Lean on Me || Jill Roord

16. Definitely not Hotspurs

Jill and I hadn't spoken since yesterday, but that didn't stop my eyes from being drawn to her on the pitch as my team played against Tottenham. I watched from the stands as my team methodically worked around the Hotspurs, who weren't looking too hot this game if I was being honest. As soon as Bunny scored her first goal, I knew it was over and this game would be a complete landslide, and I was right. When Jill got her yellow card, I couldn't help but roll my eyes at the fact she assisted Bunny for her second goal five minutes later.

I leaned back in my seat, crossing my left leg over my right while I analysed the game unfolding in front of me. Tactically, it was a disaster class from Tottenham, and I almost felt bad for them. Key word though, almost.

When halftime came around, Bunny had scored a hat trick, giving us a 3-0 lead over the Hotspurs at the break. Like I said, this game was over before it started. I decided to get up from my seat and walk around a bit to hopefully soothe my aching knee, which had become a hassle this week. "Caroline!" A voice cut through the crowd, making my head turn as I searched for the source.

"Caroline!" I again heard the voice, this time much closer than before. I turned around once more and saw Daphne walking towards me. A smile took over my face as I realised her son was with her. "Hey Daphne! And what's your name?" I crouched down to her son's level.

"I'm Kai!" he said with a grin. I couldn't stop the smile that was spread across my face when he gave me a high five. I stood up, giving Daphne a side hug as I turned to walk with them.

"Is he still an Arsenal fan?" I asked from beside Daphne. I was walking in between us now, but he was too engrossed in the world around him. "Yep." She said popping the 'p' made me let out a laugh.

"Good luck with that." I commented, causing her to roll her eyes. The second half was beginning shortly, so I bid farewell to Daphne and her son Kai before making my way back to my seat, this time with a slight limp. One that I tried to mask as best I could.

Hempo scored, then Jill scored assisted by Hempo, and then Laura scored assisted yet again by Hempo. Hempo is one of the best players ever, and I'll stand by that.

I walked down onto the field once the game was over and headed to the centre of the field for our post-match talk. One that I didn't listen to completely because a certain blonde was in my peripheral vision the whole time. I couldn't get her out of my mind at all since our small fight, which was the complete opposite of what I wanted. I didn't want her to be clouding my thoughts at all, yet here I was staring at her instead of focussing on the coach talking.

I felt an elbow in my side snapping me out of my thoughts. I glanced to my left away from Jill to see Alanna with an unreadable look on her face. "What?" I questioned quietly. She didn't respond, making me frown; instead, she turned her attention to the coach as he finished his speech. Quickly getting the memo, I turned my attention back to Gareth, even if I didn't retain a single word he said.

"Hey, are you okay?" I heard a voice behind me as our team began walking around the stadium, clapping for fans. Ellie appeared at my side, and I gave her a pained smile.

"The knee just hurts a bit," I said curtly. She frowned and began walking with me. Rather slowly might I add.

"You know you don't have to walk around, right?" She began, turning my attention to her once more. "We can go back down the tunnel early so you can get treatment on your knee. Seems like you might need it."

I sighed, knowing she was right. I just didn't want to admit that I'd been too hard on myself the last few days and had probably ended up hurting myself more than recovering. "Okay," I mumbled quietly, turning towards the tunnel that was across the field. Ellie put her arm around me in comfort, and I leaned into her, silently thanking her for also giving me support while we walked slowly to the tunnel.