Chapter 31 #2
“I can only focus on the pitch. Off the pitch it’s up to the media to tell the truth. We all have truths to share. And it’s our duty to have openness.” My heart is thumping.
“You were recently pictured with Kyle Thurston, your England teammate and club rival. Are you patching things up with him?”
I take a deep breath, remembering we need the media on our side. “Kyle and I have been friends for a long time, much like he said the other day. Friends fight, but I understand we are in the public eye and we have a duty to act responsibly.”
The media person shifts from one foot to the next and says, “And finally, how are you feeling? You are a young player with the whole world on you. It must be tough.”
I’m shocked. Kyle got through to the media.
He actually did it. My face lights up, and I say, “It is tough, especially with recent events.” This gains a smile from the media person.
“But I’m doing okay. I have a good support network, and I’m positive things will become more clear soon.
I appreciate you asking the question. I hope you are doing good too.
” The media person gives me a warm smile and a nod, clearly caught off guard by this.
“Best of luck with the rest of the campaign. You are tonight’s player of the match. Congratulations,” he says, handing me a trophy and some bubbly. I thank him and head back to the locker room, where it’s all smiles and celebrations.
Aaron Johnson Firing on All Cylinders!
Aaron Bags Himself a Dream Start with Hat Trick in Europe
Wonderkid AJ has World at his Very Talented Feet
Mr. Nice Guy Johnson and his Plea for Forgiveness
Flamboyant AJ Destroys European Team While Waiting for Police Outcome
One week in and the plan is working. Kyle and I are becoming media darlings. I really hope they keep the same energy when we come out. We haven’t set a date for that yet, but it needs to be soon. There are still corners of the press that want my head.
The threat of the police is looming, and if truth be told, I want Kyle.
When I’m with him, he makes everything better.
I know that’s selfish, but I need him by my side.
I look around my spacious yet empty house and wish even more that he were here.
I shoot him a text, knowing he won’t get it yet, as he’s playing in his first European game.
I switch his match on and see they are 0–1 down inside the first ten minutes.
The camera cuts to Kyle, and he looks pissed.
His lips are in a thin line, and the crease in his forehead is prominent, which means he’s suffered what he feels is an injustice.
Right on cue, the replay shows his goal being ruled out for offside.
VAR is claiming he started from an offside position, but it’s marginal at best. The home fans are loving it.
It’s a difficult place to play, in the capital of Portugal.
They are a well-organized team, and they have set themselves up to frustrate and antagonize Kyle’s young team.
He needs to keep his cool, as they are winding him up with shirt pulls and naughty shin kicks that go unnoticed.
He is reacting to the bait with his mouth.
“If you heard any foul language just now, we apologize. Players can get passionate when tempers flare, and young Kyle needs to calm down before he goes into the ref’s book.”
“Yep, it looks as though that is their game plan right now. And you can’t blame them. He’s their most influential player.”
Kyle gets the ball and sprays a pass out to the wing before charging into the box. He screams for it back and manages to not only receive the ball and turn in a tight space, but also to squeeze the ball into the smallest of angles. I jump up off the sofa and cheer.
“Aww naaaw, that’s brilliant. The turn, the space, the finish. This lad has it all.”
“And if I know Kyle, he’s going to want to get a hat trick, much like Aaron Johnson did on his debut last night.”
“Those two are always intertwined. We could be looking at this generation’s standout rivalry. Much like the Argentinian Magician and the Portuguese Ace.”
“Boy, wouldn’t that be something!”
My heart stirs at the mention of my name with his.
And it’s finally being used in a positive way again.
Before I can register this, Kyle has scored again.
He has scored two goals quicker than me.
I see the game of “anything you can do, I can do better” is well and truly on.
They say iron sharpens iron and by the time this season is done, we’d be able to cut through any defense.
Hell, we’ll be taking on the whole world and hopefully making it a little bit—
“He’s only gone and scored AGAIN! What a sensational goal.”
“That is the quickest European hat trick by anyone, ever. Regardless of a debut or not. Kyle Thurston is the young man of the moment!”
I can’t help but smile, and the look on his face is worth it. For the first time in a while, I can see his smile. That alone is more powerful than any of the floodlights.
They go in at half, time 3–1 up, and the second half is much the same. Kyle is asserting his small yet muscular frame around the pitch, making runs, playing quick one-twos with his teammates, and he even grabs an assist.
The game ends, and there is no surprise that he is the player of the match. He gets grabbed for an interview. I sit closer to the TV to hear better, instead of, you know, turning the volume up.
“A great performance, Kyle. Much like Aaron Johnson yesterday. Is there a one-upmanship thing going on here?”
Kyle flashes them an effortless smile. “I guess you could say that. We’ve always had a competitive relati—friendship.”
My heart hitches, for someone to come across as all stoic and mysterious, that’s the second time in an interview he’s accidentally dropped a double entendre. I’m not letting this one go. I shoot him a text.
AJ
You just love putting your mouth on it…I mean, in it, don’t you? Lol. Great game. But you know I’m gonna take both Golden Boots!
I turn off the TV and wish more than anything he was here next to me.