PENALTY, Annika Sturm [best books to read for self improvement .TXT] 📗

'Hmm,' Doctor Schwarz sounded unimpressed, 'not for a little while yet I think.' Tom nodded and sighed.

'So do I need to ban your partner from this room after all? How come you got so worked up?' The doctor asked with concern. 'No, no need to ban him,' Tom said quietly, 'he's an idiot. He listens to what my stupid family and friends say to him,' he looked at the doctor seriously, 'and now he is starting to think he is no good for me.' 'I see.' Doctor Schwarz perched on Tom's bed. 'But I need him more than anyone in the world. I don't care what everyone else thinks. And neither should he.' The doctor smiled at him. 'Perhaps he only wants the best for you and he's making sure that you have considered all your options?' Tom forced a laugh. 'Not being with Alex is not an option for me. I can't do this without him. That much I know.' Doctor Schwarz gently patted his shoulder.

There was a knock on the door. 'Come in.' The doctor raised his voice. Alex carefully peeked his head around the door again and Tom smiled at him. 'Can I come back in?' He gulped as he stared at them both. 'Only if you behave.' Doctor Schwarz said in a serious voice. Alex nodded and closed the door behind him. 'How are you feeling?' He whispered as he walked towards Tom's bed. 'It depends if you are still suggesting that I'm better off without you,' Tom said and Alex cast his eyes down, 'come here.' Tom whispered exhaustedly and stretched his hand out towards him. Alex grabbed and squeezed it hard. The boys looked at each other lovingly and Doctor Schwarz laughed quietly to himself. He walked towards the window and looked outside. 'Ah, this is quite impressive. The number of people will increase throughout the day no doubt,' he turned towards the boys again, who looked at him confused, 'have you seen this?' Alex and Tom frowned at each other. Then Alex joined Doctor Schwarz by the window and was stunned by the amount of cards and flowers he could see by the entrance of the hospital that had been left in support for the boys. Some people just dropped messages off, others stayed behind, anxiously waiting for more news. 'Tommy,' he whispered, 'I think we should put the news on. You've got to see this.'

Over the next two weeks, the boys watched in astonishment at the amount of media coverage the attack had triggered. Whilst the whole country was still on the hunt for the four assaulters, which the public fervently backed and supported with clues and evidence they were supplying to the police, it seemed like the attack itself had been the last straw and a high profile debate in general had been triggered as a result. People from all over Germany were travelling to Dortmund to express their support for the boys and, just like Alex had seen for himself, they brought flowers and cards and left them by the hospital.

Once Alex felt better, he made sure that he spent some time with his fans outside every day, giving autographs, posing for photos and updating them on Tom's recovery. He was moved by the amount of goodwill and support he experienced and he wished Tom could also be there and see for himself. Alex gave interviews to the newspapers and explained that he hoped that the extreme situation they had found themselves in would start changing hearts and minds within football for the better and that more and more people would be able to accept that a relationship between two male footballers wasn't a scandal or anything abnormal but just an everyday love story between two people.

In news debates and forums presidents of football clubs as well as politicians voiced their anger at the attack and discussed ways of helping gay footballers to give them more support if they did decide to come out. Several gay-friendly charities started organising events and festivals across the country over the coming weeks and months and invited music bands to play in support of the boys and gay athletes and sportsmen in general. The tickets sold out within hours and all money was donated to charity. The public was making the most of the power of social media, passionately debating on numerous blogs and chat rooms about how gay footballers could be more protected in future.

Whilst the events in the outside world were taking place, Alex stayed in hospital with Tom to fully recover from his own injuries as well as be close to his friend. He was in no rush to go back to Hamburg until he was fit again to start training. To his relief, Tom was recovering well and became stronger and smilier by the day. With Alex’s help, he managed to get out of bed once or twice a day and take a few steps around his room. Doctor Schwarz had organised an Xbox for them to help make the time pass quicker and the boys played games every day, which by force, both had become experts in. Felix and Kai also made an effort to see them as much as possible after training sessions and filled Tom in on the latest news from his club.

With Tom's physical recovery came his increased determination of standing up for the boys' relationship. So had he refused to see his family again after they had started another argument in one of their visits. Tom had become so frustrated, he had asked them to leave the room. Alex had felt bad but he knew better now not to challenge Tom again and cause another debate about whether their relationship was worth the argument with his family. Christine had once also tried to visit Tom, but he had not been interested and had refused to see her. Alex had tried to convince him to at least hear her out but Tom had stood firm by his decision.

The day before Tom was finally due to be discharged from hospital and go back home, Alex was in his room as usual. They were having fun playing Xbox games against each other. When Alex lost, he threw the control on Tom's bed in frustration. 'Rubbish! I can't believe you beat me every time in this game. And always at the last minute as well!' Alex said. Tom giggled punching his fist in the air in victory. He gently took Alex’s hand and pulled him off his chair. Alex smiled at him and perched on his bed. He gently stroked his cheeks and kissed him.

