Twists of Fate - Love on The Pitch

Game Day

*Skip to Sunday, the day of the game against West Ham*

The morning sun cast a warm glow over St. Albans as the Arsenal Women's team boarded the bus, anticipation buzzing in the air. Olivia sat down across from Beth and Steph, with Lily and Emily nestled in her arms.

"Are you ready for Mommy's big game, my little stars?" Olivia cooed, pressing kisses to their chubby cheeks as they giggled in response.

As Olivia sat across from Beth and Steph on the bus, she couldn't shake the flutter of nerves in her stomach. Beth's words of encouragement echoed in her mind, filling her with a sense of determination.

"You know, Liv," Beth said casually, flashing Olivia a knowing smile, "I have a feeling this game might be extra special for you."

Olivia raised an eyebrow, a curious smile tugging at her lips. "Oh? And why's that, Beth?"

Beth shrugged nonchalantly, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Just a hunch. But who knows, you might find something more than just a victory on that pitch today."

Steph chimed in with a playful grin. "Yeah, Liv. Who knows what surprises the game might bring?"

Olivia felt her cheeks flush with heat as she glanced over at Eva, who was sitting a few rows ahead, with Viv and Vic. The thought of something more than just a victory with Eva sent a thrill through her, but she quickly pushed the thought aside, focusing instead on the task at hand.

"Yeah, well, let's just focus on getting the win first," Olivia said with a nervous chuckle, trying to quell the butterflies in her stomach. "We can worry about the rest later."

But as the bus rumbled on towards the stadium, Olivia couldn't help but wonder if Beth's hunch might just be right.

The stadium buzzed with excitement as the Arsenal Women's team disembarked from the bus. Eva's enthusiasm was infectious, her eyes gleaming with anticipation as she soaked in the atmosphere.

"Whew, can you feel the buzz in the air, Liv?" Eva asked, her voice alive with excitement. "This is it, our moment!"

Olivia couldn't help but grin in response, her heart racing with anticipation. "Absolutely, Eva! It's like every nerve in my body is tingling with anticipation."

They joined their teammates in the changing room, as Leah took charge of the music, and everyone started their pre-match routine. Soon after, everyone was heading out for warm up. Olivia and Eva were standing together in the tunnel, just taking everything in before running to join warm-ups.

"Hey, Liv, you ready to light up the pitch today?" Beth called out, her smile infectious as she jogged over.

Olivia laughed, her nerves dissipating in the face of Beth's enthusiasm. "You bet, Beth! I've got my game face on and I'm raring to go!"

Eva chimed in with a playful nudge, her eyes twinkling mischievously. "I've got a feeling you're going to score a screamer today, Liv. Just wait and see!"

A blush crept up Olivia's cheeks at Eva's words, a rush of excitement coursing through her veins. "Thanks, Eva! Let's make some magic happen out there!"

With renewed determination, Olivia and Eva settled onto the bench, their hearts pounding with anticipation as they waited for their moment to shine.

---

The starting eleven for Arsenal:

1. Manuela Zinsberger

7. Steph Catley

6. Leah Williamson

15. Katie McCabe

21. Victoria Pelova