The Quiet One

24 hours

The day started bright and early at St George's Park. The air was crisp, and there was a quiet excitement in the camp that only happens when something big is about to start. The girls were gathered, luggage stacked neatly by the bus, and the media team buzzing around, snapping photos and asking for last-minute interviews.

"Are you sure you're not going to miss us too much?" Lucy teased as I adjusted Elijah in the pram, making sure he had his dummy within reach.

"Absolutely not," I replied with a grin, although my chest tightened just a little. "I've got my vibrating rocket, my snack stash, and my squad. Survival mode activated."

Georgia laughed. "You make it sound like we're sending you into battle."

"Pretty much," I said, giving her a mock salute. "Except the enemy is a tiny human with a very loud voice and a borderline obsession with throwing biscuits."

Elijah gurgled in agreement, kicking his legs.

By the bus, the staff from St George's Park had gathered. Coaches, physiotherapists, even a few administrative staff waved and called out good luck.

"Jae, make us proud!" one of the physios yelled. "And remember, nap him whenever necessary!"

"Got it!" I waved, feeling a little emotional. "Will do!"

The media team was clustered near the bus. Cameras flashed, microphones were thrust forward.

"Jae, can we get a quick comment on being captain for Australia?" a reporter asked.

I laughed. "Sure. It's going to be an adventure, mostly because I have a co-captain in the pram. But we're ready. Watch out, world — toddler and I are coming!"

"Excuse me," Lucy whispered, leaning close to me, "did you really just call him a co-captain?"

"Absolutely. Don't underestimate him," I said. Elijah kicked happily as if he agreed.

The bus ride to the airport was lively. Keira and Millie were debating the best in-flight snacks, Rachel and Jordan were joking about the awkwardness of trying to nap on a plane, and Lucy kept giving Elijah funny faces to make him laugh.

"Jae, you sure you packed enough snacks for him?" Millie asked.

"Do you see this pram?" I said, pointing dramatically. "It's basically a mobile pantry. We are covered. Except maybe chocolate... that's mine."

The airport was chaos, as expected. Everyone's luggage had to be checked, prams folded, bottles tested at security, and Elijah decided that the x-ray machine was a perfect spot to throw a tiny fit.

"Daddy, we're not supposed to throw our bottles at machines!" I whispered, though my voice was full of laughter.

Lucy crouched down next to him. "It's okay, little man, mama's here. Let's try the vibrating rocket for a nap."

By some miracle, security cleared, pram folded, luggage tagged, and we were queued for boarding.

On the plane, it was... an adjustment. Elijah wasn't thrilled at first. The cramped space, unfamiliar noises, and lack of walking room made him squirm.

"Okay, buddy, plan B," I whispered, picking him up. "Walk around the cabin, stretch our legs. Everyone say hi to the co-captain."

The squad laughed, and I carried him slowly up and down the aisle. "See? He's a very important member of the team. Very high rank."

"High rank in crying?" Lucy teased.

"Sometimes, yes," I said. "Other times, just cute enforcement of snack distribution."

Eventually, Elijah relaxed, returning to his pram with his vibrating rocket engaged. I sank into my seat, letting out a long breath. "This is actually... going surprisingly smoothly."

"Surprisingly?" Georgia said from the row behind me. "It's Jae, captain of organized chaos. Smooth isn't exactly your style."

I laughed. "Exactly why I'm shocked. Maybe I've leveled up."

The flight had its usual little moments of chaos. Elijah occasionally fussed, demanded snacks, or tried to grab the magazine rack. But with the vibrating rocket, the sensory cube, and Lucy's funny faces, we mostly managed smiles and coos instead of full-blown meltdowns.

Jordan leaned over at one point. "I think your little co-captain is better behaved than some of the midfielders."

"Don't tempt him," I said, stroking Elijah's hair. "He might start tactical substitutions of the biscuits."

Hours later, the plane touched down in Australia. Relief washed over me. Everyone stretched, yawned, and laughed at how Elijah had survived his first long-haul flight without declaring war.

The squad shuffled off the plane, everyone buzzing with energy. Rachel grabbed her carry-on, Millie was already joking with the flight attendants, and Lucy whispered, "You did great, Jae. Really."

Elijah let out a tiny squeal, reaching for me as we stepped into the warm Australian air. "See? We made it!" I whispered. "One-year-old, lots of snacks, and a few tactical pram hacks later — we're here."

The bus to the hotel was lively. The girls were chatting about training schedules, local food options, and sightseeing plans. Elijah rested against me in the pram, still a little tired but happy, occasionally waving at the passing scenery.

By the time we arrived at the hotel, checked in, and settled into the rooms, I leaned back, letting out a long breath.

"This is it," I said to Elijah, who babbled back in agreement. "Australia. World Cup. Captain mode. Snacks, naps, and tactical pram hacks included. And somehow, we survived."

Elijah kicked his legs in triumph, and I laughed. "Yeah, little man. Adventure accomplished. Now, let's see what tomorrow brings."