The Lloyd-Solo Family Photo Album

Big Sister Things

"Please make sure she's okay. Do not let her be by herself."

"Mom," mumbles Julie doing her best to keep her voice quiet, "this isn't her first game. It's not her first time traveling. She's okay, I promise. She has friends here. I've got her." She takes a deep breath, "I promise, I've got her."

"It's been a hard year for her."

"I know." The blonde looks down at the discarded duffle bag beside her locker and bites her lip. The owner has been "in the bathroom" for a pretty long time... "We'll call you after the match okay? We'll get a picture too, don't worry. I love you, but I've really got to go."

"I love you too, Princess. Tell Mally to check her phone. I sent her a good luck message." Julie can't help but smile at Hope's thoughtfulness. If only everyone knew how much of that mom she is.  The two say their goodbyes before hanging up.

Man, Mal really has been gone a bit. Julie debates going to find the younger player. She doesn't want to be that big sister right now... you know, the over bearing and annoying one. What if something is wrong though? She could be that big sister... you know the one that makes you feel better and everybody loves. The Captain gives into the worry in the pit of her stomach and walks off towards the bathrooms. She does her best to look inconspicuous bu-"

"Why are you walking like that?" The blonde's head turns in the direction of the voice. "You look crazy. Are you okay?"

"Morgan," she snaps in a hushed tone. "Can't you mind your business for once?"

"Hey," Moe pushes her so naturally She pushes back, "you don't have to be a jerk." The two continue their scuffle. "Go back to Vlatko."

"I don't even like you."

"Then don't beg to see my dog anymore."

"Beg?" gasps Julie as if she's been shot. "I do not beg!"

"Yes you d-"

"Hey, hey, hey-" Mal wedges herself between them talking over them- "cut it out! Stop, stop, stop!" They finally step back enough for Mal to stand properly. "Geez. Sonnet, Linds, Rose, and me don't act like you guys. Why are y'all so weird?"

"Y'all?"

Morgan snorts, "you've been hanging with that boy too much."

"His name is Dansby, thank you," sasses Mal walking to her locker. She smirks, "And he's definitely more than a boy." The older women look at each other: Moe grossed out and Julie about to lose her mind.

"Mallory Diane!" Julie walks over and swats her little sister's bottom before going through her own bag in her neighboring locker. "Watch it. That's so inappropriate."

While rubbing the little sting away with one hand and the other putting in her shin guard, Mallory giggles a bit. "JJ you sound like Mom." The younger sister finishes getting ready then sits down in Julie's locker. She sits so their legs are touching while she finishes getting ready. Julie notices, but doesn't say anything. Mal has a thing for touch- particularly skin to skin touch even though she'd never admit it.

"Mally-" Julie is careful to keep her voice quiet but sweet- "are you ready to play today? You've been making me very proud at practice, you know." The little whine and the quick look at the floor brings a big smile to JJ's face. "Mally, don't be embarrassed." Ignoring the fact they're in a locker room full of people, Julie gets down so she's eye to eye with the forward. She cups her face in her hands and presses a gentle kiss to her forehead. "You're going to do so good today. I am so happy to share the field with you, okay? Let's just have fun. Everything else will fall in to place."

"You're not going to kick me out if I mess up right? Jay, I haven't played in like for-"

"I am not going to kick you out. You're my teammate and my little sister. I love you always and no matter what." Mal nods so Julie gives her one more little kiss on the forehead while standing back up. "Mommy," she purposely uses the more childish name for Hope, "sent you a text so check your phone real quick." Mal hops back to her locker while Julie gets her prewrap on.

"Mama sent me one too," grins Mal still reading the messages. Out of curiosity Julie takes a peak at her own phone. Hmph. I guess Car isn't trying to hide her favorites anymore. "She said tell you she loves you and to win or don't try to come home but I can come home always." Cue the eye roll. Very Carli Lloyd of her.

The locker room starts to clear out for warm ups so the two sisters follow. Mal's hand awkwardly hangs by her side and she keeps opening and closing it. Julie notices and quickly holds it in her own. She's not about to let her little touch starved sister suffer.

"Jules," there's a tiny pull, "we don't have to-"

"I want to hold hands." Mal doesn't argue back. Right before they get to the tunnel mouth, Julie pulls her close and kisses her head. Mal gets in a sweet cuddle before letting go completely. The girls smile at each other before walking side by side onto the field.

-

Julie watches the ball leave Mal's foot... it's in, it's in, it's- GOAL! In the blink of an eye Mal has found her big sister and is stuck to her like a magnet.

"Did you see that Jay?!" Julie squeezes her so tight too happy to talk. The goal, the excitement in Mal's voice, the confidence radiating off the younger woman is just so so good! "I did it! I can score a goal!"

"You can score a goal!" Julie kisses her cheek and sets her back down. "I'm so proud of you baby! That was such a good decision and shot!"

"Thanks sissy!" giggles Mallory as she's swept up in a group hug by her new teammates. Julie stands there smiling and taking in all the positive energy.

Mal playing well, realizing she can score a goal, being confident, being genuinely excited about soccer.... the absolute love this team is pouring on Mal... Julie can't help but get lost in it. She is one proud, happy, grateful big sis-

"Hey Cap!" Julie comes back to earth as she's being pulled back to their side of the field. "Come on Jay. We've got to get another one! I bet Mommy is watching and and you need one now, okay? C'mon!"