The call connected, and David heard his mother's warm voice through the line.
"Hello, sweetheart! How are you?" Tabitha asked, her tone brimming with love.
David smiled, even though she couldn't see it. "Hey, Mom. I'm good."
"How are you coping, my boy? How's everything going over there? And don't lie to me—what have you been eating? Don't tell me it's just takeout!"
David chuckled nervously, scratching the back of his head. "No, it's not just takeout," he replied awkwardly, avoiding elaboration.
Tabitha sighed but didn't press further. "Hmm. Well, how's home?" David asked, steering the conversation away from his questionable eating habits.
His mother hesitated for a moment. "It's been tough, sweetheart. You know, with COVID, the shop's been closed for a while. And being a nurse during all this hasn't been easy. I'm one of the ones who didn't stay in the office; I've been out there on the front lines."
David's heart ached at her words, but Tabitha's tone brightened as she added, "But thanks to my baby boy and the money you send back, we've been managing just fine. Thank you, love. You have no idea how much we appreciate you."
David's throat tightened, and he swallowed hard. "It's all fine, Mom. I wish I could do more for you and Dad."
Tabitha's voice softened. "You've done so much already, David. I love you so much, and your dad does too. You've made us so proud."
David's lips quirked into a small smile. "Thanks, Mom. I love you too. And that's why I'm calling, actually. Is Dad there?"
"Oh, hold on, let me call him," Tabitha replied. Then, raising her voice, she yelled, "Isaac! Where are you? Your son wants to talk to you!"
David burst into laughter at the sound of her shouting. "Mom, you don't have to yell like that," he said through his laughter.
After a moment, Isaac's voice came faintly through the receiver. "What, woman? See how you're shouting my God-given name!"
Tabitha's exasperated voice replied, "It's your son! He wants to talk to us."
Isaac grumbled something unintelligible, then said more clearly, "Ooh, David, my boy! How are you? How's the day treating you?"
David's heart swelled at the sound of his dad's voice. "I'm great, Dad. That's actually why I called. I've got some very big news to tell you, and I think you're going to be so excited."
"Really? What is it, boy?" Isaac asked, curiosity piqued.
David took a deep breath to steady himself before finally saying the words. "Manchester United wants to sign me."
There was a moment of stunned silence before Tabitha screamed, "Oh my baby! That's awesome! For real? Manchester United? Wow, that's huge, baby! How did that happen?"
David grinned, the excitement returning in full force. "Well, I guess they were impressed by my match against them. I got a call from Ole—the coach—and he said they want to sign me."
Tabitha continued gushing, her joy evident. "Oh my goodness, David, I'm so proud of you! Manchester United! That's a dream come true!"
David noticed that his dad hadn't said anything yet. "Hey, Dad, isn't that great? Manchester United is our favorite team, and now your son gets to play there! I'll make sure you get a season pass, okay?" he added with a laugh.
Isaac's voice finally came through, slower and more measured. "Yeah, that's great, son. But have you told Rooney about this yet?"
David blinked in surprise. "No, not yet. I'll tell him another time."
Tabitha quickly chimed in, "What, son? You need to tell him! He's the one who gave you your big break. It would be wrong not to."
David nodded, though they couldn't see him. "I'll tell him, Mom. I will."
Isaac's voice came again, his tone more serious now. "It's not even just that, though, son. Manchester United is a whole different ballpark. Are you sure about this?"
David's confidence didn't waver. "Dad, didn't you watch my match against them? I was the best player on the field. Plus, Ole said I'd be a starter. I'm good. I can do this."
Isaac hesitated before responding. "Yeah, but it's not just about that. It pains me to say this as a Man U fan, but the club's in a really bad place right now. I don't think it's the perfect environment for a young player like you to grow and thrive. While they're my team, you're my son. Your career comes first."
David shook his head, a grin creeping onto his face. "You're worried for nothing, Dad. I know how good I am. I can help the club get back to its glory days. Ole said so himself."
Isaac sounded unconvinced. "I'm just saying, think it through carefully, son."
Tabitha interjected before the conversation could turn into an argument. "It's fine, it's fine. We're happy for you, dear. Just remember to tell Rooney, okay? And we love you."
David sighed, a small smile playing on his lips. "I love you too, Mom. Thanks, Dad."
With that, the call ended. David set his phone down and leaned back in his chair, staring at the ceiling.
His dad's words echoed in his mind: "Manchester United is in a really bad place. I don't think it's the perfect environment for a young player like you."
David frowned, the thought lingering longer than he'd like. But then he shook his head, determination flaring in his chest. "Nah," he muttered to himself. "I can help the club. I know how good I am."
Reassured, he leaned forward, already thinking of the bright future ahead.