In My Heart Is Where You Are

Fourteen: Rendezvous

ALEX

It's been two weeks since I talked to Marvey. Yes, Blythe's ex-boyfriend and I must admit that he is someone that merits caution.

Although he seemed to be a good guy, I think that's just it. As far as Blythe is concerned, I just couldn't let my guard down. I made a promise to her and I intended to keep it.

This morning, I received a phone call from the football team's manager, and asked me to come over to our headquarters. It was an important matter as I was told. Our block had no classes today, but I needed to go to UP just for this. Quite a hassle, yes, but I showed up anyway.

What caught my eye was a foreign guest joining us. From how I saw him, he's most likely an Australian. Yes, I could tell it at first glance.

"Thank you for coming, Alex." Coach Krauz greeted me.

"Not a problem at all," I replied politely. "What is this meeting for, Coach?"

"We have something important to discuss with you." Added Sir Dan, the football team's manager.

He then turned to the foreign guest. "First, this is Coach James, he's a football coach from Australia. He used to be part of a coaching staff for one of the FIFA World Cup teams. Coach James, this is our team captain, Alexander Fabregas. He's one of our best skippers on the team."

Coach James and I had a polite exchange of handshakes and greetings before we settled back into our seats. I still had no idea what this meeting was all about, or where this was going to lead to.

"Well then, Alex," Sir Dan began. "The reason is that Coach James has something to tell you. He's been here in Manila for months already, scouting football teams from universities and colleges around the metro. In fact, he had watched some of our recent matches. Coach?"

He nodded as he turned to me. "I came here to invite you to be part of my football team, Alex." Coach James started, that heavy Australian accent was unmistakable.

"I have seen you play in your previous games, and your ball-handling skills are excellent. You are one of the very few players from college that I'd like you to be part of my team."

Unbelievable! This coach who was once part of the World Cup wanted me to join this team!

However, since he's originally from abroad, and given his credentials, I had a pretty bad feeling about this.

"Wow! This is certainly sudden, but what an honor." I said. "Your offer sounds promising, to be honest; but if I accept this, whose team will I be playing for?"

Coach James cleared his throat once more. "You–alongside other guys that I selected–will play for one of the best teams from my football club. Thus, you will all be based in Sydney."

"And when will we have to fly in, if ever?"

"That will be the middle or end of October this year."

Shit. I knew it. Now I don't know how to react at this instant.

This surely was a tempting offer, but moving to Australia in October? That's less than two months from now! I don't think I'm ready for that.

"I have to admit that's a good offer for you, Alex. Such a rare opportunity." Sir Dan mused. "What do you think?"

"This is so sudden." I chuckled nervously. "I probably need to think about this offer thoroughly."

"I understand how you feel." Coach James empathized. "Although I also planned this carefully for you guys. Since you won't be able to finish your remaining terms here, one of the prestigious universities in Sydney will grant you guys a full scholarship. You will also stay in a peaceful community with plenty of Filipinos living there."