Godfather Of Champions

Three days later, Nottingham Forest met Charlton on its home ground. George Wood returned to the starting lineup, and his performance was solid and powerful. He had swept away his previous indifferent state, both defensively and in the organization of the attack, causing his supporters to chant, “Saint George is back!”

Ultimately, thanks to his excellent play, the Forest team defeated the visiting team, Charlton, at 2:0to enjoy their first victory in two months. After the game, the media speculated whether Wood’s mother’s condition was better to give him the motivation to play so well.

In fact, when Wood assisted Mitchell to score the first goal at the Crimson Stadium, his mother was in a deep coma in the hospital and had been unconscious for a whole day.

Twain had once thought that if Sophia were unconscious again, Wood would definitely miss the game. However, Wood surprised him by announcing that he was going to play in the game and was ready for it.

Before his appearance, Wood and Twain had a conversation between them, and the conversation clarified some things for them both.

“I’m still the captain of the Forest team, and the team needs me.”

The team’s previous poor performance had also affected Wood. Fortunately, he remembered that he was still the captain of the team.

Just when Twain thought Wood had finally figured it out and was going to change his mind, he added, “I will stick to my post until I retire. But I will make an announcement as soon as possible.”

Twain knew that Sophia did not have much time. She had been in a coma a lot lately and was unconscious for long periods. The doctors and nurses stood guard by her hospital bed 24 hours a day and were ready to perform emergency care on her at any time. He did not want to lose Wood too once he lost Sophia. Although Wood would not kill himself, what was the difference between a non-playing Wood and a dead one? For someone like Wood, if he did not play football, he would simply have no sense of existence. Twain really could not imagine how Wood would live if he no longer played football.

But then again, even if Wood suddenly decided to follow in his mother’s footsteps, Twain would not be surprised…

※※※

Twain stood at the door of the patient ward, unaware that he had blocked many people’s way. The doctors and nurses coming in and out continuously knocked against him, one after another, but he stood there as if he was unaware of it. He just remained rooted to the spot, looking at the empty bed in front of him.

It was two days after the Forest team’s victory. Sophia had been in a coma the whole time and only woke up once briefly. It happened late at night, and Wood was outside, resting. Twain was not at the hospital. Only Vivian was with her.

Twain did not know what Sophia said to Vivian when she woke up. He did not know what the woman had in her mind when she was awake either.

Did she long for her life, which was filled with long periods of pain and brief moments of happiness? Or did she have a big awakening, realizing that death was actually a form of relief? Could she have hated to part with her own child, George? There were very few people in the world whom she was worried about…

Standing in front of a thick glass window, Wood looked quietly at the busy doctors and nurses in the ward as they took apart the equipment and removed the items his mother had used. A bouquet of flowers in a vase on the bedside table had already withered. A nurse took away the flowers along with the vase.

It seemed she was going to dispose of it like regular trash, but Vivian reached out and stopped her.

Vivian took out the bouquet from the vase and found a card stuck inside. She pulled it out. The following words were written on it: “Your son is a real professional player. Wake up and praise him. He’ll be very happy, Sophia.”

The bouquet was sent by Twain yesterday. From this message, it seemed Twain found that Wood’s mood had not improved after winning the game. He had hoped to make Wood a little happier through his mother’s praise. It was just that Sophia did not notice the bouquet of flowers when she woke up briefly. Wood also missed the last chance to hear his mother’s encouragement. His mother would never smile and stroke her son’s head while she said, “My George is the best in the world.”

Vivian looked down at her left wrist, which was still a little red. It was the spot where Wood’s mother had gripped her. Late that night, Sophia suddenly woke up, and Vivian was right next to her at the time.

It was an exceptionally brief moment of consciousness. Sophia did not even see who was in front of her. She just grabbed Vivian’s hand and whispered, “I don’t want to die…”

The fresh flowers withered as quickly as the poor lady’s life.

※※※

Shania received a call from Twain asking her to bring Theresa back to Nottingham for Sophia’s funeral.

Evan Doughty was preparing a report for the English Football Association to apply for a minute’s silence for Wood’s mother at the start of the Forest team’s next league game. All the Forest players would be wearing black armbands on the sleeves of their jerseys at that time. The Forest team’s opponent, Sunderland, had already agreed to the suggestion.

※※※

Wood gazed at himself in front of the bathroom mirror. He had not taken care of his appearance for days. His hair had been messy and his beard scraggly. Now, however, it was a fresh and clean-looking George Wood in the mirror. He had carefully groomed his short hair and his chin was clean-shaven.

His appearance was impeccable, but his eyes were bloodshot, indicating that the person in the mirror was actually very tired.

“George!”

His agent, Woox, called his name outside.

Wood pushed the door open and found Woox holding a black suit in his hand as he said to him, “Change your clothes, it’s time for us to set off.”

