The World (Sequel to International)

New Journey

January 2025 

Mariana's POV:

"Hey babe!" Mapi yelled.

"Yeah?"

"Come here a minute!" 

I ran into the room and stared at her. "Yes?" 

"So. I'll be turning 30 this summer."

"Yes. You have still as sexy as ever."

"Not what I was going to bring up but thank you." I laughed. "The Euros are this summer. I think I might retire from international football after the Euros."

"Is that what you want?" She nodded. "Do what makes you happy. You know you have my support no matter what." I kissed her cheek. "Just have fun telling Patri that."

Mapi's POV:

"YOU'RE WHAT!"

"Patri. Indoor voices."

"SHUT UP ALEXIA!"

"Excuse me." Alexia started to stand up. Jenni grabbed her and sat her back down.

"Say sike." Patri walked toward me. "Say sike RIGHT NOW!"

"I'm sorry but I think it's time."

"NO!" 

She stormed off. "Patri!" I sighed. "Why? Why is she taking this as badly as she is?"

Jenni shrugged. "Because we're both older than you and still playing." Alexia said. "Are you sure?"

"Just at the international level." I said. "I'll still play for Barca. It's time. I want to start focusing on my art and working at the tattoo shop." I smiled. "Besides! Gabriel is turning 3 this year! Mariana's parents said he might be moving to Spain to live with her permanently. I told her I'd be around to help with him. That's what I'm going to do."

Alexia smirked. "You've really grown huh?"

"I met the love of my life, Alexia. You should understand that more than anyone." She looked at Jenni. "I'm going to marry her. We're going to raise Gabriel."

"And other kids?" Jenni asked.

"Maybe! Who knows! I never thought I'd get married and raise a child! But here I am. Engaged and getting a room together for a 2 year old."

"That's great genius." Leila walked over. "But if you're playing for Barcelona how are you going to help raise him? She does still play for Alteti you know."

I smiled. "I know."

Mariana's POV:

"At the end of this season, my contract is up." I said. "And there will be negotiations about re-signing. I already have an answer. I love this club. With my entire being. Madrid is my home. But I will not be re-signing with the club."

The staff nodded. "We get it. You're getting married. We know your nephew is coming to live with you permanently. We thank you for everything and wish you the best. For now, let's finish up this season strong."

I smiled. "Of course. Top of the league and Champions if we can."

May 2025

"Champions!!" I laughed as Virginia picked me up. 

We won the league. We were knocked out of the champions league, but finishing top of the table, ahead of Barcelona? That made up for everything.

Vir and I lead the way in scoring, she had more assists though. 

"Next season? We're the champions of Europe." Lola smiled. "Saying it right now."

No one knew I wasn't returning.

When the news comes out, it will break them.

But before then, I'm returning to Portugal for the Euros.

Mapi's POV:

"Patri can we talk?" I grabbed her. 

"Fine."

"I know you're upset about me retiring, but it's only from Spain. I'm still going to play for Barcelona and actually signed on for another 3 years." I smiled. "You're not getting rid of me completely." 

"I just like being at camp and seeing you."

"You'll still see me. I plan on annoying the shit out of you."

"Fun." She laughed. 

August 2025

Mariana's POV:

I laid on the couch and watch Gabriel. "Careful!" 

He crashed and then laughed. "I crash!"

"You crash. You always crash, you crazy boy. You're like your father."

"Daddy." He smiled. 

"Yeah," I mumbled. "You're daddy. I always did everything for him. Now I'm raising his damn son."

The door opened and Mapi walked in. "Hello my favorite humans."

"Mapi!" Gabriel ran to her. 

"The only male I like!" She picked him up. "How are you?"

"I crash!"

"Again?" He nodded. "Has he been talking to Leila? I feel like this is Leila's fault." I laughed. She put him down and walked to me. "Hello." She kissed me.

The Euros were fun for both of us. Spain finished in 2nd. Portugal got knocked out in the quarter-finals. 

We were both getting ready for our upcoming seasons.

Soon it would be announced that I wasn't going back to Atleti.

I knew my teammates would be upset.

Mapi's POV:

"Atletico Madrid announced that forward Mariana's contract will not be extended. After signing on in 2022 for 3 years, her contract was up following the conclusion of the 2024-25 season. The club announced earlier today that both parties are ok with the decision. They did finish the season top of the table. No news on where Mariana will be reporting for preseason."

I turned to Leila. "You were saying."

"Is she coming here!" 

I shrugged. "I honestly don't know."

Mariana's POV:

I headed to Atleti's facility to grab some stuff and fill out a few things. I said bye to my teammates and saw Virginia looking at me.

"Vir."

"Don't talk to me." She turned around and walked away.

"Really?" She ignored me. I looked at Lola. She looked down and followed Virginia. "You too!" I sighed. Carmen walked up to me. "Let me guess. You're going to walk away too?"

"No. Good luck, Mariana." She smiled. "I have to get to the field. It was good seeing you." She walked away.

I finished up and left, starting my journey to my new club.

To Barcelona.

OH NO!!! The iconic trio of Lola, Virginia, and Mariana is no more! What is going to happen!