The World (Sequel to International)

Like Family

February 2026

Mariana's POV:

I was healed up from the accident and the police caught the people responsible. It was all behind me and my focus turned back to Barcelona. 

We were heading to Madrid to play Atleti.

My first time playing them in Madrid since I left.

This should be fun.

Mapi's POV:

We headed out for warmups and I could tell Mariana was nervous. This crowd once cheered her name, who knows what they'll do today.

We walked out to the field as the lineups were coming out.

"Forward #10 Jenni Hermoso." The crowd booed. "Forward #7 Mariana Mendes." They booed even louder. 

"TRAITOR!" Someone yelled. I saw Mariana look down. Once they saw her, the boos got louder and louder.

She sighed and looked at Jenni. 

Jenni put her arm around her shoulder and whispered to her.

Warmups were underway and Mariana was visibly upset. We walked to midfield and saw Virginia.

"Come here." She hugged Mariana. "If anyone gives you a hard time we'll take care of it." 

"Who's we?" Mariana asked.

"Me and Lola." She turned to Lola. She tripped as we looked at her. "Or maybe just me." Mariana laughed. "These fans are just passionate about their club. They're going to be upset."

"Like you were?"

"Ok." 

I laughed.

"Hope none of them elbow me in the eye." Mariana turned and walked away. 

"It was an accident!"

"No, it wasn't!" 

I turned to Virginia. 

"What are you smirking about?" 

"She's going to be my wife soon." 

"You disgust me." She pushed me away.

Mariana's POV:

I stood on the field and waited for kickoff. 

"You got this." Leila walked by me. "You got this, we got you." 

I nodded.

"Ok?"

"Ok."

"Good." She walked away.

No one's POV:

"We are underway Wanda Metropolitano! Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona! Mariana Mendes returns to Madrid for the first time since leaving the club after last season."

"She gets the ball here from Alexia and is met with a stadium full of boos." 

Mariana ran at Atleti's backline and passed the ball to Patri.

"Patri shoots! Score Barca leads."

They celebrated at the fans booed.

"FC Barcelona goal scored in the 4th minute by #12 Patri Guijarro assisted by #7 Mariana Mendes." The crowd booed and screamed.

Play restarted, Barca got the ball and once again was on the attack. Lola saved Jenni's shot but it resulted in a corner for Barca. 

Mariana ran over to take it.