Worlds Apart

Chapter 11

"What was that!?"

~~~

"Did she just do that?"

My arms were on my head and I was turned towards Alessia's family. We were all so shocked and happy after witnessing her score a goal...with her heel. Carol wrapped her arms around me in absolute shock.

Nobody scores a backheel like. Only Russel could've pulled off something that extraordinary. It had been a good game, but England had the upper-hand. And when it was all over, England were through to the final of the 2022 Euros.

The girls were finally allowed to see us since but only for a few minutes. So, her family and I made a quick run down to the lobby to see her.

When we got down there, the players were coming out of the locker room. Alessia wasn't out yet, but some of her teammates made conversation with me and her parents until she did, and when she did, she was jumping into my arms, hugging me tightly.

"What was that!?" I laughed. "That goal was insane, Less. Absolutely insane."

"I—I don't know! It just happened!" I sat her back down on the ground. "I wish I could kiss you right now."

"Hey, five days. And in five days, you'll be a European champion. I'm sure of it. Go say hi to your family and get some rest."

"I want to talk about your—"

"Another day. When this is over."

"Okay." I pressed a kiss to her forehead.

After a couple more minutes with her, Less went to shower and be with her team. It was later when I found myself playing around with my little piano, humming.

But then it turned into something. I started recording myself as I sang. Then I replayed it and wrote it all down.

[Bridge]
My heart, my heart's an empty canvas
I never could've planned this
The way you look tonight
When the moonlight hits your eyes
And the moment they meet mine
It's photographic

[Verse 2]
And your smile, your smile is like the stars
Illuminates the dark
And right when I need you most
Right here is where you are
Even if we're worlds apart
It's cinematic

[Chorus]
I sit here painting perfect pictures
Of every moment with you
I've known it from the start
Darling, you're my work of art

[Verse 3]
Our bodies, our bodies interlaced
So delicately placed
And your angelic face
Heaven never makes mistakes
And the beauty it creates
Is overwhelming

[Pre-Chorus]
'Cause you're everything to me

[Chorus]
I sit here painting perfect pictures
Of every moment with you
I've known it from the start
Darling, you're my work of art
My work of art

[Bridge]
(Ooh, ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh) my work of art
(Ooh, ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh) I knew it from the star
(Ooh-ooh-ooh) darling, you're my work of art

[Outro]
I sit here painting perfect pictures
Of every moment with you
I've known it from the start
Darling, you're my work of art

I looked at it a few times. I picked up my phone to call Mark and when he answered, he didn't sound too happy. Not until I told him I had an album to record.

Then I scrolled through social media until I saw an interview of Alessia. I could tell it was post game, so I turned up my phone volume.

"Alessia, how do you think the game went tonight?" The interviewer asked.

Less smiled and cleared her throat. "Amazing, I think. I think it was a tough test and we knew what Sweden would pose and I think from minute one, Mary and the backline were on it and switched on, and I think that helped massively. Then to be clinical in their own box is what it's all about, you know, goals win games and when Beth took the first one then we could build from there."

"You say clinical in the box; You just scored one of the most surprising and fantastic goals you've ever seen in a big game for England, just talk me through it."

During that entire statement, she laughed softly to herself and scratched her head. She'd always been a humble person and I could see she wanted to talk about that goal, but she wouldn't actually admit that out loud.

"Well, to be fair, I could've made it a lot easier on myself if I had just scored the first one. But yeah, I mean, it fell nicely and I don't really remember too much about it. I just thought it was the quickest route to get in to the back of the net without having to turn, so I was fortunate enough it went in."

"But when it went in, did you then think 'Oh what have I done?'?"

She laughed, "Well, I didn't really see it go in, so I don't know how it went in, to be honest. Um, but yeah, I just celebrated and enjoyed the moment."

"You say enjoy the moment, are you all enjoying the moment right now?"

"Yeah, we just had a little sing-along in the changing room as usual um, but yeah. We only have a few days now, so we've got to get our heads down and get ready for Sunday."

"Sing-along wasn't ABBA, was it?"

"It was a little bit of ABBA, but there's always ABBA but no, Proud," she paused, thinking to herself "West Virginia, um, a couple old songs."

The two laughed before the interviewer continued.

"Look, you're going to Wembley."

"I know. Can't wait. What—What a feeling. It's what it's all about. It's what we've worked so hard for and now it's time to go out there and put on a performance."

"Family in the stands like they were today?"

"Definitely." Alessia smiled. "They all have their ticket already. My mum rang and was telling me all about it. So was my dad."

"We actually have this video of your mum and girlfriend, Brooklyn Morgan, hugging after that backheel. Here." The video played and I could hear me and Carol literally screaming. Less was beaming from ear to ear. "How's it feel to have your girlfriend in the stands?"

"It's great, honestly. We were able to have a few minutes with family after the game and I went straight to Brooke. It's comforting knowing she's there."

"Well, we'll let you get out of here. Rest up. Thank you."

"Yeah, of course. Thank you."

The video was over and I reposted it on my Instagram story, saying: England's work of art! No one I'd rather be in the stands for. I love you, Russel ❤️

~~~~
AN: What a backheel! It was a crazy goal!

"Work of Art" - Benson Boone

Also, I did use an interview for this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fTY6HwJoaM

Fun fact: I didn't watch any of the Euros until the final and I remember seeing Russo's backheel on ESPN and showing it to my family. Now, Alessia Russo is a household name (+ an Arsenal player)

As always, vote ⭐️

🫶🏼