Soccer: the most popular sport in the world and one of my favorites. I don't know when I developed a passion for watching the games. Maybe it started the day I saw Ares playing in his backyard, or maybe it was when Dani's mom took us to see Dean play in his first game. In any case, I enjoy it, and I didn't hesitate when Dani asked if I wanted to go with her, Carlos, and Yoshi to another of Dean's games to support him. With all my being, I try to forget that Ares is also on the team, and that means I'll see him for the first time since that terrible morning.
I won't deny that it's been a difficult few days, especially at night when I close my eyes. I can't help replaying everything over and over again, as if trying to find the moment or the reason why everything ended up like this. There were even times when I took some of the blame. He warned me. He was very clear about what he wanted, but I still gave myself to him not only once but twice. I've found myself staring at the window sometimes, not daring to look out and peek at his house. It's painful to remember him climbing up the ladder, his smirk, his eyes, all of him there with me in my room.
I shake my head to clear these thoughts. I came here to have fun and enjoy my favorite sport with my friends. Although, if I'm being honest, I know that my racing heartbeat and sweaty hands are not due to the game.
Why does it make me so nervous to know I'm going to see him?
I try to reassure myself that he'll be far away, and he won't even see me or notice me among the people in the stands. I try to calm down as we walk into the field and look for a place to sit. Dani had trouble finding a spot in the parking lot and, as I predicted, the place is full. We see a space in the second row of seats with a good view of the field, so we hurry over. Apolo joins us—he's been hanging out with us at school lately.
Dani sits down first, then Apolo, Carlos, Yoshi, and me. I don't like to be so far away from Dani, but I don't want Yoshi to think that I don't want to sit next to him. There's only a bit of daylight left, the sun is almost gone, and the sky turns gray as it welcomes the darkness of the night. The big field lights turn on, illuminating the freshly mowed grass.
My eyes dance around the players, stretching and practicing with a soccer ball. Our team's uniform is black with red stripes and red numbers, while the other team's is all white.
Number five. Where are you, Greek God?
As if he wanted to answer me, Ares appears, walking with his characteristic confidence. My heart flutters in my chest as if to chase after him. His uniform shorts are perfectly tailored to his defined legs and his shirt fits tightly, exposing his muscular arms. He's wearing some sort of superthin red elastic headband to keep his black hair away from his forehead. And on his left arm he's wearing the captain's armband.
My God, why do you make it so hard for me? Why do you get hotter every day? I'm confused enough as it is.
Ares greets another player, who I can only see from behind, but he seems very familiar. They talk, and Ares's expression grows serious, as if he's deciding something important. The unknown player turns slightly—it's Marco. How did I forget that he also plays on this team?
I make a face remembering the dance I did for Marco. God, how embarrassing. But, well, Marco doesn't look bad at all in that uniform. My eyes go down to his ass, and oh—nice.
Raquel, for God's sake!
I mentally slap myself. Having sex has definitely unleashed my wild side. Ares laughs and shakes his head at something Marco says, and I stop breathing. He looks so cute when he laughs.
"Raquel?" Yoshi brings me back to reality.
"Yes?" I look at him, and Yoshi's eyes are narrowed.
"Enjoying the view?"
I let out a chuckle. "A little bit."
"I asked you if you wanted soda, I'll get some."
"No, I'm fine."
Carlos pokes his head out from behind Yoshi's back. "Are you sure you don't want anything, my princess?"
"I'm fine."
Apolo and Dani appear to be having a conversation down the bench. Well, Dani is talking, and Apolo is just sitting there nodding, red as a tomato. Carlos and Yoshi go down the stairs to get sodas as the announcer's voice comes over the speakers.
"Good evening! Welcome to the opening game of this year's municipal soccer championship. Give a warm welcome to the guest team, the Greenwich Tigers!"
The opposing team's fans are howling, yelling, and partying, while we just boo.
The announcer continues. "Now let's give a round of applause in support of our home team, the Panthers!"
Everyone is making a scene, screaming and jumping up and down, including me. I take advantage of the guys leaving and slide down to stand next to Apolo. Dani sees me and immediately grabs Apolo by the shoulders to shuffle in between us.
Dani whispers in my ear. "I get why you were going to practice. Everyone is hot. With the exception of my brother, of course, because, gross."
"Where is Dean?"
Dani takes my chin and moves my face in the direction of the goal. "There. You're too focused on your Voldemort to notice my poor brother."
I'm saved from answering by the announcer. "Well, it's almost time for kickoff, ladies and gentlemen. Let's give both teams a round of applause and wish them all the best!"
The crowd screams, raising their hands in the air. On my side, everyone starts shouting, "Panthers, Panthers!" Excitement seeps into my veins and for a second, I enjoy it fully, forgetting that arrogant captain who has my heart in his hands.
