My picture was plastered over every news and sports bulletin, as they competed for the most current story about the abduction. They used old footage of us out shopping, eating breakfast at our local restaurant, and walking along the street. They even had a shot of me at my local gelato shop with Gigi. And the weirdest thing: we were also told by friends that someone had managed to film me being chased by that awful woman while she fired her gun. It was on the internet. Why hadn’t that person helped me? The police were investigating the footage. I hadn’t seen it and I didn’t want to.
The situation was making my parents more and more stressed. They decided that we’d fly out to Sydney as soon as possible. We were inundated with phone calls on Papa’s private line from all of our friends, and even Italy’s prime minister called Papa, asking after me. Things weren’t helped by all the false reports in the media, like ‘Zoffi turns his back on Italy’. It was all lies, typical media sensationalism.
All I wanted to do was put this scary incident behind me. One thing I’d learnt was that life was fleeting and it was time to pursue my dream for real. I couldn’t wait to get back to Sydney and my friends there, even though it meant leaving Pino and my other Milano friends.
Before we could leave, I had to speak with the police. The abductors were still being held under police guard in hospital. I just wanted to get the police interviews out of the way so we could leave for Sydney without any further hitches. Thankfully, instead of us having to travel to the station, they came to our home.
Talking about the abduction was strange. I felt as though I was telling the police about another girl. I discussed every detail without emotion, although I didn’t want my parents to hear everything. When I mentioned the abductor’s attempted kiss, Mama couldn’t take it and made an excuse to leave the room. Papa insisted on staying with me. He wouldn’t leave my side, holding my hand as I spoke.
I was relieved when it was all over. Mama returned and came straight over to me with a huge hug. She was still quite emotional. ‘Thank goodness we have you back home with us. I’m so proud of the way you’ve handled yourself. I have to ask …’ she added. ‘I meant to tell you earlier that your friend Bella called from Australia during your papa’s game. She thought something was wrong when she tried to reach you and a stranger answered your mobile. Was that … was that one of the people who kidnapped you?’ I nodded and her eyes filled with tears. ‘Oh dear … I should have acted earlier, but I thought you were watching the game with your friend. I just thought Bella was overreacting. I’m so, so sorry,’ she wept.
I hugged her again. ‘No, Mama I’m sorry that I lied to you. It’s not your fault. But you did help me, with that hot-pink lippy.’
Mama forced a smile. ‘Clever girl. See, everything has its place. I’m glad it came in handy.’
‘Yes, you helped save me, Mama. And you were right, all girls should be armed with lipstick.’
We laughed.
‘Ciao Bella, it’s Lucy.’
‘Are you all right? I’ve been so worried about you. Everyone’s worried about you, especially your grandparents and the boys. What happened at your dad’s game?’
‘It’s a long story. It’s been a nightmare and I’m too exhausted to talk about it right now. I’ll fill you in when I get back to Sydney. I can’t wait to get away from here. It’s out of control … the media won’t leave us alone.’
‘The news about the abduction is all over the TV and newspapers here in Sydney.’
‘Oh no! Being in the news in Australia is the last thing I want! I was hoping to escape all of that. Please say hi to the boys for me and tell them that I’m fine and eager to come back and play. One more thing – what’s happened to Max? Do you have any news?’
‘That’s why I called you before. Max has been found but he’s in a lot of trouble.’
‘What’s wrong with him? Where is he?’
‘You won’t believe it. He was in emergency and right now he’s in police custody. He was found by the side of the road at Rushcutters Bay, unconscious and with a broken nose.’
‘Oh, poor Max. What’s going to happen to him now?’
‘We’re not sure … it’s hard to get any information because we’re not related.’
‘Can’t you use your mother’s influence? We’ve got to make sure that he’s looked after.’
‘Yes, don’t worry, I’m a step ahead … Mum organised a very good lawyer to represent Max and she said that we’ll be able to visit him soon. The police are investigating him running away from his foster home, but they’re also talking to him about that guy he hit. Mum has offered to be his guardian in the interim, and the lawyer is trying to push that through quickly. Then Max can stay with us for a little while instead of being sent to a juvenile detention centre or back to foster care or whatever.’
