How I Sapphire Young fell in love with Alessia Russo

Chapter 18

Sapphire's POV:

As the last training session before the Christmas break unfolded, there was a palpable sense of excitement in the air. The anticipation of the holiday season mingled with the satisfaction of a productive training session, creating an atmosphere that was both festive and focused.

As I laced up my boots and stepped onto the pitch, I couldn't help but feel a surge of gratitude for the camaraderie and support of my Tottenham teammates. Together, we had endured the rigours of preseason, battled through the ups and downs of the season, and now, as we prepared to part ways for the holiday break, there was a sense of unity that filled me with warmth.

The training session itself was a mix of intensity and enjoyment. We worked on drills and tactics with a renewed sense of purpose, eager to finish strong before heading off to spend time with our loved ones. But amidst the sweat and the effort, there were moments of laughter and camaraderie, a reminder of the bond that united us as a team.

After training, we gathered in the locker room, exchanging well-wishes and holiday greetings as we prepared to bid farewell to one another for a brief respite. There were hugs and handshakes, promises to stay in touch over the break, and a shared sense of excitement for the memories that awaited us in the days ahead.

But the festivities didn't end there. That evening, we came together once again for a Christmas dinner at Tottenham, a chance to celebrate as a team before parting ways for the holiday break. The dining hall was adorned with festive decorations, the tables adorned with all manner of delicious treats and delicacies.

As we sat down to eat, laughter and conversation filled the air, the spirit of the season infusing every moment with warmth and joy. We shared stories of seasons past, exchanged gifts and well-wishes, and toasted to the memories we had made together throughout the year.

And as the evening drew to a close, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the family that I had found in my Tottenham teammates. In a world filled with uncertainty and challenges, they had become my anchor, my source of strength and support. And as I bid them farewell for the holiday break, I knew that no matter where the season took us, we would always be united in spirit, bound together by the love of the game and the camaraderie of our shared journey.

As Grace embarked on her week with the Lionesses, I found myself facing an unexpected break in my schedule. With Tottenham's fixtures on hold until after christmas break, I saw an opportunity to reconnect with my roots, to return to Liverpool and spend some much-needed time with my family.

As I made the journey back to my hometown, memories of my childhood flooded my mind. The familiar sights and sounds of Liverpool greeted me like an old friend, filling me with a sense of nostalgia and comfort.

Upon my arrival, I was greeted with open arms by my two brothers and my dad. It had been far too long since we had all been together, and I cherished the opportunity to catch up and reminisce about old times.

We spent our days exploring the city, revisiting our favourite haunts and creating new memories together. From walks along the waterfront to evenings spent watching football at the local pub, each moment was a reminder of the bond that held us together as a family.

But amidst the laughter and joy, there was a bittersweet undercurrent to our time together. Memories of my mom, who had passed away when I was young, lingered in the background, a silent presence that underscored our reunion.

Yet, in the midst of our shared grief, there was also a sense of hope and resilience. As we laughed and reminisced, I felt a renewed sense of gratitude for the love and support of my family, a reminder that even in the darkest of times, we were never truly alone.

And as the week drew to a close and I prepared to return to London, I carried with me the warmth and love of my family, a beacon of light to guide me through whatever challenges lay ahead. For no matter where life may take me, I knew that Liverpool would always be my home, and my family would always be my anchor.

Grace's return from her time with the Lionesses brought with it a renewed sense of energy and determination. It was evident in the way she carried herself on and off the pitch, a quiet confidence that spoke volumes about her experiences at the international level. As her teammate and friend, I couldn't help but feel a swell of pride watching her flourish.

However, amidst the excitement of Grace's return, there was a new development that caught me off guard. She approached me one day with a glint of anticipation in her eyes, her voice tinged with excitement as she mentioned an upcoming Christmas party organised by none other than Sarina Wiegman, the manager of the Lionesses.

"Hey, Sapphire, guess what?" Grace exclaimed, a smile playing on her lips. "Sarina has organised this amazing Christmas party for the team, and she's invited me to go. And she said I could bring a plus one... so I was wondering if you'd like to come with me?"

I blinked in surprise, caught off guard by the unexpected invitation. A Christmas party hosted by the renowned Sarina Wiegman was certainly not something I had anticipated being a part of. But the thought of accompanying Grace to such an event filled me with a mix of excitement and nerves.

"Wow, that's... that's incredible, Grace," I replied, unable to conceal the awe in my voice. "I'd be honoured to be your plus one. Thank you for thinking of me."

Grace's smile widened, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Great! It's going to be so much fun. I can't wait for you to meet everyone."

As we discussed the details of the party, my mind raced with anticipation. The chance to mingle with some of the top talents in women's football, to rub shoulders with players and coaches who had achieved greatness on the international stage – it was an opportunity unlike any other.

But more than anything, I was grateful for the chance to share this experience with Grace. She had been my rock, my confidante, and my inspiration since the moment we first met. And as we prepared to attend Sarina's Christmas party together, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for her friendship and the adventures we shared both on and off the pitch.