Chapter 5 The Footballer

• The kids waited impatiently to meet Miguel. Syrus was bursting with energy. And finally, the door opened and in came The Miguel Endrizzi.
• They looked at him in awe. All five got up and introduced themselves and then introduced Syrus who was jumping on his feet.
• Miguel realised the kids were big fans and what he liked about them was that they did not show the pomp of being from the owner’s family.
• Then there was the cute kid. He smiled as the kid kicked the ball to him. He gently kicked it back and the boy stopped it and jumped in joy. Syrus was a gem.
• “So, I never met your parents. I mean, All I have met is the board of directors,” said Miguel.
• The oldest kid- Jules smiled.
• “We only have a brother and I think you have already met him when you ‘trespassed’ according to him into our property,” said Jules.
• Miguel froze. That man- he owned the team?
• “But he said he is Izabel’s son. I never realised she owned the team,” said Miguel.
• “He is, we all are her kids. But she gave birth to none of us. She was the best friend of brother’s mom and dad,” said Ezra.
• “I didn’t get that sentence after the she is your adopted mom part. Sorry I am a bit nosy,” said Miguel.
• “Well, we were all adopted by brother at various points,” said Sage.
• “I see,” said Miguel surprised.
• “Yeah, he is weird like that,” snorted Athen.
• Miguel didn’t know if he should bring up the gun but decided against it in the last moment.
• He indulged the kids in a small game.
• “We know you go all the way to the ground to practice when the team is not practicing,” said Juan.
• Miguel raised an eyebrow.
• “Ehem, we were wondering if you would like to practice in our private ground. It’s FIFA standard,” said Athen.
• “I will talk to Izabel about it and then decide,” said Miguel considering the genuine offer. It would give him more time to train and spare him the drive.
• “Okay,” said Sage.
• He bid the kids bye and looked at Syrus who pulled at his arms.
• “Yes, Master Syrus,” said Miguel.
• “You a’re nice,” the kid said beaming and then followed his uncles. Now that he thought about it, he did not ask about the kid’s parents.
• Alexander looked at all six of his boys who were looking at their feet. Syrus, just to be in solidarity with his uncles.
• “Anyway we have a ground,” said Juan, a pout on his face.
• “Fine, whatever. Make sure your friend doesn’t get on the other end of a gun,” said Alexander.
• “Okay,” said Jules.
• All looked ecstatic. Alexander rolled his eyes. What was so special about this guy? He has seen Spanish, Italian, African, Brazilian,English and German legends play when he was young. He can’t be better than them anyways.
• Miguel was hesitant at first as he jogged in. The gates were huge. He was surprised when he spotted them first, two kilometres into the road. Behind the giant doors stood a palace. The house had a minimum of 250 rooms, he was sure. However, the kids were waiting for him at the entrance. They had finger print entry through the door of the wing they were living in. Apparently, it was easier to reach the ground through the house. They all lived in the south wing and had extended family in the other wings. He saw armed guards everywhere.
• He saw the playground and was surprised. It was big, only it lacked the stands and other additions in the original stadium.
• “Wow,” said Miguel to the kids who were looking expectantly at him.
• “So, you guys must enjoy living in a huge house like this,” he asked Juan after he finished a game with the boys. They were not bad. Syrus cheered from the sidelines.
• “Not really. We would have loved living in a smaller house. We have many. This is just too big, even for the seven of us and it’s only a wing,” said Athen.
• They all stopped on their spots when they heard a car come to a halt outside. Miguel had Syrus holding onto his hand as the kid led him out of the pitch. So, he was surprised by the sudden halt.
• And then, the boys’ older brother, the owner of the club and above all, the stranger with the gun who did not recognise ‘him’ stepped out. Atleast ten men followed him. They seems to be his team and security staff. He looked so regal as he walked in. He came to a halt when he saw the seven of them. He raised his hand and with a wave of his hand, the team dispersed.
• Syrus let go of his hand and rushed to the man.
• “Don missed you,” said Syrus extending the lion to him for petting.
• “Did he?” he asked, placing a hand on Syrus’ lion as expected and the boy just beamed and rushed to Miguel.
• “Mig- this is- is –“ the child seemed to struggle.
• He felt all the boys freeze behind him.
• “This is our brother,” said Ezra as he took up Syrus who seemed really upset in that moment.
• Miguel extended his hand to the man. They shook their hands.
• “Alexander,” said the man.
• “Miguel as you already know,” said Miguel.
• Miguel bid bye to the kids and left. He definitely did not forget that the man’s hand was rough and coarse, yet warm. The man was a mystery. He did not know what the man did for a living.
• He did not know if Syrus is the man’s kid or if he was even married or in a relationship. He did not know why he was not involved with the team and he definitely wanted to know why he has more guards and security systems than the country’s Prime Minister, a nice old lady he has met.
• As days went by, Miguel found out that Syrus is also adopted into the family, that Syrus considered Alexander his father and the man considered Syrus his son, but refuses to acknowledge it. Probably waiting for a school enrollment if the stories of how he got the other kids was anything to go by. However, no matter what he learned, the one thing he did not know and wanted to know was the man’s profession. The kids become vague and elusive when asked about it. What on earth does the guy do?
• Miguel looked up and as usual when the man is home, he was there, near the window looking at the ground as the kids played. Then his eyes fell on Miguel. Miguel refused to give in and look away. He was stubborn like that.