Lucy Zeezou's Goal (16 page)

‘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,' said 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.'

‘Why don't you call your friends later? You need to rest after the long flight.'

‘Paolo, let her be. Chatting with her friends will probably help Lucy get her mind off other things,' suggested Grandpa.

Mama, surprisingly, backed him up. ‘Yes, Paolo, I agree, it's a good idea.'

Papa was persuaded. ‘Okay, I've been outvoted.'

I hugged him. ‘Thanks Papa, you're the best.'

I gave him a kiss on the cheek, and kissed the rest of the family, and then I grabbed my bag and went into my grandparents' bedroom to make my phone calls. It was only when I reached for the phone that I remembered it was the middle of the night in Italy, and Bella would be at school. I'd have to make my calls later. For the
meantime, I had a lot to think about. How could I tell Papa about the Lions? I sat down on the bed and made myself comfortable.

 

As much as I stewed over my dilemma, I simply couldn't think of a way to tell Papa and Mama about the Lions and the Champion of Champions that wouldn't freak them out. This was ridiculous. I had my family all together at last – I should go and actually spend some time with them. I raced into the lounge room. It was empty.

I wandered downstairs and heard Mama's voice coming from the shop. ‘We'd actually already bought a house before all this happened. It's on the other side of the bay in Darling Point, so we'll be nice and close. I want to set up a home for Lucy to help her adjust during our stay, since we're not sure how long we'll be here. Of course, it's all happened so quickly we've barely had time to think, but we need to consider our future. We'd always thought it would be in Italy, but it's all changed since Lucy was abducted, and since your accident, Mum. Oh, it's great to see how you've bounced back so quickly. It must be Grandpa's cooking.' They all laughed gently at that.

Then Papa spoke. ‘My career has always been in Italy, but I'm preparing to retire from the national team soon, so I can spend more time with my girls. It's been on the cards for a while. I also know that Lucy wants more time
with all of us, especially her grandparents, and that's swaying our decision to spend more time here.'

Oh, this was amazing. Sometimes I loved Mama's spontaneity. A house in Sydney would be ideal. I could see Nanna and Grandpa every day, and Papa cutting back his football commitments would give us more family time.

I kept my ear glued to the door but was set off-balance as it swung open. I quickly regained my composure, hoping I looked as though I'd just been about to walk in.

‘Lucy, I hope you weren't eavesdropping.' Grandpa sounded stern but had a big grin.

‘Oh no, of course not, I was just looking for you,' I said, a little sheepishly.

‘Well, we're going to take a long walk to get Paolo acquainted with the city and then we'll have dinner at Paradiso. Run up and have a quick wash, princess, then we'll go,' he said.

 

‘Bella, it's me, Lucy.'

‘I couldn't wait to talk to you. Are you okay?'

‘I'm jet-lagged, but okay really. We've had a really relaxed day. All I've done is walk around and eat … I'm stuffed! Anyway, how are you? And what's the latest on Max?'

‘Oh, I'm fine. Max was released by the police after
being questioned. They've allowed him to come home with us while they continue investigating his case. We've got interim guardianship and that means he doesn't have to go into some sort of foster home – for now, anyway. I think he's dying with embarrassment now that everyone knows he's a street kid. Dylan and Harry feel bad but they're a bit confused, I think … they're still angry about the fight and his walk-out on the team.'

Bella paused for a moment. ‘Everyone was so concerned about you, Lucy, even Max. But his attitude isn't helping things. He's being a real pain.'

‘He'll get over it. It's wild that your mum has basically become Max's angel.'

‘Mum may be busy, but when a kid needs help, especially someone that we know, she does her best. Max was in Dylan's team for years and they used to hang out together, so she's known him for ages. She's really upset that she had no idea about his life on the streets. He's always been really secretive. Even Dylan barely knew anything about him. He's certainly changed since I last saw him – he's very cute now, even if he is a pain sometimes.'

Oh, I hoped Bella didn't like him … but why should I care?

‘Well he's okay, but he is a bit of a wild one. Your mum's amazing. Would it be okay if I came over tomorrow to catch up with you and the boys?'

‘Of course, I'm dying to see you and I want to find out more about what happened in Italy. The papers have made up all sorts of crazy stories. One said that a terrorist organisation was behind your abduction and that guns were fired. Anyway, let's talk about it when I see you. It sounds like a really frightening experience.'

‘Yeah, I felt as though I was starring in a scary horror film. It was terrifying. I appreciate what I have much more now. All I want to do is see you and the boys and play football.'

‘Ha! Well, I can't wait to see you either. Come around after breakfast.'

‘Perfect! Ciao, Bella. Good night.'

‘Night, Lucy. Ciao.'

I put the phone down and groaned at my full belly. It had been a good day. Papa had loved walking around the city and seemed to have found a new friend in Enrico. At the restaurant they'd talked about football and compared the lifestyles of Milan and Sydney. Papa was starting to settle in very nicely.

‘So, you're off to see Bella. I'm looking forward to meeting her and her family,' said Papa, as I got ready to leave the next morning.

