flatline • erling haaland

Part 18

I groaned as the loud vibration of my phone sounded on my bedside table. Reluctantly opening my eyes, I reached over and pressed any button in hopes of turning the alarm off and allowing me to snooze for another 5 minutes.

The previous evening's events filled me with regret immediately. Jack and Sasha talked Erling and I into going going to theirs to celebrate our relationship being 'official'. There was no alcohol involved, we were just chatting about all things life and it was nice to be able to share our new relationship with someone. But the night got away from us and the next thing I knew Erling had arranged for a driver to drop me off home circa 3am. I had stripped into something comfy and snuggled up under the duvet immediately. Fast forward what felt like mere minutes but in reality was actually 4 hours, it was time to face the day.

I dragged myself out of bed and begun getting ready for the day ahead when my phone buzzed.

good morning beautiful, i hope you're feeling fresher than i am this morning. training this afternoon, would love to see your face if you have the time xx Erling, 07:15

I smiled to myself before tapping out a reply and continuing to get myself ready, feeling absolutely content with life.

- - -

"Seriously bro, just tell us, it's obvious it's a girl that's got you like this!"

Phil's voice couldn't not be heard as Alice rambled away at me as we walked by the changing room where the players were chatting following their training session.

I briefly stopped walking and Alice stopped in her tracks when she noticed. I knew it was bad but I couldn't help but want to listen in. I put my finger to my lips to silence Alice, my ears completely dialed in to the conversation going on.

"Tell us who the mystery woman is, man!" John spoke, slightly more shushed than his teammate.

"You really want to know?" I heard Erling ask and I gulped, Alice's eyes widening. As far as she was aware things were still casual. I didn't want to tell her yet as Erling was clearly not wanting the world to know and telling Alice and her big mouth would only end one way.

"She's just some girl I'm fucking, okay? Leave it now."

Erling's words rang in my head and I felt my heart drop in my chest.

I tried to tell myself that he was just saying that because he didn't want anyone to know. I was more than that to him. Right?

My attempts to convince myself were cut short by the lads piping up again, wanting the details from Erling. I breathed a slight sigh of relief when I heard him shut the comments down.

"You lot are so nosey! Mind your own business!" A small laugh, which I could tell was from nerves, erupted and shortly after the boys were clearly bored with the lack of juicy details as I heard some of them heading to leave the changing rooms.

Alice and I quickly scurried off somehow without being caught and I did my best to hide the detestation I felt when I lied, confirming that that was all we were with a fake smile plastered across my face.

- - -

sad I didn't get to see you. busy day? xx Erling, 6:45PM.

I stared at the message for what must've been the fifth time. It was now nearing 8PM and I was still debating what to reply. I thought through numerous replies in my head from sarcastic ones that would give away the fact that I had overheard their conversation, to just simply forgetting about it, lying and playing on the fact that I had indeed had a busy day.

I was snapped out of my thoughts when I heard a knock at the door.

I popped on my slippers and dragged myself off the sofa and over to the front door.