Are you it for me?

Christmas is Different

Jessie started the 2021- 2022 season off with confidence. Getting the Gold Medal in Tokyo for Canada helped Jessie see herself be more of a playmaker. Jessie scored her first WSL goal against Manchester United on September 26, 2021. Then three days later she assisted Fran Kirby against Birmingham City. Jessie scored her first UWCL goal against Servette. To celebrate Sam took the whole team to Coupette, a little bar in East London. Sam said to Jessie "That was a class goal yesterday. Keep doing that!" "Thanks, Sam." As the night went on everyone was pretty drunk besides Jessie. Jessie didn't like to drink much so she got to observe her teammates do some wild things. Jessie saw Erin try to pull out some terrible dance moves with Guro. Jessie was going to catch a ride with Sam, but decided she would take Niamh back to her apartment as she couldn't drive because she was drunk.

When Jessie parked Niamh's car, she had to wake up Niamh as she fell asleep. "Niamh, we're here." Niamh got out of the car and walked to the front door. She unlocked the door and turned towards Jessie. "Aren't you coming in?" Jessie said, "I should get back to my apartment. I don't want to bother you." "Please stay, Jessie" begged Niamh. Jessie couldn't say no to Niamh so she walked into the apartment. "Can I get you a glass of water?" "Yes, please." Niamh grabbed waters for the both of them and then sat on the couch. Jessie sat right beside her and for the first time she saw how beautiful Niamh's eyes are. Niamh shyly asked, "I know Christmas is still a month away, but I was wondering if I could come with you to Canada?" Jessie was surprised by this question. Of course she wanted her to come. "You know since you spent Christmas last year with my family" said Niamh. "Yeah, that would be great. My family would love to finally meet you."

Within a few weeks it seemed that Niamh forgot about their Christmas plans. One evening Magda and Pernille invited Jessie and Niamh to their home for dinner. Niamh was learning how to play guitar from Magda. Jessie and Pernille were doing arts and crafts at the kitchen table, while Zecira was cooking dinner. Niamh blurted out "I have something to tell you guys." Everyone was waiting patiently. Pernille said, "Spit it out already." Niamh said, "I'm seeing someone." She looked directly at Jessie and then back to everyone else. Jessie could feel her heart sink, but she put on a smile. Zecira said, "Well tell us about this person." "She is a footballer for London City, we were childhood friends and have recently reconnected" said Niamh. This is the first time Jessie heard any of this. She didn't understand why Niamh didn't tell her earlier. Jessie was a little hurt because she thought her and Niamh were going somewhere without actually saying it out loud. Magda said, "What's her name?" "Amy Rodgers, I'm going to spend Christmas with her." Pernille said, "That's wonderful. We can't wait to meet her." Jessie just nodded her head in agreement. Niamh and Jessie drove together so on the car ride back to Jessie's apartment it was silent. When they arrived at Jessie's apartment Niamh said, "I'm sorry I didn't tell you earlier." Jessie sighed "It's fine, really, don't worry about me." She got out of the car and closed the door. Jessie opened her front door and then shut it, falling onto her knees head in her hands. She heard Niamh drive away. Jessie wouldn't see Niamh until after Christmas.

Jessie spent time in London, Ontario with her family. She hung out with her friends from high school. She went on a lot of long distant runs with her sister Elyse. Jessie told Elyse all about Niamh and how she was feeling now that she had a girlfriend. Elyse told Jessie "I can see how much she means to you. Only time will tell so don't dwell on it." Jessie and Niamh didn't keep in touch while they were on Christmas break. Jessie saw the post of Niamh and Amy at a Christmas party with her family. This brought last years memory of Christmas with Niamh's family. She remembered playing board games and cooking with Niamh's mom. Jessie remembered taking Niamh to a Liverpool game.

Last Year: Jessie and Niamh entered Anfield Stadium about to watch Liverpool vs Manchester City. Niamh told Jessie all about her younger days coming to games like these. This would be Jessie's first time watching Liverpool in person. Jessie also grew up watching Liverpool on t.v and couldn't believe she was here now. Jessie and Niamh found their seats in the box. Jessie bought popcorn and water for them before the game. "Thank you for taking me to this game" said Niamh. "No problem, it's my pleasure" said Jessie. Jessie and Niamh watched Liverpool defeat Manchester City 2-1. After the game they decided to go back to Niamh's apartment and have some hot chocolate. Niamh put some music on in the living room and then grabbed Jessie to dance. Jessie tried to fight Niamh but eventually caved in. Lord Huron "The Night We Met" came on. Niamh put her hand on Jessie's shoulder and Jessie put her hand on Niamh's waist. They both started to sway back and forth to the music. Ending the night with this special moment.