Woox, the old gentleman, had always paid attention to his own appearance. He used to be a big shot in the entertainment agency industry, so his usual dressing was classy and fashionable. However, today he discarded any unnecessary embellishments, only wearing a very ordinary black suit.

Wood took the suit and put it on. He went out of the door together with Woox.

Once outside and looking at the wet streets, Wood paused for a moment.

It was raining.

“Umbrella…” Woox thought Wood was worried about the weather when he stopped.

“No, I don’t need it.” Wood stepped out into the rain.

※※※

Twain was not worried at all that his daughter would do something out of place at the funeral. The sensible Theresa was serious after she saw both her parents looking somber.

It was a private and intimate funeral. Sophia herself had no relatives or friends in the United Kingdom. Her family had long broken ties and contact with her, even though Wood had made a name for himself in the football world. There was no news of family members from Jamaica reaching out either. But with Wood’s temper, even if the people from there came to pay their respects, Wood would probably kick them out…

Woox only invited Twain and his family, as well as the doctors at the Royal Hospital of Nottingham University. They had taken excellent care of Sophia during her stay in the hospital and were meticulous in her treatment. Although they were ultimately unable to save Sophia’s life, they did their best. In addition, he also invited a representative from the Nottingham Forest Football Club and good friends of Wood from the team.

The representative from the club was the chairman, Evan Doughty himself. However, Twain thought that Evan had an ulterior motive. His real purpose was probably not as straightforward as attending Sophia’s funeral.

Wood’s team was represented by his two friends, Gareth Bale and Aaron Mitchell. While he was popular in the team, not many people could be counted as really good friends.

The priest concluded the eulogy at Sophia’s gravesite. “She was a good person, may she rest in peace…”

Twain thought to himself that it was customary for the pastors to say this at any funeral. However, this time, the pastor was right. Sophia was such a good person, but unfortunately, her life was too short. During this time, when Twain was alone and had nothing to do, he would let his imagination run wild. What was the purpose of Sophia’s difficult life in this world? Before Wood met him, her life was basically miserable. She fell in love with someone but was abandoned. She brought up her child alone and would do anything for his sake, even if it meant selling her own body. When she finally saw her child succeed after much difficulty and did not have to worry about their livelihood anymore, her health quickly deteriorated. She did not enjoy any of the good fortune George met with. As for familial affections, she did not have any before giving birth to Wood She did not have any romantic connections after Wood was born either. Such a life must have been dreary for an average person, but Wood became her whole world.

Maybe she came to the world just to be George Wood’s mother.

Wood stood by the grave, acknowledging those who had come to the funeral. The people lined up to toss flowers onto the grave. Then they went to hug Wood, say a few words, and leave. Twain’s family of three was also in the line. Twain saw Miss Vivian Miller’s figure among the representatives from the hospital. She was wearing a long black dress today. The hem of her dress was drenched from the rain, but she was unaware of that. After gently placing the flowers in her hand on the grave mound, she walked up to Wood.

From where Twain was, he could not hear what Vivian and Wood said. However, he could guess what it was about. It was nothing but some words of condolences and so on. Most people would turn and walk away after they said those words. Vivian, however, went to stand behind Wood and did not leave.

In fact, the people who stood there had a close relationship with Wood, such as Bale and Mitchell, who were also standing behind Wood to accompany him. However, the relationship between Vivian and Wood was not that close.

Twain looked at Vivian again. The girl’s expression was very natural and she did not appear too awkward standing among the three men.

Evan Doughty also completed the necessary etiquette. After comforting Wood, he was not in a hurry to leave but instead went to have a private exchange with Woox. Presumably, they were discussing Wood’s retirement. With Sophia’s departure, the last person able to control Wood was gone. He obviously wanted to get back to the same issue again. Evan Doughty looked concerned. He was not grieving over Sophia’s death but was worried about the future of his team.

After Shania had dropped the flowers in her hand, she walked up to Wood. She had traces of tears on her face as she had just cried. Of those people who came to the funeral, except for Wood and Twain, perhaps she had the closest relationship with Sophia. Although she was somewhat aware that Sophia once loved Twain, it was a thing of the past. She was genuinely saddened by Sophia’s death and worried about how Wood was going to cope with his life in the future – she knew what kind of person Wood was.

Wood was older than she was by a few years, and she always saw him as her good friend.

Walking up to Wood, Shania did not just say a few meaningless words of “my deepest condolences to you” like everyone else. She hugged Wood and sobbed as she whispered in his ear. Wood kept his lips tightly pursed, trying to control his emotions, but his eyes gradually reddened as Shania whispered.

The hug was a long one. When Shania bowed her head and let go of Wood, it was Twain’s turn.

Since his own wife had embraced Wood, there was no need for Twain to hug him. He stood in front of Wood, awkwardly noticing his reddened eyes, and attempted to say something.

