I always wanted you: wonze story

Chapter 3: heading back home

The hum of the plane's engines provided a steady backdrop as Lucy slept, her head resting against the window, her headphones playing a quiet melody in her ears. She was emotionally and physically exhausted from the World Cup, and her body craved rest. Kiera, sitting in the seat next to her, noticed Lucy's weariness and sought to provide some comfort.

With a gentle touch, Kiera began to rub up and down Lucy's thigh. It was a subtle, comforting gesture, an unspoken way to let Lucy know that she was there for her. The rhythmic motion was soothing, and Kiera watched as some of the tension in Lucy's face seemed to ease.

A few rows behind them, Leah Williamson and Mary Earps exchanged concerned glances. They had been teammates and friends with Lucy and Kiera for years, and they too had seen the toll the World Cup had taken on Lucy. Mary leaned closer to Leah and spoke in a hushed tone, "I hate seeing Lucy like this. She's taking it really hard, isn't she?"

Leah nodded, her eyes fixed on Lucy. "Yeah, she's been through a lot. It's not just about the loss, you know. I think she's dealing with a lot of other stuff too."

Mary frowned, her voice filled with empathy. "And Kiera, she's been by Lucy's side all this time. She cares about her so much."

Leah couldn't help but smile, despite the somber atmosphere. "Yeah, they've got a unique bond, those two. I've always wondered about it."

As the plane continued its journey, Kiera and her friends offered each other quiet words of support. Kiera occasionally leaned forward to talk to Leah and Mary, her voice a comforting presence in the midst of their shared concern.

Kiera's words were filled with admiration for Lucy, her determination, and her unwavering spirit. She spoke about their shared dreams and how they'd overcome obstacles together. She expressed her belief that Lucy would come back even stronger, despite the current pain.

Lucy slept on, seemingly unaware of the conversation taking place behind her. Kiera continued to rub her thigh, offering comfort and solace as they made their way back to England. She knew that the road to recovery, both physically and emotionally, would be long, but they would face it together, as they always had.

Lucy stirred in her seat, slowly returning to consciousness. Her eyelids felt heavy, and for a moment, the memory of their World Cup loss weighed down on her like an anchor. As she blinked herself awake, she realized she was on the plane, flying back to England.

Kiera, seated beside her, turned to see Lucy waking up. She greeted her with a soft smile and a gentle squeeze of the hand. "Hey, you're awake. How are you feeling?"

Lucy sighed and turned her gaze to the window. The vast expanse of sky and clouds stretched out before her, offering a sense of tranquility. "I'm... I don't know, Kiera. It still hurts, but being up here, it's strangely peaceful."

Kiera nodded, understanding the mix of emotions Lucy was going through. "I know, Lucy. It's a lot to process, and it's okay to feel this way. We'll get through it together."

Lucy's eyes remained fixed on the view outside, her thoughts far away. "I just wish we could have won, Kiera. It feels like we came so close."

Kiera leaned in closer, her voice gentle. "We did come close, Lucy, closer than ever before. You played your heart out, and I'm so proud of you."

Lucy finally turned to look at Kiera, her eyes filled with gratitude. "Thanks, Kiera. Your support means the world to me."

Kiera smiled, her affection for Lucy evident in her eyes. "You mean the world to me, Lucy."

As the plane continued its journey, Lucy and Kiera talked about their shared dreams and aspirations. They discussed the future, the next challenges that awaited them, and the unwavering bond that had grown stronger through the highs and lows of their journey in football. In that moment, as they flew high above the world, they found solace and strength in each other's presence, ready to face whatever lay ahead.