You can feel the rivalry between the two teams in the air. Greenwich is the closest town and they always belittle us, claiming we're talentless villagers. We've made them swallow their words over and over. The Panthers have won several regional championships, and we've even gone to state while they haven't made it past the first play-offs.
The teams take the field, each player to his position, and the stands vibrate with excitement. I clap loudly, my eyes falling on Ares again. How can I not look at him when he looks so confident, so excited?
You're an idiot, Raquel, my brain reproaches me. He has hurt me so much, but I can't stop looking at him and sighing like a stupid girl. I wish feelings had an On and Off button. That would make things easier for so many people. Because I know I have feelings for him, I know I'm fooling myself by saying, "I'm falling in love with him," when the truth is that I'm already in love. There's no turning back, even if admitting what I feel doesn't change anything. He doesn't feel the same way, so I have to swallow my feelings and go on with my life as if nothing happened.
Yoshi appears next to me, and Carlos takes the seat next to him. Yoshi offers me his soda. "Are you sure you don't want some? It's Coke, your favorite."
"Just a sip." I drink a little and give it back to him.
Yoshi adjusts his glasses and throws a glance my way as if he wants to say something, but he doesn't. Our eyes meet.
"Raquel, is there something going on between you and that Hidalgo guy?"
"Apolo? Of course not, he's just—"
"I don't mean Apolo, and you know it."
"No, of course not." Why am I lying to him?
Yoshi opens his mouth to protest, but the referee blows the whistle, starting the game. I smile at Yoshi and turn my focus to the match. The beginning of the game is really lively. Carlos whistles with excitement. "Did you see how hard he ran to get that pass? That guy is really good."
Ares is playing well, which doesn't help me. All I want to do is scream like a fangirl every time he gets close to the goal.
Dani hits me with her elbow. "You have good taste. Not only is he cute and smart, he's good at sports."
And he is also very good at sex.
I want to say it, but I just smile. Nearly halfway through the first half, Ares is running with the ball, approaching the goal. Everyone in the stands is standing up, cheering him on. But then the goalie comes out and runs at him, crashing into Ares with a thud. A scream of horror leaves my lips as I see Ares on the ground, writhing in pain, with his face in his hands.
Without thinking, I jump to my feet and almost run to him, but Dani grabs my arm and stops me, reminding me of the situation between us. Marco helps him up, and a couple of the other players half carry him to the edge of the field, near the bleachers. I grow even more alarmed when I see blood coming out of his nose.
The announcer comes over the speakers again. "It looks like there was a big collision between the striker and the goalkeeper. The referee gave a yellow card, but the Panthers are not happy."
The trainer passes Ares a rag and he takes it, wiping away the blood. His blue eyes meet mine, and I can't help but try to ask him, moving my lips in the hope that he understands the question despite the distance between us, "Are you all right?"
He just nods.
I sit back down, relieved. Yoshi rolls his eyes, and Dani gives me a knowing look. I notice that Apolo isn't in his seat.
"He ran the other way when you got up," Dani explains. "I think he's making sure his brother is okay."
"That was a really dirty move," Carlos says.
Yoshi takes a sip of his soda. "I agree."
Apolo returns, and his face is red but not with grief. It's the first time I've seen him so angry.
Dani squeezes his shoulder comfortingly. "He's going to be fine."
Apolo says nothing, just clenches his fists at his sides and sits back, taking a deep breath. I think it's extremely cute that he cares so much about his brother. The game continues, and the tension between the teams is palpable. The Panthers are angry. Ares continues to play, checking his nose from time to time. There's no more blood, but I imagine it still hurts.
Poor thing.
No, poor little nothing, he broke your heart.
Get it together, Raquel.
It's almost the end of the first half when the best play of the match begins. The midfielder makes a long pass to Marco, who, after outwitting two opposing players, passes it to Ares, who runs to receive it at the side of the goal. Everyone climbs to their feet in excitement. Ares kicks the ball diagonally and it goes into the goal from the corner at an impressive angle.
"GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAL!" the announcer's voice booms.
We all jump and scream like crazy. The place is going to explode.
"In your face, you fucking goalie!" Apolo shouts, surprising us all.
Ares runs with his arms stretched in the air, celebrating the goal. As he approaches the stands, he grabs the edge of his shirt and lifts it up to reveal something written on his stomach.
Witch.
I stop breathing, bringing my hand to my mouth in surprise.
The announcer speaks. "Wow, it looks like the scorer is dedicating his goal to someone. Who is the lucky witch?"
Ares's gaze meets mine, and he smiles at me before being embraced from behind by all of his teammates in celebration. My heart beats wildly and threatens to burst out of my chest.
Ares Hidalgo is going to drive me crazy with his confusing signals.
Correction: he has already driven me crazy.