‘I’ve never seen you so excited at a photo session’, she continued. ‘I can’t wait for your papa to see you perform your magic in front of the camera. Your parents must be so proud that the football genes have been passed on to you. What do they think of the way you play?’
I whispered, ‘They don’t know. I train secretly with my friends. Please, we must keep this between us.’
‘You know I wouldn’t say anything … but they’ll see the photos,’ said Anastasia.
She was right. What was I doing? I couldn’t let Papa see me perform so competently with the ball. I was so much sharper and stronger than when I was banned from playing – he’d be able to see that I’d been practising behind his back. I tried to think of a way out, but before I could say anything to Enzo, Papa walked back into the studio.
‘Sorry about that – I had to take that call.’ He grimaced. ‘How’s it all going?’
‘How’s it going? This has to be one of the most incredible shoots I’ve ever worked on,’ Enzo gushed. ‘Lucia was born to play. Paolo, you must be so proud of her. You’ve taught her well.’
I cringed and waited for Papa’s response.
‘Enzo, I think the heat from the lights has burnt your brain. What are you talking about? Lucia doesn’t play football any more. She’s a model and a dancer, not a footballer,’ Papa replied earnestly.
They looked at me. Sweat dripped down my face as nerves took over. This moment could change my life.
‘Oh Lucia, show your papa how you can dance with the football. Show him how you juggle, and your spectacular scissor kicks. Paolo, she’s like a prima ballerina, except she performs with a football – an absolute vision,’ Enzo enthused.
Anastasia was back with the powder puff as I prepared for damage control. I gave her a wink and hoped for the best. This was going to be tough but I had to protect myself. Sorry, Enzo, I thought.
He threw me a ball and I clumsily fumbled around with it at my feet, tripping over and falling on the mat. I demonstrated very bad timing and a total lack of co-ordination.
Papa was convinced. ‘See, Lucia’s no footballer. Enzo, you must be overworked. You need to take a break.’
‘No Paolo, I’m fine. I’ve never been better. I’m telling you, your daughter controls the football better than most people. She’s just messing,’ Enzo said firmly. Then he looked at me. ‘Come on, Lucia, you’re making me look like a fool. I’m going to show your papa the images I just shot, and he’ll see your skills for himself. You should be proud of your ability. You’re so talented. Why hide it?’ He responded in disbelief.
I thought flattery would be my best defence. ‘Enzo, I’m not hiding anything. You just know how to make me look good, that’s why you’re the best photographer in Italy.’
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Ciao!
Hey Bella
How r u? Sorry I haven’t been in contact sooner but it’s been hectic back home.
I didn’t realise how much I missed Milan, it’s all so familiar and comfortable for me here. I met up with a few of my old football friends for a game in the park. It was fun catching up and hanging out, eating gelato and of course talking about my favourite subject. I’ve slipped back into my Italian lifestyle but I really miss you, the Lions and my grandparents.
I’m torn between the two cities, but I love the way Sydney gives us more freedom to do as we please. The paparazzi here won’t leave us alone, it’s suffocating.
I know you’ll love this bit of news. I’ve just finished the Love Lucy photoshoot for my parents’ new teen label and it was actually fun – although I nearly blew my secret. The outfits are quite sporty and casual, so the shoot had a sporty theme, and I ended up playing with a football. I think I may have got away with it for now, but it’s going to be hard to explain how I juggled the ball so many times and managed scissor kicks. Papa will know that I’ve been training when he sees the shots. I smell trouble, but it was the best photoshoot I’ve ever been involved in. It won’t be long before I have to face the music. There goes my football career, up in a puff of smoke … but I won’t bore you with my stuff any more.
Gigi’s keeping me occupied. I’m bringing her back with me – so you’ll get to meet her soon. And the best news is that my papa may also be coming back with us.
How are the boys? Have you seen Harry or Max?
What’s the latest goss?
Say hi to Dylan.
Sorry, have to go.
