How I Sapphire Young fell in love with Alessia Russo

Chapter 16

Alessia's POV:

As the day of the FA WSL Cup match against Tottenham approached, my nerves were at an all-time high. Not only was it a crucial fixture for Arsenal, but it also meant coming face to face with Sapphire for the first time since our last interaction, which had been far from ideal.

I couldn't shake the memory of our last exchange, the tension and misunderstanding lingering like a heavy cloud over my thoughts. It had been four months since that day, and despite the passage of time, the unease remained. We hadn't exchanged a single message since then, each of us seemingly caught in a silent standoff.

As I arrived at the training ground, my anxiety only intensified. The anticipation of seeing Sapphire again filled me with a mix of apprehension and longing. I couldn't help but wonder if things would be awkward between us, or if we would be able to move past our differences and find common ground.

To add to my unease, I spotted Kyra across the pitch, her presence a stark reminder of another source of tension. Kyra and I had become inseparable since becoming best friends, but her history with Grace and Sapphire added another layer of complexity to the situation. Seeing them together only served to heighten my anxiety, knowing that their presence would only further complicate matters.

As training commenced, I tried to focus on the task at hand, pushing aside the distractions and focusing on preparing for the upcoming match. But no matter how hard I tried to concentrate, the looming confrontation with Sapphire and the presence of Kyra's enemies weighed heavily on my mind.

As the day wore on, I couldn't shake the feeling of apprehension that gnawed at my insides. Would this encounter with Sapphire finally bring closure to our unresolved tension, or would it only serve to deepen the divide between us? Only time would tell, but one thing was certain: the upcoming match against Tottenham would be about more than just football. It would be a test of emotions, loyalties, and perhaps even forgiveness.

Sapphire's POV:

The North London Derby. A clash of titans, a battle steeped in history and rivalry. As I stepped onto the pitch at the iconic stadium, I could feel the weight of expectation hanging in the air. This was more than just a game; it was a chance to assert our dominance, to stake our claim as the kings of North London.

From the opening whistle, the intensity was palpable. Tottenham and Arsenal locked in a fierce back-and-forth, neither side willing to give an inch. The roar of the crowd reverberated through the stadium as tackles flew in and chances were created at both ends.

We struck first, a moment of brilliance that sent the fans into a frenzy. But Arsenal fought back with equal ferocity, levelling the score with a clinical finish. The game see-sawed back and forth, each team refusing to cede ground.

As the clock ticked down towards full time, tensions reached a boiling point. With mere minutes remaining, Arsenal snatched the lead, sending shockwaves through the stadium. But we refused to accept defeat, summoning every ounce of determination and resilience we possessed.

In the dying moments of the game, we found our salvation. A perfectly executed set piece saw the ball nestled in the back of the net, igniting scenes of jubilation among the Tottenham faithful. The final whistle blew, and the score stood at 3-3. Extra time beckoned, and with it, the promise of glory.

For thirty gruelling minutes, we battled on, each team throwing everything they had into the fray. But as the final whistle of extra time blew, the score remained deadlocked. Penalties would decide our fate.

The tension was unbearable as we lined up for the shootout. Each kick felt like an eternity, the weight of the entire match resting on our shoulders. But despite our best efforts, it wasn't to be. Arsenal emerged victorious, edging us out 4-3 on penalties.

As the bitter taste of defeat settled over us, I couldn't help but feel a sense of emptiness. We had fought with everything we had, leaving our hearts on the pitch, only to come up just short. But even in defeat, there was a glimmer of hope – hope that three days later , we would rise again, stronger and more determined than ever before. And when that day comes, we would reclaim our rightful place as the Queens of North London.

As the final whistle echoed through the stadium, Grace and I joined our teammates in the customary post-match handshake with the Arsenal players. However, as we approached Kyra, the air crackled with tension. Despite our efforts to extend a hand in sportsmanship, Kyra's icy demeanour made it clear that the wounds of past encounters had not yet healed. Grace's attempt to diffuse the tension with a smile was met with a cold stare from Kyra, casting a palpable shadow over the exchange. We moved on, but the lingering unease reminded us that some rivalries run deeper than the game itself, leaving a bitter aftertaste in the midst of the post-match rituals.

As the stadium began to empty, I found myself alone on the pitch, lost in a whirlwind of emotions. It was then that Alessia approached, her footsteps echoing softly against the turf. There was a tentative expression on her face, as if she wasn't quite sure how to approach me.

For a moment, neither of us spoke, the silence stretching between us like an invisible barrier. But then, Alessia broke the tension, her voice soft but tinged with uncertainty.

"Sapphire," she began, her tone hesitant. "I wanted to talk to you about something."

I turned to face her, curiosity mingling with apprehension. "What is it, Alessia?"

She hesitated for a moment, gathering her thoughts before continuing. "I... I wanted to apologize for the comment I left on your Instagram post," she admitted, her words tinged with regret. "I know it was inappropriate, and I shouldn't have said it."

I felt a rush of conflicting emotions wash over me – surprise, confusion, and a hint of amusement. The comment Alessia was referring to had been a flirty remark, left on a photo I had posted during a night out with friends. It had been obvious to me that Alessia had been in a drunken state when she was celebrating with the Lionesses after their World Cup win in Australia.

I couldn't help but chuckle softly at the memory, remembering how I had jokingly texted her about it the next day, teasing her about her drunken antics while I had been at home with Grace, watching the game on the sofa.

"It's okay, Alessia," I reassured her, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips. "I know you were just having a bit of fun. Besides, it gave me a good laugh."

Alessia's expression softened, a relieved smile spreading across her face. "I'm glad you're not mad," she said, her voice tinged with gratitude. "I really am sorry, Sapphire. I never meant to make you uncomfortable."

I shook my head, dismissing her apology with a wave of my hand. "No harm done," I replied. "Just promise me you'll lay off the tequila next time, yeah?"

Alessia laughed, the tension between us dissipating like smoke in the wind. "Deal," she said, extending her hand for a playful handshake. we then both walked off the pitch and made our way back to our teams changing rooms to get ready to leave the stadium.