Getting An International Break

Autumn was making the turn into a colder attitude as a future society contributor dressed in city blues kicked a can letting it fly in a nowhere direction only to end up parked quietly stopping between parallel painted white lines. As the skies were debating whether to be cloudy or sunny the excited maturing individual who just finished his legal schooling commitment walked down the path leading to the pub and grill. Since food was served inside the establishment, allowing dining room accessibility sending the message his youthful image was a poster board making people think before violent action.

Opening the door, he looked left observing the counter reserved for his elders while the right presented a wiser gentleman teacup in hand, simply sipping and pondering.

“Trafford,” the youngster exclaimed.

“Ardwick,” the one-time gunner who fought on the big one stage answered, “you are so grown up.”

“Next week, breaking for internationals, representing the country, you know,” Ardwick came over taking a seat. Smiling, “it is good to see you Ardwick before you deploy but we need to talk about your recent good fortune.”

Sitting back ready to hear the lesson about the obligated commitments that come with glory the kid eagerly conversed.

“Do you mean all the distractions that are offered? Trafford,”

“Yes, my boy playing mid-week matches during rest time for one thing, that is tempting,”

“Trafford,” Ardwick started to laugh, “is this why you took the sixth?” Then for a split-second the innocent bright eye player turned his attention when the server approached with tea.

“That one was good, Ardwick,” Trafford pointed at him, “oh stick with the tea instead of a pint, the enemy wants you disoriented.”

Adding sugar and cream Ardwick responded carefully holding the porcelain container, “I will remember that, but more matches mean more supporters will come to sell out the venue and after that more money for our team and better work environment results,”

“Now Ardwick how many goals do you have today?”

Ardwick confirmed showing peace using fingers, “to be Premiere champions and play in the World Cup.”

Trafford's aging ears listened intently, “I will give you the first one but the second seemed to be a little interesting how it happened,”

“Trafford, are you stating I snuck one goal by to validate we are winners before going separate ways for a time?” Ardwick defended himself, “we are still in the group stage for the World Cup, and this is to,”

Trafford quickly interrupted, “to do what?”

“Be the representation staging a goodwill athletic spectacle message during holiday time,”

“And not be strolling through the markets with someone you love? Ardwick?”

Chuckling Ardwick interpreted the path his competitive friend neighbor was taken, “you are a red devil Trafford, no I would be proud during festive time reminding people about how to accomplish things using a ball not a weapon.”

Giving a Father Christmas style joyous expression Trafford extended his hand, “boy you are all right.”

Ardwick graciously accepted the notation, “Ole Trafford we are a community first and we make each other stronger challenging each other on the field.”

Standing up the pair could hear the barkeep inquire to the staff, “did those footballers pay the check?” And the workers returned with an affirmative head nod.

When the door opened another pair entered one sporting a veteran character while the other blew bubbles from his plastic bottle. “Now that you are a part of the fab four when everyone travels for international duties, I want to let you know, never walk alone.”

Listening the new to the scene apprentice continued the soapy fetish thinking how he could leapfrog with the quarryman if he gets the three points from winning the early evening discussion. Seeing the blue and red colors leave the experienced professional consulting a newcomer wanted to deliver commentary and confronted both Ardwick as well as Trafford, “just let it be will you.”

Ignoring the opinion Ardwick and Trafford departed the meeting place oblivious to the fact nothing had changed outside, since the heavens were split in the decision to give warmth or cry, “good luck on the International break,” Trafford paused, “and in the future.”

“Thank you, sir,” Ardwick respectfully replied and the two went in opposite ways.