I didn't choose her, my heart did

The encounter

Keira's POV:

Walking into the dressing room, I can feel the excitement coursing through my body. This is the moment I have been looking forward to for months, my first training session with Manchester City's first team for the 2016/2017 season. My heart is pounding in my throat as I walk to my dressing room spot, next to my best friend Georgia Stanway. We both have the same goal: to prove ourselves at this level and impress the coaches.

The dressing room is filled with sounds of clattering flaps of sports bags and the murmur of excited voices. I look around and see famous faces of the internationals I admire. But one person stands out: Lucy Bronze. Her presence alone makes my legs week. She is a legend, a role model for so many young girls like me. I try to control my excitement and focus on getting ready for training.

We start our warm-up and I cannot stop smiling as I am part of this great group of players. But somewhere in the back of my mind, doubt nibbles. Am I good enough for this level? Can I really compete with all these talented players?

During practice, I notice that I make more mistakes than usual. My passes are not as accurate and my dribbles feel lumbering. Sweat starts beading on my forehead as I put more and more pressure on myself.

After training, when everyone starts changing clothes, I feel defeated. I am convinced that I have failed, that I do not belong at this level. Without saying a word to Georgia, I grab my bag off the bench and rush out, away from the disappointment I feel.

But then, just as I'm about to cross the doorstep of the changing room, I hear a voice behind me. "Hey, wait a minute."

I turn around and my heart skips a beat. It's Lucy Bronze. She stands there with a friendly smile on her face, her eyes kind and inviting.

"I noticed you seemed a bit frustrated during training," she says as she walks towards me.

I stand there like stunned, unable to believe she is talking to me. "Oh, uh, yeah, I mean, I just think I'm having some trouble adjusting to this level," I stammer, my cheeks glowing with embarrassment.

Lucy nods understandingly. "It's normal to feel a bit overwhelmed at first, especially if it's your first time with the first team. But believe me, you are here for a reason. The coaches see something in you, otherwise you wouldn't be here."

I look at her wide-eyed, my mouth slightly open in surprise. Lucy Bronze tries to reassure me. I still can't believe it.

"You have real potential, Keira," she continues. "You just have to believe in yourself and keep working hard. You will see that you will adapt quickly."

I feel a wave of relief pass through me, as if a burden falls from my shoulders. Lucy's words give me hope, something to hold on to in my moments of doubt.


"Thanks, Lucy," I say with a smile. "I really appreciate it."

She winks at me. "No problem. And if you ever have any questions or just need someone to talk to, I'm here. We're all on the same team, right?"

Lucy's POV:

Walking into the dressing room, my gaze immediately falls on Keira Walsh. There is something about her that catches my attention, something I can't quite place. She stands there, a mix of determination and nervousness on her face. Her eyes seem to sparkle with excitement, but there is also a hint of uncertainty around her.

I cannot take my eyes off her as we start training. There is something intriguing about the way she moves, as if she is trying to find her place in this new team, but at the same time determined to succeed. I cannot help but feel admiration for her determination, her will to succeed.

But as training progresses, I see her struggling. Her passes are not as sharp as they should be, her movements seem hesitant. I feel a stab of sadness in my heart as I watch her struggle, as if a part of me is suffering with her.

When she leaves the dressing room, her face set with disappointment, I know I have to do something. I cannot allow her to feel this way, for her self-confidence to be affected. She deserves to know that she belongs here, that she is a valuable member of this team.

"Hey, wait a minute," I call after her, my voice determined.


Keira turns around, her gaze full of surprise. I walk towards her, determined to reassure her, to show her that she is not alone. "I noticed you had a bit of trouble during training," I begin, my voice soft and reassuring.

She looks at me a little surprised, as if she cannot believe I am talking to her. "Oh, uh, yeah," she stammered. "I guess I'm just a bit overwhelmed."

I put my hand on her shoulder, a gesture of support. "That's normal, especially when it's your first time with the first team. But you should know that you are here because you have talent. The coaches believe in you, otherwise you wouldn't be here."

A smile of relief slowly spreads across Keira's face. "Thanks, Lucy," she says with a small smile. "I really appreciate it."

I smile back, my heart warm inside. "No problem. Just remember that you belong here and that you have the capacity to play at this level. Just keep working hard and believing in yourself, and you'll see that it will all work out."

With those words, I walk back to the dressing room, my heart full of the knowledge that I might have made a difference to Keira. Maybe I can help her find her confidence again, to believe in her own abilities.

AN: 
Not sure what to make of this. I already have a few ideas, though. If you guys have any ideas too, be sure to let me know.