The World (Sequel to International)

Old Club

Mariana's POV:

"The number you are trying to reach is unavailable at this time." 

I sighed and hung up. 

"Still nothing?"

"It's been 2 weeks. Virginia is still ignoring me. Lola too." 

"Give them time. They'll come around eventually." 

"Did they do this when Jenni left?" 

"I don't know." She looked at her phone. "Your press conference is in an hour." 

We got to the stadium and I met with everyone. "We've been waiting for this day for years. We're all so happy you're finally apart of this squad."

"Thank you. I'm very excited." I smiled. 

Pictures were taken, contracts were signed and I was presented with my jersey.

With Hamraoui gone, Jenni wore #10.

I was given #7. 

"Welcome everyone. We are thrilled to announce the signing of Portuguese striker, Mariana dos Santos Mendes. This is a player we've wanted to have on our squad for years, and are very excited that she is finally here. We've been impressed by her since Barcelona vs Sporting in the Champions League." 

"Thank you." I smiled. "This is a club that is no stranger to success. Getting to finally play on the same team as Alexia Putellas, Jenni Hermoso, Patri Guijarro, Caroline Graham Hansen, Mariona Caldenty, Leila Ouahabi, just to name a few."

"Mapi Leon?"

"She's alright I guess," I smirked. "Um," I laughed. "Yeah, there's a lot of talent here. I can't wait to get to work." 

Mapi's POV:

Preseason was underway. Mariana would be joining about a day or 2 late.

"You excited?" Jenni asked. "Finally on the same team as Mariana." 

"I am." I smiled. "Although I will miss pissing her off when I stop her from scoring." They all laughed. "When you left Alteti? How did Lola take it?"

"She was upset but Virginia signed on when I left. Besides we still talk all the time. She's not taking Mariana leaving well is she?"

"Neither of them are. Mariana's been calling both of them for weeks. No answer. Says the number is unavailable."

"Vir really blocked Mariana's number?" 

"Apparently." I sighed. "Mariana is pretty upset though. She really likes both of them. They were there for her through a lot at Atleti."

"I'll try to talk some sense into them." Alexia said. "We're friends no matter what jersey we wear."

"Yeah like you still loved Jenni even when she leaves Barca once every 3 years." Leila smirked.

"Rude."

"But I do." Alexia sighed. "Leave again and I'll kill you."

"Yes, ma'am." 

Mariana's POV:

My first day as a member of FC Barcelona. I got to practice and saw all my new teammates. "Hey!" Leila ran over. "Finally!" She hugged me. "Oh, I have been waiting to be your teammate for so long. Barca colors." She nodded. "They suit you." 

"Good to know some of my friends still like me." 

"Forget them. They're being stupid." Leila put her arm around my shoulders. "You are a member of FC Barcelona now."