Saving The Day

51

Confetti cannons were being shot into the sky, and the crowd cheered louder. I looked around, and noticed some fans were teary and holding signs about me. Probably the last time I'll seem for a long time. I took the time too walk around the stadium, to sign things around to every fan I could get too.

I was happy to know that there were still people who looked up too me, that I had truly made a long lasting impact with them and this country.

After my time with the fans, I walked back to the girls. I have to do my best, to leave the best impression of myself. I've already proved myself tonight, and doesn't matter what anyone says right now. The team haven't been the team I've always had, but I didn't want to leave without sharing one last good moment with them. I went around hugging, and complimenting them. Sharing inside jokes we had, and just embracing them.

"We're really going to miss you" Sonnett tells me with her arm awkwardly around my shoulder since I'm taller then her. I was currently surrounded by the younger bunch of the team.

"The feelings mutal, and I can't wait too see you guys grow and mature more as players as you carry on the mantle." I tell them, and I smile lightly at Mal. She was getting emotional, she wasn't earlier but I think it's starting to hit her. She was like a little sister to me, took her under my wing.

"We also want to apologize for not checking up on you.. we are shitty teammates for that. We hope that you're doing better, and we will start checking up on you. We do care and love you" Lindsey speaks up, earning nods of agreement from everyone.

"Alls forgiven, our lives are constantly busy."

"But still.." Sonnett tells me.

"But nothing Kid" I tell her back, ruffling her hair. She lightly shoves me away so she can fix her now messed up hair. Everyone chuckles. I took my time with me, before I went to the Veterans of the team. This is was going to be hardest goodbye, I can feel it. I met up with Carli by the bench, she was only 5 feet away from Alex, Kelly, Tobin, Christen, and Megan. Ali and Ashlyn walked over also, they were having their own conversation but caught on. I sat next to Carli as I put my gloves behind my shorts.

"So I guess this is it huh?" She says facing me.

"Yeah.." I said sadly.

Our interaction, was noticed but the other girls. They walked over with frowns on their faces. They sat or stood around us, taking in the farewell.

"I am going to miss playing with you girls, we've been this big family for so long. We've experienced loss and wins together, and I'm happy it was with you guys. I don't regret our time together, and I hope you don't either" I tell them gueinely, Carli wraps her arm around my shoulder.

"You are the heart of the team, and it hurts that you're leaving. You've taught us a lot of lessons, and have been their for us when we needed someone. You have been a voice and a motivator, You are a leader. This teams yours, always has been" Carli tells me in behalf of everyone, hearing those was like if someone shot an arrow to my stomach. It was an acting feeling in my stomach because I knew I was going to cry. She brings me into a hug, as I cry into her chest.

Chatting up with them about funny times we had, or embarrassing moments. Everyone got distracted in their own little world, sharing stories left and right. Alex took the moment, to sit next to me as no one noticed. She placed her gentle hand on my thigh, I looked up to her eyes. They were glossy,  and I could tell she had been holding everything in. She has been the quietest.

"This isn't how I imagined your last game to be... thought we'd retire together"

"Me too.."

Interview with Hope Solo

"Hey Holly! It's been so long!" Hope pulls me into a quick hug before we start the interview. After the farewell celebration with confetti and constant fireworks, it's come to sort of a closing. Other players doing post game questions and interviews. They really wanted to get my final thoughts and what I'm going to do for here on out.

"It has, how are you?" I tell her as I was handed a microphone once again. She smiles brightly at me, the lights shining rather heavier then before. Reporters recording and writing down notes.

"Great, what about you? How are you feeling after such a good finish to your career?"

"It was a great game, Sweden is always a great challenge. Testing the depth and skill of the team, I'm very satisfied with the win." I tell honestly, I mean every team tests us anyway. It goes to show, how great chemistry and connection we have with whoever we play.

"I feel like it's come full circle" she tells me making me look back to Rio 2016, when we lose to them in the semifinals. I wanted to be put in for the game, but Jill picked Hope instead. We ultimately lost that game, but it wasn't anyone's fault but our team in general.. we just weren't good in that game. It's sad but we can't hold on .to that, we gotta move on.

"Yeah, and looking back at it now.. I feel like it didn't matter who would have played. It just wasn't our game, and we have to take that loss as motivation." I tell her, technically to everyone who was tuning in. It was going to play on ESPN and other channels.

"If you could pick out a game in your career as a highlight, what would it be?"

"Ah man, that's a good question.." I think long and hard about the game that has given me something to remember.

"The Women's world cup Semifinal against England" I tell her, and everyone looks sort of shocked considering that was my last actual game. It was the game that had ended my career..  or so we thought it would. After a few more questions, and truthful answers. The interview was coming to an end, and thankfully it was comfortable. I've known Hope for years, so I'm glad it was her that got to do this with me despite everything.

"Wrapping this, I wanted too ask the question everyone's been dying to know.."

Everybody was anticipating it.

"What's next for you?, full retirement?"

The whole room was silent, even teammates who were around me answering to their own individual questions.

"I might as well tell everyone what I'll be doing." I glance to my manager, for the permission to tell everyone. He nods towards me, letting me know that I was allowed too now that I'm officially no longer part of the U.S.A team.

"Coming to this decision was hard, and everyone who means a lot too me.. have taken part in it. After so long of figuring everything out.. I will not be retiring" and everyone starts going crazy over my statement, asking tons of questions as once. It was starting to become overwhelming, thinking of a way to wrap this up. I know this is just the beginning of my new found journey, it's going to be the hardest one yet. I will be getting tons of backlash for it.

"While Valtko Andonski has made it very clear for me, that I will not be getting a call up to the National Team."

I could spill more tea but that's for another time. I will let them know that specifically though. The new U.S staff members reacted unimpressed with the confession, the reporters were loving it. As soon as I say it, U.S Soccer will have to do a lot of press control.

Anticipation has met its end.

"As of today, as of right now.. I'm a Lioness"