Erling's pov:
Manchester City against Chelsea. I've been on a streak of match after match with no goal. Sure it's the beginning of a season and I'll get some goals at some point but I cant let everyone down.
I'm sat on the bus, headphones on, scrolling aimlessly through Instagram. I actually really hate this time before a match I'm nervous for. It's the period of time where everyone talks about predictions for the game.
"2-1 to us." Jack says with a smug smile.
"Nah it has to be atleast 3-1." Kevin says. Phil also agrees with him, glancing up from his phone.
"Good call, what do you think, Erling?" Nathan says leaning over the seats.
I ignore them, too focused on how to not fuck up this match. Sure, I do feel real shitty for not replying and avoiding their conversations but I'm not in the tight head space to be talking more about the match.
"Anyways, now, who is getting the goals?" Phil says breaking the silence.
I zone out for this bit because I know my name either wont come up at all, making me feel really shitty for letting them down or my name will be said loads. Putting the pressure on.
Then I get a ping from my phone, its Beth. I instantly smile, my mood shifting.
Beth: Hey, good luck for the game xx want to hand out after if ur free?
Me: thanks, yeah that sounds good. 4PM at mine?
Beth: see you then, I'll be cheering you on from my couch xx
Me: and that's why you're my biggest supporter.
She never fails to cheer up my mood and that's why when I'm in a bad situation like this before the game, all I want is her with me. All I need is her.
"Ooh, Erling has a crush!" Jack laughs looking at my reaction at Beth messaging me.
"Oh, is it Beth?!" Phil says putting himself and everyone around him in my business.
I roll my eyes but smile to myself knowing it's true.
"Is she fit?" Ederson asks laughing.
"Hey! Dont talk about her like that. Shes not another random girl that you guys can just play 'smash' or 'pass' with!" I say, annoyed at how they speak about women. I mean most of then have families and wives, so asking a question like that is out of order.
(absolutely no hate towards Ederson, Jack, Phil or any other players here- I'm sure they all are very respectful of women and dont talk about them in such ways :))
"Sorry bro." Ederson says backing off. The others do the same and continue their football talk.
Beth's POV:
I lay on the bed, sick with stomach cramps. Man city VS Chelsea on TV. I'm super glad I made plants with Erling cause I know how stressed he can get at games like these. Though, you know how chill and relaxed he can be after scoring a goal or two. In fact I spoke to him half time on a match he was winning 2-0 and he was super happy. Seeing him like that is the best honestly. Just knowing hes so proud of himself and doesnt criticize himself over every little miss which I know some others do.
The first half goes by and it's still 0-0 and I can tell some players are getting frustrated. Haaland already on a yellow which leads be to believe it's possible that Pep might substitute him in the second half but I hope he wont. Erling wouldn't forgive himself easily if he knew he was the reason they lost.
In the half time, I send him a little encouragement text even though I know he wont reply. I know he will see it and even if not, it will cheer him up after the match seeing I'm supporting him all the way.
