by Felice Arena
‘Obviously!’ Specky said. ‘Well, good on ya! And, Gob, I almost forgot. I heard you blitzed them in the commentary box today. That’s awesome that your voice held up.’
A big smile came across Gobba’s face. ‘It was an honour to call you, mate. I can’t wait for the day when I’m commentating and you’re playing an AFL game. My voice didn’t just hold up,’ he added, reaching behind his back and pulling a trophy from underneath his jumper. ‘It won me this! I won, Speck! I won!’
‘Unreal! Nice one, mate!’ Specky said, as he took a closer look at the silver-plated cork propped on an engraved base. ‘I knew you would! Actually, I’ve got some news as well.’
Specky told his friends about his All-Australian selection.
‘No way! That’s awesome!’
‘Yep, I made it. I’m off to Ireland.’
Everyone started whooping and yelling all at once, jumping on each other until they all fell to the ground.
‘Um, this is so gross!’ said Alice, appearing at the front door. ‘Once you boys have finished your love-fest, Mum says that my brother has to come and eat something.’
Specky said goodbye to his friends and turned to go back inside. As he closed the door, his mobile vibrated. He pulled it out of his pocket and read the new text message:
You were amazing today! I’m so proud of u. TG xox
PS What were u going to ask me?
Specky sighed. A wave of emotion washed over him as he quickly texted back:
Will u go out with me sometime?
Within seconds another message from Tiger Girl came flying back.
I thought you’d never ask! YES! XXX
DING! DONG!
More visitors? thought Specky, turning back to open the front door.
Specky couldn’t believe who was standing there. It was Christina. And behind her he could see her parents in their car, waiting on the street.
‘Hi, Speck,’ she said, smiling. ‘Surprise!’
‘Wha … what … What are you doing here? In Melbourne?’ Specky stuttered.
‘We were here for the Grand Final. Dad worked on the telecast. You were fantastic!’
‘Um, thanks – you should have told me you’d be in town. Are you here for long?’
‘Not really, but I convinced my dad to stop by ’cause I wanted to tell you some news. We’re moving back to Melbourne, Speck! Well, not until Christmas. I know it feels as if we just moved to Sydney, but my dad’s been offered a better job back here. And, well, to be honest … I’m really happy I’ll be back with my old friends again.’
Specky didn’t know what to think or say. He stared at Christina blankly.
‘Are you okay?’ she asked.
‘Um, yeah,’ said Specky. ‘It’s been a long day …’
‘I know – you must be exhausted. I better get going then. I just wanted to say hi. I can’t wait to catch up with you sometime,’ she added. ‘By the way, as we pulled up we saw this guy drop a parcel here.’
Specky looked down to see a package by his feet. Opening it, he found a box full of Hangar McPhearson books. The note placed on top read: All first editions and signed by the authors. Congrats, champ! Brad Dobson.
Specky had to admit, it was a pretty good gift.
‘Wow. Is that the entire series? Who sent you those?’ asked Christina.
‘Just some guy who doesn’t get it. Or me.’
‘Well, I’ve got to go,’ said Christina, leaning in and giving Specky a kiss on the cheek. ‘It’s good to see you again, Speck.’
‘Yeah, good to see you, too.’
Specky stepped back inside, his stomach now in his throat. He had barely closed the door, when he was startled by a loud knock. It must be Christina again, he thought. What can I say? What if she wants to talk about our relationship?
Specky opened the door, but it wasn’t Christina. It was the bald man …
23. worldwide
‘Simon, my name is George Vernon,’ said the man, reaching out to shake Specky’s hand. ‘I know we have bumped into each other on occasion and you noticed me at your training session at the Punt Road pitch. I’m sorry I wasn’t able to stop and explain myself.’
Specky stood there, eyeing him suspiciously. He was immaculately dressed and spoke with a strong English accent.
‘Pitch?’ said Specky. ‘You mean oval? Are you a sports agent? Because I think it’s best if you call my parents or talk to my coach. I’ve already had one guy talk to me about representation and we’re not really interested.’
‘I’m not a local sports agent, but I guess you could say I’m in the same sort of field,’ said the man. ‘I’m a worldwide talent scout, and I would certainly like to make a time to talk to your parents.’
‘Worldwide?’ said Specky. ‘For what?’
‘Why, for football, of course,’ he answered.
‘There are no worldwide talent scouts for Aussie Rules.’
‘Oh, again, I apologise. I mean soccer. I’m a worldwide talent scout for soccer.’
‘Soccer?’ repeated Specky. ‘What’s that got to do with me?’
‘Well, the team I represent have talent identifiers all over the world, covering every sport imaginable. You have been on our radar for some eighteen months. Your brilliant athletic ability and your truly spectacular catching talent have convinced us that you’re one of six young lads that we are prepared to offer a trial contract to. If you do well, you’d have a shot at becoming a professional footballer with the most famous club in the world.’
Specky was totally confused.
‘Um, Mr …’
‘Vernon.’
‘Yeah, Mr Vernon, what exactly are you saying?’ asked Specky.
‘What I’m saying, young Simon, is that the Manchester United Football Club would like you to come over to the UK and trial with our academy squad as a “soccer” goalie. I’m convinced you have what it takes to make it all the way.’
Specky’s jaw dropped. Not in a million years had he seen this coming.
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ISBN: 978-1-74-228668-6
