an unlikely match// alessia russo

five

In the weeks that ensued, Alessia and I maintained a facade of normalcy, resuming our previous dynamic as friends and teammates, skirting around the unspoken tension that lingered between us.

Meanwhile, Sarina Weigman, the coach of the national team, had secured an additional spot in her roster, and I found myself summoned for the upcoming matches against Belgium.

The journey to SGP was shared with Lotte and Alessia, a logical choice considering our shared affiliation with Arsenal Football Club.

Anticipation brewed within me, not just for the soccer matches ahead but also for the chance to reunite with Lucy in person. However, we remained discreet about our familial connection, revealing it only to a select few.

Furthermore, I looked forward to reconnecting with Keira, Georgia, and other acquaintances within the team.

Sarina had forewarned me of limited playing time, emphasizing the importance of gaining experience within the squad. Despite this, I remained eager to contribute in any capacity.

Only a handful of individuals, including Maya, Hannah, Lauren (both Hemp and James), and Jess (Park), were privy to the fact that Lucy and I were siblings. I had abandoned the surname "Bronze" on my jersey, now identified solely by "Quinn."

"How are you feeling, Quinn?" Lotte's voice interrupted my thoughts as we rode in the car, prompting me to lift my gaze from my phone.

"Nervous, even though I won't be playing," I admitted with a chuckle, noting Alessia's silence beside me as she remained engrossed in her phone, with her headphones dangling near Lotte.

Upon arrival, we were greeted by members of the media team eager to capture our entrance, Alessia efficiently handling our luggage before leading the way.

I lagged behind, absorbing the surroundings as I ascended the stairs, encountering yet another member of the media.

"Ember! Congratulations on your call-up!" they exclaimed, camera trained on me.

"Thanks," I replied with a smile, exchanging a fist bump before proceeding indoors.

"Ems!" Two voices simultaneously called out, causing me to pivot.

Georgia and Keira bounded toward me, their exuberance momentarily toppling me over.

"Careful, guys!" I chuckled, accepting their apologies and assistance to regain my footing before being enveloped in a warm embrace.

Soon, others joined the fray, reprimanding Keira and Georgia for their exuberance.

Amidst the commotion, I locked eyes with Lucy, standing alongside LJ.

A smirk played on Lucy's lips as she approached, pulling me into a hug and whispering words of pride.

Before I could fully process the encounter, I found myself whisked away for an interview, the media team citing its necessity to acquaint fans with the newest addition to the squad.

With a smirk directed at the camera, I introduced myself before delving into the interrogation.

The interviewer probed about my unexpected call-up at 22, my upbringing, and football allegiances.

Navigating the questions, I skirted around truths to protect Lucy's identity, choosing instead to fabricate details about my roots and sporting preferences.

However, when pressed about my footballing idol, I hesitated, contemplating between loyalty to my sister and admiration for other players.

The mention of Lucy prompted a subtle dig, masked by feigned indifference, though inwardly, I acknowledged her profound influence on my own journey in football.

As the interview concluded, I was promptly escorted away by Jess, my camp roommate, bracing myself for the adventures that lay ahead.

In the coming days, I would navigate the intricacies of camaraderie and competition, forging bonds with teammates while concealing the truths that tethered me to a world beyond the pitch.

♡♡♡

Throughout the camp, each day presented new challenges and opportunities for growth. Training sessions were intense, each drill pushing me to refine my skills and adapt to the team's dynamic. Despite knowing that my chances of seeing game time were slim, I approached each practice with unwavering determination, eager to prove my worth and contribute in any way possible.

Off the field, camaraderie blossomed among teammates, fostering an atmosphere of mutual support and camaraderie. Conversations flowed effortlessly, laughter echoed through the corridors, and bonds formed through shared experiences on and off the pitch. Within this tight-knit community, I found solace and belonging, my concerns and insecurities dissipating in the presence of like-minded individuals united by a common passion for the beautiful game.

Amidst the camaraderie, however, lay the delicate dance of secrecy, the need to conceal my true identity as Lucy's sister weighing on my conscience. Each interaction with Lucy brought forth a surge of conflicting emotions, pride mingled with guilt, admiration tainted by deception. Yet, I remained steadfast in my resolve, committed to safeguarding our shared secret, even as it strained the bonds between us.

As the match day drew near, anticipation crackled in the air, the collective energy of the team palpable as we prepared to face our opponents. Though resigned to the likelihood of watching from the sidelines, I approached the match with a sense of quiet determination, fueled by the knowledge that every moment on the field, no matter how fleeting, was an opportunity to prove myself.

The match unfolded with a flurry of action, the ebb and flow of the game dictating the rhythm of play. From my vantage point on the bench, I watched with bated breath, a mixture of nerves and excitement coursing through me as my teammates battled on the field. Though my name remained uncalled, I cheered fervently from the sidelines, offering encouragement and support to those who took to the pitch in my stead.

In the aftermath of the match, emotions ran high, a whirlwind of jubilation and disappointment sweeping through the team. Despite the outcome, I found solace in the camaraderie of my teammates, their unwavering support serving as a reminder of the strength that lay in unity.

As the camp drew to a close and we bid farewell to our teammates, I reflected on the experiences that had shaped me over the past few days. Though my time on the field had been limited, the lessons learned and bonds forged would endure long after the final whistle had blown.

Returning home, I carried with me a newfound sense of purpose, fueled by the knowledge that each setback was an opportunity for growth, each challenge a chance to prove myself. And though the road ahead was uncertain, I faced it with courage and determination, knowing that with the support of my teammates and the love of my family, I could overcome any obstacle that lay in my path.

As I stepped back into the familiar embrace of home, I felt a renewed sense of gratitude for the journey that had brought me to this moment. And though the road ahead would undoubtedly be fraught with challenges, I faced it with an unwavering resolve, knowing that with passion, perseverance, and the support of those who believed in me, anything was possible.

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A/N- Idk if I like this, but you know, we roll.