𝐃𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐄 | Jamie Tartt

SEVENTEEN, KISS ME

DELICATE
SEVENTEEN, KISS ME

AS PROMISED TO THE TEAM, I arrive at the training grounds around ten to midnight — a baggy white cable knit sweater with a pair of light wash Levi's and some Nikes was as far as I could pull myself to being fashionable, when I really should be in bed watching reruns of nineties American sitcoms at this current moment in time every other day.

Closing the door to my car as I begin to trail in, a little bit late I know but somehow London traffic is still hectic at this time of night — so thank you to my well chosen choice of footwear I begin to jog towards the said haunted room of the club. The treatment room which allegedly led to Dani Rojas' injury merely hours after playing for the team.

I open the door, at least twenty five faces turn to greet me — " sorry I'm late." I offer an apology which is quickly granted forgiveness from Ted who momentarily pats me on the shoulder as I pass by.

" hey holls, don't you worry bout it I'm glad you could join us." I slide over to fit between a few players, although more specifically because Roy is stood there.

He leans in " your boy toy isn't here by the way." he states and I roll my eyes " piss off Kent." I reply under my breath but loud enough that he can hear me.

" Gentlemen- and Hollie, I am by nature a believer." Ted begins, taking everyone's attention as he does so " Ghosts, spirit guides, aliens."

" Seems of a pricky thing to do, don't you think?" Roy leans in again whilst Ted talks and I exhale.

I turn my head slightly " will you just bloody leave it." I state, before turning my head back and trying to keep my attention focused on Ted.

" What I can tell you is that with the exception of the wit and wisdom of Calvin and Hobbes." he shakes his head " not much lasts forever."

And I hear the voice again " I just don't see what you see in him, have you been in a brain altering accident lately?" He teases and I turn around with fury simmering in my eyes.

" fucking shut up roy!" I speak a little too loudly, as he retreats and I turn back with a heavy exhale that gets caught in my throat when eyes are staring back at me — including the one of my mum who's eyes widen just as mine do when we acknowledge each other.

I nod " mum." I say and she gives a small smile.

A short silence falls over us for a moment or two as Ted eventually looks to Roy who's fortunately listened to my final quest " Roy, why don't you get things started for us?"

He steps forward, away from the gathered group and closer towards the metal bin used to hold our sacrifices ( it sounds more sinister than it actually is, promise)

His hands hold a white blanket with blue stripes at the end — nothing I would imagine sits in Roy Kent's bachelor pad.

" I was nine when I got scouted by Sunderland and I'd never left London before." he begins " My grandad drive me all the way there and it was freezing and I was terrified."

A few of the boys snicker, that earn a frown from me and a shake of my head which when accompanied by Roy's " I was fucking nine. Say something." makes them shut up soon enough.

He looks down to the blanket again before continuing " When I got there he gave me this old blanket, he said it was to keep me warm and remind me of home."

He toys with the material, adverting eye contact with the rest of us " and that was the last time I saw him. Cause he'd passed away by the time I got back for Christmas so-"