#cwfc

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“What are you doing?” You ask Beth as you come back from the shower and see her looking through the clothes you had laid down on your bed. “Haven't we shared rooms for enough years for you to know that I don't like people touching my things?”

Beth looks up with a guilty look on her face. “Sorry, I know you don't. I'm in a bit of a crisis, I can't find my shorts. So, I was checking to see if maybe they put them with yours.”

“Did they?” You ask, letting it slide this time. “Nope.” Beth says as she goes over the room again. After getting dressed, you tell her to sit tight. 

You head down to the kit room to ask for an extra pair of shorts for Beth. “Don't touch my stuff again, please.” You say as you get back and throw her the shorts, before closing the door again and heading down for breakfast.

At breakfast you sat down with Leah, both enjoying your breakfast over some light conversation when Beth scoots in next to you. “Couldn’t even wait for me?” She says with fake disappointment. You shrug your shoulders, and say, “You take too long.” you say with a smile, mocking her just slightly.

Beth laughs and reaches for one of the strawberries on your plate, but you’re quick to swat her hand away. “Get your own.” Leah chuckles at the scene in front of her, “You never learn, do you?” She says to Beth, who reluctantly gets up to get her own breakfast.

When Beth gets back to your table, Lucy had just sat her plate down next to yours. “Oh, you got some strawberries! They’re gone now.” Lucy says as she picks up one and pops it into her mouth, “Mmm delicious!”

Beth rolls her eyes playfully, “I had to get my own plate, but Lucy can just take whatever she wants.” Lucy smirks at the realisation that she was allowed something that Beth wasn’t, but you just say, "That's what friends are for, right?"

Under her breath Beth replies with, "Right, because you're definitely not more than friends." But only loud enough for Leah to hear, while you and Lucy are already in conversation about something else. Completely in your own world, not even remotely aware of Leah and Beth giggling over the more than friends comment.

Since you were the first one to arrive at the gym, you plugged your phone into the speaker and started your own playlist, ‘She’s a runner, she’s a track star’, a workout playlist you carefully curated for this football season.

The music starts playing, and you start on some stretching, while more of your teammates enter the gym. While your music was carefully curated for you, the songs on your playlist were definitely enjoyed by most of your teammates.

Leah nudges Beth mid-spin session, and points out the water bottle Lucy is using, your name clearly visible on the label. “Lucy can really get away with everything, and she won’t budge. It’s like they’re married or something.” Beth jokes, causing Leah and a few of the other girls to laugh. Lucy doesn’t even realise they are laughing about her, and simply puts your water bottle back in its rightful place.

When you were done with your weight lifting sets, you make your way over to the bikes as well, and join Beth and Leah. After a bit of pedalling, Aggie steps up to the front of your bike. “Do you mind if I add a song to your playlist?”

Aggie was one of the newer players and most likely didn’t know how particular you were with your things. So, you say a simple, “Oh, ehm, I’d rather you not.” You could read on her face that she wasn’t expecting your answer, so Leah quickly jumps in with an explanation. “Don’t worry, it’s not you. She doesn’t let anyone near her stuff, especially not her playlists.”

The young striker nods in understanding. As she is about to turn around, the music changes mid-song. She turns fully to see who changed the music, since she just learned that no one was allowed to touch your playlists, and sees Lucy with your phone in her hands.

“Well, besides Lucy. Lucy can do whatever she wants, because y/n is like totally in love with her.” Beth says as a follow up to Leah’s explanation. Your cheeks turn a bright red, as you tell Beth to shut up.

Lucy starts walking your way, “Did I hear my name?” You quickly send Beth a warning look before smiling at Lucy, “Just that you were changing the music, that’s all.”

“Oh, you don’t mind, do you?” Lucy says acting like she doesn’t know exactly what she did, and how you wouldn’t let anyone else do the same. You smile back at her, “Not at all. You picked a good song, so it’s all good.” The defender smiles back at you, “Awesome, thanks!” Before walking off again to do her next set.

“Lucy could’ve put on like polka music or screamo and you’d still say thank you.” Beth chuckles naming two genres she knows you are not a fan of. “I would not!” You say in defence, but Leah takes Beth’s side. “You totally would, you’ve got it bad.”

You turn to Aggie, hoping for someone on your side, but she just raises her hands, “Looks to me like you’re kinda into her.” With a shake of your head you turn the resistance on your bike up. “We’re just friends. She steals my food, my water, my-”

“Your heart.” Beth finishes for you with a big smirk on her face. You sigh, knowing that you can’t win this one, so moving on was your best bet to stop them from continuing to tease you about it. Which luckily worked, and you were able to finish the rest of your training in peace.

While you had been the first to enter the gym, you also seemed to be the last one in it. Or so you thought. When your last teammate left, Lucy walked back in. “Hey Luce, forgot something?” You ask, already looking around the room for what she might have forgotten.

“Well, sort of.” She said as she took a final look into the hallway before closing the door behind her. Her smile grew as she stepped closer and closer to you until she was right in front of you. “I forgot to kiss my beautiful girlfriend.” She pecks your lips softly. “My girlfriend who is very adorable when she starts blushing when getting teased about having a crush on me.”

You groan in frustration, “You heard and saw all that?” Lucy nodded while her smirk grew. “You’re totally in love with me, and everyone can see. Good thing I can hide my emotions a little better, or else everyone would find out we’ve been dating for over a year already.” She closes the distance again and kisses you again.

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For Lucy, football wasn't just a pastime; it was her escape, her freedom, and the one thing in her chaotic life that she had complete control over. On the field, she could be anyone she wanted – strong, fast, unstoppable. The thought of losing that terrified her. It wasn't just about the sport itself; it was about the future she had envisioned. Scouts had already begun to take notice of her, murmurs of potential scholarships floated in the air, and dreams of playing professionally, of leaving this small, suffocating town behind, had started to take shape.

But now, with a new baby on the way, everything seemed uncertain. The baby meant more bills, more attention diverted away from her, and likely, more sacrifices to be made. The prospect gnawed at her, a constant weight in the back of her mind. She didn’t want to be angry at you – after all, it wasn’t your fault – but the resentment was there, simmering beneath the surface. Every time she laced up her boots, the fear that it could be for the last time haunted her.

The pressure at home only seemed to increase. Her parents were stretched thin, their arguments about money becoming more frequent and more intense. The once-occasional requests for her and Jorge to contribute had now turned into expectations. It was no longer about just helping out; it was about survival. Lucy found herself picking up extra shifts at the local café, babysitting for the neighbours, and doing whatever odd jobs she could find, all while trying to keep up with her schoolwork and football practice. She was exhausted, but she refused to let it show.

