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**Title: Unspeakable Secrets**
Manchester boasts a temperate maritime climate, characterized by its mild, rainy weather year-round. Even in the hottest summer, temperatures seldom exceed 20 degrees Celsius, while winters rarely drop below 0 degrees Celsius, with frequent rainfall.
On Christmas morning, Levi lay in bed, listening to the rhythmic patter of rain against the windowpane. Having spent half a year in Manchester, he was accustomed to this familiar sound, which hinted at the weather outside.
Burying himself deeper under the quilt, Levi couldn't help but feel a pang of loneliness. Christmas, once a joyous occasion surrounded by family, now served as a stark reminder of his solitude.
Recalling a song by Eason Chan titled "Christmas Knot," Levi found solace in its melancholic lyrics:
Lonely /
Lonely Christmas /
Merry Merry Christmas /
Who can I write the card to?
Heartbroken like confetti on the street /
Phone not answered /
Don't be found to be in the room all night /
The carnival laughter sounded like mourning music /
Orbital tears freeze warm
Watching mindless TV shows /
Lying on the couch, morphing into an unconscious plant /
This mirrored Levi's current mood perfectly!
Two days prior, Walsh had suggested Levi spend Christmas with Curtis and Evra. However, Curtis's parents surprised him with a visit from London, while Evra had flown back to Paris, courtesy of a ticket Levi had purchased for him.
Walsh, Bruce, and Messi had also extended invitations to Levi, but he declined, not wanting to intrude on their family celebrations. Loneliness was Levi's burden to bear, and he preferred to bear it alone.
Previously preoccupied with club matters, Levi now found himself at a loss with sudden downtime. Aimlessly wandering around his apartment, he gazed out at the rain-soaked windowsill, flipped through magazines on the sofa, and watched TV, but time seemed to drag on endlessly.
Just as Levi contemplated going for a walk, his phone rang. Surprised to see Scarlett's name on the caller ID, he hesitated before answering.
"Levi, it's Scarlett. Merry Christmas," she said, her voice unexpectedly warm.
"Merry Christmas," Levi replied cautiously. Their relationship had been anything but friendly, filled with sarcasm and rivalry.
"I know you're alone today. I thought maybe you could use some company," Scarlett continued, her tone softening further. "I'm cooking Christmas dinner and could use an extra mouth to feed. What do you say?"
Levi was taken aback. Scarlett, the reporter he had clashed with repeatedly, was inviting him to dinner? He was skeptical, but the prospect of spending Christmas alone was even less appealing.
"Alright, Scarlett. I'll come over," he finally agreed, curiosity piqued by her unexpected offer.
Scarlett's apartment was a cozy haven, filled with the aromas of a traditional Christmas feast. Levi's initial wariness gave way to appreciation as he took in the festive decorations and the effort she had put into the evening.
"Come in, Levi. Make yourself at home," Scarlett greeted him at the door, wearing a genuine smile. Her usual sharpness was absent, replaced by a surprising warmth.
"Thanks for the invitation, Scarlett. I didn't expect this," Levi admitted, stepping inside.
"Well, even rivals need a break during the holidays," she replied with a wink. "Besides, I couldn't let you spend Christmas alone."
As they sat down to dinner, the rivalry between them resurfaced, albeit in a more playful manner.
"So, Levi, how's the team holding up? Still convinced you'll reach the top with your 'magical' club?" Scarlett teased, serving him a generous portion of roasted turkey.
Levi chuckled, appreciating the familiar banter. "Absolutely. We've got the spirit and the drive. Just wait and see, Scarlett. We'll make history."
"Bold words from a man whose team is still climbing the ladder," she retorted, a mischievous glint in her eye.
Throughout the meal, their conversation ebbed and flowed between friendly banter and genuine curiosity. Scarlett revealed her softer side, sharing stories of her own struggles and ambitions, which resonated with Levi.
"You know, Scarlett, I never expected you to be so… human," Levi admitted, raising his glass in a toast.
"Cheers to surprises, then," she replied with a smile, clinking her glass against his.
After dinner, they moved to the living room, where Scarlett handed Levi a small, neatly wrapped gift.
"Since you're here, I thought it would be fun to do a little gift exchange," she said, a playful glint in her eye.
Levi was caught off guard. "I didn't bring anything," he admitted, feeling a bit embarrassed.
"That's okay. Open it," Scarlett urged, her smile widening.
Levi carefully unwrapped the gift, revealing a small box. As he opened it, he found a rubber chicken inside. He looked up at Scarlett, puzzled.
"A rubber chicken?" he asked, holding up the toy.
Scarlett burst into laughter. "It's a joke gift! Consider it a little prank to lighten the mood. I thought it would be funny."
Levi couldn't help but laugh along. "You really got me, Scarlett. I never would've expected this from you."
"See, even rivals can share a laugh," she said, still giggling. "But seriously, I do have a real gift for you." She handed him another, more elegantly wrapped box.
This time, Levi opened it to find a beautifully crafted leather journal. "Wow, Scarlett. This is amazing. Thank you."
"I noticed you like to jot things down during matches. I thought you might appreciate a proper journal," Scarlett explained, her tone sincere.
"Thank you, Scarlett. This means a lot," Levi said, genuinely touched.
As the evening progressed, Levi found himself enjoying Scarlett's company more than he anticipated. They laughed, argued, and shared more about themselves than they ever had before.
"Scarlett, this has been the best Christmas I've had in years," Levi confessed as they moved to the living room, where a fire crackled warmly in the hearth.
"I'm glad you came, Levi. You're not as insufferable as I thought," Scarlett said with a smirk, leaning back into the sofa.
Levi laughed, feeling a connection forming that he never imagined possible. They continued talking late into the night, the rain outside providing a soothing backdrop to their conversation.
Christmas, which Levi had anticipated to be dreary, turned out to be surprisingly enjoyable, thanks to Scarlett's unexpected invitation. It wasn't until the next morning that Levi woke up on the sofa, his phone still plugged in and charging.
"What a crazy Christmas!" Levi chuckled, his neck stiff from sleeping in an awkward position.
He hadn't realized he was capable of talking for so long.
However, there was a price to pay; his body ached from sleeping on the sofa. Today was going to be a day of discomfort.
He dragged himself off the sofa, took a shower, brushed his teeth, and changed into clean clothes.
Heading out, Levi caught a bus to the Newton Heath training ground office.
Upon arrival, he found Walsh, Bruce, and Kassel already present, all wearing knowing smiles.
"Hey guys, did you have a good time last night?" Levi asked, sensing something amiss.
"It seems you had a good time too!" Bruce remarked, a mischievous glint in his eye.
Levi was puzzled.
"Truth be told, who the hell were you talking to yesterday? You were busy all day, and I've never seen you talk so much!" Walsh scrutinized Levi with a keen gaze.
Levi felt a pang of guilt but remained tight-lipped.
"It's a secret," he said, refusing to divulge any further.
The atmosphere was filled with curiosity and intrigue as Levi's unspeakable secret hung in the air, waiting to be unveiled.