“Hey, George…”

Unexpectedly, Wood interrupted his words and asked instead with a hoarse voice, “Are you going to comfort me?”

Twain felt somewhat uncomfortable, knowing George had seen him through. He touched his nose and did not know how to go on.

“I’ve heard too many comforting words these few days. If you really want to help me, then take some action for my good.”

Take some action? Should he hug him like Shania did? Twain thought.

“I’ve already lost my mother. I don’t want to lose you too!” Wood’s voice choked with emotion. It was rare for him to lose self-control in front of everyone. However, the content of his words was even more surprising. “Once the funeral is over, you’re going back to America, right?”

Twain really did not expect Wood to say such things in this kind of situation. He looked at the three people behind Wood. Aaron Mitchell and Gareth Bale obviously did not imagine Wood would say these words. However, looking at their faces, he realized they were very interested in Wood’s words because they knew what that meant. Miss Vivian Miller was curious about the relationship between Twain and Wood too.

“You should start a new life of your own, George…”

Twain could only say that to avoid Wood’s question.

Wood did not want to say too much either. He shut his mouth and stopped talking.

Twain sensed that the atmosphere was a little awkward, and he could not say anything. He just patted Wood on the shoulder and turned to walk away.

A man at the back came up and said to Wood a low voice, “My deepest condolences to you…”

※※※

Twain asked Shania to take their daughter to the car first. He wanted one last moment with Sophia. Walking to the tombstone, he gazed at the words inscribed on it: “My true love.” People who were unaware might think it was George Wood’s wife who was laid to rest here…

Ah, Sophia, I really don’t know how to face your son. Can you help me out a little? So Twain thought.

The fine drizzle struck Twain’s umbrella and made a light drumming sound. The image of Sophia on the gravestone smiled and just looked at him.

Twain was silent when suddenly, he felt a person standing next to him. He looked down at the tips of the person’s shoes, which had some mud and grass bits stuck to it.

“I’m sorry. I did not mean to disturb you, Tony.” It was Evan Doughty’s voice.

“What’s the matter?” Actually, Twain could guess what it was about.

“I heard Mr. Woox say that if you come back, George won’t mention the matter of his retirement again. Is that right?”

Twain turned to look at Evan, who was standing next to him. The other man was looking at him intently, anticipating an answer.

“Yes, that was George’s suggestion.” Twain did not lie. It would not feel good to lie in front of Sophia.

“Can I extend the invitation to you again, Tony? Please come back to coach Nottingham Forest. If you’re still angry about the things I did to you four years ago, I’d like to sincerely apologize to you. I will agree to all your demands, as long as you return.”

Twain snorted. “So that you can sell the team at a good price?”

Evan shook his head and said, “I’ve decided not to sell the club.”

“Was this prompted by a sudden impulse?”

“No, I thought about it for a long time after I came to you that day. I can’t be the chairman of the club all my life. I’m turning sixty this year, Tony. You always say you’re an old man, but I’m ten years older than you. My eldest son is an avid football fan. He’s not like me. He has loved football since he was young and has always been interested in running a football club. When I just wanted to sell the Forest team for a good price, I never thought about him. I plan to leave the club for him to manage. He loves football and maybe he can do better than I. Not right away, of course. I want to stay a few more years and at least make up for the years I’ve wasted. Then I’ll retire with peace of mind. When the time comes, we can retire together. How about it?”

Twain looked into Evan’s eyes. Evan did not flinch, letting Twain look straight at him.

“I don’t want to lie in front of this remarkable mother. Tony, I’m tired of the topics unrelated to football at the chairman’s podium. I’m tired of people who just want to take advantage of me and leave. I’m tired of losing one game after another and I’m tired of the banners that hang in the stands, attacking me… When you were around, those things never happened. To be honest, I’m weary of these past four years. I implore you again, come back to coach Nottingham Forest. I can’t really get the team back on track on my own.”

The club chairman spoke humbly and bared his feelings in front of Twain. He no longer had the bossy and domineering demeanor he had when he broke off relations with Twain. In the pitter-patter of the drizzle, Evan Doughty, whose pant legs and shoes had been drenched by the rain, became pathetic and downhearted in front of him.

He noticed that on this day, Allan Adams was no longer by Evan Doughty’s side. It seemed that the friendship between the two of them was over.

“Let me think about it. It is no small matter,” Twain began to speak.

When Evan heard such an answer, his face betrayed a look of surprise. Twain had outright turned him down twice before.

“Don’t get too excited yet, Evan. If my wife doesn’t agree, I won’t go against her wishes.”

“Yes, I understand.” Evan hurriedly nodded for fear of making Twain unhappy.

Looking at the club chairman, who was no longer so impressive, Twain shook his head and turned to walk away.

