasn’t that the reason he had done all this anyway? The reason he had sacrificed his own happiness. He watched the pair from a distance, a scowl on his face. She had a beaming smile on her face – a smile that had once been reserved for him. Tearing his eyes away, he thought back to that conversation six months ago. The one that had brought all of this to an end. He knew he’d made the right decision and he’d known it back then too, but there were times when he couldn’t help but think he’d gladly sacrifice his daughter’s happiness for his own. It had been an excruciating six months, having had no contact with Gina, but now she was back in his life and the dull ache he’d managed to push to the back of his mind was back with a vengeance. The pair walked past him, almost oblivious to his presence, and he reached out, grabbing her arm. She gasped lightly and met his eyes before turning to the other man and telling him she’d meet him outside. As soon as he was far enough, she turned to face David.
“David, I…how have you been?”
He ignored the question, staring at her intently, trying to memorise every detail. Eventually, he cracked under the silence, scowling once more.
“Oh, I’ve been just fine. Looking after Zaida. You know, the usual.”
“How is she?”
“She misses you. Won’t stop talking about you.”
A soft smile spread across her face as she replied. “I miss her too.”
“Yeah, she’s clearly the only one you miss!” His tone was sharp, and her smile was instantly replaced with a frown.
“What are you talking about?”
“What the hell do you think you’re playing at?! It’s bad enough that I have to see you again, but with him? Did you think I wouldn’t care?”
“No. I just didn’t think you’d care this much. You’re the one that ended it, not me. You cannot do this to me now. I’m trying to move on with my life.”
“Do you love him?”
She ignored the question, sighing heavily as she stalked off, shaking her head. Her heart was beating faster than usual, and her hands were shaking, but then, David had always had that effect on her. She hadn’t meant for any of this to happen. She’d have been quite happy never seeing David again, reminding her of what she’d lost. What she’d been forced to give up. It was hardly her fault Silva had decided to ask her out and that she’d had a good time. She knew it was nothing more than a rebound relationship, it couldn’t be. It was still too soon and her scars were still healing, but being with someone else had taken her mind off it briefly. Sighing again as she turned the corner, she plastered a smile on her face, ignoring the dull ache in the place she thought her heart was meant to be.
If Silva noticed a change in her after talking to David, he didn’t show it. He knew about their past, no matter how hard they’d tried to hide it, but he didn’t care. He was just glad that she was his now. He loved her, and he hoped that she felt the same way, or his plans for that evening weren’t going to go to plan.
It was much later that day when the knock on her door startled her out of her daydream. Silva had left earlier, saying he had something to take care of and that he’d call her later. She opened the door to find David standing there, car keys in one hand and phone in the other. She stepped aside to let him in just as her own phone sounded from somewhere in the living room. She shut the door and rushed in, managing to get to the phone and pick up mere seconds before the line went dead. She motioned to David to sit down as she walked out into the landing to have her conversation in private. Minutes later, she returned with a smile on her face.
“Who was that?”
“Silva.”
“Oh.” Before he’d even had a chance to open his mouth and say something else, she cut him off.
“Look, I don’t mean to be rude but I’m kind of pressed for time. He just called to tell me he wants me to meet him at that cottage not too far from here in two hours and I need to get ready.”
He stood up and cleared his throat, trying to steady his voice before replying.
“Yeah, of course. I’ll talk to you later…unless you want a lift up there?”
“Are you sure? I can drive up myself if it’s going to be a problem.”
“No, it’s fine. You go and get ready, I’ll figure out how to get there. Do you have a map?”
She pointed over at the far corner of the room, flashing him a smile before turning to go upstairs. He walked over, looking through the pile of books before picking up a map and flicking through it, a look of concentration on his face. She stopped at the bottom of the stairs, looking over at him once again.
“David?”
“Hmm?”
“I don’t love him. Not like I loved you.”
He put the map back in its place and looked up at her slowly.
“So why are you with him?”
“He can give me something you couldn’t.”
He took a few steps towards her, keeping his eyes fixed on hers.
“And what’s that?”
“All of his time and love.”
He bit his lip as he took the final few steps, closing the gap between them to mere inches. He wasn’t sure if he was about to cross the line here, but he couldn’t stop now. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her tightly to his body and kissing the top of her head while running his fingers through her hair. She shivered involuntarily at his touch.
“I’m sorry. I loved you, I still do. Don’t doubt that for a second. I just…Zaida’s a little girl, she needs me more than you do. I wish there was another way.”
“There’s no point dwelling on the past, what’s done is done. I need to get ready.”
She’d hoped that by him being here, it was a chance to go back to how things used to be, but now she knew. She was only ever going to be second best in his life and that wasn’t something she was prepared to do, no matter how much the alternative hurt. She pushed him away, ignoring the pain in her heart, the hurt look on his face, but unable to ignore the steady stream of tears already rolling down her own.
___________________________________________________
Although it was a clear night, the temperature outside was below freezing. The stars glittered in the sky, their warmth a million light years away. There was a neat white blanket of snow surrounding the car, covering the ground completely. It was the middle of winter and the weather was unforgiving, the air crisp and the temperatures sharp. The wind whistled through the car window as the pair sat in silence. She had her arms crossed over her chest and she was looking out of the window, completely ignoring her companion. He tried to get her attention, placing a hand softly on her arm but she shrugged him off angrily, shooting him a glare before returning her gaze to the woodland to her right.
“Gina…”
“Don’t you dare start this right now!”
“I’m sorry. I really am. I thought this was the right way, I didn’t realise it was a dead end.”
She spun round to face him, meeting his gaze, sparks of fury emitting from the depths of her hazel eyes. Her eyes were glistening with unshed tears, but she bit them back, determined not to let him see her cry. She was far too angry right now, and she wanted him to know that.
“It’s a bit late for apologies! I’m stuck in the middle of nowhere in a car with a broken window in the middle of winter. It is minus seven degrees outside, I am freezing my backside off and the car has died on us because it’s too cold! As if that wasn’t enough, my boyfriend is sat in a cottage somewhere five miles east of here waiting for me, and I’m stuck in this bloody car with you!! Excuse me if polite conversation is not top on my list of priorities right now.” With that, she turned back to the other side, determined to keep ignoring him.
Only seconds later, and as if to prove her point about how cold it was, she shivered, the evening gown she was wearing not doing much to keep her warm. He sighed and shrugged his jacket off, holding it out to her. The movement caught her eye and she turned around, unfolding her arms and taking it from him silently. She wrapped it around her shoulders, the heat from the garment, which had just been removed from him warming her instantly. He bit his lip as he watched her hair fall into her face, longing to reach out and brush it away, but it wasn’t his place. She wasn’t his anymore. As if she could sense his eyes on her, she looked up, their eyes meeting and they smiled at each other.
“I am sorry, I know that tonight was important to you. Can’t you call him and let him know you’re going to be a bit late?”
“A bit late? I was meant to be there half an hour ago, I’m pretty sure he knows I’m running late. There’s no network coverage anyway.”
“I saw a pay phone a couple of meters back.”
“I’m not going out there! It’s freezing!”
“I’ll call him. I won’t be long.”
Before she had a chance to say anything, he was opening the car door and stepping out into the road. She watched him run across the road towards the pay phone, noting how the t-shirt he was wearing clung to him. She bit her lip, shaking those thoughts out of her head. They’d been there before, it hadn’t worked out. Tearing her eyes away, she turned her attention back to the woodland to her right, barely even noticing the chill anymore. A few minutes later, she heard the car door slam shut again and turned to look at him.
“Well?”
“He’s ok, just worried about you. He thought you’d stood him up at first, but don’t worry, I put him straight.”
“Good. Thank you.”
A silence fell upon them again, and he brought his hands to his face, blowing on them to try and bring some life into the frozen digits. She reached across the handbrake, taking his hands in her own.
“You’re frozen.”
“It’s minus seven out there, of course I’m frozen.”
She frowned at the sharp biting tone, but said nothing, concentrating on warming his hands up before they turned blue and dropped off. He noticed the look on her face and pulled one of his hands out of her grasp, tapping her on the nose lightly.
“Hey.”
She looked up, still struggling to hold back all the emotions that were threatening to break loose. She’d had a nightmare day, a trip to the countryside in the middle of winter had been the last thing she needed, and now she was stuck out here until dawn, if not later. The road the car had broken down on was one of those quiet, winding countryside roads, and few cars passed through.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to snap. I know this isn’t exactly your perfect scenario, and I’m sorry for messing up.”
“It’s fine. The day I was having, I’d be surprised if this had gone to plan.”
“He’ll wait for you, you know that.”
“He shouldn’t have to. I should have been there on time. If I’d looked at the map properly…”
“Don’t blame yourself, ok? This isn’t your fault. Someone will find us tomorrow and it’ll all be over, you can go to the cottage and speak to him.”
“What if it’s too late by then? He said it was important.”
“He will wait for you. Stop stressing, that face is too pretty for a frown.”
She couldn’t help but smile at that. He’d always known how to cheer her up, even through a small, well placed comment. She looked down at their interlinked hands, thinking how right it looked. How well they fit together…like it was meant to be. Shaking her head again, she pulled her hand away from him sharply. He looked over at her, noting how she had suddenly tensed up. He hated seeing her like this, so distraught and emotional. It still tugged on his heartstrings when she was upset.
“Gina…”
“Don’t. Please just don’t.”
He placed a hand on her arm again, but she didn’t shrug him off this time. Instead, she looked up at him, their eyes meeting again. He leaned in, his head screaming at him to stop, but his heart telling him to continue. She flinched back slightly, but it was like there was an invisible force between them, drawing them together. She gasped softly as she felt his lips press against hers, but she didn’t pull away. He reached for her hand, entwining their fingers as the kiss intensified. She knew this was wrong, they both did, but they couldn’t seem to stop. Her heart was screaming at her to stay put, but her head told her to pull away, so she did, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand and shuffling as far away from him as possible. Looking through the glove compartment of the car, she pulled a piece of paper out, scanning over it quickly in the moonlight. Seconds later, she was clambering out of the car, limbs flailing as she slipped on a patch of ice. He was out of the car and by her side in seconds, checking for any damage. She swatted his hands away when he offered to help her up, using the car door as leverage. When she had brushed herself off, she handed him his jacket and started walking across the road to the woodland.
“Where are you going?”
“I’m going to make it to that cottage to see him if it’s the last thing I do.”
“You’re not going on your own. It’s cold and it’s dark, and you don’t know the way. If we get lost, we’re getting lost together.”
She let out a low growl and grit her teeth but nodded. He was by her side before she could blink, and they walked through the trees in complete silence, neither wanting to be the first to bring up their moment in the car. That ship had sailed a long time ago, it was best all round if they didn’t go back there.
It was nearly four hours later when they finally emerged from the woods, frozen and tired, but spurred on by the thought that soon, they’d be in a nice warm cottage, sat by the fire and waiting for the heat to bring their limbs back to life. She let out a shriek of delight as she spotted a small building in the distance and set off running towards it. He followed her, just as happy that they had finally reached civilisation. As they approached the cottage, they slowed their pace to a walk, trying desperately to get their breathing and heart rates back to normal. She could hear the blood rushing around in her ears as her heart worked overtime to pump oxygenated blood around her body.
She was just about to knock on the door when it swung open to reveal David Silva wearing a smart black suit and a worried look on his face. She fell into his open arms, and he ushered the pair in, shutting the door behind them.
“I was so worried about you two out there in this weather, they said there’s a storm building.”
“It’s just as well your girlfriend is so stubborn, she just took off without warning. She was that determined to get here.”
“Thank you for looking out for her David, I don’t know what I would have done if anything had happened to her.”
The taller guy clapped his friend on the back, smiling at him before making his way over to the fireplace. He sat down on the rug, crossing his legs and closing his eyes as he felt the heat wash over him, soothing his aching body. He tried his best to block out the couple behind him, not wanting to intrude on their private conversation. He felt incredibly guilty about the kiss he’d shared with Gina in the car, but he knew now that he was making the right decision in letting her go. He could picture the way her face had lit up when the door opened to reveal Silva standing there. It was a look he’d grown to know and love when they were together, but it was no longer a look that belonged to him. He heard their footsteps retreating to the other room and he lay back, thinking back to a happier time when he’d had it all, only to throw it away. He knew that if there was anyone who deserved to be happy, it was the couple stood in the other room. He couldn’t stand in the way of that, no matter how much his heart broke to see them together.
Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Gina was stood by the door, staring at the scene before her in complete and utter shock. There were a number of candles set out on the table and as she stepped closer, she realised they spelled something out. She brought her hands up to her face as she read the message, a gasp escaping her as her brain processed the words. Turning back to the door, she bit her lip to stop the smile from spreading as she saw her boyfriend down on one knee, holding a box containing a simple diamond ring out to her. He swallowed nervously before speaking, his voice still slightly hoarse.
“Will you marry me?”
She could barely hold back the squeal of excitement as she knelt down on the ground in front of him and pressed her lips against his. She whispered only four words, but they were exactly the words he had been hoping to hear.
“Yes. I love you.”
With a smile on his face as he slid the ring onto her finger, he whispered them back, before pulling her in for another kiss.
Showing posts with label Gina. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gina. Show all posts
Sunday, 27 July 2008
Sunday, 20 July 2008
MG's Scenario game results. Part 8 *Updated 23.7.08*
MG- Iker, candyfloss and a gay bar!
Edit: The description in this story is based on the only gay club I’ve ever been in so I apologise if it offends anyone!
‘Wow you look hot!’ he commented, coming up behind me and nuzzling my neck.
I smiled at him in the mirror and put a hand up to stroke his head.
‘You don’t look too shabby yourself’ I winked, ‘are you ready?’
He nodded and with a final kiss we set off to the engagement party.
‘I’m so excited about this!’ I exclaimed as we queued to get into the town’s hottest new club La pina rosada ‘Have you got the supplies?’
‘Right here’ he nodded holding up a plastic bag, ‘Do you think we’ll have enough?’
‘Oh I’m sure there’ll be someone to buy from inside’ I reassured him, ‘I’ve never been in a gay bar where there wasn’t’
Inside was a paradise of pure decadence: white leather booths lined the silver and diamond encrusted walls, while pink helium balloons hung suspended above the dance floor ready to be released later in the evening.
‘Come on lets dance’ I yelled over the sound of Abba and dragged him onto the floor to shake his fabulous booty to Dancing Queen.
As the night wore on the party got wilder and wilder and soon the dance floor was jammed with over excited couples gyrating suggestively against each other. The heat was stifling and catching his eye I indicated my need to go and get some air.
We made our way out of the club’s back door into the dimly lit alley behind it. Sighing with relief I leant against the nearest wall letting the gentle night breeze calm my feverish skin. Opening my eyes I found he was standing in front of me his face a mere breath away from mine,
‘We’re supposed to be cooling off!’ I laughed lifting my mouth to meet his, ‘not raising the temperature further!’
Suddenly I caught sight of something over his shoulder and screamed loudly.
‘What is it?’ he exclaimed ‘I haven’t touched you yet!’
‘There’ I stammered, ‘In the corner - it’s a body!’
‘Don’t be……’ he began, then following my gaze gasped,
‘Oh my God you’re right!’
Cautiously we walked across to where the person was laid and as we got closer I realised it was a man. Bending down I felt for a pulse.
‘They’re alive’ I sighed with relief ‘but totally out of it’
‘Maybe this explains why!’ he said picking up several empty clear, plastic bags from the floor at the side of the unconscious figure.
‘Oh my God!’ I exclaimed, ‘What’s wrong with these people? Don’t they understand how dangerous this stuff is taken in these kind of quantities??’
And reaching for my mobile I began dialling the emergency services.
*A few days later*
‘Good evening and welcome to Sky Sports news - In an exclusive interview today the Spanish football association announced that, unfortunately, due to his recent admission to the Madrid Priory, where he will receive specialist treatment for his life threatening addiction to candy floss Iker Casillas will not be available for the upcoming World cup.
In a statement from the club the President has maintained they are 100% behind their keeper, who had been floss free for almost ten years before being exposed to its potent charms on a night out with team mates last week, and club captain, Raul, whose own problems with sugar addiction are well documented, has vowed to support him in his fight. to get clean.
‘Oh that’s awful news about Iker’ I sighed walking into the bedroom where my husband was packing his suitcase and running my hand over his bent, shaven head.
‘I know its terrible’ he agreed, ‘Now could you pass me my gloves please - I think im going to be needing them quite a bit over the next few weeks!’
MG's from last week- which was suposed to be about Silva but as I know nothing about him I just wandered down my own path!
The Job Interview
‘Ive got to find a more fulfilling career’ I sighed, wiping tomato ketchup off the kitchen walls for the twentieth time that week ‘Im just not cut out for childminding anymore!’
‘Well why don’t you go for this?’ Emma suggested, picking up a nearby newspaper and pointing to the Situations Vacant column.
‘Body oiler required for Sky’s Gladiators show?’ I read aloud.
‘No the one below it’ she laughed, ‘for the live in cook’
Reading the ad a smile spread across my face, ‘That’s perfect’ I grinned ‘I love cooking and its only for a single bloke so its hardly going to be hard work’
A week later I found myself sitting in the hallway of a beautifully furnished flat in North London.
