CHASING GOLD: World Cup

Chapter 20

Tobin raced down the left side of the field. She megged the midfielder and raced towards the back line. She got up to Kelley and moved the ball around. She left Kelley in the dust and crossed the ball to a streaking Alex and Allie. Allie jumped up and missed the ball but Alex collected it and shot it into the back of the net. The stadium erupted as their beloved players scored. Alex ran to Tobin and jumped into her outstretched arms. "Awesome job baby girl." Tobin whispered into Alex's ear. She felt Alex smile against her cheek.

"All because of you baby." Alex whispered back. Lindsey, Emily and the rest of the team jumped on the two hugging and celebrated the goal with the couple. Tobin pointed up to the sky and then looked over to the sidelines and saw Andy standing and cheering. Tobin pointed to Andy and smiled. Alex made her hands into a heart and directed it towards Andy. Andy waved at her moms on the field and smiled.

Later in the game, Allie took a shot and it bounced off of Hope's hands and Tobin took this opportunity to follow the ball and took the shot. It hit the back of the net and again the Thorns were celebrating. Tobin yelled in celebration and pumped her fist into the air. Alex ran to Tobin again but this time Tobin jumped into Alex's arms. "Let's go celebrate with our girl." Alex whispered. Tobin jumped down and the two jogged towards their daughter who had gotten back up and started walking towards the sidelines when she noticed her moms coming to her. Andy opened her arms for her moms as they ran to her.

"That was for you kiddo." Tobin whispered to Andy. She smiled at her moms and the two pros went back onto the field.

*****

The Portland Thorns won 3-0. One from Tobin, one from Alex and one from Allie Long. The three amigas. Andy walked onto the field at the end of the game with Tobin and Alex as the team walked around the field for the fans. "Hey mom?" Andy asked. Tobin turned to look at her. "I think it's time." Tobin looked at her questionably. "I think I'm ok for the world to know that you're my mom." Tobin smiled. "That is, if you're ready for that?" Andy then rushed out.

"Hey kiddo. I'm ready if you are." Tobin reassured her. The two shared a smile. "Hey. How about you come to the post-match press conference?" Tobin asked. "We could tell them then?" She asked her daughter. Andy smiled.

"Sounds good mom." Andy said smiling. "When are you and mama going public?" Andy asked. Tobin looked up in the direction of her girlfriend.

"I'm not sure. Not quite yet. But probably soon." Tobin said, smiling when Alex turned around and smiled at her. Andy smiled at her moms and followed Tobin as they walked towards Alex.

*****

Tobin and Andy walked into the tunnel alongside Alex, who peeled off into the locker room as they walked by it. Tobin and Andy were directed into the conference room. The two walked into the room and sat down. Andy gave Tobin a nervous look and Tobin reached over and grabbed her hand under the table and gave her a sweet smile. The two turned their attention to the room as the questions began.

"Hey Tobin." A reporter said. "What does it feel like being back here in Portland?" She asked. Tobin smiled, finally relaxing.

"Um yeah. It's been great. Being with the national team is always an honor and always amazing. I'm lucky enough to be called up with such amazing players but it's been nice to be home in Portland." Tobin said, smiling.

"Thanks Tobin." The reporter said. Another reporter spoke up.

"Tobin you've been seen around with a young girl. This girl here actually. Is there a reason why?" The other reporter asked. Tobin nodded and looked at her daughter. Here goes. Both Heath's thought.

"Yes there is a reason." Tobin said, pausing. "Um yeah. This is my daughter." Tobin said, not knowing how to explain.

The reporter looked at her confused. "How is that possible? We've never seen a daughter with you until these last few weeks. We've never seen you in a relationship." Tobin looked at her daughter. Andy nodded, signaling that it was ok. She gripped her moms hand and Tobin smiled.

"Well. Something happened to me a long time ago and I actually gave birth to a little girl." Tobin explained. She looked at Andy. "This girl right here. She was at a national team game and we got reunited. And we're starting the reunification process but I'm fostering her right now so it's legal that she's with me." Tobin explained further. The reporter seemed satisfied with Tobin's answer and thanked her.

They asked Tobin a few more questions before Tobin was called to be done with the interviews. She went back to the locker room and got changed and gathered all her things. Alex and Andy were ready and waiting for Tobin to be finished. The little family walked to the car, got in and headed home.

Andy plopped herself on the couch when they got home. She looked at her knee brace and felt tears brimming her eyes. She put her head in her hands. Alex walked in hearing some noise and frowned when she saw Andy. "Baby what's wrong?" Alex asked softly, sitting down next to Andy. Andy shook her head. "Hey. What's wrong?" She whispered. Tobin heard this from the kitchen and walked into the living room (as much of a living room as it is since it's an apartment).

"Hey kiddo." Tobin said, squatting in front of Andy. "What's going on?" Andy removed her hands from her face, revealing her red eyes and tear-stained face. She looked out the windows to her right and put her arms in her lap. Tobin placed her hands on Andy's legs. "Is this about the interview?" Tobin asked. Alex gave her girlfriend a confused look.

"No it's not that mom." Andy whispered.

"Then what is it baby?" Tobin whispered. Andy looked at her moms, concerned expressions on their faces.

"I'm so sick of this brace already." Andy said, throwing her head back in frustration. She chuckled through her tears. "I know it's stupid but it's true." Tobin and Alex chuckled.

"Hey." Alex said, getting Andy's attention. "You'll get through it." Andy nodded.

"Why don't you get some sleep, ok kiddo?" Tobin said. Andy nodded. "Hey guess what?" Andy looked at her moms.

"What?" Andy said.

"Guess who's staying another day?" Alex asked. Andy looked at them confused.

"Theo." Tobin said. Andy smiled brightly. "So get some sleep so you're not tired tomorrow." Tobin smiled at her daughter. Andy nodded and stood up from the couch. She grabbed her crutches and headed to her room.

Andy got ready for bed and laid down. She thought about seeing Theo tomorrow. She thought about being in her arms again. She thought about kissing her. She also thought about getting back from her injury. Playing with her moms on the same field. Maybe even the same field as Theo. Andy soon fell asleep. Soccer, her moms and Theo on her mind.