No, but seriously.
Any and all baby name suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Enjoy the update!
August 2023
Tatiana's POV:
The first few knockout matches were done.
So far Sweden knocked out Portugal, Canada knocked out Costa Rica, Denmark surprisingly knocked out the Netherlands, and Chile beat England in extra time.
Next was Brazil against the last remaining host, Australia, Italy against the United States, and Norway against Germany.
Spain had to face off against France.
Leila recovered after passing out when she found out we're having twins. She said she passed out cause she had a lot of emotions over the past few days and that was another exciting moment.
Her happiness shifted to concern when she realized I'd be growing two babies.
She did have a little bruise on her face from when she hit the floor. But she's fine. She'll be playing.
Her excuse is she got too excited when I shared some news on an upcoming project of mine.
Not a complete lie.
Leila's POV:
Today was our game against France. The first game of the day saw Brazil knock out Australia. Tomorrow would be Italy against the US and Germany against Norway.
That's tomorrow.
Let's focus on now.
I stood in the tunnel and waited. Carmen would be out for a while with an ankle injury. I'd be taking her place.
After scoring that winner, the pressure was on.
We walked out and stood tall for our anthems. Then it was game time.
Tatiana's POV:
It was late in the 1st half. Still 0-0.
Then France took the lead. "Damn it." I sighed.
"It's fine. They'll get it."
The first half ended that way. Spain came out stronger in the second. Patri scoring the tying goal early. Then Spain got a free-kick. Mapi walked over and wanted it.
When she took it, the stadium went silent. But when the ball hit the back of the net, everyone erupted.
"GOAL!! Scoring for Spain in the 50th minute. #16 María León!"
France pushed on and looked for the tying goal.
Then the queen of everything had a say.
"GOAL!! Scoring for Spain in the 78th minute. #11 Alexia Putellas!"
Leila's POV:
We got back to the hotel where we were greeted by family. I saw Tatiana and ran to her.
"Where's the queen." She smirked.
"Over there." I laughed. We walked to Alexia.
"Queen of everything." Tatiana said. "Making it look easy."
"You're lucky I'm in a good mood, Spider-Woman."
Tatiana laughed. "You know it's all love, Alexia. But if you guys end up playing Brazil, you know where my loyalty is."
"Of course."
The next day, Norway knocked out Germany in extra time. We'd play them next.
Then we all sat around and watched Italy against the United States. The winner plays Brazil.
It was tied at 1 at the end of the 90 minutes. So it went to extra time. The US scored and thought it was over, but in the second half of extra time, Italy scored.
It went to penalties. We all sat and watched each kick.
"Save!" Jenni jumped up. "Italy can win it here."
We waited.
"Goal! Italy knock out the defending World Champions on penalties! They will face Brazil in the quarterfinals!"
The tournament flew by. Before we knew it, it was the semifinals. Brazil against Canada.
Us against Denmark.
As we were in practice, we waited patiently for news on the game. I knew Tatiana was watching it closely, hoping for Brazil to win.
I was hoping they'd lose. If they win and we beat Denmark tomorrow, we'll have to face off in the final.
Tatiana and I will be enemies.
Tatiana's POV:
"Dad, are you watching this?" I had him on Facetime.
"Yeah what are they doing?"
"I have no idea." I said. He sighed.
"How's Leila doing?"
"She's good. Excited for the next game. Worried they'll have to play Brazil."
"And you? If they play Brazil?"
"I root for Brazil." I said. "I love Leila and Spain has become my home, but I am Brazilian."
"That's my girl." He said. "Just think, a few more weeks till your wedding. You and Leila will be married. You can start your lives together."
"Our lives together have already started, dad." I laughed.
"I mean as wives, Tati. Start planning for the future. Where you'll live, when Leila retires, when you retire, if you'll have kids," He said.
"If you want to have a kid, I'm all for it. I love watching you with my niece, it'd be nice to have our own."
"Our own little family."
"How many you'll have if you do have them."
"At least two kids. Right? Or just one is fine."
I laughed. "Two sounds good. I never had siblings. You did. Your opinion on them?"
"They suck." I laughed. "But I wouldn't trade them."
"Two kids it is then."
"That kind of stuff."
"Remember our conversation about kids?"
"No. Tatiana, are you going to tell me what I think you're going to tell me?"
"I'm pregnant." I whispered.
"Things you'll decide together." He said.
I smiled and put my hand on my stomach. There was a small bump beginning to form. "We talked about kids." I said. "One day."
"Good. I'll happily watch my grandkids while you two travel around being incredibly successful women."
"Good to know, dad. Good to know."
Leila's POV:
"Brazil won." Jenni walked over to me.
"Final score?"
"4-3. Penalties." She said. "So now,"
"If we win we play Brazil." I looked down. "Great. Weeks before my wedding to a BRAZILIAN girl, in front of her BRAZILIAN family."
"Relax. I'm upset about this too but at the end of the day, we have a job. Our job is to play this game and play to win. No matter who the opponent is. I didn't want to play Brazil, I love Tatiana. And I can't wait for your wedding, it's gonna be fun. Let's just play Denmark first."
I nodded. "Denmark first. Panic after."
"That's not what I sa-"
"Thanks Jenni!" I patted her back and ran away.
I laid on my bed the night before the game and looked at the picture from the recent ultrasound.
Our babies.
"I can't wait to meet you both." I whispered. "You mean the world to me already. You two mean more to me than this game ever will. And I haven't even held you in my arms yet."