Chapter 58: The Dream
David sat quietly in his seat on the team bus, gazing out of the window as the familiar sights of the city passed by a city he and his dad had visited long ago when he was younger. The sky was overcast, with dark clouds looming ominously in the distance. His mind was elsewhere, wandering through memories of the past week—performances that had propelled Derby County into their most anticipated match of the season.
It had been an intense few days. After their 2-0 win against Huddersfield at Pride Park, the team had embarked on a whirlwind journey. The 1-1 draw at Fulham had been a hard-fought battle, with David's late penalty which Wayne Rooney the legend slotted in securing a crucial point. They'd then gone on to defeat QPR 2-1, a match where David's two assists had set up Martyn and Tom for the goals. And of course, there had been the 3-0 thrashing of Sheffield Wednesday, a match where David had been in his element—scoring the final goal in a match that saw him complete 12 successful dribbles and create three big chances. Unfortunately, none of his assists had been converted, but the result had been a strong one nonetheless.
David ran his fingers through his hair, trying to clear his mind of the fatigue that had settled over him. The past week had been a heavy one, with moments of pure brilliance mixed in with missed opportunities. He had been proud of his performances, but it wasn't enough. There was always more to be done. He had to push harder, do better, and constantly remind himself of the responsibility that came with being the "wonderkid."
He didn't notice Jason, who was sitting beside him, until he felt a light tap on his shoulder. "Hey, what's with the frown?" Jason asked, his voice filled with the usual upbeat energy that always seemed to lift David's spirits. "We're about to play our biggest match of the season! We're on a roll after those last few matches."
David looked over at Jason, forcing a smile. "We are, aren't we?" he said, feeling the pressure of the moment but also the excitement building within him. His thoughts drifted back to those recent games, the highs, and the lows. They had been on fire lately, and with this match ahead, everything felt like it was culminating into something massive.
"Remember how we went away to Fulham after that 2-0 win against Huddersfield?" David continued, his mind shifting gears. "Wayne's penalty equalizer in the last minute was a huge moment for us. We could have easily lost that game, but we came through." He paused, remembering how the atmosphere had been tense as the penalty was about to be taken. "Then there was QPR—2-1 away win, two assists from me. Martyn and Tom slotted them in, and we came out on top." David grinned at the memory of that game. "That felt good."
Jason laughed, nodding. "You've been on fire lately, mate. We all have."
David couldn't help but nod in agreement. Their 3-0 demolition of Sheffield Wednesday had felt like the peak of their current form. But even in that game, where David had netted a brilliant goal to seal the win, he couldn't shake the feeling of what could have been. He'd completed 12 successful dribbles, created three big chances, yet none of his chances had been converted. It was a frustrating but familiar feeling, one he knew he couldn't dwell on. He had to keep pushing forward.
Jason leaned back in his seat, grinning. "Games like this are insane, mate. But we've been playing like we belong. Do you reckon we could play for them one day?" Jason asked, a note of admiration in his voice as he nodded toward the front of the bus, where Wayne Rooney sat in his usual position, eyes focused ahead, mentally preparing for the game.
David's gaze followed Jason's, and for a moment, he allowed himself to think about the possibility. Playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world. It seemed so far away, yet it was becoming increasingly clear that this was the path he was on.
"I know so," David replied confidently, his voice firm. "We're both good, Jason. We've got everything we need."