Skipper's Kid

This is a Terrible Idea

"Gather round, girls!" Emma ordered, clipboard in hand. "We've got a lot to do today."

The manager cleared her throat. "We're going to do some light practice. Just some PK's and free kick drills against the keepers. After, we're going to go over our starting lineup for our match against Manchester United tomorrow. Any questions?"

The team was silent.

"Alright, get to it!"

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"There's our little starting keeper!" Zecira grinned, giving you a noogie. "Ready for tomorrow?"

You pushed her arm away. "What are ye' on about?"

Sam shoulder-checked you jokingly. "You think that after your top-tier performances these past few months you're gonna sit on the bench?"

"Yes," you grumbled, crossing your arms. "Zecira and AKB are much more experienced. Why would Emma pick me to start 'gainst Man U?"

The two's heads turned in sync, eyes wide.

"Are you stupid?" Zecira questioned loudly, gaining the attention of Erin and Guro. "You saved, like, 95% of Sam's penalties that one time. Emma would be dumb not to start you tomorrow."

The Aussie scowled. "O-okay, Ze. Thanks for the reminder."

Jessie snickered. "C'mon, guys. Let's not keep Emma waiting."

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"-onto our starting eleven," Emma stated, clapping her hands together. "In goal, Y/N-"

"Wot!?" you exclaimed, eyes wide. "What d'ye mean?"

The Englishwoman cocked her head to the side. "You're starting tomorrow. That's what I mean."

"That's a terrible idea!" you protested. "I'm gonna fuck us over! This isn't some garbage team we're playing against, it's Manchester United!"

"So?"

You squirmed uncomfortably in your seat. "Nevermind."

"Right. Anyway..."

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"You've got this," your mom said reassuringly. "Don't stress. You're the best keeper I know, you'll be fine."

That did little to calm you down. "But what if I-"

"No, no. Hush. None of that," she chided, placing a calming hand on your knee. "Trust yourself, alright? You'll do great, I know it."

"Okay," you squeaked, patting the captain on the back awkwardly as if she was a stranger. "Yep, I'll do that. B-bye!"

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"There she is!" Millie cheered, drawing the attention of your other teammates. "You excited, kid?"

You gave the centerback a weak thumbs-up. "Mhm."

Aimee suppressed a smirk. "That was convincing."

Jessie sent you a soft smile. "You'll do fine. Besides, you've got a good backline to help you."

You nodded silently. You needed to focus up if you wanted to make it through this game alive.

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"I hate mah life," you wheezed, curling around the ball protectively. "Why did I sign up for this?"

"Keep it going, Y/N!" Jorja praised. "Keeping us alive!"

An early goal from Sam had the Man U women hungry for an equalizer. Nikita Parris, Ella Toone, and Hinata Miyazawa had all made their respective breakthroughs in Chelsea's backline, and you were working overtime to stop every shot from going into the net. Safe to say, they were getting frustrated. But that wouldn't stop you from doing your job.

You'd defend that goal no matter what the cost.

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Incident struck in the 87th minute. Katie Zelem had sent the ball into the box, trying to find one of her teammates' heads. Ella Toone had answered the call, sticking her foot up in an attempt to tap the ball in. Unfortunately, she didn't see you coming out of the net. Her boot slammed into your forehead, sending you to the ground due to the force in her kick. The ref instantly blew her whistle, causing all play to stop.

"Shit!" the English Midfielder swore, dropping next to you instantly. "You alright, mate? I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hit ya!"

You blinked, vision clearing as you jumped to your feet. "I'm alright. Yer' fine."

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In the stands, your mom was going ballistic.

"That should be a red!" The Arsenal skipper screeched, waving her arms around wildly. "Oh my god! She's bleedin'! They need to call an ambulance! I'm going to sue Ella for all she's worth! How dare-"

"Kim," Jen interrupted, placing a hand on the woman's shoulder. "Tone it down? People are starin'."

Jen's plea was ignored.

"They need to take her to the hospital! She could have serious brain damage!"

"Kim!"

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Back on the pitch, both the Man U and Chelsea women were staring at you in horror.

You tilted your head to the side in confusion. "Why are ye' all looking at me like tha- oh I can't see anymore."

A jersey was shoved against your oozing wound.

"Stop the bleedin'!" Erin's panicked voice sounded beside you. "Kim's gonna kill me if her baby is injured!"

"Guys, I'm fine!" you protested, trying to wiggle out of Erin's and presumably Millie's tight hold. "It looks worse than it feels!"

"Y/N, stop moving," Emma commanded. "We need to get you off the pitch."

You huffed, but obeyed nonetheless. Who did they think you were? Lotte Wubben-Moy?

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"Y/N!" your mom burst through the doors of Chelsea's medical room. "My god, ye' look awful!"

You glared. "Gee, thanks, mum."

"Y/N'll be just fine," the medic stated, completely unfazed by the team's rival that had just waltzed into the room. "I trust you know the procedures?"

"Mhm," your mom grabbed your face with both hands, turning it around forcefully. "C'mon sweetheart, let's go home."

You sighed. "Okay, mum. But I'm sixteen, not five."

"So?"

"Ah, nevermind."

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Hope you enjoyed, thanks for reading!