A Lingering Feeling

JUNE’S POV

I woke up later than I expected.

A Saturday meant slow mornings, work afternoons and lonely evenings since they had to work late.

Slowly, I had a shower, ate, studied and went to work for my shift.

The sign above the door read Amber Cafe, the paint slightly wearing out.

I quickly put on my apron and went behind the counter. 

Maya didn’t work on Saturdays so it was just me and the others,

Various customers walked in and out.

University students sat with their laptops open, sipping their coffee while some were munching on croissants.

One day, I’d be just like them.

“I’d like a latte, with no sugar.”

“It’ll be ready in a minute.”‘ I smiled at the young girl in front of me.

Time moved fast and the clock hit three o’clock.

I felt like I was forgetting something but I couldn’t seem to remember.

My shift ended at four o’clock and I decided to get myself some ice-cream.

“Banana with sprinkles.” I requested and paid.

I checked my phone for any unread messages and I glanced at the time.

4:30.

It rang a bell and then it hit me.

The match was by 4:30.

I saw a message from Adrien 

“My manager will get you, she’ll be waiting.

Here’s the address.”

I went home and wore a pink square neck top with the blue low rise jeans I wore to work.

I sent my mum a quick text to let her know where I was but I’d probably get home before them.

I got to the address at 5:30, just at the beginning of the second half.

Just like he said, his manager let me in.

A sea of red and white flooded the stadium. It was an under-21s game and I recognized a lot of faces from our school.

Including James, Lori, Max and some others.

The field was already buzzing with voices, laughter and shouting. The kind of energy you feel in your chest.

Before his manager left, she handed me a jersey and smiled at me.

“Adrien wanted me to give this to you.”

It had Adrien’s name and number on the back.

Hayes. 14.

I put it on and I felt lost in the fabric. It was twice my size.

The whistle blew.

Adrien was a striker, not just any striker, a brilliant one.

He was all around the pitch, moving with lightning speed. Switching his position from striker to winger occasionally.

They were down by a goal.

Adrien made a brilliant pass to the winger on the right, who happened to be Theo.

The crowd erupted as the ball found its way into the back of the net.

“GOAL!” 

I found myself screaming too, I didn’t even notice when Max came over.

His name echoed across the field and for a moment. 

I understood the hype, he was fantastic and exhilarating to watch.

The clock hit the ninety minute mark and there was an added time of three minutes.

“Hi June! Nice jersey!” He said through the noise and winked at me.

“Hi Max, thank you.” 

I chucked.

“I see both of you are serious.”

“Pretty much.” 

I didn’t have to look to know Lori was watching.

I didn’t care.

“You have my approval! He looks better with you.” He said before he left.

That made me pause and turn to look at him.

I thought about what he said but was soon distracted by the game in front of me.

A player was fouled and the ball rolled past the line.

Arsenal got a corner.

Theo played the cross in an attempt to score directly but it hit the bars.

The players were scrambling for the ball till it went up.

A smooth header went straight into the back of the net.

Adrien had headed it in at ninety minutes plus added time.

“Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant from the eighteen year old.” I heard the commentators say.

The noise was deafening, the energy was electrifying. Joy spread across the fans' faces.

His eyes found mine and he rushed towards me. “You came!” He spoke happily.

“I said I would try.” 

“Come on! I want you to meet my coach.” 

“How am I supposed to get down?”

In the blink of an eye, he crossed the barricade and led me out.

“Coach, meet June, my girlfriend.” He introduced me.

“Hello June. I’ve heard quite a lot about you.” He said.

Wait.

A lot? About me?

“I’ve been telling him he needs some good influence and I’m glad he’s found that in you. Unlike his other girlfriends.” 

“Thank you.” 

I felt heat rush to my face.

We left and walked around the field.

“Starboy huh? I didn’t know you were that good.” I said.

“Now you know.”

“Where are your parents?” 

“Oh they couldn’t make it, that’s why I invited you.” 

That sent a flutter of warmth all over me.

“I’m glad I came. James looked so sour and angry.” I laughed.

“Yeah.” He responded.

“It’s getting late, I should go. Thank you for inviting me.” I said.

“Of course.” He turned to me.

“Can I hug you?” He asked.

I was taken aback and then I nodded.

He pulled me into a hug and I let him.

A few seconds passed then I hugged him back.

It felt nice.

“Alright alright. I’ll be going.” I said and pulled away.

I waved goodbye and left.

I got home to meet an empty house.

Not surprised.

I called Jules to tell her about it.

“Why didn’t you tell me? I would’ve loved to go.” Jules was a huge football fan and supported Arsenal.

“I’m sorry. He told me yesterday but it was absolutely thrilling to watch!” 

“Anyways. I can’t wait to hear all the details on Tuesday. You better not leave anything out!” She squealed.

“I can just tell you now, you know?”

“No. I want to hear this in person. Or maybe just a small tiny part now?” 

I told her about the jersey.

“You just made your debut honey. That will be in the headlines on Tuesday for sure!” 

“I didn’t even think that far.”

“Be prepared, little one. The time has come.” She spoke solemnly which made me laugh.

“Goodbye. See you on Tuesday.” She said before she hung up.

I remembered what Max and the coach said.

What exactly made me better with him? 

I paused. The question settled heavier than I expected, and I stepped into the bathroom.

I caught a reflection of something red in the mirror.

It was me.

I was still in the jersey.

I should’ve taken it off the moment I got home.

Somehow, the sight of it made me smile.

I wasn’t sure why.

But I had a feeling it mattered.