Meadema's Version

We are a team, remember?

Beth woke up on the couch with Jen and Steph beside her like a sandwich. She smiled as she looked at them, she really didn't want to wake them up but they had to get ready for training.

B: Girls, we need to get up. We have training in one hour.
J: ...Zzzz... 5 more minutes. ...Zzzz...
S: I am up. Beth what do you want for breakfast? Jen, wake up darling.
J: ......
B: I don't know Stephy; I don't feel hungry to be honest.
S: There is not a slight chance of you walking out this door without eating Bethany Jane Mead. Jen, you need to wake up.
J: ........
B: Don't fullname me, it's scary. I really don't wan-
S: No, no, I will feed you by force if needed, then that will be scary. JEN FOR GOD'S SAKE WAKE UP. * Steph throws a pillow at Jen *
J: Fine Steph I am up! Jesus!

Beth giggled. She got up from the couch and went straight to the bathroom to wash her teeth and make her hair. She stared at the mirror; her bright blue eyes were a bit red and she looked tired and sad. She knew that as much as she will try, she won't be able to hide her sadness from her teammates. After she finished brushing her teeth and making her hair, she came back to the living room where her best friends were waiting for her to eat breakfast all together. Steph gave her the plate and shot her with an angry look.

B: Fine Stephy I 'll eat, no need to look at me like that.
J: You can truly be scary Stephanie-Elise Catley.
S: Don't try me Jennifer Patricia Beattie. Eat Beth.

They all giggle. After finishing their breakfast, they all got ready to head to training. Beth locked the house and jump in Jen's car. After a 20 minutes ride they arrived at the training center. The first people Beth met was Jordan and Leah.

Jo: I won't ask you anything except one question. Are the posts in the media true?
B: I guess so. Is it a big topic already?
Le: Oh Beth, I am so sorry.

Both Jordan and Leah took Beth a firm hug.

Jo: We are here for you, whatever you need. Ok?
B: Thank you, girls.

Beth walked into the changing room and then the chaos started. Most of the girls were worried for her and started asking questions. "What happened", "Are you alright?", "Is it true Beth?", "Did you sleep?", "When did it happen" etc. Beth started to panic with all those questions when suddenly a stern and loud voice echoed in the room.

V: ENOUGH! Can't you see you are making her panic, let her be!

Vivianne stepped in front of Beth and took her away from the chaos with Katie.

B: Th-Thanks Vivianne.
V: I know how difficult this can be. Please breath.
K: You 're safe now Beth.
B: I felt I was drowning in there.
V: I know pretty well this feeling. Just try to relax a bit.
K: Here, drink some water Beffy. *Beth drinks water from the bottle Katie gave her*
V: Better?
B: Yes, thank you, really.
V: No need, Beth, we are a team, remember?

Beth looked at Viv with a shy smile and nodded her head.

V: Ready for some training? It 'll help you switch off a bit.
B: I think so. Let's go.
K: LET'S GO GOAT.

Viv rolled her eyes to Katie, gave her a shy smirk and went out at the pitch. Training went well, Beth was acing all exercises and felt good. When she got back to the changing room, things were different, the team gave her privacy and the questions were nowhere to be found. She went into the showers to wash all the pitch dirt out. After she finished showering, she got back to the changing room where she found Jen, Steph and Viv discussing.

J: Ready to take you back home princess?
B: Jen, you stayed with me yesterday, I think you should get some rest today.
V: I can drive you home instead, we live close, it won't be a problem.
B: You sure?
V: Ja, of course Beth. No need to ask.
S: Are you sure you will be ok alone tonight sweetheart?
B: Yes Steph, you need to catch some rest, too. I will be fine.
J: Promise you will text us if you need anything.
B: I promise Yennifer. Now go. I 'll see you tomorrow.

Jen and Steph got into Jen's car and went back at their homes which were literally one next to each other. Beth got into the car with Viv and Viv started driving for Beth's home.

B: Thank you for today.
V: No problem, Beth. If you ever want to talk to someone, I hope you know I am here.
B: Thanks, Vivianne. I appreciate it, really.

Silence took place in the car and Viv put Taylor Swift's songs on the speakers. Beth was the one to break that silence.

B: It's true. What was written on the press.
V: I know. I understood what happened the moment I saw you. I don't want to ask you questions but I am here for whatever you want to share. I am a good listener, at least that's what other people say.

B: *Beth giggles* We broke up with Daan yesterday. Distance did won, I guess.
V: I am so sorry Beth. I can only imagine how are you feeling and how hard this must be.
B: It is hard. But I hope it is for the best.
V: I really hope that too. *Viv parks the car as they arrived outside Beth's home*
B: Thank you Vivianne. For everything today. See you tomorrow at the game.
V: No problem, Beth, try to rest and take care of yourself.

Beth went out of the car and unlocked the door; the moment she got inside she heard Viv's engine turned on and listened to her car's sound fade away as Viv was leaving on her way home. The silence at home felt heavy. Beth went to the bedroom, she wore her pjs and then went to the couch. She put on some series and after a while she fell asleep. She was exhausted, mentally and physically.

By this time Viv has arrived at her house. She unlocked the door searching for Lisa but Lisa was nowhere to be found. She found a note on the table. "I tried to call you but your phone was dead (as always). I am going out with the girls from the team. Don't wait for me, sleep and rest you have a game tomorrow." "Sh*t. I forgot to charge my phone."  Viv took out her phone and plugged it in. She wore her pjs and sit on the couch. She put on past matches of Liverpool to see how they play and analyze the match, but 10 minutes later she was powered off and fell asleep. Lisa came home an hour later; she saw Viv sleeping on the couch and her phone charging but still switched off. "Oh Viv, let's get you to bed" Lisa thought. She took Viv up in her hands and placed her in bed. She tucked her with the blanket and moments later she joined her to sleep. She kissed her forehead and whispered "Goodnight Viv, I wish you are having a peaceful sleep with sweet dreams.". Viv put her hand over Lisa and hugged her. After a while they both fell asleep cuddled.

(1276 words)