WHERE IT BEGAN

Samorena Maduo began her Saturday as she had done for the last twenty six years. She woke up from the right side of her bed, as she had done for most of her life, slid the covers off her body and made her way to the bathroom. She went through her usual morning routine. Normal everyday things, however that Saturday was not a normal one for Samorena. That day was special.

It was on that day that she would do something she had wanted to do for the last thirteen years but had been unable to do. She was going to watch, live, her favorite football team, Manchester Mavericks, play a football match. This day had been set up six days ago when she sat at her computer in her office and pressed the key to purchase match tickets for herself and her friend, Saone. Saone was not much of a football fan but since she was going to be with Samorena she had agreed to go and watch the game instead of staying in the hotel room. Samorena skipped to her friend's room to wake her up and found Saone was already up and dressed. She smiled, let Saone know why she was in the room and the two exchanged jokes about Samorena's excitement. Samorena went back to her room to change into jeans and the team's red home shirt. She put on eyeliner, lip gloss and a little blush to her cheeks. She ran a comb through her hair, it being short meant she did not have to spend so much time on it. She was ready to go.

As they walked into the stadium with other fans, Saone was cool and detached, taking in every detail while Samorena was like a child in a toy store. She took pictures of everything in sight, pointed out things she thought were important to Saone who tried to act interested and chatted non-stop about the importance of the match.

Banners and team flags decorated the stands; red, black and white on one side for Manchester Mavericks and, blue and white on the other for Barnley. The roar of the crowd was deafening as team fans traded barbs, insults and cheers. Samorena was in the thick of it, singing just as boisterously as the rest of them, while Saone tried and failed to join in finally settling for watching everyone.

For years Samorena had been watching the team play matches on television and dreaming of one day sitting at Old Trafford, the team's stadium, while her team tore another apart and she joined in the banter with the other Red Devils supporters. That day had finally come and fate could not have staged in better; Barnley were top of the league, leading second placed Manchester Mavericks by three points with just six league matches remaining.

Luca listened to the gaffer hand down his last instructions then tuned everything out as he did before each match. In his head he pictured the match, seeing it play out in his head how they would win. Their opponents on that day were tough and this was an important match that could make or break their season. Barnley had been hard to catch all season long and if they won this match they would cut their lead to nothing but goal difference.

This was his pre-game routine and nine times out of ten what played in his match translated, somewhat, into what transpired on the pitch.

His teammates clapped him on the back as they walked out in front of him. He was always the last to leave the changing room. He jogged behind his teammates as they made their way down. He barely registered the roar of the crowd, so engrossed in his mind he was. He went through the motions of shaking hands with officials and opposing players then jogged some way to his position. While he waited for the referee to blow the whistle he did a few stretches as he always did.

Manchester Mavericks were down by two goals to one with ten minutes remaining on the clock and Barnley had packed their half of the pitch with players leaving only the striker in the Manchester Mavericks half, while Manchester Mavericks had thrown every man available, save the goalkeeper, into attack. This was the team that Samorena knew and loved, even with their backs against the wall they never caved in. Their never say die approach to every match is what had attracted Samorena to the team which now held a very special place in her heart. It was never over for the team until the final whistle was blown and there was still a lot of time left in this match.

The crowd kept up its cheers in an effort to motivate their team to turn the match around. Manchester Mavericks were leading an attack through Luca Bataglia when from out of nowhere a Barnley defender came and swept Luca off his feet. The referee blew his whistle and a free kick was awarded to Manchester Mavericks. It was in a favorable position for her team and even more so for the man stepping up to take it, Luca Bataglia. He was the best free kick taker she had ever seen and Samorena was overjoyed that she had the best view to be watch him take one live. She faced Saone to explain how thrilling it was to be watching this live and hoping to place a bet on whether Luca would score or not when she felt a blow to her face and everything went black.

A hush fell over the crowd as everyone realized that the ball that should have hit the back of the net had knocked a woman unconscious instead. Medics sprang into action as play was halted so that the woman could be seen to. She was stretchered off for medical attention and play resumed as soon as she had been taken to safety.

