[ three ]
Security guards came to help us out of the car when traffic was at a stand still. There were people who cheered for James the moment they saw him emerge from the car. It was difficult to get him through all those people. He was like a Beatle; young and handsome, and everyone wanted to touch him.
He tried to shake as many hands as possible, to show everyone he was grateful for their support. But he just couldn't greet everyone. Though by the time he got to the stage, he had probably shaken hundreds of hands if not thousands of hands.
His family and I stayed at the front of the crowd, watching proudly as he was taken up the steps with his other team mates. He looked nervous and shy, but his smile didn't leave his face. Soon the president of Colombia walked onto the stage and began to give a speech about the team at the world cup. He mentioned how the country was proud of them for even qualifying because Colombia hadn't qualified in sixteen years that felt more like and entire lifetime. And for some people it was. James had only been about six years old the last time we saw our country participate in the biggest sporting event in the world.
The president continued his speech and let the boys know that they gave the country hope and made us dream again.
Especially James.
He was the star of the team and everyone loved him. When the president handed him the microphone, he sighed, not really knowing what to say. But once he got started, the words were just able to pour out of him easily and as fluid as a river. "To be honest, I thought about returning home during the entire plane ride." He said, his voice shaking in the slightest. "I was expecting to be booed by people because we were booted out of the competition when we could have gone farther. There is nothing I wanted more than to return with the gold medal around my neck and the trophy in my hands. I wanted to do this for my friends, my family, my girlfriend, for Colombia. But I am promising to you today that in four years we will all travel to Russia. Because even those of you who can't physically go will be in our hearts and we will aim for the gold. Thank you."
The crowd errupted into claps and cheers, everyone calling his name, "James! James James!"
I saw a tear roll down his cheek. But it was a proud one. Pride in his country because he was finally home.
.
.
.
.
There were a few more speeches after James, and then the entire city was a big party. There was music playing everywhere and people danced. James immediately came towards me and wrapped his arms around my waist. "Ready to go, Ari?" He asked me with a smile.
"Aren't you going to celebrate with everyone?" I wondered. Gesturing to everything around us, I added, "This whole thing is for you."
"I'm really tired." He sighed. "I just want to relax at home."
I smiled and pecked him on the lips. "We'll do whatever you want, Jamesito."
We were able to weave through the crowd to return to the car. A few people stopped him and asked to have his autograph or a picture. There was a point on our return to the car where is hand got cramped and he asked me to sign the autographs for him.
"I don't want to disappoint the people." He told me with a smile.
And his fans were understanding about it. They didn't mind having an autograph of James' name signed by my hand.
It was at least another three hours before we returned home and the sun was already going down. I decided I would spend some time with James at his house before heading to my own house which was just down the street.
