A new beginning

The morning light spilled through the curtains, casting soft rays on the nearly empty room. David zipped up his duffel bag, the weight of the day pressing on his shoulders. What had once been a lively space adorned with football posters and gear now felt barren. On the desk, a folded envelope caught his eye. He reached for it, hesitated, and then left it where it was.

"David, are you ready? Wayne's outside!" his mom called from the living room.

He took one last glance around, his chest tightening. This was it. Slinging the bag over his shoulder, he headed downstairs.

Outside, the black SUV parked in their driveway gleamed in the sunlight. Wayne Rooney leaned casually against the driver's door, scrolling through his phone. The sight of a football legend in their quiet neighborhood still felt surreal. Across the street, kids gathered in clusters, pointing and whispering.

"You finally coming, superstar?" Wayne teased, flashing a grin as David and his mom approached.

David rolled his eyes, but the corners of his lips tugged upward. "Just making sure I don't forget anything."

As Wayne opened the trunk to load David's bags, the front door creaked open. David's dad stepped out, holding the envelope from David's desk.

"You forgot this," he called, walking over. He handed it to David, his voice gruff with emotion. "Read it when you're alone, yeah?"

David nodded, gripping the envelope tightly. "Thanks, Dad."

His dad clapped him on the shoulder, his touch firm yet trembling. "You're going to be great, kid. Just remember—you're a Jones. We don't give up."

David swallowed the lump in his throat and climbed into the car. As they pulled away, he watched his dad standing in the driveway, his hand raised in a silent farewell.

Inside the car, David sat in the passenger seat while Wayne took the wheel and his mom settled in the back.

"You didn't bring your i8?" David asked, remembering the beast of a car he'd seen Wayne in before.

"It's a two-seater. Not exactly ideal for today," Wayne replied with a smirk.

David's mom leaned forward, her eyes sharp as they fixed on Wayne. "What's the schedule like for him once we get there? I want to make sure he's not overworked."

Wayne chuckled. "Mrs. Jones, this is football, not a holiday. He's going to be working hard—training, studying tactics, traveling for matches. But I'll make sure he's taken care of. We have a good team at Derby."

David sank deeper into his seat, the weight of Wayne's words settling over him. This wasn't just a new team—it was a new life.

"So, David," Wayne started, "ever been to Derby before?"

"No," David admitted, watching the scenery blur past. "Not much reason to, I guess."

"Well, get ready. It's got heart," Wayne said. "And Pride Park Stadium—wait until you see it. That place is going to feel like home soon enough."

By the time they arrived in Derby, the afternoon sun was beginning to dip, casting long shadows across the city. David stared out the window, taking in the unfamiliar streets, the bustling crowds, and the imposing sight of Pride Park Stadium in the distance.

"Wow," he breathed, unable to hide his awe.

"Not bad, huh?" Wayne said, glancing at him. "Get used to it, kid. You'll be spending more time there than anywhere else."

The car pulled up to a modest apartment complex near the stadium. David's mom frowned slightly as she stepped out, scanning the building. "It's a bit... basic," she said, trying to hide her disappointment.

"It's perfect," David said quickly.

Inside, the apartment was small but clean. The living room had a couch, a TV, and a small table. The bedroom was barely big enough for the bed and a dresser, but David didn't care. It was his space, his starting point.

His mom immediately began unpacking, fussing over the arrangement of his clothes and toiletries. "Do you have enough towels? What about groceries? You'll need snacks for late nights."

"Mom," David said, laughing. "It's fine. I'll figure it out."

She paused, holding a small picture frame she'd brought from home—a photo of their family at his last birthday. "I just want you to have everything you need," she said quietly.

David hugged her, feeling the lump in his throat return. "I'll be okay, Mom. I promise."

Wayne cleared his throat from the doorway. "We need to discuss the contract."

David and his mom stood straighter; their nerves mixed with anticipation. This was the moment. his hands steady but his heart racing. He wasn't just stepping into a new chapter—he was leaping into a new world.