‘I know what it’s like. My mum’s always busy, and when she does get time with us it always seems to be interrupted by a crisis or media requests, even on the weekends. And as for my dad, well, he left a few years ago, but let’s not go there. I totally understand how you feel, but Lucy, you’re living every girl’s dream. You’ve got it all!’
‘I know I’m lucky, but it doesn’t mean anything unless you can be who you want to be. I’m screaming to be me.’ I waved my arms around like a true Italian. ‘Luck doesn’t mean anything unless you can do what you love. Football is the one thing I want to do more than anything, but I’ve been denied it. My parents banned me from playing about a year ago, but that hasn’t stopped me playing with a team here – I just have to keep it secret. Please don’t tell!’
Bella reassured me. ‘Don’t worry, Lucy, I won’t tell a soul. Promise.’
We smiled and interlocked our little fingers.
‘Girls! Bella and Lucy, that’s enough! I told you no more talking. Detention for both of you,’ yelled the teacher.
‘But Miss …’
‘No buts. I don’t want to hear it. You’ll both stay back after school. Now, not another word.’
Bella and I were lucky that time. Mrs Zambocelli was in the room when we showed up for our punishment. She didn’t want her new celebrity pupil finishing her first day at the school with a detention, so after a quick telling-off, both of us were allowed to escape. We managed to be more discreet in class after that – it turned out Bella had a talent for passing notes undetected.
Things were going well with the Lions, too. We’d been training extremely hard and had won the last couple of games, bringing us even closer to holding up the revered trophy at the end of the season. If we won our next fixture we’d be the league’s title holders and earn a spot in the Champion of Champions, a competition against the winners of all the leagues in the state.
Thankfully I made a full recovery from my knock to the head. I had to miss a couple of matches, which nearly drove me crazy. I felt fine, but Grandpa and Coach James were pretty stern about it – so I had to be content watching from the sidelines.
Now I was itching to play the vital next game against the Dolphins – it couldn’t come soon enough. I could see it … tomorrow we’d be crowned Minor Premiers, the champions. I was imagining stepping up, holding the trophy, when Mama burst into the living room.
‘Lucia, Lucia, I have some exciting news.’
‘Mama, it’s Lucy, remember? What’s the news?’ I was curious to find out what she was up to now.
‘It will be Lucia again soon, my darling – we’re going home for a few weeks!’ she announced with great delight.
‘That’s wonderful, Mama, but when?’ I was a little excited, but really, all I could think about was the game.
‘We leave tomorrow at eleven o’clock. I thought that since you have school holidays, we should make the most of them. I know it’s short notice, but I’ve only just found out that our plane is here and available.’
I was horrified. ‘But I have a game, I mean dance class, and I can’t miss it. Why didn’t you tell me sooner? How can we just get up and leave? What about Nanna and Grandpa?’ I panicked, trying to weave my way out of this sudden dilemma.
‘Calm down, Lucia. I thought you’d be excited! I’ve spoken to Grandpa and he understands. The best news of all is that Nanna is coming home today. I’ve organised a nurse to visit daily to check on her and a live-in housekeeper too, so they’ll be well taken care of while we’re away. And, darling, it’s good to hear that you’re so committed to your dancing,’ she said gently, ‘but missing a couple of classes isn’t going to hurt.’
Oh, no, I couldn’t believe it. I was thrilled that Nanna was coming home and I wanted to see Papa, but I couldn’t miss the game. It was the most important game of my life so far. I didn’t want to let my team down, especially since this would be my first game back after my injury. Since I’d been hanging out watching them train and going to their games, I was feeling like I was really one of them. This game was the team’s most important fixture. How could Mama expect me to drop everything and go? I had to persuade her to delay the trip, at least by a day or so.
‘But Mama, we have a concert coming up. It was supposed to be a surprise and it means so much to me to perform well,’ I countered, hoping this might be enough to put off our departure.
‘I’m glad you’re so dedicated to dance, but you can catch up when we return. Besides, Papa is desperate to see you, and little Gigi misses you too. There’s another surprise, which I wasn’t supposed to tell you about just yet, but I can’t wait any longer. I know that this will change your mind. We’re launching our teen range and Papa’s named it after you – it’s called Love Lucy. You’re the face of our new label!’
