As Long as I Got You

ch.29

Bella adjusted her shin guards and took a deep breath as she stepped onto the field, the California sun beating down on her. The tryouts had been grueling so far—two days of intense drills, scrimmages, and assessments. The competition was fierce; every player on that field was at the top of their game with something to prove, pushing Bella to dig deeper than she ever had before and it felt to her as if everything she'd ever worked for was on the line. she felt it would define her tonality of people it would determine the trajectory of her career so the pressure she was placing on herself was immense.

She wiped the sweat off her forehead, squinting as she looked at the other players running through drills. This was it—the final day. Coaches roamed the field, clipboards in hand, whispering to one another. Bella could feel their eyes on her, assessing her every move. She had to be flawless, had to prove she belonged here.

But it wasn't just about making the team anymore. It was about proving something to herself, and maybe even to Gracie as she thought about it while running up and down the field. She wanted to prove to her that she could do this, that she could balance her dreams with the relationship they were building, the relationship she truly wanted to have for herself.

As the coaches gave everyone a quick rate break her phone buzzed in the pocket of her sports bag. She knew it was Gracie; they had a routine by now. A quick good luck text before each tryout session, Gracie's way of reminding her that she wasn't alone, even if they were miles apart. Today gracie's text didn't come on time so bella didn't respond until now the first water she had for the day.

Gracie: Good luck today, superstar! Give it your all. Remember, you've already won by just being there. Proud of you no matter what the outcome

Bella read the message quickly, her heart swelling. She typed back a quick response before the coach blew the whistle.

Bella: Thanks, rockstar. I'll do my best (:

She tucked the phone away and focused. This was her moment. Every sprint, every pass, every shot had to count.

••••••••

Gracie leaned back in her seat on the tour bus, her phone still in her hand. She glanced out the window as they drove through another unfamiliar city, the landscape blurring past. Her heart was with Bella in L.A., imagining the pressure she must be feeling. She wished she could be there to cheer her on in person, but the miles between them made that impossible.

Audrey plopped down next to her, headphones around her neck.

Audrey: You okay? You've been staring at that screen for a while now.

Gracie smiled weakly, locking her phone and putting it down.

Gracie: Yeah, just... thinking about Bella. Today's the last day of tryouts. I just hope she's doing okay

Audrey nodded, giving Gracie's shoulder a gentle squeeze.

Audrey: She's gonna crush it. You know that, right? dude She's been working for this her whole life
Gracie: I know. I just... I wish I could be there, you know? To support her
Audrey: Hey, you're supporting her from here. She knows you're with her, even if it's not physically but it's nice to see how much you care  about her