Update of the week ☺️. As always love any feedback.
Keira's POV:
The game started with Northern Ireland, maintaining a firm defence, so every time when one of the girls took aim on goal, it was saved by the goalkeeper Burns. Mary had to make a save when Northern Ireland's Lauren Wade broke into the box, but Mary being Mary saved it nicely.
In the 40th minute, after many attempts from the girls to break the Northern Irish defence, our first goal of the night came from Fran, who fired the ball into the top right corner from just outside the box. The whole stadium roared and we all ran to Fran. We scored another goal just 4 minutes later from Meado who fired the ball into the bottom left corner after Northern Ireland failed to properly clear a corner we had just taken. The stadium went crazy at that 2nd goal of the night.
As the half-time whistle blew, we headed into the changing room to fuel up and listen to Arjan. I sat at my cubby, getting as much energy into me as I could. I was surprised when Lucy came and sat on the floor in front of me, leaning back against my legs. I looked down at her and she smiled. When it was time to head back out to the pitch, I helped Lucy off the floor, and I went to head out when she grabbed my hand and started walking with me. I looked at her curiously because during a game we didn't show much affection and stayed professional about our relationship. Lucy leaned in and whispered "I love you", I squeezed her hand and smiled back. We let go and ran to our positions. Just before the whistle blew again for the start of the second half, I told myself to ask Lucy later what was with the affection at half time, but for now I got back into focus for the game.
We had 3 changes at half time with Alex, Tooney and Lessi having an immediate impact on the game. 3 minutes into the second half, Lessi nodded Meado's cross into the back of the net to secure our 3rd goal of the night. Not even 4 minutes later Lessi slotted another into the back of the net with an assist from no other than Tooney.
Even though we were 4-0 up we still searched for another goal. I thought my first England goal was in sight when I took a shot but it hit the bar. Our 5th goal of the night came from an own goal of Northern Ireland when Burrows miscued a Meado cross. Lessi nearly scored a hat trick in the last minutes of the clock but unfortunately only shot over the goal.
Once the full time whistle blew i went around giving the girls high-fives and then settled beside Leah who was chatting to Rach. I watched as Lucy came over and said "do you want to get the girls ?", I nodded my head and we both headed over to where the girls were sat with our families. As I got closer I could see Ellie squirming in my mums arms, having spotted me and Lucy. I hurried over and instantly leaned over to give our families hugs as they congratulated me and Lucy. I took Ellie from my mum and she immediately clung onto my jersey despite it being slightly sweaty. Lucy helped Charlie over the barrier before letting her down. Diane handed Lucy the backpack and then told us both that the girls had had something to eat, but Ellie hadn't slept even a tiny nap. I looked down at the toddler in my arms and gave her a gentle kiss on her forehead. We said our goodbyes to our families and headed towards the changing room. "Do you want to show Mum whose jersey you and Ellie are wearing ?", I asked looking over at Charlie. She grinned and looked up at Lucy who was eagerly nodding her head. We stopped in the tunnel and Charlie took off her hoodie and turned around to show her White 9 jersey. Lucy grinned and then looked over at me and asked "who's Ellie supporting ?", I grinned and replied "take off her hoodie and see for yourself"'. Lucy gently took off Ellie's jumper to see Mead 7 on the back. Lucy chuckled and replied "Beth's gonna be chuffed with that". I smiled and agreed and we continued into the changing room. Once Meado saw Ellie's jersey she came bounding over and cheered. She then went around to the girls telling them that Ellie was supporting her. I glanced around the changing room to see if Lucy had gone for a shower yet. Upon realising she had, I looked around to see if Leah or Alex were around to look after Ellie while I went for mine. I spotted Alex talking to Mary and started walking over to them. "Alex, would you mind looking after Ellie while I take a shower ?", Alex and Mary both looked up at me and Alex immediately replied "I'd love to". I leaned down and pried Ellie's hands off of me and handed her over to Alex. As soon as she was out of my arms, Ellie started crying. Alex waved me away and I watched as she instantly began whispering to Ellie and tried calming her down.
Ever since Ellie was born, all the girls have been great with her, especially the city / England girls, like Alex, Demi, Chloe, G and so on. They have always been around and willing to take care of both Ellie and Charlie, and Alex and Ellen even offered when Ellie was only a few months old to babysit so me and Lucy could go on a little date night, which was well-needed. They were amazing when Lucy went to Lyon and I was on my own in the first 2 months of Ellie's pregnancy. Keeping me entertained and comfortable whenever they could. I knew with Lucy going to Barca now I would definitely be needing some of their help, but I knew that they would be more than happy to help me.
I had a quick shower and got changed as fast as possible. Once I was ready I went over to Alex and Mary to take Ellie back. I took Ellie who had a few stray tears back in my arms and thanked both Alex and Mary. I headed over to Lucy's cubby where Charlie was sitting with a hot water bottle and Lucy's jacket. "How ya feeling Charlie ?", I asked her gently. She shrugged her shoulders and replied "tired". I nodded my head understanding how it must feel for her on her first period. I held out my hand for her to take and she slowly got up and took it, leaning against me despite Ellie being in my arms. Lucy came over and asked "are we ready to go ?", I looked down at both girls and nodded my head. I nudged Charlie and she looked up at me "Mum said she'd carry you", Charlie shuffled over to Lucy who looked at me shaking her head before leaning down to pick Charlie up. Charlie instantly nestled her head into the crook of Lucy's neck. I led us out to the bus and walked past the fans.
