Fine Line

Beach Comfort

Today was the first day Alessia had felt rested since they landed in Australia. There had been so much turbulence in her life in the months leading up to where she was right now. So much unsettle. But after a refreshing training session which had gone really well, she felt for the first time in weeks that she was in control, she was at ease, she was herself again.

She had been anxious about seeing Ella, after admitting to her brother that she loved the midfielder. Even with her brothers unwavering support she still wondered whether the focus she had on herself in the lead up to Australia would be undone the second she saw the brunette but instead, she found that the platonic closeness they had shared for years had returned. It was comforting, especially so far from home.

Ultimately, Alessia could put it down to missing Ella, missing her presence, her laughter and overall company. She loved London, she loved her new team but she knew nothing would ever be quite like what she had in Manchester, but that's part of football and life as a wider rule.

After some rowdy comments and group discussion at dinner, the team decided to go for a walk down on the beach that sat right in front of their hotel. It was a spontaneous activity, they all rushed out of the hotel and down to the beach in hopes to catch the falling sun as it set.

Walking down the concrete slope onto the feather light sand, Alessia felt a firm grip on her arm. It was Ella. She smiled across to the brunette.

"Sorry" Ella giggled "I nearly slipped"

"Oh nice! Pull me down with you" Alessia chuckled

"Less would be the last person I'd be holding onto Tooney!" A voice called from behind them, it was Georgia who was walking with Kiera and Lucy.

"Fair point" Ella giggled over her shoulder.

"Oi!" Alessia laughed.

They bantered back and forth all joking about how clumsy the blonde had a tendency to be before Millie, Mary and Rach found the perfect spot for them to sit and watch the sun set.

The entire team sat down and took in the sight before them. The ocean waves lapping against the shore, the noise of the water was so soothing. As the sun drifted beyond the horizon, the temperature dropped considerably. Alessia felt herself leaning toward Ella for warmth, she was pleased when she felt Ella lean back in toward her, shuffling her legs to touch the blondes. They sat in silence for a while. Just enjoying being with one another again.

"I've missed this" Alessia's voice was a bit croaky where she hadn't spoken for a while. She looked over to Ella and met her relaxed face a small smile appearing on her expression.

"Me too" Ella sighed looking back out to the ocean.

"Right girls! Photo time come on!" Zel called as she walked past them.

Ella jumped to her feet, reaching her hands out to Alessia helping to pull her up.

"Come on you two!" Katie called again. Alessia and Ella rushed over to the group who were all getting ready for their photo.

The whole team stood for a picture. Alessia almost felt her mind recording the moment, knowing how important it was. Once the photo had been taken Alessia looked around at the faces that surrounded her. Her smile still ear to ear, she seen the same expression on everyone's face. One of pure enjoyment, gratitude and excitement.