Steph Catley tried to ignore the sharp, twisting pain in her abdomen as she jogged onto the field for training. She’d felt it all morning, a dull ache that had gradually grown into something much harder to ignore. But today was important too important to sit out. She gritted her teeth, determined to push through.
Beth Mead jogged up beside her, giving her a playful nudge. “Hey, Stephy, you look like you’re about to pass out already. What, was the warm-up too tough?”
Steph forced a smile. “Nah, just didn’t sleep well.”
But as training went on, the pain only got worse. Every sprint felt like a knife twisting inside her. She doubled over during a drill, clutching her stomach, and Beth was by her side in an instant.
“Steph, you okay?” Beth’s tone was more serious now, eyes wide with concern. “You don’t look so great.”
Steph tried to straighten up, brushing it off. “I’m fine. Just…a cramp or something.”
But Beth wasn’t buying it. “Come on, let’s get you to the medic.”
Steph shook her head, about to insist she was fine, when another sharp wave of pain hit her, and she nearly collapsed. Beth caught her, her arm around Steph’s shoulders as she helped her to the sideline. The medics were called over, and after a quick examination, they insisted on taking Steph to the hospital.
Beth didn’t leave her side, holding her hand in the ambulance, her worry clear in her eyes. “Why didn’t you say something earlier, you stubborn thing?”
Steph managed a weak smile. “Didn’t want to worry you.”
At the hospital, it didn’t take long for the doctors to diagnose her with appendicitis. Emergency surgery was scheduled immediately, and Beth stayed through it all, pacing the waiting room until a nurse finally informed her that the surgery had gone well.
When Steph finally woke up, groggy but pain-free, Beth was there by her bedside, relief written all over her face.
“Hey, you,” Beth whispered, squeezing her hand. “You had me scared for a minute.”
Steph gave a small smile. “Didn’t mean to.”
Beth rolled her eyes, but there was nothing but warmth in her expression. “Well, guess you’re stuck with me as your personal nurse until you’re back on your feet.”
Over the next few weeks, Beth was there every step of the way, helping Steph through her recovery with gentle encouragement, late-night snacks, and endless patience. She even managed to make Steph laugh on days when she was frustrated with being stuck in bed, bringing her small comforts and distractions.
One evening, as they sat together on the couch, Beth nudged her playfully. “Next time you feel anything weird, promise you’ll tell me?”
Steph laughed softly, squeezing Beth’s hand. “Promise.”
A/N-I've decided to take a break from writing books as exam season is approaching. With so much to study and prepare for, I want to focus my energy on my studies to ensure I perform my best. I appreciate your understanding and support during this time, and I look forward to returning to my writing once exams are over!
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Arsenal Womens OneShots
FanfictionOne shots about my favourite team+some other people *Player Requests are welcome*
