The Known (On Hold)

87

The next few weeks pass by, and Charlotte and Mal have fallen into a routine with each other and their roommates. 

As Mal sets her bag down by the door, she and Charlotte share one last hug and kiss before the trio of players head out to join their teammates for a trip to Houston and a match against the Dash. 

Having the apartment now to herself, Charlotte goes into full-on proposal prep mode and researches the local area and monuments to create the questions and answers for the scavenger hunt preceding the proposal at the Gallery. 

After having spoken with some higher-ups at the Gallery, explaining her plans and offering them a donation, they agreed to allow the area to be blocked off from the general public for it to take place. Now, she just needs to finalize the details and write the words that will change her life and hopefully Mal's as well. 

First, though, she needs to head off to her own personal training session in order to stay in game shape. Closing off her laptop and notes, she heads into the bedroom to get changed and pack a bag before heading out for a few hours. 

On the way back, she hits up the store and restocks the fridge and cupboards, seeing that they are low and deciding to alleviate the stress of grocery shopping from her roommates and girlfriend. She doesn't mind doing it, as it gives her a chance to sneak a few things in the cart that aren't necessarily on Dawn's list of approved foods. 

Once she's done unpacking and putting away everything, she heads in to grab a quick shower and put on some comfies before presumably settling in for several hours in front of her computer screen.

After spending most of the next day compiling information, Charlotte is glad to be able to get comfy on the couch and put the Spirit vs Dash game on. With the Spirit, fresh off of defeating Sky Blue a few days earlier, she's disappointed to find that Mal isn't listed as part of the starting lineup and will instead be on the bench as the opening whistle sounds out. 

Just before the 19-minute mark of the match, Kristie Mewis, a player for Houston, has to be helped off the field in obvious discomfort, and Charlotte finds herself feeling for the player as the camera zooms in on her and she is replaced on the field by Hayley Hanson. 

After generating very few opportunities in the opposition end, Charlotte isn't shocked to see Rachel Daly score and put the home team in the lead just before the halftime whistle sounds out. 

When the second half begins, Mal takes over upfront for Ortega and looks to draw the visitors level.

Off the restart, Houston finds the netting as Kealia Ohai makes no mistake in putting them up by two, less than a minute after the whistle.    

Play gets back underway, and in the 54th minute, Spirit midfielder, Banini is able to jump forward on the play and put one past Dash keeper Jane Campbell to get them back in the match. 

In the 78th minute, it's Daly once more finding the back of the goal for the home side to make it 3 - 1. 

Minutes later, Mal's leg is clipped, and she goes down holding her knee. Charlotte stands up and moves closer to the screen, trying to read lips and understand what is being said between her girlfriend and training staff. With the angle of the camera and bodies in the way, all she is able to pick out is the word knee.

Ashley Hatch makes it a final of 3 - 2 for Houston in added time, but Charlotte is beyond caring about the final score. She wants to know what's going on with her girl and how serious her injury may or may not be.

New Message

C.J. 🚀: Are you okay? Please call or message and let me know. ❤️

She paces around the apartment, waiting to hear back from her girlfriend but instead gets a call from Andi.