The World (Sequel to International)

My Family

October 2028

Mapi's POV:

"Breaking news today. FC Barcelona has announced that defender Mapi Leon will not play for them this season. Mapi did start the season with Barca and has been their top center back since joining from Atletico Madrid back in 2017. The club released a statement today saying that Mapi has requested to leave the club. No word yet on where Leon is heading or if she even plans to play this season. She did retire from the national team in 2025 but did come back to play a few games after a tough injury spell. She is married to Portuguese captain and Atleti striker, Mariana. No word from Atleti on if they are signing the center back or not."

I smiled and watched Mariana. She was rocking Felicia and softly singing. "What song is that?" I walked over.

"My grandmother would sing it to me." She smiled. "She said when I was a baby it was the only thing that got me to go to sleep."

I looked at our sleeping daughter. "Looks like it works on her too." I whispered. I kissed the top of Mariana's head.

Mariana's POV:

"I'll pick Gabriel up from school." Mapi said.

"Ok." I smiled. "Don't forget. We're going over to Lola and Carmen's tonight." I said 

"I know." She nodded. "I can't believe they're parents to twins."

"It's crazy. We're all parents now."

"Not everyone." She said.

"True." I nodded. I put Felicia down so she could sleep and rested my head on Mapi's shoulder. "Let's talk about this mini Mapi you want."

"Ok." She said.

"You want to have a baby?"

"Yes and no. I talked with Alexia a bit and she said for Maxi they used her egg and had a sperm donor."

"Speaking of sperm donor." I said. "Is it just me or does Maxi kind of look like Natalia's brother?"

"What?" 

"Next time we see baby Putellas, look at him. He looks like Nat's brother."

"Leon?" I nodded. "Huh. There's only one child I pay close attention too." She smirked. "And that's sweet innocent little Patri!"

"She's not a baby anymore." I stood up. "She's 30!"

"She still has that baby face." Mapi followed me to the kitchen. "What time should I go get Gabriel?"

I looked at the time. "Soon." I said.

"Alright. Are we eating dinner with the Menayo Gallardo family or? What's the plan?"

"They are cooking for us. By they, I mean Carmen, Lola is banned from the kitchen." 

"She burnt something didn't she?" I nodded.

"She managed to burn the wall. While boiling water."

"Oh, that woman." Mapi laughed. "I'm going to get our little man," She kissed my cheek. "My two beautiful girls are at home. I love you both! I will be back!" She grabbed her keys and left.

"3. 2. 1." I crossed my arms. The door opened.

"Forgot my phone!" She grabbed it. "Ok!" She left.

Mapi's POV: 

I leaned against the car and waited. The other parents stared at me. "Mapi!" I heard Gabriel.

"My little man!" I kneeled down. He ran into my arms and I took his bag. "How was school?"

"It was good! We played football today and I was a striker like Mariana."

"Really?" He nodded. "Next time be a center back like me."

"No." He shook his head. 

"Oh, you Mendes kids. Going to be the death of me." I opened the car door and got him settled in the backseat. I put his bag in the backseat and got in. "We're going to Lola and Carmen's for dinner tonight."

"Who's cooking?" He asked.

"Carmen." 

"Good." He smiled. I laughed and started driving. 

"Mapi?"

"Yeah."

"Why did you leave Barcelona?"

"So I could be closer to you, Mariana and Felicia. Why?" 

"A boy at school said you left because they wanted you to."

I scoffed. "Not true at all. I requested to leave. After a lot of thinking, they approved it. They wanted me to stay for the rest of this year but I said no. My family is in Madrid, so Madrid is where I need to be."

"Are you going to play for Atleti?"

"I don't think so, kid. I think it's time for me to start my life after football."

"Ok." 

I smiled. "Hey, can I ask you something?"

Mariana's POV:

"Look at you." I took a picture. Felicia was standing up. She was holding onto the couch. "You're getting so big, baby girl." I laughed. "Soon you'll be running all over. Mama and I won't know what to do." 

She giggled. The door opened. "Mari!" Gabriel ran in. "Guess what!"

"What?"

"Mapi asked if she could adopt me!"

"What?" I looked at her. 

"I've been thinking. He's your nephew, you're his legal guardian, but I also want to be his legal guardian. Yes," She looked down at him. "I know you tell everyone I'm your aunt and all that. But I want to make it official." She kneeled down to his height.

He looked up at me. "It's up to you kid. I'm your legal guardian already. Been that way since you were born." I crossed my arms.

"Ok!" He jumped into Mapi's arms. 

She looked up at me. "This right here. People ask me why I gave up football. I'd give up anything to be with my family." 

"You two go get ready. Lola will kill us if we're late." Gabriel ran off to his room. Mapi looked at me. "I think a mini Mapi would be awesome."

"Really?"

"We need more of you in the world. Hopefully, wherever the sperm comes from, he fucks up less than you. Now go get ready you soft dork." I laughed 

"Fair enough." She nodded and walked to our bedroom. 

I sat with Felicia. "You are going to grow up in one crazy family." 

Little soft chapter for you. Have a good weekend.