Revons Plus Grand

Chapter 14:

Play It Out

Later, after another training session, the two loanees to Paris Saint-Germain, Alex Hunter and Danny Williams, decided to flag down Georgette Lemare, who was cleaning up the Camp des Loges. Actually, she was wrapping it up on a busy Wednesday afternoon for the club. Friday, the team was due to face Bordeaux away and the two girls would be catering to the women's team instead. "Jose, is it okay if me, Goncalo and myself have a chat with you?" asked Alex.

"Sure thing. Sada, take care of the place, we'll be back," said Georgette to her partner, exchanging a fist bump with her.

"Come back soon," Sadako replied, waving them off.

The three lads and the lass walked down the forest, the skies a bit cloudy but otherwise cool in mid-winter. "It's strange, really," Jose said as they walked. "I'm 18, so in a way I'm one of your peers, along with Sada."

"It's like we're chatting with a sister that dotes on us," Danny said with a laugh.

"I'm slightly older than all of you guys and I see Jose as a little sister to me too, so there's that," Gonca said in perfect English with a Lisbon accent.

"Indeed, Gonny. But Alex, please tell Jose how your were loaned off after tearing it up early under the other Jose, the male one."

"I guess I'll tell that story," said Alex. "So I am an attacking player whose natural position is CAM. Central Attacking Midfielder, or Attacking Mid. I can also play striker. I recall that on a preseason tour in the summer in America, I scored two goals on Real Madrid and Cristiano Ronaldo and three goals on Borussia Dortmund and Marco Reus. I had my Premier League debut against Liverpool, our rivals as you know, and scored six goals. Then I was loaned to Newcastle, which is Danny's club."

"It was a chance meeting, I must admit!" exclaimed Danny. "I wondered why he had to be on loan and supposedly was being pushed aside for Harry. He wasn't as on form as my mates were. It was a big upgrade and with him with us, we never lost a single match. Then I get the news that he was recalled back. And then, late last month, a deal got arranged for both of us to earn some international experience playing for PSG. And that's how we got here. Thereabouts."

"I hear all the time about Zlatan Ibrahimovic and David Beckham and how they used to play for Paris Saint-Germain," said Jose. "Do you remember what Zlatan told you as you got set to head down here, Alex?"

"Zlatan was so happy that I got loaned to his old club. He told me this, and I quote, 'You are in for a treat, Alex. At Paris Saint-Germain, I won every domestic league trophy out there and left the club a winner. I scored goals. I created chances. I was a destroyer, a creator, a provider and a finisher. You have a long way to go before you can reach the heights that I had during my time, but if you just play your game, listen to the manager and win, everyone in France will talk about you and the big clubs there will even try to make a bid. So enjoy Paris and win for Paris because they dream big and win big.' That's what he told me, and I believe it."

"Jose, we are renting a room in a flat in this commune to get to the Camp and also to head to any team hotels from the facility," said Danny. "Julian and Goncalo were kind enough to show us the ropes and show us the style of play and culture here and we've had to adapt quite quickly because the pace on this team is very fast."

"You're doing your job, mon frere," Jose told Gonca, who nodded. "Integrated quite nicely. Both of you, you should know that Goncalo here is a player contracted to the club, unlike your two on loan. Meaning, he'll stay here after you guys return to Brit-er, England, and your respective United sides."

"We know," Alex said.

"But if your production and form carries over, Alex, the local and national press here are going to label you as Zlatan's successor. They don't realize you're on loan and a lot of dealings with your manager has to happen before they can even think about that, right?"

"We know," Alex and Danny said, exchanging a fist bump with some chuckles.

"The rest of the country will be relieved to see you two return across the channel because you may be running up the score on everyone opponent during your period. If you get really good, the owner here, Mr. Nasser, is going to buy your contract, and you're going to not only stay with us but speak French like you come from Cameroon, the champions of Africa."

"You serious?" Alex said, shocked somewhat.

