After three amazing days where I got to work with such influential people in the fashion world like Giorgio Armani and meet people I never thought I will, I was now on my way to Paris.
I had a few hours to visit my two Parisian boys and get back home in time for the last game at Camp Nou.
As soon as I got there, I got a taxi all the way to Paris Saint German's training centre.
***
'Miss Davies...' the receptionist said as soon as I walked in. She stood up and walked towards me.
'It's so good to see you.' I smiled softly.
'I've heard about it, of course...' she smiled. 'You look incredible.' she said gesturing at my belly, making me chuckle.
'Thank you.'
After catching up a little with her, I made my way towards Luca's office.
On my way there I bumped into Sergio Ramos who was speed walking towards the pitch.
'Kid!' he widened his eyes.
'Hey.' I smiled.
'What are you doing here?' he smiled widely.
Blaming it on my hormones once again, I wrapped my arms around him and closed my eyes, taking a deep breath in.
'Hey, what's wrong?' he asked softly.
'I can't believe you're leaving...' I said quietly.
'That doesn't mean you won't see me ever again.' he chuckled softly, after a few moments of silence.
'I know, it's just that...' I let out a deep breath. 'I'm starting to realise that everything is coming to an end and I don't think I'm ready to see you go.' I finally took a step back and looked at him with glossy eyes.
'You truly are a gift.' he smiled and placed his hand on my shoulder. 'Let's go see the others too.' he threw and arm over my shoulder and walked me outside onto the pitch.
As soon as I stepped outside, everyone's attention turned towards me. They all stopped their training and approached me, giving me warm hugs and soft smiles.
'What are you doing here?' Kylian smiled and placed himself next to me.
'I was in the area so I decided to pop in. Where's Luca?'
'Right here.' he said approaching us, making me turn around.
He wrapped his arms around me and placed a kiss on my head, then lowered himself and placed a kiss on my belly.
'How long are you staying?' he asked.
'Not long.' I smiled softly. 'Just wanted to see you guys for a little before I head back home. I still have a few things to do.'
We all chatted for a while, the boys returned to their training while I watched them.
***
It was now time to leave, so I headed towards the stands, where a few of the players directed me to Messi.
'Ah, Irina.' he smiled softly when he saw me approaching him.
'Estás bien?' (Are you okay?) I asked and took a seat next to him.
'Has pensado en un nombre?' (Have you thought about a name?) he chuckled.
'Sigo trabajando en ello. Estoy intentando convencer a Pedri de mi elección.' (Still working on it. I'm trying to convince Pedri with my choice.) I chuckled.
'Y cuál es tu elección?' (And what is your choice?)
'Leo...' I said shyly. 'Estaba pensando en Lionel, pero solo hay un Lionel en este mundo para mí, así que lo guardé como Leo.' (I was thinking about Lionel, but there's only one Lionel in this world for me so I kept it as Leo.)
He let out a light chuckle. 'Leo suena bien.' (Leo sounds good.)
After a few moments of sitting in silence, I decided to speak again. 'Vas a volver a casa?' (Are you coming home?) I asked quietly.
He shook his head, a small smile on his face. 'No lo sé.' (I don't know.)
'Ya has hecho tu elección? Te estás jubilando?' (Have you made your pick already? Are you retiring?) I asked, terrified of what his answer could be. 'Todo el mundo te echa de menos. La gente canta tu nombre durante los juegos... No puedo imaginar un mundo donde no te veo jugar.' (Everyone misses you. People chant your name during games... I can't imagine a world where I don't see you play.) I quickly said.
'Desearía poder darte una respuesta... pero no puedo.' (I wished I could give you an answer... but I can't.) he let out a sigh.
'Solo... por favor... no dejes de jugar, todavía.' (Just... please... just don't stop playing, just yet.) I said with glossy eyes.
'No importa adónde vaya, sé que siempre encontrarás una manera de vigilarme.' (No matter where I go, I know you'll always find a way to watch me.) he chuckled, placing his hand on top of mine.
'Soy como un acosador.' (I'm like a stalker.) I chuckled.
'Esa es una de las muchas cosas que me gustan de ti.' (That's one of the many things I like about you.)
We chatted for a little bit more before parting ways.
***
'Oh, I missed you so much.' Pedri placed a kiss on my lips as soon as I got into the car.
I smiled widely and started telling him everything about my little trip to France and how incredible of an experience it was.
***
It was time for the last game on Camp Nou. I took a seat on the stands, not ready to see such a historical ground get destroyed.
The greatest football was played here, the greatest footballers have stepped on this ground and I was lucky enough to be able to be a small part of it.
'What are you doing here?' Xavi asked me.
'I just got back and I couldn't miss the game.' I smiled softly.
'No, no.' he chuckled, shaking his head. 'What are you doing standing here?'
I looked at him with a confused expression, not understanding what he's trying to say to me.
'Just get over here.' he smiled and gesture to join him.
'It's fine, I promised you last time I'll return to my seat.' I chuckled.
'Irina, stop being so complicated and get here.'
I got up and sat next to Xavi and the rest of the assistants.
***
The last full time here was called and I stood up, clapping.
Barca has won 3-0, with Ansu scoring twice while Gavi did once.
'Girl, are you okay?' Ela startled me.
Only now I realised that I was crying.
Damn you hormones.
'Yeah, just... it's always hard to say goodbye.' I smiled softly. 'No matter if it's a place, or a person, or...'
A celebration followed for Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets who were saying their farewell to the team they have given their all for so many years.
***
We all got on the pitch, as a tribute video was playing on the big screen above the stands.
66 years of memories.
Pedri placed his arm around my waist and placed a soft kiss on my shoulder.
I smiled, tears forming once again.
I tried my best and given my all to be a part of this. To stand where our favourite footballers have played, to meet them and call some of them my friends. I've laughed and cried and screamed every time someone scored. I've lived through them this experience and I don't think there's something greater than being able to say: I made it.
I was fortunate enough to make friends along the way and work jobs I never thought I would.
I am grateful and thankful for everything.