At night, when the house was quiet and the weight of the day settled heavily on her shoulders, she would lay awake, staring at the ceiling, her mind racing. She couldn't stop thinking about what might happen if she was forced to give up football. It wasn’t just a game to her – it was her way out, her shot at something better. Without it, she feared she would be stuck in this life forever, trapped by the same financial struggles that had plagued her parents.

As your arrival grew closer, the tension in the house became palpable. Her parents tried to reassure her that things would be okay, that they would find a way to make it work, but their words felt hollow. Lucy could see the worry in their eyes, the strain in their voices. They were trying their best, but their best might not be enough. And that terrified her.

Lucy made a silent vow to herself: no matter what happened, she would find a way to keep playing. Even if it meant waking up before dawn to practice on her own, even if it meant working twice as hard to make up for the lost time, she wouldn't let go of her dream. Football was more than just a sport to her; it was her lifeline, her hope for a future that didn’t involve the same struggles her parents faced.

She knew it would be a battle, but Lucy had never been one to back down from a fight. If keeping her dream alive meant fighting harder than she ever had before, then so be it. She was ready for whatever came her way, even if that meant taking on the world with the weight of her family’s struggles on her shoulders.

There were complications. Mum had felt something was wrong. You were born too early. That’s what her dad had said one Thursday afternoon when they got home from school. Lucy could see the strain on her parents' faces as they tried to stay positive, but the cracks were beginning to show. The early birth meant more than just an unexpected arrival – it meant weeks, maybe even months, of additional stress. There would be doctors' appointments, hospital visits, and possibly medical bills that they wouldn't be able to afford. Mum and Dad would need to take more time off work, and that meant even less money coming into the house. They were already stretched thin, barely making ends meet, and this was another blow they couldn’t afford.

For Lucy, it felt like the family was being pulled even further apart. She knew what more time off work for her mum meant – less money for groceries, fewer new things, and more unpaid bills piling up on the kitchen table. The thought of how this would affect them all was overwhelming. Dad’s tired eyes and Mum’s forced smiles told her everything she needed to know – they were worried, really worried.

And as much as Lucy tried to focus on her own life – school, football, friends – she couldn’t shake the growing sense of responsibility she felt. She saw how hard her parents were working, how much they were sacrificing, and it made her want to do more, to somehow lessen the burden that had fallen on their shoulders. She picked up extra shifts at her part-time job and offered to help more around the house, even though she was already stretched thin. She stopped asking for new things, for trips, for anything that might add to the growing financial strain.

But no matter how much she tried to help, the reality was inescapable. The early birth meant more than just financial strain – it meant that your health would be a constant concern, at least for a while. The house became quieter, the usual buzz of activity replaced by a tension that Lucy couldn’t ignore. Conversations were hushed, and there was a heaviness in the air, a kind of unspoken worry that everyone carried with them.

She remembered how, before all this, her parents would talk about the future with cautious optimism – how they would make it work, how they would find a way to manage. But now, the future seemed uncertain, clouded by the reality of hospital visits and medical expenses. The joy that had once been associated with your arrival was overshadowed by the fear of what might come next.

You had turned out fine. You were discharged from the NICU six weeks later. You were a little small, a little underdeveloped, but you were fine. The doctors’ visits still happened regularly until you were about three years old, but then you were declared fit as a fiddle. A perfectly normal, healthy child.

Except you weren’t, or at least you didn’t feel like it. From an early age, you could sense that something was off. You couldn’t quite understand it back then, but you felt it in the way Lucy would close her bedroom door just as you toddled over, eager to join in whatever she was doing. You felt it in the way she would snatch things out of your hands, things you just wanted to look at, things she was showing Sophie and Jorge without a second thought. The sting of rejection was something you became all too familiar with, even before you could fully comprehend what it meant to be unwanted.

You didn’t understand why Lucy seemed to dislike you so much. You were just a child, desperate for her attention, for her approval. But no matter how hard you tried, you could never seem to break through the wall she had built between you. You remember watching her from a distance, her laughter and excitement as she talked about football with Sophie and Jorge. You wished you could be a part of that world, but it always felt like there was an invisible barrier keeping you out.

Your parents, older than those of your friends, were tired. You could see it in their eyes, in the way they moved through the day with a sort of weary determination. They did their best, you knew that. But their best often wasn’t enough. They were stretched thin – between work, bills, and keeping up with the demands of raising four children, there wasn’t much left over for you. The attention you craved, the affection you needed, was often redirected elsewhere – toward Lucy’s burgeoning football career, Jorge’s new hobbies, Sophie’s interests.

You lived in hand-me-downs – clothes that didn’t quite fit right, toys that had lost their newness long before they reached you. You quickly learned to ask for little, to keep your wants and needs to yourself. Birthdays became a delicate dance of low expectations. You remember the time you asked for that big Barbie dollhouse when you were five. You had seen it in a catalog and had imagined how much fun it would be, but when you shyly mentioned it, the reaction was swift and harsh. Lucy shouted at you, her voice filled with anger and frustration. “Are you kidding? We can’t afford that! Stop being so selfish!” The words hit you like a slap, and you learned that day to make your wishes smaller, quieter, more manageable.

It wasn’t just the material things, though. It was the sense that you were always in the way, that your presence was more of a burden than a joy. The more you tried to blend in, the more you felt invisible. Your parents were simply too tired, too overwhelmed to notice the small things – like the way your face lit up when you finally mastered riding your bike, or how proud you were when you brought home a picture you had drawn at school. There was no one to share those victories with, no one to tell you that you were doing well.

Lucy’s disdain only seemed to grow as you got older. She was focused, driven, her eyes set on her future in football. Every spare penny went toward her training, her gear, her travel expenses for matches. And you, you were just there, existing in the shadow of her ambition. It wasn’t that she went out of her way to be cruel; it was more that she simply didn’t have the space in her life for you. You were the uninvited guest, the afterthought.

You remember the looks – the ones she would give you when you tried to talk to her, or when you reached out for some connection. They were cold, distant, as if you were a stranger in your own home. It made you feel small, insignificant, like you didn’t belong. You tried to be helpful, to stay out of her way, but nothing you did seemed to change how she felt about you.

It was confusing, the way you were treated differently. Sophie and Jorge seemed to get along just fine with Lucy. They had their own interests, their own ways of bonding with her, and you were always the odd one out. It hurt, more than you could put into words. You wanted to be close to them, to be part of the sibling camaraderie you saw in other families, but it always felt just out of reach.

As the years went by, you withdrew into yourself. You learned to entertain yourself, to find comfort in solitude, because trying to fit into their world was too painful. The isolation was lonely, but it was safer than risking the rejection that had become all too familiar. You built your own little world, where you didn’t have to worry about whether or not you were wanted, where you could be yourself without fear of being turned away.