'So,' Alex said and looked into his eyes, 'time for you to finally get back to normal again.' 'About time,' Tom sighed, 'I need to get out of here otherwise I go mad.' Alex stroked his forehead. 'I have to go back to Hamburg Tommy,' Alex said quietly and gulped, 'I need to start training again from next week.' He cast his eyes down but Tom smiled at him. 'I know, about time you did some work.' He said and Alex chuckled. 'What about you though?', he asked, 'who can look after you until I can come back?' Tom rolled his eyes jokingly. 'I'll be fine by myself.' Alex stared at him. 'No, no, no, we're not even going there. What if something happens to you? You're still weak. Out of the question,' Tom smiled and kissed him, 'Tommy, I'm serious,' Alex gave him a look. He took a deep breath, 'perhaps you can stay at your parents'?' Tom stared at him in disbelief. 'What?' He forced a laugh. 'Well, at least they would look after you. Your mum would be delighted,' Alex stroked his hair, 'perhaps it would help mend your relationship with them.' 'No thanks.' Tom laughed. 'Tommy,' Alex said, 'just think about it for a moment.' 'Oh okay. Oh wait. I have!', Tom chuckled, 'the answer is no.' Alex sighed and rested his head on Tom's stomach looking up at him. 'Why are you so stubborn?' He closed his eyes. Tom stroked his hair. 'Because you wouldn't be crazy about me otherwise.' He gave him a cheeky wink.

'I have another idea.' Tom said and smiled at his friend. 'Oh yeah? Better be a good one.' Alex mumbled. Tom giggled. 'Who says I can only recover in Dortmund?' Alex looked at him confused. 'No-one, but...' 'But what?' Tom grabbed his friend's arms and pulled him on top of him in bed. Alex gasped at him. 'Take me home with you Alex,' Tom whispered and looked into his eyes, 'it's the only way you can look after me, right?' Alex stared at him and then forced a laugh. His heart was racing with joy and excitement. He couldn't believe what he had just heard. 'What?', he asked Tom quietly, 'you want to come back to Hamburg with me? But all your friends are here, your family...' 'Not you though,' Tom interrupted him and smiled, 'I want to be where you are,' Alex was still in shock. He hadn't dared even think about the possibility of Tom coming back with him. Tom looked at him unsure, 'I have to say I was expecting a bit more of a reaction of, say, joy?', he gulped and became nervous. That comment finally made Alex snap out of it. He started beaming and kissed Tom passionately, full of excitement. He hugged and squeezed his friend and Tom started laughing, 'that's better!' He said smiling at him happily. Alex took his hand and kissed it. 'I'd love to look after you', he rubbed his nose against Tom's, 'and we can finally test out our new bed together too.' He whispered quietly as he kissed his chuckling friend again lovingly.

The boys were decided. They filled Doctor Schwarz in on their plans, who thought it was a feasible idea. He briefed both of them on the necessary daily treatments for Tom. Alex was making a note of his friend's medicine intake and watched attentively of how he was to look after the stab wound and change the dressing. The hospital organised Tom's transfer in a helicopter from Dortmund to Hamburg for the next day and Alex was invited to fly home with him. Kai and Felix weren't thrilled when Tom explained their decision to them but accepted that it seemed like the best idea until Tom was able to join his team again back in Dortmund. Kai went to Tom's flat and packed their clothes and Felix returned Alex’s hire car to the airport.

The flight to Hamburg hospital and the journey from there in an ambulance was exhausting for Tom. Alex was getting concerned for his wellbeing and was glad when they had finally reached his house. He was surprised how relieved he felt when he found himself back in a familiar environment. The paramedics carried Tom into Alex’s house and put him to bed. They agreed with Alex the time of day a doctor would be making routine visits. Alex exhaled with relief when they had gone and went upstairs to the bedroom to check on his friend.

Tom was looking pale and exhausted but smiled sleepily when he saw him come into the room. 'Hey', Alex collapsed next to him on the bed, 'welcome to your new home.' He took Tom's hand. 'I can't wait for a tour tomorrow.' Tom said and took a deep breath. 'This was all a bit much for you, hmm?' Alex stroked Tom's hair and kissed him. Tom had closed his eyes and relaxed at Alex’s gentle touch. 'I'm so tired Alex.' He mumbled. 'So am I! Thank God we're home. I'll get you ready for bed and then you can sleep as long as you want to tomorrow.' Alex said and kissed his hair.

Just before Tom was about to fall asleep, Alex very carefully undressed him ensuring his wound was