Chapter 39
607 Words
The crowd of fans that stood outside the NFL Sports shop grew in numbers by the minute as word continued to spread of Odell's appearance. After a day of media and living out a dream of being a soccer player and a night of Germany's nightlife it was time to be what he was. A professional football player, and a extremely popular one at that. It was a endless crowd that came to see Odell, just Odell. It was a turnout that you'd expect for more than one player but no, it was for him.
He looked down at his phone scrolling through his multiple platforms of social media. Google alerts of Massy's name had been sent to his phone throughout the day, not getting a chance to read them he saved the many articles for later. He smiled and closed his i********: as the noise of muffled fans screaming to get his attention became clear. He slid his phone in his pocket and looked at the heavy glass doors being opened.
He scribbled his name across te brim of a Giants hat then passed it back to the older gentleman. There was no telling how many times he signed his name and even though he couldn't really understand half of what they were saying he could tell it was nothing but love. The small boy reached out his hand for a high five. Odell looked down at his bright blue eyes and smiled and pressed his large hand to his.
"You want me to sign it!?" Odell asked loudly with a smile. He pointed his long index finger at the large football the small boy was holding. "Let me see." He held his hand out. The boy smiled and playful tossed the ball into Odell's hand. He signed his name across the football then handed it back to the small boy. "Can I have a hug?"
He stretched his arms out. Although the boy spoke no English he knew what Odell meant when his arms opened. The boy pressed his body to Odell's chest. "Thank you!" He said releasing the boy back to his parents.
Walking through a crowd of fans that stuck around even hours after you were done signing whatever they wanted to had him smiling from ear to ear. Massy's words began replaying in his head. Telling him they'd have more that much more appreciation for you knowing that you didn't play in this country or for any team here there was no telling the next time these fans would see him and they truly soaked up every moment they could with him. From stopping traffic in the middle of the street to following him on bicycles for almost a hour.
Odell had no choice but to ask the driver to stop the black SUV and crawled from the backseat out the window and to the roof of the car. A loud chanting of "OBJ" rang throughout the streets. Taking in the moment a moment that not only would he not forget but those fans as well. Odell took a chance and carefully jumped off the roof of the SUV and into the screaming crowd which only caused even more of a frenzy as the pushed and shoved to get closer to him, phones were raised into the air trying to get selfies as he past through the crowd. He began signing more autographs and more selfies, it seemed as if it was hard to leave, he didn't want too. Receiving this level of love and appreciation was apart of why he did what he did, why he loved doing what he did.
- Writer
