Number on me

18. estrella

Christmas and new years flew by.

Even if Maxine didn't go home, she had a great time. She spent the holidays around others she loved, Leah, Beth, Viv and all of their families had stepped up and given her an amazing time.

Maxine used the time in between the fun things she did, to craft a plan. Her parents didn't need to know anything, before she was sure herself. And also, being sad about them deciding against visiting her, again, would get her nowhere. So instead, she had spent some time during the holidays facetiming her parents and sister. Talking to them felt good, even if she had to push a part of her down to achieve it. For now, it would do just fine.

Another thing she needed to fix was her relation with Sadie. Even if she wasn't ready for a relationship, or something romantic, she really liked the girl, and icing her out wasn't fair.

So, in between Christmas and the last day of the year, Max had gathered all of her courage, and a little extra that she got from Leah, and knocked on the girls door.

They had spent a few hours talking. At first, about Max's feelings, and mainly, her struggles with those feelings. Sadie immediately told her she was fine with taking things extremely slow, as long as Max was comfortable, and was just happy to have her friend back. Max ended up staying for dinner, with the two of them talking like nothing had happened.

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The January games went incredibly well. They beat Watford, Everton and reading, with Maxine getting three assists and two goals across those games, making sure to waive at Sadie in the stands. She felt better than she had in a long time. She was calling her sister basically every day, and her parents multiple times per week. She worked incredibly hard in training, and made sure she watched her diet, as well as her sleep, and even started to remember taking her pills almost all of the time.

Even with some rough games in the beginning of February, things were looking up for Maxine as she had to leave for national camp. She felt ready, in shape like never before, when it was finally time to reunite with her Dutch friends.

There were some high stakes as well. They had made it into the final round of the nations league, giving them one, or potentially two chances at making it to the Olympics.

The first game, which was the semi final of the nations league, was lost against Spain. Maxine couldn't explain it, but Spain was more awake than they were, and didn't seem to have any trouble with breaking their defence. Maxine played the second half, but could do nothing to stop the likes of Aitana Bonmati from breaking through the back line.

They were down, but not defeated, as they would get another change at their dream. Germany lost to France, meaning they had one more shot.

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The air in the stadium buzzed with anticipation as the Dutch national anthem echoed through the stands, orange flags waving against the crisp sky. Maxine shifted from foot to foot, feeling the familiar churn of nerves and excitement before a big game. This wasn't just any match—this was a fight for a spot in the Olympics. And against Germany, no less.

From the whistle, the game was intense. Both sides fought for control, the ball moving like a pinball between midfield and attack. The first half passed with relentless pressure from the Germans, but the Dutch defense held strong, Sherida Spitse directing traffic from the back with calm authority.

In the 38th minute, the Dutch found their breakthrough. Kerstin Casparij surged down the right wing, weaving through defenders before crossing the ball to Lineth Beerensteyn. Lineth controlled it brilliantly with her chest before smashing it past the German keeper. 1-0.