Ciao
Lucy
‘Lucy, I have something to show you. Can you please come up to the office?’ Papa buzzed over the intercom.
‘Okay, Papa, I’m on my way,’ I replied. It wasn’t often that he called me upstairs, so I wondered what was up.
The home office for 23 took up the whole fourth floor of our house, and it had spectacular views of the city. Wall-to-wall cabinets were crammed full of Papa’s awards, trophies and memorabilia from his football career. While football dominated the space, Mama had managed to throw in a splash of fashion items to demonstrate that this was actually where my parents ran their fashion business.
The office was a recent addition, so that they could spend more time with me, although it hadn’t worked out as well as I’d hoped. They still worked crazy hours, but at least now they were only a few levels above me.
As I approached the office door, I could hear voices. I’d thought Papa was alone, but I walked in on a business meeting. Mama was there, dressed as usual in her finest.
‘My beautiful girl. Come in. Your mama and I have something we’d like to show you,’ Papa said with a look of delight while Mama gave me a curious stare.
This wasn’t good.
‘What is it, Papa?’ I said, trying to sound enthusiastic. My stomach was in knots.
‘Enzo has brought over the proofs from yesterday’s shoot. We want to see what you think of them,’ he said enthusiastically.
‘Oh, but I don’t usually like to look at them. I’m sure you’ll choose the best shot for the campaign,’ I replied anxiously.
‘Don’t be so modest. I want you to take a good look and select your favourite. Enzo here tells me they’re very impressive. Oh, and this is our friend Marcello Lantini. He’s a filmmaker.’
‘Ciao, Enzo. Nice to meet you Signor Lantini.’
‘Please call me Marcello,’ he said, inspecting me closely. I didn’t like it, but I was pretty much used to it. I stared straight back at him and he averted his eyes.
I sat at Papa’s desk, expecting the shots to come up on his computer screen, but it was blank.
Suddenly the movie screen unfolded from the ceiling. The lights went out and music began to play. Next thing I knew, I was bombarded with images of myself from the Love Lucy fashion shoot. I could barely believe it.
All the shots with the football looked amazing. Now I was really panicking. I had the distinct feeling that my relationship with football would soon be a distant memory.
Despite my nerves, I could see that the photos were very impressive. I looked over at Enzo, who gave me a quick wink. A sheepish smile sprawled across his face. My parents hadn’t taken their eyes off the screen; they were scrutinising every shot. Papa seemed impressed, but it was hard to tell, as he didn’t utter a word. Mama, however, looked horrified. Her face turned red as the football shots filled the screen and mesmerised the small audience.
I shrank into my seat, wondering how I’d explain my football skills. I prayed for the time to go quickly, wishing it was just a bad dream, some awful mistake. But then the lights went on and when I looked up, all four of them were staring at me, astonished.
‘Lucia, that was simply stunning. Your magic in front of the camera has given us so much to choose from. This campaign will cause a sensation when it’s released. The mix of your modelling and football skills is incredible – mind-boggling. Italy, in fact Europe, will fall in love with Lucy!’ Enzo could barely contain his excitement.
&nbs
p; Mama was unusually quiet. Papa, who still looked amazed, spoke instead. ‘Lucia … words can’t express how I feel. The image you portray is full of life, elegance and confidence. I’m surprised, pleased and also confused: I don’t know how or where you managed to learn to use the football in such a masterful way when you don’t play anymore.
I sank further into my seat, anticipating a lecture.
‘Your beloved Nonno Dino obviously left a lasting impression. When I saw you at the shoot you were falling over the football. But on the screen, you defy gravity … it’s mesmerising. I don’t want answers right now – in fact, I’ve just thought of a good tagline for the television campaign: “Defy gravity … in Love Lucy designs”.’
A television campaign? Oh no. This was getting out of control. I had to do something.
‘Yes, that’s a great idea. I love it,’ said Enzo with an enormous grin.
‘“Defy gravity in Love Lucy designs” – it defines the label and it’s something that young people will find appealing. Lucia is perfect, she already portrays that image. Brilliant!’ agreed Marcello.
