The World (Sequel to International)

Discussing

January 2027

Mariana's POV:

Everyone started to go back home. Mapi stayed. "I don't know if I can leave."

"Babe." I looked up at her. "Go back home. See your family, get ready for the rest of the season."

"I don't know if you know this but I have this ring on my finger." She put her hand in my face. "And what this ring means, is you are my home AND my family. I need to be here right now. I saw my family before I came here." She kissed my cheek. "I love you."

I smiled and looked at her. "I love you." I took a deep breath and put my hand on her face. "I really do." I nodded. "So much." 

"Come on." She stood up. 

"What?" I took her hand and she pulled me up. "Where are we going?"

"To get someone who can put a smile on our faces." 

We got in the car and Mapi started driving to my uncles. Since my grandmother died, Gabriel has stayed there. 

We pulled up and sat in the car. "Do you want kids?" Mapi turned to me. "I know, Gabriel but I mean like. Kids."

"Are you asking if I want to start a family?" I asked. "Do you?"

"Maybe." She smiled. "Only if you want to though."

"Do you want to have kids? No one if I want to, do you honestly want kids?"

"I never did, but then having a part in raising Gabriel and being with you? My life was always football and art. Being with you showed me there's more to life than that. Raising a child? Getting married? Those are things I never thought would be in my life. But I can't even remember what things were like before you. Then Gabriel coming along."

"Mapi." I smiled. "Do you want to start our family?" 

"I'm all in." She said. 

"Let's do it then." 

Mapi's POV:

"Mariana's return to the lineup following the passing of her grandmother. She only missed 2 games, due to the short break for the holidays. Santa Clara winning both those games despite being without their captain. She is back today though as they prepare to take on Braga today."

I smiled as I held Gabriel on my lap. I was back in Barcelona, Gabriel coming with me for a while. So Mariana can get back on her feet and take care of the last few things with her grandmother. 

"Leila!" He yelled.

"Yes my godchild."

"You're not his godmother." I laughed.

"Let me have this!" She sighed.

"Come watch the game with me!"

"I'm here." I said.

"I want Leila too!" He smiled. 

"Ok." Leila laughed and sat with us. He sat in between us and stared at the tv. 

"There's Mari!" He yelled.

"How many goals today?" I asked.

"3." 

"Speak it into existence!" Leila looked up. "And it will happen!"

Mariana's POV:

The final whistle blew and the ref handed me the game ball. "Hat trick." One of my teammates said. "Is that just a normal thing for you?"

I held the ball. "Pretty much, yeah." I nodded. 

I went to the postgame interview. "Mariana a rough last couple of weeks. The sudden passing of your grandmother. How did it feel coming back today and scoring a hattrick?"

"Felt good." I nodded. "Football has always been an escape for me, but it was an escape I enjoyed with my brother and grandparents. Playing today after losing her was tough. After I lost my brother, I couldn't face it. This felt different. I can't complain how but knowing that all 3 of the people who I shared this with are gone now? I had to play."

"Your brother who has been gone for 4 years now. In a few months, you and a few of your football friends and teammates will all suit up in a charity match." I nodded. "Talk about that."

"Yeah, so a few years ago my friend João Félix had an idea to honor my brother. We were planning it but had a few bumps. Couple of injuries here and there, but I'm very happy to say that we are doing it this year. After the season we're going to have a fun little charity game in Lisbon. All proceeds will be donated to a charity in Portugal that helps sick children and their families. It was something Gabriel was always passionate about and we're going to continue his work, not only in Portugal but throughout Europe. Hopefully the world."

I headed to my car after the stadium and called Mapi. 

"Hello, wife." She answered.

I laughed. "Hi. How's Gabriel?"  

"He's great. Leila and Mariona took him out for a while."

"Aw, their practicing."

"Leila's really good with him believe it or not."

"Children are usually good with other children, Mapi."

"True," She said. "Great game today. Gabriel said you were going to score 3 goals and you did."

"Kid knows his stuff." I said. "I've thought him well."

"Yes, you have. Do the same with our future kids."

"Deal." I laughed. "I'm glad you brought that up. We need to start talking about this a little more."

"I know." She said. "How about when I bring Gabriel back in a few weeks? We'll sit and really start this process?"

"Sounds good. I am about to head home. I will talk to you later."

"Ok. I love you."

"I love you. Bye." I smiled.

"Bye." She hung up. I put my phone away and looked up. 

"I can do this." I nodded. 

BABY MARIANA AND MAPI'S!!!!!