Different Worlds

2012

The next time I saw her was when we played Schalke in my second season with Bayern Munich. I don't know wether she saw me but it felt really strange. Luckily enough at this stage Basti and I were such good friends that he stopped me from walking up to her. "What would you do?" He gave me a blank expression. He was right, absolutely right. I had moved on, and talking to her would only bring back memories... Bad memories. I didn't want to hurt her more.

After the match, however, I saw her again. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw her come to the dressing rooms. It felt like back in the old days. Then I realised she went into the Schalke dressing room. My heart pounded so hard, who was she going to come out with? Just then Kathy hugged me from behind. I smiled and turned, but kept a close eye on the dressing room door. "Let's go, let's go..." She was pulling me on. Seconds later Nina left the dressing room hand in hand with Benedikt Höwedes. My heart sank. "You played so well baby..." I eavesdropped. He hugged her from the back and spun her around. That could have been me if I hadn't been such an idiot.

I saw her again that weekend. We had played in the Veltins Arena, and on the Sunday my parents threw a big party for all of our friends. Kathy couldn't stay because she had an important job appointment. So with my lonely heart I watched as Nina and Benedikt walked into our house, ate our food and occasionally kissed. Did they even notice me? A little later, they walked up to me. Benedikt and I hugged and Nina and I shared an awkward "Hello". I don't think Benedikt knew how much she meant to me. We talked about all sorts of things, just not her. When they left I felt an urge to run after her and just tell her that I was still so much.... In love with her!