you're on your own, kid

Chapter 23 - Eclectic Chaos

We won the second leg against Arsenal. We were playing at home this time, and there was hope we could go all the way. Our showing at the Emirates was not one of our best, and that late goal showed.

I held Lena's hand as we walked into the stadium, letting go to sign some autographs for the kids that lined the railings.

"Hello," I said to one of the little girls, as she passed her jersey across to me.

"Danke," she replied, smiling softly.

"What's your name?"

"Liesel," she responded.

"Well, Liesel, I hope you enjoy the game." I passed her jersey across before heading inside, my fingers interlocking with Lena's as she waited for me inside.

We won the game against Arsenal. I assisted Jill for the first goal, in the first half, while Alex scored off a corner with her head in the second in order to give us a 2-0 lead, and on the aggregate, it was 3-1.

We were going through to the semis but would be coming up against Barcelona.

"You played well," I said to Viv, hugging her as we sat together on the grass.

"We just can never seem to go that extra step," she exclaimed, frustrated not just with herself but also everything.

"I know it can seem difficult now but- but it will come. Just be patient." I saw her look across to the crowd, where Tippah Jones stood alongside Leah and Beth.

"How's it going with..." Viv asked, gesturing over to Lena who stood beside Jule and Svendis.

"It's- it's good." A smile printed ever so clearly on my face, and Viv could only laugh.

"You're in love. I've never seen you like this before."

"In love?" I asked, confused.

"Well yes but also, happy."

"I am both of those things." Viv soon stood up and headed inside the tunnel. I waited a little longer before almost everyone else was inside.

I walked past Tippah Jones, her head against the wall, and I knew she was angry. It was obvious. But she was more frustrated with herself than anything else. I wanted to go over to her and tell her that this wasn't the end of the world. They would come back bigger and better next year.

But just as I was going to, Leah Williamson headed over instead. She pressed a hand to her back, before looking over at me with a smile. I nodded before walking into our changing room. The girls all ran up behind me, singing and shouting as we celebrated our semi-final berth.

—

The next few weeks went by in a blur. We had games, then international break, and more games. We were coming closer and closer to reaching the title. It was in our hands. It was ever so close.

But every day that passed was another day when I had no contact with my family. No idea what was happening, and my home was still under siege. Nothing was okay.

But at the same time, everything was perfect. With Lena, and Wolfsburg.

"What's up?" Lena said as I stared off into the distance. It was the day before we were to fly to Barcelona for the first leg of the semi-finals.

"Just thinking," I answered.

"About?"

"Home."

"Have you been able to contact..." she started to ask before I shook my head.

"No." She grabbed my hand, pulling me towards her. I stood up and went to sit on her lap, her arms wrapping around my waist. I kissed the top of her head, before nuzzling my head into her neck.