The World (Sequel to International)

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August 2026

Mapi's POV:

The game ended. I saw Mariana get up from the bench and walk onto the field. The last time we'd be on the field together for a whole year. She started hugging some of the Real Sociedad players. I saw her talking to Nahikari and walked over.

"It will fly by. You'll be back in Barcelona before you know it." Nahikari smiled.

"Yes, she will." I walked over. "Back home with me."

Mariana nodded. 

We headed to the locker room, Mariana stayed out and signed autographs.

I sat at my locker and saw Jenni staring at me. "What?"

"You're upset. But you guys are married now. This is just a challenge athletes have to face. You've been separated by distance before."

"I know but what if she doesn't want to come back?" 

Jenni shrugged. "Where she plays has nothing to do with it. You're her wife, Mapi. That won't change because of the jersey she wears."

Mariana's POV:

Everyone came to help me pack and get ready to go back to Portugal.

"That's it." I sighed. "Luckily I don't have to find a place there. I already have on." I laughed and saw Mapi. She hasn't said much since the game.

It finally hit her that I'm leaving.

"Can you give us a minute." I looked at everyone. "Let me talk to my wife?" 

"Sure." Virginia smiled and led everyone out.

I sighed and put my water down. "Ok." I turned to Mapi. "Talk to me. What's going on?"

"Nothing." She said moving a box. "Just tired from all this packing."

"Hmm." I nodded. "We've been packing for like an hour? But sure. You're tired." 

"Mari." She sighed. 

"Mapi." I sat in front of her. "I didn't like you shutting down when you were my girlfriend and I definitely don't like it now that you're my wife. So what is going on?" She looked down and played with her hands. "Hey." I grabbed her hands and held them. "Look at me."

She looked up. "What if you like it? What if you don't want to come back?"

"I'm going to come back Mapi." I got up. "That's what's bothering you? That I'm not going to come back? It's a season loan, I'll be back next preseason."

"Ok. Let's get you packed up." Everyone came back in and I looked at Mapi. Her expression didn't change. 

I sighed. "You're going home." Lola smiled. I looked at Mapi. "Well like. Geologically. Her country. I'm going to shut up."

I laughed and looked at Mapi. "Can you just be ok with this? I won't be able to make it this season if you're not ok with it."

"I can't be ok with this."

"Why not?" I crossed my arms. "Because I won't be with you? Mapi we're married! But we're professional athletes. We move around a lot." 

"Because you're going to like it there."

"How could I not like it there, Mapi. It's my home!"

"I thought I was your home!" 

Everyone stopped what they were doing. I stared at Mapi. "That's not what I meant. You are my home but my family is there! You see your parents whenever you want. I love it here and I love you, but this isn't HOME."