WOSO Imagines

Chance Encounter pt.2 (Caitlin Foord)

Long distance at the start of a relationship can be difficult, especially when the only times you're in the same country, you have mere jet-lagged hours to spend together. Somehow we made it work, despite her living in London and me in Adelaide. My schedule was a lot more flexible now, so I made as many trips to watch her play as I could. Her friends were nice enough to show me around the city while they were out injured. Beth Mead and I got on instantly, and her partner, Viv, is one of the sweetest people I've ever met.

The closer we get to the World Cup on home soil, the more excited I get. My company is one of the sponsors for the Matilda's and they decided I would be an ambassador for our brand during the tournament, meaning I'm literally being paid to follow my sister and girlfriend around for a month, posting content to the company's socials.

"I wish I could see you before July," Caitlin says to me one night as we talk on the phone.

"I know, darling, but you need to spend some time with your family and I'm so busy prepping at work that I won't be much fun to be around," I reply.

"What are you talking about? You're always a hoot."

I laugh. "Only you think so."

"Don't you have vacation days saved up? My offer still stands. Peachy misses you, and you already missed Ibiza."

"Oh, you play dirty, Caity. First of all, I used most of my vacation days to come and see you play. Secondly, if I could drop everything and come see you and Jamie I would. Thirdly, how dare you use Peach against me, you know she's like my baby. And lastly, I would of loved coming with you, but I had that conference. Loved all the swimsuits pics, especially the ones that you didn't post."

Now it's her turn to laugh. "You're right, I'm sorry. I just miss you a lot."

"I know," I sigh. "I miss you, too. But, I'll be there cheering you on every day of the World Cup."

"You are my good luck charm."

I just roll my eyes. "You don't need me there to score goals."

"I need you there to keep me calm."

"Caity, you've played in multiple world cups already, you had a stellar season at Arsenal. You will smash it."

About a week later, I get a message from Tony Gustavssen inviting me to a surprise family day before camp begins. I clear it with my boss, getting permission to go to the tournament early, excited to see Mac and Caity before we all got busy.

I arrive the day of the surprise, having just enough time to drop my things off in the hotel before meeting up with the other friends and family at the Tillies' base camp. I find Jamie and their mom, Simone, first.

"It's so good to see you both," I greet, hugging them both tightly.

"I didn't think you'd be able to make it," Jamie says.

"Boss let me off early."

"Oh, Cait will be so happy you're here," Simone adds, squeezing my arm affectionately.

I blush. It means a lot that my girlfriend's mom is so supportive of us. "I should probably try and find the rest of my family, but I'll be back. Promise."

My brother is easy enough to find, and I immediately take Sage from him, tickling my niece until she giggles. Being back working in Australia means I get to see my family a lot more, and I am overjoyed that I can be a part of my nieces' lives now. "Are you excited to see Auntie Kenzie?" I ask the little girl.

"Yay!"

"Are you excited to see Auntie Caitlin?" Sam smirks.

"Shut up. Sage, tell your daddy that teasing is mean."