You were thirteen when you were gifted something that changed your life. It came at a time when the house had finally quieted down, the once chaotic energy of your siblings replaced by an unfamiliar stillness. All three of them – Lucy, Sophie, and Jorge – had moved out, each one carving out their own path, their own life away from the confines of your childhood home. Lucy was about to move to Lyon, Sophie had landed her dream job in a bustling city, and Jorge was travelling, always chasing the next big adventure. They were all living their best lives, while you were left behind, navigating the echoes of their absence.

With them gone, the purse strings had loosened a little. The financial pressures that had always weighed so heavily on your parents seemed to ease with each sibling's departure. There were fewer mouths to feed, fewer expenses to cover. For the first time, there was a little breathing room – a bit of space for something more than just the basics. And in that space, something unexpected happened.

On your thirteenth birthday, your parents handed you a small, neatly wrapped box. The excitement you had long suppressed bubbled up cautiously, a mix of anticipation and doubt. You had learned to keep your expectations low, to shield yourself from disappointment, but this time, something felt different. As you carefully peeled away the wrapping paper, your heart skipped a beat. Inside was a camera – an old, second-hand one, but to you, it was a treasure beyond measure.

Your parents had saved up for it, they explained, seeing how much time you spent doodling and drawing, how your eyes would light up whenever you saw something beautiful. They wanted to give you something that was just yours, something that could help you express yourself, to capture the world as you saw it.

The camera became your constant companion. You took it everywhere, eager to capture the beauty you saw in even the smallest things – the way the light filtered through the leaves of the trees in your backyard, the subtle smile on your mother’s face when she thought no one was looking, the old, weathered buildings in town that seemed to whisper stories of a time long past. Through the lens, you began to see the world differently, noticing details and moments that had always slipped by unnoticed.

But more than that, the camera gave you a voice. It allowed you to tell your own stories, to frame your own experiences in a way that was meaningful to you. It was your way of processing the complicated emotions that had built up over the years – the loneliness, the longing, the sense of not quite fitting in. With each click of the shutter, you were able to capture a piece of yourself, to express feelings that had always been too difficult to put into words.

And as you delved deeper into photography, something else began to happen. You started to see yourself differently. The shy, withdrawn girl who had always felt like an outsider was slowly transforming into someone with a purpose, with a passion. The camera gave you confidence, a sense of control over your own narrative that you had never felt before. It didn’t matter that you had grown up in the shadow of your siblings, or that you had often felt neglected and overlooked. With your camera, you were finally able to step out of that shadow and into your own light.

Your parents noticed the change in you. They saw how the camera brought you out of your shell, how it gave you something to look forward to, something to be proud of. They encouraged you, in their own quiet way, to keep going, to explore this new passion. For the first time, they seemed to truly see you – not just as their youngest child, but as an individual with your own dreams, your own talents.

At fifteen, you were asked to participate in the local exhibition. You had won a competition for the local paper, and this was the prize. ‘Alnwick by the Locals’ – it was to be put on display up at the castle. You had asked Lucy if she could make the trip over from France.

Lucy had been away for so long that you weren't sure if she'd even come. Her life in France was a whirlwind of training and matches, and the little requests you made felt insignificant against the backdrop of her bustling career. Still, you hoped – hoped that this time, she might see things differently.

When the day of the exhibition arrived, you could hardly contain your excitement. The castle was adorned with your photographs, each framed image capturing slices of life in your small town. You stood by your display, anxiously scanning the crowd for any sign of Lucy. Your heart raced with a blend of nerves and anticipation.

As the afternoon wore on, there was still no sign of her. You tried to push the disappointment aside, focusing instead on the visitors who stopped by to admire your work. They complimented your eye for detail and the way you had managed to capture the essence of Alnwick. Each positive comment felt like a small victory, a validation of the passion and effort you had poured into your photography.

You were losing hope fast. She wasn’t coming. Of course she wouldn’t come. She hadn’t responded to your text message asking her to come and giving her a date. She hadn’t responded to the email you had sent with her ticket attached. All she had to do was book the flights. It had been luck that it landed on a free weekend for her. You wouldn’t have asked otherwise.

As the afternoon stretched on, your excitement began to wane, replaced by a creeping sense of disappointment. Each passing minute seemed to amplify the absence of the one person you had hoped would be there to witness your moment of triumph. You forced yourself to stay positive, engaging with the visitors who complimented your work, but the empty space where Lucy should have been felt like a physical ache.

You wandered through the exhibition, making small talk with guests and answering their questions about your photographs. The praise for your work was a small comfort, but it couldn’t fully compensate for the gap left by Lucy’s absence. The castle, once a place of eager anticipation, now felt like a grand but empty stage, highlighting the solitude you felt.

By the time the exhibition was winding down, the weight of Lucy’s no-show had settled heavily on your shoulders. You packed up your things with a mix of resignation and sadness, feeling the sting of what could have been. Your parents, who had come to support you, tried to lift your spirits with kind words and encouragement, but their efforts fell short of erasing the feeling of emptiness. Your other siblings had turned up. Your sister-in-law had appeared, holding a bunch of flowers and looking around the space in wonder. Why couldn’t she have been your actual sister?

In the quiet of the car ride home, you tried to focus on the positive aspects of the day – the success of the exhibition, the connections you had made with people who appreciated your work. But it was hard not to remember that Lucy hadn’t turned up.

Back at home, you retreated to your room, muttering something about being tired and disappearing upstairs before anyone could stop you. Your room was covered in photographs. You didn’t have many of you as a child – a downside of being the youngest of four to very tired parents you supposed. There was one that you kept pinned above your bed. It was the day you were brought home from the hospital. You were in Jorge’s arms as Lucy and Sophie stood either side of him, all of them beaming brightly. You were fairly sure it was the only photo you had of Lucy smiling at you. The rest of the photographs were taken by you. Jorge and your father. Sophie and your mother. Your parents in the stands waiting for Lucy to play. Narla chasing a ball. Your grandparents looking out to sea.

You knew opening social media wasn’t the smartest thing to do, but you couldn’t help yourself. It was the third picture you saw. Lucy, sitting next to Keira and Georgia – wide smiles and happy faces. She was in Manchester. She had made the trip over to England after all. Just not to see you. The image was a punch to the gut. Lucy, in a casual outfit, her hair pulled back, was surrounded by her friends, their joy on full display. You could almost hear their laughter through the screen, see the ease and comfort of their togetherness. The pain in your chest grew even more.

You hadn’t been told she was moving back to Manchester. Mum had mentioned it in passing, commenting that she was so excited to finally be able to see her daughter play with comparative ease. You had lied when she asked you why you looked confused – making up something about homework you had remembered you needed to complete. The pain was something you were so used to by now, that you were surprised it still hurt. The last time you saw her at home was Christmas. She had missed your birthday completely – again. But that was fine. You could play happy families for a few weeks whilst she was back. You had been to a few football matches for hers – only the big ones. The Champions League finals mainly. The rest of the time you made up excuses. Homework was a reliable one. You were just too busy. Exams were around the corner, you couldn’t afford to take the time off, even for just one weekend.