A goal kick from Czech fell to Terry who connected immediately with Lamped. Lamped sent the ball in Hazard's direction but it was intercepted by Carrick who found Luca and a counter attack formed. Luca spotted Rooney who was surprisingly unmarked and passed the ball into the space in front of Rooney. Rooney made the run, saw an opening and made a through ball which Van Persil locked onto sending the ball into the bottom right hand corner of the net. Czech was powerless to stop it.

Celebrations did not last long as Hazard, having received the ball from Torres, passed to Luis who passed it to Ramirez. Ramirez sidestepped Vera and fed the ball to Hazard. Hazard connected cleanly with the ball but sent it bouncing off the crossbar. It met with Oscar on the rebound whose cross met with Torres's' left foot however the shot did not trouble De Gea at all; He kicked the ball to the middle of the park.

The ball met with Carrick's chest, he moved ball from chest to feet and onto the quick feet of Kagawa. Barnley defenders were all over Kagawa but he managed to get a shot in anyway however Czech was ready and he parried it his defender's way but Rooney was quick to relieve the defender of the ball. Luca called out for the ball, it met his right food and he watched it sail into the top right had corner of the net. The crowd was up on its feet as they realized that if Manchester Mavericks could hang on to the lead for the next two minutes they would be the new log leaders. They hung on to the lead in spectacular fashion as Rooney volleyed the ball into the top left hand corner of the net two seconds before the referee blew the final whistle. Old Trafford roared.

The Manchester Mavericks players applauded the supporters as they walked off the field to the changing rooms while the supporters cheered them on.

Luca had watched in disgust as the ball flew from his feet and over the crossbar instead of into the net as planned. He turned away, still in disgust, and jogged to the center of the pitch. He heard the crowd gasp and turned around to see why, for a second he saw nothing and confusion crept in. He looked up at the screen and saw a replay of his shot hitting a woman in the face then watched in shock as she collapsed. Play was halted as medics rushed for the woman. Luca stood watching and prayed that she was alright. He was well aware of the punch his balls packed and wondered whether he might have killed her.

When the medics signaled then stretchered her off he went to a linesman to ask if she was alright. He was told she was unconscious but would be fine. Relieved, he went back to his position. He threw himself back into the game and put up one of his best showings of the season. After the match, congratulations had been given, a summary made with the gaffer pointing out holes that needed closing, he took a shower then went to ask which hospital the girl had been taken to.

He took the shirt that he had worn for the match and signed it with the intention of giving it to her. He remembered she was a woman and picked up flowers and chocolate on the way there.

When Samorena regained consciousness she was immediately aware of the fact that she was in the hospital. The bright smile on Saone's face told her that everything was fine. She let out a breath and made to sit up. She clutched her head and eased back into the pillows.

'Hey.' Saone said, 'Doctor said you need to rest for a little bit to allow the pain medication to do its work.'

'Fuck! What the hell happened? Last thing I remember boo was taking a free kick.' Samorena said.

'Well, boo's free kick flew straight into your face. I've never been as scared as I was when I watched you go down.'

'Shit!'

'But in hindsight, it wasn't as bad as I thought it was.'

'Did I go down like a sack of potatoes?'

'You were very graceful.'

Samorena laughed and Saone smiled along with her.

'And the match? How did that end?' Samorena asked.

'I-' Saone started to speak.

'We won.' A male voice at the door responded.

Both women turned to the direction of the voice, both gasped and jaws simultaneously dropped. Samorena tried to sit up again and her head felt like it was going to explode.

'Bloody hell! I really should stop doing that.' she said.

Luca Bataglia stepped into the room. Saone stood up to shake hands with him while all Samorena could do was watch from her position on the bed and gape. All she could think about was no person had a right to look as good he did. She could not believe that he was standing in front of her at that moment and pinched her arm. When it hurt she went from resenting the pain she was in to thanking whatever god had ordained the event of the ball hitting her in the face.

