Reassurance || Leah Williamson

Twenty

Vic had arrived an hour earlier than me as her flight from Australia got in earlier than mine. I walked into the hotel room and the lights were off with the blinds closed. Peering further into the room, I could make out a figure laying across the bed furthest from the door. Vic was passed out to say the least.

I quietly placed my things on my bed and made my way out and back to the main lobby. Daan was sitting on one of the couches lost in her own phone call, no doubtedly on the phone with Ellie. I continued my walk towards the dining hall, passing Kerstin on the way. "Hallo."

I smiled, "Hallo. Want to join me?" She agreed and we made our way together towards the dining hall. Grabbing ourselves a plate for dinner, we sat at a table to catch up.

Kerstin told me all the Man City drama, what's new, how everyone is. She always knew everything for whatever reason, I never understood how. Sometimes she'd know things before anyone else in the team knew. She asked how Jill was as I'd been with her at the weekend, I asked her how Alex and Ellie were whom I was close with at city. It was nice to talk to Kerstin, I hadn't seen her much since I left; only really at international camps and games we played against each other.

She told me about the fine she got for flipping off the crowd, both of having a good laugh about that. "Hey so I've been meaning to ask, but how's Arsenal? Has it been treating you well? I know you're not one to like change all that much. Thought I'd check in."

I always appreciated the fact that Kerstin cared, even though she could me crazy sometimes, you knew she cared about you. I grinned, "Yeah it's been great actually. I think this has been the first change I've truly been okay with."

"That's wonderful Tess. Now, a little birdie tells me that you've got yourself a girlfriend. Leah Williamson to be exact," she poked my side as I blushed furiously. Of course Jill had to tell her, that meant all of the Man City team knew. "How's that going?"

"Amazing. She's my everything." Kerstin gave me a knowing smile.

"I'm happy for you Tess."

"Thanks Kerstin." We finished up our dinner before I headed up to my room, but not before grabbing a plate of food for Vic who was no doubtedly still asleep knowing her. I parted ways with Kerstin as she was on the second floor and Vic and I were on the third.

I knocked on the door quietly before entering and turning on a lamp. "Vic, wake up. I've got food for you," she mumbled something illiterate before rolling over and rubbing her eyes. "Hoe laat is het?"

"Almost nine." I gave her a look and she groaned before slowly getting up. I placed the plate of food on the desk in the room before laying in my own bed. "Wanneer been je hier gekomen?"

"Just past 6" Vic nodded her head before eating her food and checking her phone. Just as I was about to pick up my own phone I got a call. Looking down to see who it was, I smiled recognizing Leah's contact.

"Hey love, you're not asleep yet are you?"

"Hi liefje, no not yet. I just got back to my room actually. You've called at the perfect time."

"Good, good. How's camp so far? How's everyone? Vic?"

"Good yeah, Vic was asleep when I got here and just woke up. She missed dinner so I brought her up a plate."

"That's kind of you. How're you?"

"I'm alright. Tired from travel, but other than that I'm okay. Miss you though."

"I miss you too. I'll see you soon though. Two weeks."

"Yeah I know, but I miss your face." Leah chuckled at that. I could feel her blush through the phone, "I miss your hugs, and your cuddles, and your lips on mine." I blushed myself, as I knew she was blushing even more.

"I can't even explain how much I miss you as well Tess. Even if I saw you not even twenty-four hours ago," I laughed. Leah and I talked for another hour or so. It was always easy with her, nothing was ever forced. I think that's one of the things I loved most about Leah, how she was easy to talk to. Whether it be her talking and me listening, or the rare occasion of me talking her ear off and her taking the time to listen. Both ways I knew she cared and was always interested in what I was talking about.

Vic had gone to asleep a little while after she'd finished eating. She had asked who I was on the phone with and said hello to Leah asking how Less was. Vic had talked about Less quiet often to me, they seemed really close and I'm glad Vic's got a good group within the team with her and Less and Kyra. Sure they make an interesting trio, but they get along well.

Our first game against Finland had come up quickly. We made our way to Sparta Stadion in Rotterdam of all places. I tried to not really think about it, I tried focusing on football instead. Leah had called and given me reassurance this morning as my game was earlier than hers. I think that's what's given me the strength to get through this.

I stood in the tunnel behind Esme, trying not to think about where I was and the past my family has here. I had talked to my parents yesterday, they told me they would be there. I told them I'd get lunch with them tomorrow before we left for Finland.

I felt a hand on my shoulder nudging me forward as I wasn't aware we were walking out of the tunnel. I turned around to see Lieke, and I couldn't help but frown a little knowing these were her last games with the national team. I'd miss her dearly.

The game itself wasn't terrible, Danielle de Jong made her debut in goal and played wonderfully. And we were able to take the win gaining three points for Lieke.

I stood with Vic as we honored Lieke and all that she'd accomplished, until I felt arms gently wrap around my shoulders. I turned, seeing Jill which surprised me. "Jill? I didn't know you were coming tonight."

"Of course! I couldn't miss Lieke's last home game. Plus I miss everyone and I thought I'd stop by."

"I'm glad you did."

—

The second game against Finland didn't go according to plan in the slightest. Vic went down early in the game clutching her knee. I think we all expected the worst, but she was able to recover for a few minutes until she couldn't bare it anymore. I knew something was wrong immediately and got her the sub she needed. I told her I'd come and check in with her later.

The rest of the half went smoothly after Lineth had scored. I was glad we were heading into the break with a lead.

After halftime, Finland's play got more aggressive in attempts to tie the game. Their efforts worked in the 77th minute as they scored. None of us being able to stop it.

A few minutes later Finland pressed down the right wind beating Jansen and crossing it towards the box. I ran towards the cross not seeing one of Finlands player's doing the same from the opposite direction, my attention focused solely on the ball. I timed my jump in order to head it away, but the Finland player had done the same. Instead of my head connecting with the ball, it connected with the Finland player's head and both our heads connected with the ball afterwards. I remember a sharp pain.

Everything went black after that.