Finding Love

Mateo

"I'm done worrying about others and what they think. Its time I focus on me" 

"Flight 1007 going to Qatar is boarding now" the flight attendant said into the microphone 

I got up with my carry on and headed in line with my team. I was ready to leave America it was time I focus on me and winning the World Cup. Rosalie was just a sped bump in my journey and if she didn't want me I wasn't going to beg for anything. 

Walking onto the airport I sat near the window. Since that night I haven't spoken much and kind of kept to myself to think. I was still hurt by Rosalie's words but I had to find motivation to leave her in the past, I couldn't afford worrying about it anymore. 

"Hey, mind if I sit here" Vinicius asked taking the middle seat next to me

"Sure" I said 

"How have you been" he asked 

The night I came back Vinicius came in room wanting to play a game but caught me crying. I had to tell him everything that had happen and since then he always checks up on me. 

"I'm over it. Focusing on the game now" I said putting my headphones on 

I didn't want to talk about Rosalie or my feelings on the matter. I sent my mother a message telling her we were on the plane getting ready to leave and closed my eyes. 

16 hours later

We landed in Qatar and all got in cars to our resort for the world cup. When we walked in fans were already lined up outside cheering us one. Playing music with the Brazilian flag put a smile on our faces, it felt great to feel like we were home. This was the best part of the game; the fans. Representing your country and having their support was all we could ask for. 

"Vai Brasil" they chanted as we walked through

"Neymar, Neymar, Neymar!" the fans screamed when he walked in behind us. He started giving autographs and soon they cheered everyones name

We spent 20 minutes interacting with our fans taking pictures and signing shirts before going to our rooms. 

"Its nice to hear Portuguese" Antony joked as we headed to the elevator 

 "America wasn't that bad" I laughed at him 

Besides Rosalie I actually enjoyed my time here, I was happy to see Elena again and visit childhood spots.  It was all nostalgic to me. The one thing missing though was my mom. I hadn't told her what happened between Rose and I yet. When I introduced them she told me that she was surprised to see me with a girl, I typically wasn't the type to introduce women to her so she knew Rose was somebody special. 

Finding my room, I settled down and unpacked. The news had already reported our arrival and I was beginning to feel the pressure. Playing Serbia in two days has been my mind since we left and I was more than ready to get back on the field. 

I picked up my phone and called my mom. Her and my family should have arrived a few days ago 

"Hello?" she questioned in her accent 

"Mama, its me Mateo" I said 

"Ohhhh, my baby boy!!! Have you arrived? How are you?" she asked excited to hear my voice

"I'm good mama and yes we just got to the hotel" I was happy to talk to my mom it had been so long and I was busy in America 

"That's good. I cant wait to see you play, I know you'll do great" she said 

"Si, I just wanted to call and tell you I'm here. I have to go to bed though we have an early practice" I told her laying down in my bed

"Ok, ill talk to you tomorrow" she said hanging up

I put my phone on the night stand and passed out asleep. 

The next morning 

"Mateo! Wake up man" I heard a loud voice scream in my ear 

Jolting out of my sleep Antony and Vinicius stood in front of me dressed in their practice clothes 

"What time is it" I asked rubbing my eyes 

"Almost 9am and you're about to be late for practice" Antony said walking out the room 

I slapped my face because I overslept, the jet lag must be kicking in. Vinicius stayed and watched as I got ready. I opened my suitcase and took out my cleats then went to the bathroom to finish getting dressed. 

"Vinicius, I am okay. You don't have to watch me like a baby" I said walking out dressed 

"I know, I'm just making sure. You and that American really hit it off and you haven't mentioned it since that night" he said. I don't know what he wants me to say she rejected me and I wasn't going to beg or chase her to reciprocate my feelings. 

"I'm fine, lets go before we're later" I said dragging him out of my room 

We ran downstairs and the team was sitting at the table eating breakfast. Walking to the end of the table I joined them and began eating. 

"Now that everyone is here" coach said looking at Vinicius and I. "In two days we're playing our first game against Serbia, I've already discussed who will start be but that can change based on practice. Moreover, I believe in you guys and know you won't disappoint this upcoming Thursday" he said ending the speech

Everyone nodded their heads and went back to eating. The food was pretty good and I had a few boiled eggs with toast. After eating we meet coach outside and talked about our game plan.