Epilogue

Cattleya Cardona

Three Years Later

Life has been going a mile a minute lately, and I'm starting to think that's just part of being an adult. My first season with the Great Bears was a big adjustment, playing not only the local tournament but also an international competition after being out of the pitch for over a year was a very strenuous and very taxing season. Even though we didn't win any of the championships, the fans were very supportive and told us we would get it the next year. And we did. Not only the local championship but also the Europa league. For a moment, I felt panic when we were celebrating, all the memories from Buenos Aires flooded my brain and I froze. Fortunately this time around, no one tried to harm me or my team.

This year has been a complete rollercoaster, both tournaments pausing since the Women's World Cup took place in the summer, which brings me to this moment: the Ballon d'Or Féminin award ceremony—I'm nominated for two awards. I'm in my hotel room in Paris, getting glammed up by my beauty squad—Sofi, Karina, Dani, and Isabella. Tonight I'm wearing a Dani Garcia original, of course. It's a floor-length maroon gown with a jewel pattern all over and a scalloped neck. The dress is a corset top with a flowy skirt. Isa is taking care of my hair and makeup, while the boys are taking care of the kiddos in the suite next door.

"So Cata, I hate that I've grown to be the mom I always complained about when I was younger. But has Mati given you any hints about an engagement? Wedding? Kids? Anything?" I laugh at Karina's question, and everyone joins me.

"Ugh, yes. My mom asks us every single time they come visit. The truth is, we love each other but life has been busy. You know? Mati was practically on hiatus while I recovered. He put his life on hold for me." I swallow, trying to keep the tears at bay. What my man has done for me all these years is something out of a movie. He nurtured me back to life. "And then we moved here, and it was a huge adjustment for the both of us. That first year took a toll on us not only physically, but also mentally. Adapting to a new culture is never easy. Thank God we had each other." I smile big at the memory of our first Christmas in Madrid. My parents spent Christmas with Sofi, Franco, and baby Aurora in La Plata; Francos' family couldn't make it to Madrid, and they wanted all grandparents together for Aurora's first Christmas. I wish I could have been there, but my schedule didn't allow it. To be honest, I'm still scared of the thought of setting foot in Buenos Aires.

Mati's parents missed their flight and arrived a day late, on December 26th. So, it was just the two of us trying to create the best version of a Colombian-Argentinian Christmas in Madrid.

"And now I don't think I've been home more than a couple of days at a time, between the Bears' crazy schedule and then the Women Soccer World Cup, I feel like I barely see him anymore. For the first time in my life, I'm scared shitless that Mati is tired of waiting for me." Tears start falling.

"Nooooo, please don't cry. You're going to ruin your makeup, and we have to leave in ten minutes." Isa rushes with a tissue and starts wiping my face gently.

"Ay, Cata. Your guys' life has been far from easy. I've known Mati for many years now and that man loves you. He worships the ground you walk on. Just talk to him, I don't think leaving you is ever a possibility," Dani says, and all the women surrounding me nod in agreement.

Sofi holds my hand, and I look at her, giving her a crooked smile. "I know Colombia didn't win the World Cup, but we were so damn close. I've won the local league, the Europe league, and I've worn my country's colors. I'm thinking about retiring this season." The gasp that echoes through the room is exactly why I haven't told anyone.

"Cata, you're in your prime! How can you say you're going to retire at twenty-six? You still have lots to do. On and off the pitch," Sofi tells me in that stern voice she uses when she's wearing her big sister hat .

"I know, you're right. But maybe it's time for me to do something for Mati for a change." I shrug and close my eyes, not wanting to see these women's reactions to my words.

"If you think Mati is going to accept that, then you don't know your man," Sofi says, and I release a breath as I nod my head.

"I know, I just don't want to lose him." More tears pool in my eyes, but Isa is right next to me, wiping them before they even fall.

"Do you think you can take a couple of days off after tonight? You guys just need to spend some time together, that's all," Karina says with a gentleness that I've only heard her have with her kids. I'm so thankful to have all these women lifting me up.

"Babe, you need to take a few breaths and calm down. Yes, Mati put you first when everything went down in Buenos Aires, and then during your recovery in Colombia. As strong and badass as you are, you wouldn't be here if you hadn't had that man loving you and helping you every step of the way. Then you guys moved to Madrid and it was an adjustment, yes, but as you started to flourish, so did he. His company is doing great, and your man is a master of delegating. He knows what's important in life. You. So don't panic." There it is, my best friend giving me a dose of my own medicine.

Isa and I have had many conversations like this in the past, but they were never about me. They were always about her and her man.

"Yeah, you got me there." I take a deep, cleansing breath. Squaring my shoulders—just like I do on the pitch—I rise from the chair I was sitting on. "Let's go win that Ballon d'Or Féminin ."

My entourage lets out a loud " Vamos " while clapping and getting on their feet. After making sure all the kiddos are tucked in bed, we leave the hotel in a couple of vans my dad arranged for us. Mati will be sitting next to me during the ceremony, but I was able to bring all our friends and our parents, and secure seats for them in the upper area of the theater.

The ceremony goes as expected, with all the A-list male players winning the most coveted awards, and I'm in awe of breathing the same air as all of them. Some, I even grew up watching on TV, and now they come to where I'm sitting because they want a picture with me. How is this real life? The moment for the women's awards arrives and everyone goes back to their seats. I'm holding Mati's hand like it's a lifeline; I know being here is recognition enough, but the competitive side of me wants to win it all.

