Woso One shots

You've always got me - Alessia Russo

Content Warning - Ed

It was here, the dreaded conversation you'd had with all your past coaches.

It really didn't take long for him to catch on. You'd kept it from Chelsea and Man United for at least a season or two. But you'd just joined Arsenal a month ago and already you were getting called in to Jonas's office.

While it could be about anything. You knew deep down that he had noticed your eating habits and your dizzy spells, and wanted to try to help you.
But nothing could help. You'd struggled with eating since you were 13, and every coach that caught on claimed they wanted to help you, only to end your contract once they saw you couldn't be helped.

But it really did feel like Arsenal was your last shot. Surely the media will catch on if another contract is ended well before it was meant to. Especially if it was only a month in.

Your hand shook as you went to knock on Jonas's door. But just before you could the door swung open and you were met with the eyes of your best friend. Alessia. Less and you had played at Manchester United together for a season until she moved to Arsenal. Although you'd only played together for a year, you two had grown so close that when she heard your contract was ending with Man U, she immediately started to convince Jonas to sign you. You owed her everything. Without her you probably wouldn't have gotten another contract. But now you can't help but feel stupid, as you were fairly certain Jonas would cut that deal short.

Less looks at you with pitying eyes. She knew what was coming. She embraced you in a hug before she quickly released you and whispered "It will all be okay Em. I promise". You gave her a faint smile as she walked away, hoping that what she said would be true.

You were pulled from your thoughts by Jonas "Emily, would you come in please". His voice sounds soft as if he doesn't know if you'll fall apart if he raises it. There sat next to him is Michelle, the team psychologist. She also gives you a soft smile.

"So Emily, there's no easy way to say this, but we've brought you in here to talk about your obvious issues with eating. As an athlete in such a high level, I would've hoped that this would have been cut out by now. Especially as this is your third contract in two years." Jonas said as tears started welling in my eyes, I didn't expect him to be so blunt with it.

"I spoke to Manchester United when you first signed and they let me know why they let you go, but i had hoped that that would've served as a wake up call for you to get help. Obviously it hasn't and now we, as a club, have no choice but to give you a deadline. I've brought Michelle here as you're going to be seeing her daily, as well the team nutritionist. Your training schedule will be cut in half until Michelle clears you and if you aren't cleared by October then we have no choice but to let you go" My heart stopped. October is just over a month away. How am I supposed to give up 10 years worth of habits in a month.

"But Emily..." Michelle began to speak.
"You should know that while this may seem scary, your health and safety is our top priority. We're trying to help you, you are wanted at Arsenal" I breath a slight sigh of relief hearing that Michelle's tone was softer that Jonas's.

"We've also spoken to Alessia, who I understand is one of your close friends and she has agreed to help you out when you're not here at Arsenal. I understand you're living together so she'll help with making meals before and after training as I assume from all these years of disordered eating, you haven't learned how to cook properly". I scoff slightly, I may be stupid but i'm not a child.

We sit there in silence as both Jonas and Michelle look at me, waiting for a response.
"T-Th-Thanks" Is all i can get out before a stand up and leave the office. Immediately I run down the hallway and call Less who answers straight away.

"Hey I was waiting for you to ca-" she starts

"Less where are you" I manage to whisper before i burst into tears.

"Oh Em. I'm in the car, come quick and i'll drive us home."

I quickly make my way to where she always parks her car and jump in the passenger seat. Immediately i break down and slump into the seat. Alessia scoops me up moves over and sits with me on her lap. Holding me. Patting me on the back and whispering countless "it will be okay"'s. After what feels like forever I finally look up and catch my breath. Less moves out from under me and back into the drivers seat. "Ready to talk?" She asks and I nod slowly back

"Less I can't do it. He said he'd give me a month. But it's never worked before and it won't work now. I can't do it. What am I supposed to do all I do is play football. No one will sign me after this. Less what do i do" I barely get through my last sentence without breaking into tears.

"Hey hey Em. Listen, I'm sorry I've never helped you before this. But now that I know, nothing will stop me from getting you healthy again. You know I used to struggle with my eating, and it took a lot of work to overcome, but i'm here for you and won't let you get kicked out. I promise"

I look over at my best friend. She looks sad, burdened. But this isn't her fault. She shouldn't have to help me get over my stupid issues. But she is. And i'm going to really try this time.

"It's going to work this time Em. I know it"
She says as she grabs my hand and squeezes it

"You've Always got me"