Page 62 of Entangled With You
Chapter 30
Cattleya Cardona
It’s presentation day, and I’m a jittery mess. Yes, I’ve been training—lightly— for the past three months, but I haven’t played professionally in over a year. Let alone join a new team after everything that went down in Buenos Aires. Losing Stefa, and knowing I would never play again with my Warrior teammates did a number on me. I almost lost that light I see the world through, but thankfully Matías was by my side every step of the way during my recovery. He would calm me down after the nightmares, only his steady heartbeat could lull me back to sleep. With therapy, I was able to work through my fears and guilt, finally accepting that sometimes there’s nothing we can do to help a loved one. Stefa is gone, and blaming myself wouldn’t bring her back. I think I was finally able to make peace with it when her mom reached out and we had a meaningful conversation.
“Cata, I know I don’t know you personally, but my daughter always spoke so warmly about you. She was in awe of your talent, your strength, your willingness to learn and grow.”
I remember my tears started falling even before she was done saying that first sentence.
“I miss my daughter, and I will miss her every single day for the rest of my life. No parent should see their kids leave this Earth but never, not even for a millisecond, I have thought my Stefa is no longer here with me because of you. She was an adult, and she made her own choices. She wanted to win that game just as much as any of her other teammates. Never in a million years did I think someone would actually follow through with the blackmailing, let alone that someone will just lose their marbles after betting and losing their money. But that’s the world we live in. I find solace in the fact that she died happy after winning that trophy she wanted so much, and that she didn’t suffer long. So, I feel it’s on you now to keep going, achieve your dreams, and keep Stefa’s memory alive in your triumphs.”
I cried in silence the entire time she spoke, Mati holding my hand and giving me the support I needed. “Thank you so much for reaching out, Mrs. Mendez. It means so much to me to hear you say all those things. Stefa was more than a teammate to me, and I’ll happily and proudly keep her memory alive.”
Now here I am, starting to fulfill that promise.
“And now, let’s welcome the newest member of the Great Bear family. Cattleya Cardona joins us from the Golden Warriors in Buenos Aires, Argentina where she won the local tournament, and she is a starter for the Colombia Women’s Soccer National Team. Let her hear your roar,” the announcer says in the stadium speakers. I start walking slowly onto the pitch. The club president is waiting for me ten feet away from the technical area, and I give him my brightest smile as I shake his hand. The fans continue clapping and chanting so I make a point of waving my hand in every direction, thanking them for their warm welcome. Once the crowd has calmed down a bit, Mr. Guardiola passes me a microphone, and I strengthen my shoulders. It's showtime.
“Buenas tardes, Madrid. (Good afternoon, Madrid.)” Some more shouting and clapping erupts in the bleachers. I motion with my hand for everyone to calm down so I can continue speaking. “It’s such a delight to become a part of the Great Bear community. As you all know, a senseless attack almost cost me my career last year, and it took away one of my closest friends, but I was counted as one of the lucky survivors. Right after the attack, I knew I wanted to come back stronger and continue to play soccer, which is my passion, the main source of joy in my life.” More applause comes from the bleachers. “But to be honest, I was beyond scared that I was not going to be able to set foot on a pitch ever again. I didn’t know how bad my injuries were or how long my recovery would take. Not to mention, I wasn’t sure any team would want me after what happened. But with a lot of care from outstanding medical workers and the love of my family, I was able to walk and run again. Then I started training again, and slowly but surely, the old Cattleya came back from hibernation,” I say as I stomp my foot and there’s a roar from the bleachers that sends a shot of electricity through my veins, restarting my system and setting me up to play at the highest level possible.
“So here I am, ready to become a part of the best team in Spain. I’m thankful for the opportunity the team has given me, and excited with anticipation to vibe with all of you on game days. Let’s go, Bears!” I say as I pump fist the air and start pumping up the crowd who replies without hesitation.
Oh, how I have missed this.
Thank God, I was given a second chance to continue fulfilling my dreams. There’s a video of my best plays and goals on the jumbotron, and I start tearing up, reliving all those memories. A strong arm wraps around my shoulder, and I immediately relax at his touch. Not only is Mati here with me today, but also my parents, Sofi and Franco, and my baby niece, Aurora, who’s just a couple of months old.