※※※

After getting into the car, Twain did not start the engine immediately. He turned his head around and looked back at his daughter, Theresa, who was wearing a seat belt in the back seat, and again at Shania, who sat in the front passenger seat.

“You must be very tired when I’m not in L.A., having to work and take care of Theresa.”

“It’s okay. Theresa is very sensible. If I’m busy, she’ll play by herself. I took her to the film set and runway shows. She was very curious about everything there.”

Shania also looked back at the well-behaved Theresa.

“What did Evan Doughty talk to you about?” Shania, sitting in the car, also noticed Twain and Evan talking in front of the gravestone just now.

“He wants me to go back and coach Nottingham Forest again.” As Twain spoke, he also looked out for any change in his wife’s expression.

“Did you refuse?” Nothing could be discerned from Shania’s beautiful face.

“No… But I did not say yes either,” Twain admitted.

The corners of Shania’s lips suddenly curled upwards. Her smile had a teasing quality to it, which Twain was most familiar with. “I remember what George said to you just now,” she said. “There are so many people who want you to return.”

Hearing her somewhat jealous tone, Twain hurriedly said, “If you do not agree, I will turn them down. Then we’ll go back to America.”

“In that case, Sophia would be sad, wouldn’t she? Didn’t she entrust you with Wood?”

As her husband, Twain told his wife everything that happened during his time with Sophia. Therefore, Shania was aware of what Sophia said to Twain the last time.

Twain hesitated and said, “But I don’t want to upset you…”

Shania yawned and said, “I’m suddenly tired of Grandpa Tony who has nothing to do but take care of his kid at home. If you want to, just say yes. We’re going home now. I’ve got to get some sleep. I haven’t adjusted to the jet lag since flying back from America.”

Instead of obediently starting the car, Twain turned back and said to Theresa, “Theresa, will you close your eyes?”

Theresa was not sure why, but she closed her eyes obediently.

Shania was equally confused. Then Twain suddenly pulled her into an embrace and gave her a deep kiss.

“Wow – oh…”

※※※

Even when Bale and Mitchell said goodbye to Wood, Vivian remained standing behind him.

“Aren’t you heading back, Miss Miller?”

“I’m a little worried about you, Mr. Wood…” Vivian said softly. “You’re not in a good state of mind…”

“We’re not in the hospital,” Wood said unceremoniously. He was a little impatient. The nurse was right, however. He really was not in a good state of mind.

“This is not about work. I can sense that you’ve been struggling emotionally these days, and I’m worried about you…”

“I’m not a child anymore!” Wood roared.

“Even though you are older than me, Mr. Wood, you are completely immature in my eyes. You’re a child who has not grown up!” Vivian also raised her voice a little bit and retorted, undeterred.

Wood turned to look at the young woman, who tilted her chin and glared at him. It was like when he was going to break in at the door of the ward that day, and she had refused to back down.

“You need a rest, Mr. Wood!” Vivian did not budge at all.

“I did not ask you to be my nurse.”

“I speak just out of… concern as a friend.”

“Are we friends?” Wood asked in return.

“I think so,” Vivian stood straighter and spoke with courage.

In the face of the nurse who had diligently cared for his mother, no matter how difficult it was, how tired she had been and how many sleepless nights she endured without a word of complaint, George Wood was really unable to speak viciously or make a move to drive her away. He knew how to be grateful. Otherwise, he would not have followed Twain all this time.

Helplessly, Wood just sighed and turned around to stand in place, looking at his mother’s picture on the gravestone. He did not speak further.

Behind him, Vivian was equally stubborn and stood with him. The two were engaged in a wordless battle of endurance and determination.

※※※

“Want to know what I said in George’s ear when I hugged him?” said Shania, who leaned against the front passenger’s seat in the car on their way home.

“What did you say?” Twain was really interested because she had actually made Wood’s eyes redden with a few words. Twain himself did not have that kind of power.

“I just sang a few phrases of a song and said a few words,” Shania hummed gently.

“Hey, George, don’t make it bad… And anytime you feel the pain. Hey, George, refrain. Don’t carry the world upon your shoulders. For well you know that it’s a fool who plays it cool. Life will always have its downs… Hey, George, don’t make me sad. If you find someone you love, now go and love her… Hey, George, time really flies, don’t delay any longer. Don’t always expect to rely on others, you know? You can do it… do it your own way… Hey, George, don’t be so sad. Take a sad song and make it better. Remember to love her forever and start a new life… To be better, to be happier…”

It was Beatles’ “Hey Jude”, where Shania replaced “Jude” with “George”. The meaning it conveyed was, in her eyes, a perfect fit for the occasion.

After she finished humming, Shania gently swept aside a strand of hair that covered her forehead. “Then I said to him, ‘This is what your mother would want you to hear, and she wants your future to be better and happier. Don’t let her down, George.’”