‘Frida you’ve been very quiet. What do you think?’ asked Papa.
‘Well, I’m shocked, but I confess I’m in awe of Lucy’s performance as a model. The images are stunning, and I actually like the fashion and sport mix.’
Oooh, that was a big surprise.
Mama continued. ‘In this case it works. The camera loves her and here she is in love with the camera and, it seems, the football. She’ll certainly demand attention; Girls will want to be like her and boys will wonder how she does it.’
By this stage I was cowering in my chair. I was in deep trouble. There was no way Mama would let me get away with this.
‘Unlike you, Paolo, I would like to know how she demonstrates such mastery with the ball – or is it just Enzo’s incredible talent with the camera? If you remember, we stopped her playing last year, but I can’t recall seeing her leap in the air like that back then. I hope she’s dancing with the same dedication she seems to have given football – but I’ll discuss that with her later, as it’s a personal matter.’ Mama crossed her arms and gave me one of her looks.
‘Great, it’s settled,’ said Papa.
But Mama wasn’t finished. ‘Oh and one more thing – Enzo, I congratulate you for doing such an amazing job – it’s your best work. You’ve captured a Lucia I didn’t know, and I love it. It’s a look and mood that I know will be popular. Translated into a television commercial, this will certainly be a success.’
‘Well, that’s settled, then,’ said Papa. ‘We’ll film the commercial in three weeks, Lucia, so make sure you get plenty of rest so that you look your best – and please stay off your bicycle. We don’t want any injuries or bruises.’
My stomach was churning and my temper rising. I was overcome with emotion and couldn’t stop myself …
‘I thought you wanted my opinion. I thought we were going back to Sydney in two weeks. I have other important commitments, like school and my dance concert. I have another life with Grandpa and Nanna in Australia, and I miss my new friends. I can’t just hang around while you plot and plan my future. I’ve had it,’ I cried.
Everyone looked at me, stunned. I stormed out of the room.
I couldn’t take it any more. My life was spinning out of control. I locked myself in my bedroom and wept.
‘Lucia? Open the door this instant,’ yelled Mama.
‘My beautiful girl, come on, let Papa in. We must talk,’ he pleaded.
I ignored them. My own parents didn’t know me. How could they be so blind? They only saw what they wanted to see. If they bothered to look at me or listen to me they’d find a completely different person longing to be understood.
I lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling and trying to work out how I was going to get out of this one. I had to get back for the Champion of Champions tournament. I didn’t want to let my team down.
I drifted off to sleep, slipping into a dream where I was playing with my hero Zinedine Zidane again. This time, I was ready to take the penalty. He said, ‘I know you can do it. I know you can do it.’ I struck the penalty with confidence and watched the ball float in the air towards my target, but I was disturbed by loud banging. I opened my eyes and thought about what my hero had said, but the banging didn’t stop.
‘Lucia, um, Lucy, you must open the door so that we can discuss this. We need to work it out. Come on, please open the door,’ Papa appealed.
I’d have to face the drama sooner or later. I slowly rose and opened the door, and fell into Papa’s arms.
‘My Lucia, why are you so sad? We just want the best for you. You must know we love you more than any thing? I thought you’d be honoured to be the face of our campaign.’
I could hear the concern in his voice. I knew he loved me, but he just didn’t get me. Maybe that’s what it was like with all kids. Were we all misunderstood?
‘Papa, I’m confused. I thought we were going back to Australia in two weeks. I’ve made lots of friends and have commitments there. And you know what, I really love it in Sydney because we’re left alone by the paparazzi. We have space to be who we want to be, like any normal family.’ Papa gently stroked my head as I spoke. ‘I’m very happy to be a part of your campaign, but I’m scared of being famous. Look what it’s like for you, walking down the street is a nightmare.’
‘My sweet Lucia, fame is something you’ve grown up with. You are a figlia d’arte – the child of an accomplished famous person. This is your destiny.’