"They will treat you like a king as long as you maintain and build on your form. In this sports, the best players in the world leave legacies for this who follow."

"My granddad played for Man United and I am following in his footsteps by helping them win this season. Of course, experiencing playing in the UEFA Champions League after showing the gaffer what I can do is even better. He won a European championship during his time and I want to do the same."

"This guy's humble and has expectations," said Goncalo. "I like your style, Alex. Not afraid, and you play like you've been here before. Only 17, too."

"But I need to tell you this," said Jose, "and that is that you need to keep yourself in line and not let your ego overpower you. Noble footballers don't put themselves above the game. No man or woman is above the sport or profession they are a part of because the profession, the sport, transcends all of humanity and is enjoyed the world over."

"That's true..."

"Remember, Alex, you are representing your family, your coaches, your players, and the city you represent, as well as yourself, and you will lead the way if you work hard enough. Those colors, red and blue, rouge et bleu, are the center of the history of Paris, a city that is millenia old and its motte is fluctitat nec mergitur. Tossed, but not sunk. It is a resilient metropolis that continues to endure through hardship, wars, bloodshed and yet remains beautiful and power as ever. It never gave up being who it was and it stands today as a testament, under the two simple colors of red and blue."

"Danny, where is Newcastle on the table again?" asked Goncalo.

He smiled as he pulled out a tablet. "Right here," he said, showing the English Football League Championship Standings. "Got it done against Derby County, who Leicester are facing in the FA Cup. Leicester, who might be heading to the drop zone..."

"Wow, but you're only one point ahead of Brighton so far."

"Rafael says that by the time I return from loan, we should remain top two and our position doesn't change. Five points clear of Reading and the playoffs is a fair deal. Soon, I will playing in the same division as our mate here, right?" said Danny, giving Alex a pat on the back.

"Well, we're here to visualize what we can do playing against European teams and seeing the possibility, and this time, it's a competitive type of thing now. Not friendlies," said Alex. "If you get on the market, you might even join me, but that's only if you're good enough."

"As long as you handle the press after each game and keep your focus of improving and learning ways to improve your form, you'll be fine here," said Jose. "All me and Sada can do is prepare the quarters, cook your meals and prepare the change rooms at Le Parc. After that, it's all up to you."

"The food here is amazing, even for us," said Danny. "I thought it was going to be calorie heavy but I realized that it's wholesome, no-nonsense stuff. And the salads are better than what we have in England. France sometimes does that to you, right, Gonny?"

"It's definitely different than what you are used to," the Portuguese forward said. "But it's only because we have really cute girls doing the cooking."

"Gonca! Sada and I are as old as you, stop being outrageous and making us look like grade schoolers," Jose said. "Really, if I have to put every one of you in line I can do it because I did that to my siblings over in Barenton, where I live."

"Barenton? Where's that?" Danny asked.

"It's a small town near Caen, in Normandy. Sort of like Clapham, thereabouts." In the distance, a mother watches two boys and two girls of grade school age chase each other in the distance.

"Also, I am not sure you know this, but on social media," said Danny, "Alex has over 500,000 followers."

"Across all platforms?" Gonca asked.

"Yes, Gonny, across all platforms."

"Not bad for a lad."

"Just a few years your senior, I reckon," said Alex.

"Can't argue."

Jose noticed a look of disappointment in his eyes, though. "Something must be bothering you."

"What...what do you mean?" he asked.

"Gonca, Danny, you two chat for a bit, me and the Prince need to talk."

"Ah, he's calling you a prince now," Danny said. Goncalo looked at him with an unimpressed look on his face. "Sorry." And the two of them talked. "So, Gonny, tell me about your time at Benfica."

"Absolutely my friend," he said. "So, as the story goes..."

Georgette and Alex were walking, hand in hand through the forest. "How do you know about the situation regarding my father, who I have never met in a long time and have yet to reconcile with?" Alex asked, a stunned look on his face.

