"Please welcome the 2019 World Cup winning US Women's National Team."

We're in New York doing interviews. We've been back in America for 3 days and all we've done is interviews. Thankfully this is our last one and I have no clue who it's for. You can tell everyone is tired because on the bus to each interview place the bus is silent. Everyone is either sleeping or is a pillow for someone who is sleeping.

"Cairo we saw you kiss your girlfriend's head before you took the winning penalty. Why did you do that?" An interviewer asks.

"We practiced penalties in training a day or two before the final and I kissed Lindsey's head then and I made that penalty so I thought it would bring me good luck and it turns out it did."

"Jill why did you decide to give Cairo the captains armband for the final?"

"Without Cairo's knowledge the team came to me and told me to give it to her and she deserved it anyway. She played every minute of the tournament and was a true leader on the pitch."

"Carli why did the team decided to take a vote on the captain and why did you ladies choose Cairo to be captain?"

"Well Cairo and Lindsey were out walking around Lyon and some of the team were relaxing in our meeting room and somehow the subject came up. After dinner we had Lindsey distract Cairo for a while so we could talk about everything. While they were gone we talked about it and voted for Cairo to be captain. And as Jill said she is a natural leader and she is very mature for her age." Carli says.

I lean over and whisper to Lindsey "Is that why went on that impromptu date?" I ask and Lindsey nods.

I may have tuned out after that and luckily I wasn't asked any more questions. After the interview was over we got on the bus and went back to the hotel for dinner.

After all the interviews we've done the past couple of days we are rewarded with unhealthy food for dinner. It was Dawn's idea.

"Uh Cairo there are people here to see you." Someone behind me says causing me to turn around and face the door. After seeing who it is I get out of my seat and approach them.

"What are you doing here?" I ask not trying to hide the venom in my voice.

"We came to see you." My poor excuse of a grandfather says.

"Why?"

"We're proud of you." The woman who is biologically my grandmother says.

"15 years ago that may have meant something, but now I don't need or want your validation."

"We know we messed up, but-" grandfather says.

"Messed up. Really? You think you messed up? No you fucked up. Do you know what I went through because you didn't want me? Do you realize how much that fucks up a kid? Do you realize how fast I had to grow up? I never had a childhood thanks to you."

"We-"

"Did you even know I left the house at 15?" I ask and they remain quiet. "Of course you didn't."

"We're sorry." Grandmother says.

"No. You don't get to say that...You know the reason I have my first name on my jersey instead of your last name is because of you two."

"It's your last name too."

"No it's not. When I was 18 I legally removed your last name from all my records. Until I get married my name is Cairo NLN."

"You didn't have the right to do that?" Grandfather says while clenching his fist. Out of the corner of my eye I see Ash and Alyssa standing up waiting to intervene.

"And you don't have the right to be here."

"We just wanted to see you." Grandmother says.

"Why? Do you need money?" I ask.

"Do you really think that low of us?" She says and I don't miss the look of hurt on her face.

"How can I not? This is the first time we've spoken since I was 5. The only response I got from either of you when I talked to you was a grunt."

"You were a mistake." Grandfather says.

"No shit." I say. "I bet you thought that would hurt me didn't you?" I don't get a response. "Well thankfully your words have no power on me or my life. These people behind me are the only opinions I value."

I walk over to Christen and Alex.

"These two strong women are two of my best friends. On the first day I was called up they talked to me within five minutes. You two pieces of shit didn't speak to me for 10 years. They protect me like I am their own flesh and blood unlike you two."

I walk over to Jill.

"This amazing women is not only my coach, but she is like a mother to me. She has been there for me in ways you two can't even imagine."

I then walk to Lindsey. This one is going to be fun.

"Grandparents this is one of my best friends and my girlfriend." I say with a smirk.

My grandparents are very homophobic.

"You're not gay. We didn't raise you to be gay." Grandfather says.

"Correct. You didn't raise me to be gay because you didn't raise me at all."

"Cairo you are not gay." Grandfather reiterates.

"Really?" I ask and he nods.

I turn to look at Lindsey and she has a smirk on her face. She gives me a subtle nod so I kiss her. Hard. With a lot of passion and a lot of tongue. While we are kissing I flip off my grandparents and some of the team cheer.

When air becomes an issue I walk back over to the two outcasts in the room.

"Grandfather you are standing in a room full of powerful, strong, independent women." I say knowing how misogynistic he is. "They have impacted the world and will continue to impact the world for decades to come in ways you can't even fathom."

Grandfather scoffs. "How can a bunch of women do anything in the world?"

Game. Set. Match.

I walk over to Carli.

"This, my misogynistic grandfather, is Carli Lloyd. 2 time World Cup winner. 2 time olympic gold medalist. 2 time world player of the year. Golden ball winner of the 2015 World Cup. Best selling author. First player in history to score a hat trick in the Women's World Cup Final and one of only 3 people ever to score a hat trick in the final of a World Cup and that's across the men and women's game. She has inspired little girls AND little boys across the world...Shall I continue?" I say and my grandfathers face falls.

He's trying to find the right words to say, but he can't. I walk up to them and stare at them for a second.

"I would say it was a pleasure seeing you, but it's not so get the fuck out." I say and point to the door.

The people who are biologically my grandparents leave so I go sit back down and a very uncomfortable silence covers the room.

"Cairo what was your last name?" Mal asks breaking the silence.

"Bianchi"

"Your grandfather's a dick." Ash says.

"That man doesn't deserve to be my grandfather...but yes he is a dick."