IN BETWEEN TWO LIVES; THE BARON'S HEIR

CHAPTER TEN

After sending those comforting messages to Michael, Victor quickly made a few clicks on his phone to browse for new practice gear online.

He was determined to upgrade his attire to avoid any further ridicule in the locker room.

Satisfied with his selections, he placed an order and then headed back to the locker room.

When he returned, most of his teammates were in the process of kitting up.

Some had already changed into their jerseys, and a few were beginning to stretch and warm up.

As Victor entered, he couldn't help but sense an air of anticipation mixed with lingering laughter from the earlier teasing.

He knew he had to hold his head high and focus on preparing for practice.

However, just as he was about to start changing into his practice gear, Rodriguez, who had made fun of Victor, couldn't resist another opportunity for mockery.

With a mockingly dramatic tone, Rodriguez said, "Oh, here comes the vintage man, he's back already."

Sections of the locker room burst into laughter, and some players joined in on the jesting.

It was clear that Rodriguez was trying to get a rise out of Victor once again.

Despite the laughter and teasing, Victor decided not to react. He knew that he had ordered new gear and that it would arrive soon. Until then, he would stay focused on the field and his game.

However, just as the teasing reached its peak, the locker room fell silent as the coach made his entrance.

The coach was dressed in a track suit and trainers, ready to lead the team in practice.

He glanced around the room until his eyes fixed on Victor, who was still in his corporate attire instead of his soccer kit.

The coach's expression immediately turned stern, and he strode over to Victor.

"Victor, why are you not in your practice gear yet?" the coach asked, his voice firm with a hint of irritation.

As the coach's stern gaze fell upon Victor, Rodriguez, never one to miss an opportunity for mockery, decided to offer his perspective to the coach.

With a smirk, Rodriguez chimed in, "Coach, I think Victor was just too ashamed to show us the old jerseys he's been bringing to practice. He's got a whole collection of vintage fashion in that backpack of his."

His comment sent the locker room into a torrent of laughter. Players were unable to contain their amusement, and some even slapped their thighs in mirth. It seemed that Rodriguez had struck a chord with his jest.

Seizing the moment, Rodriguez grabbed Victor's backpack and unzipped it, revealing a collection of old-looking, faded jerseys and worn-out boots.

The sight of Victor's well-worn gear only intensified the laughter, and the locker room erupted into uproarious amusement.

Victor, though determined not to react to the teasing, felt a surge of indignation.

He knew that he had ordered new gear and that the situation was being twisted to make him the butt of the joke.

Amidst the laughter and the spectacle of Victor's outdated soccer attire, the coach couldn't help but chuckle at the scene.

He had seen his fair share of banter among teammates over the years, but this was a particularly entertaining twist.

The coach finally spoke up, still wearing a bemused expression, "Rodriguez, did you get into a fight with Victor or something? What's with all this teasing today?"

The laughter slowly subsided, and the players awaited the coach's response, curious to see how he would handle the situation.

Rodriguez quickly responded to the coach, "Coach, it's not about a fight or anything. It's just that Victor's jerseys are always so faded, and we thought it was time he got some new gear."

The coach, understanding the situation, decided to step in and defend Victor. He addressed the entire team, saying, "Listen, everyone, we come from different backgrounds, and not all of us have the same resources. Victor comes from a more modest family, and that's no reason to mock him. Let's show some respect for our fellow teammates."

Just then, the locker room door swung open, and in walked Michael, Victor's friend. Michael was dressed in a clean long-sleeved jersey, shorts, socks, and slippers, ready for practice.

He immediately noticed the tense atmosphere and Victor's uncomfortable expression.

Moving over to Victor, he asked, "What's the matter, Victor? You look like you've had a rough time in here."

Victor sighed and replied, "It's just Rodriguez. He's been getting on my nerves."

As they were talking, Victor's phone began to ring. He took it out, and some of his teammates were surprised to see him holding an iPhone 14 Pro Max. They had assumed he couldn't afford such a phone.

"Hello, this is the A****n delivery services calling, are you master Victor Mel Santos Clara?" The voice on the phone began.

"Yes…yes I am Victor Mel Santos Clara."

"Okay that is good. I believe you ordered for a full Molvian football club kit?"

"Yes sir."

"Okay. According to the location you gave us, you are at the Marquez Piso college soccer stadium?"

"Exactly sir."

"That is good. Anyway it should please to not that the delivery service is just outside the stadium gate, please do well to come and get your package."

Victor widened his eyes and was excited.

With that, Victor hurried outside the stadium, eager to upgrade his practice gear and leave behind the teasing and mockery of the locker room.