Cause and Effect

Twelve

"I know as much as you do," I said, honestly. "He just seems to hate everyone at the moment."

"Okay," Thierry sighed. "Thanks anyway, Ramos. Let's get going then."

~.~.~.~

Pre-season, like all good things, came to an end, and saw us flying home to North London just a week and a half before the season was officially to begin. This marked the end of late night partying, consuming vast quantities of ice cream, pizza, and bacon, and slacking off from gym. Training was slowly becoming more intense, and the boss expected us to be able to keep up. But we weren't tired. Physically, I felt ready, and as the days rolled on, I grew impatient for the season to begin.

In fact, the only thing I wasn't ready for was Neymar's return from Brazil. I hadn't heard from him since he left, but he did return, and was at practice on Monday, five days before our first BPL game. It seemed like he was avoiding me to begin with, but he did speak with Alexis, and the two seemed to part on good terms, so that was something. I'd hoped I'd be able to put off talking with him at all until after training was over, but of course, Thierry happened to pair us together for a crossing drill.

"Just a heads up for the two of you," he said. "I'm planning to play one of you on the right on Saturday against Everton, to see how it goes, but I'm not sure who yet."

I glanced at Neymar, to see what he thought of this, but he simply nodded, and so we began the drill. We worked in silence, until he finally spoke.

"I suppose you think I'm avoiding you."

I frowned a little at this.

"Would I be wrong?" I asked.

"No," he admitted. "I'm just a little hurt, but it will pass, I guess. There's literally been pictures everywhere of you and Alexis kissing after the Barcelona game, and... I don't know. I know I'm partly to blame for what happened, but I spoke to Alexis, and we're cool. I'll leave you alone for now."

"Neymar, I'm sorry," I sighed, as I ran to receive a cross from him.

I was on the right at the moment, whilst he was in the position we both preferred - on the left.

"I don't want to loose you as a friend," I admitted. "I just..."

"You like him more," he said quietly, without looking at me. "It's okay, we can be friends."

I met his gaze for the first time, and he grinned at me.

"Okay," I smiled, "It's my turn on the left now, you can have a go kicking with the wrong foot."

"Fine," he laughed.

As we continued to work at the drill, we fell naturally into our old friendship. I was glad the awkwardness was gone, and we were able to laugh and joke like normal. Neymar was an incredible player, obviously, and I was thankful that I got to work with him. Playing with people who are better than you means you develop your own skills faster.

"You're way better on the right than I am," he said. "Your weak foot is stronger than mine."

"Flattery will get you nowhere Neymar," I laughed. "And that side doesn't suit the way I play."

"This will be a new learning curve for you then, won't it," I heard Thierry's voice, and turned to see the boss had been watching us.

I sighed.

"Im gonna be on the right, aren't I."

"I am leaning towards it, yes," Thierry nodded, and Neymar smirked triumphantly at me. "This is just a trial though, it's not permanent," he added. "We'll see how you go in the rest of training."