His One and Only Love

2. I MET HER AGAIN

George's POV:

It was the evening of the gala. I got dressed in a blue tux and a blue tie. I kissed my mom and told her to not wait for me and sleep before leaving the mansion. I got inside my car and drove to the hall where the gala was being held. There were a lot of reporters and journalists from all around the world at this gala. After all, this event was one-of-a-kind. To have all the players from all clubs of a single league at the same place together was a big deal in itself, let alone the fact that it was a party.

As I got out of my car, all the cameras turned towards me. The reporters dashed towards me with full speed. I genuinely thought that I might fall, but the security guards kept them at a distance. I had expected this kind of attention, since I was considered the best player in the world. I walked on the red carpet and got a lot of pictures clicked. The I went to the reporters, who literally bombarded me with questions. 

"Why have you come alone sir?"

"Sir why don't you have a plus one?"

"Sir have you still not found the right woman for yourself?"

"What do you think about this event?"

"How do you feel about meeting your arch rival here at this party?"

I raised my hand up to signal them to be quiet. They all listened to me and stopped speaking.

"Good evening ladies and gentlemen. I think this is a wonderful step towards strengthening the bond between all the teams. We all stand together for a cause to say no to racism. We all are playing with people from all around the world. And we never discriminate. And we hope to spread the same message to everyone." 

I had thoroughly read about this event and the cause which was being promoted through this event. And that is why I spoke so confidently trying my best to get into the head of all the people listening to me. I resumed speaking.

"Also, talking about my rival, I don't consider Adam to be a rival of mine. We both have just worked very hard to reach where we are today and are still trying to improve everyday. And I am truly excited to see him at the gala. Maybe we interact and become good friends today." I smiled and continued.

"About my plus one, yes it is true that I still haven't found out the woman who is made for me. But I believe soon I will. Maybe this party is the place where the magic happens." I winked at the camera and left saying nothing more. 

I was about to enter the building when my phone beeped. It was a text message. 

"Watching you live on TV. Truly proud of you and your answer. I love you my boy."

Seeing at mom's message instantly made me smile. She never let me feel alone. She would always ensure that I feel her presence in some way or the other. Thinking about her, I entered the building. I went straight to my teammates. 

Although I was alone, all my teammates were there with their plus ones. I was 26 years old. But all my teammates regardless of being older or younger than me had partners. We were all talking and interacting with each other for quite some time. We even roamed around the hall and talked to players from other teams to improve our relations. We were all having a really great time.

As I was talking with my best friend Liam in a corner, I suddenly inhaled a scent. It was the most pure scent that I had ever inhaled. It was a lavender and jasmine like scent, and it was very intoxicating. And following the scent came an angelic voice. It felt awfully familiar, but I wasn't very sure. I closed my eyes to listen more carefully, as we were surrounded by a lot of chatter. But after listening closely, I was sure that I had heard this sound earlier. I was completely drowning in her magical scent. But I was snapped out of it by Liam, who tapped my shoulder and asked me if I was alright. He told me that all my teammates were going to have more drinks.

I told him I was okay and that I will join them soon. As they all left, I turned around towards the woman who had intoxicated me with her scent and voice. She had her back towards me and she was having a conversation with another lady. I wanted to know her, and so, I said "excuse me" and tapped on her shoulder.

As she turned around, I lost my ability to speak. I lost my breath looking at the magnificent beauty right in front of my eyes. I looked at her in awe. She smiled at me but I couldn't give any reaction. 

It was her!

It was Rachel Miles. My only love. My high school crush. The only woman I have ever wanted to be with. She was looking absolutely stunning in her long light blue gown which was backless. It made her look like a mermaid. Her hair had the same brunette color, just like they were in high school. And just like in those days, she didn't apply a lot of make-up, yet she was looking the most gorgeous in the entire room full of people. 

She looked at me with a confused look. I thought she didn't recognize me. And I wouldn't be surprised if she didn't. After all, even in high school, she never noticed me. I would always follow her like a madly-in-love puppy. But she never even glanced at me. I knew all about her classes, her time-table, her lunch schedule and her favorite hangout spots in school. But she probably didn't even know my name. 

I was brought back to reality by her hand, which she waved in front of my eyes. 

Oh my God! She was about to say something!