Great, can’t beat destiny, I thought wryly.
‘I can’t change that. I didn’t realise you felt so strongly about it. But look at the positive side … you can use your position to make a difference in the world. You have the chance to help others. I know it can be very testing, being pursued by the photographers. But in the end, we have a life where we can basically do as we please. How about I talk to Mama and we can look into filming the commercial in Sydney, so that you can get back in time for school and your concert as planned. Does that sound better?’
‘Thank you, Papa. That means a lot to me,’ I replied, feeling a bit calmer.
‘Lucia, you mean everything to me. All I want is your happiness.’
But the one thing that would make me happy was something he disapproved of. I couldn’t ask again, not yet.
‘Thanks Papa. I feel better, and one thing that would make me even happier is for you to call me Lucy.’
‘Of course, Lucy … I love Lucy!’
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: RE: Ciao!
Hey Lucy
It sounds like you’re having a ball in Milan. Please send me some photos if you have time. I’ve never been to Italy and I’d love to go … one of these days. And I’d like to check out your friends!
Tell me more about the photoshoot – you lucky thing. I’m so jealous. I’d give my right arm to be in a professional shoot and have my hair and make-up done … someone fussing over me all day … what a dream! I don’t suppose they’d like a bookworm with glasses and braces instead?
Anyway, fill me in on every detail. What are the clothes like? Is the photographer cute? How did the shots turn out?
And what do you mean you nearly blew your secret? What happened?
I can’t say I’ve been doing much with my holidays. Nothing has changed except that some of the cool girls are now talking to me, even that bully Claudia, and it’s all because of you. I ran into one of them and accidentally told her about your Love Lucy fashion shoot … I couldn’t help myself … I was so excited I had to tell someone and the next thing I know the news had spread. Most of them think what you’re doing is really cool, even though they’re jealous. Sorry!
Yes, Harry’s been hanging out at the Reg kicking the ball with Dylan in between training sessions with the Lions. You know I don’t like him – he’s a jock, so I have nothing to say to him. He just talk
s about football and always asks after you. Can you please drop him a line? He’s unbearable.
No one’s heard from Max – he seems to have disappeared. Dylan asked your grandpa about him and he hasn’t heard anything either. I’m sure he’s okay, although Harry’s ready to take another swipe at him. He’s probably sulking at home, wherever that is. No need to worry.
Dylan says hi and wants me to tell you that they’ve been winning and have reached the quarter-finals of the Champion of Champions. So you should be back in time for the final, if they keep winning. They’re looking forward to having you back on the pitch. Now there’s a turn for the books! They’ve finally woken up to the fact that girls can be as good as boys – well, it should be better, in your case. Or is it that absence makes the heart grow fonder? I think my bro likes you.
Anyway, I miss you and can’t wait to see you back in Oz.
Luv
Bella
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: RE: RE: Ciao!
Hey Bella
Great to hear from you.
I’m so thrilled the boys have reached the quarter-finals but I’m really worried about Max. Someone has to know where he is. You’ve got to find out more.
I need to tell you something in confidence and please don’t even tell Dylan: Max doesn’t have a home. He’s a street kid and has been living in the stands at the Reg. We’ve got to help him. Please find out whatever you can about his whereabouts and get back to me ASAP.
My parents almost finding out that I play football is now the least of my problems. I’ve just been told that we may be staying another couple of weeks so that I can be the face of a television commercial for the Love Lucy label. So right now I’m not very happy. I don’t want to let the boys down. I want to be back for the final.
Papa said that they may shoot the ad in Sydney after I chucked a hissy fit, but who knows if Mama will allow it. I’ll let you know what the verdict is soon. Fingers crossed.
Please don’t tell the boys yet, I don’t want to end up in their bad books yet again. And all is forgiven about letting it slip re the fashion shoot but please … no more blabbing about me to the girls from school, they’re just going to tease me no matter what I do.
Lucy Zeezou's Goal Page 10