561 Michael’s Farewell (1/2)

Twain stood on his doorstep after being away for ten days. It was drizzling, but he did not open an umbrella, not because he pretended to look cool, but because he did not have an umbrella — Who would take an umbrella along when one went to Brazil?

He had spent ten days in Brazil and only just returned.

Ten days flew by. Good times always felt short. He and Shania had a pleasant holiday in Brazil, during which they met Shania's parents again. Shania's mother was happy and satisfied with her daughter's current achievements. Even though she still treated her as a child, she was no longer as strict with discipline as she was before. Shania's father was still mostly quiet but would chat with Twain in private to thank him for taking care of Shania and asked him to continue to do so — As her parents, they knew that Shania had moved out of her aunt's house in Newcastle and into Twain's place.

However, they did not raise any objections.

When Twain went to meet them, he felt a little uneasy, for fear that they would suspect that he had behaved inappropriately towards their daughter. From the looks of it, he did not know if Brazilians were open-minded about life, or whether they were very reassured by Twain...

Later when the two of them sunbathed by the sea, Twain jokingly asked Shania, ”do I look so harmless to everyone?”

Shania smiled innocently. ”Because my dad and mom know that Uncle Tony is a good man.”

Twain felt frustrated. But soon he was relieved.

Brazil's scenery was beautiful, and its people were even more beautiful. His eyes were busy wandering around. The beach was full of Brazilian beauties in bikinis. He believed Shania's parents were so reassured that it had to have been because Brazilians were open-minded in nature.

Other than hanging out with Shania in Brazil for the last ten days, Twain also took the time to get to know the talented players in Brazilian football, and he found a genius — Pato. Unfortunately, when he tried to get in touch with Pato's agent, the other party had told him that Pato had been booked by several big European powerhouse clubs. Although Nottingham Forest had just won the UEFA Champions League, it was not easy for them to be involved.

Furthermore, the agent also told Twain that among the several big clubs, AC Milan's pursuit of Pato was the strongest, and Pato himself also wanted to play in Milan.

Twain could only helplessly watch his Champions League final opponent regained one goal in the transfer market.

Twain took care of this matter regarding Pato behind Shania's back. He previously promised Shania that he absolutely would not look for players when they came to Brazil. However, he was not able to hold back when he got here, so he had to hide it from Shania and took action in secret.

Since no results had been achieved, Twain stopped thinking about this and just spend time with Shania in peace.

※※※

Ten days had passed in a blink of an eye. Shania stayed in Brazil to spend time with her parents, while Twain returned to England to prepare various plans for the new season.

The house next door was shut tight. Dunn was not in England either, as he was visiting his parents in China.

Twain found that Dunn's love for that home came from his heart. If it were not for his particular job, he would go home every day in a heartbeat. How could Dunn be back early when it was not easy for him to have a vacation once a year?

The players also relaxed and went on holidays in various well-known holiday locations. Twain was the only one who came back early on his own. As a manager, he had to take on as many responsibilities as the praise and glory he had received in front of people. He could not rest when the others could.

Once he put the luggage back in the house, Twain took out an umbrella. He was going to head to Burns' pub to pick up the kitten which was placed in care there.

He did not like the small animal, but Shania loved it to death, so he could only do as she wished.

※※※

Burns was chatting with the customers in the pub. He had just opened for business, and there were not many people.

The glass door was pushed open and Twain stood at the door to close the umbrella.

”Hi, Tony, how's Brazil?” Burns saw him and lifted his hand to greet him. His voice also made the other customers in the pub looked over at the entrance.

”The weather was much better than here.” Twain shook off the beads of water on his umbrella.

”Who asked you about the weather? I mean, did the beautiful women there dazzle your eyes?” As soon as Burns spoke, the group of people in the pub to laugh.

Twain smiled, too. ”You've got kids and you're still thinking about the gorgeous babes, Kenny?”

”I'm concerned for your love life.” Not to be outdone, Burns said, ”You're almost forty. Don't keep turning to hookers to take care of your physical needs.”

The two men's bickering filled the pub with joyous laughter.

Twain went straight to the bar and waved to Burns. ”It will come naturally when it's time. Give me a whiskey on the rocks.”

When Burns went to pour the liquor, Twain turned around to the drunks who had just laughed at him and retorted, ”I think you all have lots of free time on your hands.”

One of the drunks stood up with a grin. ”You're right, Tony. The league tournament has not started yet and we are feeling really antsy. Other than drinking, I can't think of anything else to interest me.”

Twain nodded, as he quite agreed with this remark. He had been a fan before and knew how hard it was every summer, when the European League was over and there was no World Cup.

”But you can watch Copa América...or AFC Asian Cup?”

Everyone cracked up, ”Stop kidding, Tony! The last season was so damn wonderful, and now I'm not interested in any other game other than to wait for the Forest team to start its new season!”

”Ah, how does it feel like to be the champion?” Twain asked happily.

”It feels so damn great!” Someone mimicked Twain's emphasized words in an interview after the game.

Burns smiled at the back and watched them mess around. He put the glass in Twain's hand, along with an envelope.

”Michael sent this to you,” He said.

When he heard him, Twain stopped messing with the drunks, and turned around to open the envelope.

It was a short letter.

In the letter, Michael Bernard thanked Twain for realizing his dream of twenty-seven years, leaving him without any regrets.

”I was thankful that I had decided to go to Greece to watch the game and I put it into action, even if I had gotten into trouble with my wife for it. Because I saw the game and the scene I most wanted to see, my son and my beloved team became the European champion. Was there anything more perfect than this?

My twenty-seven years of unfulfilled wishes have been fulfilled, and I have nothing more to ask for… I'm no longer that easily excitable and hot-blooded young man. Tony, I know you still have a long way to go, and no manager will quit after only four years. But this is the end of my story, which is perfect. The beginning and the end were perfect, and of course, with some twists and turns in the middle… But what story is not winding?

I love my wife very much. Perhaps you do not believe me when I say this because I have made her sad again and again, but I speak from the heart. After the loss of my son and fulfillment of my last wish in football, Fiona is now my only concern. The next goal of my life is to give her a good life and make her happy.

Forgive me for not being able to drink and watch the games with you guys again. I hope you understand, Tony.

There are some things in life that are more important than football.

Finally, I wish you and the Forest team good luck, and I will continue to watch out for you guys. John and Bill are crazier hardcore fans than I am. Don't let them down.

Your dearest friend, Michael Bernard

June 1, 2007.”

Twain folded the letter and put it back into the envelope. He took a sip of his drink, and then asked, ”did you read the letter, Kenny?”

Burns shook his head. ”It's addressed to you, Tony.”