‘It all sounds so messy, but thank heavens for your mama. I’ll be getting into Sydney late tomorrow night, so I’ll try to visit the following day.’
‘Can’t wait to see you. We’re so relieved you’re okay. Call me as soon as you arrive. See ya!’
‘I can’t wait to see you too. Ciao!’
We were given a police escort to the airport but of course that didn’t stop the paparazzi from following us in carsand motorbikes. We were travelling at high speeds and even ran some red lights, but the photographers were just relentless.
I was relieved when we made it to the airport, although it was swarming with police. It was spooky, and I couldn’t wait to board the jet.
‘Papa, this is scary. Can we please hurry? And do we have to have these men in black suits surrounding us?’
‘Yes, my beautiful girl. All this extra security is for our benefit. It’s nothing for you to worry about. I just want you to relax and enjoy the flight,’ he said softly.
We were driven onto the tarmac to the waiting jet, while the media scrum was blocked from travelling any further. I was relieved to be beyond their reach and on our way to Sydney.
‘Buongiorno, Signor Zoffi, Signora and Signorina Zoffi and little Gigi. Welcome aboard,’ the captain greeted us. ‘We have good weather forecast, so you should enjoy a relaxing flight.’
I put Gigi in her special dog box at the back of the plane. Luckily Mama’s assistant had managed to pull a few strings, so Gigi didn’t have to spend months locked up in quarantine. That would have been horrible.
I couldn’t wait to lie down and shut myself off from the rest of the world. I knew I had to try and leave that frightening ordeal behind me, but it was hard to wipe it from my mind. The sooner I got to Sydney and played some football, the better. That would help shut out those awful memories. I also had to make sure that Papa fell in love with Sydney, because I was starting to think I’d want to stay there forever. I wanted to be with my grandparents and leave Italy behind me; as much as I loved it, I didn’t think I could face going back.
I closed my eyes and focused on my fantasy football game. I saw myself back playing alongside Zinedine Zidane. My team had just been awarded a penalty after I was taken down inside the box. Just like before, Zizou wanted me to take the penalty. I took my lucky five steps back and was about to take a crack at the ball, when suddenly I felt like I was being shaken.
‘Lucia, it’s time to wake up, we’re about to land. You must buckle up, sleeping beauty,’ Mama demanded.
Oh no, not again. I didn’t want to leave this game. But the image was gone, so I reluctantly opened my eyes.
‘I thought I’d only nodded off for a few minutes. Did I sleep the whole way?’ I asked wearily.
‘Yes, you were in a deep sleep. You missed all the meals but we didn’t want to disturb you. Even Gigi’s barking didn’t wake you. We thought you could do with the rest,’ replied Papa.
Gigi really was making some noise. ‘She’s hard to ignore now,’ I said, as I tickled her through the wire of her dog box. ‘And please don’t forget, Mama, Papa: it’s Lucy now that we’re in Australia. Please call me Lucy, just like my friends,’ I said wi
th a grin and clicked on my seatbelt.
We arrived on a warm and still Sydney night, welcomed by a vast sparkling blanket of shining stars … a magnificent greeting from the harbour city.
‘Signor Zoffi, Signora and Signorina Zoffi, welcome to Sydney. Your driver is standing by to take you to your hotel. I’ve been alerted that there’s a media contingent waiting out the front, so you’ll be taken along the back route. Nonetheless, please be on your guard. Take it easy and good luck. Ciao,’ said the captain.
‘Why are we staying in a hotel? I want to see Grandpa and Nanna,’ I demanded, still a little drowsy from my long nap.
‘Lucy, it’s too late to go to their place now,’ Papa replied. ‘We’ll see them tomorrow morning. We don’t want the media snooping around their home, so it’s probably best to keep away for now.’
‘You’re right. I just miss them. I know one thing for sure – I’m starving. Let’s get something to eat.’ I noticed Mama staring into space. ‘Mama, are you okay?’
‘I can’t wait to see your Nanna and Grandpa either, but things may be different this time. We won’t be staying with them, since they don’t have that much room. And as Papa said, we don’t want the media prying into their lives. Right now, I just want you to take it easy. You’ve been through enough. Let’s go to the hotel and have a lovely meal.’ Mama was still looking out into the distance.