"My mother, when she was younger, met your grandfather while he was visiting Caen. This is according to my mom. So, he said to my mom, 'I want to have a grandson that will carry on my legacy. If he is able to play for Man United and maybe win the FA Cup, I will die happy. I also foreshadow that my son might not be able to get along with my grandson, although I wish that I could be wrong.' That what I was told from my mother. She liked the visiting English teams that came to play on dirt pitches and give clinics to young boys and girls."

"What a story, I must say."

"Well, I also learned that I can see what bothers people, especially if they happen to be the age range of my peers."

"I never forgave my father for not realizing how good I can be," said Alex, looking upward to the sky. "I sometimes hated him and cursed his name because he failed as a father for not supporting me. But at the same time, I wanted to be confident enough to forgive him and put our differences aside."

"Alex..."

"That's what I continue to be a student of the game, to continue to improve as a player, as an attacking mid. I need to imagine myself as someone that can provide, create, destroy and produce. To be a complete player like Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and even Zlatan, that is my wish. But to also show humility and assertive humility when playing for those I hold dear is just as important, if not more."

"Oh Alex..."

He grabbed her hands. "There is something about you that energizes me. You do so much for the team and it's selfless and honest. Mom always told me that I need to think about having a partner in my life and my ideal partner looks, talks, thinks and feels like you."

"I wish I could accept your offer to be that partner in your life, Alex, but...Sada is my partner and we are together."

"You...you are?"

"I am a Lesbian, but more so..." An angelic sigh came out of Georgette's lips as she grew Persian cat ears and a tail. "I am a Witch."

"Wow, just like in that...?"

"But I want you to keep this a secret from everyone, even Danny because I sense that he is a loudmouth, maybe a loose cannon and is going to spread all sorts of stuff. You need to keep him in line when both of you are here."

"Of course, Jose."

The ears and tail disappeared. "But trust me when I say this: you will meet someone who you will love as a partner, one that will depend on you. You need to take care of her, like I am taking care of you at at the Camp."

Alex pulled out an old soccer ball. "This is the old soccer ball that was handed down from my granddad. It's been a lucky charm for the mates over at both Uniteds I played for. They have never lost ever since I placed it in the change rooms."

Georgette touched it. "I can sense a magical power in this ball."

"Really? Real actual magic?"

"You may think about having your mates on the team rub this for good luck but don't depend on this alone. Your knowledge of the game is what will make you successful and your team successful."

"Jose..."

Georgette took Alex's hands and sprouted her ears and tail again, energize. "Listen. I need you, Danny, Goncalo, Julian and Giovani to lead a youth revival at this club and help them regain their form. They have struggled this year against their rivals and lost too many games away from home domestically. The collective morale of this city, my city, Sadako's city, depends on you carrying this team on your shoulders. And I want you do this for me. Do it as if your have a woman in your life that wants you to fight for her, do it for her, win it for her."

Alex smiled. "You give me energy and hope when you are with me. Maybe that's why you are a witch."

"Not just any witch," said Georgette, a finger to her lipstick-laced lips. One eye closed. "A Brave Witch," she whispered with a giggle. "If you are in trouble, just think of me and I'll make sure nothing happens. I serve the men and women for PSG, but I will protect them too if I must. You may be a Red Devil, but we will always have Paris. Got it, my dear Alexander Hunter?"

"Absolutely, and I love you and I'll dedicate my career to you and Sadako." He gave Georgette a hug as he shedded a few tears, a man who wore his emotions on his sleeve. "Thank you for being on our side."

"No one does it better, Alex. Don't forget that."

"I won't." They both smile at each other as a flock of doves flew in the distance.

"Hey, both of you," said Danny, "what have you mates been on about?"

"Danny, Jose here is counting on us to get to work. What do you say, eh?"

"But of course," he replied, the two boys sharing a fist bump. "Together, we will make our club PSGreat Again!"

"Don't start with that," the others deadpanned, not pleased. Danny could only laugh in embarrassment. Loose cannon, indeed.

END CHAPTER 14