You had become adept at masking your feelings, but the truth was, each time you saw Lucy’s life in the media, each time you heard about her successes and adventures, it reinforced the distance between you. It was as if she existed in a different world, a world where you didn’t quite belong. Even when she was physically present, her mind seemed to be elsewhere, her focus entirely on her career and her own life.

You hadn’t been told that Lucy would be moving to Barcelona either. Another thing she failed to mention. You knew that Lucy and your parents met up in Manchester regularly – it was easier for them to make the trip to watch her games that it was for her to travel to you. But you would have thought she would’ve mentioned it at the Euros. The night after they won was the longest you had spent in her presence since you were about twelve. She had willingly drawn you into a side hug as your parents snapped a photo of all their children. Looking back, it was clearly the alcohol in her system, and the adrenaline high she was still running on.

You had been dragged over to Australia too. Not that you let your parents know about your distaste in going. You couldn’t do that to them. They knew that Lucy and you had a strained relationship, but not how deep the cuts ran. You would not be the one to tell them that either.  It would break their hearts to find out that their favourite daughter, and their youngest child barely co-existed together. No, you were more than happy to put up a front for them. They had given you everything, it was the least you could do.

“Hi, I’m Ona, it’s nice to meet you.” She smiled amicably, a bit nervous perhaps, but she seemed nice enough.

“Hola, Soy la hermana de Lucy … o la llamas Lucía?” She blinked, startled by your Spanish.

“Tú hablas español?” she asked impressed.

“Un poco, hice español A-level en la escuela. Pensé que sería una buena manera-” You joked, ignoring the strange looks from Lucy.

“Ona, c’mon, I think your parents want you.” Lucy’s voice cut through yours, effectively cutting you off.

You had been so hopeful, so eager to make a connection, but the moment had been abruptly cut short by Lucy’s interference. At the time, you had shrugged it off, thinking it was just Lucy’s usual impatience. Now, however, it seemed like yet another piece in the puzzle of Lucy’s world that you never fully understood.

The news of not-quite-breakup with Keira, and her new relationship with Ona reached you indirectly, through snippets of social media posts and the occasional mention by your parents. They were often caught up in their own busy lives, struggling to balance the constant demands of work and home. Conversations about Lucy's new life was interspersed with discussions about their own challenges, leaving little room for deeper insights or personal connection.

Ona, who you had briefly met in the whirlwind of the World Cup, was now a fixture in Lucy’s life. The contrast between their lives and yours felt even starker. While Lucy was jet-setting across Europe and building a new chapter in Barcelona, you were back in your small town, navigating the complexities of your own world through the lens of your camera.

It was the biggest day of your young life. You had been asked to put up ten photographs on display in London. Your photographs were going to be seen in London. By paying members of the public. The significance of the event was almost overwhelming. You had worked tirelessly to curate the best of your collection, selecting pieces that told a story, captured emotions, and showcased your unique perspective.

The morning of the exhibition, you arrived at the gallery with a mixture of nerves and excitement. The building was impressive – an elegant space with high ceilings and large windows that let in natural light, perfect for showcasing art. You were greeted by the curator, who showed you to your designated space and helped you set up your work. It was surreal to see your photographs hanging on the walls, each one carefully framed and lit to perfection.

You had only met Ona a few times, when she had been brought to England to meet your family. She was kind and sweet. Maybe it was because you were relatively close in age, but you couldn’t shift the familiar sting. Why couldn’t she have been your sister instead? It was the summer, the Olympics in full swing, so you knew it was too much to ask for her to be there. But you couldn’t help the small bubble of hope that Lucy would turn up.

You had it on good authority from Keira, Leah and Georgia that she had agreed to go. Ona’s game was due to finish at 4 pm the day before opening night. The journey would probably be tiring for Lucy, but she had promised her friends she would be their. If not for you then to see them before pre-season started up again.

The day of the exhibition arrived, and you were enveloped in the excitement of seeing your work displayed in such a prestigious venue. The gallery buzzed with activity as people streamed in, their voices a mix of appreciation and curiosity. The atmosphere was electric, and you tried to focus on enjoying the moment, even though the small, nagging hope that Lucy would show up lingered at the back of your mind.

Hours passed, and as the evening drew closer, you began to accept that she might not make it. The crowd was engaged and appreciative, and the positive feedback was reassuring, but the absence of your sister was a constant ache. You tried to push it away, concentrating instead on the connections you were making and the compliments you were receiving.

Your parents had come, and their pride was evident in their smiles and the way they spoke about your work. They marvelled at how far you had come and how talented you were. Their support and encouragement were the best comfort you could have asked for, and you felt a sense of accomplishment in sharing this achievement with them.

Just as the event was winding down, you were approached by Keira, Leah, and Georgia, who were all beaming with excitement. They had come to show their support and to catch up with you after the event. Why couldn’t Lucy do the same thing? Did she really hate you so much that she couldn’t even fake it for a few hours for the sake of her sister?

“We told Lucy about the exhibition,” Leah said, her eyes twinkling with excitement as she looked around the space.

“She said she would come back for it.” Keira added, her tone warm but carrying a hint of concern.

Keira had always been the one who was more in tune with the undercurrents of relationships, and she knew how complicated things were between you and Lucy. She was the only one who truly understood the depth of the tension that simmered beneath the surface. She had offered to take you and Lucy out for lunch – letting your parents rest after the long day of travel.

During that lunch, Lucy’s walls were visibly up, and her responses were curt and distant. The conversation often felt forced, with long pauses and polite but empty exchanges. It was strange Keira had watched with a mix of frustration and disbelief as Lucy struggled to engage, offering only grunts and monosyllabic words in response. She had never seen Lucy like that. She was usually great with kids. She usually revelled in making them laugh and enjoy their time with her. She had watched you sink further and further into yourself, until she was the only one speaking, a far cry from how dinners with Lucy’s family normally looked.

When the subject of family came up in conversation, Keira’s knowledge of the strained dynamics between you and your sister was never far from her mind. Keira’s attempt to mend the gaps had been a sincere effort, but it usually just ended in a fight between Lucy and her girlfriend. You often wondered why you couldn’t have had Keira as a sister instead.

“But … we haven’t heard anything from her today.” Georgia confessed; her voice tinged with concern.

Keira, ever the perceptive one, gave Georgia a sharp nudge, a silent reminder to tread carefully. She glanced over at you, who had been trying to mask your disappointment with a forced smile, though the tightness around your eyes betrayed your emotions.

“I’m sure she’s just caught up with something,” Keira said, trying to sound reassuring. “She’ll be here soon, I promise.” Her words were meant to comfort, but Keira couldn’t shake the worry that Lucy’s absence might be more than just an oversight. You knew otherwise, Lucy wouldn’t be coming.

