Meadema's Version

Beth and Daan

Summer 2021

Summer is close to end. Beth and Daan had a great summer together. They went on holidays, spent so much needed time together. At the start of the summer Daan had an offer from Lyon to transfer there. Daan came to Beth and she instantly understood that they had a difficult conversation to make.

D: So, I received Lyon's official offer today.
B: Have you made your decision yet?
D: A part of me want to go but I don't know.
B: I want you to do whatever is best for you love. I will support you no matter what.
D: I don't want to lose you, this, us.
B: We can try long-distance and see how it'll work. I don't want to lose you either.
D: Do you think we'll make it?
B: I don't know sweetheart but we won't learn if we don't try.
D: I love you Beth, I am sorry.

Daan starts crying and crawl into Beth's hug. Beth's eyes filled with tears too.

B: Shhh.. I know baby, I love you too. Everything will work out, you'll see.
D: Promise?
B: Promise.

Beth felt her heart cracked this day. She was with Daan 4 years now and she always thought they will spend the rest of their lives together. The two of them against the world. Even the thought of her leaving made her heart ache so much. But that's part of the game, they knew they wouldn't have played for the same team forever but still.

When you truly love someone, you support them, you support their decisions and you want the best for them. And that's exactly what Beth did.

Preseason will start soon and Beth was helping Daan pack her things for France. There was an awkward silence in the room as they were packing the last box. Daan looked frustrated and nervous. Her plane leaves early in the morning and Beth promised her that she will drive her there. They finished packing and they sat on the couch.

B: Daan? Are you alright?
D: No, I feel sad and afraid.
B: What are you thinking?
D: What if this won't work? What if I am going to ruin all this?
B: Don't think like this, please. But even if this will be the case, maybe it will be a reason for it. I always believe that everything happens for a reason.
D: I can't find a good reason to lose you Beth.
B: Who could? Haha.

Daan giggles a bit.
D: Thank you for everything Beth. You're amazing.

Daan leaned forward and kissed Beth gently, tangled her in a tight hug and stayed like that for the rest of the afternoon. After a while Beth looked at the clock, it was 22:00 already. The time passed so quickly.

B: Daan, baby, let's go to bed. We will wake up early tomorrow.
D: You're right. Let's get to the bedroom.

They laid on the bed and Beth whispered loving words in Daan's ear as she was hugging her and moving her hand up and down her back. They were both so emotional. And so unaware that this would be their last time in this bed, cuddling, kissing, being together. After a while Daan fell asleep first and moments later Beth fell asleep too. A few hours later the alarm's sound hit them like an electro wave. They woke up, got dressed, packed some final things and got in the car. That awkward silence hit them again. Daan was looking out the window the whole ride. As soon as they arrived at the airport things started to get more real and emotional.

B: Have you got your passport?
D: Ja, I think I have everything.
B: Call or text me as soon as you arrive, ok?
D: I will. I will miss you, Beth.
B: I know baby, I will miss you too.

Daan pull Beth in for a tight hug and they both started crying. Beth felt Daan's warm tears on her neck and her hands around her waist. She took a step back, they looked at each other for a while and then she left. Beth cried as she was walking to the car and during the whole ride back at home. Maybe deep down she knew what was going to happen.

(719 words)