The World (Sequel to International)

The Return

May 2026

Mariana's POV: 

I turned on the TV and watched all the football highlights. 

"Breaking news out of Portugal. Club team C.D. Santa Clara has just confirmed that they will be starting a women's team that will begin play next season. The Portuguese club is based in Ponta Delgada. Current Portuguese, Mariana Mendes is from Ponta Delgada but no word yet on if she will return to her home and play for their new club. She did sign with FC Barcelona for 2 years, and with 1 year left it looks like it will be her home even after that."

"I got coffee!" Mapi walked in the door. "Uh oh. What's that face?"

I turned to her. "Huh? Oh, nothing! Yay coffee!" I got up and took a cup. 

"Are you ok?"

"I'm GREAT." I smiled. "Why?"

"You're acting weird." She put her keys on the counter and turned to me. "You know I love your weirdness but please share."

I sighed and looked at the TV. "There's a club in Portugal. In Ponta Delgada actually, C.D. Santa Clara." I smiled. "They just announced that they will have a women's team next season."

"That's awesome!"

"And people are already wondering if I'll return home to play for them."

"Do you want to?"

"This is my home now."

"No." She grabbed my hands. "This is where we live right now. Our home is wherever we want it to be, as long as we're together. If you want to go play for them, then we'll go."

"What about Barcelona?"

"What about it?"

"I'm not going to ask you to leave your club for me."

"You came to Barca for me." She kissed my hands. "Let me do the same."

"I need to think about it. We do have to go to Portugal first." I sighed. 

"Champions League." She smiled.

"My first time back at Sporting CP. This should be fun."

 Mapi's POV:

We arrived to the stadium and headed to the visitors locker room. One of the staff members walked over. "Mariana." He caught up to her. "Just a little heads up for the game. There will be a video tribute to you. This is your first time back home. We want to make you feel welcome."

She smiled. "Thank you. I know I'm always welcome here." 

As kick-off approached, Mariana got set into her game mode. 

"Ladies and gentlemen welcome to José Alvalade Stadium for tonight Champions League matchup between FC Barcelona and Sporting Clube de Portugal!" The crowd cheered. When we headed out to the field, everything started.

We lined up and listened to the announcement. "In 2009 at the age of 12, Mariana Mendes joined the Sporting academy. At that time we had no women's team, and Mariana was loaned out. In 2016, following the birth of our women's team, Mariana came back at the age of 19. For 5 years, Mariana gave her everything to this club, her club. She led the team in goals for every season she played and did everything to make sure she didn't miss a game." I looked over to Mariana and she looked down. "In 2021, we sat goodbye to our leader, our captain, our hero. Today we welcome Mariana home for the first time!" 

The camera went to her and she smiled. We all clapped her for. 

"Please turn your attention to the screens for a tribute to our forever captain, Mariana dos Santos Mendes!" 

The video started and it showed clips from her games with Sporting and a few from Portugal. It ended with a picture of her as she headed off the field for the last time. I looked at her as she wiped a tear away.

"Mariana. We thank you for everything during those 5 amazing years. Welcome home!" She walked to midfield and we turned to watch. She applauded the crowd as she walked over to the club president. He handed her a microphone and she laughed. 

"Hello." She looked around. "Sporting wasn't just my club, it was my family. My brother played here and I followed in his footsteps. These players wearing your crest, our crest are my family. All of you are my family. Thank you for everything during those 5 years and after. It was my honor to wear that jersey. Thank you." She gave back the microphone as the crowd, and all of us cheered for her.

"GO MARI!" Leila yelled. She walked back to us and stood near me. 

"You ok?" I asked.

She nodded. "Let's play the game." 

No one's POV:

Mariana played as if it was any other game. Of course, she had family in the crowd and friends on the field but it was still her job. She had to try and beat Sporting. As much as it hurt.

She got the ball from Mapi and ran towards the backline. As she took the shot, it flew by Inês and into the goal. Mariana stopped running and stood still on the field, hands in the air. She bowed her head and covered her face.

Mapi ran over and hugged her, as the rest of the team surrounded them. 

"FC Barcelona goal scored in the 35th minute by #7 Mariana dos Santos Mendes. Assisted by #4 María León."

The game ended, 1-0 to Barcelona. The 2nd leg would be in Barcelona but for now, Mariana enjoyed her remaining time in this stadium. She walked around waving to the fans, signing her #16 Sporting jersey whenever she saw it. 

Portugal would always be her home, but for now.

So was Barcelona.

Guess what happens next chapter!!!

You'll find out tomorrow!

Mariana and Mapi will be meeting in Jenni/Alexia's story!!!! It will ALL be connected. 

Which means Daan and Natalia will be appearing soon!