flatline • erling haaland

Part 19

'sorry scarlet, i'm still not feeling up to coming in and definitely not to the match. this stomach bug has completely wiped me out still. maybe a blessing in desiguisd as you can get it on with me lover boy 😏 speak soon xx'; Alice, 07:09.

I threw my phone back to down onto my bed as I rolled over, pressing my fce into the pillow and letting out a little groan.

Travelling was not usually a part of my job. I was normally able to work from the office whilst Alice went out and got the action shots at the away games. But when she had phoned in sick on Monday, and again yesterday, I was dreading this happening. Now Wednesday morning was here and it was time to face the music.

It had been radio silence from Erling since the weekend and I truly felt heartbroken. I was falling hard for this man and I felt like he had taken my heart and completely stomped on it.

I had been on such a high and I hated myself for getting myself into that position. I should've never trusted him. The secrecy of our relationship should've been a huge red flag and I felt so stupid for going along with it.

I reluctantly dragged myself out of bed, taking myself to the bathroom. I washed my face in an attempt to wake myself up, being extremely unsatisfied with my appearance when I looked up into the mirror.

I looked pale, my under eyes were dark and my skin had certainly seen better days. Usually I would've taken to the contents of my makeup bag and coated my face in products, by today, I really couldn't be bothered.

Instead, I decided to focus on my skincare, working in my cleansers and moisturisers till I was satisfied to have my skin looking a little better, but still looking far from my best.

I ran a comb through my brunette locks which were sporting third day curls, running a little oil through the ends to try and bring them back to life as much as I could. That'll do, I thought to myself.

I had a shower and got myself dressed into a simple black tee dress, tights and boots before picking up my bag that I had packed last night with my overnight essentials to be on standby, pre empting Alice's text this morning.

I made my way to the training ground where I knew the travelling staff were all meeting to head down to tomorrow's early kick off at Tottenham. I was grateful when it appeared the player's bus had already gone, finally being able to breathe a sigh of relief. At least I had avoided him for now.

"Scarlet! What're you doing here, huh?" Straight away I recognised the voice as Kelsey's, one of the team's physios.

"Hey Kelsey!" I smiled, trying my best to put on a fake smile. It was soon clear there was no fooling her as she scrunched up her face.

"Oh, hun, are you okay? You look super pale."

Maybe I should've bothered with the makeup after all, I thought.

"I'm okay, just wasn't expecting the early morning call!" I lied. "Alice is still poorly so I'm having to step in, got to get those action shots for Insta don't we!" I grinned, speaking as upbeat as I possibly could.

Luckily Kelsey didn't ask too many questions. We had chatted on quite a few occasions, seeing each other around a lot, but we weren't exactly friends outside of work, so I was grateful she didn't pry any further.

The journey went fairly fast and I spent most of it looking out the window, airpods in and fully feeling sorry for myself.

I must've been drifting off to sleep when the sound of commotion on the bus told me we had arrived at our destination a few hours later.

After politely declining Kelsey's offer to join her and some of the other physios in the lobby for a working lunch, I took myself up to check into my room to get my head down and crack on with some work. Oh, and mentally prepare myself for having to take pictures of my no longer boyfriend in the morning.