The Next Big Thing
Chapter 74: A Mentor’s Dilemma

Chapter 74: A Mentor’s Dilemma

Wayne Rooney sat on the plush couch in his spacious Derby home, eyes half-closed as the noise of running feet thundered through the house. His four boys, a rowdy squad aged 11 to 4, were in full chaos mode, racing around the living room and shouting at the top of their lungs.

"I’m Naruto! Rasengan!" one of the twins bellowed, spinning wildly with a pillow in hand.

"No way! I’m Luffy! Gomu Gomu no..." another shouted, leaping from the couch with impressive vigor for an eight-year-old.

Wayne groaned as he caught sight of the vase tipping over from the twin’s landing. He lunged forward just in time, grabbing it before it smashed. "Oi! Oi! Enough! You lot are going to destroy this place!"

The boys ignored him, the imaginary battle raging on, complete with sound effects and fake injuries. Wayne rubbed his temples. "Right, that’s it. Sit down, all of you! Now!"

The authority in his voice worked like a charm. The boys begrudgingly plopped onto the couch, exchanging mock glares as they waited to see what would come next. Wayne grabbed the remote and switched the television on.

"Alright, Naruto it is," he said, scrolling through the episodes until he found their favorite. The screen lit up with the iconic opening sequence, and within seconds, the chaos subsided. The boys leaned forward, engrossed in the action.

Wayne exhaled, his shoulders sagging as he walked toward the bedroom. His wife, Coleen, was already there, sprawled on the bed with her hair loosely tied back. She looked every bit as exhausted as he felt, her eyes closed as she tried to relax.

"Finally got them settled," Wayne muttered, collapsing onto the bed beside her.

"Thank God," she replied with a weary smile, turning her head to look at him.

They lay there in silence for a while, the muffled sounds of the TV coming from the living room. Then Coleen broke the quiet.

"Wayne," she said softly, a note of seriousness in her voice.

"Hmm?" he replied, eyes still shut.

"I need a girl."

Wayne’s eyes snapped open, and he turned his head to look at her, brows furrowed in confusion. "What? A girl? Coleen, we’ve got four boys already. And after everything we’ve been through?"

"That’s because they’re boys," Coleen replied, her tone resolute. "Baby, please. I want a little daughter. Someone I can dress up in pretty clothes, someone who won’t be shouting about Naruto or wrestling on the furniture."

Wayne blinked, trying to process her words. "Coleen, we’re barely managing as it is. Have you seen what these four do to this house?"

She rolled onto her side, facing him. "Your coaching career is going so well right now. We might be based here for a while, and the pandemic means you’re home more often. It’s the perfect time to try, Wayne."

Wayne sat up slightly, running a hand through his hair. "Yeah, I’m at home, all right. Home with four boys running around like lunatics."

Coleen reached out, placing a hand on his arm. "Wayne," she said, her voice softer now. "Please."

He looked at her, and despite the exhaustion, he couldn’t help but think of how beautiful she still was—just as radiant as the day he first met her. Coleen had always been a force to be reckoned with, a media personality with wit and charm to match. But now, as she stared at him with fire in her eyes, he knew she wasn’t about to back down.

She stood up, walking toward the desk as she said over her shoulder, "Mr. Wayne Rooney, you’re going to give me my daughter, whether you like it or not."

With that, she left the room, likely heading to check on the boys. Despite her complaints, no one loved their kids more than Coleen did.

Wayne chuckled, shaking his head. "A daughter," he muttered to himself, lying back down.

His thoughts began to drift. Yes, life at home was chaotic, but professionally, things couldn’t have been better. Since taking control of Derby County, the team had been flying high, losing only two matches while winning eleven and drawing once. The media was showering him with praise, and for the first time since his retirement, Wayne felt like he was in his element.

But he wasn’t delusional. He knew much of Derby’s success came down to one player: David Jones.

The kid had been a revelation. When Wayne first scouted him, he had high hopes, but David had surpassed even those. He fit into Derby’s system seamlessly, his performances consistently brilliant. And yet, Wayne knew the reality of the situation.

It was only a matter of time before bigger clubs came knocking. David was too talented to stay at Derby forever. Still, Wayne hoped he could keep him for at least two more seasons. In that time, he could help David grow—train his free kicks, refine his technique, and prepare him for the pressures of playing at the highest level. It would benefit both of them, giving Wayne ample time to plan for Derby’s future without David.

As he mulled over his thoughts, his phone buzzed on the nightstand. He picked it up, and a smile spread across his face.

"Speaking of the devil," he murmured, seeing David Jones’s name on the screen. He answered the call.

"David, boy! How are you this fine day? Hope you’re still working out—you know the season can start back anytime, and we need you in tip-top shape!"

David’s laugh came through the line. "Yes, gaffer. Yes, I’m still working out. I’m as good as ever."

Wayne chuckled. "Good, good."

David’s tone shifted slightly, becoming more serious. "Actually, gaffer, there’s something I want to talk to you about..."

Wayne’s smile faded, replaced by curiosity. "Oh?"

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