American Girl, Brazilian World

Chapter 6

*November*
Two exciting things are coming up in my life right now.  My soccer season starts at the end of the month, and Neymar has recovered for the most part. Recently, the news announced that he'll be playing next season! I honestly can't be happier.
I've gotten to hang out with Alexis more lately. We've been catching up with each other lives and I'm so thankful that our friendship has picked up right where it left off. Fortunately, conditioning ended and our first practice is tomorrow. We've gotten past the hardest part in preparation for the season. What I find amusing is that despite everything that I have going on in my life right now, my interests in Neymar and being a fan of his hasn't died down at all.
I've been watching clips of his games, constantly checking his instagram, keeping up to track on recent news that involves him, etc. Just to keep up with what is going on in his life right now. I am totally behaving like a stalker, but in all honesty, I just want to know what he's like. I want to learn from him through soccer. 
I drive home from my parents' house, hoping to finally get some free time to myself.

I park my car, and then walk into my house.

As I walk through the door, I enter my living room.

I greet my dog, Nutmeg.

Then my other dog, Annie.

Nutmeg's name was inspired by the fact that she was born the same day I did my 50th nutmeg as a professional soccer player. Which wasn't that long ago.  It may not seem like that big of a deal, but it was for me as a brand new player on the FCBWST.   I started playing on this team only a year ago! Basically, I like to connect soccer with other things I love in life, like my pets for example.
As I am about to watch my show, I get a text.  It was from my sister, Taylor. 
Huh, I haven't heard from her in a while.
Her text was quite a long message..

Taylor
Hey Mackenzie!  How's it going?  I heard on the internet that the FCBWST is starting up again soon!  So excited!  Btw, just for the season I'm going to be in Barcelona so I can see you and your games. I'm not sure if Mom and Dad are coming, but I will be there for sure. I also have a surprise for you once I get there. 😏 lol.  Well, see you soon..

Wow... This is exciting! It's been so long since someone has come to watch me, this is great.  I wonder what the surprise is..

• • •

First day of practice.  I'm actually quite ecstatic, I can't wait to get on the field.  I put on my outfit, and then drive over to the soccer stadium. Fortunately, it's not too far from my house.

I jog over to my team and greet everyone. The team appeared to be pleased to be reunited again.  It has been forever since we've been together.  After I talk with everyone, I get my soccer ball out of my bag and begin to juggle.

After a couple of minutes of juggling, I hear someone scream, "MACKENZIE!!" in excitement. 
Who the heck is that? 
I turn around and my jaw drops to the ground.  I watch as my sister beams and waves at me. To her side, I see there's a tall man holding her hand.
Since when has she had a boyfriend?!
The mystery man then turns around, revealing his identity. I gasp in shock when I realize who it is - Marc Bartra, current soccer player on the FCBMST...