She obviously had a lot more on her mind than she was admitting, but it was too late to delve any further. They were right; I didn’t want Nanna and Grandpa caught up in this craziness.
It was a strange ride to the hotel as we sped along the back streets, trying to keep away from the media. How did they know we were here? As soon as we arrived at the hotel, waiting photographers swarmed into our path. Click, click, click. It was so intense that we couldn’t get out of the car until the hotel staff ordered them away.
We were taken to the top floor and given adjoining rooms. It was bliss being tucked away in the room, especially when our hearty meals arrived. We barely spoke as we devoured our food. After a long bath, I could feel my energy waning. I was exhausted.
I jumped into my king-size bed while my parents retired into the next room. I was so tired, yet I still found it hard to fall asleep. I had to leave the light on, because the abduction kept playing out in my mind. I still had so many questions.
Why did they do it? How could people become so desperate? Why did he apologise to me before he was shot?
Then my mind wandered to poor Max … I had to see him.
Next morning I awoke with a heavy weight on my shoulders. I still felt totally drained, but at least I was going to be reunited with Nanna and Grandpa. I couldn’t wait.
Sydney put on its best face – the sun was smiling down on us as Mama asked the driver to take us on a little scenic tour on the way to the Cross.
We headed for the underbelly of the Harbour Bridge, in the oldest part of town known as The Rocks. The water glistened with a layer of silver sprinkles while boats and yachts glided along its silky surface. The famous sails of the Opera House dominated the harbour’s skyline. As far as Papa was concerned, Sydney had scored the opening goal.
‘Spectacular! This city is like a gorgeous woman resting in the warm sun. It’s remarkable, despite the rats with the cameras. I’m looking forward to seeing more of it, especially its famous beaches.’ Papa was obviously smitten with this new woman.
We drove by the Woolloomooloo wharf. The luxurious cruisers moored against a gallery of upmarket restaurants also sparked Papa’s interest. ‘Now, I like this set-up. It reminds me of Cannes or parts of Monaco, but on a more intimate scale,’ he said, and then he yelled, ‘La dolce vita! – the sweet life.’
We wound up the hill and towards the tree-lined streets at the back of the Cross, past beautiful old terrace houses and trendy restaurants. We made a special detour to one of our favourite haunts.
Mama jumped in before me. ‘Paolo, Lucy and I mostly dine here at Paradiso. It’s owned by an Italian family who are very hospitable and accommodating. I know you’ll love it here.’
‘Yes, Papa, maybe we can eat here tonight. One of the owners, Enrico, is a huge AC Milan fan. He knows I have a soft spot for dark chocolate, so he always brings me an extra serving. And they have the most delicious calamari – it’s even better than back home.’ I was hoping to make the trip to my grandparents’ even more appealing.
Papa was convinced. ‘Okay you two, you know how to win me over. I can tell I’m going to like it here.’
‘Nanna, Grandpa,’ I shouted as I ran into their arms. They joined me in a tearful reunion while Gigi licked everyone excitedly.
‘We were so worried about you. Thank goodness you’re safe,’ Nanna said, tightening her squeeze while tears poured down her cheeks.
‘I was so worried about you! But you look good,’ I mumbled, trying to control my tears.
‘Lucy, my princess,’ Grandpa cried. ‘We’re fine, and your Nanna’s getting back to her best. We were so frightened when we heard about the kidnapping. You’re not going back to that place, it’s much safer here with us.’
‘Well, we’ll talk about all of that later,’ said Papa. ‘Tony, Betty, it’s good to see you both looking so healthy.’
‘We’re better now that Lucy’s back. And we’re so happy to see you and Frida here, Paolo. I just don’t know what we would have done if Lucy …’ Grandpa held me so tight I was nearly struggling for air.
‘Why don’t we close the shop for a few hours so that we can go up the road for brunch and just relax. I think we could all do with a break,’ Mama suggested.
‘I have lots of food upstairs waiting to be devoured, including my famous tiramisu. And I have some fresh coffee brewing, so let’s relax here,’ said Nanna.