‘Miss Brookes’ a soft voice said and I glanced up to see a tall, slightly nervous looking man standing in a nearby doorway. ‘Would you like to come in?’
Smoothing down my skirt and tucking a wayward curl behind my ear I followed him into a room painted in the most delicate duck egg blue. The soft furnishings were the colour of clotted cream and right in the centre of the floor was a huge, baby soft, sheepskin rug.
‘Please sit down’ he said indicating a huge sofa, before taking a seat on the chair opposite.
‘Ok!’ he smiled ‘so maybe you could start by telling me what qualities you have that suit this position?’
A rather embarrassing silence fell in the room.
‘Sorry!’ I apologised, quickly pulling myself together ‘I was just……’
And then I stopped realising how stupid I would sound, telling him I’d just been rendered speechless by his gorgeous dimples when he smiled at me!
‘Its ok’ he reassured me ‘There’s plenty of time - would a drink help?’
‘That would be lovely’ I nodded ‘Do you have tea?’
‘I do’ he told me, then blushing added ‘but I’m not completely sure how to make it properly - not being English.’
‘That’s ok’ I smiled, ‘I’ll do it - I’m an expert!’
Following him into the spotlessly clean kitchen I admired the gleaming equipment and felt a jolt of excitement at the thought of all the fantastic dishes I could create in there. He noticed me looking and sheepishly confessed he’d never used any of it himself.
‘Really?’ I asked astounded ‘Can’t you cook anything?’
‘Oh yes!’ he replied proudly ‘I make fantastic fruit kebabs!’
For some reason I found this highly amusing and burst into a fit of giggles.
‘Oh! I’m sorry’ I said stopping abruptly as I saw the look of hurt on his face ‘I didn’t mean to mock you’ and in a unconscious movement I put my hand on his arm to appease him.
As soon as I placed it there everything seemed to change. A strange stillness descended as we both stared at it for several seconds before simultaneously raising our eyes and locking them together. I felt I should say something but was unable to speak as slowly he brought a long finger to my face and ran it sensuously along my jaw.
Feeling my knees buckle slightly I leant back against the kitchen units to steady myself as he moved closer and placed his other hand at the base of my spine.
I wanted him to kiss me, needed him to kiss me but at the same time I was lost in this sublime moment where, standing inches apart, mouths almost touching, we breathed the same air and saw nothing but each other.
I could smell his unique scent, a mix of grass and vanilla and it made me dizzy with desire. Unable to stop myself I reached up and traced the curve of the little scar above his right eyebrow.
Removing his finger from my chin he carefully cupped it in his hands and never breaking eye contact gently brushed my lips with his, before increasing the pressure until they parted far enough to allow his tongue to pass.
He kissed me with a mixture of intensity and an undisguised naivety which both thrilled and soothed me at the same time.
Finally he broke away and taking my hand led me back to the lounge.
‘I’m not very good at this’ he whispered shyly.
‘Shhh!’ I put a finger to his lips, ‘ just relax and enjoy it’ and kneeling on the sheepskin rug I pulled him down beside me.
‘Kiss me again’ I murmured into his chest ‘Please just kiss me again’
He needed no further invitation and pushing me back onto the soft floor he resumed the pressure on my mouth with his own. I moaned softly as he moved his lips to my neck, sucking softly on the hollow of my throat before leaving tiny butterfly kisses along my collarbone.
Wriggling slightly I adjusted my position so that despite the height difference our bodies touched in as many places as was possible. I could feel the heat he was generating seep through my clothes and inflame my soul until unable to wait any longer I tugged his shirt open with feverish hands. Feeling him shiver beneath my fingers only served to increase my desire and replacing my hands on his chest with my tongue, I moved them to his belt.
In what seemed like seconds our clothes had vanished and I found myself arching my body towards him desperate for any contact, however small.
‘I want you so much,’ he sighed twisting one of my curls around his beautiful long fingers.
‘I want you too’ I breathed, then let out a whimper as his mouth began a spine tingling journey down my body.
‘Please Philippe!’ I begged burying my nails deep into the pile of the rug, ‘I can’t stand it any longer’
Slowly, teasingly he travelled back over my burning skin until we were once more facing each other, before gently parting my thighs.
Afterwards as I lay in his arms I was conscious of a change within me. Id always felt I was missing something, a small part of me that I could never quite locate but now I knew Id found it - the thing Id spent my whole life searching for was sleeping peacefully by my side.
‘I love you’ he murmured rousing slightly.
‘I love you too’ I replied stroking his wrinkled brow ‘and I think I always have’
Blue- Pepe, park, superglue
Sorry if I missed some SBAers - a bit hard to squeeze everyone + their ballers in
On one sunny morning in Madrid, I was rushing to go to El Parque del Retiro (Retiro Park) to help out in a charity football workshop organised by Iker. In a hurry, I shoved all the decoration supplies – pen, scissors, superglue, ribbons, balloon, etc - into a big bag.
“You’re going already? It’s a bit early, isn’t it?” Metze asked with a sleepy voice.
I leaned and kissed him – “Morning to you too… yeah, I want to finish the decorating the stage before the crowd gathers. How are you feeling today?”
“Hmph… not worse but not better either,” he sulked – and was looking very moody - he had grown his beard back since he got injured in the last international game.
I sat on the bed and stroked his thick beard, “Hey – you’ll get better soon, OK? The doctor said that your rehabilitation is going very well. And we could always go to Australia next year.”
He held my hand tightly and pulled me in for a passionate kiss.
“Can’t you stay home today?” he whispered while giving butterfly kisses on my neck.
“Mmmhhhh… no... I’ve promised to help out and the girls will be there. Chris… please stop …
Why don’t you come with me? It’s a really nice day outside, and you usually love charity events.”
He looked at me and said, “And get reminded by the Spanish Team that I can’t play soccer for the next weeks?”
“Ayyy… enough with the sulking! And they won’t do that to you.” I got a bit annoyed – he’d been acting like this for the last weeks.
“You’re coming with me - maybe some fresh air will do you good. Come on!” I pulled his arm to get him to stand up.
“You’ll be late waiting for me to get ready. Weren’t you in a hurry?” he jeered.
I pushed him to the bathroom and said, “No excuse. I’ll help you in the shower if I need to.”
Then he smiled and I saw a glint of cheekiness in his eyes - I’d better call Iker to let him know that we’ll be late.
*
By the time we got to the park, the SBA girls were already buzzing to get the workshop underway.
Ali , Sergio, Steph, Bojan, Malin and Nando were helping Callie and Iker setting up the goal posts.
Minty, MG, Cesc and Lucy were dragging bags of soccer balls to the different sections of the park while telling Cesc that waxing his arms was not a good idea at all.
I could see Laura, Venice, MXA and Xabi inspecting Raul’s bag to check if he smuggled some cookies / yoghurt – good on them!
Raul was talking to Victor Valdez about getting called up by the Spanish team – it seemed that Vicente was impressed with their performance in the last season.
Gina , VB and Villa ran towards us.
VB said, “There you are!!! Quick give us the balloon… David – could you start with the red one, please?”
Gina looked at Metze – “And Metze – could you help Pavi, Lynx, Pau and Silva hanging the banner over there? And, here. You might get a bit thirsty.” She handed him a bottle of water.
“Ginnnaaaaaa…!” David Villa gave her a stern look then pointed one finger to his hip dips.
*
I was about to finish decorating the table on the stage when Pepe approached me.
“Hey – are you almost finished with that superglue?” he asked.
“Yeah – give me one second,” as I glued the last red and yellow ribbon on to the sides of the table.
“Aha – great! Thanks heaps!” he grinned and disappeared before I could ask him anything.
The workshop went really well, and we raised a huge sum for the local children’s hospital.
Metze also enjoyed himself until some little kids cried upon the sight of him with that thick beard.
Then he just walked backstage to sulk, and sat near the water cooler – this prompted Pavi, Lynx and Gina to offer him a glass of water.
*
The players were getting ready to walk onto the stage to sign autographs for the fans, when I heard a loud scream.
“AAAAARRGHHHH!!!! WHO DID THISSS?????” I was shocked to see Iker looking so flustered and frustrated.
I ran over to see what had happened, and Callie was trying to help Iker getting his gloves off.
“Ouch, ouch!!!! Callie that hurts! Who put glue in my gloves????”
Unconsciously, I looked at Victor, who couldn’t contain his glee.
But then I saw Pepe’s face looking a bit purple – he was trying hard to hold his laugh, he couldn’t and bursted out laughing.
At that stage, almost everyone was laughing out loud – except poor Iker.
“PEPE!!! Did you do this??? Wait until I get you, you hear me????”
Callie tried to console Iker and she remembered that she got a nail polish remover in her handbag.
She dragged Iker backstage and started working on removing the superglue with high precision, thanks to her lab-trained hands.
*
The event continued on by Pepe taking over the mic, introducing the whole Spanish team. Before it could drag on for too long, Raul grabbed the mic from Pepe.
Then he realised that the mic felt a bit sticky. And his hand was stuck. “What the???”
Pepe was surprised as well – he tried to remove the mic from his hand, but it wouldn’t budge.
The crowd was not aware of what was actually happening, all that they could see was Pepe and Raul fighting for the mic.
The crowd laughed and started heckling.
Pepe laughed and said, “Oh well – it seems that you’re stuck with me, Raul… how about a little kiss, huh??”
Raul’s face went pale as he tried to run away from Pepe’s embrace.
I glanced at Metze and he seemed unusually pleased.
“Chris – did you put glue on that mic?”
“Well – I was feeling a bit bored,” he grinned mischievously.
Beth- Cesc, a Zebra and a Masked ball.
Having agreed to keep Cesc company for the day, I was stuck with ideas for what to do with him. He had been stuck inside due to the rain for the last week and that had made him like a very grumpy child. With the weather finally clearing up I decided to take him down to the beach for some fresh air and so that he could get rid of some energy by riding the donkeys, which he had be badgering me to take him to do since we moved to the seaside 6 months ago.
On arrival at the beach I realised there was something wrong. Cesc however seemed very excited. There were no longer donkeys taking people for rides on the beach…they were now using zebras. How odd, I know I hadn’t been to the beach in a long time, but I didn’t think this much would have changed!! Giving Cesc all of the change in my purse I stood on the promenade and watched him run down and join the queue for the zebra’s, I couldn’t help but smile at the excitement written all over his face.
When his turn came he very carefully rode up and then back down the stretch of sand laid out for the zebra, and looked very pleased with himself as he was turning the zebra back round at the end of his ride. I was standing cheering from the side especially pleased that he hadn’t embarrassed himself. Oops maybe I had thought too soon! A small child had dropped their ice cream and started screaming just behind the zebra, which had spooked it. Cesc was in the process of dismounting when the zebra had charged off down the beach, in the opposite direction to any help. I thought he had managed to get his feet to the floor, but as I watched on in horror I realised that Cesc was clinging on for dear life because his arm hair had got caught in the saddle (note: really sorry about this I couldn’t resist!) therefore meaning he couldn’t separate himself from the zebra. I was powerless to help as the zebra took off down the beach, however, he was being chased down by a very concerned paramedic called Lucy who apparently had a very special talent for taking care of forearms especially hairy ones!
Lucy made good ground on the zebra and was able to guide it too a walk and then halt as she carefully untangled Cesc’s hair from the reins and front of the saddle. As I and the owner of the zebra joined Lucy, Cesc and the zebra (Sophie I think it was called), Lucy and Cesc were sitting on the beach with Lucy massaging Savlon into his sore arms.
After Cesc had been assessed for other injuries and was ready to go home he informed me that Lucy had invited him to a masked ball being held at her uncles house that evening. Not being allowed out past 10pm without a chaperone (he’s delicate that Cesc!) he said he had asked Lucy if I could accompany him and she had agreed. Great I thought, no evening in with the TV and internet for company. Now I would have to make an effort, find a dress and keep myself company all evening as Cesc would disappear off with Lucy no doubt.
Cesc, in his elated state, persuaded me to buy him an ice cream. As I was going to pay I realised with dismay that I was out of change. Whilst fumbling in my hand bag to find a note of some sort and praying that there was one in there, a smooth voice interrupted with an “allow me”. Bright red in the face I turned and start refusing his kind offer. The tall, dark and very handsome stranger insists and secretly feeling very relieved I accepted. Once outside the ice cream parlour I re-state my thanks and try to remove my self from the situation before it got even more excruciating.
On arrival at the country hall later that evening mask and purse in one hand, and Cesc’s tie and mask in the other one I couldn’t help but think how well Cesc scrubbed up when he wanted to make an effort. His arms were still a bit sore from earlier but on the whole he had recovered quite well from the ordeal. As he skipped up the path I had to remind him to put on his mask and almost tie him down to make him stand still long enough for me to tie his tie. Lucy was waiting for him as we arrived leaving me to head to the bar. Collapsing on a chair and ordering a large drink I noticed another figure a few stools down. Noticing the goalie gloves poking out of his suit jacket, and the fine hands that accompanied them which looked strangely familiar, my curiosity deepened. On hearing his drinks order I was left in no doubt that he was the gentleman from earlier. Deciding not to follow the protocol put in place for the evening I removed my mask and with a blushing face reminded the gentleman of his kind act earlier. With recognition dawning on his face, he removed his mask, grabbed my hand and dragged me out in to the garden. This evening was looking up already!
Gina- desert island, a map and Nando
Looking down at the map in my hands once again, I shook my head. This had to be wrong, it said that I should be coming up to a waterfall right about now, and there was no sign of water anywhere! Sighing as I sat down under the shade of a palm tree, I folded the map up and tucked it into the pocket of my shorts. The heat was sweltering already and it wasn’t even noon yet. I could feel the drops of sweat running down my back, cooling my burning skin for mere seconds before the hot air took over again. Lying back, I closed my eyes, dreaming of a place with cool water and an ice cold drink waiting for me at a makeshift bar.
I was woken up from my slumber later that day by a bucket of ice-cold water getting tipped over me. I shot up instantly, ready to shout at whoever had dared wake me up so cruelly, when I realised that the water was actually having the desired effect and cooling me down. I promptly closed my mouth again, looking up at the person who had woken me up. He was quite tall, blonde and had the most amazing smile in the world. All in all, he was quite a good-looking guy. He looked at me almost shyly; his face going bright red as he noticed my drenched shirt was now going see-through. I self-consciously crossed my arms over my chest and smiled back at him.
“Sorry about that.” He said, nodding at my shirt. I shrugged and told him it didn’t matter.
“So, what exactly are you doing here?”
“I’m on my honeymoon. My wife Malin is around here somewhere, I got bored of sitting on the beach so I decided to take a walk.”
“You’re on your honeymoon? On a desert island in the middle of summer?”
“Yes, she wanted to come here, and who was I to refuse? I wish I’d thought to bring some stronger lotion though, this sunburn is not a good look for me.”
I looked him over, only now noticing that his skin was a rather unflattering shade of pink. I held back a laugh and he raised an eyebrow at me.
“You think you’re in a better state? Clearly, lobster is in this summer.”
I looked down at my own legs, which were the same shade of pink as him. Unfortunately, the back of my legs hadn’t seen the sun and were currently whiter than white. I groaned as I desperately tried to find a way to cover the odd sunburn, and he waved a hand at me dismissively.
“Don’t worry about it, my sunburn is probably worse. At least you’ll be able to sleep on your back. Anyway, I’d better be getting back now, I've been gone for ages and Malin will be getting worried.”
I nodded, and he’d only got a couple of steps away before I remembered the waterfall I was looking for and asked him about it. He walked back over as I pulled the map out and unfolded it, holding it out in front of me.
“So you see, it says here that the waterfall is just over a hill about 20 yards from here, but there isn’t a hill. I’m really confused. Do you think I should write to the people that made this map and tell them they have it wrong?”
He looked at the map for several seconds, a smirk on his face before he prised it out of my hands, turned it around and gave it back.
“It’s upside down. You were looking at it all wrong, no wonder you couldn’t find the waterfall!” I went bright red and smacked my open palm against my forehead, momentarily forgetting about my sunburn. He pointed at a spot on the map.
“We’re here, the waterfall you want to get to is all the way on the other side of the island. Good luck getting there.”
I thanked him, cursing my inability to read a map and thinking about how I was going to get the message to the other girls that I was going to be a little late for our girly holiday.
MXA- Egypt, an umbrella and Villa.
I can feel a trickle of sweat sliding down the back of my neck, I’m struggling to breath, my heart is racing and hang on, was that my lung giving up and bursting? When Xabi surprised me with a trip to Egypt I was over the moon, I imagined all the romantic things we could do together, this was not meant to happen. I was just going for a stroll and to look at the amazing scenery while Xabi went to the gym, OK, OK, I was looking for a shoe shop, but I never expected to end up in the middle of no where completely lost without my mobile phone or anything to drink. (Note to self: If you want a hip flask in your handbag don’t let anyone talk you out of it through risk of becoming an ‘alchi’). Oh god, I really am hot, I don’t know how I’m ever going to find my way out of this seemingly deserted place. I stop walking and take a second to catch my breath, I roll my shorts up a few more times to get some air on my legs and tie a knot in the back of my t-shirt to get it off my sweating body. I am soaked through with sweat, I must look a mess, all that time straightening my hair just for it to curl back up in the heat. My feet ache too, I remove my flip flops as they’ve started to blister my feet, I put them into my handbag and look around trying to work out which direction I should be heading. Wait! What’s that? I swear I can see something in the distance, and is that music I hear?
