My No. 23

Texts

Walking into the Arsenal training centre this morning would've been a struggle had Kyra not literally dragged me in. My worries melted away quickly as I sat with some of the girls at breakfast. I went back to see Emma and have her look at my eye again. My eyes were wondering around the room any sign of Alessia but no luck.
"Ah it's looking brill". She said. How a black eye could look "brill" I have no idea.
"You're not in the next match of course so While you're training I want you to keep this on it just to avoid it getting infected." She placed a gel from the tip of her finger on the cut then placed a tiny dressing over it. In all honesty it looked a bit dramatic but I was just aiming to stay in everyone's good books so doing as she says seemed like a good start.
"Cheers Emma" I say when I'm heading out.

As I walk through the door I barge right into Katie who's walking with Beth and Chloe. Her face is a scowl but as her eyes land on me it instantly softens. The other two have a giggle and slowly continue to walk.
"Bell" she starts. "When I said I'd make it up ta ya I didnt mean this quick" she says flashing her perfect smile at me. Her strong Irish accent is just the best. No matter what she's saying it makes me smile.
"Sorry Kat.." I'm cut off.
"Don't you apologise, I'm only winding you up. You're lookin tough I'll tell ya that much" she finishes, looking at my bad eye.
"Yeah? you into the badass kinda look?" I ask, giving an over exaggerated wink. She laughs.
"Something like that". She holds my eye contact for a minute then starts to follow in behind the other two.

I head in the opposite direction towards the team meeting room. Kelly (the assistant coach) had arranged to see me to go over points from the last game. I wonder what that could be about. She's already in when I get there.
"Hi Molly, just take a seat". She says gesturing to the first seat, closest to hers. I do as I'm instructed. We make some small talk as she loads the footage. I hate watching myself back on video. It makes me feel vulnerable.

We go through my long passes, where I can improve in my movement, my goal and then it came.
"Now restraint and professionalism is two very important parts of the game. You're playing in the WSL now Molly, you won't get away with this kind of behaviour." She says sounding like a disappointed parent. "I understand more than any of the other coaches. The moments of frustration and rivalry, but we need you to think of the bigger picture. Remember it's not only about you now, it's your team, the club, the fans, it's everyone."
The footage is on a loop and goes back to me actually getting a bit of a knock. In the moment I didn't feel it was all too bad. But not I can understand how I'm sat with a black eye.

Kelly wrapped up our meeting with a lot of positive notes on my passion and love for the team are clear and she sent me on my way. Next up I was scheduled in the gym. I made my way there. Everyone had found their areas. Steph, Caitlin and Leah were on the bikes. Katie was on the bench with Viv spotting her. And before I could look any further Kyra's head was blocking my view as she ran straight up to me. She gave me a casual fist bump.
"Did it go okay?" She asked.
"Yeah, way better than I thought. Got the lecture, but nothing like we expected." I told her. We started a pairs circuit. I loved working out with Kyra, we'd push each other to the max.

After the gym it was time for lunch. I sat beside in between Kyra and a Caitlin. *ping*

Alessia: how do you walk away from a massage in more pain? What's that all about?

My face beamed instantly when I saw her name light up my Lock Screen. I replied straight away.

Molly: Sports massage is not the one!

Within only a couple of minutes again my phone pinged

Alessia: I'm sure it would've felt better coming from you! x

9 words. Apparently that was all it took to completely fill my stomach with butterflies.