Finding Love

Mateo

"Spending time with my family reminds me that I'm still human, in the athletic world we got lost in the sport..."

"I like Rosalie" my mom said entering her hotel. I didn't plan on having them met like that but I was happy she approved 

"Me too" I said squeezing her hand as we headed to her room. It's been my dream since that FaceTime call for them to meet and now that they've had I felt accomplished

We got in front of her room and moved back as it swung open with my older brother behind it, "Mateo! It's good to see you" he smiled at me stepping to the side so my mom and I entered

"Uncle Mateo" I heard two small voices scream running over to me, I bent down picking up my two nieces. 

"Hello, Francesca and  Isabella" I said kissing both of her cheeks as they wrapped their tiny arms around me. I didnt know they were here

"você não jogou tio" Isabella the youngest asked 

"não, minha perna está machucada" I answered her kissing her forehead and putting them down. They ran over to greet my mother and I saw my brothers wife and father sitting on the coach with the Tv on. 

"Nathalie, its nice to see you" I greeted her. She got up and gave me a huge hug. "Mateo! How is your leg" she asked looking at my boot. 

"It's healing fast, I'll be better for our next game" I told her. Nathalie and my brother have known each other since they were kids so she's been like an older sister to me. 

I didn't speak to my father but we acknowledged each other with our heads. "Todays game was rough, huh" my brother asked taking a seat on the coach. My father spoke to him then looked at me. 

Their relationship was better than ours. When he shipped us off to America, I hated him for a long time. My brother would always excuse his poor behaviors but I never cared to hear. When I got into soccer he started paying attention to me but it was all performative. I was making money and he saw a way in.

"Yea, it was Enzo" I replied taking a seat with them. I opened my phone and scrolled through instagram, Rosalies post popped up and I instantly liked it. My girl looked beautiful in the photo, she worse a light pink dress with white sandals as she posed in front of the sunset. I kept smiling at the fact she was mine, though we haven't labeled anything I was positive that we'd be together soon. 

"Who is she" my brother asked looking over my shoulder. I closed my phone and stuffed it in my pocket, " a friend" was all I answered. He gave me a look but I wast going to disclose further information. 

My mother walked over with the girls and smiled at the three of us sitting together. "My three boys all together" she said almost crying, Enzo and I got up and gave her a hug so she wouldn't break down. 

"Mama, não chore" my brother consoled her as she gave us a tight hug. My father watched us and didn't move, he hated when my mother got emotional. 

"Mateo, the girls have been waiting on all day to hang out with you" Nathalie exaggerated as Francesca and Isabella grabbed my legs. I knew this tactic, Enzo and her wanted me to babysit so they could get some alone time. 

"You girls have?" I asked combing through their hair, "Yes uncle" they said in unison. I laughed at them and agreed to taking them back to my room for some uncle and niece time. 

"Thank you so much Mateo" Nathalie hugged me as she packed the girls backpacks. I helped them get ready and said goodbye to my family Enzo gave me a big hug. I was shocked at first since we hadn't talked much after I kicked him and my father out my room a few days ago but I went along with it. 

"Say bye to mama and papa" I told the girls leaving the room. "adeus mãe e pai" they both yelled, we went downstairs to get in my car and go to my hotel. I wasn't far from my family so the drive was short

"Come on Francesca" I helped her out the carseat and carried Isabella in my arms. Paparazzi were outside flashing us with lights, I should have went through the back. I walked inside fast shielding the girls faces going to the elevator. 

"Uncle, why do so many cameras follow you?" Isabelle asked in my arms

"Because Uncle is a famous Soccer player" her sister answered before I could

"Yes, Francesca"I laughed as we got off the elevator and walked into my room. I set both of their bags on the floor and turned the Tv on. My nieces weren't hard to please as they just loved to be around me since I was rarely home

An hour later my door opened, "Mateo, are you home?" Rosalie's asked walking in. Francesca looked away from the Tv and stared at her, "who are you?" she asked walking up to Rose.

"Oh, hello my name is Rosalie" she said bending down to shake Francesca's hand

"I'm Francesca Souza. Are you my uncles girlfriend?" I almost spit out my water and ran to grab Francesca. "Well now you've meet my niece Francesca" I said picking her up and placing her next to Isabella

Rose laughed, "she's cute" I rolled my eyes and gave her a hug. I was happy she came to see me after hanging with Sophia, "Mateo, not in front of the kids" she whispered  as I grabbed her butt and placed small kisses on her face. 

"They can't see anything. My back is blocking everything" I said moving my lips down her neck. She wrapped her arms around my neck and laughed 

"Get off my uncle!" Isabella yelled running up to kick Rosalie's ankle. She backed up hopping on one foot as Isabella hit her pretty hard. 

"Isabella! We don't hit guest" I said scolding her. Rose motioned it was ok and sat down on the bed holding her ankle. 

"I'm sorry about her" I apologized examining her foot. "No, its fine. She's protective of her uncle" she said looking at Isabella who watched us from the coach 

I felt the girls deserved a better introduction since they would most likely see Rosalie often. "Girls, come here I want you to meet Rosalie" they ran over and hoped on the bed sitting next to me. 

"Rose, these are my nieces Francesca and Isabella" I said watching her smile at them and wave

"Hi" Francesca waved back and talked to her but Isabella was still skeptical. She hide under my arm, Rosalie looked worried by her dislike but kept talking to Francesca about whatever the girl brought up. 

I got up to order room service since the girls were getting hungry and Francesca ran back to the Tv. Rosalie inched closer to Isabella and started a conversation, "you know i'm a younger sister too" she said sparking her attention

"Really?" Isabella asked curious

"Yes, we're three years apart just like you and Francesca" she said holding up the number three. Isabella lean towards her and I was happy to see my nieces warm up to Rose

I ordered us all burgers and we ate together playing games and talking for the next hour. The girls got tired and Isabella passed out on Rosalie's leg. 

"I think she likes me now" she said as we watched Isabella sleep

"I'm happy. These two are like my own kids" I said pulling the cover over Francesca as she slept on the bed. Rosalie looked at me sweetly and grabbed my hand, "they're great girls and I can tell they adore you so much" 

I grabbed her chin and pulled her into a kiss. She was amazing with kids and made me think of what our future could be. We weren't at the marriage level but I hope one day we get there.