AT CHURCH

Alonso woke up to his mother's gentle voice calling his name. The room was still dim, the soft light of dawn creeping through the old curtains. 

He rubbed his eyes and stretched, his body still sore from the previous day's training. But the exhaustion didn't bother him—he was used to it. It was the price of chasing his dream.

"Wake up, mijo," his mother said, brushing a hand over his curls. "It's Sunday. Time to get ready for church."

Church.

For a moment, he had almost forgotten. His stomach flipped, but not from hunger this time. Today, he would see Valeria. He quickly sat up, wiping the sleep from his face.

His mother smiled. "Come, let's get you dressed."

She had already laid out his clothes—a neatly pressed white shirt and his best pair of trousers.

 They weren't new, but his mother had washed and ironed them so carefully that they looked almost brand new. She knelt in front of him, buttoning his shirt one by one with delicate fingers.

"You look so handsome, mi amor," she said, cupping his face. "Just like your papa."

Alonso grinned, his chest puffing up slightly. "Mama?"

She kissed his forehead. "Really. Now, go put on your shoes while I get Lucia."

Lucia was in the kitchen preparing some breakfast so they could eat before they went to church.

 She was nicely dressed in a white dress. S he looked just like her mother. ''Mama !, the breakfast is ready. Alonso and his mom rushed to the table to have a taste of what Lucia had prepared.

 They sat down and Lucia served them. After serving them, she sat down and her mom said the prayers. They started having their breakfast and her mom praised her for such a good meal.

 Alonso on the other hand said, ''This is not nice Lucia, you're such a bad cook''. Lucia got pissed when he said that but then Alonso said, ''Yo yo, I'm kidding''. 

Alonso hurried to slip into his shoes, his excitement growing. The thought of Valeria waiting for him at church made his heart beat a little faster. He barely noticed his mother fixing his hair until she stepped back with a satisfied nod.

When they stepped outside, the morning air was crisp, and the streets were quieter than usual. The walk to church wasn't far, but Alonso felt as if every step carried him closer to something important.

By the time they reached the entrance, he could already see other children gathering outside. Some of them had always ignored him before, but today was different. 

Today, they looked at him with curious eyes.

"That's Alonso!" one boy whispered to another. "He scored four goals yesterday!"

Another boy, a little older, gave him a nod. "Hey, Alonso! Are you gonna be a footballer?"

Alonso blinked. He wasn't used to this kind of attention. 

Usually, kids only noticed him when they needed someone to pass the ball to in pickup games. But now, they were looking at him like he was someone important.

"I—uh—yeah," he said, scratching the back of his head. "I want to be."

The group of kids mumbled excitedly, and before he knew it, he was surrounded. 

They asked him questions about his training, about his goals, and about which team he wanted to play for. It felt strange, but it also felt… good. Like he mattered.

And then, in the middle of the crowd, he saw her.

Valeria.

She stood near the church steps, her long dark hair neatly braided, wearing a light blue dress.

 She was talking to a friend but glanced his way, her lips curving into a soft smile. Alonso felt his face heat up.

Before he could move, a hand clapped on his shoulder.

Javi.

Alonso turned.

Javi was a few years older, taller, and stronger. He was always hanging around the neighborhood with his friends, acting like he owned the place. 

And he had made it very clear before—Valeria wasn't someone Alonso should be talking to.

"You think you're a big shot now?" Javi said, his voice low but firm. "Just 'cause you scored some goals?"

Alonso swallowed hard. The excitement from earlier was quickly fading. He glanced at Valeria, but she was looking away now, pretending not to notice.

"I—I didn't say that," Alonso muttered.

Javi smirked, but there was something in his eyes that made Alonso uneasy. "Good. 'Cause you need to remember where you stand."

Alonso wanted to say something back, but his mother's voice called out. "Alonso, come inside."

He hesitated, then nodded quickly, slipping away from Javi's grasp. 

As he stepped into the church, he exhaled slowly.

Trouble was never far behind.

The inside of the church was warm, the scent of old wood and burning candles filling the air. Alonso followed his mother and Lucia down the aisle, settling into one of the wooden benches. 

The priest was already standing at the altar, preparing for the service.

As the mass began, Alonso tried to focus, but his mind wandered.

 He glanced around, spotting Valeria sitting with her family a few rows ahead. She hadn't looked at him since they entered, but somehow, he knew she was aware of him.

His fingers tapped restlessly against his lap. He could still feel the weight of Javi's hand on his shoulder, and hear the warning in his voice. 

Why did Javi care so much? Why couldn't Alonso just talk to Valeria like a normal friend?

Lost in thought, he barely noticed when the congregation stood for prayer.

 His mother nudged him gently, and he quickly rose to his feet, bowing his head as the priest spoke.

After the service, the children rushed outside to play while the adults lingered, chatting amongst themselves. Alonso stepped out into the bright sunlight, hoping to avoid Javi, but he was immediately surrounded again.

"Alonso! Play with us!" a younger boy pleaded, bouncing on his heels.

"Yeah, show us how you scored those goals!" another chimed in.

Alonso hesitated. He wanted to play—he always wanted to play—but he could feel Javi's gaze from somewhere nearby. He glanced around, spotting him leaning against the church wall, arms crossed, watching.

Still, Alonso couldn't just stand there. He gave the boys a small nod, and they cheered, dragging him to an open space near the churchyard. Someone had brought a ball, and before he knew it, they were playing.

The game was quick and lively, filled with laughter and playful shouts. Alonso weaved through the other kids easily, his movements light and sure.

 With a quick flick, he sent the ball sailing past a makeshift goal, earning cheers from the others.

But then, a shadow loomed over him.

Javi.

"You think you're some kind of star, huh?"

The game stopped. The other kids fell silent, their eyes glimpsing between Alonso and Javi.

Alonso straightened his shoulders. "I just like playing."

Javi stepped closer. "Well, maybe you should learn when to stop."

Alonso's heart pounded. He could feel the weight of everyone's stares. But before he could say anything, a voice cut through the anxiety.

"Javi, leave him alone."

Valeria.

She had stepped forward, arms crossed, her face firm. Alonso wasn't sure if he felt relieved or even more nervous. Javi's eyes flicked to her, his jaw tightening.

A long moment passed.

Then, with a scoff, Javi stepped back. "Whatever. Just remember, kid—don't get too full of yourself."

He turned and walked off, his friends following him. The anxiety slowly lifted, and the game continued, but Alonso knew one thing for sure.