𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙞𝙩 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙨

Chapter 12 - girlfriend

31st August 2017

Chloé pov - present

The sun hangs low in the sky, casting an amber glow across the beach as the team gathers our things, laughing and chattering as we pack up after a long, joyful day. The team has spent the day together, a well deserved break after a series of intense matches. The camaraderie and laughter is infectious, and even as exhaustion tugs at our limbs, our spirits are high. I take a deep breath, feeling the cool ocean breeze against my skin, and glance at Mapi. She's helping Alexia gather the last of the picnic items, her laughter ringing out as she teases her about the sandy mess in her bag. My heart does a little flip as I watch her, and I can't help but smile.

We have grown close over the past few months, our bond strengthening with each passing day. I've always admired Mapi on the field, her fierce determination and unwavering support for her teammates. But it was off the field where I've truly fallen for her. Her warmth, her kindness, and the way she can make me laugh even on the toughest days. Today, though, I've decided it's time to take a leap. After weeks of contemplating, endless what ifs, and encouragement from my closest friends, I've finally mustered the courage to ask Mapi to be my girlfriend, again. And what better place to do it than here, under the twilight sky, with the sound of the waves crashing in the background?

“Hey, Chloé, you coming?” Patri’s voice breaks through my thoughts, and I turn to see her waving at me, a questioning look on her face. “Yeah, I’ll be right there,” I call back, giving her a thumbs up. As the rest of the team starts making their way to the cars, I walk over to Mapi. She straightens up, her eyes meet mine, and she flashes me her heart-stopping smile. “Hey,” she says, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. “You okay? You’ve been a bit quiet today.” I nod, my heart pounding. “Yeah, I’m good. Actually, I was wondering if you’d like to stay a bit longer? I mean, if you’re not too tired or anything.” She tilts her head, curiosity sparking in her eyes. “Sure, I’d love to. Let me just tell Alexia we’re staying back.”

A few minutes later, the rest of the team has said their goodbyes, leaving Mapi and me alone on the beach. We walk along the shore, the soft sand cool beneath our feet, the rhythmic sound of the waves creating a soothing backdrop. “So, what’s up?” Mapi asks, her voice gentle, as we stop near a cluster of rocks. I take a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart. “There’s something I’ve been wanting to talk to you about,” I begin, my voice trembling slightly. She turns to face me, her expression softening. “What is it, Chloé?” I take a step closer, reaching for her hand. She doesn't pull away, and the warmth of her touch gives me the courage to continue.

“Mapi, these past few months have been incredible,” I say, looking into her eyes. “Getting to resolve our issues, spending time with you… it’s been amazing. And I’ve realized that… I still have my feelings for you. Stronger feelings. More than just flirty friends if you know what I mean.” Mapi's eyes widen slightly, and I feel her hand tighten around mine. “Chloé…”
“I know this might be a lot to take in,” I continue, my voice barely above a whisper. “But I had to tell you. Because I don’t want to keep pretending that what I feel isn’t real. I like you, Mapi. A lot. And I want to be with you. If you’ll have me.”

For a moment, there's silence, the only sound is the gentle lapping of the waves against the shore. My heart feels like it's about to burst out of my chest as I wait for her response. Then, slowly, a smile spreads across her face. She steps closer, her free hand coming up to cup my cheek. “Chloé,” she says softly, her eyes shining. “I’ve been feeling the same way. I’ve just been too scared to say anything.” Relief and joy flooded through me, and I let out a shaky laugh. “Really?” She nods, her thumb brushing gently over my cheek. “Really. I’ve been falling for you, too.”

Before I can respond, she leans in, her lips brushing softly against mine. The kiss is tender, full of all the emotions we have kept hidden for so long. It feels like coming home, and I wrap my arms around her, pulling her close. When we finally pull away, we're both breathless, our foreheads resting against each other. “So, does this mean we’re official?” I ask, a smile tugging at my lips. She chuckles, her eyes crinkling at the corners. “Yes.” We stand there for a while, just holding each other, letting the reality of our new relationship sink in. The sky has darkened to a deep indigo, the first stars beginning to twinkle above us.

Eventually, we sit down on the sand, leaning against each other as we watch the waves. Mapi’s hand finds mine, and we intertwine our fingers, a comfortable silence settling between us. “Do you remember the first time we met?” she asks after a while, her voice soft. I nod, smiling at the memory. “Of course. It was preseason, we'd just joined Athletico and we were doing all the media stuff. I kept tripping over my words and you found that way too funny. Then after we went for a kick about and you 'accidentally' knocked me over. To this day I still believe it was on purpose.” She laughs, the sound making my heart swell. “ It wasn't an accident although in my defence I did feel really bad about it after. But you took it like a champ.”

“Well, it’s hard to stay mad at someone with a smile like yours,” I tease, nudging her gently. She shakes her head, still smiling. “I never imagined that day would lead us here.”
“Me neither,” I admit. “But I’m glad it did.” We sit there for what feels like hours, talking about everything and nothing, sharing stories and dreams under the starlit sky. It feels surreal, being so close to her, knowing that she still feels the same way I do. As the night grows colder, Mapi pulls a blanket from her bag, wrapping it around us. We huddled together, the warmth of her body comforting against the chill. “Chloé,” she says after a while, her voice serious. “I want you to know that I’m all in. Just like last time. I’m not just looking for something casual. I really care about you.”

I look into her eyes, seeing the sincerity there. “I feel the same way, Mapi. I always have. I want this to be real. I want us to be real. Even though I might not always show or say it.” She smiles, leaning in to kiss me again. This time, the kiss is deeper, more intense, and I feel a thrill of excitement and happiness rush through me.When we finally pull away, she rests her head on my shoulder, and I wrap my arm around her, holding her close. “We should probably head back soon,” she murmurs. “We don’t want the others to worry.” I nod, though a part of me wants to stay here with her forever. But I know she's right. “Yeah, you’re right. But let’s promise to have more moments like this, okay?”
“Absolutely,” she agrees, squeezing my hand. “This is just the beginning.”

As we stand up and start making our way back to the car, I can't help but feel a sense of contentment and anticipation. The future suddenly seems so much brighter, and I know that with Mapi by my side, anything is possible. I drive Mapi back to her house, her hand resting on my thigh, a constant reminder of the connection we have just solidified. When we finally arrive at her house, she turns to me, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
“So, girlfriend,” she says, the word sending a thrill through me. “What’s our first official date being a couple again going to be?” I laugh, feeling a sense of lightness and joy. “I have a few ideas. But how about we start with breakfast tomorrow? My treat.” I say. She grins. “It’s a date.”

As I watch her walk into her house, I can't help but feel like the luckiest person in the world. I've taken a chance, and it's paid off in the most beautiful way. I drive home.
Climbing into bed that night, I replay the evening in my mind, a smile never leaving my face. I can't wait to see what the future continues to hold for us. With Mapi by my side, I know it's going to be an incredible journey.

*** ***

The next morning, I wake up to a text from Mapi.

“Good morning, beautiful. Can’t wait for our breakfast date. Pick you up at 9?”

I grin, my heart fluttering at the sight of her message. I quickly type back a response.

“Morning! 9 sounds perfect. Can’t wait to see you. ❤️”

As I get ready for our date, I feel a sense of excitement and nervousness. It's a new beginning, and I'm determined to make the most of it and not hopefully not fuck it up this time. When Mapi arrives, she greets me with a kiss, before we set off for our breakfast date, laughter and easy conversation filling the car. We find a cozy little café by the beach, and as we sit down with our coffee and pastries, we both know that this is the start of a new and neverending journey. Together.

Word count: 1642