Foolish one

Chapter 73

New Years eve was not like it usually was. Alexia and I stayed home with Martina, opting to invite our closest friends to dinner. Mapí was invited, along with Ingrid, Ona and Aitana. I missed seeing Ona every day, and now that she was back in Barcelona for the break, I had to have her over for dinner.

Our three friends would leave at around eleven to head to the team's small celebration while Alexia and I would go to bed. My life had changed so much since I had a baby. She was the most important thing in my life, and I would rather spend time with Martina and Alexia than party.

Ona was the first one to arrive and she made sure to greet me properly before saying hello to Alexia and Martina. This day, Alexia was on Martina duty. She had our daughter strapped to her chest while she cooked. That didn't last long as Ona wanted to talk to her. So, I got Martina out of her carrier and into my own arms before we left for the living room and the couch.

"She is the cutest little girl I have ever seen" Ona cooed as soon as she got to hold Martina. "Her hands are so tiny" she continued with a big smile. "She is so much bigger now than she was when she was born. Her weight is almost doubled" I tell her.

I take a few pictures of them while they were sitting on the couch. Martina could sit unassisted now, but she really did prefer being held.

"How far away are you from returning to the pitch?" Ona asked. "The middle of February is the most likely" I answered with a smile. I couldn't wait to return to the pitch. I loved watching the games from the sidelines, but playing was something else. Everyone who has ever loved football knew the feeling of putting on your boots and running out on the field, it was one of the best feelings in the world. I think everyone who played any sport knew the feeling of finally returning to what you loved. The happiness and pride for doing everything possible to get back.

I would have been out for about a year when I return. That is a long time, but it hasn't felt that long, not with Martina to take care of.

"I am so proud of you Isa. My best friend has a daughter who she loves very much, and she can still trick almost everyone on the pitch" Ona joked. I missed our banter. "You can't have high hopes Ona. I've been out for almost a year. My body has changed so much" I explained to Ona. "Based on the videos I have gotten you are crushing it" Ona answered in that same joking tone. I knew what videos she was talking about. Every Barcelona player made videos, especially when I tried to do something cool. It was cute that they believed in me, but I didn't yet.

Soon after Ona arrived, Aitana knocked on the door. She joined us in the living room and the three of us talked. Ona and Aitana were great friends, the three of us had been though all the age groups and had been playing in La Maisa together.

Just a few minutes later, Mapí and Ingrid walked in through the door. Mapí talked to Ona first. She had missed her too. I had a short conversation with Ingrid and Aitana. Ingrid was quite nice, not that talkative, but when she spoke it was always interesting. I didn't know her that well yet, she had played for Barcelona for half a year, but I had been out for most of it.

Watching my friends interact with my daughter was the cutest thing ever. "Martina is really cute. I know Mapí wants a child sooner rather than later. How do you manage football while being a mom?" Ingrid asked. She was worried, or at least a bit anxious about it. "Right now, I only go to practice. It'll be more difficult when I start playing games. Especially away-games. Alexia and I are discussing how to manage that, but you always manage when you get thrown into it" I explained to her. I had no idea how we survived, but we had help from our families, and that made a big difference.

"Where is Alexia?" Mapí asked. "In the kitchen" I answered with a smile. I had totally forgotten that I wasn't alone with Martina. I had forgotten that Alexia was home. She was so quiet, with music playing in her headphones to make sure she didn't get too bored from the cooking.