LOVE ON THE PITCH || Woso oneshots

Goodbyes [Beth and Vivianne]

For the sake of the story, pretend that Viv and Beth got together before the Olympics.

BETH'S POV

Vivianne is about to go on international duty, meaning that we won't be together during this time. The house will feel empty without her, and I will definitely feel lonely here in London; luckily, me and the other girls have decided to watch every game together, so that we can support our mates even when they are away.

«Hey babe, you've been quiet» she whispers in my ear, putting her arms around me.

I am bent on the kitchen counter reading a Dutch recipe on my phone, but I can't seem to figure out how to cook this dish.

«Yeah, I've been looking at this for thirty minutes now but I don't understand» I admit, sighing.

I wanted to make her a Dutch dish as a goodbye, since tomorrow I will drive her to the airport and we won't see each other for two weeks while she's in Japan for the Olympics, but I don't even know where to start with this recipe.

«Oh, are you cooking frikandel?» she exclaims, surprised.
«Yeah, trying to» I roll me eyes. «I wanted to cook the most authentic recipe I could find, but it's in Dutch and I can't understand a word. I even tried to contact Jill, but she is out with the other girlies.»
«Aww, you could have asked me! Here, let me help you.»

She takes the phone out of my hands and starts gathering ingredients on the counter, explaining me what to do. When we are done, we go out on the patio and eat together while talking about the upcoming matches, international break and Arsenal, just to take our minds off of everything.

«I'm sorry you can't come» she sighs, hugging me.
«Yeah, I'm sorry too. It sucks to not be able to support you there, but I will be watching from here.»
«It won't be the same, though.»
«I know, but it will be the second-best choice» I nod, trying to make the whole situation less dramatic than it already is. «I will be watching every game, every interview, every clip of you.»
«Ha! It makes you sound like a stalker» she chuckles, getting up and collecting the plates.
«No, leave it. You go pack your things, my beautiful Dutchie. I'll take care of it.»

She thanks me and slowly walks to our bedroom, while I do the washing up.

I don't want to show her my sad side and make things harder for her. She has to focus on the games ahead, and I know that leaving me behind is already making her suffer, so I need to be strong for the both of us.

As she packs her suitcases, I lie down on the couch and close my eyes, trying to keep away the thought of living without her. We've done it before, but I've always been closer and I was able to go see her games before. Now, all I can do is watch them on tv, without being able to cheer for her in the stadium or hug her when the game ends.

«Are you asleep?» she asks.
«No.»
«Then can I have some cuddles?»
«Come here.»

She takes her place in my arms, while I squeeze her in.

«Is Flip ready for the trip?»

She smiles and nods, then closes her eyes and falls asleep in my arms.

The drive to the airport is silent. Even I – the loudest, most chaotic person on the planet – don't feel like saying anything that would make us both break down in tears.

«You're strangely quiet» she whispers, seeing me too focused into driving her.
«I know... I just don't wanna see you go.»
«It's our job, babe. I'll be back in no time, with a medal hopefully.»

I sigh, but I know that this is only fair: she's playing for the country she loves and she's making everyone proud, but I wish I could be with her more during these times.

«This is your stop.»

When I stop the car, we're in front of the airport, and no one is speaking. No one ever dares to move, as if it would break the thin line that connects us and keeps us from growing apart.

«I am gonna miss you so much» she weakly smiles, pulling me into a hug.

I reciprocate the gesture, and this time I can't keep myself from crying. She starts sobbing too, and I feel her tears on my skin.

«It's gonna be fine, babe. You're gonna crush it as always» I mumble, still holding her in my arms.
«Hopefully...»
«You're Vivianne Miedema, don't be modest with me right now.»

She chuckles and starts getting out of the car, and I go with her. I can't enter the airport, because of covid, but I will help her with her luggage until the very last minute, when we'll eventually have to separate.

«Make the Netherlands proud» I smile for the last time.

She nods and gives me a sweet kiss on the forehead, then starts walking towards the entrance. As she's moving further away from me, I need to let her know that I love her, so I start singing her chant. She turns to me with a gigantic smile and laughs shyly among the others at the airport, while I wave her goodbye. 

01/03/2023