someone to stay

24

today is the first match of the season. we're playing at home against brighton.

i was in my arsenal tracksuit and was waiting at the door for leah.

"do you know where my boots are" leah called from the stairs.

"i've got them" i called back.

she ran down and kissed my cheek before taking the boots.

we went and got in the car. i drove us to the emirates and parked in the private car park.

"you ready" she asked.

"yep" i said.

i leaned over and kissed her lips.

there was a knock at the car window.

"caught in the act" beth laughed.

"idiot" leah joked.

we got out the car and grabbed our bags. beth put her arm over my shoulder.

"so rosarosa how are you feeling for your first match" beth asked. "nervous?"

"nah. i feel good. i'm a bit disappointed im on the bench but i hope i get some good game time" i said.

"okay im going to call it. your coming off the bench at 60. you'll score exactly 1 and assist exactly 2" she said.

"and if i don't?" i asked.

"if im right, you have to give me 50 quid. if you don't do it, ill give you 50" she said.

"hmm deal" i said and shook her hand.

we walked into the stadium past the photographers.

since winning the euros, the women's game had become a lot bigger. people recognise us when we're out and some of the girls have had murals painted in their home towns.

we went into the changing rooms and sat down. jonas spoke to us and confirmed the starting line up. then he left and we got dressed into our pre match kit.

we went out to warm up infront of a pretty big crowd.

i looked around and saw my mum sat in the family section with leah's mum.

"oh god. i dread to think the shit my mums telling your mum about me" i said to leah

i waved at her and she waved back.

we went back in to change into our match kits. i put on a bib and sat on the bench with lotte.

the girls walked out and shook hands and took the team pictures.

the first half was pretty uneventful. we had a few shots but couldn't convert any until the 34th minute. beth scored with an assist from viv.

the girls came out again for the second half.

"evans go warm up" jonas said to me.

i got up and went to the sidelines. i did some stretches and running.

i looked at the clock. 57.

beth called it.

jonas called me back and i put on my shirt. he gave me some tactical information.

i stood waiting for my number to go up on the board.

i came on for jordan in the 60th minute.

kim also came off for lotte so she gave me the armband for leah.

i ran onto the pitch and everyone cheered. i went to leah and slid the armband on her. i gave her the instructions that jonas told me. we're moving to a 4-2-4 and leah is moving to midfield with lia and im up front with viv. beth and caitlin on the wings.