"No matter what happens next, mi ángel, you're already the champion of my heart." I burst out laughing but immediately try to cover it with a cough; leave it to my man to help me relieve the stress with a bad joke. He squeezes my hand as if saying "you're welcome," when the host starts speaking.

"Here are the nominees for best goal in the Women's World Cup."

One by one, the video clips for the five goals nominated are shown on the screen, and I feel all eyes on me as my goal is played. Not because I scored that goal, but because it's a piece of art. I'm in the penalty area, facing opposite to the goal, waiting for my teammates to arrive with the ball. There are already five defenders from the other team in place, making it extremely difficult for my teammate to pass the ball to me. So, I signal for her to let it roll, and then I start running in the opposite direction. After two strides, I do a 180, catching the ball easily. With a swift kick, I send it airborne and hit it with my head straight into the net.

The camera guy is impossibly close as I watch the reel, and I can't help the wide smile that forms on my face. Mati claps as loud and hard as humanly possible, and my smile grows even wider. Always my biggest cheerleader.

"And the winner for the best goal is..." The guy pauses, and I can feel my heart threatening to leave my chest. "Cattleya Cardona with the Colombia national soccer team."

The theater erupts in applause, but I'm in shock. I look at Mati, and his eyes are shining with unshed tears but he has a huge grin on his face.

"Go, mi ángel . You won," Mati says as he helps me stand up. I walk to the stage on wobbly feet, but I make it without falling.

Once I receive the trophy, I clear my throat. When the applause dies down a bit, I speak. "I'd like to thank everyone who voted for me. This goal is the reward for many, many days of training and failing, days when I thought therapy wouldn't be able to help me get in shape and play at the level I was used to. When I thought my career was over." I pause, and the audience claps some more. "But with the help of my family, the love and care of my boyfriend, and all the people who stood beside me, I made it; this goal is my sweet reward. This award is simply the cherry on top. I want to dedicate this to my country and all the people who never stop fighting for their dreams. Also, big shoutout in heaven to my friend, Stefa Mendoza. Look at me, girl. Achieving our dreams." I pause as my voice breaks and after taking a deep breath, I'm able to say, "Thank you."

Everyone claps as I make my way backstage to get pictures taken. When I'm finally able to return to my seat, Mati has a huge grin on his face.

"You made it just in time, they're about to present the Ballon d'Or Féminin ." Oh fuck, here we go again. I should have had a drink or two before this ceremony, my heart is racing so fast. I think I'm going to pass out. But it's not like I have a real chance, this award is usually given to people who have won the World Cup. Right? I search my mind's archives, trying to remember who has won in previous years.

Suddenly, I notice everyone standing. Mati is crying, and I'm in a stupor; I fucking missed what the host said. Two of my Bears' teammates who were also nominated tonight come running my way, and I'm thinking one of them won.

I'm about to offer my congratulations when one of them starts yelling, "You did it, Cata. Fuck, yes! Congratulations."

I look at Mati in disbelief, and he simply nods at me; he's at a loss for words, and so am I. After kissing Mati and hugging my teammates, I make my way to the stage again. Everyone is standing, and I simply look at them in awe.

"Wow, what a night. It'll definitely going down as one of the most memorable nights of my life, the first one being the night I met my boyfriend. Matías, I wouldn't be here without you. I love you so much."

Everyone claps, and I take the opportunity to take a deep breath and admire the trophy. It's the most beautiful golden piece I've ever seen. I caress it like it is a precious little thing, and smile at it, making everyone laugh. "I don't want to take too long since my brain isn't functioning very well at the moment, and I don't want to embarrass myself, but I'd like to thank all of the teammates, coaches, staff, and management team that I've had since I started playing professionally seven years ago. My journey has brought me here, and you all have had a special place in that journey. Thank you so much to everyone who voted for me, this is an honor I don't feel worthy of, but it's enough of a motivator for me to continue to give it my all in the upcoming season. This is for all the little girls watching at home: believe in yourself and work hard. You can be standing here next. Thank you."

I get another standing ovation, and I gasp. I can't wait to go home to watch the replay because right now, it doesn't feel real. I lift the trophy as I walk backstage, and this time I can hear the whistling from the upper area. I bet it's the boys. Can't wait to hug everyone. After more pictures and a short interview, I join Mati again. I'm not sure how many more awards are left before the ceremony is over, but I know we're getting close to the end. When I sit down, I want to kiss Mati, but he gets on one knee so fast I don't get a chance.

"Cattleya Milena, the night I met you is also my favorite night of my life. You gave me a reason to man up and fulfill my destiny and be a successful man. I'm the lucky guy who gets to spend his days with you. Watching you come back from the ashes has been nothing short of extraordinary, and nothing would make me happier than to call you my wife while continuing to cheer you on as you take on the world. Mi ángel , this is only the beginning of your rise to the Olympus of Soccer. Would you marry me?"

I can't believe Matti is proposing. Fuck, I didn't think this night could get any better, but here we are.

"Oh bae, and here I was scared that you were getting tired of me and were going to leave me." Mati's face transforms with panic, and he's frozen in place as he removes the orchid he has on the lapel of his jacket. "Oh no, I didn't mean to scare you. Of course I'll marry you. I love you, always." He releases a breath with a chuckle, and then he goes back to getting the orchid from his lapel when I notice it's made out of felt. I thought it was a real orchid, but then he opens it and takes out a beautiful black gold ring with an enormous emerald in the middle. The design is exquisite and I love that it's not a traditional engagement ring; it's so us. Sliding it on my finger, Mati leans in for a kiss, and I grab his face with both hands, ready to devour the man who has given me his everything over the years. I cannot wait to be entangled with him in yet another way.