FROM FRANCE TO USA

Ready ?

The Arsenal training ground hummed with the anticipation of their upcoming clash against Chelsea. Maddi, seeking a moment of respite, found herself tucked away in the locker room.

"Mal !" she chirped, her face instantly brightening as her best friend's image filled the screen. "It's so good to see you!"

"Maddi, you look fantastic!" Mallory replied, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Spill. Tell me everything about Leah's party."

Maddi launched into an animated recap, reliving the laughter, the dancing, and the undeniable spark that ignited between her and Leah. She recounted the moment she gifted the engraved whistle, a playful reminder of their inside joke that now held a deeper meaning.

"It was perfect," she sighed, a dreamy smile gracing her lips. "I think... I think there's something real happening between us, Mal."

Mallory squealed with delight. "Finally! It's about time you two acknowledged the chemistry that's been practically sizzling between you two!"

Maddi chuckled, her cheeks flushing with warmth. "I know, I know. But it's different now. It feels... deeper."

Their conversation shifted to Mallory's life back in the States. She excitedly shared news of her upcoming training camp with the USWNT, her voice filled with anticipation. Maddi's smile softened as she listened, a hint of longing in her eyes.

"Speaking of the USWNT," she ventured hesitantly, "how's Kristie doing? I haven't talked to her in a few months."

A hint of wistfulness crept into Maddi's voice. She hadn't spoken to Kristie in months, their communication limited to sporadic social media interactions. The unresolved feelings she held for her former teammate lingered like a phantom limb, a bittersweet reminder of what could have been.

Mallory's brow furrowed slightly. "She's good, Mads. Busy with training, of course. She's mentioned missing you a few times."

"That's good to hear," Maddi replied, her voice a touch softer. The mention of Kristie stirred a bittersweet cocktail of emotions within her. The unspoken connection they shared had always been a delicate dance of longing and restraint,forever complicated by timing and circumstance.

Mallory, ever the perceptive friend, picked up on the subtle shift in Maddi's tone. "You know, Mads," she began gently,"sometimes, the right person comes along at exactly the right time. Maybe Leah is that person for you."

A warm glow spread through Maddi's chest at the mention of Leah's name. The thought of their budding romance filled her with a sense of hope and excitement she hadn't felt in a long time.

"Maybe you're right," she murmured, a shy smile playing on her lips. "Anyway, the game against Chelsea is looming, and... I'm not sure how I feel about playing against Jessie."

Mallory's brow furrowed in concern. "Jessie? As in... your ex-Jessie?"

Maddi nodded, a knot of apprehension tightening in her stomach. "The whole World Cup incident... it wasn't pretty. We never really resolved things before I left for Arsenal."

Mallory's voice softened. "I know that was a tough time for you, Mads. But it's been a while. Don't let the past taint your present happiness."

"I'm trying," Maddi admitted, her voice barely a whisper. "But the thought of facing her on the pitch... it's triggering all sorts of old feelings."

Mallory reached through the screen, her virtual touch offering comfort. "You're stronger now, Mads. You've grown so much. Whatever happens, you can handle it. Just remember, you're not that heartbroken girl anymore. You're a badass Arsenal player with a whole team of amazing women who've got your back."

Maddi took a deep breath, feeling a surge of determination. "You're right, Mal. I can do this."

"Damn right you can," Mallory affirmed. "Now go out there and show them what you're made of, Mad Dog!"

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The training pitch crackled with a mix of pre-game nerves and playful banter as the Arsenal squad gathered for their final session before facing Chelsea. Maddi jogged towards the group, her mind still buzzing with the conversation with Mallory, but she quickly shifted her focus to the task at hand.

"Alright, ladies!" The Coach barked, his voice echoing across the field. "Let's make this session count. Chelsea won't go easy on us, so we need to be sharp."

The team launched into their warm-up drills, a flurry of dynamic stretches and quick footwork exercises. Katie, ever the jokester, couldn't resist a quip as she passed by Maddi.

"Heard you had a little heart-to-heart with your American bestie," she winked. "Anything you wanna share with the rest of the class?"

Maddi rolled her eyes playfully. "Just the usual girl talk, Katie. You know, boys, fashion, and world domination."

Leah, who happened to be jogging nearby, chimed in with a sly grin. "Don't forget the part about secret admirers and engraved whistles."

Maddi's cheeks flushed, but she quickly retorted, "Oh, please. That whistle is purely for tactical purposes. I need to keep this team in line, remember?"

The banter continued as they moved into passing drills. Vivianne, renowned for her pinpoint accuracy, effortlessly threaded the ball through a maze of defenders. "Eat your heart out, Messi!" she quipped, earning a chorus of laughter from her teammates.

Beth and Danielle, their competitive spirit ignited, engaged in a playful one-on-one battle. Beth, known for her lightning-fast footwork, danced around Danielle's tackles, while Danielle countered with her signature slide tackles.

"Come on, Beth!" Danielle yelled, her voice filled with mock frustration. "You call that a challenge?"

Beth flashed a mischievous grin. "You'll have to catch me first, Dani!"

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the pitch, Coach called an end to the session. The team gathered in a huddle, their faces etched with determination.

"This is our moment, ladies," he declared, his voice ringing with conviction. "We've trained hard, we're prepared, and we're ready to take on Chelsea. Let's go out there and show them what Arsenal is made of!"

A chorus of cheers echoed across the training ground, a symphony of unity and purpose. Maddi felt a surge of adrenaline, a fire ignited within her. She was ready. Ready to face her past, ready to embrace her future, and ready to fight for the win.