Leah, sensing the shift in mood, quickly changed the subject. “Your photos are absolutely stunning,” she said, her enthusiasm genuine.

“Thanks, Le,” you smiled back at her. “Did you see the one of you guys?”

“What? I’m … we’re in here?” She clearly hadn’t made her way to the back of the room yet.

“Yeh, it was after the Euros.”

Leah and Keira were standing together on the makeshift dancefloor, a vibrant space that had been hastily set up for the occasion. Their laughter and the rhythm of the music filled the air as they danced with uninhibited joy. Wrapped around their shoulders were colourful flags, their bright hues fluttering with every movement. The flags added an extra splash of festivity to their energetic performance.

Amidst the swirl of movement, Georgia bounded up to them with infectious enthusiasm. She launched herself into the scene, her head playfully peeking out from between Leah and Keira. Her excitement was palpable, adding a new dimension of liveliness to the group. The trio's shared joy and friendship were evident in their spontaneous and carefree expressions.

“Wow,” Leah breathed. She was in genuine awe. She remembered that day like it was yesterday, she remembered the moment she saw the camera being aimed at her, a quiet but smiling you behind it.

Keira joined her, leaning in to get a closer look. “You really captured the energy of that moment. It’s like I can hear the music just looking at it.”

You smiled at their reactions, feeling a sense of satisfaction wash over you. “I’m glad you like it. That was one of those moments where everything just felt perfect, you know? The music, the people, the atmosphere. It was one of those nights that you just want to hold on to forever.”

Georgia nodded, her smile widening. “And you’ve done just that. It’s not just a photograph; it’s a piece of that night.”

Keira looked around at the rest of the exhibition. “Seriously, all of your work is amazing. You’ve got such a unique perspective. It’s like each photo has its own story.”

“Thank you, Kei. Coming from you … that means a lot.” Keira was the closest thing you had to a sister that cared. Not that Sophie didn’t care, but she had a similar indifference that Lucy had. It wasn’t as bad, but you only really saw her on the holidays and if she ever came home for a weekend.  

As the night came to an end, you couldn’t shake off the lingering disappointment. The exhibition had been a success, but the empty space left by Lucy’s absence felt like a heavy shadow. Another milestone in your life had come and gone, and once again, you hadn’t been important enough for her to show up. You couldn’t fathom why she hated you so much. She showed up to Sophie’s things, and Jorge’s. Why not yours?

The weight of this realisation grew heavier with each passing moment. As you the taxi took you back to your hotel, the quiet of the car only seemed to amplify your sadness. By the time you arrived, you were in no mood to face the evening alone with your thoughts. Maybe ordering a bottle of the strongest thing they had from the hotel bar wasn’t your best idea. But you were alone and sad after what should’ve been the best day of your life.

The hotel room was big and expensive – your one treat to yourself in congratulations. A luxury suite in a five-star hotel in London. The alcohol burned your throat, but you didn’t care. You didn’t want to sit with your emotions any longer. You wanted to stop feeling. Anything to numb the pain that had been a constant your whole life.

You weren’t sure when the idea came to you. One minute you were on the hotel balcony, wallowing in your sadness with the bottle in your hands, the next you were pulling out your phone. You weren’t expecting her to answer. You weren’t even sure she had your number saved.

When her voicemail finally picked up, the sound of her voice – a cheerful and upbeat recording informing you she couldn’t make it to the phone and to leave a message for her – felt like a final slap in the face.

“Luce … Lucy … Lucia Roberta. It’s me,” you giggled, the alcohol making you feel oddly detached from the situation. “By me, I mean your sister. Not Sophie, your other sister. Y/N … you’re probably not even going to listen to this, so I can probably say what I want to.”

You took a deep breath, struggling to keep your words coherent. “I don’t know why you couldn’t make it tonight. Actually, no that’s a lie. I do know why you didn’t come tonight. You hate me. That’s why.”

Your voice wavered, and you wiped a stray tear from your cheek. “Remember that time you said you’d come to my year 6 school play? You didn’t make it. And the Alnwick Castle exhibition thingy? And my GCSE results meal? And my A-level party? And my uni send-off? I know you didn’t want another sister. I don’t think I even appear on your Wikipedia page. I know ‘cos I use it to keep updated on your life. You never tell me anything so.” You took another shuddering breath and a swig from the bottle.

“What was it this time? Did Ona need you? I know you’re at the Olympics for her. I like Ona. She’s really nice. And funny. And pretty. I wish she was my sister instead of you. Or Keira… Keira was good… is good. She actually cares about me. She showed up today.” A bitter chuckle escaped your lips, and you shook your head, trying to push away the tears.

“I don’t know what I ever did to you, Lucy.” You stared at the dark hotel room around you. “I don’t know why I even bother sometimes. Maybe I should just stop pretending that you’re ever going to be there for me. Maybe I should just stop hoping for something that’s never going to happen.”

Your voice softened, the lump in your throat making it hard to speak. “I’ve tried to be understanding, to see things from your side. I know you’re busy, and I get that life doesn’t always align. But it’s like I’m always on the outside of your world, never really part of it. It’s exhausting, waiting for something that never comes.”

A long silence followed as you struggled to gather your thoughts. “Anyway, I don’t expect you to call back. I don’t expect you to make any grand gestures or anything like that. I really need to stop expecting anything from you. I just needed to say it. I needed to get it off my chest, even if it’s to your voicemail.”

You let out a long sigh, feeling a strange mix of relief and sadness. “Take care, Lucy. I hope things are going well with you, even if I’m not a part of it and you hate me for the rest of your life. I really do.”

It was another hot day in France. The sun beat down on Lyon, the heatwaves fogging the horizon. The cobblestone streets shimmered in the intense light, and the usually bustling markets were quieter than usual, with vendors seeking refuge in the shade of their awnings. The air was thick with the scent of fresh baguettes and ripe fruit, but even these familiar aromas seemed to waver in the oppressive heat.

Outside, the rhythmic clatter of a bicycle's wheels on the pavement was one of the few sounds cutting through the heat. The cyclist, a young woman with a wide-brimmed hat, pedalled slowly, her face glistening with perspiration. She was on a mission to find a place where the heat was more bearable, perhaps a hidden garden or a cool courtyard where she could rest and escape the relentless sun.

Ona looked back towards Lucy, who was still in bed, her dark hair splayed out over the pillow like a cascade of midnight. The room was filled with a soft morning light that filtered through the thin curtains, casting a warm glow on the walls. Ona smiled, feeling a sense of contentment that she hadn’t experienced in weeks.

Last night had been exactly what they needed. The weight of the Olympics had finally lifted, if only temporarily. She had underestimated how exhausting the Games could be – Lucy had been right when she described it as a marathon. The endless competition and pressure to perform had taken their toll, and last night’s reprieve from it all felt like a much-needed breath of fresh air.