I looked at Mama. This was the kind of thing she lived for. She was practically glowing with enthusiasm. But I couldn’t match her excitement. ‘What? It would have been nice if you asked me first. I don’t want to be the face of a fashion label and I don’t want to go home tomorrow.’
Her face dropped. ‘Don’t be so ungrateful. It’s an honour to have a fashion line named after you. It was going to be called “Love Lucia” but I told Paolo that you prefer to be called Lucy and he reluctantly agreed, just to keep you happy. And this is how you respond?’
I stood with my arms folded, trying to hold back my fury. ‘But Mama, you don’t understand –’
She snapped, ‘No, you don’t understand. You should think yourself lucky, young lady, as very few people are given an opportunity like this. It’s your very own range, we did this for you, so start appreciating what you’ve got and stop whingeing.’
‘It’s your dream, not mine, Mama! Have you ever thought about asking me about what I want? No, you’re so caught up in what you want for me. My life is ruined and it’s all your fault.’ I stormed off to the bedroom in hysterics.
I was lying on the bed covered in tears and crumpled tissues when I heard Grandpa come into the next room and say something in low tones to my mother. My ears pricked up and I crept over to the door, intent on listening to the unfolding conversation.
‘Frida, I overheard your argument with Lucy. You could have delivered the news a little more gently,’ Grandpa suggested.
‘Dad, are you serious?’ I could imagine Mama giving Grandpa her best glare. ‘This is exciting news. She doesn’t realise how lucky she is. A trip back home for a few weeks and the opportunity to be the face of our teen label – anyone else would be thrilled! But not my daughter, she goes nuts instead. She’s too spoilt. I could only dream of a chance like this at her age and she just throws it back in my face. She’s so ungrateful!’
‘That was your dream, but maybe it’s not hers. Why don’t you sit down with her and explain what you’re doing? She’s fourteen years of age and fighting for her independence. You were pretty much the same at her age, you have to admit. Think about it from her point of view,’ Grandpa explained gently. ‘She’s made some new friends and she’s starting to settle in and suddenly she’s being whisked away at a moments’ notice.’
‘I thought she’d be excited. Who wouldn’t be?’ Mama still sounded astonished. Why couldn’t she listen to Grandpa?
‘Lucy has her own mind and her own dreams just like you. Why don’t you compromise and leave later tomorrow or the following day? It’ll give her more time to sort out a few things. Remember, Frida, we all want different things in life. We always encouraged you in your endeavours and look at what you’ve achieved. I’m so proud of you. Personally, I think you need to give Lucy some space to be her own person.’
‘Well, we have to leave tomorrow. We have a very tight schedule to work with and Paolo needs the plane back as soon as possible. I suppose we could leave a little later. But Dad, I know that she’ll be grateful later. She just doesn’t get it right now. I still want her to realise that she has to make the most of the opportunities at her fingertips.’
‘My advic
e is to find out what she wants in life instead of forcing her to adhere to your expectations.’
That was it, Grandpa. He was getting through.
‘I only want the best for her … but don’t worry, I’ll sort her out. Anyway, I’m just so glad Mum’s coming home today. I’m only sorry that we have to leave so quickly. I’m worried that she might struggle with her mobility – we’ll have to look into buying a ground level home so she doesn’t have to climb those stairs. You’d be more comfortable, too. Maybe it’s time to retire? We’ll talk about that more when we’re back,’ said Mama.
‘Frida, I appreciate everything you’re doing for us but I love this business and this place. I don’t know what I’d do without it. We’re not moving. You’re a good daughter. I don’t know what we’d do without you … but please just take it easy on my princess,’ Grandpa appealed.
‘It’s okay, Dad, she’ll come around. The other thing I wanted to tell you is that Paolo and I have been talking, and we’re thinking about trying to make the move here more permanent, at least for a while. It relies heavily on what’s happening with his football, but we’re hoping that maybe we can spend half our time here and the rest in Italy,’ said Mama.
