The Quiet One

back to reality

The first day back with the Barcelona girls felt surreal. Stepping onto the training pitch, the sun catching the sleek green turf, it was like I'd never been gone. My legs remembered every sprint, every cut, every shot, almost instinctively.

"Look who's back!" Marta called, jogging over with a grin. "And somehow... you're still the top striker?"

I shrugged, tossing her a cheeky smile. "Had a week off. Totally didn't miss a beat."

Laughter erupted, and inevitably, the flood of questions came.

"So... how's Leah?" one of the younger forwards asked, curiosity written all over her face.

"And Elijah!" another piped up.

I grinned. "Both good. Leah's recovering well, stubborn as ever. And Elijah's eight months now — little hurricane in human form, keeping me on my toes."

Alexia raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Eight months? And you still managed a week with him and her recovery, and now you're back here scoring goals like nothing happened?"

"I've got skills," I said, smirking. "Also, Elijah's motivation factor is off the charts. Nothing like a baby screaming to get your core activated during nap time."

Mapi laughed, rolling her eyes. "I'd pay to see that. 'Core activation with screaming baby.' Sounds like a new fitness trend."

Lucia piped in from the side, grinning. "Seriously, Jae. World Cup prep is coming up soon. You're going to survive a 24-hour flight with an eight-month-old... or are you just winging it?"

I smirked knowingly. "Actually... I've got a plan. TikTok approved."

"TikTok approved?" Alexia echoed, eyebrows raised.

"Completely," I said. "Strategic nap schedules, rotation of toys, prepped snacks, white noise playlists. Emergency distraction protocols. Leah's been helping me mentally rehearse every scenario. By the time we leave for Australia for the World Cup, he'll be turning one — I want him ready, I want us ready."

Mapi snorted. "You're terrifyingly organized. But... brilliant. Only you would turn a social media parenting hack into World Cup strategy."

"Exactly," I said. "By the time we land in Australia, I want to be prepared for anything. Training, recovery, and managing a tiny one-year-old. And if Elijah decides to stage a revolt mid-flight? Well, Leah's just a FaceTime call away."

Alexia laughed. "I'm not sure if I'm impressed or scared for him."

Lucy, leaning on her crutches during the cooldown, grinned. "I can just picture it — Jae, juggling a baby, a laptop for FaceTime with Leah, a world-class training schedule, and somehow still scoring top striker goals."

"I'll take that as a compliment," I said, laughing.

By mid-session, I was fully back in the rhythm: sprinting through drills, making quick passes, and scoring goals with instinctive precision. Every shot reminded me why I loved this game, every pass reminded me of the trust and teamwork this squad had built.

During a water break, Alexia sidled up to me. "So, hypothetically... if Elijah decides he wants to crawl onto the field mid-match, you're ready?"

I grinned. "Hypothetically? I've already got a plan. Scoot him gently off the pitch, give him a toy, and keep scoring."

Mapi leaned in, teasing. "I feel like this is going to be a series of viral TikTok videos you're planning — 'Top Striker vs. Baby: Who Wins?'"

"Hey," I said with mock indignation, "Elijah has the home advantage. He's got strategy already."

The banter continued as the girls laughed, teasing me, while I silently mapped out the logistics of traveling with Elijah and Leah: sleep cycles, diaper changes, feedings, and ways to sneak in practice routines wherever possible. Somehow, the chaos of it all felt... manageable. Because if I could handle the past few weeks — keeping Leah safe, supporting her recovery, and watching Elijah grow into this tiny, energetic whirlwind — then a 24-hour flight to Australia when he's about to turn one? Piece of cake.

After training, Lucy and I lingered by the benches while the others packed up.

"So seriously," she said, nudging me, "when are you starting to pack for the flight?"

I exhaled, thinking of all the little details. "Soon. Toys, snacks, diapers, sleep schedules, white noise playlists, backup outfits... Leah's already helping me plan in shifts."

Alexia leaned over, smirking. "You know, you might actually pull this off. I can see it now — Jae traveling half the planet with a one-year-old, still hitting goals like nothing happened."

I grinned. "Exactly. And when we get to Australia, it's straight into training. No excuses. Leah's been making sure I don't take it easy, reminding me that this World Cup isn't just for me — it's for us. For Elijah too."

Mapi rolled her eyes with a grin. "You're insane. But in the best way possible."

As the sun began to dip low over the training ground, I let myself imagine it: Leah and Elijah at home, waiting for me every day, me managing travel, training, and parenting, and somehow making it all work. Chaotic, messy, exhausting — but perfect.

And maybe, just maybe, I'd have some viral TikToks to prove it.