right where you left me

Chapter 7 - Connections

Our next game was against United, at Borehamwood. They were a strong team this season; at least, that is what Leah had said to me. They were 'growing', apparently, and were 'stronger than last season.' I wasn't one to know, or judge; I had only just come into the club, and this league. I was new. I didn't know the ins and outs, just yet.

But I knew that United were a club with history, with pride. They weren't going down without a fight, and they were going to bring it.

"You alright?" Leah asked me, as I stared out the window on the way to the ground.

"Yeah," I answered, smiling at her. We still hadn't come out together officially as we still had no idea what we were. We were taking it all one day at a time, not wanting to put any label on each other. We had only known each other a week; it was too soon. We both knew that.

We arrived at Borehamwood, and as I got out of the car, I looked over to see Steph, Jordan, Beth and Jen all walking inside together. I sighed quietly to myself, but I wasn't quite sure why.

"Tippah!" a voice called, that wasn't Leah's. I turned around to see Viv walking towards me.

"Hey," I replied.

"I was thinking last night of a play that we could set up when we have a corner on the right..." Viv started to say, as we walked in together. Leah followed behind us, and as I turned back once, I saw her smiling. Smiling at us. Smiling at me.

We soon arrived into the changing room, and started preparing for the match. I looked around, noticing everyone before the game was to begin.

I was starting in the midfield, with Lia and Frida, and Beth, Viv, and Caitlin were up the top. In the back, Manu was in goals, and Laura, Leah, Lotte and Katie made the back line. This had been becoming a more settled line up.

The game was a hectic experience, but an early Alessia Russo goal was not what we wanted. We weren't able to find anything. We weren't able to create.

Until.

In the 60th minute, I saw a pass. I saw a through ball. I saw Viv sitting at the top, waiting for it. I passed the ball, in between the two United centre backs, finding Viv on the run. She took the ball with ease, and slotted it past Mary Earps. We had equalised.

"And that is why we have you," Viv said, hugging me after I ran over to her.

"It's all yours girl," I then replied, leaning into my friend. All the other girls soon were there, and celebrated alongside Viv and me.

But then the game had to start once more.

The game ended in a draw.

After the final whistle blew, we all gathered in a huddle together, annoyed about the result but happy we at least got the point. We needed it.

I walked alongside Beth as we clapped around to the fans.

"How you going?" I asked her, referring back to the conversation we had about a week earlier.

"I'm actually alright," she replied, smiling.

"What's that cheeky smile about?" I said, nudging her softly.

"Nothing cheeky, Tipp," Beth replied. "I just- things are looking up, I think."

"Well, I'm glad."

"Yeah, everything just feels-" Beth started to say, until she stopped talking. Viv was walking over, and came beside me.

"Hey," I said to her.

"Hey," she said, not looking at me though and just Beth.

"So..." I started to say, trying not to feel awkward in this situation. I was confused what was going on, but knew I wasn't going to question it.