Wow! That would be so cool. I’d have the best of both worlds, more time with my grandparents and new friends here, and still have my home in Milan. The best news was that Papa seemed close to retiring, which meant he’d have much more time for me.
‘That sounds wonderful!’ said Grandpa. ‘Let’s face it, your mother and I aren’t getting any younger and we want to spend as much time as possible with you and our precious Lucy.’
I stepped out of the bedroom to face them.
‘Lucy, come and sit down. I’ve decided that we can leave a few hours later so that you can spend some time with your friends and fit in your class before we fly out. What time will you be finished?’ Mama said in a soft tone, putting her arm around me.
Now, this was awkward … another white lie. The final would kick off at 11.30 am and should finish by about 1.30 pm, which would also allow time for the trophy presentation.
Let’s see if she really wanted to make amends, I thought to myself. I glanced over at Grandpa with a guilty look. He gave me a wink of reassurance.
‘Can we leave around 3.30?’ I pleaded with my fingers crossed.
‘Gosh, Lucia, how long is your class? Surely it shouldn’t take that long. It costs money to keep the jet on standby. How about 3.00?’ asked Mama.
Grandpa interrupted. ‘Lucy, that sounds like a good deal. Why don’t you start packing so you’re ready to go straight after the game – I mean class?’ He threw me a cheeky look.
‘Hold on you two. Game? What game are you talking about?’ Mama looked at us suspiciously.
‘I think Grandpa was just getting mixed up with the big international game he wants to watch on TV tomorrow. Come on, Grandpa, don’t we have some shelves to stack? I can start packing my bags later on.’
‘Oh yes, princess … thanks for reminding me. I’m getting a little absent-minded these days,’ Grandpa replied. I think he was enjoying the game we were playing.
But Mama was still suspicious. ‘What’s going on here?’
I jumped in, ‘Nothing, we just want to make sure everything looks good before Nanna comes home.’
She was finally satisfied. ‘Okay, it’s settled then … we’ll leave for the airport at three on the dot.’
‘And Mama, I’m honoured to be the face of the Love Lucy label,’ I said, to keep her happy.
She nodded, delighted. Grandpa and I ran downstairs to the shop armed with big smiles … mission accomplished.
Hi, Bella. Crazy news. Have to leave 4 Italy 2morrow. Wld u like 2 watch my ftball game b4 I fly out? Only time 2 catch up.
Luv Lucy xxx
What? Why u going so soon?
Long story.
How long r u away 4?
All school hols.
U kno I don’t like ftball but will come. Time?
Kick-off 11.30 @ the Reg.
Odd? My bro’s playing @ same time @ Reg.
Maybe he’s in the other team. Weird.
Yeah, c u then, B xxx
Great! Ciao xxx
I was thrilled that Bella was coming to watch the game – I really wanted to see her before I left. Besides, hopefully it would get her interested in the sport. We’d been hanging out a lot at school. I tried not to talk too much football and she tried not to talk fashion – we had a lot in common, otherwise. I think it was because we were in a similar predicament with our families. After all, politics and sport weren’t that different.
Bella knew what it was like to be isolated. She endured a hard time at school because she was the daughter of a public figure and very smart, verging on genius. She was self-conscious about her glasses and her body, but for no reason. I suspected the girls were just jealous that she was gorgeous and smart. We both put up with mocking at school, but at least we had each other.
I was sure Grandpa would love her, too – I couldn’t wait for her to meet him, and all the guys at the Reg.
‘Look who’s here,’ Grandpa yelled, opening the door and pushing Nanna along in a wheelchair.
‘Nanna, welcome home!’ I gave her a careful hug and lots of kisses. It was so wonderful to see her home again.
‘Mum, welcome home!’ Mama cried.
‘Thank you, my gorgeous girl. I’ve missed you. I missed all of you. I’m so happy to be home and even happier to have you and my Lucy here.’ Nanna grinned, but had tears in her eyes.
She still looked fragile but at least she was on the road to recovery. We gently wheeled her inside and helped her out of the wheelchair, up the stairs and into her favourite armchair.
