DESPERATE & DIVINE

4. Gymcidents

The first day feels strange, and just as Alessia described it – reminiscent of the nervous energy of the first day of school. Alessia takes it all in her stride, engaging in lively conversation with Kyra and Cloe, the other newcomers. I try to keep up with the chatter, but a sense of impending doom looms as we wait for the team to arrive.

The unease I feel isn't solely due to the prospect of encountering a certain blonde defender I've been ignoring for months. As someone approaches the door, my back stiffens, but to my relief, it's Kim Little.

I have always admired Kim throughout my career, and she was the first to message me when it was announced I would be joining the team. Kim is highly underrated and a force to be reckoned with in midfield. Its the first genuine bit of excitement I feel since moving here, eager to absorb as much knowledge as I can from her.

I exchange handshakes with most of the girls, our familiarity stemming from our regular matches against each other. When I see Lotte, I greet her with a warm hug, grateful for the comfort of a familiar face. Lia Walti, on the other hand, offers a polite greeting but her expression betrays a sense of scepticism, as if saying 'my bestie filled me in and I'm not exactly a fan.' Looks like I have my work cut out for me with her, and rightly so.

As I gradually get into the swing of the first gym session, I find myself chatting with some of the coaching staff and discussing the weights I'll be using. The circuit is going smoothly; the music is blasting, and everyone is focussed on their workouts. During a water break, a ball suddenly whizzes past me, just barely missing my head. Startled, I turn around to find Katie McCabe grinning at me, her smirk making it clear that she's the one behind the shot.

"Oops," she says, completely unapologetic. "I'd better be more careful now City's dethroned Queen is here."

The room falls utterly silent. If I weren't so irritated, I might find it amusing how conversations come to a sudden halt, gym equipment is abandoned mid-use, and the running machines seem to stop as if everyone has pressed pause. All eyes are on me and Katie, and it's clear everyone is tuned in to this unexpected interaction, waiting for the next move. My annoyance bubbles just beneath the surface, but I take a deep breath, reminding myself that this is just another day at training—nothing I can't handle.

McCabe stands there, staring me down, a mischievous smirk playing on her lips as she confidently places a hand on her hip.

My reaction to her is instinctual. She's always been ruthless and strategic in our past encounters on the field. She's a force to be reckoned with, and what irks me the most is her undeniable brilliance.

The team watches in suspense, the tension in the air noticeable by everyone. It feels like a scene from an old western, with me at one end and Katie at the other, both of us seemingly ready to draw our metaphorical guns.

I pick up the ball that narrowly missed me and begin to walk towards Katie, my determination clear. Her smirk fades slightly, knowing that I'm not one to back down easily. She stands tall, chest puffed out in a display of pride as I approach.

With resolve, I use both hands to shove the ball back into her chest with a bit of force, causing her to lose her balance and take a step back.

"Oops!" I echo, feigning innocence but refusing to let her intimidation get the best of me. It's my way of showing that I won't be pushed around, even by someone as formidable as Katie McCabe.

Her eyes flicker with a dangerous intensity before she quickly masks it with a forced, cheesy smile and slaps me on the shoulder.