I didn't choose her, my heart did

The kiss

Lucy's POV:
It is now two months later, and everything is like before. Keira and I cook together, drive to training sessions together, take Narla on walks together, cuddle in front of the TV and sleep spooning. Everything is going perfectly. The fight was intense, but it has taught us to communicate about our feelings, at least I thought.

Keira and I have always been close, but the past few weeks felt like a rediscovery of our bond. We spent even more time together, as if to make up for lost time. It was reassuring to know that we had found our old rhythm again. Our days started early, with joint morning sessions at the gym or a relaxing breakfast where we discussed our plans for the day.
This morning was different. I got up with Keira beside me, her breathing even and calm. When I gently grabbed her, she immediately startled awake.

"Luce, what day is it?" she asked, her voice still sleepy and panicky at the same time.I looked at her confused. Was she still so tired that she didn't even think to take out her mobile phone to check the date? "Euh... It's March the 23rd. Kei, is there anything special today?"When I pronounced the date, her eyes went wide. "Luce, today is the call-ups for England Camp!"

Before I could even respond, she jumped out of bed and ran out of the room. I heard her moving hurriedly through the house, followed by the sound of the door slamming and her car driving away.

Confused, I remained seated for a moment, the peace of the morning suddenly disrupted. I knew how important these call-ups were for her, since it would be her first. Keira had worked hard to get here, and I hoped with all my heart that she would get good news.

I stood up and prepared myself, but my thoughts remained with Keira. How would she do? Would she get good news? Excitement hung in the air, and I knew it would be a long day.

Keira's POV:
I was on my way to the training ground. No idea why I wanted to get there so soon. Today was the day when my life could change. All the work I had done throughout my life depended on one phone call. Of course this was important to me, but deep inside I was just a young girl who wanted to make her family and Lucy proud. I wanted to thank them for all the sacrifices they had made for me.

When I arrived, I quickly got out of the car and retrieved my shoes and ball from the boot. I rushed to the small square to the left of the complex. The tension in my chest was almost unbearable, and I knew this early workout couldn't change it. But I had to do something to keep my nerves in check.

I started my usual drills, my mind spinning with possibilities and scenarios. What if I wasn't chosen? What if all my hard work had been for nothing? But no, I was not allowed to doubt. I had to believe in myself and my abilities. Every dribble, every pass, every kick against the ball was a reminder of the hours of dedication and effort I had invested.

Suddenly, I heard a familiar voice. "Keira, what are you doing here so early?" It was our captain, Steph.

I turned around and smiled faintly. "I couldn't sit still. I had to do something to clear my mind."

Steph nodded understandingly. "I see. Today is a big day. But remember, no matter what happens, you are already a great player. We're all proud of you."

Those words did me good, but the tension remained. "Thank you, Steph. That means a lot to me."

_

I sat in the dressing room, which quickly filled up with my teammates. The atmosphere was good and everyone was looking forward to training. Despite the upbeat mood, I could hardly suppress my own nerves. Suddenly, the door opened with a swish. Lucy entered, and when she saw me sitting there, she let out a big sigh. She immediately came to me and knelt down between my legs, her hands resting firmly on my knees.

"Hey Kei, is everything okay? Did I say something wrong?" she asked, her concern clearly noticeable.

I put my hand on hers and replied, "I'm fine, I just needed some time to myself."

Lucy nodded understandingly. "I get it, first call-up! But I believe in you and whatever happens, I will always be there for you."

I gave her a hug, but I didn't feel more confident. The weight of expectations weighed heavily on me. Now I felt even more fear of disappointing her.

"Kei, I don't think you ate this morning, so I stopped quickly at the coffee shop on the way to buy you something," she said as she handed me a bag.

I looked at the bag and smiled gratefully. "Thank you, Lucy. You really think of everything, don't you?"

She shrugged and smiled back. "I know you too well not to be prepared. You need energy to shine today."

I opened the bag and saw my favourite breakfast muffin and a bottle of orange juice. "Just what I needed," I said, taking a bite of the muffin.

Lucy stayed with me while I ate; her presence alone gave me a sense of calm. We sat there in comfortable silence, surrounded by the din of our teammates preparing for training. It felt good to have her so close on such an important day.

After I ate my breakfast, Lucy looked at me with a serious expression. "Keira, remember that you have already come a long way. This is just the next step. You have the talent, the commitment and the passion. I believe in you, and I know everyone here does too."

Her words gave me the courage I needed. "Thank you, Lucy. Really."

She stood up and pulled me up. "Come on, let's pop this training. We'll do it together."