‘Yum, thanks Nanna. I can’t wait to dig in,’ I jumped in, eager to get upstairs and plough into her delectable cooking.
Mama joined in the hug, ‘Thanks Mum, it’s just what we need. I think your home-cooked food will do the trick. It’s good to be back home.’
Looking over Mama’s shoulder, I noticed a black car with heavily tinted windows parked directly across the road. Two men dressed in black suits and wrap-around sunnies were leaning against the car. They reminded me of the guys in that alien movie, Men in Black … freaky! But these guys didn’t look as cool as Hollywood actors. In fact, they looked very suspicious; I was sure they were watching us. Or was I just being paranoid?
‘Papa have you noticed that black car parked across the road with the strange-looking guys staring at us?’ I asked.
‘Yes, I was hoping you wouldn’t notice them. They’re our bodyguards. They’ll follow us, day and night. It’s a security measure, just for now, but I don’t want you worrying about it. They’re here to protect us, but if they are bothering you, I’ll tell them to keep their distance,’ said Papa.
Great, that was all I needed … security following my every move. How would I play football with these guys on my tail?
‘But Papa, we’re safe here. It’s spooky to think that we’re being watched 24/7. It’s bad enough being hounded by the paparazzi, without being followed by bodyguards as well. Can’t you tell them to go away? Please!’
‘Right, let’s go upstairs. I can’t wait to get into Nanna’s tucker. Come on, Lucy, I’ll race you,’ said Grandpa with a frown, eager to change the subject.
We bolted up the stairs, and I lay on the cosy lounge and cuddled into my favourite cushion, one that Nanna had made me, with my name embroidered across a big red heart. I looked around the comfortable little apartment, enjoying the safety and warmth of being back here with my family. It was even more special now with Papa and my pup here.
After tucking into a feast, we got stuck into Nanna’s specialty. I always left room for her tiramisu … it’s too delicious!
‘My goodness Lucy, I don’t know where you put it. It’s a good thing you go to plenty of dance classes. It’s great to see you enjoy my cooking, bless you,’ s
aid Nanna.
‘Didn’t you know that Italians live for food? I’m just staying true to my culture.’ We laughed as I patted my stomach.
We were all enjoying dessert and being together again as a family, but I was still determined to get an answer from Papa about the freaks outside. I had to get rid of the security guards pronto. They could make my life hell.
I walked up to the window and peeped out from behind the long floral curtains. ‘Papa, look, they’re still outside. Are you going to tell them to go away?’
‘Lucy, I told you not to worry about them. They’re just doing their job. I’ll tell them to be a little less conspicuous, just to keep you happy,’ he replied.
I’d just have to accept the situation, for now at least. I couldn’t raise any suspicion about my motive for getting rid of them. I’d have to be smarter with my movements. I reached over for another serving of tiramisu.
‘Okay, Papa. I won’t mention it again. I suppose it’s better to be safe than sorry,’ I said, trying to sound grateful.
‘Oh Lucy, I nearly forgot to tell you,’ Grandpa said as he was digging into his second helping. ‘Harry dropped in asking after you. When you feel up to it you should give him a call. He was worried about you and he has a lot of news to share.’
‘Thanks Grandpa. I’ll give him a call,’ I cautiously replied.
‘Who’s Harry?’ Papa asked, looking strained.
‘He’s just one of my friends,’ I said quietly. I knew what Papa thought about me being friends with boys, so I tried to downplay it.
‘I told you to watch out for boys, especially the ones that claim they’re your friends,’ insisted my overprotective papa.
‘Relax, Paolo. Harry’s a good kid. I’ve known him since he was a baby. You can trust him,’ said Grandpa.
Papa nodded and looked at me. ‘I don’t trust any boy, but if Grandpa thinks he’s harmless, then I guess it’s okay for you to see him, as long as I can meet him.’
‘Papa, you can meet Harry soon – and thanks for giving me permission to see one of my best friends.’ Oh my goodness! That reminded me – I hadn’t called Pino yet! ‘May I be excused? I’d like to make a few calls.’
Lucy Zeezou's Goal Page 13