𝑫𝑶𝑴𝑰𝑵𝑨𝑵𝑻 - [𝒎𝒂𝒔𝒐𝒏 𝒎𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕]

1.0

MASON

"Okay everyone! Match day." Southgate started. "So this will be our line-up for today." On the board it showed not our usual line-up. I was... on the bench? Brynlee started, together with Saka and Bellingham. We didn't have the highest expectations from Australia, so that probably meant Southgate wanted to start with the 'B-team'. He never said that, but we all knew the usual line-up was full of players who played a lot of minutes. It still didn't feel right that I got to sit on the bench, because of her, Brynlee Norris.

We all sat in the changing rooms, putting on our shoes when Brynlee walked in, together with Declan. I inspected her for a bit, because I obviously saw the crash as well. That's how Declan knew what happened. He immediately ran towards her room and I just sat there, staring to my screen. I didn't really know what I felt. Obviously I was relieved that Lando was okay, but a part of me screamed to go to Brynlee, seeing if she was okay. But then the other part of me replayed speech she gave me this morning, so I decided to stay in my own room. She doesn't want to be anywhere near me, because of how I act. I don't even know why I do, but it's probably for the best?

Her eyes were red and puffy and her skin looked a bit pale. Everyone already knew what happened, because most of us knows Lando, so most of the lads gave their supporting, little smiles. Not knowing what to do. "Jezus, Brynlee. Come here." Ben told from behind me and walked up to her to give her a tight hug. It was noticeable that she was really hurt, but he was okay now, so what bothered her so much? Not my job to care about..

"It's okay. He's okay. Time to move on, it's match day." I saw that her eyes lightened up when she saw the line-up. "I'm starting?" She asked carefully.

"Of course, Brynlee. You did a great job against Germany, I'm really curious what you can do more and I'm convinced you will do great." Southgate replied, with a smile on his face.

"Thank you, gaffer!" She gave him a quick hug and went with Ben to sit next to him. While everyone who just came in put on their shoes, Southgate explained some more about the strategy today. In the corner of my eye, I saw Brynlee leaning her head against Ben's shoulder. It really made me gag, but also a bit jealous at the same time.

-/-

It was now time for a warm up. We were playing at home, which means we played our first match in the Wembley Stadium. When we slowly made out way to the field, I could already see some supporters in the stands. It always was an incredible feeling to be playing at Wembley, but now I had to watch it from the sideline.

"Back at Wembley, have been some time for you, huh? Great White?" Declan said as he put his arm around my shoulder. Why did my mom ever recorded me at that time?

"Oh, fuck off mate." Of course I had to smile, because it still was a funny video. "But yeah, it took a while." Last year I got called up to all the World Cup Qualifying weeks, but since the beginning of the season with Chelsea I wasn't really in my great form. And everyone noticed that, in fact, the media really tried to level me with the ground, but Southgate as well as Tuchel always told me I still did a good job. And then November camp came around, just a week before that I was told that I had an infection in my wisdom teeth. The doctor told me that that could have been going on in the time I wasn't 'in form'. I honestly didn't know a wisdom teeth infection could have this much effect on someone, but I needed to get rid of them. So I wasn't able to play in the November camp. So it's been some time for me to be here.

Our warm up included some running, dribbling, shooting, reaction and finishing exercises. I felt good, really good. Since that wisdom teeth removal I've only been going upwards and it felt amazing. It was known that I wasn't the fastest in the team, but my running exercises were pretty good just as the reaction. My shooting and finishing were back at it's level and I felt confident. This is going to be a good England season... If Brynlee doesn't get in the way too much.

Thinking about her I turned my head to watch Brynlee and Ben doing a finishing exercise together. Actually, this picture in front of me was really adorable. Ben passed the ball to her and she had to finish it with her weak foot. Her pony tail going from left to right when she sped up to the ball, her legs producing that speed. She even managed to score, with a great goal as well honestly. I can't lie about the fact that I was really admired by how she played football. I've always played with men in the sport, of course Chelsea had a women squad, but I've almost never watched it. But after all, I still think this England squad needs to be formed by men. "Mesmerized by her?" Declan gave me a nudge.

"Can you just mind your own business?" I whisper yelled, giving him a glance. "I'm just still speechless about how a woman made it into the England Men Squad." Declan grabbed my arm to pull me out of the group.

"Maybe because she's just as good as us? She deserves this. And the truth is, you can't take it because she plays on the same position as you, don't be so arrogant." Declan said and I rolled my eyes in return. "The funny thing is, since she's around you're acting different. You are being so arrogant and like, jealous about her." He said, but the last bit with a more questioning tone. "Sort that shit out, Mase. You probably like her, but you don't want to show it, so you just act like you hate her. She's a lovely girl and in my opinion, you could be a really cute couple if you just show your real personality. The only thing I don't want you to do is hurting her. You're not the same, Mason. Not the smiley Mason we all know around here." Declan sighed and turned back to the group. Well, that was a speech. Again. Maybe he spoke the truth, I don't even know. I never felt that I cared so much about a position in football, but she proved me wrong I guess. All this is causing so much unnecessary drama and it hurts me that me best friend is even turning against me, but then again, hate fuels me. But wait... It was always the opposite, if I was getting hate it was always getting to my head. It really bothered me, but now that Brynlee 'hated' me, it fueled me. But then again, I hated hate, so is it her attention that fuels me? I'm overthinking right now.

-/-
yess, new chapter! since my story includes some f1 as well, congrats to max verstappen. he really deserves it and i'm really proud of him!!
hopefully you still like the story. i appreciate your support! don't forget to vote and comment <3