The Captain's Armband

50. Gala - Part 1

I just woke up and I'm staring at the ceiling. My life has changed so much since that one call from Sarina and it's not gonna end anytime soon, the transfer window is coming up and it's weird knowing that I will have to move to a different country, get to know new teammates and hopefully make new friends. I've grown but I'm still not very good at meeting new people. I take my phone from the nightstand and see a text message from Leah. '1 more night.' The last few weeks I've been waking up to a text from Leah, counting down the days before we see each other again.
'I can't wait to see you, hold you, kiss you.' I reply. I keep watching the chat to see if she appears online but she doesn't. I sigh and get out of bed to get ready for the day.

I get out of the shower when I hear my dad talking to someone, must be Vic who is early. I quickly get dressed and walk downstairs. I see my dad and Vic sitting at the kitchen table, drinking some tea.
My dad looks at me and smiles. "Morning kiddo."
I walk up to him and give him a hug, I walk over to Vic and do the same.
"Have you thought about what you want to buy?" Vic asks me.
I loudly sigh. "Why do you think you are here?" I say as I take a seat next to her.
My dad and Vic both start to laugh. I give them both a side eye, which makes them laugh even harder. My dad gets up and pours me a coffee. "Here, maybe this will put a smile on your face."
He puts the coffee down and gives me a kiss on the top of my head.
"What do people actually wear when they go to a Gala?" I look at my dad and then at Vic, waiting for an answer.
"Don't look at me, I've never been invited to a fancy gala." My dad says.
"Dani, don't worry. I got you. We will find something today." Vic says, trying to reassure me.
"I'm off to work. Dani, don't worry so much and Victoria, thank you for helping out." My dad says with a smile on his face.
"It's my pleasure." Vic says while smiling back at him.
My dad leaves the house and I look at Vic. "I'm worried about him."
"Why?" She asks.
"What if I get an offer from a club in England that feels like the right move? It's not that we can drive a few hours to see each other." I start rambling.
Vic interrupts me. "You got a great offer from Germany, didn't you?"
I nod. How does she always know what I'm trying to say?
Vic sighs. "I get what you are trying to say but Dani, your Dad would never want you to make a decision based on him or his feelings, I think you and I both know that your heart is telling you to go to England and to be honest.. You already got offers, there must be one that speaks to you."
"I know."
"So, what's the problem?"
"I know I want to go to the WSL. It doesn't feel right to leave him behind and when I think about it I feel selfish."
"You are not selfish. You should do what's best for you and your career, what's best for you in general. Your dad would want you too."
"I know but the thought of him being alone just breaks my heart."
"He wouldn't be alone. I will check up on him and go for a tea every once in a while, don't you worry."
I look into her eyes. "Would you actually do that?"
"Of course, I would! I've known your Dad as long as I've known you. These aren't things you should worry about Dani. Stop thinking about everyone else and start listening to your heart."
"My heart tells me to skip the Gala."
Vic starts laughing. "Good try but that's not gonna happen."
I give her my biggest smile. Vic grabs my hand and gets up, pulling me with her.
"Let's go shopping."

We arrive in the city center.
"Where do you want to go first?" Vic asks me.
I look around, and I see expensive cars and some stores even have security at the door.
"God Vic, I don't know."
"Follow me." She says as she starts walking.
We enter a store, and a lady greets us and asks us if we want some coffee or tea.
I feel awkward, I'm not used to these kinds of expensive clothing stores. I kindly decline her offer and start looking at the clothes they have. I hear Vic talking to the lady, explaining about the gala in London.
The lady comes my way and starts talking about some kind of designer.
"I'm sorry ma'am but I don't know who that is."
The lady looks at me with slight disbelief. "That's okay. We can downgrade, let me see." She says as she walks away. I just stand there, feeling a bit lost. The lady comes back with a few things for me to try on, I don't particularly like any of these things but I promised Vic I would try on anything they give me.
After I come out of the fitting room for the third time I give Vic 'the look'.
She immediately understands what I'm trying to say.
"Thank you so much for your help but I think we aren't ready to decide yet." Vic says to the lady.
I feel awkward walking to the front door, I feel all the eyes burning in my back.
We both start to laugh as soon as we are outside.
"Vic, this isn't me."
"I know." She says while laughing out loud. "You should have seen your face, priceless."
After a few minutes of laughter, I come to my senses.
"Now what? Where do I find something to wear?"
"Don't worry. I know a few places."
"Can't we just go to the Zara or something?" I ask her.
She smiles at me and starts walking without replying.
"Fine." I sigh as I follow her.
After 2 more hours of shopping, I finally found something that feels right. It's a simple feminine pantsuit, that fits my body perfectly. It's a deep blue color with a white silky blouse, of course a matching belt and shoes. I look at my bag of clothes and I sigh with relief, I finally got something that I like.
"Dani, I'm not gonna lie, you looked freaking hot in that suit." Vic says while acting like she feels hot, which is making me laugh, she can be such a clown.
"Vic honestly, I couldn't have done this without you. Thank you."
She smiles at me. "Hopefully you can return the favor one day."
I nod at her. "I will do my best to help you but I'm not sure if I'm such a good clothing adviser."
She laughs. "Maybe your girlfriend can help me out by then."
I look at her. It still feels so weird that she is talking about my girlfriend. I know that Leah and I are officially together but somehow it doesn't feel like that, everything is always behind closed doors.
"Or are you planning to keep her all to yourself?" Vic says.
"I would be happy to send the two of you out shopping, as long as I can stay at home."
Vic looks at me and nods to show me she approves. "Deal."