Somewhere Only We Know • Ruben Dias

Chapter 54: Changes

🎶 The Adults Are Talking — The Strokes 🎶

"Hey Soph, what are you doing here?" I heard a familiar voice behind me, and I turned around to see Kevin de Bruyne in one of the Etihad's hallways.
"Oh, hi! I'm... actually here for a job interview" I replied, as I smiled brightly. Two weeks had passed since our pregnancy scare and the whole thing had got me thinking. I loved O&G with all my heart, but I still had seven years of residency ahead of me. It was a long time and in the case that I really would get pregnant, it would just drag on even longer.

The job at City may not have been my dream choice, but it offered good money - and financial stability, even if I was in a relationship with a wealthy guy, was important - and better working hours. There would be some travelling, but I wouldn't have to stay on my feet for hours in ORs, at night, which definitely would make my quality of life soar up again. I had applied and gotten a job interview, a little unsurprisingly, because it was going to be with my Dad... and the director of football, Txiki Begiristain.

"Job interview? Kieran's position?" Kevin asked.
"Yep" I replied and nodded.
"Understandable. You get to be with Ruben more" he commented and I furrowed my eyebrows.
"That's not the reason for me applying" I said.
"Oh... I mean... Ok" he just said and smiled at me before making his way to a physio room. It was international break again, but as he was still plagued by recurring injuries he was working hard on coming back - while Ruben was away in Portugal with the national team again. He was still a bit sceptical about me applying here, but he was supporting me nonetheless and he could see my points.

I waited in the atrium, until my dad's secretary picked me up to accompany me to the interview room. I got inside and nodded friendly at my dad before shaking hands with Txiki, whom I had known for a few years now too. The situation was a bit strange, but we all tried to be as professional as possible to us about it.
"So, Sophia... I mean... your resume is great, but... why the change? I mean from... women and babies to... men with..." Txiki asked, chuckling awkwardly.

"I mean... those players are kind of like babies, so I'd say I do have some experience" I joked and both guys laughed. Jackpot.
"It's... a combination of factors, and I won't lie that my relationship is a big factor. And not because I want to be glued to my boyfriend here - we both know how to act professional - but... I don't want to come off from night shifts tired minutes before he leaves for an away game. Or miss out on big moments in his career because I simply can't choose my schedule at a hospital" I explained and both Dad and Txiki nodded. Those were relatable and understandable points.

"I'll be honest with you here, Soph. I always prefer working with people I already know, and I think your father is on the same page here with me" Txiki said and my Dad nodded in agreement.
"... But we have to take other candidates into consideration too. Candidates who have experience with sports medicine,... who have already worked for other clubs" Dad continued and I nodded, a pang of disappointment in my chest, but I could understand them. Hiring me wasn't only a factor of lack of experience, but also having to possibly justify favouritism and... let's be honest. Even though it was 2024, having a female doctor around 25 men wasn't the most... uncontroversial hiring.

"I understand... Just get back to me when you take a decision" I said and smiled as convincingly as possible. We said our goodbyes and I wiped away the stupid tear that rolled down my cheek as I walked back to my car. I took out my phone, finding a message from Ruben.

Ruben ❤️💚
How did it go???

Soph 👸🏼
They're taking everyone into consideration, especially guys with more experience in football

Ruben ❤️💚
You'll get it nonetheless
They have big mouths but there's no better doctor than you

Soph 👸🏼
Don't let my dad hear that...
And you're way too biased