She leaned over and gently brushed a strand of hair from Lucy’s face. Lucy stirred slightly, her eyes fluttering open. She gave Ona a sleepy, contented smile, her hand reaching out to rest on Ona’s.

“Morning,” Lucy murmured, her voice thick with sleep but warm with affection.

“Bon dia,” Ona replied softly, her heart swelling with the simple joy of being beside Lucy.

Ona let her fingers dance across Lucy's face, across her brow and down her nose before delicately tracing the outline of her lips. The soft morning light filtering through the curtains painted a serene glow across the room. Everything felt calm and intimate, a stark contrast to the intensity of the past weeks.

Just as Ona leaned in to place a tender kiss on Lucy’s forehead, the piercing ring of her phone shattered the quiet. Ona’s eyes fluttered open, and she sighed, glancing at the screen with a frown. The phone buzzed insistently on the bedside table.

“Mmmm, who, who is it?” Lucy grumbled sleepily.

“No n'estic segur,” Ona muttered back.

“Too early for Catalan,” the Brit groaned, twisting away to pick up the phone

“Oh,” her demeanour changed abruptly.

“Who is it?” Ona asked, her voice laced with curiosity and concern as she reached over to peek at the phone.

“Just a voicemail,” Lucy said, her voice distant and troubled. She rolled over in bed, clearly unsettled by the message.

“From who?” Ona persisted, her brow furrowing. She was trying to understand the sudden shift in Lucy’s mood.

“My sister,” Lucy replied, her voice flat and weary. The mention of her sister’s name seemed to weigh heavily on her.

Ona’s eyes widened in surprise. “Why would Sophie be phoning you now? It’s only 6 am in England.”

“It’s not Sophie,” Lucy clarified, her tone tinged with a mixture of frustration and resignation. She sat up in bed, rubbing her eyes as if trying to wake herself from a troubling dream. “It’s Y/N.”

Ona’s expression softened with empathy. She was aware of the strained relationship between you, though the reasons behind it had always eluded her. She had heard bits and pieces about their complicated dynamic but had never been given a full explanation. She wasn’t even sure Lucy had a definite answer for her.

“Maybe you should listen to it?” Ona suggested gently, her voice filled with concern. She reached out and placed a comforting hand on Lucy’s shoulder.

“No,” Lucy’s answer was abrupt and to the point. She seemed almost angry with herself for letting the voicemail disturb her morning. She threw the covers aside and swung her legs over the edge of the bed, her movements sharp and restless.

The movement managed to throw Lucy’s phone off the bed as well. She must not have locked it properly. Before they could react, your voice filled the room.

The voicemail had begun to play on speakerphone, and Lucy’s heart sank as your words echoed around them. “Luce … Lucy … Lucia Roberta. It’s me,” your voice slurred slightly, you were clearly drunk. “By me, I mean your sister. Not Sophie, your other sister. Y/N … you’re probably not even going to listen to this, so I can probably say what I want to.”

Ona’s eyes widened in surprise, and she looked at Lucy, whose face had gone pale. The voicemail continued, your words growing more emotional and raw. “I don’t know why you couldn’t make it tonight. Actually, no, that’s a lie. I do know why you didn’t come tonight. You hate me. That’s why.”

It was meant to be the proudest day of her life, not only for her, but her family who were all there as well, all sat in the players box watching on as she warmed up. Y/n Y/l/n never usually made a habit of looking up into the crowd when she was about to play such a big game, it was not her first major final but the first one at Wimbledon and it was the first one where she had her girlfriend, Niamh, there to watch in person. Although she and Niamh were together when Y/n made it to the final of Roland Garros earlier the same year, but Niamh unfortunately could not make it to Paris because of her own career for Chelsea. So not only was this the closest she had come to winning the tournament she’d dreamed of playing in as a kid, but she was doing it in front of all the people she loved most. The day started as if it was just any other match day, a piece of advice which Y/n had got from players who she idolised growing up, that if you treated all matches, even the ones as big as grand slam finals, the same then you would always be able to perform at your best. 

When she got to the start of the match, Y/n was completely in the zone, the warm up and looking up to see her family pushed to the back of her mind somewhat and now the whole focus was entirely on what was ahead. 

She started strong, dominating her opponent with every shot, rally, easily taking the first set 6-0, the second set however was where it fell apart, not in the terms of her game, she was 3-1 up in the second set, however her body had different ideas. As Y/n ran across the length of the court to try and make a particularly tricky return when she felt something go and the next moment she was on the floor clutching her knee. The only thing going through her mind was trying to get up and finish the match, however when she tries to stand up everyone, including herself can tell that something is very badly wrong, however one thing everyone how knows Y/n will 100% know is how stubborn the athlete is, and this is the reason why she continued trying to play, despite barely being able to walk, it only took one look into the crowd however, and one look to Niamh and she knew that she couldn’t carry on playing, her knee was already swollen to nearly twice the size of what it normally is and deep down Y/n already knows what she has done.

After retiring from the match, meaning that her opponent took the title. Y/n had always promised herself that she would never cry after a match whilst the cameras where still around, however the pain of losing added on top of the physical pain of her knee, the tears just came without time for Y/n to even think. After a few minutes they had sorted out the trophies and she was being called up to receive hers for being the runner-up, and then she had to deal with an interview which was the last thing that was needed. 

“So I’m sure this isn’t the way you wanted today to go, how are you feeling right now?” The interviewer asks as you use the crutches your physio brought over for you.

“Uhm yeah, I mean gutted doesn’t even cut it to be honest, I think this has been my best grass season of my career so for it to end like this is absolutely devastating” she says, trying not to start crying again.

“I can imagine, on the injury, is it too early to say how long you could be out for or what the injury could be?”

“Yeah I mean definitely too early for certainties and that but I’m just hoping to be back as soon as possible to be trying to get back to the same level if not better”

“And a little on your opponent? I know you have faced each other before but never at this high importance of games, what was it like?”

“Yeah I mean she’s a brilliant tennis player and deserves everything that she’s worked so hard to achieve so well done to her”

“Thank you, we’ll let you get off, thank you and I hope it doesn’t keep you out for too long”

“Thank you”

With that her coach comes to help carry the trophy because of Y/n being on crutches and then she does have the option to go inside straight away in order to get an initial judgement on her injury but another think Y/n had been taught to always have good sportsmanship so she felt it was only right to remain outside until Sabalenka receives her trophy so that they can still take photos and that like normal. 

“Congratulations Aryna, how are you feeling after that?” The interviewer asks as Sabalenka stands in the same place Y/n had only a few minutes earlier.

“Yeah, I am beyond proud, the match obviously didn’t go the way anyone would have expected, obviously no one wants to see another player get any injury so I’m wishing her the best and quickest recovery because she’s an amazing player and an even more amazing person.”

