The sun began setting over the Merseyside docks, leaving a beautiful golden glow on the River Mersey as I stood next to Megan, both of us walking in line along the waterfront, the cool sea breeze rustling through our Everton training jackets. It was one of those rare evenings when we didn't have to worry about drills, matches, or the constant grind of our careers, it was quiet out too which means we don't need to worry about the constant attention that we normally get.
But tonight wasn't just any evening like you might think—it is our their last one together for a while. I'm not getting game time at Everton but for some reason arsenal want me, imagine playing at the Emirates constantly, I could hardly turn it down.
"You sure you want to do this? You could just, you know, stay. I mean it's not been announced yet and the contract hasn't been signed." Megan asked, her voice quiet as they walked side by side. She was trying to keep it casual, but I could still hear the worry in her tone. We know each other like the back of our heads, perks of being best friends.
I kicked a pebble into the river, watching the ripples spread out across the water, my eyes never leaving the calming water in front of me. "It's not like I have much choice, Megs. It's only for the season, and it'll be good for me, you know? More game time, more exposure. I'll get to play with more incredible players. But..." I paused, swallowing the lump in my throat, taking a deep breathe to keep my emotions at bay before continuing. "I'm going to miss you."
Megan suddenly stopped walking, turning to face me with a small, warm yet sad smile. "I'm going to miss you too. It's not going to be the same without you around. Who's going to drag me out of bed for morning runs? Or convince me that we really do need a post-training snack... and that it should definitely be pizza?"
I laughed, though it was tinged with a bit of sadness as I'm constantly reminded of everything I'll end up missing while I'm gone. "You'll just have to manage on your own. And hey, maybe you'll start waking up on time without me banging on your door."
"Doubtful," Megan said, grinning. "I'll probably just sleep through my alarm every day. The team's going to wonder what happened to me when I turn up late and starving."
We both chuckled, sad smiles covering our faces, but the laughter faded quickly, leaving behind the weight of what was coming. We'd been through everything together—youth leagues, our first professional contracts, and countless matches in the blue of Everton, even our debuts for Englands youth team. Now, for the first time in years, we were going to be on different teams, living in different cities.
I sighed and leaned against the railing, looking out at the horizon. "It's strange, you know? I've been with this club for so long, and now I'm going to be wearing Arsenal red. I always imagined we'd make it to the top together, here at Everton. Unrealistic I know but I just never thought I'd end up leaving here, even if it's just a loan."
Megan leaned beside her, their shoulders touching. "We still will. It's just a detour. You'll go to Arsenal, show them what you're made of, and then you'll come back stronger than ever. And when you do, we'll pick up right where we left off."
"I hope so," I murmured, biting my lip. "It's just... I hate the thought of not being here with you, with the team. I've never been good at goodbyes."
"This isn't goodbye," Megan said firmly, nudging me with her elbow causing me to squirm a way a bit, my ribs always being my most ticklish place. "It's a 'see you later.' We'll talk every day, and when we play against each other, you better believe I'm coming at you full force."
I smirked. "Bring it on, Megs. Just don't cry too much when I put one past your keeper."
Megan rolled her eyes, but there was a playful glint in them. "Dream on, (Y/n/n). I'll be too busy outpacing you on the wing."
They fell into a comfortable silence, just enjoying the last moments of the evening together. As the first stars began to appear in the sky, Megan reached into her pocket and pulled out a small, wrapped package.
"Here," she said, handing it to (Y/n). "A little something to remind you of home."
(Y/n) unwrapped it carefully, revealing a silver bracelet with a tiny charm shaped like a football. She smiled, feeling her eyes sting with unshed tears. "it's perfect Megs. Thank you, I'll keep it safe and not lose it like normal." I joked.
Megan shrugged, trying to play it cool, but I can see the emotion in her eyes too. "It's nothing. Just a little something to keep Everton close to you, no matter where you are."
I quickly slipped the bracelet on, the cool metal warming against my cold skin. "I'll wear it every day. And I'll be back before you know it. One season, that's all. Then we'll be back to tearing up the league together."
"Promise?" Megan asked, her voice small.
"Promise," I replied, pulling her into a tight hug. "You're not getting rid of me that easily."
We stood there for a long time, neither of us wanting to let go. Finally, when the chill in the air became too much, we broke apart and started the walk back home. The goodbye was looming closer, but for now, we still had tonight, a bit more time. And that is enough.