Finding a last bit of energy I start to run in the direction of the glimmer of colour and noise. As I’m running I’m convinced I can see something there, yes, finally, someone to help me!! I call out ‘Hello, is someone there?’. No reply, but I’m almost there now and I think I can make out a man under a giant pink and blue striped umbrella. Yes, there definitely is someone there, and he seems surrounded by stuff, there’s a cooler box and a stereo, I had heard music, I’m not going insane, hooray!!
I reach the man, he’s lying back in a deck chair wearing a pair of dark green shorts rolled up to reveal tanned thighs. He looks up at me, taking his sunglasses off and placing them on top of his head. I wait for him to say something, but he doesn’t he just takes a long swig of his bottled beer and points to the deck chair next to him. I don’t remember seeing two chairs before. My mouth is watering looking at the liquid in the glass bottle, I can see droplets of water running down the side and landing onto his lower tummy.
I can’t take the silence anymore, I need help and to get home. ‘Hi, is there anyway you can help me? I’m lost and I need to get home, I’ve been walking around for hours. Please, how can I get back into town?’ I’m speaking too fast and from the look on his face I start to wonder if he understands English. I’m infuriated when he just shrugs his shoulders at me, but then reaches into the cooler next to his chair and pulls out a bottle. He leans forward and offers the bottle to me “aqui”. It’s the first time I’ve heard his voice and I feel relaxed just by hearing his tone. I take the bottle and decide to sit next to him. Tasting the beer on my tongue is like heaven, I close my eyes and with the sound of Christina Agularia coming from the stereo I almost forget about the drama I have just been through. I’m brought back to reality when the man nudges my arm, I look over at him and see he is offering me something. Oh my god, is that a joint? As if I’m going to get stoned right now, I have issues to deal with you know!! Then again, it doesn’t look like this man knows how to get back to town and he seems pretty happy here. OK, maybe I’ll just have a few pulls I think as I take it out of his hand. Lighting it up I take a long drag and start to cough furiously, hm, think I’m remembering why I don’t smoke. I have a few more pulls and pass it back to him.
*Two hours later*
I don’t think I have ever laughed this much. I look up at the man and fall about laughing once more when I see the pink icing on his chin. He throws yet another empty bottle away from him into the pile a few yards away, I don’t remember drinking that much. I’m so thankful that the man had food stored away, I hadn’t even realised I was hungry. Oh wow, is that a bag of onion rings I spy. Seems we both have the same idea, as I launch forward to grab them he does the same, we both fall off our deck chairs and crash into one another. Laying side by side on the floor we once again fall into a fit of giggles. I roll onto my side and look into his big brown eyes, they seem from another world, there’s something in them that isn’t quite right, but could never be classed as wrong. He raises a hand and runs his fingers over my eyelids closing them, I keep them closed and feel his hand trace my face and end with him tucking stray hair behind my ear, I feel peaceful, like I’m floating or something…..
“Maxine!! Come on, baby, wake up!!” I can hear a voice from somewhere, where’s that coming from? I feel the faintest of kiss touch down on my lips. I know those lips, I must wake up, come on, open your eyes, you can do it. With what feels like a huge effort I slowly open my eyes, I can see a face looking down on me, it’s so full of concern. That face is Xabi’s. Where am I? What’s going on?
He grins down at me and helps me sit up. I look around, I’m in a dry land area, there’s no one around, but I can see a car parked a few feet away, it’s dark outside.
“What happened?” I ask. He looks at me and I can see the worry in his eyes, he takes hold of my hand before replying “You never came back, I was getting so worried, I’ve been driving around for hours looking for you. No one in town had seen you walk by and then I spotted you lying here in this empty field, I rushed over and you wouldn’t wake up, but you had a smile on your face, I’ve never seen you look so beautiful”. I look down at my dirty clothing and scratched up legs, I run a hand through my ragged hair and I realise I am never going to love someone as much as I love this man right now. I give him a long tender kiss and hug him tightly to my body breathing words into his ear. He helps me up and as I start to walk something falls to the ground. I stop to pick it up and run it over my fingers. In the palm of my hand is a little cocktail umbrella with pink and blue strips. Written in tiny letters are the words ‘I knew he’d find you’.
Edit: The description in this story is based on the only gay club I’ve ever been in so I apologise if it offends anyone!
‘Wow you look hot!’ he commented, coming up behind me and nuzzling my neck.
I smiled at him in the mirror and put a hand up to stroke his head.
‘You don’t look too shabby yourself’ I winked, ‘are you ready?’
He nodded and with a final kiss we set off to the engagement party.
‘I’m so excited about this!’ I exclaimed as we queued to get into the town’s hottest new club La pina rosada ‘Have you got the supplies?’
‘Right here’ he nodded holding up a plastic bag, ‘Do you think we’ll have enough?’
‘Oh I’m sure there’ll be someone to buy from inside’ I reassured him, ‘I’ve never been in a gay bar where there wasn’t’
Inside was a paradise of pure decadence: white leather booths lined the silver and diamond encrusted walls, while pink helium balloons hung suspended above the dance floor ready to be released later in the evening.
‘Come on lets dance’ I yelled over the sound of Abba and dragged him onto the floor to shake his fabulous booty to Dancing Queen.
As the night wore on the party got wilder and wilder and soon the dance floor was jammed with over excited couples gyrating suggestively against each other. The heat was stifling and catching his eye I indicated my need to go and get some air.
We made our way out of the club’s back door into the dimly lit alley behind it. Sighing with relief I leant against the nearest wall letting the gentle night breeze calm my feverish skin. Opening my eyes I found he was standing in front of me his face a mere breath away from mine,
‘We’re supposed to be cooling off!’ I laughed lifting my mouth to meet his, ‘not raising the temperature further!’
Suddenly I caught sight of something over his shoulder and screamed loudly.
‘What is it?’ he exclaimed ‘I haven’t touched you yet!’
‘There’ I stammered, ‘In the corner - it’s a body!’
‘Don’t be……’ he began, then following my gaze gasped,
‘Oh my God you’re right!’
Cautiously we walked across to where the person was laid and as we got closer I realised it was a man. Bending down I felt for a pulse.
‘They’re alive’ I sighed with relief ‘but totally out of it’
‘Maybe this explains why!’ he said picking up several empty clear, plastic bags from the floor at the side of the unconscious figure.
‘Oh my God!’ I exclaimed, ‘What’s wrong with these people? Don’t they understand how dangerous this stuff is taken in these kind of quantities??’
And reaching for my mobile I began dialling the emergency services.
*A few days later*
‘Good evening and welcome to Sky Sports news - In an exclusive interview today the Spanish football association announced that, unfortunately, due to his recent admission to the Madrid Priory, where he will receive specialist treatment for his life threatening addiction to candy floss Iker Casillas will not be available for the upcoming World cup.
In a statement from the club the President has maintained they are 100% behind their keeper, who had been floss free for almost ten years before being exposed to its potent charms on a night out with team mates last week, and club captain, Raul, whose own problems with sugar addiction are well documented, has vowed to support him in his fight. to get clean.
‘Oh that’s awful news about Iker’ I sighed walking into the bedroom where my husband was packing his suitcase and running my hand over his bent, shaven head.
‘I know its terrible’ he agreed, ‘Now could you pass me my gloves please - I think im going to be needing them quite a bit over the next few weeks!’
MG's from last week- which was suposed to be about Silva but as I know nothing about him I just wandered down my own path!
The Job Interview
‘Ive got to find a more fulfilling career’ I sighed, wiping tomato ketchup off the kitchen walls for the twentieth time that week ‘Im just not cut out for childminding anymore!’
‘Well why don’t you go for this?’ Emma suggested, picking up a nearby newspaper and pointing to the Situations Vacant column.
‘Body oiler required for Sky’s Gladiators show?’ I read aloud.
‘No the one below it’ she laughed, ‘for the live in cook’
Reading the ad a smile spread across my face, ‘That’s perfect’ I grinned ‘I love cooking and its only for a single bloke so its hardly going to be hard work’
A week later I found myself sitting in the hallway of a beautifully furnished flat in North London.
‘Miss Brookes’ a soft voice said and I glanced up to see a tall, slightly nervous looking man standing in a nearby doorway. ‘Would you like to come in?’
Smoothing down my skirt and tucking a wayward curl behind my ear I followed him into a room painted in the most delicate duck egg blue. The soft furnishings were the colour of clotted cream and right in the centre of the floor was a huge, baby soft, sheepskin rug.
‘Please sit down’ he said indicating a huge sofa, before taking a seat on the chair opposite.
‘Ok!’ he smiled ‘so maybe you could start by telling me what qualities you have that suit this position?’
A rather embarrassing silence fell in the room.
‘Sorry!’ I apologised, quickly pulling myself together ‘I was just……’
And then I stopped realising how stupid I would sound, telling him I’d just been rendered speechless by his gorgeous dimples when he smiled at me!
‘Its ok’ he reassured me ‘There’s plenty of time - would a drink help?’
‘That would be lovely’ I nodded ‘Do you have tea?’
‘I do’ he told me, then blushing added ‘but I’m not completely sure how to make it properly - not being English.’
‘That’s ok’ I smiled, ‘I’ll do it - I’m an expert!’
Following him into the spotlessly clean kitchen I admired the gleaming equipment and felt a jolt of excitement at the thought of all the fantastic dishes I could create in there. He noticed me looking and sheepishly confessed he’d never used any of it himself.
‘Really?’ I asked astounded ‘Can’t you cook anything?’
‘Oh yes!’ he replied proudly ‘I make fantastic fruit kebabs!’
For some reason I found this highly amusing and burst into a fit of giggles.
‘Oh! I’m sorry’ I said stopping abruptly as I saw the look of hurt on his face ‘I didn’t mean to mock you’ and in a unconscious movement I put my hand on his arm to appease him.
As soon as I placed it there everything seemed to change. A strange stillness descended as we both stared at it for several seconds before simultaneously raising our eyes and locking them together. I felt I should say something but was unable to speak as slowly he brought a long finger to my face and ran it sensuously along my jaw.
Feeling my knees buckle slightly I leant back against the kitchen units to steady myself as he moved closer and placed his other hand at the base of my spine.
I wanted him to kiss me, needed him to kiss me but at the same time I was lost in this sublime moment where, standing inches apart, mouths almost touching, we breathed the same air and saw nothing but each other.
I could smell his unique scent, a mix of grass and vanilla and it made me dizzy with desire. Unable to stop myself I reached up and traced the curve of the little scar above his right eyebrow.
Removing his finger from my chin he carefully cupped it in his hands and never breaking eye contact gently brushed my lips with his, before increasing the pressure until they parted far enough to allow his tongue to pass.
He kissed me with a mixture of intensity and an undisguised naivety which both thrilled and soothed me at the same time.
Finally he broke away and taking my hand led me back to the lounge.
‘I’m not very good at this’ he whispered shyly.
‘Shhh!’ I put a finger to his lips, ‘ just relax and enjoy it’ and kneeling on the sheepskin rug I pulled him down beside me.
‘Kiss me again’ I murmured into his chest ‘Please just kiss me again’
He needed no further invitation and pushing me back onto the soft floor he resumed the pressure on my mouth with his own. I moaned softly as he moved his lips to my neck, sucking softly on the hollow of my throat before leaving tiny butterfly kisses along my collarbone.
Wriggling slightly I adjusted my position so that despite the height difference our bodies touched in as many places as was possible. I could feel the heat he was generating seep through my clothes and inflame my soul until unable to wait any longer I tugged his shirt open with feverish hands. Feeling him shiver beneath my fingers only served to increase my desire and replacing my hands on his chest with my tongue, I moved them to his belt.
In what seemed like seconds our clothes had vanished and I found myself arching my body towards him desperate for any contact, however small.
‘I want you so much,’ he sighed twisting one of my curls around his beautiful long fingers.
‘I want you too’ I breathed, then let out a whimper as his mouth began a spine tingling journey down my body.
‘Please Philippe!’ I begged burying my nails deep into the pile of the rug, ‘I can’t stand it any longer’
Slowly, teasingly he travelled back over my burning skin until we were once more facing each other, before gently parting my thighs.
Afterwards as I lay in his arms I was conscious of a change within me. Id always felt I was missing something, a small part of me that I could never quite locate but now I knew Id found it - the thing Id spent my whole life searching for was sleeping peacefully by my side.
‘I love you’ he murmured rousing slightly.
‘I love you too’ I replied stroking his wrinkled brow ‘and I think I always have’
Blue- Pepe, park, superglue
Sorry if I missed some SBAers - a bit hard to squeeze everyone + their ballers in
On one sunny morning in Madrid, I was rushing to go to El Parque del Retiro (Retiro Park) to help out in a charity football workshop organised by Iker. In a hurry, I shoved all the decoration supplies – pen, scissors, superglue, ribbons, balloon, etc - into a big bag.
“You’re going already? It’s a bit early, isn’t it?” Metze asked with a sleepy voice.
I leaned and kissed him – “Morning to you too… yeah, I want to finish the decorating the stage before the crowd gathers. How are you feeling today?”
“Hmph… not worse but not better either,” he sulked – and was looking very moody - he had grown his beard back since he got injured in the last international game.
I sat on the bed and stroked his thick beard, “Hey – you’ll get better soon, OK? The doctor said that your rehabilitation is going very well. And we could always go to Australia next year.”
He held my hand tightly and pulled me in for a passionate kiss.
“Can’t you stay home today?” he whispered while giving butterfly kisses on my neck.
“Mmmhhhh… no... I’ve promised to help out and the girls will be there. Chris… please stop …
Why don’t you come with me? It’s a really nice day outside, and you usually love charity events.”
He looked at me and said, “And get reminded by the Spanish Team that I can’t play soccer for the next weeks?”
“Ayyy… enough with the sulking! And they won’t do that to you.” I got a bit annoyed – he’d been acting like this for the last weeks.
“You’re coming with me - maybe some fresh air will do you good. Come on!” I pulled his arm to get him to stand up.
“You’ll be late waiting for me to get ready. Weren’t you in a hurry?” he jeered.
I pushed him to the bathroom and said, “No excuse. I’ll help you in the shower if I need to.”
Then he smiled and I saw a glint of cheekiness in his eyes - I’d better call Iker to let him know that we’ll be late.
*
By the time we got to the park, the SBA girls were already buzzing to get the workshop underway.
Ali , Sergio, Steph, Bojan, Malin and Nando were helping Callie and Iker setting up the goal posts.
Minty, MG, Cesc and Lucy were dragging bags of soccer balls to the different sections of the park while telling Cesc that waxing his arms was not a good idea at all.
I could see Laura, Venice, MXA and Xabi inspecting Raul’s bag to check if he smuggled some cookies / yoghurt – good on them!
Raul was talking to Victor Valdez about getting called up by the Spanish team – it seemed that Vicente was impressed with their performance in the last season.
Gina , VB and Villa ran towards us.
VB said, “There you are!!! Quick give us the balloon… David – could you start with the red one, please?”
Gina looked at Metze – “And Metze – could you help Pavi, Lynx, Pau and Silva hanging the banner over there? And, here. You might get a bit thirsty.” She handed him a bottle of water.
“Ginnnaaaaaa…!” David Villa gave her a stern look then pointed one finger to his hip dips.
*
I was about to finish decorating the table on the stage when Pepe approached me.
“Hey – are you almost finished with that superglue?” he asked.
“Yeah – give me one second,” as I glued the last red and yellow ribbon on to the sides of the table.
“Aha – great! Thanks heaps!” he grinned and disappeared before I could ask him anything.
The workshop went really well, and we raised a huge sum for the local children’s hospital.
Metze also enjoyed himself until some little kids cried upon the sight of him with that thick beard.
Then he just walked backstage to sulk, and sat near the water cooler – this prompted Pavi, Lynx and Gina to offer him a glass of water.
*
The players were getting ready to walk onto the stage to sign autographs for the fans, when I heard a loud scream.
“AAAAARRGHHHH!!!! WHO DID THISSS?????” I was shocked to see Iker looking so flustered and frustrated.
I ran over to see what had happened, and Callie was trying to help Iker getting his gloves off.
“Ouch, ouch!!!! Callie that hurts! Who put glue in my gloves????”
Unconsciously, I looked at Victor, who couldn’t contain his glee.
But then I saw Pepe’s face looking a bit purple – he was trying hard to hold his laugh, he couldn’t and bursted out laughing.
At that stage, almost everyone was laughing out loud – except poor Iker.
“PEPE!!! Did you do this??? Wait until I get you, you hear me????”
Callie tried to console Iker and she remembered that she got a nail polish remover in her handbag.
She dragged Iker backstage and started working on removing the superglue with high precision, thanks to her lab-trained hands.
*
The event continued on by Pepe taking over the mic, introducing the whole Spanish team. Before it could drag on for too long, Raul grabbed the mic from Pepe.
Then he realised that the mic felt a bit sticky. And his hand was stuck. “What the???”
Pepe was surprised as well – he tried to remove the mic from his hand, but it wouldn’t budge.
The crowd was not aware of what was actually happening, all that they could see was Pepe and Raul fighting for the mic.
The crowd laughed and started heckling.
