The Quiet Girl (An International Story)

Of Course

August 2022

Virginia's POV:

"Hey, João." I smiled. 

"Hey." He smiled. "How's it going?"

"Good." I crossed my arms. "So what's the deal with you and Mariana? Fill me in."

"There's nothing." He shrugged. "We grew up together. Our paths crossed with the Portuguese youth camps. I met her brother, he became like a mentor to me. Through him, I met Mariana. We became friends instantly. Like family." He smiled. "She has this thing about her. You can't help but want to be around her." 

I laughed. "I know what you mean."

"Why'd you ask?"

"We've been getting closer lately. And I just want to know if she's always been this amazing."

He nodded. "Well, I've known her since I was about 15." He said. "As far as I know, she's always been like this. Some people just have that about them. But I've met her parents and her brother. That Mendes family?" He laughed. "They're all pretty great."

"I bet." 

"You must like having her here then."

"I do. It's great for the club."

"And you?"

"Yeah, she's been helping me recently. Having her here now instead of having to call her. It's going to be better."

"Everything ok?"

"Yeah just," I sighed. "Relationship stuff."

"Well, I hope whatever it if it all works out. I know our paths don't cross often because of how different our seasons are but, any friend of Mariana is a friend of mine. And anyone who plays for Atleti is also a friend of mine. You are both so if you need any help, you got me too."

"It's gotta be a Portuguese thing huh? Cause I asked Lola and she told me to get hit by a bus." 

He laughed. "That might just be a Lola thing. I'll see you around, Virginia." 

"Thanks, João." 

I saw Carmen. "He's a good noodle." She smiled. 

"What?"

"You've never heard that before? Good noodle? He's a good noodle. Mariana is a good noodle. Nahikari," she winked. "is a good noodle. You? Not so much." 

"Thanks, Carmen."

"Any time, Vir!" 

November 2022

Alexandra's POV:

I got off the ice. "Good shift." My coach nodded. "You're getting faster."

"Well, when I set my mind to something, I don't quit." I smiled. "And I'm set on repeating as champions this year."

"Good goal, kid." 

Alex skated over. "I'm guessing Spain was a success?"

"No. But it wasn't a failure either." 

"What was it?" We headed to the locker room. 

"It was a step forward. I know what I want. There's something in the way, but I'm going to keep pushing."

We finished up and headed out. 

I had a few weeks off and decided to head back to Spain. "Are you sure?" Alex asked.

"Gotta stay on it. Don't give up." I nodded. "So, I gotta go." 

I landed in Spain and headed towards Nahikari's.