Number Seven

008

It was another typical morning in the Beckham household. The smell of freshly brewed coffee lingered in the air as Sophia sat at the kitchen counter, scrolling through her phone. Her mum and dad were busy in the living room, discussing something about the upcoming week, and Cruz was sprawled on the couch, playing some video game. Everything seemed peaceful.

But that all changed in an instant.

Sophia's phone buzzed with a notification, her heart skipping a beat. It was a news article, the headline flashing in bold letters:

"Mason Mount Signs for Manchester United in Historic Move, Takes Number 7 Shirt"

Sophia quickly opened the link, her eyes scanning the words, and a smile spread across her face. She couldn't believe it. Mason had finally made the move she had joked about months ago. Manchester United—the club everyone in England dreamed of playing for. But it wasn't just the move that took her by surprise. It was the fact that Mason had been given the number 7—the very same number her dad, David Beckham, had worn during his iconic years at the club.

Sophia's heart skipped a beat. Number 7. It was more than just a number; it was a legacy. The number her father had made famous, a symbol of his incredible career. She felt a rush of pride for Mason, but also a strange mix of emotions as she thought about how their friendship was deepening.

Her fingers quickly swiped to her messages and opened a chat with Mason.

Mason Mount
Guess the secret's out. I'm officially a Red. And yeah, they gave me the number 7. Big shoes to fill, huh?

Sophia smiled, a sense of pride bubbling up inside her. She quickly typed back a response.

Sophia Beckham
Looks like you're back to wearing the 7. Wow, Mason. You're really living the dream. I know dad would be so proud. Congratulations!

She paused, rereading her message. She hadn't meant to bring her dad into the conversation, but the moment felt too big to ignore. Mason was now wearing the same number that had meant so much to so many people, including her own family.

Mason Mount
Thanks, Soph. I won't let it slip. And you're right, it's a big deal. But I'll work hard to make sure it means something.

Sophia felt a warm feeling in her chest. She quickly typed back, hoping to keep the conversation light.

Sophia Beckham
You've always worked hard. I know you'll do it justice. Let's catch up soon, okay?

Before she could send the message, her phone buzzed again.

Mason Mount
Definitely. And I'll see you tomorrow. Looking forward to it, Soph.

Before she could set her phone down, Romeo walked into the kitchen, rubbing his eyes. "What's up? You look like you've just seen a ghost."

Sophia quickly closed her phone and forced a smile. "No, just reading about something. You'll never guess who signed for Manchester United."

Romeo arched an eyebrow, suddenly interested. "Who? Not... Mason?"

Sophia nodded. "Yeah. He's officially signed. The news just dropped."

"Wait, you're telling me that the guy you're texting has just gone to United?" Romeo's grin grew wider. "And they gave him number 7? Wow, that's huge."

Sophia rolled her eyes, but she couldn't help the smile tugging at her lips. "It's not like that, Rome. We're just friends."

"Sure," Romeo said with a teasing tone, "Just friends. The guy who texts you daily and now just joined one of the biggest clubs in the world, and now he's wearing your dad's number. Just friends, huh?"

Sophia playfully nudged him. "Shut up. You're impossible."

Romeo was still grinning as he grabbed a slice of toast. "I'm just saying, don't be surprised if you get a bunch of people asking about Mason. He's going to be all over the place now."

"I know," Sophia said with a sigh, her mind racing with thoughts of Mason's new chapter. "Things are definitely going to change for him."

Her phone buzzed again. She looked down to see a message from Mason.

Mason Mount
You're going to see me in red tomorrow. Can't wait to see you then, Soph.

Sophia smiled at the thought of seeing him tomorrow.

Later that afternoon, as the family gathered for lunch, the conversation naturally shifted to Mason's big move. David, always the proud father, was the first to comment.

"That's massive," he said, leaning back in his chair. "Manchester United is a big deal. The pressure is on him now. Especially with that number. The number 7. It's a symbol of greatness."

Victoria looked at Sophia thoughtfully. "Do you think he's ready for all of that? For the spotlight, for carrying your dad's legacy on his shoulders?"

Sophia nodded. "He's ready. He's been through so much already. He's got this."

David, always protective of his children, looked at her with concern. "Are you sure? You know what it's like to have the media constantly on your back. It doesn't stop."

Sophia understood what he was saying. The constant spotlight, the never-ending pressure—it was something she'd grown up with, and it had made her more protective of her own privacy. But she had no doubt Mason could handle it. He wasn't just any player; he had the drive and determination to succeed.

"I know he can handle it, Dad," Sophia replied confidently. "He's always been strong. It's just... things are going to change, that's all."

Romeo, who had been quiet up until now, raised his glass of water. "Yeah, change is coming, for sure. But I think we can all agree on one thing: Mason's going to crush it at United. Number 7 suits him."

"Agreed," Cruz added with a grin. "But don't forget, he'll still have to put up with you, Soph."

Sophia rolled her eyes, playfully flicking a piece of bread at Cruz. "You're both impossible."

As the family laughed, Sophia's phone buzzed again. She picked it up and saw an Instagram post from Mason's account. A picture of him in his new United kit, proudly wearing the number 7 jersey, standing proud in the locker room with the caption:

"Ready for the next chapter. Thank you, Manchester United, for the warm welcome. Let's get started."

Sophia couldn't help but smile. He's really done it, she thought. The thought of Mason becoming a bigger public figure, now part of Manchester United, felt surreal.

She quickly typed out a message on Instagram.

Sophia Beckham
You look good in red. Good luck, Mason. I'll be rooting for you.

Before she hit send, Romeo leaned over and saw what she was doing. "Oh, so you're commenting on his post now?" he teased, shaking her shoulders playfully. "Back in the number 7 shirt, huh? Buddy's officially made it."

Sophia rolled her eyes. "Shut up, Romeo. It's just a comment."

Romeo laughed. "Sure, just a comment. You're such a softie."

Sophia couldn't hold back her grin. "Don't make fun of me. He deserves it. Plus, he's a friend."

Romeo winked at her, shaking his head. "Sure, sure. Keep telling yourself that."

Sophia quickly hit send and set her phone down. As she did, she felt a small flutter in her chest. Mason was really making his way to the top, and she was genuinely happy for him.

Sophia Beckham
Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow.

She set the phone down, smiling. It was surreal to think of everything that had happened. But now, with Mason at United and her friendship with him continuing to grow, she couldn't wait to see where it would take them next.