Pepe laughed and said, “Oh well – it seems that you’re stuck with me, Raul… how about a little kiss, huh??”
Raul’s face went pale as he tried to run away from Pepe’s embrace.
I glanced at Metze and he seemed unusually pleased.
“Chris – did you put glue on that mic?”
“Well – I was feeling a bit bored,” he grinned mischievously.
Beth- Cesc, a Zebra and a Masked ball.
Having agreed to keep Cesc company for the day, I was stuck with ideas for what to do with him. He had been stuck inside due to the rain for the last week and that had made him like a very grumpy child. With the weather finally clearing up I decided to take him down to the beach for some fresh air and so that he could get rid of some energy by riding the donkeys, which he had be badgering me to take him to do since we moved to the seaside 6 months ago.
On arrival at the beach I realised there was something wrong. Cesc however seemed very excited. There were no longer donkeys taking people for rides on the beach…they were now using zebras. How odd, I know I hadn’t been to the beach in a long time, but I didn’t think this much would have changed!! Giving Cesc all of the change in my purse I stood on the promenade and watched him run down and join the queue for the zebra’s, I couldn’t help but smile at the excitement written all over his face.
When his turn came he very carefully rode up and then back down the stretch of sand laid out for the zebra, and looked very pleased with himself as he was turning the zebra back round at the end of his ride. I was standing cheering from the side especially pleased that he hadn’t embarrassed himself. Oops maybe I had thought too soon! A small child had dropped their ice cream and started screaming just behind the zebra, which had spooked it. Cesc was in the process of dismounting when the zebra had charged off down the beach, in the opposite direction to any help. I thought he had managed to get his feet to the floor, but as I watched on in horror I realised that Cesc was clinging on for dear life because his arm hair had got caught in the saddle (note: really sorry about this I couldn’t resist!) therefore meaning he couldn’t separate himself from the zebra. I was powerless to help as the zebra took off down the beach, however, he was being chased down by a very concerned paramedic called Lucy who apparently had a very special talent for taking care of forearms especially hairy ones!
Lucy made good ground on the zebra and was able to guide it too a walk and then halt as she carefully untangled Cesc’s hair from the reins and front of the saddle. As I and the owner of the zebra joined Lucy, Cesc and the zebra (Sophie I think it was called), Lucy and Cesc were sitting on the beach with Lucy massaging Savlon into his sore arms.
After Cesc had been assessed for other injuries and was ready to go home he informed me that Lucy had invited him to a masked ball being held at her uncles house that evening. Not being allowed out past 10pm without a chaperone (he’s delicate that Cesc!) he said he had asked Lucy if I could accompany him and she had agreed. Great I thought, no evening in with the TV and internet for company. Now I would have to make an effort, find a dress and keep myself company all evening as Cesc would disappear off with Lucy no doubt.
Cesc, in his elated state, persuaded me to buy him an ice cream. As I was going to pay I realised with dismay that I was out of change. Whilst fumbling in my hand bag to find a note of some sort and praying that there was one in there, a smooth voice interrupted with an “allow me”. Bright red in the face I turned and start refusing his kind offer. The tall, dark and very handsome stranger insists and secretly feeling very relieved I accepted. Once outside the ice cream parlour I re-state my thanks and try to remove my self from the situation before it got even more excruciating.
On arrival at the country hall later that evening mask and purse in one hand, and Cesc’s tie and mask in the other one I couldn’t help but think how well Cesc scrubbed up when he wanted to make an effort. His arms were still a bit sore from earlier but on the whole he had recovered quite well from the ordeal. As he skipped up the path I had to remind him to put on his mask and almost tie him down to make him stand still long enough for me to tie his tie. Lucy was waiting for him as we arrived leaving me to head to the bar. Collapsing on a chair and ordering a large drink I noticed another figure a few stools down. Noticing the goalie gloves poking out of his suit jacket, and the fine hands that accompanied them which looked strangely familiar, my curiosity deepened. On hearing his drinks order I was left in no doubt that he was the gentleman from earlier. Deciding not to follow the protocol put in place for the evening I removed my mask and with a blushing face reminded the gentleman of his kind act earlier. With recognition dawning on his face, he removed his mask, grabbed my hand and dragged me out in to the garden. This evening was looking up already!
Gina- desert island, a map and Nando
Looking down at the map in my hands once again, I shook my head. This had to be wrong, it said that I should be coming up to a waterfall right about now, and there was no sign of water anywhere! Sighing as I sat down under the shade of a palm tree, I folded the map up and tucked it into the pocket of my shorts. The heat was sweltering already and it wasn’t even noon yet. I could feel the drops of sweat running down my back, cooling my burning skin for mere seconds before the hot air took over again. Lying back, I closed my eyes, dreaming of a place with cool water and an ice cold drink waiting for me at a makeshift bar.
I was woken up from my slumber later that day by a bucket of ice-cold water getting tipped over me. I shot up instantly, ready to shout at whoever had dared wake me up so cruelly, when I realised that the water was actually having the desired effect and cooling me down. I promptly closed my mouth again, looking up at the person who had woken me up. He was quite tall, blonde and had the most amazing smile in the world. All in all, he was quite a good-looking guy. He looked at me almost shyly; his face going bright red as he noticed my drenched shirt was now going see-through. I self-consciously crossed my arms over my chest and smiled back at him.
“Sorry about that.” He said, nodding at my shirt. I shrugged and told him it didn’t matter.
“So, what exactly are you doing here?”
“I’m on my honeymoon. My wife Malin is around here somewhere, I got bored of sitting on the beach so I decided to take a walk.”
“You’re on your honeymoon? On a desert island in the middle of summer?”
“Yes, she wanted to come here, and who was I to refuse? I wish I’d thought to bring some stronger lotion though, this sunburn is not a good look for me.”
I looked him over, only now noticing that his skin was a rather unflattering shade of pink. I held back a laugh and he raised an eyebrow at me.
“You think you’re in a better state? Clearly, lobster is in this summer.”
I looked down at my own legs, which were the same shade of pink as him. Unfortunately, the back of my legs hadn’t seen the sun and were currently whiter than white. I groaned as I desperately tried to find a way to cover the odd sunburn, and he waved a hand at me dismissively.
“Don’t worry about it, my sunburn is probably worse. At least you’ll be able to sleep on your back. Anyway, I’d better be getting back now, I've been gone for ages and Malin will be getting worried.”
I nodded, and he’d only got a couple of steps away before I remembered the waterfall I was looking for and asked him about it. He walked back over as I pulled the map out and unfolded it, holding it out in front of me.
“So you see, it says here that the waterfall is just over a hill about 20 yards from here, but there isn’t a hill. I’m really confused. Do you think I should write to the people that made this map and tell them they have it wrong?”
He looked at the map for several seconds, a smirk on his face before he prised it out of my hands, turned it around and gave it back.
“It’s upside down. You were looking at it all wrong, no wonder you couldn’t find the waterfall!” I went bright red and smacked my open palm against my forehead, momentarily forgetting about my sunburn. He pointed at a spot on the map.
“We’re here, the waterfall you want to get to is all the way on the other side of the island. Good luck getting there.”
I thanked him, cursing my inability to read a map and thinking about how I was going to get the message to the other girls that I was going to be a little late for our girly holiday.
MXA- Egypt, an umbrella and Villa.
I can feel a trickle of sweat sliding down the back of my neck, I’m struggling to breath, my heart is racing and hang on, was that my lung giving up and bursting? When Xabi surprised me with a trip to Egypt I was over the moon, I imagined all the romantic things we could do together, this was not meant to happen. I was just going for a stroll and to look at the amazing scenery while Xabi went to the gym, OK, OK, I was looking for a shoe shop, but I never expected to end up in the middle of no where completely lost without my mobile phone or anything to drink. (Note to self: If you want a hip flask in your handbag don’t let anyone talk you out of it through risk of becoming an ‘alchi’). Oh god, I really am hot, I don’t know how I’m ever going to find my way out of this seemingly deserted place. I stop walking and take a second to catch my breath, I roll my shorts up a few more times to get some air on my legs and tie a knot in the back of my t-shirt to get it off my sweating body. I am soaked through with sweat, I must look a mess, all that time straightening my hair just for it to curl back up in the heat. My feet ache too, I remove my flip flops as they’ve started to blister my feet, I put them into my handbag and look around trying to work out which direction I should be heading. Wait! What’s that? I swear I can see something in the distance, and is that music I hear?
Finding a last bit of energy I start to run in the direction of the glimmer of colour and noise. As I’m running I’m convinced I can see something there, yes, finally, someone to help me!! I call out ‘Hello, is someone there?’. No reply, but I’m almost there now and I think I can make out a man under a giant pink and blue striped umbrella. Yes, there definitely is someone there, and he seems surrounded by stuff, there’s a cooler box and a stereo, I had heard music, I’m not going insane, hooray!!
I reach the man, he’s lying back in a deck chair wearing a pair of dark green shorts rolled up to reveal tanned thighs. He looks up at me, taking his sunglasses off and placing them on top of his head. I wait for him to say something, but he doesn’t he just takes a long swig of his bottled beer and points to the deck chair next to him. I don’t remember seeing two chairs before. My mouth is watering looking at the liquid in the glass bottle, I can see droplets of water running down the side and landing onto his lower tummy.
I can’t take the silence anymore, I need help and to get home. ‘Hi, is there anyway you can help me? I’m lost and I need to get home, I’ve been walking around for hours. Please, how can I get back into town?’ I’m speaking too fast and from the look on his face I start to wonder if he understands English. I’m infuriated when he just shrugs his shoulders at me, but then reaches into the cooler next to his chair and pulls out a bottle. He leans forward and offers the bottle to me “aqui”. It’s the first time I’ve heard his voice and I feel relaxed just by hearing his tone. I take the bottle and decide to sit next to him. Tasting the beer on my tongue is like heaven, I close my eyes and with the sound of Christina Agularia coming from the stereo I almost forget about the drama I have just been through. I’m brought back to reality when the man nudges my arm, I look over at him and see he is offering me something. Oh my god, is that a joint? As if I’m going to get stoned right now, I have issues to deal with you know!! Then again, it doesn’t look like this man knows how to get back to town and he seems pretty happy here. OK, maybe I’ll just have a few pulls I think as I take it out of his hand. Lighting it up I take a long drag and start to cough furiously, hm, think I’m remembering why I don’t smoke. I have a few more pulls and pass it back to him.
*Two hours later*
I don’t think I have ever laughed this much. I look up at the man and fall about laughing once more when I see the pink icing on his chin. He throws yet another empty bottle away from him into the pile a few yards away, I don’t remember drinking that much. I’m so thankful that the man had food stored away, I hadn’t even realised I was hungry. Oh wow, is that a bag of onion rings I spy. Seems we both have the same idea, as I launch forward to grab them he does the same, we both fall off our deck chairs and crash into one another. Laying side by side on the floor we once again fall into a fit of giggles. I roll onto my side and look into his big brown eyes, they seem from another world, there’s something in them that isn’t quite right, but could never be classed as wrong. He raises a hand and runs his fingers over my eyelids closing them, I keep them closed and feel his hand trace my face and end with him tucking stray hair behind my ear, I feel peaceful, like I’m floating or something…..
“Maxine!! Come on, baby, wake up!!” I can hear a voice from somewhere, where’s that coming from? I feel the faintest of kiss touch down on my lips. I know those lips, I must wake up, come on, open your eyes, you can do it. With what feels like a huge effort I slowly open my eyes, I can see a face looking down on me, it’s so full of concern. That face is Xabi’s. Where am I? What’s going on?
He grins down at me and helps me sit up. I look around, I’m in a dry land area, there’s no one around, but I can see a car parked a few feet away, it’s dark outside.
“What happened?” I ask. He looks at me and I can see the worry in his eyes, he takes hold of my hand before replying “You never came back, I was getting so worried, I’ve been driving around for hours looking for you. No one in town had seen you walk by and then I spotted you lying here in this empty field, I rushed over and you wouldn’t wake up, but you had a smile on your face, I’ve never seen you look so beautiful”. I look down at my dirty clothing and scratched up legs, I run a hand through my ragged hair and I realise I am never going to love someone as much as I love this man right now. I give him a long tender kiss and hug him tightly to my body breathing words into his ear. He helps me up and as I start to walk something falls to the ground. I stop to pick it up and run it over my fingers. In the palm of my hand is a little cocktail umbrella with pink and blue strips. Written in tiny letters are the words ‘I knew he’d find you’.
Stories for Malin
By Venice
His body is the colour of moonlight, spread out next to you. He breathes like a metronome, reliable and reassuring, while a faint smile still lingers on his face.
Sometimes you stay up a little longer just to watch him sleep. He lets go of everything, face covered in a gossamer veil of peaceful sleep. He's his own now, and you know that when he is his own, he's yours completely.
You want to use your fingers to investigate his textured body, thrilled as if it were the first time, as if you didn't know every line by heart. But you stop short of breaking through the filmsy glow of his skin, deciding it was best to leave him to be his own now.
Instead of tracing his skin, your mind traces back to that first time, that first meeting. And you wondered, of all the women there who fought for his attention, cluttering his vision, numbing his senses, why did he look for you? It was nothing more than a fleeting glance, a gentle brush of arm to arm, a split second.
"I saw something in your eyes." he whispered. "I wanted it for myself."
Seven years later you can still feel that look in his eyes like he had that first time, the one he enfolds you in when he thinks you're not watching. That's the look of being in another world, with you.
Your eyes are fixed on his mellow face, but your eyelids are heavy. You want to stay like this forever, but you're not fighting it. Because you know that by the time it dawns and his skin shimmers in a different light, turning his hair from silver to gold - you will be the one sleeping peacefully, and he will be awake, his fingers slowly drawing the line of your hair and neck with the lightest of touches.
Sometimes he wakes up a little earlier just to watch you sleep. He moves so close that his lips almost touch your ear, mouthing the gentlest of words. You don't need to be awake to hear them. They came to you in your sleep many times before. And they told you he wanted you to have him. Breath after breath, heartbeat after heartbeat he belonged more and more to you.
By Gina
Ok, just a quick note…Nando isn’t a baller in this story, just so you don’t get confused :D
Sighing heavily as she looked out of her bedroom window again, the blonde turned her attention back to the guy stood in her room, talking about something or other he’d done with his friends earlier that day. She’d given up trying to get back into the conversation a long time ago, mumbling the occasional ‘mm-hmm’ as he spoke to keep up the illusion that she was listening. He didn’t seem to notice though, carrying on with his explanation, complete with enthusiastic waving of the hands. She ducked her head as his arm swung millimetres away, nearly giving her a black eye. He stopped talking momentarily to check why she’d moved, nodding quickly as she told him to calm down before launching back into his story. She rolled her eyes and looked back out of her bedroom window. She could see the stable hand hard at work, his shirt cast to one side as the sun outside beat down on his pale skin. He looked up briefly, their eyes meeting, before his face flushed red and he looked away. She rested her forehead against the window, breathing out slowly as she felt her heart rate quicken. He disappeared back inside the building at the end of the courtyard and she sighed again, moving away from the window.
“Malin, are you ok?”
She looked up sharply, having almost forgotten her boyfriend was in the room and nodded.
“I’m fine, just a little tired. I might go back to bed for a few hours.”
“Oh ok. Do you want me to leave?”
She flashed him a quick smile before nodding, softly placing a kiss on his cheek.
“Sorry, I know you really wanted to tell me about your trip, but I haven’t been sleeping well recently and I could really do with a few hours. I’ll call you later.”
The guy nodded, heading for the door. He stopped just before leaving, turning to face her once more and checking if this was really what she wanted. With one final assurance that she’d call him later, he left and she was instantly back at her window, hoping to catch another glimpse of the stable hand.
It had been her mother’s idea to hire someone to help out with the horses while she was at school. She had a number of very important exams coming up and she needed to get good grades if she had any hope of achieving her dream of becoming a lawyer. She’d been reluctant to let someone else take care of her horses at first; they were her babies, her pride and joy. As soon as she’d set eyes on Fernando, she’d know she could trust him with them. He was tall, blonde and had a smile to die for. When she’d first met him, looking into his chocolate brown eyes, he’d smiled shyly, introduced himself and asked where the horses were. She’d taken him over to the stables and within minutes, he was inside, gentle hands running over the animals while he whispered soothing words. She’d fallen in love with him on the spot.
*Flashback*
“So, how long have you been working with horses?”
“Not that long if I’m honest. I just need some money right now, and I love horses, so when I saw the advert, I had to apply.”
Her jaw dropped open in shock, watching as her favourite horse stretched its neck in his direction, and he stroked its nose softly, not meeting her eyes. She found it hard to believe that this boy hadn’t been working with horses for that long. He seemed to have them under some kind of spell, even the most temperamental one was like putty in his hands.
“You’re a natural.”
He blushed and smiled at her again.
“I don’t know about that, I just feel comfortable around them.”
She placed a hand on his arm, instantly feeling the spark between them and she pulled away almost too quickly as he jumped in shock. Clearly he’d felt it too.
“I meant it Fernando. I’ve never seen them react to a complete stranger like this. The job’s yours if you want it.”
