Après (sequel to Arranged marriage with Adnan)

Chapter 12

I sat with the other WAGs waiting for the final of the Champions League to start. I had brought Scotia along and held her in my arms. She was just over a month old. I didn't really know these ladies much, but they still congratulated me.

Adnan stayed back in Manchester for a week to help me out. He left after that and told me I could fly to him anytime. I decided to after the semi-finals. Adnan was an impact player in the games. The first game, he assisted twice and with the second, he scored the winning goal. We won both games and moved onto the finals. The headlines were filled with this because we had beat Barcelona who were the favourites to win. They had won the title three out of the last four times. Our defence was able to hold off Messi, Suarez, Neymar.

In the finals, we were going to play Bayern Munich. Lots of people expected good things from Adnan. It was the perfect time for him to shine.

Warm up was just about to get started. I knew that since I saw all the players coming into the field. I spotted Adnan right away. He was walking in our direction. I was kind of confused. Why would he be coming over here? Adnan stepped off the field and came up the stairs to our seat.

"Hey," he said before connecting our lips.
"Hi. Unexpected visit?"
"Just wanted to check up on my two most precious girls."
I smiled at Adnan, "We're good."

People around us started to stare, but it was alright. We were just having our little moment.

Adnan leaned over to kiss Scotia. Then he waved and left to continue warm up.

The first half kicked off and it started out pretty bad for us with Robben putting one in the back of our net. It was early and we hoped that we could get it back.

More chances for both teams. All the shots were saved or went wide. Our fans were getting nervous as the first half continued.

"Damn it."

I thought he had missed his chance until the ball was bouncing and Adnan ran up striking a brilliant left footed volley. The keeper had no chance.

Adnan celebrated and ran to the corner with his teammates. They were pumped up and ready to go. On his way back to their half, he stopped right in front of us on the field. He stood up straight, pointed at Scotia and I, and blew a kiss.

Everyone was screaming, including me. I was so proud of him. He scored a goal in the Champions League final.

The first half ended on that note.

When the second half started up, things were tense. Bayern Munich were pressing and starting to be more aggressive. Adnan got knocked down twice. About twenty minutes into the half, Adnan had a break, but was pushed down. He got up to protest, but he stopped when he heard the whistle.

Penalty shot for us...

Everyone was on the edge of their seats and the stadium went completely silent. It was weird since this is one of the noisiest environments I've ever visited, but not when the ball was being set up for the shot.

Zlatan Ibrahimović was one of the older, more experienced players. He must get this in, right? We all watched him back up and put his hand son his hips. Neuer tried to make himself look bigger by waving his arms. Our striker took a few steps towards the ball. He kicked the ball. The ball was hurled towards the net. Neuer dove to one side. The ball flew to the other. The stadium erupted. It was no longer quiet.

Goal. The score was 2-1.

I was so excited and happy for Adnan and the team. After the penalty, we stepped it up and tried to score another. All our fans counted down the time. In additional time, their goal scorer dribbled down the line. He shot, but the ball was punched out. That was the last chance of the game.

The final whistle blew. We won. We fucking won the Champions League. All the players rushed on the field to celebrate. I was screaming and cheering.

Scotia was awake now from all the noise. She was crying and I tried to sloth her. She was in her carrier. Her cries were almost mute because of all the fans in the stadium.

All of a sudden, I felt a pair of hands grip my waist and lift me off the ground. It was Adnan.

"How did I do?"
"Amazing."

He crashed his lips into mine as I tangled my fingers in his messy hair. He was sweaty and his chest was heaving up and down. He put me down and picked up Scotia. Adnan walked back onto the field with me following.

Surprisingly, she stopped crying. She was relaxed in Adnan's arms and that made me cry. I knew he was going to be a great father.

"Here, take her!" Adnan yelled over all the noise.

He ran off for a second before returning with the Champions League cup. He set it on the ground and took Scotia from my arms, sitting her in front of the cup. We both kneeled down on either side and photographers snapped our pictures.

That, that was going to be my new favourite family photo.