Amelie

you know that feeling when you know you've done something wrong and now you don't know how to manage it without looking like shittiest person?

yeah that's exactly how i'm feeling right now.

the only thing in my mind is how the fuck am i supposed to face Pablo after kissing someone else.

even though it was meaningless, it's still cheating.

either way, now i'm trying to hide my frustration since today Portugal plays and i'm not trying to make Cristiano wonder what's wrong with me.

another thing is that i'll be seeing him
again.

as much as i don't want it to be awkward, i'm sure it will.

"i'm so glad you could make it Ame." Cristiano told me giving me a tight hug.

i haven't realized how much i missed him until now.

yeah, the last time we met it didn't end alright but after some talking we made up. rather quickly.

"this is the biggest day of your life, i couldn't miss it."

we had a quick chat before he had to go with the team to get ready as the game was going to start soon.

from the corner of my eye i could see João. sat down with his head down.

if i didn't know, i would think someone died or something.

i wanted to go up and ask what's wrong and why isn't he excited for such day.

i couldn't, i was determined to ignore him and focus on my brother only.
i went my way leaving him there instead.

João

"you don't get it, i have a bad feeling. Morocco literally beat Spain, what's stopping from beating us?"

i was talking on the phone with my supposed girlfriend.
once again about her absence.

"you'll be fine, they just caught Spain off guard, you guys have Ronaldo, don't worry about it."

"still, i'm scared, for the first time. i need you Magui. i really do.."

"stop acting like a little baby João, i can't just leave everything and go to you, man up."

"what if we actually lose? who's going to be there for me?"

"ugh you'll get over it , it's not that deep João..."

>>

Amelie

you've got to be kidding me.

i don't know what Morocco is eating these days but it's sure working.

they scored one goal against Portugal, and now during the last minutes, every Portuguese is trying to do what they can to at least tie the game.

i could see Cristiano's face from the bench. his eyes were teary. he looks like he's trying to hold it in. he knows this is it.

that image of my brother made me want to tear up.

it ducking sucks seeing the dreams of someone you love just crash down like that.

3...

2...

1...

the whistle indicating the end of the game was heard, leaving the score 1-0 in Morocco's favor.

the first thing i did was going down to the tunnel, trying to find my brother, who got lost the moment the game ended.

just like with Pablo, i was like a maniac looking for him.

i finally saw him in a distance, with his head down, accompanied by a man.

as i was about to run after him, i heard sobs coming from an open room.

peaking my head, it had to be João, of course.

i decided wether to go up to him or my brother.
watching at the distance where i last saw Cristiano, he was nowhere to be found again.

shit what do i do?

yes, i heavily dislike João but, i can't bear to see him cry.

yes no yes no yes no yes no

fuck it.

i went up to where he was standing without even saying a word, i brought him to a hug.

i could feel he was caught off guard, but then he noticed that it was me and hugged back hesitantly.

"Amelie? what are you doing?"

"hugging you duh."

we both let go. his head remained down which i think is to not make me see him crying.

"i know it's a pain João, but you're so young still, you have so many more chances, this isn't the end."

"i was so hopeful though, i wanted to win it with Cristiano, now i don't know-" he didn't even finish before breaking down on my shoulder making me hug him again rubbing my had on his back.

"it's alright, let it out i know it's difficult João."

we stood there sat down while João sobbed against my shoulder.

after a couple of minutes he pulled away trying to run away his tears, now a little calmer.

it suddenly hit me.
this man has a whole girlfriend, where is she during these moments?

"is your girlfriend here to be with you right now?"
i asked hoping it's not a triggering question.

"nah, she has more important things to do i guess."

what kind of girlfriend is that? as much as i wanted to tell him that, i didn't think right now was an appropriate time to talk about his relationship.

"oh, i see." was all i said.

"thank you Amelie."

"for?"

"for being here, when i needed someone the most..."