Finding Love

Mateo

"Family is a complex structure. You're taught that they are the ones who will always guide you and that with family comes strength..."

Walking into my hotel room my thoughts kept replaying the night. She was able to make me forget about dinner. I wasn't Mateo Souza the footballer, I was just Mateo. 

Lost in thoughts my dorm was opened and I saw Neymar walk inside. He closed the door behind him and sat in the chair at my desk. 

"How was your night" he asked me 

I had a feeling this was about my disappearance from dinner. I texted him that I was heading out but I bet after Rosalie didn't come back he put two and two together.

"It was nice, thank you for asking" I said walking around the information he wants out of me

"Mmmm, coach said we have a team meeting tomorrow morning. He wants everyones final decision on the partnership" he said getting up to leave my room.

I didn't say much as he walked out because I was ready to sleep. Taking a shower I got in the bed and closed my eyes.

Tuesday morning

I was the first on the field for our morning practice. 10 minutes later everyone started walking in laughing amongst each other as coach followed behind.

"Enough talking, everyone sit down" he said as the rest of the team found seats on the field floor

"As most of you know we have the opportunity to partner with an American broadcasting station for the season. With only have three weeks left before we go to Qatar and they would like to spend that time interviewing you all and collecting content for the World Cup" coach stated.

I was not a fan of this idea at first because  I didn't see the point in partnering if we're leaving in three weeks but that was before I meet Rosalie and grew an attraction to her. 

"I need to know if everyone agrees with this. If yes I will tell Mr. Costa today and his filming crew will start tomorrow" he said making eye contact with me. I wasn't the only one opposed to the idea but I was the main one holding things back. 

Coach asked for hands to make a decision and like a lovesick puppy I agreed to the deal. Everyone was surprised to see my hand go up. Neymar and Vinicius gave each a sly look and I rolled my eyes at them.

"Well since majority said yes. They will be here tomorrow, I want you all on your best behavior. You're dismissed for the day" he said and left the field.

"Souza finally agreed?" Antony came up to me joking. I know everyone was shocked with my choice especially after my argument with the CEO but who's the say i'm not full of surprises. 

"Probably because a certain girl happens to work with the company" Vinius said slapping my shoulder. I didn't care what they thought to be honest. My intensions were pure and I thought about the teams wellbeing...

I went to pick up the ball and practice a little more 

"Coach dismissed practice for the day, take a break buddy" Antony calmly stated while watching me with sad eyes. Even when practice is over I always stay later to work on my shots. 

"I'll be fine. Go ahead with the others" I dismissed him and went back to work. I couldn't let them down again. The disappoint from my fans, family, and world changed me. Carrying the weight of hate for the team was my punishment and something I never forgot.

Spending another two hours outside my feet became to ache and I decided to call it a day. Heading over to grab water I froze at the incoming call on my phone.

I haven't spoken to him in months... why was he calling now. Answering the phone his disappointed voice rang through. 

"You haven't called your family in days, Mateo" he said with no emotion

''I've been busy with practice" I said trying to dismiss him

"That's no excuse. I don't know where my genes went wrong with you." he scoffed 

"Regardless i'm calling to ask about your next game, your mother and I booked our tickets. Hopefully you don't embarrass" he harshly said on the phone.

You'd think family would be the ones to support you after a great loose but mine was not that type. They faced the aftermath too and in return my father never lets me forget what he suffered. My brother and his wife had to move to a private area due to the hate and I felt guilty everyday but nobody took the time to hear me out; I became the black sheep of my family. 

"Are you listening to me? Esse menino ingrato. eu não sei como você é meu filho!" he ranted 

"You're mother raised you to be weak. She hasn't heard from you in two weeks and your selfish ass didn't bother to check on her" not allowing him to finish his words

"Don't speak about her like that. Unlike you and Enzo who do nothing. I have been the one who paid her medical bills and made sure she was ok!" I  yelled 

I draw the line when he tries to drag my mother into this. She was strong when my father shipped us off to America because of his gambling that made us loose our home. I never understood why she took him back he was a mean man and had no love inside. 

She took care of my bother and I in a new country and pushed me to keep playing football. Tears began to blur my eyes thinking about her, I missed home and wished she was on the phone rather than my father.

"Padre, i'll talk to you later. Have a nice day" I spoke then hung up

Talking to my father puts me in a sour moods and I found myself heading back to the Hotel.