Maisie 'Baby' Bronze

17. Follow in your footsteps

A week had past since Mum and Keira had got the call that they were going to the euros, and now, they were packing ready for their departure for St George's tomorrow. Per usual, Lucy had asked for me to be able to stay on camp alongside her, for some safeguarding shit. Although I firmly believe I could easily survive being left at home for about a month alone, I can understand that from everyone else's view, it probably wasn't the smartest of ideas. I can't complain too much though, I have enjoyed every other camp I've stayed at, especially when I was a lot younger and being fussed over by everyone. In fact, this time, I'd been asked if I could do some media things with england, for example interviewing the other players and inside edition sort of things, which I was looking forward to doing. I'd managed to pack my suitcase in advance, however as I sat scrolling through TikTok on my bed, I could hear the frustration from both mum and Keira as they tried to pack Mum's suitcase. Typical.

"Just shut you damn suitcase" I hear mum say as I watch her push down on the top of it, from the doorframe.

"Mmm, don't think it's gonna shut mum"

"Oi shut it"

I giggle, then go back into my room and plonk myself on my bed. This was a frequent occurrence- mum being unable to properly pack, me just watching her struggle and Keira trying to help but eventually gives up because of mum being too useless. In fact I can almost guarantee that in 5 minutes, Keira will announce she's taking Narla on a walk with her, as an excuse to escape the house. Suddenly, I receive a call from an unknown ID, and I sit up, unsure of who it could be.

"Hello?"

"Hi, is this Maisie Bronze?"

"Yeah it is, who am I speaking to?"

"Hi Maisie, my name's Daniel Price and I am the manager of the U18 england women's team. I'm calling you today to let you know that I'd very much like for you to join us at our next camp, next week. Obviously, you'll be playing a few age groups up, however, after seeing you play this season, I think you're perfect for the team"

"Wow, thank you, I don't know what to say"

He laughs kindly, "That's ok, it's probably a lot to take in. You don't have to make any decisions right now, however, if you could give me a call or email back by tomorrow, that would be good."

"OK, yeah, thank you. Can I just ask, as I'm going to stay at St George's Park with my mum tomorrow, how will this work?"

"Yeah, I am aware of this, so we'll meet anyways next thursday at SGP anyways so that won't be a problem, we'll train there for a week and play Germany there too then we'll fly out to the netherlands to play them and sweden then will be back probably by the 4th of July to play Portugal, before the euros start"

"OK, that's brilliant, thank you very much for this opportunity"

"That's ok Maisie, let me know ASAP"

"Will do, thank you and bye"

"Bye"

OMG. What just happened.

"MUM MUM MUM" I shout jumping out of bed and running frantically to find her.

"What?" Mum says, exasperated from trying to cram everything in.

"I've been invited to the U18's england camp!"

"WHAT! Oh my god! No way!" Mum jumps up and picks me up, spinning me around.

"AHHhhh, we need to reply by tomorrow if I can do it or not and he's sent an email with all the information on"

"Ok, yeah,Under 18's as well! This is amazing maise, I'm so proud of you!" Mum beams at me, pulling me in for another hug, "actually... KEIRA, WE'RE GOING OUT FOR DINNER" she shouts downstairs