‘You'll get to meet them soon, Papa, but right now I'm in a hurry. I've kept Bella waiting long enough!' I explained anxiously.

I was also a little nervous about seeing the boys. Now they'd know all about my family, thanks to the media. I wouldn't be just Lucy Zeezou the footballer, I'd be back to ‘Lucia Zoffi, daughter of football legend Paolo Zoffi.'

‘Lucy, wait, are you sure you'll be all right on your own?' Mama asked. ‘Maybe we should come with you.'

‘Oh really, Mama, I'm fine. It's a beautiful day – why don't you show Papa around the beaches? He kept saying yesterday that he's desperate to see them. Isn't that right, Papa?'

Mama answered before he could. ‘All right then, but just remember you're not to venture elsewhere. Come straight home from Bella's, and call us when you're on your way. The driver will wait for you until you're ready to leave.'

‘Don't worry! I promise I'll call you. Ciao!'

It was a relief to finally get into the car and have some time to myself. All I could think about now was seeing my friends, especially Max. My stomach was fluttering with the anticipation of our reunion. Weird.

I was so caught up in my thoughts that I hadn't noticed what was going on outside the car. ‘Please put your seatbelt on, Signorina Zoffi,' the driver said. ‘A paparazzo is following us. He's already taken shots of you getting into the car.' The driver put his weight on the accelerator as he negotiated the streets at speed.

Didn't he have anything better to do than follow a fourteen-year-old girl? I could understand them wanting happy snaps of Papa – but
me
? It was ridiculous! I called Bella on the mobile and alerted her to the paparazzo in pursuit.

‘Bella, it's me, Lucy. I'm on my way to your place but we're being followed by a photographer. He's probably here for the Italian press. It's madness.'

‘I'll make sure the security gate is on standby for your approach. Don't worry, we've dealt with this kind of thing before. You'll be fine.'

‘Okay, thanks. Ciao.'

Moments after the driver finally managed to lose the photographer, we were within sight of Bella's house. As we approached the driveway the huge gates parted and we drove straight in. I was relieved to be safe behind
them and away from prying eyes.

The house's large double doors swung open and an excited Bella appeared with a huge grin. She squealed, ‘It's so good to see you. Thank heavens you're here safe and sound.' She pulled back a little and smiled at me. ‘I took the liberty of inviting the jock, Harry, over. The things you do for your friends! Of course, Max and Dylan are also here and so's my mum. She can't wait to meet you.'

‘Wow, your mum's here, I thought she'd be at work,' I said, surprised.

‘Well, she wants to make sure that you and your family are settling in without any problems. She'll probably talk to your parents too, to see if they need any help, just because she can pull a few strings if need be.'

It was good of Bella's mum to be so concerned, but I just wanted to hang out with the guys. I was over talking about the whole dire experience. I just wanted to forget about it … although the boys would probably also want to hear my side of the story.

‘Mum's waiting to see you now because she only has half an hour before she has to rush off to a meeting and then a press conference.' Bella rolled her eyes.

We walked into the depths of the house and on into a library lined with books. The shelves climbed the walls right up to the ceiling, and an antique wooden ladder was perched in the corner. I took a closer look … politics and history dominated the spines of many of the titles
at eye level. In an adjoining room, an attractive petite woman in a tailored yet feminine cream suit sat at a long antique desk, typing on a laptop.

Bella's face lit up when she saw her mum. She headed straight over to her, kissed her on the cheek, and announced, ‘Mum, this is my best friend Lucy Zoffi … Lucy, this is my mum, Helen.'

‘It's an honour to meet you, Mrs Jones,' I said.

I met high-profile people all the time but my best friend's mama – a leader of a major political party and the state premier … that was pretty cool. She had the power to make decisions affecting people's lives. I couldn't understand why Bella dreamt of being in front of the camera when she had such an inspiring role model.

They had a strong resemblance, with their shoulder-length straight black hair and beautiful flawless skin, thanks to their Chinese heritage – the surname came from Helen's Welsh ex-husband. Mrs Jones' soft brown eyes peered out of reading glasses sitting on the edge of her small nose. She was just missing the braces, otherwise they could have been sisters.

She addressed me with a deep, calm voice. ‘Please call me Helen. I'm very pleased to meet you, Lucy. I've heard so much about you. Bella doesn't usually hang out with sporty types, but I gather there's more to you than meets the eye. Now tell me, is your family planning to stay in Sydney for long?'

‘I think so. It depends on Papa's football, but I think they're leaning that way. I think we'll at least be coming here more regularly, because of what happened to me, and my grandparents' health. They're still working it out.

‘I love it here because I've made such good friends, especially Bella. And it's much more relaxed here … well, it was. Right now I feel safer in your country.'

‘That's good to hear. I can't imagine how frightened you must have been when you were abducted. Are you up to telling us about it?' she gently enquired.

‘Um, yes, but it's still being investigated. All I know is that I was abducted for ransom money. There are all sorts of stories being thrown around, but the police in Italy are handling everything. I do know that the kidnappers were desperate and not awfully bright.'