'I was going to ask how you are feeling but I have a pretty good feeling from the 'bloody hell' He said, mimicking her accent.

She smiled, 'Yeah, I would choose a hangover right now.'

He smiled and walked up to the bed. Saone vacated the seat she was in but he declined it with the shake of his head.

'Hi, I'm Luca, the prick who landed you in hospital.' he said.

'Sam I am and friend Saone is.' Samorena said, then frowned in disgust.

'I think she means her name is Sam I'm her friend Saone and she is pleased to meet you.' Saone said.

'Yes, what she said.' Samorena said.

Luca smiled, 'I am pleased to meet you both although I wish it were under better circumstances.'

'I wouldn't...don't beat yourself up...it could have...' Samorena trailed off.

'Allow me atonement, for peace of mind, and let me take you out to dinner as soon as you are feeling well.'

He had come to drop of the shirt, chocolate and flowers, maybe take a couple of pictures with them and give an apology. Dinner was not part of the plan.

He had walked up to the door, saw her friend sitting by the bed watching her. He had been about to knock when she opened her eyes. They were the darkest brown he had ever seen and the perfect shape for her face. She was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen and he was instantly attracted to her. Then she spoke and that sweet voice and sexy accent did strange things to his insides. He decided he wanted to spend some time with her.

'Sam?' her prodded, dragging him back to the present.

'We would love to join you.' Sam said.

He fought hard to hide the pleasure that had come with her accepting his invitation to dinner. She had looked for a second like she would turn it down.

'Find out what the doctor says then let me know when is good for you.' Luca said, as he hoped it would be that night.

'That sounds like a plan.'

'You might need my number for that.'

'Oh right! I would...um mm...'

Saone produced Samorena's cellphone and Luca saved his cellphone number.

'That should connect you straight to me. I look forward to hearing from you.' Luca said, then bowed slightly then left the room.

He chastised himself for the bow as he left the room to the flashing of cameras and murmur of a crowd of reporters. His security team backed up by nurses managed to shove the crowd out of the hospital. He wondered if he should have some of his men stay to watch her and decided he would.

'What the hell happened to my brain?' she chuckled, eliciting a laugh from Saone.

Three hours later, loaded on pain medication and told she would be fine tomorrow, Samorena and Saone were shopping for dresses for dinner with Luca. She had been cleared for dinner the next night but she was yet to let Luca know.

'Pinch me Sasa I swear I am dreaming! No, wait! If you do and I am dreaming then I will wake up. I don't ever want to wake up.' Samorena said.

Saone giggled and said, 'You need to relax.'

'Yeah? What's that again? I think I will need to set reminders to breathe.'

Saone laughed out loud bringing attention to their little corner. They ducked out of sight. They continued to look for the perfect dress. Saone picked out a red flowing dress and went into a fitting room to try it on.

'Did it really happen or did we have the same hallucination?' Sam asked, as she put the dress on.

'It's real love, although I am not the least bit surprised. I always said it would happen.'

'Heavens Saone I am so nervous.'

'I know and it's normal to feel nerves but you will be alright.'

'I hope so.'

She stepped out wearing the long red dress and twirled in front of her friend.

'How do I look?' Samorena asked.

'You look absolutely beautiful.'

'Thanks. Is this the one?'

'Let's try the other one first.'

'Alright. And you, why are you not trying anything on? Aren't you buying? But then you have that gold dress, did you pack that?'

'I am not going to dinner with you.'

Samorena felt her heart lurch to a stop before it started an uneven beat.

'Saone you will not do this to me.'

'Sam, you have wanted to meet this man for such a long time, he is all I have been hearing about for the past six years and now you have a chance to be with him, at dinner, one on one. You must be crazy if you think I am going to take that away from you.'

'Sasa, you have to be there. You know how I am around people I don't know. I will be quiet and it will be awkward. Please, I need you to be there! This is Luca, I want him to think I am interesting.'

'Firstly, you are interesting. You are the funniest person I know. You are beautiful, charming and intelligent. And secondly because this is Luca I know you will be devastatingly irresistible because you speak the same language; football and you are gorgeous. Plus, I saw the look on his face when he was looking at you and the man is smitten.'