After all the formalities have been finished is when Y/n walks back inside, well not walks properly but with her crutches which she had a feeling were going to become a part of her life for quite a while. She walks into the changing room and when she sees Niamh, her first reaction, without even really thinking is just falling into her arms, nearly actually falling.

“Babe you were amazing, I’m still so proud of you” Niamh starts, kissing Y/n on the top of her head.

“No don’t say that” Y/n replies, looking down.

“Why not, it’s the truth, I know how annoyed and upset you must be feeling right now” she starts.

“No you don’t, you have no idea what I’m feeling right now” is all Y/n says before walking out the room, leaving Niamh stood there slightly hurt but more concerned about how her girlfriend is processing the injury.

That was a few days ago and Y/n has now had all the scans she was referred for and she got the results yesterday morning, unfortunately she had torn her ACL and therefore would be out for at least 9 months, it was safe to say that Y/n definitely did not take the news very well. Y/n hadn’t properly spoken to her girlfriend since the moment in the changing room. 

“Y/n, babe, please just talk to me, shout at me if you want, just something, I want to help you” Niamh pleads as she comes in from being at the shop to see Y/n struggling to get up.

“I’m fine Niamh, just leave it” she snaps back, leaving the room.

“No I won’t leave it, you need help Y/n you have a serious injury, you are having surgery in two days, I’m your girlfriend, I understand that you are annoyed, of course you are but you can’t shut everyone who loves you out, we just want to help, your sister is worried sick because you keep ignoring her calls and messages.” Niamh snaps, as she follows Y/n around, knowing her partner isn’t going to stop and listen properly.

But what Y/n does next really shocks Niamh, the shorter woman just starts crying and practically crumbles into her girlfriends arms. Due to her not expecting the sudden contact or extra weight, Niamh has to think quick so that she doesn’t hurt Y/n’s knee further than it already is, causing them both to be sat on the floor, Niamh just holding Georgie. 

“Oh baby, it’s ok, let it all out” Niamh says, trying to sooth Y/n. 

“No it’s not ok, I have been such a bitch to you the past few days since I got injured, I’m sorry” 

“You don’t have to apologise, it’s such a difficult thing to go through getting any form of injury, let alone one which keeps you away from your sport for so long, I could never blame you for being angry or annoyed, I would be exactly the same darling” Niamh comments, stroking Y/n’s hair gently. 

“I don’t deserve you, you should be angry at me right now” 

“Well I’m not angry at you, and don’t say that, now come on I think we deserve a nice relaxed night, strictly no talk of any kind of sport or injury, just me, you and the next few episodes of Line of Duty, sound good?” Niamh suggests.

“Yes, that sounds great, thank you”

“Right come on then, for that to happen you might have to get off me for a minute, and how about we get a cheeky pizza, I won’t tell coaches if you won’t”

“Niamh Charles you are a very bad influence on me” Y/n chuckles.

Niamh just laughs too as they both get up and make their way into the front room, Niamh helping Y/n, even though the latter did not want the help, she was also far too tired to fight it anymore.

The rest of the evening is much less tense, no more fighting or snappy words, just both athletes sat on the sofa, watching tv mostly in a comfortable silence, only with the odd comment on who they thought had done something, Niamh always being wrong but trying anyway.

"I'm really sorry for how I've been, I really shouldn't of taken it out on you" Y/n says later on as they both get into bed, facing each other as they lay down for what feels like the first time in a while.

"It's okay babe, injuries suck and I get that it's hard to deal with sometimes but next time you're struggling like that just tell me okay, I'm here to help you" Niamh responds, calmly and places a kiss on Y/n's head before she reaches over to turn the light off and laying down properly.

The London derby is quite an interesting event in the WSL, not only is it a clash between two of the most formable teams in the whole league but also quite the drama show.

Cards like to fly out of the pockets of referees, especially if McCabe is playing, players dive left, right and center but it's the atmosphere that is most important.

It's absolutely electric, so much so that it sends jolts down you- fans from each time show up fully decked out in their teams respective gear, holding banners, scarves and shirts to show their dedication and you thrive off the attention- you always have loved playing in front of a crowd.

Maybe that’s a part of why you love every single derby, maybe even more than the average player- Mostly because it feels really really good to win over your girlfriend's team but also because you're Chelsea through and through, no doubt about it.

You had grown up in Hammersmith and went to every single game you could- Stamford Bridge was practically your second home, right after to the local football pitch where you spent the remainder of your free time. You trained relentlessly and it all paid off when Chelsea's academy accepted you into their ranks- the rest is history.

At this point, after spending your whole career at Chelsea and clearly stating you'd never want to transfer anywhere else, you have become quite the face of Chelsea women.

That's kind of what makes your relationship with Leah so surprising.

Sure, you'd know each other for a while with both of you playing for England and all but the possibility of either of you dating the other was slim (at least in your teammates opinions) but you've never hated Arsenal- Sure, you'd never be caught dead in red but otherwise you were fine... unless they won of course.

You and Leah danced around your feelings for a while- it made England camps quite awkward, since the two of you were always some of the first to be called up and at that point you had nearly kissed multiple times- and had been forced to room together quite a few times. 

But after the Euros win, with alcohol coursing through your veins, a push from Lucy and the high from the medal around your neck so finally confessed your feelings.

Through karaoke.

Which Beth convinced you was a good idea and you stupidly made a fool of yourself, singing You Belong With Me at full volume in the worst tone ever not only in front of Leah but most of the squad. 

In the end though, it did win Leah's heart so maybe you should thank Beth?

Ever since then, England camps have gone by like a breeze, the only minus was that you and Leah could never bunk together but you realize there are worse things. You could only be thankful that the international window allowed for the two of you to play in England shirts together- unlike the London derby.

You roll over and wrap an arm around Leah, sighing into her neck as you pull her closer.

"Don't you have meetings or something before the game?" Leah chuckles and wraps her arms over yours where they are resting on her chest.

"I dunno, do I?" You say, eyes still closed in hopes of getting another five minutes.

Leah is not so forgiving because she manages to get out of your iron grip and gets out of bed, it makes you groan and roll over back over to the other side.

"I wouldn't know would I, darling?"

You sigh and crack an eye open to see Leah standing at the foot of the bed, looking at you with an expecting expression.

"Well, I'm not about to reveal secrets to the enemy."

You stick out your tongue at Leah and she laughs then throws one of the pillows that is resting by her feet at you. Then another and another, until you can't breathe because you're being suffocated by throw pillows.

"I yield! I yield!" You yell and throw the pillows off your head.

Then Leah pounces on you, straddling you on the bed and pinning your shoulders down. You smirk and wiggle your eyebrows suggestively making Leah scoff.

"I'm just trying to get information out of the enemy." Leah laughs and leans down to give you a long kiss, it's soft and utterly melts you into a puddle.

