Part 6

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Ella POV
The next morning I woke up to the blaring alarm screaming down my ear, I truely hated that thing, but I dragged myself down stairs being my laundry basket with me before sticking it in the machine. With it only being 7am there was no way my parents would be up so I made myself a smoothie before I heading to the gym. Most people think I'm mad for going to the gym only 12 hours after a game but I like to think it's discipline, I can't lie and say I don't like my body either because damn I look good.

Anyway today was a light session because of the game yesterday so I just did a core workout and some balance. It was rather short compared to my others, with it only lasting 1 hour. Walking back home I gazed at the scenery as I walked through the park enjoying the birds in the trees and the flowers in the bushes.

It was 9:15am by the time I got home and I could hear my parents clanging about in the kitchen so it assured me that someone was up. My hands were shaking and sweaty as I unlocked the door, I was so nervous. Before entering the kitchen I was took a deep breath trying to get my breathing under control not trying to make a fool out of myself. I slowly walked through to the kitchen to find not one but both parent. Great I thought to myself. I gave them a slight smile trying to make this as less awkward as possible before I thought I should just get it out of the way. "I need one of you too sign something for me."
"What is it?" Mum asked
"I've been scouted by a team and they want me to go train with them for a week. Everything will be sorted so we don't have to do anything." I said nervously and in one long breath. Mum and dad looked shocked at what just came out of my mouth.
"Wow, erm, is this what you want?" Dad asked
"Yes, I do." I quickly responded
"Alright then it's your choice, it's your life."  He followed up. He signed the paper and I took it and began to walk away white when I rechecked the door I hear my name being Called. "Ella?"
"Yes?" I questioned
"congrats."
"Thank you" I responded to my father before running upstairs to get my phone. I snapped a picture of the form and sent it to Arsenal women's football management email and eagerly waited for a response.

After a few minutes I got a bit bored and decided to do something productive so I opened my laptop and did some revision for my GCSES. I was in year 11 and was one of the older ones in my year, my birthday is 2nd of June 2006 meaning as today is the 14th of march I'd be turning 17 in 2 months and 19 days. As great as that sounded that meant my exams were even closer. I hated exam people all ways had such high expectations of me to perform well, as much as I tried to get rid of the anxiety it was like it was drilled into me.

Around 1 hour and a half into my revising I heard a ping come from my phone on the bed. I was quick to put down my Romeo and Juliet book to see if this was them and it was. It read Dear Ella, Arsenal Women's Football Club are honoured to offer you a 1 week trail week commencing on Monday 16th March 2023 until Monday 22nd March 2023 although this may be extended. A car will pick you up at 7am from your address below and your estimated arrival is 9am. All training equipment and kits will be provide upon arrival however you must bring other needed necessities. If you have any question please let us know. Kind regards Arsenal WFC.

HOLY. SHIT was all I thought. I was going to one of the best teams at the ripe age of 16. My dreams have been answered. The buzz in my stomach was electric. Sprinting past the kitchen which held my parents I slipped in my running shoes and headed to her.

The run was usually 25 minutes when jogging but my legs seemed to go faster than normal and considering I was naturally fast anyway I must had looked crazy running down the road at a normal person sprinting pace. Hopping the wall of the cemetery as it was quicker I took the pathways leading toward Josie's grave careful not to step in any others whilst on my way.  I would normally bring her favourite flowers, Chrysanthemum.

I never new how to say the name but when asked my these were her favourite she would always say 'the bright colours represent my vibrant sand bubbly personality'

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I never new how to say the name but when asked my these were her favourite she would always say 'the bright colours represent my vibrant sand bubbly personality'.  As I carefully sat down beside her head stone I started from the top about how I had been asked to join Arsenal. I told her about how well I played in my final and that Jonas also thought so. I told her about how mum and dad actually let me go and the letter which came just a couple hours ago. I was talking to her for about an hour waffling on about the process of how I'd been scouted. As I drew to the end of the conversation I admired her headstone it read
JOSIE MAY HEATH
2006- 2022
A devoted daughter, sister, best friend & cousin

I rubbed my hands over it wishing it was her face. Oh the things I'd do to be able to touch her hair one last time. To see her smile one last time. To here her laugh one last time. Salty tears trickled down my face dripping onto my cotton shirt. I said one more I love you before forcing myself away. If I could, I'd love here with her but unfortunately I can't.

As I was exiting through the gate this time and old woman looking 75 approached me so I gave her a slight smile. "It get easier," was all she said. "Everyone says that but it doesn't seem to be" I replied.
"Who was it? If you don't mind me asking of course." She question me curiously
"My best friend, Josie. We were friends since 4, 11 years." I quickly said back to her.
"The best friend is always a hard one," she said emotionless "all the memories you share and hold so deep in your heart. The pain when trying to let someone new in, it's not great."
"Wow, your really helping," I stated sarcastically before realising I shouldn't have said that "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to."
"Don't worry darling," Darling I liked that it gave me comfort. "I know you only hurting, but listen to me. The pain does get easier. Not all the way but it becomes manageable to the point where your not bursting into tears every 5 seconds. You know it's better when you can think about them and only happy memories come to mind. It's a lot of work but it's worth it." By this point the tears were uncontrollably rolling down my cheeks. The woman pulled me into a tight hug before saying her goodbyes. I felt so safe, safer than ever I have in the past year maybe even earlier.

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