*End of flashback*
That had been six months ago, and since then, she’d watched him every day out of the comfort of her bedroom. They’d caught each other’s eye a number of times, but she’d tried to stop anything from happening. She was in a relationship already and it would get too complicated if she got involved with Fernando. He wasn’t going to be there forever, and she didn’t want to get hurt, but at the same time, breaking hearts wasn’t her style. It was clear that he liked her, he went red every time she attempted to speak to him. Once she was sure her boyfriend was long gone, she slipped on a pair of boots and headed down to the stables.
“Hey, still hard at work I see.”
The blond jumped at the sound of her voice, but composed himself fairly quickly, turning to meet her gaze.
“Yes, I’m nearly done here. I’m leaving early today, I have to meet some friends later. I can’t remember if I told you…”
He trailed off, uncertain if this was the right way to go about speaking to someone who was essentially his boss. She smiled and made her way over to the far end of the stable, picking up a spare pitchfork.
“I remembered, that’s why I came down to help out. Two pairs of hands are quicker than one, right?” She winked, laughing lightly as he blushed again. “Relax, would you? I don’t bite…unless you want me to?”
She bit her lip, a playful smile on her face. He looked down at his feet, then back up at her, an unreadable expression on his face as she leaned towards him, all thoughts of her boyfriend tucked away in a distant part of her brain. Their lips were just about to meet when a snort interrupted them, making them jump apart. One of the horses was stood just meters away from them, nodding its head and she walked over to stoke it. Fernando joined her seconds later, and as they stood on either side of the horses body, stroking its nose, their fingers brushed against each other. She took a deep breath, entwining their fingers as she stepped away from the horse, Fernando following her almost hesitantly.
“Malin…”
She pressed a finger to his lips to silence him before replacing it with her lips. Kissing him was nothing like she’d imagined it would be. His lips were soft, and his actions hesitant at first, until she placed his arms firmly around her waist and deepened the kiss.
An hour later, they were lying on the straw in one of the mucked out stalls, her head resting on his chest as she listened to the steady beat of his heart. His fingers were tangled up in her long blonde hair, a lazy and sated smile on his face. A noise outside the front of the building made them both sit up, shooting panicked looks at each other as they scrambled to get their clothes back on before they were caught. Picking up the pitchforks again, the continued working on the other stalls, just in time for her mother to walk in.
“Malin, there you are dear. I’ve been looking all over for you, I should have guessed you’d be down here with the horses. Are you done with your work?”
“Yes mum.”
“Right, in that case, when you’re done in here, dinner’s ready. Perhaps Fernando would like to join us too?”
She looked over at the boy stood next to her, squeezing his hand gently behind his back.
“If it’s not too much trouble ma’am, that would be lovely.”
“Oh no, its no trouble at all. You’re doing a wonderful job with the horses.”
He smiled softly, blushing again.
“Thank you ma’am.”
Her mother nodded, satisfied that the pair weren’t up to any mischief and headed back towards the house. As soon as she was gone, they both breathed a sigh of relief.
“That was too close.”
“Tell me about it. I thought she’d catch on for sure.”
They worked in silence for the next 15 minutes, all the while, a huge grin plastered on his face. Eventually, they dusted themselves off and looked around, proud of their work. She poked his side as he continued smiling.
“What’s so funny?”
“I didn’t know that there were perks to this job.” He replied, as he pulled her in for another kiss before they headed back towards the house, occasionally shooting shy glances at each other on the way.
His body is the colour of moonlight, spread out next to you. He breathes like a metronome, reliable and reassuring, while a faint smile still lingers on his face.
Sometimes you stay up a little longer just to watch him sleep. He lets go of everything, face covered in a gossamer veil of peaceful sleep. He's his own now, and you know that when he is his own, he's yours completely.
You want to use your fingers to investigate his textured body, thrilled as if it were the first time, as if you didn't know every line by heart. But you stop short of breaking through the filmsy glow of his skin, deciding it was best to leave him to be his own now.
Instead of tracing his skin, your mind traces back to that first time, that first meeting. And you wondered, of all the women there who fought for his attention, cluttering his vision, numbing his senses, why did he look for you? It was nothing more than a fleeting glance, a gentle brush of arm to arm, a split second.
"I saw something in your eyes." he whispered. "I wanted it for myself."
Seven years later you can still feel that look in his eyes like he had that first time, the one he enfolds you in when he thinks you're not watching. That's the look of being in another world, with you.
Your eyes are fixed on his mellow face, but your eyelids are heavy. You want to stay like this forever, but you're not fighting it. Because you know that by the time it dawns and his skin shimmers in a different light, turning his hair from silver to gold - you will be the one sleeping peacefully, and he will be awake, his fingers slowly drawing the line of your hair and neck with the lightest of touches.
Sometimes he wakes up a little earlier just to watch you sleep. He moves so close that his lips almost touch your ear, mouthing the gentlest of words. You don't need to be awake to hear them. They came to you in your sleep many times before. And they told you he wanted you to have him. Breath after breath, heartbeat after heartbeat he belonged more and more to you.
By Gina
Ok, just a quick note…Nando isn’t a baller in this story, just so you don’t get confused :D
Sighing heavily as she looked out of her bedroom window again, the blonde turned her attention back to the guy stood in her room, talking about something or other he’d done with his friends earlier that day. She’d given up trying to get back into the conversation a long time ago, mumbling the occasional ‘mm-hmm’ as he spoke to keep up the illusion that she was listening. He didn’t seem to notice though, carrying on with his explanation, complete with enthusiastic waving of the hands. She ducked her head as his arm swung millimetres away, nearly giving her a black eye. He stopped talking momentarily to check why she’d moved, nodding quickly as she told him to calm down before launching back into his story. She rolled her eyes and looked back out of her bedroom window. She could see the stable hand hard at work, his shirt cast to one side as the sun outside beat down on his pale skin. He looked up briefly, their eyes meeting, before his face flushed red and he looked away. She rested her forehead against the window, breathing out slowly as she felt her heart rate quicken. He disappeared back inside the building at the end of the courtyard and she sighed again, moving away from the window.
“Malin, are you ok?”
She looked up sharply, having almost forgotten her boyfriend was in the room and nodded.
“I’m fine, just a little tired. I might go back to bed for a few hours.”
“Oh ok. Do you want me to leave?”
She flashed him a quick smile before nodding, softly placing a kiss on his cheek.
“Sorry, I know you really wanted to tell me about your trip, but I haven’t been sleeping well recently and I could really do with a few hours. I’ll call you later.”
The guy nodded, heading for the door. He stopped just before leaving, turning to face her once more and checking if this was really what she wanted. With one final assurance that she’d call him later, he left and she was instantly back at her window, hoping to catch another glimpse of the stable hand.
It had been her mother’s idea to hire someone to help out with the horses while she was at school. She had a number of very important exams coming up and she needed to get good grades if she had any hope of achieving her dream of becoming a lawyer. She’d been reluctant to let someone else take care of her horses at first; they were her babies, her pride and joy. As soon as she’d set eyes on Fernando, she’d know she could trust him with them. He was tall, blonde and had a smile to die for. When she’d first met him, looking into his chocolate brown eyes, he’d smiled shyly, introduced himself and asked where the horses were. She’d taken him over to the stables and within minutes, he was inside, gentle hands running over the animals while he whispered soothing words. She’d fallen in love with him on the spot.
*Flashback*
“So, how long have you been working with horses?”
“Not that long if I’m honest. I just need some money right now, and I love horses, so when I saw the advert, I had to apply.”
Her jaw dropped open in shock, watching as her favourite horse stretched its neck in his direction, and he stroked its nose softly, not meeting her eyes. She found it hard to believe that this boy hadn’t been working with horses for that long. He seemed to have them under some kind of spell, even the most temperamental one was like putty in his hands.
“You’re a natural.”
He blushed and smiled at her again.
“I don’t know about that, I just feel comfortable around them.”
She placed a hand on his arm, instantly feeling the spark between them and she pulled away almost too quickly as he jumped in shock. Clearly he’d felt it too.
“I meant it Fernando. I’ve never seen them react to a complete stranger like this. The job’s yours if you want it.”
*End of flashback*
That had been six months ago, and since then, she’d watched him every day out of the comfort of her bedroom. They’d caught each other’s eye a number of times, but she’d tried to stop anything from happening. She was in a relationship already and it would get too complicated if she got involved with Fernando. He wasn’t going to be there forever, and she didn’t want to get hurt, but at the same time, breaking hearts wasn’t her style. It was clear that he liked her, he went red every time she attempted to speak to him. Once she was sure her boyfriend was long gone, she slipped on a pair of boots and headed down to the stables.
“Hey, still hard at work I see.”
The blond jumped at the sound of her voice, but composed himself fairly quickly, turning to meet her gaze.
“Yes, I’m nearly done here. I’m leaving early today, I have to meet some friends later. I can’t remember if I told you…”
He trailed off, uncertain if this was the right way to go about speaking to someone who was essentially his boss. She smiled and made her way over to the far end of the stable, picking up a spare pitchfork.
“I remembered, that’s why I came down to help out. Two pairs of hands are quicker than one, right?” She winked, laughing lightly as he blushed again. “Relax, would you? I don’t bite…unless you want me to?”
She bit her lip, a playful smile on her face. He looked down at his feet, then back up at her, an unreadable expression on his face as she leaned towards him, all thoughts of her boyfriend tucked away in a distant part of her brain. Their lips were just about to meet when a snort interrupted them, making them jump apart. One of the horses was stood just meters away from them, nodding its head and she walked over to stoke it. Fernando joined her seconds later, and as they stood on either side of the horses body, stroking its nose, their fingers brushed against each other. She took a deep breath, entwining their fingers as she stepped away from the horse, Fernando following her almost hesitantly.
“Malin…”
She pressed a finger to his lips to silence him before replacing it with her lips. Kissing him was nothing like she’d imagined it would be. His lips were soft, and his actions hesitant at first, until she placed his arms firmly around her waist and deepened the kiss.
An hour later, they were lying on the straw in one of the mucked out stalls, her head resting on his chest as she listened to the steady beat of his heart. His fingers were tangled up in her long blonde hair, a lazy and sated smile on his face. A noise outside the front of the building made them both sit up, shooting panicked looks at each other as they scrambled to get their clothes back on before they were caught. Picking up the pitchforks again, the continued working on the other stalls, just in time for her mother to walk in.
“Malin, there you are dear. I’ve been looking all over for you, I should have guessed you’d be down here with the horses. Are you done with your work?”
“Yes mum.”
“Right, in that case, when you’re done in here, dinner’s ready. Perhaps Fernando would like to join us too?”
She looked over at the boy stood next to her, squeezing his hand gently behind his back.
“If it’s not too much trouble ma’am, that would be lovely.”
“Oh no, its no trouble at all. You’re doing a wonderful job with the horses.”
He smiled softly, blushing again.
“Thank you ma’am.”
Her mother nodded, satisfied that the pair weren’t up to any mischief and headed back towards the house. As soon as she was gone, they both breathed a sigh of relief.
“That was too close.”
“Tell me about it. I thought she’d catch on for sure.”
They worked in silence for the next 15 minutes, all the while, a huge grin plastered on his face. Eventually, they dusted themselves off and looked around, proud of their work. She poked his side as he continued smiling.
“What’s so funny?”
“I didn’t know that there were perks to this job.” He replied, as he pulled her in for another kiss before they headed back towards the house, occasionally shooting shy glances at each other on the way.
Monday, 14 July 2008
Mg's Scenario game Results. Part 7
Gina- Masked ball, a passport, Iker
Fumbling around in my handbag as the queue behind me got bigger and bigger, I almost felt like bursting into tears. I was sure I’d packed the damn thing, I’d even checked about fifty times before I’d left my house that morning to make sure I didn’t forget it. I wasn’t going to get far without a passport now, was I? Screaming in frustration as I tipped the entire contents of my bag onto the counter, I looked through the contents only to find that it wasn’t there. I went bright red and shoved the lot back into my bag carelessly, already feeling like I was going to cry and that was before I turned around to apologise to the people behind me for the hold up. An angry looking man dressed in a smart black suit pushed his way past me, muttering something under his breath and suddenly, I felt the hot tears running down my cheeks. I didn’t stop even when someone called out to me and tried to get my attention. I just wanted to curl up in a ball and die of embarrassment.
I was meant to be flying out to Madrid to help my boss organise a masked ball for the Real Madrid squad to celebrate their title win, and now I had a cat’s chance in hell of getting there on time. Making my way back out where it was less crowded, I tried to remember where I could have put that pesky passport. I knew I’d taken it with me, I remembered clutching it in my hand during the drive down to the airport before putting it in my back pocket. My back pocket! I reached into it, pulling out the passport and waving it around like a madwoman. I must have looked insane to anyone passing by at that precise moment, but I didn’t care. I was so happy to have found it; I was beyond caring what I looked like dancing around in the almost deserted terminal. Making my way back to the check in, I groaned as I realised I’d have to queue up all over again. At least I was still going to have a job at the end of this.
The flight was a relatively pleasant one, which was surprising considering the nightmare start I’d had to the day. By that evening, I really didn’t care what the consequences would be, I wanted to get drunk and have a good time. After all the hard work I’d put into organising this ball, I thought it was the least I deserved! Sitting down at the bar, I ordered a drink, looking around the crowded room. It seemed to be a hit with the players, and everyone had stuck to the dress code. I held back a laugh as I spotted Sergio Ramos in the corner wearing a mask that made him look remarkably like Zorro. He was talking to Pavi, so I thought I might as well go over and see what they were up to. Just as I’d got to my feet, I felt a little light headed and swayed to the right, barely managing to hold myself up. I cursed as I looked down at my heels. I hated wearing them because they made my usual clumsiness ten times worse. I looked even less graceful if that was possible. I felt two strong arms wrap around my waist, holding me up, and I tried to turn around to see who had saved me from yet another embarrassment. When they were sure I could balance by myself, they loosened their grip on me, allowing me to turn around. I found myself looking into a pair of twinkling brown eyes, the slight cheeky glint telling me that this person wasn’t as innocent as they looked. Brilliant, neither was I. He leaned in towards me, and for a second, I thought he was going to kiss me. Not that I’d have minded, even with the mask, he looked hot. As my luck would have it, the kiss that I was bracing myself for never came. Instead, he whispered ‘Safest hands in Spain. If you ever need someone to catch you again…’ Well, that was it for me. I wriggled out of his grasp completely, taking his hand in mine and leading him out to the cloakroom, all thoughts of going over to talk to Pavi and Sergio forgotten.
Steph- VV, a police station and a deck of cards.
After admiring Gianina Maradona’s hair, I decided that I would stop by the hair salon and get a new do. I was excited not only for my new hair cut, but also because I would get to sit down and chat with my friend Venice again and she always has interesting tales of watermelon and waterfalls. I walked there in anticipation of what exciting new story I would hear and when I got there I was greeted with a big smile.
Venice had opened the door and I walked in. We exchanged pleasantries and then I sat down in her salon chair. She asked what she could do for me and I explained what I wanted. She started cutting it when out of the corner of my eye I spotted a curious looking man sitting in a sleeping bag playing with a deck of cards. He looked like he had just escaped from the police station and I couldn’t help but wonder what he was doing at Venice’s salon.
He looked up at me through those beautiful browns and I couldn’t help but admire how hot he was, especially for an escaped convict. I started to wonder what sort of crime he had committed that would get him locked up, other than for stealing my heart! I was totally smitten with this man.
I whispered to Venice, asking who this mystery man was and she told me that it was none other than Victor Valdes. I gasped in disbelief, surely Venice must have been mistaken, I mean, Victor was the Barca goalie, with a full head of hair, and I never remembered him wearing orange? That was Ikers’ thing.
Right then Cesc Fabregas walked in to get his arms and legs waxed. He spotted Victor immediately and gave him the evil eye like I have never seen before. Victor glanced back at him, they’re eyes locked on each other as if they were trying to stare each other to the death. It was strangely silent, Venice had even stopped cutting my hair and we all sat in the deafening silence until Victor spat two words in Cesc’s direction, “You Traitor!” he said with a harsh growl. Cesc then started slightly crying in that way that only he can. I had no idea what was going on, but I could only assume that VV was talking about Cesc deciding to leave Barca and heading for England. Apparently I was right because Cesc then muttered something about how he wanted to come back to Spain, but he had met a beautiful English woman who he loved very much. I thought that was very sweet and couldn’t help but break up the moody atmosphere and blurted out how cute that was. He looked at me, and finally stopped crying. He said that it was, but that he loved Spain as well and he wanted to come back, but he couldn’t stand the thought of hurting his beloved Lucy, and that was why he was getting himself waxed, because he thought if he did that, she wouldn’t love him anymore, and she would break up with him and leave him and then, he would be free to return home.
Out of nowhere VV pushed Cesc and told him how dim he is and then posed a rather appropriate question, “Why don’t you just bring her here to Spain with you, instead of waxing yourself like a pansy?”
Cesc was fed up with being pushed around and being called names just because he loved Lucy and cried in a slightly girlish way. He shot back at Victor, “at least I got called to the SNT and am actually a good baller!”
Victor had had enough with the Iker comparisons and all the comments that he was not a good goalie. Cesc had pushed him over the edge and Victor attacked Cesc. Venice and I sat in disbelief while Victor was pounding on him for a few seconds when Lucy, Cesc’s beloved gal walked in and said, in a voice that could only come from a teacher, “Get off My darling Little Tapir, You monster!” VV shot up shocked. Lucy bent over and helped pick Cesc up off of the ground. She shot him a glare and said “You see what is going to happen if you’re gonna go around and get yourself waxed!”
