Matchday morning, Callejo woke up significantly early. He's been jumping around all morning.
"What's with all the noise man? Mike yawns.
"Dude, I'm in the matchday squad for today" Callejo says excitingly
"Good luck then and let me get some sleep." Mike covers himself with the blanket.
Callejo arrives at the field, on the entrance he sees an old man selling snacks, tissue and can drinks on an old bike. As Callejo walks towards the entry, the old man voices out softly, "Could you help out, young man, a drink or two would do". Callejo pulls out his bag and searches for money, he realizes he forgot to bring his wallet as he was too excited on his way out from the dorm. As he closes the zip of his bag, he found 20 pounds on the side pockets.
"Here, this is all I have, I'll take drinks worth 20 pounds" Callejo as he hands the old man the 20 pounds note.
"You're too kind, young man. First time seeing you today, which team you play for?" The old man asks curiously as he packs the drinks for Callejo.
"Yea, I play for the team here, the one with the yellow kit." Callejo answers.
"Really? Berkhamsted? Not anyone gets in here. They're getting promoted to a league side next season. You must be very good, they haven't added anyone in the squad for years." The old man says as he hands over the bag of drinks to Callejo. "I'll be watching, young man" The old man winks.
Callejo smiles to the old man and nodded, he carries the bag of drinks and walks towards his team.
"Here you are, Callejo". Mr Font welcomes Callejo with a handshake. "You'll be starting today, up front, don't let me down". Mr Font hands Callejo the number 9 jersey.
"I will do my best! By the way, here are some drinks for the team." Callejo puts the drinks on the floor and puts on his jersey.
Another great performance was displayed by Callejo as he scored 4 goals. He was just way too fast for the opposing defenders and his shots were way to strong for the keeper. The spectators and Mr Font were greatly impressed as they clapped their hands for Callejo during the final whistle.
Mr Font throws a bottle of water to Callejo. "Callejo! THAT WAS SPECTACULAR! How about you come for a charity match next week at Wembley. Big players will be there, you might not have the chance to play, but maybe you can feel the atmosphere there, at that level. Maybe, one day, you'll get there."
"Yes, I'll surely be there. Thank you for this chance." Callejo says with joy.
As Callejo walks out the pitch, he came across the old man again. The old man claps his hands and and waves Callejo over. "Wow, young man, that was amazing, you're a talented young man, I'm sure in a few years, I'll be seeing you on TV".
Callejo thanks the old man but suddenly something came across his mind as Callejo's happy expression started faded.
"What's wrong young man, not confident that you'll make it?" The old man asks.
"No, that's not it." Callejo sits on a stool next to the old man's bike and starts to explain. "You see, my parents never liked me playing football, they sent me here for college, they want me to take over their bussiness. If they ever find out I've been playing football here, I'll be dead."
The old man taps Callejo's back. "Everyone's life has their own problems, no one's path is perfect and smooth, but the most important, stick to what u love, and never give up."
"But...."
"Don't let go young man, don't leave any regrets." The old man cuts in Callejo's words. "See, I once played football too when I was at your age. I wasn't as good as you, but football was all I wanted to do, but I gave up. I thought I'll have a better future if I study and get a job, but I was wrong. Quitting football was my biggest regret." The old man's eyes turned red and tears started dropping slowly.
Callejo gave the old man a packet of tissue. The old man's words inspired Callejo. He wants to prove to his parents that he has a future in playing football.
The old man takes a sachet that was hanging on the handles of his bike and hands it to Callejo. "10 years I have been selling here, I've never seen anyone as talented as you, I want to give this to you young man, it might help you in the future."
"What's this?" Callejo asks as he opens the sachet as sees a shiny blue stone.
"I don't know, but you'll find out." The old man smiles at Callejo as he sat on his bike and waves goodbye.
Callejo stares at the stone as he returns to his dorm. In the room, he sees Mike doing his research, he then thought of something. "Mike, you studied stones with your granddad right?" He asks.
"Yea, Can I help you?" Mike turns around and looks at Callejo.
"Look at this stone, can u tell where it's from, and what it does?" Callejo puts the stone on Mike's table.
Mike takes a few looks at it with a magnifying glass an then answers. "It looks like a very old, but doesn't seem very special or rare. Where'd you get it?"
"An old man gave it to me, he says it might help me in the future." Callejo answers.
"You believe that?" Mike started laughing. "How exactly is it going to help you"
"I don't know, the old man didn't tell me."
"Alright man, tell me when the stone convinces your parents to allow you to play football or if it gets you in the national team" Mike laughs harder and harder.