The Two Sisters

Chapter 3

I remember feeling a sense of excitement and anticipation when Less suggested that we should all go out for lunch to celebrate my birthday. The idea was so thoughtful and kind, and it filled me with a sense of warmth and gratitude. I couldn't wait to spend the day with my closest friends and create new memories together.

As I got my outfit out for the meal I saw Kim's birthday present. My own Arsenal shirt. I couldn't believe that they wanted me to join them at Arsenal.

As we made our way to the restaurant, I couldn't help but admire the beautiful scenery that surrounded us. The sun was shining brightly, and the gentle breeze carried the sweet scent of blooming flowers. The restaurant itself was a quaint little place with a cosy atmosphere, and the aroma of delicious food filled the air.

Once we were seated, Less immediately insisted that we start with some appetizers, which we eagerly agreed to. The food was divine, and we savoured every bite as we chatted and laughed over our meals. Less even raised a toast to me with a glass of fine wine, which made me feel so special and loved.

After lunch, we all headed back to my and Lessi's house. The journey home was filled with laughter and joy, and I couldn't help but feel grateful for the wonderful friends I had. As soon as we arrived, everyone decided that they were all staying the night, which filled me with a sense of warmth and happiness.

We spent the rest of the day lounging around the house, reminiscing about old times and creating new memories. Kim, one of my closest friends, ordered us some delicious takeaway food as a gift from Jonas, which was such a kind gesture. We all sat around the coffee table, laughing and chatting as we enjoyed the scrumptious food. The atmosphere in the room was one of pure joy and contentment.

The next morning, I woke up feeling refreshed and grateful. I could hear the sounds of my friends moving around and chatting, and it filled me with a sense of happiness and contentment. I went for a shower and then got changed into one of my new tracksuits. As I made my way downstairs, I could smell the delicious aroma of waffles cooking, which Viv had kindly made for me. I enjoyed a cup of delicious coffee as we chatted and laughed together, creating new memories that I would cherish forever.

The day that followed my birthday seemed to have flown by in a jiffy. I spent most of my day at home, relaxing and bonding with Less over some television programs. After a delightful morning with the girls, they left around lunchtime, and I was left with the rest of the day to myself.

As the clock struck Monday, I felt a knot form in my stomach. Today was the day I had been dreading - the day I would sign my contract. My palms were clammy, and my heart was beating so fast that I could feel it in my throat. I took a deep breath and walked towards the desk, where the contract lay waiting for me. The pages were stark white, and the black ink stood out in stark contrast. The words seemed to blur as I tried to read them - it was like my mind couldn't focus on anything other than the fear that was coursing through my veins. But I knew that I had to sign it - it was the only way forward. So, with a trembling hand, I picked up the pen and began to write my name. Jonas was incredibly kind to me as he quickly noticed my nervousness. Less accompanied me as well, which eased my anxiety. Once all the pictures were taken, I headed to the changing room to prepare for training. We had a brief but intense session, followed by a visit to the gym for some much-needed exercise. I decided to go for a run after training to clear my head. As I was jogging in the middle of my regular route, I suddenly felt a parched sensation in my throat. I decided to make a quick stop at the nearest corner shop to buy a refreshing bottle of water. After buying the water, I stepped out of the shop, only to find a group of boys loitering outside, blocking my way. Although I felt a bit intimidated, I maintained my composure and politely requested them to move aside, making sure not to offend them. But they didn't move, so I asked them again, slightly raising my voice to make sure that they heard me.
One of the boys looked at me but still ignored me. So I asked them to move, not being nice and then they all looked at me. That's when one of them grabbed me. I was trying with all my strength to break free from his grip, but nothing seemed to work.
What have I done? Why did I have to go into the shop? Why couldn't I have just gone home after training?
All these thoughts were swirling around my head as I kept trying to break free. It was too late, I was now in an ally nearby.
The next thing I knew, I was being beaten till I couldn't move. I didn't try and resist or break free. It was too late for that. I had lost. I thought at that moment that I was going to die, that these teenage boys were going to beat me to death. I was scared. Why me? I had just signed for Arsenal. Why did this have to happen now?

My head hurts. I'm so tired. I jumped up in the bed I was in, not knowing where I was. But I had to lay back down again as I hurt myself in doing so.
'Sophie!' Less had shouted my name as she saw me struggle to sit up.
I go to hug her, but it hurts. My eyes start to tear up as I start to remember what happened. The doctor came in and told me loads of things that were wrong, but I zoned out. The only thing I could think about was my leg. I saw it in a cast. I start to sob. All my teammates were at my side while I cried. After I finished crying, I sat up slowly and looked around me. I saw everyone looking tired and sad. I knew I couldn't play football for a while.
Less finally spoke to me. 'You had to have surgery on your leg. It's broken. You can't play at the moment.'
That started me off again, I cried some more, asking everyone to get out. Everyone, including Lessi. I was distraught. How could I do this to myself?

I spent the next few days in the hospital. I got told I had to wait at least 2 months to play again. Now I'm annoyed. I was sad and then hopeful but now I can't play football for 2 months. What am I meant to do for that long?
After I went home, Less kept trying to help me with my stuff, but I told her I could do it. She seemed to be sad but she was still able to play football and I couldn't. It's just not fair.
For the first few days, I stayed in my room away from everyone.
I couldn't be near them. I didn't do much. I haven't eaten anything, in about two days. I wasn't bothered, though, to be honest. The only time I have gotten out of bed is to go to the toilet, and it takes me about 5 minutes to get out of bed. These two months were going to go slow.

Lessi's Pov:
I'm really worried about Sophie. She has hardly eaten, and she doesn't get out of bed anymore. This isn't going to help her recovery, but there is nothing I can do about it. I go to training like normal, and everyone is sad because they all miss Soph, but we get on with it. Some people come around to see how she's doing. They tell her about their day, what they've been doing, and any upcoming plans. But she doesn't even acknowledge that they are there.

Authors note:
Sorry about the sad chapter, I wanted to get it moving a bit. Hopefully, Sophie will get out of bed soon and talk to people. :)