Lucy- Raul, funfair, raspberry yoghurt
'What is it Mamen? You sound so worried!' I rolled my eyes at Cesc. He knew I'd be a while so got out of bed and started to get dressed. I was a little annoyed, we liked to lie in on Sunday mornings.
'He's hiding something from me.. I just know it. He keeps going to the fridge secretively, but when I check, there's no cookies, no baked goods, no nothing, just our usual healthy foods.'
'Do you want me to speak to him?' I asked, half sighing. Cesc kissed my forehead before leaving and I longingly watched him go. That was it, he had training to get to now, I wouldn't see him until the evening. Far too long. Damn you Mamen!
'Well actually, are you free today Luce? I could really do with calling in that favour you owe me.'
I did in fact owe Mamen big time. She managed to get rid of Cesc's previous girlfriend Carla by spreading rumours around the WAG circuit. She was too embarrassed to show her face again, mwahaha, well it's not my fault people actually believed she used to be a man.
'I'm always free for you Mamen,' I replied. 'What is it?'
'Raul is taking Jorge and Hugo to a funfair, the kids have been going on and on all week about it. Would you go with them? I have to stay here and look after the twins.'
I was going to ask why Raul couldn't take them by himself, but I actually love funfairs and Raul and Mamen's kids are such cuties, that I thought it sounded like a great day out!
'Of course!' I exclaimed.
***
It was a good thing I did go. Raul was rubbish at controlling 6 year old Hugo, a hyperactive child if ever I saw one! I didn't really think giving him candyfloss and sweets was a good idea, but Raul is such a softie that he couldn't say no to him. I spent most of the day either running after Hugo or holding his hand in a vice like grip so as to not lose him! However, I did notice something a little... odd about Raul. He had brought with him one of those cooler bags and claimed the kids' lunches were inside... but when we stopped to eat, they had hot dogs from a stand. I couldn't watch Raul all the time because of Hugo, but I could have sworn I saw him opening the bag and quickly scoffing something from within. Hmmm.
Jorge was desperate to go on the Big Wheel and had been all day. We said it'd be the last ride we go on before going home, so at 4 o'clock we queued up. Hugo pleaded with his dad to let him and Jorge have their own carriage and where I would have said no, Raul said yes. 6 years old Raul! What if something were to happen? But anyway, the kids took the first carriage and Raul and I got on the second. He was clutching the cooler bag tightly and I just had to ask.
'What the hell have you got in there Raul?'
'What? It's just cool drinks in case the kids get thirsty,' he said, in an attempt at sounding laid back.
'Oh, right,' I said. I waited a couple of seconds. 'You know, I'm kinda thirsty, can I have one?'
'Uhh... erm.. well, there's none left, sorry,' A bead of sweat formed at his brow. He may have even started shaking, but that might have just been the carriage beginning to lurch forward.
'Raul,' I looked at him sternly, and he knew he had to give it up. There was nowhere for him to hide. He held his face in his hands and let the bag slide to the floor. I quickly gathered it up and unzipped it. Inside were ten pots of raspberry yoghurt, eight of them empty, completely licked clean.
'What the...?' I couldn't comprehend it.
'I know! I know!' he moaned. 'I have a problem!'
'Yoghurt? Raul, what is this? I thought you loved the cookies!?'
'I do love the cookies!' he cried. 'David put me onto this new program, he said ice skating only works for the first week and now I need to work on Cookie Replacement - every time I want a cookie, I'm supposed to eat yoghurt. It's a healthier option and will work alongside my daily workout. David said, Lucy.'
I really didn't know what to say.
'I... I just don't know Raul... why couldn't you just tell Mamen about this? Why is it such a big secret?'
'She'd think I was less of a man! Don't you see? When we met, I was El Capitano! I was leading my country out at major tournaments! I was the name on the back of all the Spanish shirts! I was the original hottie! Now...' he sniffed as he opened another pot of yoghurt and licked the lid. 'Now, I'm just Raul... one of many hotties, the poor guy everyone is feeling sorry for. Torres and Villa are the names on the shirts... Iker is leading out my team... how long will Real want me as their captain when he is also playing?'
My heart did go out to him, I have to say.
'Raul, Mamen will always love you, you know that. Now give me that yoghurt...' I reached over and jerked it out of his hand with a little too much force. The yoghurt when flying over the side of the carriage and we watched as it landed on a man's head who was waiting below. Raul and the kids cracked up. I was horrified! I hoped he would have gone by the time the ride was over but as our carriage came down to the bottom and I hid as much as I could, the boys were pointing and laughing.
'Open your eyes!' Raul laughed. I gradually opened my eyes and felt utter relief to see a yoghurt covered Cesc standing with his arms folded and a stupid grin on his face.
Now what are the odds of that??
Gina- New York, raspberry yoghurt and Cesc
I was walking up and down the crowded shopping center, desperately searching for the shop I’d been in earlier. I’d found the nicest pair of shoes EVER and really wanted to buy them, but in typical fashion, I’d spent all the money I had and had left my card at home. After a quick chat with David, he reluctantly handed his card over and followed me in my search of the perfect shoes. He rolled his eyes as I turned around yet again, pacing back down the way we’d just come.
“Gina, I don’t suppose it’s too much to ask that you can make up your mind on which direction we’re walking in? I’m getting dizzy!”
I frowned at him, muttering something under my breath about how men and shopping didn’t go together and why the hell was he even still here if it was that boring. When he threatened to take his card back and leave, I smiled sweetly, apologised and gave him a quick kiss before turning on my heel and walking back up the street. That shop had to be around here somewhere!
I was just about ready to give up when I spotted Lucy and Cesc walking out of a shop that looked strangely familiar. I grabbed David’s hand and walked over, calling out Lucy’s name. I was surprised she heard me over the noise of the crowd, but she stopped and turned around, waving at us as we made our way over to them. I hugged her and was about to do the same with Cesc when I noticed he was covered in yoghurt.
“Cesc, what happened to you?”
Lucy went bright red as Cesc explained the whole story of their day at the funfair, the yoghurt getting thrown off the Big Wheel and landing on him. I held back a giggle as he looked down at his clothes, a pout on his face.
“They were brand new trainers! This is the first time I’ve worn them out and I have to buy some new ones now.”
“Er, I don’t mean to be rude, but shouldn’t you get changed as well? Yoghurt isn’t exactly pleasant smelling after a while.”
I frowned again, smacking David on the arm and shaking my head. Honestly, I needed to do something about his manners. Sometimes, he forgot he had any!
“Don’t listen to him, he’s sulking because I’ve been dragging him around the shops all day and the stupid security won’t let him come in the changing rooms. Something about preventing perverts. As if!”
“I don’t even like raspberry yoghurt! You could at least have thrown another flavour Lucy.”
“That was all Raul had, ok! And I’ve said I’m sorry.”
I looked round at them upon hearing raspberry yoghurt, eyeing Cesc and licking my lips. David noticed pretty quickly and took my hand, pulling me back.
“Don’t even think about licking him.”
“I wasn’t!”
“I know that look. If you so much as poke a finger in that yoghurt, I’m not letting you anywhere near the hip dips!”
I gasped in mock horror, my eyes wide.
“I will buy you some raspberry yoghurt and you can do with it what you please when we get home. Just don’t lick Cesc.”
I nodded, the ideas already forming in my head and stepped back, glancing over at the shop behind us.
“Go and buy your shoes, then we can go home. My feet are killing me! I don’t know how you girls do this all day.”
I smiled and headed into the shop with Lucy, leaving the two boys outside to swap tips on how to deal with girlfriends who have a shopping addiction. Pretty soon, we were back outside, complete with bags in our hands and matching smiles on our faces. We said our goodbyes, heading off in opposite directions as I thought about all the things I could do with raspberry yoghurt later.
Blue- New York, Fairy Floss and Silva
That autumn I had to travel to New York with the Spanish National Team as they are having a friendly game against the American team.
I had actually planned not to take this medical roster as my boy Metze had to go to Sydney – the German team organised a friendly game with the Socceroos.
And I was so excited when Metze told me that his boss had given permission for me to come along – it had been a while since I headed back to Sydney.
But MG - fellow SBAers and massage therapist in Madrid - was not feeling well and I could not refuse when she asked me to take her roster with the SNT.
*
Taking an indefinite break from shopping, I headed to Central Park that day.
The weather was quite warm, and there was some sort of festival happening.
There were lots of people, and I could hear salsa music in the distance.
I felt a bit lonely in the midst of these festivities, and decided to call Metze.
“Hello? Hello? Hey – are you there?” he said – I could hardly hear him – all I could hear was loud traditional German music.
“Chris – hi! Geez – that music is loud – where are you?”
“Hey – I was thinking about you – we’re in this German restaurant near the Harbour Bridge. Lowenbrau – I think. Where are you now?”
“ Ah – that one – just stay away from the drinking competition – their beer glasses are gigantic! I’m in Central Park – there’s a festival going on here.”
Then I heard a girl shouting in German – I only understood a bit of it, “Metze – get off the phone! Let’s go dancing – you promised!”
My brows furrowed – I could hear Metze saying, “Sorry but…”
But then the girl said, “Oh give me that phone – you have been staring at it all night!!” And the phone went silent. I almost screamed in fury – the NERVE on that girl!!!
But before I could hit re-dial, a man snatched my handbag and ran off with it.
In a panic, I tried to chase him but to no avail.
Then I saw another man running after the thief – when he finally caught up with the thief, he grabbed him by the head and head-butted him. What an unorthodox method of fighting, I thought. The thief fell to the ground, got up and ran away - leaving my handbag.
I ran to thank the man, when I realised that it was David Silva.
“Oh – thank you SO much David. I don’t know what would happen if he got away.”
“Don’t sweat it – glad I could help. And… WOW… that feels GREAT!”
I looked at him with a bit of a worry – David is a genuinely nice guy but he is also known for his aggressive outbursts if provoked.
“David, are you OK? Did you hit your head too hard there?”
Suddenly he felt embarrassed – “Oh – I’m OK – ermm … I was uummm…”
“You were happy to finally release your frustration?” I asked.
The coach had just forbidden David from taking a day off to see his girl – Pau – in Mexico. And I knew how disappointed he was.
He looked at me and smiled coyly – he looked so cute with those freckles.
“Don’t worry – I know how you’re feeling – I won’t tell anyone.”
Suddenly my phone rang, it was Metze - but I couldn’t answer it – I didn’t realise that my hand was shaking so hard.
David took my phone and answered it, “Hi – who is this?”
A bit shocked, Metze said, “It’s Chris – who ARE you???? Where’s Blue?”
“Relax – it’s Silva. She’s just here – a bit shaken up – someone tried to snatch her bag. Here …”
“Chris… Hello?“ And the phone went completely silent – I checked my battery and it was full.
Metze’s battery must have been out.
I was perplexed - after an incident like that, hearing Metze’s voice would really be reassuring.
David could see the disappointment on my face, and he dragged me to the nearest lemonade stall.
“Have a sit on the bench, drink this and wait for me here, OK?”
Before I could say anything, he disappeared into the crowd.
When he came back, I saw a huge grin on his face while he was carrying two large pink fairy floss.
“Here – we both could do with some sugar after all that excitement!”
We spent the whole afternoon in Central Park, enjoying the festivities – David also took me salsa dancing in the nearby club. I didn’t know that he was that good of a dancer.
*
They both went back to her hotel room, kissing passionately and desperately trying to undress each other.
She was surprised by his ripping abdominal muscles, which were hidden beneath his slight build.
He placed one hand underneath her dress and lifted her leg, holding her closer to him.
She moaned quietly as they shared another passionate kiss.
He laid her down gently on the bed, and took a piece of fairy floss from her bag and put it in his mouth, before kissing her again.
She could feel the sugary grain of the fairy floss melting on his tongue.
*
Metze woke up in a cold sweat and his heart raced really fast.
He reached to his phone and dialed his girlfriend’s number.
“Come on – answer it!!” He yelled in frustration.
That dream had really troubled him and he had to hear her voice no matter what.
Sleepily, I answered the phone – “Chris? What’s wrong – what time is it? Argh – it’s already 11am.”
I could feel my head thumping – Why? After the festival, I only had three tequilas and maybe two, three fairy flosses? Maybe it was too much sugar and it didn’t agree with tequilas.
Metze felt a slight relief after hearing my voice, but still concerned nonetheless, “Hey – sorry about last night – my battery was dead and I couldn’t get back to the hotel straight away without the team. You don’t need to worry about that girl – she’s nothing… she just kept asking me to dance but nothing happened. Where were you??? I tried to call you all night!!! I was worried sick!”
“Uh – I was in this underground salsa club with David – I was upset and had a couple of drinks – ugh – my head hurts.”
Metze lost his patience and quipped, “You didn’t … did you???”
I ran my fingers on my dress –I was fully clothed – “No, Chris – are you mad??? You know I wouldn’t do that to you.”
“Really? So you really didn’t... because I had this nightmare last night.”
“Chris – for the last time – NO – I did not have sex with David – What? Were you dreaming about David and I…” I was really concerned now.
“Yes – that’s why I had to hear your voice. I… I… I was so worried and I miss you.”
And I heard a long relieved sigh.
“You silly boy – I miss you too… just go back to sleep – it must be past midnight over there. I’ll talk to you later, OK?”
“Yeah – I’ll talk to you tomorrow – get something for your headache. Love you.”
“Love you, “and I switched off the phone.
I glanced across my bed and found David – fully clothed – snoring softly.
We really didn’t do anything – he just carried me back and maybe he was too drunk to get back to his room – but what would Metze says if he sees this????
I curse those tequilas and fairy floss!!!!
VillaBaby- Villa, farm and raspberry yoghurt.
“Great, just great! First thing I’ll do tomorrow is quiting this stupid job!”
I was talking as if someone had been there to listen to me. Going on the farm in the middle of nowhere just to offer a new kind of food for cattle wasn’t actually a perfect way to spend my summer break. But, what could I do? I needed money for a vacation and that was the only job I managed to apply for in a short notice. And there was me, stuck on the unknown road in the car going so slow that I would run faster. According to the map, I should be close, but there was no civilisation nearby.
“Could it get any better?” I thought in irony. “Now I’ve obviously missed some turn and have to go back!”
But before I went back I saw a sign saying “Maravilla Farm” and showing a direction.
“Oh, finally, thank God!”
I made a left turn and after a few minutes I was there. I went out from the car and stood in front of a gate, painted red and yellow. But unfortunately, it seemed like noone was there. Right when I wanted to leave, I saw a man approaching to me and waving.
“Hola bella, come in, porfavor!”
After I came in I noticed there was no trace of a farm I was expecting to find. There was a great house, a villa, actually with a big yard, two swimming pools, a jacuzzi, football field… It was a farm of pleasure. And it was just a beginning. Some of the Spanish ballers were walking around, having fun, enjoying… I had to pinch myself to be sure I’m not dreaming. Yes, it was real! The Ramos, Iker, Silva, Cesc, TOH and the rest were there.
“Who ownes this peace of heaven?” I was wondering while the guy who led me in was escorting me to one of the rooms to freshen up and then come down to join them. Right after he shut the door, I remembered:”It was Pepe Reina.” I took a shower, wrapped a towel around my body and than took a laptop from my bag. I had to inform my dear Kickettes about this place. I wrote them directions on SBA and told them to come a.s.a.p. After that I heard knocking on the door. I thought it was Pepe bringing me clean clothes so I told him to come in.
“I hope I don’t disturb you”, the man said and I noticed it wasn’t Pepe’s voice.
When I looked over my shoulder I think my jaw dropped on the floor. It was him! King of the Sex Face himself. David Villa!
“I thought you would enjoy this”, he said while placing a bowl and two spoons he was carrying on the table. “And allow me to introduce myself. I’m David Villa, the Span…”
“Oh, there’s no need to tell anything more. I’m afraid I know too much about you already. You would be surprised!”
While smiling, he grabbed something from the bowl and gave me to try. Mmmmm, so delicious creamy taste. It could be only one thing.
“Raspberry yoghurt, my favourite”, I said and he just nodded and had a bite himself.
While enjoying the sweet raspberry yoghurt, we were talking and laughing. And then I felt something replacing a cold touch of spoon. Those were his lips, warm and sweet, while placing a kiss on mine. I didn’t have a second thought for a moment. Since I was wearing a towel only, it wasn’t hard for him to undress me. Still fresh, with a few drops of prefume on my body, he layed me on a bed. His lips were all over me and I felt his body on mine moving gently in the rythme of passion. I wanted that night to last forever.
Next morning, when I woke up I realised I was alone in a bed but still with that sweet raspberry yoghurt taste on my lips. And then I heard a noise outside. I moved a curtain and was so happy to see my Kickettes going out of the bus, tempting to find out what’s behind the gate.
“This is going to be very nice weekend”, I thought aloud.
“I agree”, David said while coming closer to the window and placing a kiss on my cheekbone.
