The Quiet One

call up

I'd been pacing the living room for what felt like the hundredth time that morning. Elijah was sitting on the floor, rolling a soft ball back and forth to himself, chattering happily. I'd just finished tidying up when my phone buzzed on the counter. The screen lit up with an unfamiliar number, and my chest jumped — it was England Football, or at least, someone official.

My hand hovered over the phone, my heart hammering. This wasn't just any call — it had to be Sarina. But I hesitated. What if it wasn't? What if it was some mistake? I glanced down at Elijah, who was now staring at me with wide eyes, cooing.

"Should I... answer?" I muttered under my breath.

Elijah, as if sensing my nerves, reached out and grabbed the phone. "Heh! Heh!" he babbled, holding it clumsily to his ear.

I froze. "Uh... buddy... that's not your phone. Well... it's your phone now, I guess."

On the other end, Sarina's voice came through, patient and curious. "Hello? Hello, is anyone there?"

"Hi... um... it's Jae," I said cautiously, trying to keep my voice calm while Elijah squeezed the phone against his cheek and babbled incoherently.

Sarina laughed softly. "Oh... wait... is that Elijah?"

I glanced down at him, who waved his little fist in the air, babbling again. "Yep. He insists on answering."

Sarina chuckled. "Well, I can hear him loud and clear! Hello, little man. How are you today?"

Elijah squealed in response, banging the phone gently against his chest. "Heh! Heh! Ball!"

I tried to shush him lightly, but the tiny whirlwind was beyond containment. "Sorry... he's... very conversational."

"That's perfect," Sarina said, amused. "Actually, it's nice. Gives me a chance to meet him a little before we head to Australia. I've been thinking about how to make this whole trip manageable for both of you."

I exhaled, relief washing over me. The chaos somehow made me laugh. "I can only imagine. He's eight months now, but by the time we leave for the World Cup, he'll be turning one. I think he's going to be a handful on the plane."

Sarina's voice softened. "That's why I've arranged a babysitter. Not just a babysitter, though — someone trained to help him with mobility, learning little skills a one-year-old should have. So while you're on the pitch, he's still growing and learning. He's got a reason to be there too."

Elijah squealed again, and I laughed. "He approves. Definitely approves."

Sarina cleared her throat, and I realized she was about to get to the reason for calling. My stomach did a flip.

"Jae," she said, voice warm but professional, "I've got some exciting news. You're officially in the World Cup squad for England."

I blinked, speechless. "Wait... what? I... got in?"

"Yes," she said, calmly but firmly. "And because Leah won't be able to travel, I want you to captain the team for the tournament."

I froze, Elijah's little fingers still clinging to the phone. "Captain? But... I've only just returned to the squad! I haven't even been here long enough to... I don't know if I'm ready."

Sarina's voice was gentle, reassuring. "Jae, I know it's a lot. And I know it's a huge responsibility. But I wouldn't give it to anyone else. You're capable. You care. You've been working hard, and you've earned this. This is your chance to make Leah proud — and show everyone the kind of leader you are."

Elijah squealed directly into the phone again, a happy, unrecognizable babble.

"I see he approves too," Sarina laughed. "Listen, Jae — I've thought this through. You'll have support while you're away. The babysitter is there for a reason — not just to take care of him, but to help him learn, play, and stay stimulated. You'll have peace of mind knowing he's developing while you focus on leading your team."

I exhaled, overwhelmed by a mix of nerves, pride, and gratitude. "Thank you. That really helps. I... I really want to make Leah proud too."

"You will," Sarina said softly. "Now go, celebrate this moment, and get ready. You've earned it."

I hung up, glancing down at Elijah. He clapped his hands and gurgled, grabbing my nose. "Yeah, yeah, we're gonna do this, buddy."

I immediately rang Leah, who picked up after a couple of rings. Her voice was warm but carried a tinge of sadness.

"Jae... oh my god... you got in?" she whispered, awe in her tone.

I laughed softly, trying to keep my nerves in check. "Yes. And... captain. I know it's huge, and I'm... not sure I'm ready, but Sarina believes I can do it."

Leah was quiet for a moment, letting it sink in. "Wow... I'm so proud of you. I really am. And... I'm sad I won't be there. But I'll be cheering for you, every match, every goal."

"I promise I'll make you proud," I said, voice soft. "And Elijah'll be taken care of — a babysitter who's also like a little teacher, helping him with all the things a one-year-old should be learning. So we're all set."

Leah chuckled, despite herself. "Only you would be thinking about the baby's developmental milestones during your captain call. You're incredible."

"I have to think about my team at home too," I said, smiling.

"You're going to do amazing," Leah said firmly. "And I'll be there in spirit — maybe even FaceTiming in when I can. And I'll be so proud when you lift that trophy for England."

I leaned back against the couch, holding Elijah as he batted at my hair. "We'll make you proud, Leah. Both of us."

Elijah let out a loud gurgle, almost like he was agreeing, and batted at the phone again.

I laughed, holding him closer. "Okay, okay, I hear you, buddy. Captain Jae reporting for duty. Let's make this happen."

And for the first time in a long while, I felt the weight of it all — the responsibility, the challenge, the honor — and I knew I could handle it. With Leah cheering from home and Elijah learning, playing, and growing, we were a team. And nothing else mattered.