Rise of a Football God

"So, Kayla, right?"

"Yes, ma'am". Kayla responded respectfully.

Having did a bit of research online, she knew that African parents were very much like Asian parents and put a lot of emphasis on respect and etiquette. This was why she tried to be in her best behavior around her.

Mrs. Moses was experienced though. She may not have spent a lot of time around white women, but she knew women in general.

She could tell the effort this girl was putting into pleasing her and her husband, and she wasn't put off by it, rather, she was impressed and glad.

Putting this much effort meant either of 2 things, either Kayla was so hell-bent on chasing after her son's money that she would do everything to get it, or she really loved her son and yearned to have something to do with him.

Of course, she was not naïve. If Sam was not playing for Fulham and didn't have so much money, Kayla would have never approached.

She knew this but all she wanted to confirm was the love. So long Kayla truly loved her son, she didn't care too much about the fact that she was attracted by the money. And besides, her son was very good-looking.

'Who doesn't like good things?'

Mrs. Moses looked at her with a big smile on her face. "Tell me, how did you meet Sam for the first time?"

"He's a very awkward boy when it comes to women though he won't accept it, I want to know if he made the first move".

Kayla chuckled. "Well, since you already said it I'll have to agree, he really is awkward around girls".

Mrs. Moses laughed. "Tell me more".

"Can you believe in Japan, when we were together on a hot bath, he reacted so heatedly like he's never been that close to a girl before. Is he a loner?"

Mrs. Moses laughed loudly. "One reason why he's like that is me," she chuckled. "I never really wanted my son around women at a young age, and yeah, I achieved my goal".

Kayla laughed. "You sure did".

"So, what about your parents, can you tell me about them?"

Kayla hesitated slightly.

"It's fine, I won't judge, I just want to get to know you better".

In the end, Kayla spoke. "My dad is a lawyer while my mom owns a beauty cosmetics supermarket, it's one reason I became interested in being a model".

"My dad tells me she was a model once before getting married to him. I want to be like her, but more accomplished, I want to actually build a career as a model and she supports it".

"My mom is my biggest supporter".

Before they knew it, Kayla was already speaking with Sam's mom for over an hour already. When Sophia came from her room to peak at them, she was astonished. 'So mom can actually be this chill?'

'Damn! It's so unfair! Am I even her daughter?'

At some point, she stormed into the living room. "Mom, I want to eat".

Mrs. Moses glared at her. "You rude girl, how old are you? Can't you see we're talking…"

"It's fine," Kayla said, laughing. "Actually, ma'am, I've been studying Nigerian dishes for some time now and I thought of making food this afternoon".

"I'm not perfect but I do have a certificate as a chef, so I think I won't do a bad job at the very least".

Mrs. Moses stared at her. "Kayla, are you sure?"

"Yes ma'am," then she hesitated. "I think".

Mrs. Moses smiled. "Ok then. I'll stay with you; I'll guide you through it".

"Ah," she heaved a sigh of relief. "I'll really appreciate that ma'am".

Mrs. Moses waved a hand dismissively. "It's fine, you can stop calling me ma'am, it has this ring to it". She chuckled. "Just call me mom".

"Ok mom". Kayla smiled, adapting smoothly.

…n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Well, it was safe to say that the friendly game that Coach James organized had Sam's prints written all over it.

Most of the players that played in the pitch were once Sam's teammates, but now, all of them saw him as someone that they looked up to.

It was clear on the pitch that most of them avoided tackling him too strongly, but still, Sam's sheer talent and ability made him shine above every other player on this pitch as he dazzled.

Coach James' team won 7-2 with Sam scoring 4 goals and laying 2 assists.

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This was despite not even finishing the game as Coach James subbed him off at the 75th minute to loud cheers and applause.

"Damn, I feel great," Sam laughed as soon as he was subbed off. "It feels nice to play in this familiar field again, to simply enjoy football with no strings attached".

"It really feels nice".

Coach James grinned. "I'm glad you enjoyed it".

After the game, Sam rewarded all the players who participated in the game with 50,000 naira each. At just 18, it felt a bit preposterous for him to be doing all this but Sam just felt like doing it.

After that did he finally go home.

Returning home, they were shocked to learn that Kayla actually made food.

As soon as Sam returned, the first thing he did was confront his mom after leading her to her room. "Mom, did you force her to do it?"

"Me? Of course not, what do you take me for?" She glared at him. "Take your hands off me! She volunteered to cook; you can ask Sophia".

Hearing that, Sam heaved a big sigh of relief. He peeked at his mom. "So? Is she any good at making Nigerian dishes?"

Hearing that question, Mrs. Moses smirked. "Go test for yourself. Sam, good job," she patted him on the shoulder. "You secured yourself a chef".

'Huh?' Sam stared at his mom, confused.

Seeing the confused look on his face, she was exasperated, pushing his head. "Just go and eat you idiot".

While Sam left, his mom whispered towards him. "I approve".

Sam stared at her again, still confused.

Mrs. Moses shook her head. "Just leave, go".

Sam left and when he tasted the food, he was tempted to accuse his mom that she made the food and simply pinned the glory on Kayla.

He looked at her. "You really made this?"

"Of course".

"Wow, this is delicious!"

"Thank you".

That evening, Sam spent it memorably by strolling through the familiar streets of Abraka with Kayla, their hands intertwined together.

The next morning, Ian came to his home again fully dressed and that was when, together, hurdling the family up, Sam told them. "I have a big surprise for you guys, just follow me".

"We're going to the airport".

"Huh?" Mrs. Moses voiced out her surprise first. "Where to?"

"We're going to Abuja".