Janis- Bowling alley, belt, The Ramos
The funny story about myself and Sergio is we never looked twice at each other when we first met. Sure we were introduced to each other by our mutual friends, and practically a couple of my two best ladies Lucy and Laura, but we didn’t hit it off at first. I personally didn’t think he was extraordinary looking as most people had thought, and he first met me when I was looking more like a boy.
So Laura and I went on one of our delightful shopping escapades at the local mall. Of course, I wanted to wear comfortable clothes like I always do, and since Laura doesn’t judge how I look, I decided not to bring a purse with me and wear a simple jeans and t-shirt compilation with a trucker hat on my head. Laura wore a pair of pretty white jeans with a nice girly top. Lucy was turning a corner and after bumping into us, she formally introduced Sergio to me. Just to be nice, I waved a simple hello and tried to keep my mouth shut in the conversation amongst the group. I am regularly an extroverted person, but I didn’t find that I had anything interesting to say with Sergio around.
Somehow all four of us wound up shopping together when suddenly Laura had her monthly visitor and needed an emergency washroom break. Since I didn’t have any purse whatsoever with me, I felt fairly useless. That left Lucy running in with Laura to the nearest washroom leaving me alone in awkward silence with Sergio waiting outside.
After what seemed like forever, we hear Lucy calling after us, “I think we’ll need to buy Laura an extra pair of trousers!”
Sergio let out a laugh and said, “Why not just use Janis’ pants instead? Maybe it will make her feel useful since she’s sitting out here looking like one of my teammates.”
In that moment, I took offence and glared at him, “Yeah?! Well...you’re not that great looking either! And you’re the boy! I don’t get what the hype is about you anyway, it’s just swooning ramble to me.”
There was a pin drop silence following my quick apology, “I-I-I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it—“
“No no, it’s okay.”
“No! It’s not okay. I don’t even know you and that was very rude of me, just let me explain—“
“Really it’s okay. Thank you.”
“I just felt like—wait what?!”
“I said thank you. Everywhere I go I hear people swooning over my looks and physical features. If it’s not in person, it’s in the tabloids. When I was a young kid, I was the nerd with braces who got frequent nosebleeds. I don’t see what anyone else sees, so I just wanted to say thank you for being normal around me without focusing in on my profession and taking that into account as if I’m bigheaded.”
“Urm...you’re welcome? And you’re right, I am dressed like a boy but that’s just how I dress sometimes on my lazy days off of work. You can ask Lucy and Laura, I am a very good dresser! I even helped pick Laura’s pants out...although now we know how that turned out.”
Sergio smiled, and suddenly we hear Laura call after us, “Lucy’s right! I can’t leave the washroom and into the mall like this, I need a new pair of trousers!”
Without thinking once more I yelled, “Why not use Sergio’s? We just awkwardly bonded and it will make him feel better to put him to good use.”
Sergio then said, “It would probably put me to good use, because it’s not like we can find a quick pair for her in her size with both of us searching around. Besides, we’re both boyish looking.”
“Urr I was only kidding...you’re not actually going to remove your pants?! HERE?! Don’t make me tease your looks again to try and talk you out of this.”
Sergio didn’t flinch.
“Oh my goodness you’re NOT joking. Well, if she’s going to wear YOUR pants, she might as well wear MY belt to keep them up so I won’t feel useless.”
A moment later Laura came out with Sergio’s pants and my belt around her waist holding them up.
Lucy replied, “I don’t know which is funnier. Laura wearing pieces of both of your clothing or Sergio in his boxer briefs in the middle of the mall.”
I then put my input, “How are we supposed to avoid paparazzi if you’re in your boxer briefs?”
Sergio than replied, “Easy! There’s a bowling alley in the mall just down there. It’s cosmic bowling today so we’ll be in the dark and no one can see us.”
I made a face and replied, “That isn’t a bad idea, but how you keep track of cosmic bowling days is beyond me. Though if we do go, we’ll have to get rid of Laura’s old pants since they’ll have a weird glow.”
“OH SHUT UP!!”
Lucy- VV, chocolate fudge brownies and the police station
Late May 2008
Iker answered the front door and was surprised to see no one there. Frowning, he was about to go back inside when he caught sight of a parcel on the doormat. It was wrapped in brown paper with his name and address clearly printed on the front. He leaned outside and checked the street, but must have missed the delivery man. Of course, he was sent things all the time; fan mail, sponsorship merchandise, care packages from his mama, but this one just had mystery written all over it. Iker couldn't resist.
He took it into the kitchen and ripped the parcel open. It was a white, lidded box and inside were five sizeable and delicious looking chocolate fudge brownies. Iker hadn't had breakfast yet and his tummy rumbled... but he couldn't break the routine - 100 sit ups before breakfast every morning. Iker reluctantly closed the box and went to do his exercises.
Ten minutes and 200 sit ups later (he added an extra 100 to punish himself for even thinking about eating a brownie - he didn't want to go down the same road as Raul) Iker returned to the kitchen, shirtless, for his Weetabix. He was shocked to see his girlfriend Callie bent over double clutching at her stomach, chocolate smeared over her face and one of the brownies squashed on the floor.
'Callie! My love!' he cried and rushed to her. 'What's wrong?!'
'Iker! The.... brownies...' Callie moaned. 'There's something... wrong with them!'
With the Euros only a week away, Iker knew exactly who was behind this little stunt…
***
313 miles away in Barcelona, a sexy looking man paced his living room, waiting for that all important call from Aragones. Surely his time has come... he was sure he'd learnt some cooking skills whilst having 'lessons' from that English girl... enough to put Iker out of action for the next few weeks at least! Whilst he was rubbing his hands together in glee, there was an abrupt knock at his door. Already on his feet, it didn't take him long to get there and was thrown offguard to see two police officers looking sternly at him.
'Mr Valdes?' one asked.
'Yes?' he replied.
'Victor Valdes?'
'Yes, what's wrong?'
'You need to come down the station with us.'
Fumbling around in my handbag as the queue behind me got bigger and bigger, I almost felt like bursting into tears. I was sure I’d packed the damn thing, I’d even checked about fifty times before I’d left my house that morning to make sure I didn’t forget it. I wasn’t going to get far without a passport now, was I? Screaming in frustration as I tipped the entire contents of my bag onto the counter, I looked through the contents only to find that it wasn’t there. I went bright red and shoved the lot back into my bag carelessly, already feeling like I was going to cry and that was before I turned around to apologise to the people behind me for the hold up. An angry looking man dressed in a smart black suit pushed his way past me, muttering something under his breath and suddenly, I felt the hot tears running down my cheeks. I didn’t stop even when someone called out to me and tried to get my attention. I just wanted to curl up in a ball and die of embarrassment.
I was meant to be flying out to Madrid to help my boss organise a masked ball for the Real Madrid squad to celebrate their title win, and now I had a cat’s chance in hell of getting there on time. Making my way back out where it was less crowded, I tried to remember where I could have put that pesky passport. I knew I’d taken it with me, I remembered clutching it in my hand during the drive down to the airport before putting it in my back pocket. My back pocket! I reached into it, pulling out the passport and waving it around like a madwoman. I must have looked insane to anyone passing by at that precise moment, but I didn’t care. I was so happy to have found it; I was beyond caring what I looked like dancing around in the almost deserted terminal. Making my way back to the check in, I groaned as I realised I’d have to queue up all over again. At least I was still going to have a job at the end of this.
The flight was a relatively pleasant one, which was surprising considering the nightmare start I’d had to the day. By that evening, I really didn’t care what the consequences would be, I wanted to get drunk and have a good time. After all the hard work I’d put into organising this ball, I thought it was the least I deserved! Sitting down at the bar, I ordered a drink, looking around the crowded room. It seemed to be a hit with the players, and everyone had stuck to the dress code. I held back a laugh as I spotted Sergio Ramos in the corner wearing a mask that made him look remarkably like Zorro. He was talking to Pavi, so I thought I might as well go over and see what they were up to. Just as I’d got to my feet, I felt a little light headed and swayed to the right, barely managing to hold myself up. I cursed as I looked down at my heels. I hated wearing them because they made my usual clumsiness ten times worse. I looked even less graceful if that was possible. I felt two strong arms wrap around my waist, holding me up, and I tried to turn around to see who had saved me from yet another embarrassment. When they were sure I could balance by myself, they loosened their grip on me, allowing me to turn around. I found myself looking into a pair of twinkling brown eyes, the slight cheeky glint telling me that this person wasn’t as innocent as they looked. Brilliant, neither was I. He leaned in towards me, and for a second, I thought he was going to kiss me. Not that I’d have minded, even with the mask, he looked hot. As my luck would have it, the kiss that I was bracing myself for never came. Instead, he whispered ‘Safest hands in Spain. If you ever need someone to catch you again…’ Well, that was it for me. I wriggled out of his grasp completely, taking his hand in mine and leading him out to the cloakroom, all thoughts of going over to talk to Pavi and Sergio forgotten.
Steph- VV, a police station and a deck of cards.
After admiring Gianina Maradona’s hair, I decided that I would stop by the hair salon and get a new do. I was excited not only for my new hair cut, but also because I would get to sit down and chat with my friend Venice again and she always has interesting tales of watermelon and waterfalls. I walked there in anticipation of what exciting new story I would hear and when I got there I was greeted with a big smile.
Venice had opened the door and I walked in. We exchanged pleasantries and then I sat down in her salon chair. She asked what she could do for me and I explained what I wanted. She started cutting it when out of the corner of my eye I spotted a curious looking man sitting in a sleeping bag playing with a deck of cards. He looked like he had just escaped from the police station and I couldn’t help but wonder what he was doing at Venice’s salon.
He looked up at me through those beautiful browns and I couldn’t help but admire how hot he was, especially for an escaped convict. I started to wonder what sort of crime he had committed that would get him locked up, other than for stealing my heart! I was totally smitten with this man.
I whispered to Venice, asking who this mystery man was and she told me that it was none other than Victor Valdes. I gasped in disbelief, surely Venice must have been mistaken, I mean, Victor was the Barca goalie, with a full head of hair, and I never remembered him wearing orange? That was Ikers’ thing.
Right then Cesc Fabregas walked in to get his arms and legs waxed. He spotted Victor immediately and gave him the evil eye like I have never seen before. Victor glanced back at him, they’re eyes locked on each other as if they were trying to stare each other to the death. It was strangely silent, Venice had even stopped cutting my hair and we all sat in the deafening silence until Victor spat two words in Cesc’s direction, “You Traitor!” he said with a harsh growl. Cesc then started slightly crying in that way that only he can. I had no idea what was going on, but I could only assume that VV was talking about Cesc deciding to leave Barca and heading for England. Apparently I was right because Cesc then muttered something about how he wanted to come back to Spain, but he had met a beautiful English woman who he loved very much. I thought that was very sweet and couldn’t help but break up the moody atmosphere and blurted out how cute that was. He looked at me, and finally stopped crying. He said that it was, but that he loved Spain as well and he wanted to come back, but he couldn’t stand the thought of hurting his beloved Lucy, and that was why he was getting himself waxed, because he thought if he did that, she wouldn’t love him anymore, and she would break up with him and leave him and then, he would be free to return home.
Out of nowhere VV pushed Cesc and told him how dim he is and then posed a rather appropriate question, “Why don’t you just bring her here to Spain with you, instead of waxing yourself like a pansy?”
Cesc was fed up with being pushed around and being called names just because he loved Lucy and cried in a slightly girlish way. He shot back at Victor, “at least I got called to the SNT and am actually a good baller!”
Victor had had enough with the Iker comparisons and all the comments that he was not a good goalie. Cesc had pushed him over the edge and Victor attacked Cesc. Venice and I sat in disbelief while Victor was pounding on him for a few seconds when Lucy, Cesc’s beloved gal walked in and said, in a voice that could only come from a teacher, “Get off My darling Little Tapir, You monster!” VV shot up shocked. Lucy bent over and helped pick Cesc up off of the ground. She shot him a glare and said “You see what is going to happen if you’re gonna go around and get yourself waxed!”
Lucy- Raul, funfair, raspberry yoghurt
'What is it Mamen? You sound so worried!' I rolled my eyes at Cesc. He knew I'd be a while so got out of bed and started to get dressed. I was a little annoyed, we liked to lie in on Sunday mornings.
'He's hiding something from me.. I just know it. He keeps going to the fridge secretively, but when I check, there's no cookies, no baked goods, no nothing, just our usual healthy foods.'
'Do you want me to speak to him?' I asked, half sighing. Cesc kissed my forehead before leaving and I longingly watched him go. That was it, he had training to get to now, I wouldn't see him until the evening. Far too long. Damn you Mamen!
'Well actually, are you free today Luce? I could really do with calling in that favour you owe me.'
I did in fact owe Mamen big time. She managed to get rid of Cesc's previous girlfriend Carla by spreading rumours around the WAG circuit. She was too embarrassed to show her face again, mwahaha, well it's not my fault people actually believed she used to be a man.
'I'm always free for you Mamen,' I replied. 'What is it?'
'Raul is taking Jorge and Hugo to a funfair, the kids have been going on and on all week about it. Would you go with them? I have to stay here and look after the twins.'
I was going to ask why Raul couldn't take them by himself, but I actually love funfairs and Raul and Mamen's kids are such cuties, that I thought it sounded like a great day out!
'Of course!' I exclaimed.
***
It was a good thing I did go. Raul was rubbish at controlling 6 year old Hugo, a hyperactive child if ever I saw one! I didn't really think giving him candyfloss and sweets was a good idea, but Raul is such a softie that he couldn't say no to him. I spent most of the day either running after Hugo or holding his hand in a vice like grip so as to not lose him! However, I did notice something a little... odd about Raul. He had brought with him one of those cooler bags and claimed the kids' lunches were inside... but when we stopped to eat, they had hot dogs from a stand. I couldn't watch Raul all the time because of Hugo, but I could have sworn I saw him opening the bag and quickly scoffing something from within. Hmmm.
Jorge was desperate to go on the Big Wheel and had been all day. We said it'd be the last ride we go on before going home, so at 4 o'clock we queued up. Hugo pleaded with his dad to let him and Jorge have their own carriage and where I would have said no, Raul said yes. 6 years old Raul! What if something were to happen? But anyway, the kids took the first carriage and Raul and I got on the second. He was clutching the cooler bag tightly and I just had to ask.
'What the hell have you got in there Raul?'
'What? It's just cool drinks in case the kids get thirsty,' he said, in an attempt at sounding laid back.
'Oh, right,' I said. I waited a couple of seconds. 'You know, I'm kinda thirsty, can I have one?'
'Uhh... erm.. well, there's none left, sorry,' A bead of sweat formed at his brow. He may have even started shaking, but that might have just been the carriage beginning to lurch forward.
'Raul,' I looked at him sternly, and he knew he had to give it up. There was nowhere for him to hide. He held his face in his hands and let the bag slide to the floor. I quickly gathered it up and unzipped it. Inside were ten pots of raspberry yoghurt, eight of them empty, completely licked clean.
'What the...?' I couldn't comprehend it.
'I know! I know!' he moaned. 'I have a problem!'
'Yoghurt? Raul, what is this? I thought you loved the cookies!?'
'I do love the cookies!' he cried. 'David put me onto this new program, he said ice skating only works for the first week and now I need to work on Cookie Replacement - every time I want a cookie, I'm supposed to eat yoghurt. It's a healthier option and will work alongside my daily workout. David said, Lucy.'
I really didn't know what to say.
'I... I just don't know Raul... why couldn't you just tell Mamen about this? Why is it such a big secret?'
'She'd think I was less of a man! Don't you see? When we met, I was El Capitano! I was leading my country out at major tournaments! I was the name on the back of all the Spanish shirts! I was the original hottie! Now...' he sniffed as he opened another pot of yoghurt and licked the lid. 'Now, I'm just Raul... one of many hotties, the poor guy everyone is feeling sorry for. Torres and Villa are the names on the shirts... Iker is leading out my team... how long will Real want me as their captain when he is also playing?'
My heart did go out to him, I have to say.
'Raul, Mamen will always love you, you know that. Now give me that yoghurt...' I reached over and jerked it out of his hand with a little too much force. The yoghurt when flying over the side of the carriage and we watched as it landed on a man's head who was waiting below. Raul and the kids cracked up. I was horrified! I hoped he would have gone by the time the ride was over but as our carriage came down to the bottom and I hid as much as I could, the boys were pointing and laughing.
'Open your eyes!' Raul laughed. I gradually opened my eyes and felt utter relief to see a yoghurt covered Cesc standing with his arms folded and a stupid grin on his face.
Now what are the odds of that??
Gina- New York, raspberry yoghurt and Cesc
I was walking up and down the crowded shopping center, desperately searching for the shop I’d been in earlier. I’d found the nicest pair of shoes EVER and really wanted to buy them, but in typical fashion, I’d spent all the money I had and had left my card at home. After a quick chat with David, he reluctantly handed his card over and followed me in my search of the perfect shoes. He rolled his eyes as I turned around yet again, pacing back down the way we’d just come.
“Gina, I don’t suppose it’s too much to ask that you can make up your mind on which direction we’re walking in? I’m getting dizzy!”
I frowned at him, muttering something under my breath about how men and shopping didn’t go together and why the hell was he even still here if it was that boring. When he threatened to take his card back and leave, I smiled sweetly, apologised and gave him a quick kiss before turning on my heel and walking back up the street. That shop had to be around here somewhere!
