It's been 4 days since we arrived back in Barcelona. Spending that week meeting and getting to know Pedri's family has been amazing. Spending time with Ela, Gavi and Pedri and just messing around and having fun has been amazing. I'm having my fresh start with such a humble and genuine guy, surrounded by amazing people.
What more can I ask for?
I was lying down in my bed, trying to stretch time before I have to get up and start the day. I reach for my phone, checking to see how many more minutes I can afford staying in bed. A sigh escapes my lips as soon as I see that I have no minutes left.
I get up and start getting ready. As the Torres' are still on holiday, which means the cafe is closed and I am officially free of work, it doesn't mean that I have no other duties. The boys are finding out who has been selected for the World Cup and Pedri insists of me being there today.
***
'Bon dia, bon dia.' I say as soon as I step out onto the training pitch.
'Irina!' Xavi smiled, almost happy to see me. 'Of course you're here.' he said in a different tone, making me roll my eyes.
'You scared me.' I laughed. 'You looked like you missed me.'
'No way.' he chuckled.
I got a glimpse of Pedri, who was already looking at me. He sent a wink my way as soon as our eyes met.
'I heard you're officially a girlfriend.' Xavi said looking at me.
'Was I meant to ask for your blessing?' I smiled.
'I'm happy for you two.' he nodded his head. 'You compliment eachother well.'
'Are you okay?' I asked sarcastically.
'Ets un nen així.' (You are such a child.) he shook his head laughing.
'I tot i així, em sembla que podria ser el teu preferit.' (And still, looks to me like I might be your favourite.) I shrugged my shoulder.
Xavi's eyes grew wide in surprise, probably confused as to how I've managed to learn some Catalan in such a short amount of time.
'Adding Catalan to your list of languages?' Xavi chuckled.
'Surprise.' I winked.
***
After the boys were done training, me, Gavi, Pedri, Araujo and Raphinha went to grab something to eat and catch up.
We were now in the meeting room, waiting to see who has been selected for the national team.
'Are you nervous?' I asked quietly, looking at Pedri.
'No.' he smiled, resting his hand on my thigh.
The video started playing, footballer names flying left and right.
Unai Simon, Robert Sanchez, David Raya, Cesar Azpilicueta, Dani Carvajal...
'Eric Garcia.'
Everyone started clapping and cheering.
'Jordi Alba.'
Everyone started clapping and cheering.
Pau Torres, Jose Luis Gaya, Hugo Guillamon, Aymeric Laporte...
'Sergio Busquets.'
Everyone started clapping and cheering.
Rodri...
'Gavi.'
I started clapping excitedly, my head turned towards my left side, a big smile on my face.
'Pedri.'
'Wooooo!' I said smiling, giving Pedri a hug.
Carlos Soler, Pablo Sarabia...
As soon as I heard their name, I started clapping, receiving a few questioning looks from some of the people in the room. I met Carlos and Pablo when I was working with Paris-Saint German and the idea of seeing them again really put a smile on my face, as they've always been so sweet to me.
Koke, Marcos Llorente, Nico Williams, Marco Asensio, Alvaro Morata...
'Ferran Torres.'
Everyone started clapping and cheering.
Looks like me, Sira and Ela are all going to Qatar to support our boys.
Yeremy Pino and Danny Olmo.
After the line up was called, we all made our way out of the room and straight towards the parking lot.
Without being able to say anything, my phone rings, an unknown number popping up on the screen. I excused myself from the group and picked up the phone call.
'Hello?' I asked.
'Is this Miss Irina Davies?' a voice I couldn't recognise spoke on the other end.
'Yes, this is she.' I said a bit hesitant, worried about what the stranger might have to say to me.
Is everything okay back home? Is Luca okay? Kylian? Neymar? Davi?
After what felt like an eternity, the man spoke again. 'My name is Gianni Infantino.' he said with a thick accent.
I wasn't saying anything, just waiting for him to carry on speaking. I couldn't wrap my head around the name and I had no clue why this man was calling me.
'I am the FIFA President and I have an offer for you.'
WHAT?!
'It would be a pleasure to have you in our team this year and work with some of our national teams for the World Cup, of course, only if you would like to.'
'Oh my God.' I said surprised. 'Yes, yes.. yes, it will be a pleasure.'
After exchanging a few details and having a small conversation of what my duties will be I ended the phone call and returned to my friends.
'What happened?' Pedri asked.
'I, erm...' I started, not believing what just happened.
'Irina?' Raphinha asked, his eyebrows frowned.
My eyes became glossy, overwhelmed with the opportunity that was given to me.
'Irina, what's wrong?' Gavi said sternly, taking a step towards me.
'Gianni Infatino, he... he called me and told me that I'll be flying out to Qatar to work with some of the national teams.' I said rapidly.
Without hesitation, Araujo, Pedri, Gavi and Raphinha dragged me into a group hug, jumping and cheering.
I started crying, unable to find the words to express how I felt.
This. This is what I've been dreaming about my whole life. This moment, with these people, with these opportunities.
This was what I was meant for. This was my life. And this was exactly what I was meant to do.