You kiss her back just as deeply before she pulls back to peck your cheek lightly.

"Is your method bribery, baby?"

"Maybe, is it working?" Leah presses another kiss to your lips and you moan into it- absolutely loving the way her lips feel on yours.

"Yeah- I think so." You say softly and Leah smiles then rolls off of you.

"Hey!" You reach for her but she's already too far away to drag her back into bed with you.

Leah tuts at you, "I don't think Bompastor will be happy if you're late- maybe she'll pull you out of the starting eleven?"

You gasp, with fake betrayal, "She would never and I'm not going to be late, she needs me to beat you."

Leah raises her eyebrows at you, "You beat us? Not going to happen, babe."

You laugh and finally roll out of bed only to tackle Leah back into it, she yelps and holds onto your forearms when you practically throw her over your shoulder in a half rugby tackle.

"Really? Because I swear we beat you at the Em-"

Leah covers you mouth with her hand to prevent you from speaking and you furrow your brows at her and she smirks back.

"Shhhh, baby- you don't know what you're talking about."

You reach to remove her hand and after doing so smile sweetly.

"I scored two that game, Lee."

She groans and gives you a little playful shove.

"Don't remind me."

You lean in to kiss her, hoping that it would soften to blow off your words and you think it works since Leah kisses back with just as much enthusiasm.

It's after a far too long make out session that you actually get ready, triple checking you had put on the correct things, packed your boots and not Leah's by accident and made sure that you had all you needed.

Then you're both standing by the door, saying goodbye with a light kiss,

"Hattrick for me in this game?" You tease and Leah rolls her eyes.

Then scoffs, "You're not getting past our defense, baby."

You wave her off with a, "Sure," Before walking to your car; a bright blue Skoda that Leah hates since it has a very proud Chelsea bumper sticker and probably because you have around a thousand other pieces of memorabilia inside of it.

The drive to the stadium is filled with minor road rage and lots of waiting because of all the London traffic but you eventually make it to the stadium on time. You might actually be a little early which is new and when you walk in you're greeted by the sight of some teammates.

Immediately, you see Guro sprint at you and you open your arms for a hug. You've practically been best friends ever since she joined Chelsea, the team even jokes that you're stuck at the hip- which might be true since you spend every second of training with each other and a large chunk of free time too. 

"Ready to beat Arsenal again?" She asks when you wrap an arm around her shoulders.

You chuckle, "Of course, gotta keep winning, don't we?"

"Plus, I'm thinking of making Leah sleep in Chelsea bed sheets if we win."

You hear a wave of laughter behind you and turn to see Lucy and Millie,

"She's going to kill you if you do that."

You nod at Lucy's comment because it's probably true. The last time you mentioned those sheets, Leah had threatened to throw them out all together.

"She'll get over it," You wave them off.

Then Millie speaks, getting all captain mode on you, "Just be focused, 'kay?"

You nod because even through all the joking and laughter you knew just how important this game actually is- you had to win, not only to keep your unbeaten record but also so you could have bragging rights for the week.

The dressing room is nice and lively ahead of the game, everyone is buzzing to be playing at the Bridge, you included. So you come out on the pitch for warm ups absolutely pumped, giving your all in the shooting and build up drills that the management has set up pre-match.

Then make sure to properly stretch since you're not trying to risk an injury, not when you have such an important season ahead, with the possibility of Champions League glory being very much real.

It's soon after the walkouts happen, you grin in the team picture- arm wrapped around a teammate as usual- then shake hands before the match.

When you get to Leah, who is about half way down the line, you smirk, "Too bad for you that I'm not benched."

She scoffs but doesn't respond and you take that as her being focused- match ready. 

The game is intense, as it always is when two top teams meet each other in a clash- especially in the London derby.

The first half is a struggle, tackles are aggressive and physical, the ball possession is practically divided and you're being marked very tightly by the Arsenal defense.

As you'd learned when you met Steph Catley on the left hand side- you try to fake her but she responds with relentless chasing and tugging and you take the opportunity to win a corner since there is no other way out of this one.

The corner is given and you go take your place in the box, it just so happens that Leah is right in front of you- clearly trying to mark you since you're of similar heights.

The corner is taken, ball flies in to the back post and all you can see is a mess of blue and red- then the ball somehow ends up at your feet and you just blindly boot it in the direction of the goal then hear the clear cheer of the fans and realize it has somehow ended up in the back of the net.

It's all really a blur but you run to one of the corners and wave your hands in the air wildly, the crowd cheers along with your odd celebration before it's time to get back in position.

You happen to catch a glimpse of Leah and shoot her a happy smile that she rolls her eyes at. You know she's just as proud of your goal as she is upset that you're one up to nil.

The rest of the game is a stalemate- neither teams really make any deciding plays and yellow cards are given out like sweets for fouls. By the end of it, you're exhausted, the Arsenal defense had been harassing you all game just like Leah said they would. You're so tightly marked that you can barely get a touch on the ball without someone being on your back.

Eventually the game ends in a 1-0 win for you and you're internally grateful for that lucky goal you scored in the first half. You participate in the team talk before walking over to some of the Arsenal girls, you greet them with a polite wave and hug Leah from behind- wrapping your arms around her waist- and she knows it’s you straight away.

“So…” You start but Leah cuts you off.

“Yes, yes, I know you won, babe.” 

You chuckle, “Not what I was going to say but thank you,” 

“You had a great game, baby,” You continue. 

Leah turns in your arms and wraps her arms around your neck for a hug that you immediately lean into- squeezing her tightly. Then pull away to peck her cheek with a grin.

“Can I have your shirt?” 

She laughs and gives your arm a light shove, “I have plenty at home that you can wear.” 

You frown, “Not what I was going for but okay.” 

She scoffs and you wiggle your brows with a smirk on your face.

“We are in public!” 

The day ends with you and Leah cuddling on the sofa, watching reruns of love island since there is nothing else on TV that is worthwhile. You lean into her touch, soaking in the warmth from her arms hungrily and she squeezes you tightly as you lay directly on top of her. 

You close your eyes, feeling the fatigue from the difficult game hit you like a truck- making you absolutely exhausted. 

“You should tell Steph to lay off me next time we play against you,” You mumble out and Leah laughs, making her chest raise up and down.

“That’s the whole point, darling.” 

You groan, “You guys need to relax.” 

You hear Leah’s light giggle then feel a hand run down your back comfortingly and you let out a long sigh, the tiredness catching up to you fast. 

“I love you, darling,” You hear Leah mutter into your hair when she kisses the top of your head and you smile to yourself. 

“Love you more.” 

It’s after a short nap on the sofa that you mention the Chelsea bed sheets and promptly get shut down but thankfully you can stop Leah from throwing them out completely. Instead they are now hidden in the deepest part of the linen closet.