Dogs & Pictures - Victoria Pelova

Chapter 34

1 week later

I pressed the button on my camera making a click sound. Then pressed it two more times making sure I got the perfect picture of one of the players celebrating a goal.
It's been a while since I took pictures for a match so I accepted the offer when the arsenal academy needed photographers. I don't usually spend my Tuesdays taking pictures or going to matches because I normally go on the weekends. However I do need the money right now so I will take any chance I get.

The game ended 30 minutes later, Arsenal winning 3-1. I packed up all my things making my way to the parking lot when I see two players I haven't talked to since leaving to Greece.
"Tay Tay!" Katie said with her thick Irish accent jogging towards me. Caitlin was not too far behind her.
I gave her a small smile waiting for her to come closer.
"How you been?!" She said excited to see me.
"Hey guys," I said waving to her and Caitlin. "I've been okay. How about ya'll?"
"Uh we've been alright. Have had better days you know?" Katie said.
"You've been alright. I've been having a great day!" Caitlin said finally catching up.
Katie rolled her eyes sarcastically saying. "Shes just happy that she won the challenge today at practice since Jonas said the winner gets free Nandos."
"Who wouldn't be? That's free food!" Caitlin replied.
"Yeah I get why you feel that way Caitlin," I said agreeing with her.
"Thank you."
There was a little silence but then katie broke it saying, "Vic's doing fine if you're wondering. I know she hasn't talked because she hasn't answered anyone's text. Me and the other girls had to go to her apartment."
"Oh," I said. "Well I'm glad she's doing okay."
"You should visit Taylor," Caitlin added.
I looked away not sure what to say.
"Maybe soon but I just want to give her time. Away from me. You know give her space " I said rubbing my neck.
"Taylor I get why you would want to give her space but it's already a week. You should see her because what you need to give her isn't space but company," Katie said holding on shoulder.
"She's right Taylor. You need to check on her even if she hasn't answered you I know she's dying to see you."
"You're probably dying to see her too," Katie added.
I gave them a smile knowing that they are right. I nodded my head saying, "yeah, you're right. I'll go visit."
That both came in to hug me. Caitlin then pulling away shortly after saying, "She needs her best friend."

I drove to Vic's apartment then knocking on the door hoping she would answer. I know it's only been a week since I've seen her but it's felt more like months. I missed her like crazy and I just wanted to see her. I wasn't sure if she felt like seeing me right now but I don't care. Katie and Caitlin were completely right. I needed to be here for Vic.
A few seconds after knocking on the door it finally opened showing Vic in grey sweatpants and a Nike sweatshirt. Her hair put up in a messy bun and her face looking very tired. She was being held up by her crutches.
As she noticed I was standing in front of her we looked at each other not moving a single bit. I wasn't sure if she was surprised to see me or if she was just taking in my presence. A few seconds later she lightly smiled at me and I returned it. We both went in for a hug but it clearly felt like Vic needed it more since she held on more tightly to me. I didn't let go until she wanted to because right now it felt like the thing she needed the most.
She let go after what felt like a few minutes. Looking at her face I saw her shed a tear. I put my hand on her cheek wiping the tear away.

We were on her couch, her legs stretched out on my lap.
"I have surgery in a few a days. You don't have to come but I would like for you to be there."
"No, of course I'll be there," I said without a second thought.
Vic smiled.
"Thank you. Not just for coming today but for giving me space. To be honest I needed time alone and I know not everyone thinks that way and people want to comforted but not me. I just didn't want anyone to talk to me. Do t get me wrong I'm thankful for my teammates coming to see me but I really didn't want anyone company."
I thought it was completely normal for Vic and I feel that way. A lot of athletes go through things mentally when it comes to getting an injury like this but sometimes people don't realize the space some people need to think. Whether I gave vic time alone for a day or for a week, I wanted her to just think about her life and what it was going to become. She needs to be mentally ready when doing rehab.
"Well from now on I'm here okay? Whenever or wherever you need me, I'm right here," I said putting my hand on her leg. "I know this journey is going to be difficult but I know you're also a strong person. You got this Vic."
She was shaking her head.
"What did I do to deserve you," Vic said in disbelief of my words. "I really want to kiss you."
I laughed at her comment because she wasn't able to move closer to me since her legs were resting on my lap.
I got myself out from under her legs and she was now long on the couch. I held myself up above her with my arms on both sides of her head. I bent down kiss her giving her the softest kiss I've ever given her. I didn't want to do too much because of her injury so I kept it short in sweet.
Vic groaned not wanting me to stop. I laughed at her saying, "I need to give you space okay?"
"I know but one more?" She pleaded.
I nodded giving her more kiss this time a little longer.

A few days later

It was surgery day for Vic and it wasn't just her feeling nervous but I was too. I didn't want to show her I was nervous because she needed someone strong to be there for her.
I walked into the room Vic was laying down at before leaving her so she could get her surgery done. I was beside her bed holding her hand to comfort her.
"You're going to be fine."
"I know I'm just nervous," she said softly.
"And that's okay. I'll be just outside waiting and when you're done I'll come see you okay?"
She shook her head up and down.
"I know I haven't had the surgery yet but I'm already so excited to be back on the pitch," Vic said smiling which made me smile back.
"I like your attitude," I said and then kissed her goodbye.
Now all I had to do is wait for her which would take at least 2 hours.

Authors note:

Hello beautiful people! I'm so happy to be writing again and I'm super excited to get this book done to start working on the new one😆
Pls pls pls let me know what woso players you would like for me to write about next! Thanks for the support and votes are always appreciated!🫶🏼