𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙞𝙩 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙨

Chapter 3 - Manchester

5th May 2017

Commentators pov - present
It's the last day of the season and all is to play for. It's Man city Vs Chelsea. They're both tying on points. Man city is on a role winning the FA cup and the league cup. Chelsea haven't won anything but are putting up a great fight in the league. Join us tomorrow on BBC one and BBC two, the coverage starting at 12:30, kickoff at 13:00.

Chloé pov - present
I joined Man City, on a two year deal with the option to renew my contract after. Today's the last day of the season. While being at City I've won a bit of silverware although I haven't won anything massive. Today, I'm starting in the last game of the season. If we can win this then I'll renew my contract but if not. I'm going to except the offer from Barça. On the run up to the game my nerves are all over the place. Everyone expects me to be this consistently amazing player and although I think I've performed well. Something's missing. Someone's missing. I do all my usual matchday superstitions. Then the warm ups after that heading into the tunnel, waiting to walk out.

*** ***

Commentators pov - present
"In a tense showdown between Chelsea and Manchester City on the last day of the season, both teams displayed exceptional skill and determination. The match unfolded with close calls as both sides fought fiercely for control of the game. With the score at 0-0 at half time and the clock ticking down, Chelsea scored a crucial goal in the closing minutes. A brilliant through-ball found its way to Chelsea's star striker, Eni Aluko, who calmly slotted the ball past the Manchester City goalkeeper, Karen Bardsley. Despite Manchester City's efforts to find an equalizer, Chelsea's defense held firm, securing a well deserved 1-0 victory and winning the WSL title."

Chloé pov - present
After the final whistle, my emotions are a whirlwind. Disappointment weighs heavy, my heart sinking with each missed opportunity replaying in my mind. But throughout the pain, a flicker of determination emerges. Determination to channel this disappointment into fuel for future triumphs. With every step off the field, I carry the thoughts to return stronger, hungrier, and more determined than ever before.

I walk down the tunnel and back into the changing room and before I can do anything my manager starts yelling. "What on earth were you thinking out there today, Chloé? This is the final day of the WSL, not a pointless friendly!"
"I... I know, Coach. I just couldn't find my rhythm today."
"Your rhythm? We don't pay you to dance around the pitch! We pay you to score goals, to lead this team to victory!"
"I'm sorry, coach. I tried my best."
"Your best wasn't good enough! You missed three clear chances in front of the goal. Three! Do you realize how crucial this game was for us?"
"I know, I know. I let the team down, I let myself down."
"You bet you did! You let the entire team down! Do you have any idea the amount of effort, sacrifice, and dedication it takes to keep the title this close? And you blow it all away with your effortless performance!"
"I promise I'll do better next time, coach. I'll train harder, I'll focus more."
"Next time? You think there will be a next time after this disgraceful display? You need to start proving yourself now, Chloé. Every game counts, every opportunity matters. If you can't handle the pressure of a game like this. What good are you to this team?"
"I understand, coach. I'll do whatever it takes to make it right."
"Too late. I've sold you. To Barcelona. There won't be a place for you in this squad next season. Now get out of my site." I walked out.

"Chloé" I hear a voice say. I carry on walking. "Chloé" I hear the voice say again. I carry on walking. "Chloé!" I turn around.
"What"
"It's not your fault"
"That's not what Coach thinks"
"Who gives a shit what he thinks?"
"Me"
"Why? One bad game doesn't define you Chloé"
"I know but like he said I missed 3 clear chances"
"So? it's a team sport, we all weren't good enough today. We loose and win as a team"
"Mhm" is all I manage to get out as my words catch in my throat and a tear runs down my cheek. "Chloé are you crying?"
"W-what... no.. I'm fine" I wipe my tears.
"Come here"
"What"
"Come here" before I could respond my captain to pulls me into a hug. " It's ok to show emotion Chloé, today's been hard on all of us, especially you. Nick was way too harsh on you and you'll be a big loss for the team but I know you'll do great for Barça. Ok kid? Your the strongest person I know. To leave your home to leave everything and go to a new country with nothing and nobody. Athletico were way too quick to give up on you and City have been way too harsh on you but Barça will be different. I can tell."
"It's not fair. I don't wanna leave. Why's it always me? Everytime I join a club I'm kicked out or run out of the club quicker than I can even start to prove myself. I wanna go home. I don't wanna be in all these different countries. I don't wanna do the euros. I just wanna see my family."
"Are you sure about not wanting to play in the euros?"
"Ye I need a break. These past few years with all the new clubs, the breakup and today I just need a break. I'm exhausted. I wouldn't be of any use to them because I wouldn't be in the right mind set"
"If that's best for you then do it. This" she points to me "comes before this" she points to the football pitch next to us. I nod in response. "Rest up kid I assume you'll have a plane to France to catch."
"Will do Steph"
"Love ya kid"
"Love ya Stephy"

A/n: Chloé won't be at the euros but there will be stuff like Chloé watching it with her family ect

Word count: 1016