I was just about ready to give up when I spotted Lucy and Cesc walking out of a shop that looked strangely familiar. I grabbed David’s hand and walked over, calling out Lucy’s name. I was surprised she heard me over the noise of the crowd, but she stopped and turned around, waving at us as we made our way over to them. I hugged her and was about to do the same with Cesc when I noticed he was covered in yoghurt.
“Cesc, what happened to you?”
Lucy went bright red as Cesc explained the whole story of their day at the funfair, the yoghurt getting thrown off the Big Wheel and landing on him. I held back a giggle as he looked down at his clothes, a pout on his face.
“They were brand new trainers! This is the first time I’ve worn them out and I have to buy some new ones now.”
“Er, I don’t mean to be rude, but shouldn’t you get changed as well? Yoghurt isn’t exactly pleasant smelling after a while.”
I frowned again, smacking David on the arm and shaking my head. Honestly, I needed to do something about his manners. Sometimes, he forgot he had any!
“Don’t listen to him, he’s sulking because I’ve been dragging him around the shops all day and the stupid security won’t let him come in the changing rooms. Something about preventing perverts. As if!”
“I don’t even like raspberry yoghurt! You could at least have thrown another flavour Lucy.”
“That was all Raul had, ok! And I’ve said I’m sorry.”
I looked round at them upon hearing raspberry yoghurt, eyeing Cesc and licking my lips. David noticed pretty quickly and took my hand, pulling me back.
“Don’t even think about licking him.”
“I wasn’t!”
“I know that look. If you so much as poke a finger in that yoghurt, I’m not letting you anywhere near the hip dips!”
I gasped in mock horror, my eyes wide.
“I will buy you some raspberry yoghurt and you can do with it what you please when we get home. Just don’t lick Cesc.”
I nodded, the ideas already forming in my head and stepped back, glancing over at the shop behind us.
“Go and buy your shoes, then we can go home. My feet are killing me! I don’t know how you girls do this all day.”
I smiled and headed into the shop with Lucy, leaving the two boys outside to swap tips on how to deal with girlfriends who have a shopping addiction. Pretty soon, we were back outside, complete with bags in our hands and matching smiles on our faces. We said our goodbyes, heading off in opposite directions as I thought about all the things I could do with raspberry yoghurt later.
Blue- New York, Fairy Floss and Silva
That autumn I had to travel to New York with the Spanish National Team as they are having a friendly game against the American team.
I had actually planned not to take this medical roster as my boy Metze had to go to Sydney – the German team organised a friendly game with the Socceroos.
And I was so excited when Metze told me that his boss had given permission for me to come along – it had been a while since I headed back to Sydney.
But MG - fellow SBAers and massage therapist in Madrid - was not feeling well and I could not refuse when she asked me to take her roster with the SNT.
*
Taking an indefinite break from shopping, I headed to Central Park that day.
The weather was quite warm, and there was some sort of festival happening.
There were lots of people, and I could hear salsa music in the distance.
I felt a bit lonely in the midst of these festivities, and decided to call Metze.
“Hello? Hello? Hey – are you there?” he said – I could hardly hear him – all I could hear was loud traditional German music.
“Chris – hi! Geez – that music is loud – where are you?”
“Hey – I was thinking about you – we’re in this German restaurant near the Harbour Bridge. Lowenbrau – I think. Where are you now?”
“ Ah – that one – just stay away from the drinking competition – their beer glasses are gigantic! I’m in Central Park – there’s a festival going on here.”
Then I heard a girl shouting in German – I only understood a bit of it, “Metze – get off the phone! Let’s go dancing – you promised!”
My brows furrowed – I could hear Metze saying, “Sorry but…”
But then the girl said, “Oh give me that phone – you have been staring at it all night!!” And the phone went silent. I almost screamed in fury – the NERVE on that girl!!!
But before I could hit re-dial, a man snatched my handbag and ran off with it.
In a panic, I tried to chase him but to no avail.
Then I saw another man running after the thief – when he finally caught up with the thief, he grabbed him by the head and head-butted him. What an unorthodox method of fighting, I thought. The thief fell to the ground, got up and ran away - leaving my handbag.
I ran to thank the man, when I realised that it was David Silva.
“Oh – thank you SO much David. I don’t know what would happen if he got away.”
“Don’t sweat it – glad I could help. And… WOW… that feels GREAT!”
I looked at him with a bit of a worry – David is a genuinely nice guy but he is also known for his aggressive outbursts if provoked.
“David, are you OK? Did you hit your head too hard there?”
Suddenly he felt embarrassed – “Oh – I’m OK – ermm … I was uummm…”
“You were happy to finally release your frustration?” I asked.
The coach had just forbidden David from taking a day off to see his girl – Pau – in Mexico. And I knew how disappointed he was.
He looked at me and smiled coyly – he looked so cute with those freckles.
“Don’t worry – I know how you’re feeling – I won’t tell anyone.”
Suddenly my phone rang, it was Metze - but I couldn’t answer it – I didn’t realise that my hand was shaking so hard.
David took my phone and answered it, “Hi – who is this?”
A bit shocked, Metze said, “It’s Chris – who ARE you???? Where’s Blue?”
“Relax – it’s Silva. She’s just here – a bit shaken up – someone tried to snatch her bag. Here …”
“Chris… Hello?“ And the phone went completely silent – I checked my battery and it was full.
Metze’s battery must have been out.
I was perplexed - after an incident like that, hearing Metze’s voice would really be reassuring.
David could see the disappointment on my face, and he dragged me to the nearest lemonade stall.
“Have a sit on the bench, drink this and wait for me here, OK?”
Before I could say anything, he disappeared into the crowd.
When he came back, I saw a huge grin on his face while he was carrying two large pink fairy floss.
“Here – we both could do with some sugar after all that excitement!”
We spent the whole afternoon in Central Park, enjoying the festivities – David also took me salsa dancing in the nearby club. I didn’t know that he was that good of a dancer.
*
They both went back to her hotel room, kissing passionately and desperately trying to undress each other.
She was surprised by his ripping abdominal muscles, which were hidden beneath his slight build.
He placed one hand underneath her dress and lifted her leg, holding her closer to him.
She moaned quietly as they shared another passionate kiss.
He laid her down gently on the bed, and took a piece of fairy floss from her bag and put it in his mouth, before kissing her again.
She could feel the sugary grain of the fairy floss melting on his tongue.
*
Metze woke up in a cold sweat and his heart raced really fast.
He reached to his phone and dialed his girlfriend’s number.
“Come on – answer it!!” He yelled in frustration.
That dream had really troubled him and he had to hear her voice no matter what.
Sleepily, I answered the phone – “Chris? What’s wrong – what time is it? Argh – it’s already 11am.”
I could feel my head thumping – Why? After the festival, I only had three tequilas and maybe two, three fairy flosses? Maybe it was too much sugar and it didn’t agree with tequilas.
Metze felt a slight relief after hearing my voice, but still concerned nonetheless, “Hey – sorry about last night – my battery was dead and I couldn’t get back to the hotel straight away without the team. You don’t need to worry about that girl – she’s nothing… she just kept asking me to dance but nothing happened. Where were you??? I tried to call you all night!!! I was worried sick!”
“Uh – I was in this underground salsa club with David – I was upset and had a couple of drinks – ugh – my head hurts.”
Metze lost his patience and quipped, “You didn’t … did you???”
I ran my fingers on my dress –I was fully clothed – “No, Chris – are you mad??? You know I wouldn’t do that to you.”
“Really? So you really didn’t... because I had this nightmare last night.”
“Chris – for the last time – NO – I did not have sex with David – What? Were you dreaming about David and I…” I was really concerned now.
“Yes – that’s why I had to hear your voice. I… I… I was so worried and I miss you.”
And I heard a long relieved sigh.
“You silly boy – I miss you too… just go back to sleep – it must be past midnight over there. I’ll talk to you later, OK?”
“Yeah – I’ll talk to you tomorrow – get something for your headache. Love you.”
“Love you, “and I switched off the phone.
I glanced across my bed and found David – fully clothed – snoring softly.
We really didn’t do anything – he just carried me back and maybe he was too drunk to get back to his room – but what would Metze says if he sees this????
I curse those tequilas and fairy floss!!!!
VillaBaby- Villa, farm and raspberry yoghurt.
“Great, just great! First thing I’ll do tomorrow is quiting this stupid job!”
I was talking as if someone had been there to listen to me. Going on the farm in the middle of nowhere just to offer a new kind of food for cattle wasn’t actually a perfect way to spend my summer break. But, what could I do? I needed money for a vacation and that was the only job I managed to apply for in a short notice. And there was me, stuck on the unknown road in the car going so slow that I would run faster. According to the map, I should be close, but there was no civilisation nearby.
“Could it get any better?” I thought in irony. “Now I’ve obviously missed some turn and have to go back!”
But before I went back I saw a sign saying “Maravilla Farm” and showing a direction.
“Oh, finally, thank God!”
I made a left turn and after a few minutes I was there. I went out from the car and stood in front of a gate, painted red and yellow. But unfortunately, it seemed like noone was there. Right when I wanted to leave, I saw a man approaching to me and waving.
“Hola bella, come in, porfavor!”
After I came in I noticed there was no trace of a farm I was expecting to find. There was a great house, a villa, actually with a big yard, two swimming pools, a jacuzzi, football field… It was a farm of pleasure. And it was just a beginning. Some of the Spanish ballers were walking around, having fun, enjoying… I had to pinch myself to be sure I’m not dreaming. Yes, it was real! The Ramos, Iker, Silva, Cesc, TOH and the rest were there.
“Who ownes this peace of heaven?” I was wondering while the guy who led me in was escorting me to one of the rooms to freshen up and then come down to join them. Right after he shut the door, I remembered:”It was Pepe Reina.” I took a shower, wrapped a towel around my body and than took a laptop from my bag. I had to inform my dear Kickettes about this place. I wrote them directions on SBA and told them to come a.s.a.p. After that I heard knocking on the door. I thought it was Pepe bringing me clean clothes so I told him to come in.
“I hope I don’t disturb you”, the man said and I noticed it wasn’t Pepe’s voice.
When I looked over my shoulder I think my jaw dropped on the floor. It was him! King of the Sex Face himself. David Villa!
“I thought you would enjoy this”, he said while placing a bowl and two spoons he was carrying on the table. “And allow me to introduce myself. I’m David Villa, the Span…”
“Oh, there’s no need to tell anything more. I’m afraid I know too much about you already. You would be surprised!”
While smiling, he grabbed something from the bowl and gave me to try. Mmmmm, so delicious creamy taste. It could be only one thing.
“Raspberry yoghurt, my favourite”, I said and he just nodded and had a bite himself.
While enjoying the sweet raspberry yoghurt, we were talking and laughing. And then I felt something replacing a cold touch of spoon. Those were his lips, warm and sweet, while placing a kiss on mine. I didn’t have a second thought for a moment. Since I was wearing a towel only, it wasn’t hard for him to undress me. Still fresh, with a few drops of prefume on my body, he layed me on a bed. His lips were all over me and I felt his body on mine moving gently in the rythme of passion. I wanted that night to last forever.
Next morning, when I woke up I realised I was alone in a bed but still with that sweet raspberry yoghurt taste on my lips. And then I heard a noise outside. I moved a curtain and was so happy to see my Kickettes going out of the bus, tempting to find out what’s behind the gate.
“This is going to be very nice weekend”, I thought aloud.
“I agree”, David said while coming closer to the window and placing a kiss on my cheekbone.
Janis- Bowling alley, belt, The Ramos
The funny story about myself and Sergio is we never looked twice at each other when we first met. Sure we were introduced to each other by our mutual friends, and practically a couple of my two best ladies Lucy and Laura, but we didn’t hit it off at first. I personally didn’t think he was extraordinary looking as most people had thought, and he first met me when I was looking more like a boy.
So Laura and I went on one of our delightful shopping escapades at the local mall. Of course, I wanted to wear comfortable clothes like I always do, and since Laura doesn’t judge how I look, I decided not to bring a purse with me and wear a simple jeans and t-shirt compilation with a trucker hat on my head. Laura wore a pair of pretty white jeans with a nice girly top. Lucy was turning a corner and after bumping into us, she formally introduced Sergio to me. Just to be nice, I waved a simple hello and tried to keep my mouth shut in the conversation amongst the group. I am regularly an extroverted person, but I didn’t find that I had anything interesting to say with Sergio around.
Somehow all four of us wound up shopping together when suddenly Laura had her monthly visitor and needed an emergency washroom break. Since I didn’t have any purse whatsoever with me, I felt fairly useless. That left Lucy running in with Laura to the nearest washroom leaving me alone in awkward silence with Sergio waiting outside.
After what seemed like forever, we hear Lucy calling after us, “I think we’ll need to buy Laura an extra pair of trousers!”
Sergio let out a laugh and said, “Why not just use Janis’ pants instead? Maybe it will make her feel useful since she’s sitting out here looking like one of my teammates.”
In that moment, I took offence and glared at him, “Yeah?! Well...you’re not that great looking either! And you’re the boy! I don’t get what the hype is about you anyway, it’s just swooning ramble to me.”
There was a pin drop silence following my quick apology, “I-I-I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it—“
“No no, it’s okay.”
“No! It’s not okay. I don’t even know you and that was very rude of me, just let me explain—“
“Really it’s okay. Thank you.”
“I just felt like—wait what?!”
“I said thank you. Everywhere I go I hear people swooning over my looks and physical features. If it’s not in person, it’s in the tabloids. When I was a young kid, I was the nerd with braces who got frequent nosebleeds. I don’t see what anyone else sees, so I just wanted to say thank you for being normal around me without focusing in on my profession and taking that into account as if I’m bigheaded.”
“Urm...you’re welcome? And you’re right, I am dressed like a boy but that’s just how I dress sometimes on my lazy days off of work. You can ask Lucy and Laura, I am a very good dresser! I even helped pick Laura’s pants out...although now we know how that turned out.”
Sergio smiled, and suddenly we hear Laura call after us, “Lucy’s right! I can’t leave the washroom and into the mall like this, I need a new pair of trousers!”
Without thinking once more I yelled, “Why not use Sergio’s? We just awkwardly bonded and it will make him feel better to put him to good use.”
Sergio then said, “It would probably put me to good use, because it’s not like we can find a quick pair for her in her size with both of us searching around. Besides, we’re both boyish looking.”
“Urr I was only kidding...you’re not actually going to remove your pants?! HERE?! Don’t make me tease your looks again to try and talk you out of this.”
Sergio didn’t flinch.
“Oh my goodness you’re NOT joking. Well, if she’s going to wear YOUR pants, she might as well wear MY belt to keep them up so I won’t feel useless.”
A moment later Laura came out with Sergio’s pants and my belt around her waist holding them up.
Lucy replied, “I don’t know which is funnier. Laura wearing pieces of both of your clothing or Sergio in his boxer briefs in the middle of the mall.”
I then put my input, “How are we supposed to avoid paparazzi if you’re in your boxer briefs?”
Sergio than replied, “Easy! There’s a bowling alley in the mall just down there. It’s cosmic bowling today so we’ll be in the dark and no one can see us.”
I made a face and replied, “That isn’t a bad idea, but how you keep track of cosmic bowling days is beyond me. Though if we do go, we’ll have to get rid of Laura’s old pants since they’ll have a weird glow.”
“OH SHUT UP!!”
Lucy- VV, chocolate fudge brownies and the police station
Late May 2008
Iker answered the front door and was surprised to see no one there. Frowning, he was about to go back inside when he caught sight of a parcel on the doormat. It was wrapped in brown paper with his name and address clearly printed on the front. He leaned outside and checked the street, but must have missed the delivery man. Of course, he was sent things all the time; fan mail, sponsorship merchandise, care packages from his mama, but this one just had mystery written all over it. Iker couldn't resist.
He took it into the kitchen and ripped the parcel open. It was a white, lidded box and inside were five sizeable and delicious looking chocolate fudge brownies. Iker hadn't had breakfast yet and his tummy rumbled... but he couldn't break the routine - 100 sit ups before breakfast every morning. Iker reluctantly closed the box and went to do his exercises.
Ten minutes and 200 sit ups later (he added an extra 100 to punish himself for even thinking about eating a brownie - he didn't want to go down the same road as Raul) Iker returned to the kitchen, shirtless, for his Weetabix. He was shocked to see his girlfriend Callie bent over double clutching at her stomach, chocolate smeared over her face and one of the brownies squashed on the floor.
'Callie! My love!' he cried and rushed to her. 'What's wrong?!'
'Iker! The.... brownies...' Callie moaned. 'There's something... wrong with them!'
With the Euros only a week away, Iker knew exactly who was behind this little stunt…
***
313 miles away in Barcelona, a sexy looking man paced his living room, waiting for that all important call from Aragones. Surely his time has come... he was sure he'd learnt some cooking skills whilst having 'lessons' from that English girl... enough to put Iker out of action for the next few weeks at least! Whilst he was rubbing his hands together in glee, there was an abrupt knock at his door. Already on his feet, it didn't take him long to get there and was thrown offguard to see two police officers looking sternly at him.
'Mr Valdes?' one asked.
'Yes?' he replied.
'Victor Valdes?'
'Yes, what's wrong?'
'You need to come down the station with us.'
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