I recounted the events. They were still very fresh in my mind, although it was hard to believe that it had all happened only a few days ago. Bella and her mama gasped and nodded with concern until we were interrupted.

‘Please excuse me. Helen, your car is ready to take you to your next meeting. And your brief has been prepared for the press conference.'

Helen approached me and said, ‘Lucy, thank you for sharing your story, and it was a pleasure to meet you. I hope you'll be a regular guest in our home. We'll have your family over for dinner one night after everything settles down. Hope to see you soon.' She hugged Bella and me, then strolled out of the room.

‘Thank you. Bye!' was all I could muster.

Butterflies madly fluttered in my stomach, as if they were desperate to escape and be free. It was time to see the boys … Bella must have sensed my trepidation, as she grabbed me by the arm and led me upstairs to the living area.

‘Come on, the boys are looking forward to seeing you, especially Dylan. I think he still has a crush on you. He made sure he was free to see you today.' She teasingly nudged me as we climbed the winding staircase.

I was fighting a rush of blood to my face. What was I going to say? I wished I could just face them on the football pitch, then I'd know what to say and do. Put me on the pitch and I moved like a dolphin, effortlessly gliding in its habitat. Out here, I was a fish out of water, struggling for breath.

I walked in with Bella and saw them challenging each other at an electronic football game, buying and selling players for their teams.

‘Um, guys, look who's here!' Bella said, trying to grab their attention.

They looked up and stared at me as if I had two heads. There was an uncomfortable silence until finally Dylan attempted to break the ice.

‘Wow, I mean hey, Lucy, how are you?' He looked at me nervously, although that was more welcoming than either Harry or Max.

‘I'm fine. Congratulations for reaching the final of the Champion of Champions. How's the preparation going?' I tried not to look embarrassed as Dylan continued to stare. I hoped that prompting football talk would warm the room.

Harry and Max still hadn't said anything, and Dylan was left to reply. ‘We've been training really hard. We have another session tomorrow before Sunday's kick-off. Do you think you're ready to train after what's happened?'

‘Of course, I can't wait to get onto the pitch.'

‘You must have had a kick around in Italy with your famous dad,
Paolo Zoffi
.' Harry didn't look up from the game, but I could see his scowl clearly enough.

‘Yeah, Lucy … you're so lucky that your dad is an international football legend. No wonder you're such a good player.' Dylan added with enthusiasm.

This is what I was afraid of from the beginning: ‘Lucy's cool because of her papa.' My identity was out the window. And, to make it worse, Max hadn't said a thing. He hadn't even made eye contact. Maybe he was just in pain, I told myself, looking at all the bandages around his left arm and nose.

‘It's no big deal really. He doesn't have time to kick the ball with me. He's either training most of the time or he's busy with his business. In fact, I'm lucky if I see him at breakfast,' I replied cautiously, hoping they'd leave it at that.

Max awoke from his silence. ‘
Not a big deal.
How can you say that? Your dad just happens to be one of the best footballers on the planet. Yet another Lucy secret. Why can't you just tell the truth? You know we all love our football, that's all we talk about. As if we wouldn't want to know about Paolo Zoffi. He's living our dream.'

I was stunned, but I wasn't in the mood for an argument. I'd hoped that the boys would be a little more welcoming. So here I was, back to being Paolo Zoffi's daughter. Just like in Italy, Lucy had to take a back seat. I was shattered.

Bella must have taken a look at my face just then. ‘Hey, guys, I think you're being harsh. Lucy's recovering from a horrible experience, she's lucky to be alive and all you can talk about is her dad and why she didn't tell you about him! I don't blame her for not sharing it. Don't you think you should ask about how she's feeling after being abducted for ransom by lunatics with guns? Or how she escaped by breaking a door down with her snappy football kick? Or how she's coping with the prying paparazzi?'

That caught their attention.

Bella's rant continued. ‘I thought we were her friends, her best friends. And Max, after Lucy was rescued, all she was concerned about was your safety – and this is how you welcome her back!'

Dylan threw Max a snarly look. ‘She's not the only one with secrets, Max.'

Max became fidgety and unsettled.

Bella wasn't finished yet. ‘Oh, this is a waste of time. You're all just a bunch of insensitive jocks. You should be ashamed of yourselves!'

The room fell silent. The boys looked embarrassed and stared at the floor.

But I was the one who should really feel ashamed … I'd lied to my friends from the beginning.

Bella grabbed my hand and led me to the door.

Finally Dylan said, ‘Wait, Lucy. Please wait. We're sorry. Bella's right, we should have been more thoughtful. I suppose we just got carried away. Of course we were worried about you, and we're glad that you're back.'

‘No Dylan, I'm the one who ought to be sorry. I should have told you about him from the beginning, but in Italy my identity is overshadowed by Papa's celebrity. I just wanted my own life and to be liked for being me, not for being the daughter of a famous person. I was enjoying being anonymous for the first time in my life, but I know I should have told you. I'm sorry for hurting your feelings.' My eyes welled up. I tried to hold the tears back but I had no control, and they rolled down my face.

I ran out, looking for a place to hide.