That night we spoiled her with a home-cooked meal, prepared by Mama and me. It was the first time we’d ever cooked together. I didn’t even know Mama could cook, but she seemed to enjoy it and so did I. It was a rare moment for us, and I was surprised to find that we made a good team. Mama was even singing while stirring the pot, and performing funny dance steps. I hadn’t seen that in a very long time.
When Mama finally went to bed, I stayed up and shared my secrets with Nanna. What she said gave me hope. ‘One day your parents will come around. But most importantly, believe in yourself and stay focused. I know you can do it. Promise me that you’ll never give up.’
‘Today, we’re playing for the right to be crowned league champions. Let’s get stuck in from the kick-off and force them onto the back foot. First to the ball from the whistle,’ Coach James lectured us in the change room. We were all fidgety, with nerves setting in as game-time drew near, but Coach James knew how to settle his team. ‘Let’s forget about last night’s hot dates and your fancy moves on the disco floor.’
There was an explosion of laughter. Disco?
‘I want to see fancy footwork on the pitch! Dylan and Morgan, it’s important that we support our strikers: you need to control the midfield to make sure Lucy and Harry see a lot of the ball. Then we’ll have plenty of movement up front. Utilise Morgan’s speed and look for each other. Dugald, Jasper, Taj and Jonathon, I want you to guard the back line with your life. Don’t forget to get the ball out wide to Brandan and Jared. Most importantly, support each other. Communication is the key. I want to see a clean sheet today. Now, you all know what’s at stake.’
‘Yes, Coach, we’re ready to take them on,’ Brandan said, and we all nodded.
‘Good, that’s what I want to hear. So let’s get out there and show them a united team that knows how to win. Most importantly, get out there and have some fun … but not too much.’ Coach James gave us a big smile and wished us luck. We ran onto the pitch to the sounds of encouragement from the sidelines.
Suddenly a familiar voice stood out from the rest. ‘Princess, good luck!’
I looked over and saw Grandpa watching proudly from the sidelines, wearing a huge smile.
‘Oh, my little princess, don’t dirty your pretty pa
le pink outfit. Come on, my princess, you can get past those bad, bad boys. Just don’t mess up your hair,’ a voice mocked from the other side of the pitch.
‘Ha ha. Who’s that scaredy-cat trying to make fun of me?’ I demanded, trying to get a better look at him.
‘Who else would it be, Zeezou? It’s me … the best player on this pitch,’ he boasted.
‘I should have known it was you, Max … carrying on in such a childish manner. Look out, you’ll be watching me zigzag straight past you in just a moment. Then we’ll see who ought to wear the tiara.’
‘Oooh, it’s Lucy Zeezou the comedian. You really have me worried. Let’s catch up when I’m holding the trophy with my new team mates.’ He stretched his arms out to mimic celebration.
‘You can’t stop us and you know it. Game on!’ I trumpeted.
Just before the whistle blew, Bella’s voice interrupted the stand-off. ‘Lucy, I need to talk to you.’
But the game was about to start, so whatever she had to tell me would have to wait. She really didn’t seem to understand sport.
Even so, I was excited that she was here, and because this was the first time Grandpa had come to watch me. Nanna would have loved to come too, but she still needed plenty of rest. And anyway, she was helping by keeping Mama busy. I wished I didn’t have to fly out today. I’d have loved to stay and hang out with the team after the game.
The whistle blew and we attacked from the outset. We started working our way down the pitch but we were all a little nervous, and I was finding it hard to focus.
‘Lucy, what are you doing?’ yelled Harry.
‘Oh, sorry.’
‘It’s not like you to mistime a pass. Your head’s in the clouds. Focus!’
‘All right. No need to get shirty,’ I bit back.
‘Come on, let’s lift our game,’ Brandan demanded. ‘Stop bickering and get on with it.’
‘Lucy, play your way into the game,’ Coach James instructed from the sidelines.
I was having a very ordinary first half so far. I was struggling to stay focused … there was too much going on. I had to regain my composure.
Lucy Zeezou's Goal Page 7