Lucy Zeezou's Goal (12 page)

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 talks 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.

Oh and by the way, of course you could model. Don't let glasses and braces stop you. You can hang out on set with me if we shoot the commercial in Sydney and then you'll see it's not as glamorous as you think.

Let's trade places.

Ciao

Lucy

 

I was interrupted by a knock at my door. ‘Who is it?'

‘It's Mama. Lucia, can you please open the door?
I've brought you some snacks and a hot chocolate,' she said softly.

She knew how to get to me. We may have had our differences but Mama and I had one major thing in common … we
loved
our food.

I welcomed her in.

We gave each other a tentative smile, then hugged.

‘Lucy, I wish I could understand what's going on in your head. We only want the best for you and we've been through this before. Most girls can only ever dream about an opportunity like this! I wish I'd had these chances when I was your age.' Mama put on her businesslike voice again. ‘Anyway, you can act the drama queen all you like but, you've got to do the commercial and there's no getting out of it.'

‘Calm down, Mama, I'm doing it. I can't wait,' I tried to inject some enthusiasm into my voice.

‘You may be able to fool Papa but there's no need to be sarcastic. And how did you come up with those kicks at the shoot when you were forbidden to play over a year ago?'

‘Oh, Mama, I remember everything Nonno Dino taught me. I'll never forget him and his football stories. We used to practise those kicks all day, every day. Really, it's no big deal.' I tried to sound cool.

What I just said was almost true – I wasn't really lying, I just left out a few minor details. But what they didn't know wouldn't hurt them.

‘Okay, Lucy, I'll accept that answer for now, only because it works for the campaign and we've been through enough today. All I ask is that you perform at your best for the commercial. No more questions … for now!'

What a relief!

‘Okay, Mama. I'll do my best. But … are we going to film it in Australia?'

‘Well, I know you have to get back for your dance concert, and for school. I love the fact that you're so committed to them, so we're trying to work it out with Marcello and Enzo, as we want them both working on it.'

‘Oh thanks, Mama. And yes, the concert is very important. We've worked so hard to get it right, I'd hate to miss it. You're the best.'

Okay, so I told an even bigger fib. I couldn't get out of that one. Luckily I'd scraped in a few dance classes so it shouldn't be too difficult catching up when I returned. It'd be a doddle … wouldn't it?

From: [email protected]

To: [email protected]

Subject: Max missing

 

Hi Lucy

How's Milan treating you?

Good news. The boys have made it to the final of the Champion of Champions. Do you think you'll be back in time? Coach James wants to know if you'll be available. I think they're getting worried!

Sorry, it wasn't me who told him you may still be away. Dylan snuck in and read the last email you sent me and blabbed. We had a big fight over it. He's also upset because he thinks you don't care about the competition, and he's wondering who your Italian football friends are. Now I'm pretty sure that he has a crush on you. He's also shocked about the news I'm about to share with you.

I don't know how to say this, but Max is in a lot of trouble and he could be in danger. No one can find him and now the police are looking for him.

Apparently Max was caught up in a fight at Rushcutters Bay Park with a gang of boys. He managed to get out of there before the police arrived, but the awful thing is that he hit a guy (in self-defence, everyone says) who ended up in hospital. So someone reported him to the police for that, and now they're looking for him. And to make matters worse, they've realised that he's the same boy who ran away from his foster parents about a year ago. It's been reported in the news – what a mess.

They found Max's backpack and football boots at the edge of a mooring near the yacht club. The worst thing is, they discovered blood along the wharf. He may be hurt.

The police have put up missing signs all around the Cross and surrounding neighbourhoods. They've searched the whole area and have had divers in the harbour searching for clues. It's all very scary and it's weird seeing his photo out in public like that.

Everyone's really worried about him, including Harry. Now he feels bad about the fight they had and he feels even worse that he didn't know that Max was homeless. He would have done more to help him. We're all in shock and trying to help find him.

I'm sorry that the news isn't good but I had to tell you.

Take care

Luv

Bella

 

From: [email protected]

To: [email protected]

Subject: Oh no!

 

OMG, Bella!

I can't believe it! How did all of this happen? Poor Max. I feel so useless being so far away. What if he's badly hurt? It's so awful thinking what might have happened to him, and the fact that he's got no one to turn to.

The time here is going quickly but not fast enough now that I know about Max's situation. I just want to come back and help find him.

Please tell Coach James that I'm going to make sure that I'm back for the final. I can't wait to get onto the pitch … life's much easier when you're just chasing a ball.

My parents have just agreed to film the commercial in Sydney, even though it's probably going to cost them more money. But I really don't care about anything like that at the moment, I'm more concerned about Max.

Please call me as soon as you hear anything.

I'm going to watch my papa play in the big local derby this Sunday. I've been looking forward to this game since we arrived. Papa said I can hang out with him after the game … At least that will help take my mind off Max for a bit. It's something to look forward to.

Oh and about Dylan. He's my friend and that's it. I'm not interested in anyone that way.

Please contact me ASAP if you hear any more news about Max.

Luv

Lucy

 

I couldn't believe what was going on in my life. One minute everything was fine and the next it was all upside down.

How could we find Max? Maybe I could ask Papa to hire a private investigator to find him or Bella could ask her mama; surely she'd have all the right connections. Someone had to know something.

At least I'd be back in Sydney in time for the final. Everything was straightforward on the pitch. You worked with your team mates against the opposition. It was so simple. Why couldn't life be like that?

What was I going to do about Dylan? It was such an awkward situation. We were just friends and that was it. I'd just have to try and act cool around him. I didn't want to hurt his feelings, but I just didn't like anyone that way. At least, I didn't think so …