Her Eyes

5. Switzerland

Alexa's POV

The euros began in one week and outside of camp the anticipation was building. This afternoon we were heading to Switzerland for our final friendly before the tournament started. It would be good to escape the buzz in England so we could focus.

I hadn't played in the two friendlies so far this camp, but that wasn't surprising as it was my first camp. I had performed well in training this morning and showed off my shooting ability so I  was hopeful that I might get some game time in Switzerland.

I'd been getting on with the girls really well particularly Beth, Lucy and Mary had taken me under their wing as more experienced players. Sarina had really encouraged us to enjoy the process of this home tournament and we really were already.

As I paid for my coffee in the airport I realised I was running a bit late, so I hurried through the gate. I was last on plane and saw that the only seat left was at the front next to Leah.
I felt slightly awkward about this as we hadn't really spoken one on one before, I had just flirted with her a bit over the past few weeks. Leah looked focused and serious with her earphones in but smiled at me as I sat down.

I was really aware of how close we were sat and the fact that our arms and legs were just brushing. The thing that was now taking over my mind though was the fact that I'm a really nervous flyer. I sat and focused on my breathing as we took off.

About 30 minutes into the flight my stomach dropped as the plane lurched up and down with turbulence. My breath quickened and knuckles went white, was the plane going to go down?

I was broken from my thoughts as I felt a hand on my leg. I looked up and saw that Leah was looking at me with a caring expression.

"Are you okay?" She asked

"Uh yeah.. I'm just really not a good flyer" I replied kind of embarrassed and still acutely aware of her hand on my thigh.

"Here" she said and passed me one of her headphones

We sat in a comfortable silence just listening to the music Leah was playing through her headphones. Her hand remained on my thigh keeping me calm until the turbulence stopped.

We ended up chatting about all sorts for the remainder of the flight, our music taste, our families, even what sort of food we liked. It was nice to speak to Leah and see this softer side of her.

The next day

The girls lined up to sing the national anthem as the match was about to start. I stood on the sideline with the subs, arms round Tooney and Nikita. I caught eyes with Georgia and couldn't help but laugh slightly as the national anthem was sung, it was an.. interesting rendition. I could see several members of the lineup smirking and trying not to laugh as the camera panned down them. Leah had her game face on obviously, always professional.

We were 3-0 up in the 80th minute when Sarina asked me to warm up. Oh my gosh I was really going to get my first cap! I warmed up on the sideline and listened to Sarina's instructions as I took my bib off.

Georgia high fived me as I ran past her to my position and the game continued. It took me a few minutes to feel part of the game but I started to make some good connecting passes and runs. I thought the game was about finished when I crossed a ball into the box and Jill headed it in.
Omg it went in!! An assist in my first ever game!!!

The girls sprinted towards me and Jill and engulfed us in a hug, ecstatic at this unexpected goal in the 90th minute. I felt Leah's arms around me "nice one rookie" she whispered in my ear. This gave me goosebumps and I realised this was the first time she had really hugged me.

"Come on Alexa!" shouted Beth jumping excitedly into my arms and breaking the moment.

In that moment I really felt part of the team, not just the new kid looking in from the outside and I was ready for what the euros would bring.

Authors note
✌🏻what a comeback from Arsenal is all I have to say today