The games had officially kicked off, and the United Blues were on fire. They had already won their first two matches, making a bold statement in the tournament.
Emma had always been a fan of football, and luckily so were her parents. The living room had suddenly become their little stadium; snacks on the table, her dad analyzing every move, her mom cheering loudly whenever the Blues scored, and Emma sitting there with her heart secretly beating only for one player.
This was Jayden's second game of the tournament, and he was unstoppable. The United Blues faced Spain and crushed them with a stunning 7–2 victory. It was a scoreline that left commentators buzzing.
Jayden was everywhere on the pitch, quick on the ball, sharp with his finishes. He scored three goals himself, a hat trick, and assisted two more. His name was trending all over social media before the final whistle even blew.
Emma's dad whistled in admiration.
"Now that's a striker. This boy is something else," he said, not knowing just how close those words struck Emma.
Her mom laughed, "If he keeps playing like this, the Blues might just bring home the trophy."
They still had two more group games to go before the knockout stages. If the United Blues kept this form, they were almost guaranteed a spot in the semi-finals.
On the screen, Jayden's wide grin lit up as he hugged his teammates. He looked happy and proud, like he belonged exactly where he was. And Emma, watching from miles away, couldn't help but smile too.
If there was anything Emma had realized over the last few weeks, it was that communication with Jayden had started to feel like something she had to beg for. If it wasn't the time zone excuse, then it was practice.
And then there was Jenny, posting photos of brunches and late-night outings. Emma had no proof Jayden was there, so she forced herself not to spiral, but the thought lingered anyway.
It was a rest day. So no matches were scheduled. At 5 a.m., Emma, ever the early riser, decided to call him. The phone rang for what felt like forever before he finally picked.
"Emmaaa," Jayden's voice came through, loud, like he was trying to cover how drained he sounded.
"Hey, Jay," she replied softly.
"How are you doing?" he asked, but she only sighed.
"You want an honest response?" she asked. Silence followed.
"Are we good?" she pressed again.
"Yes, we are," he said quickly.
"It doesn't seem like it," she countered. "You've ignored my calls more than you've picked them. And I get it, you've got practice, but there's a difference between having time and making time. If you truly value what we have, you'd make time."
"I try. I really do," Jayden said, his voice almost pleading. "See? I picked your call now, even though I'm literally on the pitch. Coach is pushing us harder than ever."
Emma went quiet, not wanting to sound insensitive.
"I miss you, hun," he added, softer this time. "I think about you most of the day. The other time, I got caught zoning out during practice because you were on my mind."
That brought the tiniest smile to her lips.
"I can't wait till you're done with the tournament," she said honestly.
"Wait Emma, why don't you come watch me play the last game before the semifinals?" he cut in suddenly.
"What?" Her eyes widened.
"I'm serious. I'll send my plane for you. You'll fly to Spain. Everything will be taken care of."
"Jay..." Emma dragged his name, shocked. "I'd have to talk to my parents first."
"I'm sure they'll agree?" he said.
"I'm supposed to be studying for finals," she scoffed lightly.
"It's just a day," Jayden pushed. "How much studying would you really miss?"
"Jay..." she started, but another voice cut in faintly on his end. A woman's voice.
"One second," Jayden said quickly, his tone shifting as he spoke to whoever it was. Then back to Emma: "Tell your parents and let me know."
"Who was that?" Emma demanded.
"Bye," Jayden said abruptly, ending the call before she could push further.
Emma stared at her phone screen, her chest tight. He had ignored her question.
It was the next day after Jayden invited Emma for the game, and she was still debating whether or not to ask her parents.
"Just ask them," Mandy urged.
"They might say no. Let's just... come up with something," Emma said, pacing her room.
"Girl..." Mandy folded her arms. "You're talking about flying to another continent. There's no way you're making your parents think you're at mine. And what if they see you on TV during the game?"
"I can't rush losing this opportunity," Emma groaned, pressing a pillow over her face.
"I know," Mandy sighed. "You just have to hope for the best."
"Gawddd," Emma screamed into the pillow.
Emma, Mandy, and both sets of their parents sat around the living room watching the live match. Jayden's team was on the pitch again, and this was the game before the one Emma had been invited to attend.
The match ended with the United Blues scoring two goals against Lisbon Strikers, who managed only one. Jayden didn't score this time, but he assisted both goals. As the players celebrated and the commentators filled the screen with excited chatter, Emma and Mandy locked eyes.
Mandy nudged her hard. Emma shook her head furiously.
"Mr. and Mrs. Hayes," Mandy said suddenly, sitting up straighter, "Emma has something to tell you."
Emma's head snapped toward her, silently cursing.
Her parents turned, muting the TV.
"Spit it out, Emma," Mandy whispered with a pointed look.
Emma's stomach flipped. "Okay, I know my finals are approaching..."
"If it's about a party, the answer's no," her dad cut in quickly. "Your eighteenth is coming up the same month as your SAT, and we already agreed you can't throw one. That's enough. No more distractions."
"Just listen, Dad," Emma begged.
"It's not a party," Mandy added, backing her up.
Emma swallowed, her palms sweaty. "I... I want to go to Spain."
Both her mom and Mandy's mom burst out laughing. But when Emma didn't crack a smile, their laughter died down.
"You're going where?" her dad asked, frowning.
"Dad, it's just for the weekend," Emma rushed out.
"What for?"
Emma took a deep breath, her fingers twisting in her lap. "Okay... you know the football pitch they built here in town few months back?"
Her parents nodded.
"Well," she continued, "Jayden's football team decided to give one person from the community a chance to travel and see the games live. And... I was lucky enough to be picked."
Her mom raised her brows. "Picked? Out of everyone?"
Mandy nodded quickly. "Yes. They said it was random, but it's official. It's just for the weekend, and everything would be taken care of. Travel, accommodation, everything. She'd be able to watch the last group match in Spain, then come right back."
Her dad's expression shifted, caught between suspicion and pride. "So... you're saying you've been given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity?"
"Yes," Emma said, her voice soft but firm. "And I don't want to miss it."
"If she doesn't go, someone else would sit in her place" Mandy said with a convincing nod