4: A Star's Dilemma

Chapter 4

Andreas arrived at the private airport in Spain in his jet, only to be hurled by tons of reporters. As his security personnel tried to shield him and navigate a part for him through the crowd, he was bombarded with lots of questions like.

“Andreas do you think you'll be part of coach Hernandez’s lineup your first game?”, “Andreas, is coach Hernandez finally terminating your contract?” Or “Andreas, what can you say about the viral videos of you making rounds on social media?”

All these questions only angered him. He wanted to respond but he knew better. So, he just kept muttering “No comments” continually through gritted teeth until they were safely past them.

He was accompanied to his hotel room, where he rested in preparation for training tomorrow morning. Then the next day arrived and he was picked up by the team's luxurious air-conditioned deluxe team bus.

As they arrived at the stadium, there were already fans waiting at every corner to catch a glimpse of their favorite players.

Andreas groaned inwardly in frustration. He hated the fact that his career came with so much fame that they couldn't even come to training peacefully without fans waiting for them.

As his teammates aligned from the buses, fully covered in their blue and white joggers, there were loads of happy cheers from every corner as the fans, restricted by a form of barricade at their left and right, stretched out their hands for a handshake which they gladly obliged.

Some even went as far as signing jerseys and other stuff for their fans.

As soon as Andreas got out of the bus, the fans cheering turned into booing. “Boo…” They all yelled in unison.

Andreas rolled his eyes, trying to put up a brave front as he walked briskly, heading for the entrance of the stadium. Deep inside, he was hurting. These fans used to adore him. If he hadn't made that mistake, he'd still be loved but now he didn't even think he had a chance to make it up to them.

With his head slightly bowed, he walked towards the entrance, laser focused when he felt and arm on his shoulder.

“Hey man…” he turned around as he saw Nico, his best friend and teammate turned enemy. He had a mocking smirk dancing on his lips. He leaned in as he whispered.

“You hear that out there? That's what you get for betraying your team.” Nico said, patting on the shoulder, glaring at him and laughing, a loud mocking sound as he walked away.

“Ignore him bro. He doesn't mean that”. One more time, Andreas heard someone else's voice from behind, recognizing the voice he turned around to find a smiling Daniel behind him.

His own countenance softened as he greeted Daniel with a bro hug. Daniel had just joined the team, and was the only person talking to Andreas currently.

Daniel and Andreas ended up walking into the stadium together as they prepared for training.

Training began earnestly and the players gave it their all. Andreas trained the hardest, taking all the twists, turns and runs seriously. All through the time, feeling the watchful eyes of Coach Hernandez on him.

Two hours later, they were done for the day. As the others exited the pitch, Andreas took that as the opportunity to go talk to Coach Hernandez. He walked up to him, his heart beat increasing, but he was determined not to let it show.

“Hello coach. How are you doing?...” Andreas asked nervously, but tried as much as possible to keep the crack out of his voice.

Coach Hernandez was talking to another teammate when Andreas arrived, he turned to Andreas, glancing quickly at him before turning towards the other teammates, dismissing him.

He turned and started walking away without responding to Andreas' greetings. But that didn't deter him. Andreas hurried after him, calling out to him.

“Hey Coach. Wait up. We need to talk”. Andreas said, his voice Sharp, echoing through the large almost empty stadium.

Coach Hernandez stopped in his tracks, turning to Andreas he replied. “Not here. In my office”. And continued walking.

Andreas immediately hurried after coach Hernandez. As soon as they got to his office, they both sat down.

Andreas took his chance and immediately decided to apologize to Coach Hernandez before he could say anything else.

“Hey. Uhm, coach? Before you say anything, I'd like to apologize. My recent behaviors have been immature. And…and, I didn't think them through. I promise I'll do better from now on… I promise to change…” Andreas rambled on, but it seemed Coach Hernandez wasn't listening because he kept rummaging through the files in his drawers.

His sigh of relief was evident when he found a brown envelope in one of the drawers. Slamming the envelope on the desk in front of Andreas, he looked him in the eye. “Open it.” He ordered.

Andreas was unsure what it was but he was curious. “What's this?” He asked, chuckling nervously as he picked up the envelope, tearing open the seal to reveal some papers.

Taking them out carefully, his eyes scanned through them as he read. His eyes widened in disbelief as he read. His head snapped up as he met his coach's eyes.

“Coach, what's the meaning of this?” He asked.

Coach Hernandez sighed heavily before he replied. “Well Andreas, I'm pretty sure you can read. But I'll gladly explain what you just read for you in simpler terms. The club has decided that we wouldn't be renewing your contract this season…”

As the bombshell dropped, Andreas took a while to take the words in before he reacted. “This isn't fair. I've been instrumental in the club's last season achievements and now y’all want to just throw me away. Because of what? One simple mistake…”

“It's not just that missed penalty, Andreas. It's much more than that. Have you seen the news lately? You're everywhere. And for all the wrong reasons.” Coach Hernandez snapped.

Bowing his head in remorse, Andreas tried to apologize. “Look I'm sorry about that Coach. I really am. It's just that I was depressed… and I” He explained but Coach Hernandez immediately cut him off.

“Enough, Andreas! You can either get results or make excuses for your lack of them. You can't have both. And this decision isn't up to me alone. The club's decided and there's nothing I can do to change their mind.

Silence fell upon the office like a death mal. Andreas sat there in silence, his thoughts rioting.

After sometime he sighed, disappointed, he got up. Looking over to his coach, he bowed slightly before he walked towards the door. Despite everything, he still had utmost respect for his coach. He'd been the only one that had believed in him even when no one did.

“I can't do anything at this point, Andreas. But, maybe you can”. Coaches Hernandez added, stopping Andreas just at the door.

Andreas turned back slightly, his expression sad and hopeless. “What use is there?” He asked, as he turned the door knob, stepping out and closing the door behind him.