SCHOOL TEAM JOURNEY

Alonso felt his heartbeat slowly return to normal as the game continued. He tried to focus on playing, but he couldn't shake the feeling that Javi was still watching him from somewhere nearby.

 Valeria had spoken up for him, and that meant something—a lot. But it also meant Javi wouldn't forget this. Alonso knew trouble was never far behind, but he wasn't afraid of Javi. 

The only thing that made him act so calm to Javi was that he didn't want to disgrace him in public. 

The game went on for a while, but eventually, one by one, the kids began to drift away, either called by their parents or simply growing tired. 

Alonso wiped the sweat from his forehead and exhaled. He turned to look for Valeria, but she was already walking away with her friend, her long braid swaying as she disappeared into the crowd. 

He wanted to talk to her, even just to say thank you, but the moment had passed. Instead, he stood there for a moment, catching his breath, before he heard his mother's voice.

"Alonso! Lucia! Let's go. We need to stop by the market before heading home."

His sister was calling him to leave. Alonso brushed off his pants and ran over to them.

 His mother held Lucia's hand as they walked away from the church and made their way to the marketplace. Alonso said goodbye to the kids and left with his mum and sister.

The streets came alive with people bustling about, chatting and negotiating prices. Vendors set up stalls on both sides, offering everything from fresh vegetables to vibrant fabrics.

 The delicious smells of spices and roasted meat wafted through the air, making Alonso's stomach rumble. His mother, noticing his impatience, laughed lightly and said, "Don't worry, my love. We'll grab some lunch soon."

Lucia, always eager to be helpful, clutched their small shopping bag, looking around excitedly. "Mama, can we get some mangoes today?"

"We'll see how much money we have left after getting the essentials," their mother replied, scanning the stalls.

 Alonso knew that meant 'probably not,' but Lucia's hopeful face made him wish things were different. He made a silent promise to himself—one day, he'd buy her all the mangoes she wanted.

They moved from stall to stall, his mother expertly negotiating prices. She picked out tomatoes, onions, and some rice, ensuring every coin was spent wisely.

 Alonso watched her, admiring how she managed to make so little stretch so far. He wished he could help more, but right now, all he could do was carry the heavier bags.

As they weaved through the market, Alonso heard a familiar voice.

"Ah, Alonso!"

He turned to see Coach Herrera standing by a fruit stall, holding a small basket filled with oranges.

 Beside him was a woman Alonso recognized as the coach's wife, a kind-faced lady with warm brown eyes.

"Hola, Coach," Alonso greeted, straightening up instinctively.

Coach Herrera smiled. "You played well yesterday. Four goals, eh? The whole neighborhood is talking about it."

Alonso felt his cheeks heat up. "I just got lucky."

The coach chuckled. "Luck doesn't score four goals. Hard work does. And speaking of hard work, training starts tomorrow. I expect you there on time, ready to give it your all. Understood?"

Alonso nodded quickly. "Yes, Coach. I'll be there."

His mother smiled warmly. "Thank you, Señor Herrera, for giving him this opportunity."

The coach's wife placed a hand on her husband's arm. "Oh, he's a good boy. He just needs the right guidance."

Coach Herrera nodded. "Exactly. That's why training is important. 

Alonso, if you want to be great, you have to show up, work hard, and prove that you deserve to be on that field."

Alonso clenched his fists, determination burning in his chest. "I will, Coach."

Coach Herrera smiled approvingly. "Good. I'll see you tomorrow then."

As they finished their shopping, Alonso's thoughts drifted between excitement and nervousness.

 He was stepping into something bigger than before. This wasn't just playing in the neighborhood anymore—this was real training, with real expectations.

His mother and Lucia finished gathering the last of their groceries. As they walked home, Alonso's mind was racing. 

The training was starting tomorrow. This was his chance to show what he was capable of.

But deep down, he knew something else.

Javi wasn't done with him yet.

And tomorrow, on the field, he would have to prove himself all over again.

The walk home was quieter than usual. His mother hummed a soft tune as she carried the lighter groceries, while Alonso held the heavier bags. Lucia skipped along beside him, swinging the small shopping bag back and forth.

"Alonso, are you excited for training?" she asked, looking up at him with wide eyes.

Alonso hesitated for a second, then nodded. "Yeah. I am."

It wasn't a lie, but it wasn't the whole truth either. He was excited—this was what he had always wanted—but there was something else lingering in the back of his mind.

 The feeling of Javi's hand on his shoulder. The way he had stared at him like a warning.

His mother must have noticed something in his expression because she reached out and touched his arm. "Mijo, is everything alright?"

He forced a smile. "Yeah, Mama. I'm just thinking."

She gave him a knowing look but didn't push further. "Just remember, Alonso, no matter what happens, you have us. We believe in you."

Alonso felt a warmth spread in his chest at her words. "Gracias, Mama."

By the time they reached home, the sun was already beginning to set. His mother started preparing dinner, and Lucia helped as best as she could. 

Alonso sat on the small balcony outside their apartment, staring out at the streets below. Kids were still playing, laughter filling the air.

Tomorrow, he thought. Tomorrow everything changes.

That night, Alonso barely slept. Every time he closed his eyes, he imagined himself on the field, the ball at his feet, the coach watching. 

Then the image would shift, and he'd see Javi standing there instead, arms crossed, smirking.

When morning finally came, he was already awake before his mother's voice called him for breakfast. 

He dressed quickly, putting on his worn-out sneakers and the only athletic clothes he owned. They weren't fancy, but they would have to do.

"You ready, mi amor?" his mother asked as he stepped into the kitchen. 

She had made a simple breakfast—warm bread and a bit of cheese.

Alonso nodded. "Sí, Mama."

Lucia grinned. "You're gonna be the best, Alonso!"

He laughed, ruffling her hair. "That's the plan."

His mother handed him a small water bottle and kissed his forehead. "Go. And remember, work hard."

Alonso stepped outside, taking a deep breath of the crisp morning air. The streets were still waking up, but his heart was already racing.

Today was the day.

As he walked towards the field, a shadow moved in the corner of his vision.

He turned his head—

And there, leaning against the wall, arms crossed, was Javi.

Waiting.