'Saone you have to come, besides he invited the both of us, how do you think it will look when I show up by myself?'

'The way it is supposed to look, that you want to spend time with him. Besides, it will be easier to go back to his place with him when I am not there.'

'Saone!

'What? Don't act like the thought has never crossed your mind. Have dinner with Prince Charming, have sex with him if you must and have a story to tell. Maybe he won't live up to the fantasy and you will be cured.' Both women giggled.

'You are sure you will not change your mind?'

'I've never been into threesomes and even if I were, it would never be with you. You are gorgeous my friend but that would be incestuous and I'm so not into that.'

Samorena nodded, took a breath and looked at her image in the mirror.

'Then in that case, I should go with the blue dress. I look devastating in it and it's easier to take off.'

'That's what I'm talking about!'

The dress was paid for, along with shoes to go along with it and a new bag. A woman can never have too many of those. When they got back to the hotel, she debated calling Luca but felt she would be too nervous and wouldn't be able to string together two words so she texted him in the end. She told him that she had been ordered to stay in that evening but was available for dinner Sunday night. He texted back immediately that Sunday night dinner was perfect.

Luca walked into the closet feeling excited and nervous about his date. He was more excited about seeing this woman than he had ever been about any woman and that made him nervous. His girlfriend, Diane, called as he was slipping his shirt on. He cursed quietly as he did up the last button, debated answering it and decided to because she would keep calling until he did.

'Hey.' he said.

'Hey?' she responded.

'Amore.' he said.

'Better. How are you?'

'I'm good yeah. You, how are you?'

'I'm in Manchester, we are shooting two scenes at this lovely estate.' "Shit!" Luca thought.

'Oh, that's nice.'

'I was thinking we could go out to dinner and then back to the house.'

'I would love to babe but I have a business dinner tonight and you know I never mix business with pleasure. I'll pick you up early tomorrow morning and we will have breakfast.'

'Luca, I have not seen you in a month, let me come to dinner.'

'I want to have dinner with you too my love but I can't do tonight.'

'Are you blowing me off?'

'I'm not. This is a business dinner and if you had told me you would be in town I might have rescheduled, I can't drop my plans at the last minute to include you especially if its business, you know that.'

'I sent you an email three days ago.'

'I did not get it. Antonio just walked in, I will call you when I get back.'

'Where are you having dinner?'

'I don't know, they are sending a car for us.'

She sighed audibly, 'Alright, breakfast then.'

'Sure. Love ya.'

He hung up to finish getting dressed and did not hear her respond in kind. He felt bad for lying to Diane. He knew exactly why he had lied and it had everything to do with the woman he was seeing that night. The woman with the short black hair, almond shaped eyes, button nose, small but very full lips and a smile that light up every corner of a room. He was attracted to Samorena in a way he had never been to any other woman, he felt giddy with excitement and hummed as he went along. This was as good as cheating on Diane and he felt guilty about it. He felt an infinite amount of guilt where Diane was concerned.

The truth was he had stopped loving Diane a long time ago, that's if he ever loved her in the first place, and stopped liking her even longer back. The things that had attracted him to Diane in the first place were the things that annoyed him now, such as how bitchy she could be-which he had mistaken for confidence. Even making love to her was not as exciting anymore. It was not just Diane that he had not been interested in. Even other women; the hangers-on, the actresses, the models and the TV hosts, they did not excite him much anymore. It was eight months since he had been attracted to a woman.

This woman that he had met the day before had excited him like no other and he was not about to let her get away without trying to find out if there was more to the attraction. He was curious about her. He found everything about her charming; the way she had bit her lower lip when nervous then trying to cover it up with a sweet laugh. He loved her accent but could not quite place it. He wanted to find out where she was from, where she lived, what she did for a living, who her family was and what she likes. What her lips would taste like and how it would feel to have a woman like her surrender to him. He imagined running his hands through her hair as he walked out of his house and could have sworn he felt the texture on his fingers.