Little Things

Chaper 6

THE LIONESSES ARE EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS FOR THE FIRST TIME!!!!

The final whistle blew and the crowd was deafening. Em was stood to my right, Nat to my left, both with their arms hung around my shoulders whilst we screamed along to Sweet Caroline. We will regret all this screaming tomorrow but right now I really don't care.

I stood on my chair, swinging my England scarf like there was no tomorrow. I honestly can not express how proud I am of this team - changing history forever. I've always been interested in football, but from a professional perspective, I'm the biggest advocate for equal opportunity. The lionesses are making that happen across the whole of the UK.

Just as we're about to head out of the stadium, my phone goes off:

I show the girls and reply back to Holly telling her we will see her there.

10.25pm

We've just left our apartment after going to get changed and had a little freshen up. Just as we're walking out the door I text Holly.

I also add a pic to my instagram story

@bclarke21 just added to her story!

We've just arrived the meet Holly and Amanda - the girls are excited to meet new people and explore new bars in London.

We walk through the door and all we can see are England shirts! 'Maybe we shouldn't have got changed!' I shouted to the girls, they both gave me a giggle.

I notice Amanda's red hair first, grabbing Ems hand I guide them through the swarm of people.

'Amanda!' I wail excitedly when I finally manage to reach her. She turns round with huge smile on her face 'B, I'm so glad you came!' Amanda replied. 'These are my friends, Nat and Em! Girls, these are my new teammates Amanda and her niece Holly!' Holly had seen me talking to Amanda and bounded over.

They all said hello to one another and gave each other a quick cuddle. 'B, I want to introduce you to my daughter!' Amanda announced, 'she's been non-stop talking about you to Leah' Holly remarked. Before I knew it, Amanda had her arm around my shoulder and was guiding me over to the bar.

'Leah, this is Bella! Bella, this is my daughter Leah!' Just as I looked over to my left my whole body froze. What Amanda had failed to mention was that her daughter was not only beautiful but she was the lionesses captain Leah Williamson. I internally face palmed and quickly snapped myself out of a state of shock.

'It's really lovely to meet you Leah!' I replied holding my slightly trembling hand out for a handshake. 'Lovely to meet you to Bella! Mum is very fond of you I must admit. She's been non stop about your ability to play netball' Leah laughed coming straight in for a cuddle.

'Oh please! I'm just an average player. Who may I add would be nothing without an awesome Goal Attack' I replied winking at Amanda. 'Congratulations today, what a match!' I added trying my best not to fangirl completely, a slight blush now crossing my face. 'Thank you! Did you watch?' Leah quizzed. 'I certainly did, bumped into Holly and your mum when I was getting a drink and that's why I'm here now! Anyway, I'm sure you are in high demand and have much more important people to chat to. Speak later?' I said whilst grabbing a drink Amanda had bought me. Leah leaned in for a hug whilst whispering in my ear 'I will most definitely find you later on.' With that my face went bright red and I went back over to Holly, Em and Nat who were are all giggling in the corner of the room.

'Toilet anyone?' I asked with wide eyes at Em and Nat in the hopes they knew I needed to chat with them. They both agreed and off we went.

'Girls, do you have any idea what's just happened to me?!?' I rambled. They both stood smirking which gave me the answer I needed from them. I was FREAKING out and they knew it.

Both looking at me with a slight smile, Nat gently said 'listen B, just be yourself. Everyone loves you!' I took a deep breath and nodded.

After calming me down and giving me the pep talk I thoroughly needed we headed to the bar where I ordered a round of shots. Either the alcohol I had consumed was taking its toll or the room is getting slightly disoriented. I carefully walk back over to Holly, Nat and Em. Giving them their drinks and heading back to the bar to fetch my own. Just as as I get there, I feel a slight weight on around my shoulder. I look up and I'm met with bright blue orbs. 'Hi Leah, can I get you a drink?' I ask. She looks at my glass and then back to me. 'Umm I'll have what you're having!' She replies. Vodka, lime and soda it is. I hand Leah her drink, her hand slightly brushes mine during the exchange. I jolt my hand slightly after feeling an electric shock sensation, Leah looks directly into my eyes, her cheeks turn a shade of pink before whispering 'you felt it too?' I softly bite my bottom lip and nod gingerly. Before making my way back to the girls.

It's around 45 minutes later and if I don't go to the bathroom I may pee myself. I'm washing my hands and checking my complexion in the mirror, I jump slightly when someone bursts through the door. I look up and see the sweet smile of Amanda, quickly followed by Leah. 'You guys ok?' I ask. 'We're fine! Apparently mum can't go to the toilet herself anymore' Leah responds whilst rolling her eyes. 'I feel you Amanda! Although my friends refuse to come with me anymore' I say giggling slightly. I return back to checking my makeup in the mirror whilst Amanda uses the bathroom. 'You know' Leah sighs whilst she puts her hand on my shoulder 'you look stunning'. I look at Leah's hand on my shoulder and then look into her eyes. I'm quickly taken out of my gaze as I hear the bathroom door unlock. 'I should get back to the girls, they're probably wondering where I've got to.' I say gently. Smiling at both women I the leave the bathroom.

As I get back to the table Holly, Nat and Em are at the bar. I quickly check my phone whilst I'm sat alone - I open instagram and automatically search for Leah's account. Just as I click onto it, someone sits beside me 'wow she's hot!' I knew immediately by the thick London accent exactly who just sat next to me. My eyes widened and I froze 'this is not happening to me' I mumble. Leah simply takes my phone out of hand and presses the follow button.

We finish our drinks and announce that we are leaving. I find Amanda to say my goodbyes and tell her that I'll see her at our netball match evening afternoon. I say give Leah a slight wave from across the bar, grab my bag and head back to the apartment.