Text between
Alina and Mason
9 pm (time in Qatar)
Ali🌹
Hey handsome
Sorry you didn't get picked
tonight, hopefully they'll
sub you on, good luck,
so proud of you❤️
Mase❤️🔥
Thank you darling, means a
lot, I'll see you after the game ❤️
Ali🌹
❤️
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Everyone was ready for the game against Senegal. Alina felt a bit irritated that Southgate didn't pick Mason in the starting eleven, but it is what it is, and what matters most is that the team wins. All she wants is to see Mason happy.
Despite him not starting, everyone was in a good mood; it's an important game, and the country that wins will face France in the next round, which is pretty big.
Alina is currently sitting with Poppy in her arms. Poppy has been very tired today, and the fact that the game starts past the kids bedtime doesn't make the situation any easier for them.
The first half of the game was average until England scored two goals. It was a better vibe from the stands this time too; fans from Senegal didn't stop with their music and dancing, and it was amazing to see them having the same energy the whole time.
"Anyone need a drink?" Woody asked; it was halftime, and everyone had decided to stretch their legs.
"I'll come with you," Alina stood up. "Auntie Ali," Summer reached her arms towards her. Alina turned to look at the little girl, not hesitating to pick her up in her arms.
"Jaz, I'll take Summer," Alina told Jasmine.
"Alright, be careful, guys," she said before they left.
Alina followed Woody, Jordan, and Lauren inside to buy some snacks and drinks for everyone, obviously nothing alcoholic because it's not allowed anyway.
"What would you like to drink, Summer?" Alina asked her.
She pointed at the can of Fanta; Alina grabbed it and showed her the snacks that were there, letting her pick something. She had grabbed a bag of candy, letting Alina pay for it.
The queue was long, but they had just made it in time for the second half of the game, with Alina staying very hopeful that Mason would get a few minutes to play.
As the second half started, Saka scored the third and last goal of the game. Mason had come in with only 15 minutes remaining and was doing his best with pressing and running, making it difficult for Senegal to keep the ball.
As soon as the game finished, Sweet Caroline was played through the speakers, and everyone sang along, clapping for the boys for playing so well.
The boys, like always, came up to the stands, greeting their families with joy. Alina jumped into Mason's arms after letting him greet his family first. He wrapped his arms around her tight, looking happy as ever.
"Good job, Mase," she said, placing a kiss on his lips as he put her down gently.
"I barely did anything," he chuckled.
"You played your best with the minutes that you had; that's always enough," she smiled.
"Thank you," he smiled back, with a kiss on her forehead.
Moments later, the stadium became more empty, but the players and their families stayed a bit longer, enjoying the victory. Alina was sitting with Poppy on her lap while Mason was holding Harley in his, both sitting next to each other, just talking.
"Ready for the France game?" Alina asked
"I am always ready, but it will be tough," Mason admitted.
"It will be tough for them too; you guys are good," she said, smiling and caressing his cheek.
"It's just so surreal, all of this," Mason said, still trying to process that they're through to the quarter finals.
"I'm so proud of you," Alina looked at him.
"Me too!" Poppy jumped into the conversation. They both looked at her and laughed.
"Thanks, Poppy," Mason softly rubbed her cheek.
———
The boys were back in the changing rooms, celebrating by throwing water around and dancing and jumping around with loud music in the background.
"Can you fucking believe it, Mase?" Declan said, not believing what was happening.
"Come here," Mason chuckled, and hugged him.
The two boys have been best friends since the age of 8, and they never thought they would come this far together. Playing for the World Cup and having their families reunite together means the world to both of them.
"Boys, gather around," Gareth walked in and instructed everyone.
"I'm really proud of you boys; you've worked hard for this; you've made everyone so proud...,"
He started, and everyone slowly took a seat and listened to him.
"The next game is big, against France, and I believe that we can do this. Keep working hard, keep improving, and continue having fun. I'm proud of you all," he kept it simple and finished, clapping for his players. The staff and players clapped along, hugging each other and smiling.
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AN: So sorry for this boring chapter, I'll make sure to write an interesting one tomorrow, maybe come up with some fun scenarios 😂
Congratulations to England as well, I really hope Mason gets to play more minutes, he deserves it! It's going to be a tough game but a good one!!
