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[Friday, 26/10/2019, 12:30, Bydgoszcz, Poland]
The small café on the corner of a cobblestone street in Bydgoszcz was quiet, its outdoor seating shaded by a canopy of golden autumn leaves. Rakim leaned back in his chair, his dreadlocks with gold highlights catching the sunlight as he sipped a steaming coffee. Across from him sat May Parker, her peach-blond hair cascading over her shoulders, the green of her eyes sparkling as she smiled at him over the rim of her hot chocolate.
"You, Okay?" May asked, tilting her head as she studied him. "I was expecting to find you in tears ready for me to nurse you back given what the media back home is saying about you."
Rakim smirked, setting his cup down. "Sorry to disappoint but I'm as cool as a cucumber, though I would be lying if I said that I'm not hoping we run into them during the tournament."
May chuckled, taking a small sip of her hot chocolate. "I'm sure you'd love nothing more than to embarrass them on the pitch. Though If you want to get petty let your girl know, I know a little about getting payback."
Rakim leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table, a playful glint in his eyes as he looked into her eyes. May didn't avert her eyes matching his gaze seemingly waiting for his response so she could ride to battle. "I see, you got any suggestions."
"Yes, you should just talk subliminal trash in the media or do a drake and send shots via Twitter and Instagram," She replied with a clear spark in her eyes as she continued to list various ways, he could embarrass the USA Football Association. "Better yet start posting about how superb the German football association is. You got pictures of your time at the DFB Campus just slowly release some of those with some motivational comments it will stoke the flames and... mph."
May was busy lining out her plan only to stop suddenly as her lips were sealed by Rakim's who quite literally took her breath away. Before she knew it her hot chocolate was tilting dangerously in her hand. She quickly steadied it, with the last bit of mental clarity she had as Rakim continued to draw her deeper into the kiss.
May pulled back slightly, her cheeks flushed as she let out a breathy laugh. "Okay, you win. No more plotting revenge," she said, setting her hot chocolate firmly on the table. "For now."
"No, you can plot all you want. You're nose crinkles cutely whenever you enter revenge mode," Rakim replied with a playful smile as May narrowed her eyes, though the smile tugging at her lips betrayed her attempt to look stern. "Careful, Rex. Keep talking like that and I might start plotting on you."
Rakim laughed, leaning back in his chair, hands behind his head. "Oh yeah? I don't think I would mind that?"
"Please you wish." May rolled her eyes. "Anyway, it feels like forever since I last saw you,"
"I know I missed you too but we've both been busy, plus aren't you supposed to be in school?" He asked now looking genuinely curious as he knew she had been accepted into Georgetown University and accepted despite gaining a spot into Cambridge after being waitlisted. Her personal essay impressed the admissions officers at all the universities and despite not having the best grades she was accepted.
"Oh, about that Georgetown agreed to let me do a year abroad in an accelerated course in social media marketing and marketing communications." She replied with a proud expression that practically told Rakim to praise her, and he did by stretching out his hand to pet her head. "Stop that I'm not a kid anymore, anyway You are now looking at a proud student at the University of Cologne's business and marketing department."
Rakim raised an eyebrow, his shock clearly spreading across his face. "University of Cologne, huh? Don't tell me you moved just for me, you were so excited to go to your mother's alma mater."
May shrugged, her expression softening as she leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand. "It wasn't just for you, Rakim. Well, not entirely." She paused, a playful smirk forming. "Okay, maybe a little. But the program here is incredible, and it gives me a chance to experience Europe while supporting you. Win-win, don't you think?"
Rakim stared at her, looking at her happy expression that looked forced in his eyes. "Is your Dad so bad? I figured he'd be happy that you're going to college like he wanted an Ivy Plus school to boot"
May's smile faltered slightly at Rakim's question. She stirred her hot chocolate as her smile quickly faltered, her gaze dropping to the table for a moment before meeting his eyes again. "He was happy for the first 10 minutes," she said quietly. "But you know how he is always chasing the next best thing, climbing the next mountain or trying to outdo his competitor."
There was a moment of silence as Rakim considered what to say to her since May's relationship with her dad was complicated, to say the least. Even though she was his girlfriend, saying what he really thought about her dad is the equivalent of pressing the nuclear button on their relationship. He didn't have to make a decision just as he was about to force himself to say something no matter how perfunctory she spoke up.
"One of his buddy kids got into Yale and suddenly Georgetown was no longer good enough for him. He tried to make me go to Cambridge, disregarding my decision and even threatening not to pay the tuition." Rakim frowned, upon hearing her words.
"You know I don't like your dad, I never did," Rakim stated somberly as he reached out to grasp her hands. "He is an ok guy if I was looking for a friend or a buddy, he'd be ok but as a Dad, I'm not so sure. From what I can remember my Dad has been to more of your games, birthdays and showcases than even I have. Yes, Emma was part of your cheer squad, but even when she later left, he would still travel with us as a family, and he might not look it at home but he's quite a busy guy."
May's fingers curled around Rakim's hand, her green eyes softening as she held his gaze. "You're right. Your dad has always been there for me… more than my own." Her voice was steady, but Rakim could sense the emotion she was trying to mask.
"That's not the point babe, no matter what you do it will never be enough. Your Dad is a junky for attention and power. With an even bigger ego than me, and he can't help himself from putting himself first and until he changes, he will always disappoint you. I know it's hard but I'm proud of you for staying true to yourself"
May smiled softly at Rakim's words, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "Thank you," she whispered. "It means a lot to hear you say that."
[Friday, 26/10/2019, 13:15, Bydgoszcz, Poland]
Following their conversation that had taken a serious turn the both of them decided to brush it to the side and enjoy their date. Finishing their coffee, they decided to explore the city of Bydgoszcz since neither of them had ever been to Poland.