𝐑𝐄𝐏𝐔𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 | 𝘢.𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘢𝘯

𝐢𝐯. 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐭𝐚𝐠

☾︎𝕋ℍ𝔼 ℍ𝔸𝕊ℍ𝕋𝔸𝔾 ☽︎

July 2016

Brooklyn and Alex had been enjoying the last few weeks before the Olympic roster was announced. But between training sessions and meetings, they had also thought a lot about something they had been putting off for a long time: going public with their relationship.

After many conversations, they decided it was time. With the support of Brooklyn's publicist and Alex's agent, they posted a series of photos on Instagram, moments captured over the past two years: shared laughter, knowing glances, sunsets on the beach and hugs under the moonlight. No long words, just them, together.

The response was immediate. Thousands of messages flooded their networks, celebrating their love with enthusiasm. "Finally!" said some comments, as if their followers had been waiting for this moment as much as they had. But along with the love, there was also criticism. There were those who didn't understand, those who judged and those who threw words full of intolerance.

Brooklyn read some of those messages in silence, feeling her chest tighten. Alex noticed it and, without saying anything, took her hand.

"Don't give them power," Alex whispered, kissing her knuckles. "We won't let them take this away from us."

Brooklyn nodded, squeezing Alex's hand as if with that gesture she could expel all the weight she felt. They knew that the hatred of a few did not compare to the love they shared. They decided to respond with love, positivity and, above all, with more love for the life they were building together.

However, there was something that kept Alex on edge: the list of those called up for the Olympics. That wait ate at her stomach.

"What if I don't make it this time?" she asked one night while refreshing the sports news page.

"Of course you will make it, babe," Brooklyn replied, interlacing their fingers. "You're Alex Morgan. There's no one better than you. Still, the uncertainty didn't go away."

The night the list would be published arrived. They were in front of the computer, legs intertwined, hearts racing. Alex nervously drummed on the arm of the couch as Brooklyn refreshed the page over and over.

And then, the ad popped up.

"It's here." Brooklyn pointed at the screen.

Alex leaned forward, hands shaking. She scrolled down the list with her mouse, frantically searching for her name.

And there it was.

ALEX MORGAN.

In bold. In all caps.

"I'm in!" Alex screamed, covering her mouth with both hands in disbelief.

Brooklyn let out a squeal of joy and hugged her tightly, causing them both to fall onto the couch in laughter and tears.

"I knew it! I knew you'd make it! I'm so proud of you, Al." Brooklyn looked at her, eyes shining. "You're going to the Olympics."

"I'm going to the Olympics!" Alex repeated, still trying to wrap her head around it. "We did it, baby!"

They hugged each other again, losing themselves in that moment of pure happiness. Alex's career was about to enter a new phase, and Brooklyn would be there, supporting her every step of the way.