United in Break-Up

Chapter 2

The noise is deafening and the music blasts through the stadium. England has won the final 2-1 against Germany and is now the European champion. Beth didn't score a goal, but she played a very good game - at least that's what Vivianne and Beth's family thought. Together they cheered in the stands and were in each other's arms when the decisive goal was finally scored for England in extra time.

After the final whistle, Beth fell into the arms of her teammates before sprinting with her last ounce of strength to the family block, where she first hugged her parents, then her brother and at last Vivianne. "We did it! And Viv, you are here! I'm so happy!" Beth brings out completely out of breath. She beams at Vivianne, who finds her joy really contagious. "Beth, I'm so proud of you!" Vivianne whispers into Beth's ear while pulling her even tighter into their embrace. Beth was sweating and had grass everywhere, but  Vivianne didn't care, she was just really happy with all her heart. From the other side of the stadium, the other English players came around to pick Beth up for a lap of honor through Wembley. On this occasion, Vivianne also congratulated her other Arsenal teammates - she especially hugged Leah Williamson tightly, knowing how important this victory was to her today. "You should come and join the celebration with the team and their family and friends after the official trophy handover! It takes place at the party location here in the stadium right after the handover. You are warmly welcome!" shouted Leah to her as the group continued their lap of honor. Beth nodded wildly. "Yes, definitely! I'd be very happy to see you there, too!".

Even though Vivianne doubted that Beth's mood could possibly get any better, she enjoyed seeing her friend so joyful. In the last few months, Beth was going through a rough time after the break-up with Danielle, crying many times about how unfair it was that her ex-girlfriend was now living a great new life in France while she was mourning over her still in England. Vivianne noted that the Beth doing the lap of honor in the stadium didn't have much to do with this sad "Break-Up-Beth" at the moment - and the Dutchwoman really liked that. Since Beth has also focused all the more on soccer after the break-up, the hard work now finally paid off with winning the final and playing a great tournament.

After the players disappeared into the catacombs of Wembley Stadium, Vivianne and Beth's family also left their seats for the exits. They have had a good time during the game and Vivianne felt surprisingly comfortable with June and Ben - Beth's father Richard was still a mystery to her, he kept eyeing her from the side from time to time and was not talking that much to her. Nonetheless, she decided to join everyone at the party to which she had now been invited by Leah. She was really looking forward to seeing more of "Happy-Beth" and also excited to celebrate the English triumph with her Arsenal teammates. Since fans were still waiting for her outside the location to sign autographs, she entered the party location after a lot of other people. The room was already stuffed with people and she recognized some of the England players in their tracksuits and talking to their families and friends. But where was Beth? Or where were her other Arsenal teammates? She could not find Beth's family either. Of course, she could now approach people and make new acquaintances, the players all seemed very nice from the stories of others - but that was not really one of her strengths to be honest.

"Hey, the bartender made me one too many gin and tonics - are you interested in taking one over?" a soft voice snapped Vivianne out of her thoughts. The Dutchwoman turned around and looked into the eyes of a beautiful blonde young woman. She was wearing an England tracksuit and smiled at her with her bright blue eyes in anticipation. Vivianne nodded politely, smiled back and accepted the drink that was held out to her. "I'm Alessia, by the way," the blonde said while taking a sip of her own drink. "I know who you are!" Vivianne bursts out before even having a chance to sort out her thoughts. "I mean, you've been one of the stars of this tournament, you know, and probably one of the emerging stars of England's women's football in the future," Vivianne explains. "What I just wanted to say: You played fantastically the last games!". Alessia blushed slightly at this comment. "Thank you! I'm probably still not used to people knowing my name before I've even talked to them," she replied. "I'm sure you'll get used to it quickly. Especially if you keep playing like this and people recognize you more and more in public," Vivianne said.