In a whirlwind of challenges and triumphs, Millie Smith embarks on a journey from Arsenal to Manchester City, driven by her unyielding passion for the game. But when the opportunity of a lifetime arises-a call-up to the England national team-Millie'...
I went straight to the door and could just about see them at two conjoined tables through the frosty glass. It was such a cosy, warm looking cafe. Something I'd want to own once I retire. It had now started pouring like a waterfall hitting the bottom. That meant I didn't waste anytime and went straight in. Hoping to leave less soggy then when I had entered.
One couple was staring at me, God how I did miss being unnoticed sometimes. Especially to the public eye. There's isn't much that can prepare you except for the moment it happens.
"Hey guys sorry I'm late, I didn't realise how many bloody dead ends there is around here.You would think Ive never come here once or so a year."
Alex pulled a chair next to her from another table," We thought you'd been attacked. To order you just have to go up and I'll save this seat next to me for you but ill be watching yoh so you dont ingure yourself. How did you manage to walk into the bench after training?"
Gingerly, I went up to the counter and ordered a iced latte and a blueberry muffin. I was quite anxious in publix which many kf you would think strange, considering my career being about talking to fans.I hadn't eaten since training and I was starting to get hungry. If I'm hungry ill get hangry. It isn't a nice look on me....trust me.
I was waiting at the end of the line waiting for my coffee. "Marley.... an iced latte and a blueberry muffin." No one seemed to go over. It was unfirmiliarly strange that someone had the same order as me ,exactly the same.
Then it clocked, shit, I went over to the counter, thanked the guy and took my order to the table.
"What name did he say?" Alex nudged me.
"Marley! Where is the similarity in the names. Worst than Starbucks. Honestly where do you get Marley from." In my lifetime I've been called Nellie, miley, but never Marley.
The whole group just burst out laughing, "Marley! No offence to those called Marley but lets agree where the hell do you get Marley from. Marley... Millie. Not even the same structure." laughed, chloe.
"I will never know." Honestly I never will. Why is it they always give you a completely different name as what you say when you order. Even if they spelt my name Milly I wouldn't have cared.
" Right Millie as captain, I have to be the bearer off bad, but good for us lot news. Its time for your initiation."
Fuck
When I was at arsenal they made me steal a trophy from the cabinet. Didn't get caught putting it back but I was just praying I wouldn't get released from the squad. Other players would just have to pretend to be someone else but it may be because I was young.
Some teams do singing but no one knows Man City's. Steph Houghton came over," My best friend is the owner of this cafe and so I did some asking. That is why over there, there is a microphone. Here at Man city, we ask you to do a song, doesn't have to be football related."
A massive weight of my shoulders left and I felt more at ease. This wasn't so bad. Even if I am bad,I never sing to anyone else except I used to for my sister, than it's only a bit embarrassing.
The same guy who gave me my order was now at the microphone and asked me which song I'd like to sing. I chose set fire to the rain by Adele. A song I'd sing I'm the shower or with my friends. "Let's have it up for Marley." I didn't wasn't to correct him. That would just brighten the redness on my cheeks. The girls were just smirking at me in the corner of the shop.
As the song began to finish all of the girls stood up and started cheering. Even the couple who gave me dirty looks were clapping.
" God Millie if you ever have to retire you definately have a career in singing. On the weekend,when we win, I, the captain, back that Millie can sing it rather then us have to listen to Greenwood. Honestly Alex give our ears a break" chuckled steph.
I went to sit back down with the girls. "Guys I thought you were going to make me look stupid but that was not too bad. I think i'll stick with football though. I can take the critics in football but I dont think I could in singing, plus I wouldn't get to play with you girls."
I already felt like it clicked. I feel like i've settled in quickly and I don't know why I havn't been in this team for the last 8 ish years.
We mostly spoke about football, the world cup that was coming up in a few months, injuries.
"So what's your family like, do you come from a big one?" Asked Alex.
" Not really, I've got both my parents and my brother. I've always grown up quite lucky, I've always had those opportunities. I guess it wasn't money wise because my parents both worked 2 jobs just so I could play football and my brother could play tennis. He wasn't like competitive, but they were always there for us. They are my biggest supporter and i couldnt wish for better parents. It was mostly my coachthough that helped me the most. If my parents were unable to pay he wouldn't just kick me off- I guess he was the first person who really saw potential in me."
"I heard Serena mention you were supposed to play at the euros last year but you had to drop out of the squad."enquired someone from the team who I hadn't quite learnt their name.
I wasn't ready to talk about this. No one in the journalist world knew about it as I didn't really want to post about the reason at the time. I wasn't embarrassed, I just couldn't mentally take it.
"Yeah something happened in my personal life and I didn't seem it was fair to the team, when I wasn't even in the right mindset to play football. I did watch the final though even if i got my bracelet stolen."
" Maybe you'll get the call up for the world cup, apparently there is one more person to be included as Leah has had to drop out due to injury." Alex reassured.
"Yeah, I feel like I'm getting too old to start international football though and i havnt been on the squad line up yet. I know they can vring someone if there is an injury but i doubt it is me ."
"That is a lie, Serena would be stupid to not include you. You should be in the list of the best footballers in the world if it hadnt been to the manager at Arsenal."
I just nod my head, I feel like after everything that's happened on and off pitch in the past few years, it had made me question weather I'd be ready to ve on the pitch. Time will tell.
I know I shouldn't put myself down but it's harder to not put yourself down then think everything is so great.
After an hour or two we decided to go back because it was getting late and we had training again tomorrow.
After dinner and a shower, I was sitting on my bead watching The lion King. It's been my favourite movie since I was about 5.
I also wanted to post about getting coffee with the team so I made another post as my page looked a bit scarce.
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I ended up falling asleep during the movie and so when I woke up a few hours later I put my phone onto charge, placing it on my nightstand. Then I went straight back to sleep to get a fall night's rest for tomorrow. Tomorrow was going to be another tough day ahead.