“Thank you for letting your soul entangle with mine at that beach in Playa Blanca, bae,” I whisper to Mati, and his eyes crinkle with emotion.
“There’s no one else for me in this world, mi ángel. No one else.”
THE END
Epilogue
Cattleya Cardona
Three Years Later
Life has been going a mile a minute lately, and I’m starting to think that’s just part of being an adult. My first season with the Great Bears was a big adjustment, playing not only the local tournament but also an international competition after being out of the pitch for over a year was a very strenuous and very taxing season. Even though we didn’t win any of the championships, the fans were very supportive and told us we would get it the next year. And we did. Not only the local championship but also the Europa league. For a moment, I felt panic when we were celebrating, all the memories from Buenos Aires flooded my brain and I froze. Fortunately this time around, no one tried to harm me or my team.
This year has been a complete rollercoaster, both tournaments pausing since the Women’s World Cup took place in the summer, which brings me to this moment: the Ballon d'Or Féminin award ceremony—I’m nominated for two awards. I’m in my hotel room in Paris, getting glammed up by my beauty squad—Sofi, Karina, Dani, and Isabella. Tonight I’m wearing a Dani Garcia original, of course. It’s a floor-length maroon gown with a jewel pattern all over and a scalloped neck. The dress is a corset top with a flowy skirt. Isa is taking care of my hair and makeup, while the boys are taking care of the kiddos in the suite next door.
“So Cata, I hate that I’ve grown to be the mom I always complained about when I was younger. But has Mati given you any hints about an engagement? Wedding? Kids? Anything?” I laugh at Karina’s question, and everyone joins me.
“Ugh, yes. My mom asks us every single time they come visit. The truth is, we love each other but life has been busy. You know? Mati was practically on hiatus while I recovered. He put his life on hold for me.” I swallow, trying to keep the tears at bay. What my man has done for me all these years is something out of a movie. He nurtured me back to life. “And then we moved here, and it was a huge adjustment for the both of us. That first year took a toll on us not only physically, but also mentally. Adapting to a new culture is never easy. Thank God we had each other.” I smile big at the memory of our first Christmas in Madrid. My parents spent Christmas with Sofi, Franco, and baby Aurora in La Plata; Francos’ family couldn’t make it to Madrid, and they wanted all grandparents together for Aurora’s first Christmas. I wish I could have been there, but my schedule didn’t allow it. To be honest, I’m still scared of the thought of setting foot in Buenos Aires.
Mati’s parents missed their flight and arrived a day late, on December 26th. So, it was just the two of us trying to create the best version of a Colombian-Argentinian Christmas in Madrid.
“And now I don’t think I’ve been home more than a couple of days at a time, between the Bears’ crazy schedule and then the Women Soccer World Cup, I feel like I barely see him anymore. For the first time in my life, I’m scared shitless that Mati is tired of waiting for me.” Tears start falling.
“Nooooo, please don’t cry. You’re going to ruin your makeup, and we have to leave in ten minutes.” Isa rushes with a tissue and starts wiping my face gently.
“Ay, Cata. Your guys’ life has been far from easy. I’ve known Mati for many years now and that man loves you. He worships the ground you walk on. Just talk to him, I don’t think leaving you is ever a possibility,” Dani says, and all the women surrounding me nod in agreement.
Sofi holds my hand, and I look at her, giving her a crooked smile. “I know Colombia didn’t win the World Cup, but we were so damn close. I’ve won the local league, the Europe league, and I’ve worn my country’s colors. I’m thinking about retiring this season.” The gasp that echoes through the room is exactly why I haven’t told anyone.
“Cata, you’re in your prime! How can you say you’re going to retire at twenty-six? You still have lots to do. On and off the pitch,” Sofi tells me in that stern voice she uses when she’s wearing her big sister hat.
“I know, you’re right. But maybe it’s time for me to do something for Mati for a change.” I shrug and close my eyes, not wanting to see these women’s reactions to my words.