Footsteps on the Field || a woso story

1. Conflicted

I plug my earphones into my ear, blasting music to drown out the current sounds of the kitchen, quietly waking to the end of the hallway I slip my shoes on and sling my bag onto my shoulders.

I start to open the door, "I'm fucking talking to you bit..." a voice booms from the kitchen, but before the venom is spat out completely, I slam the door and quickly walk away from the building that many call a home.

The autumnal coloured leaves crunch under foot as I begin the hour walk to school- Phoebe Bridgers hums in the background as I feel the cold seep through my thin, ragged and old school jumper, god I wish I had a coat, the only one I own being a vintage arsenal one, the only thing left by my birth parents.

I would never wear it out- it's the most sacred thing I own, and the only sense of comfort I have in the house. Although, it is sad, the most special thing to me brings me immense sadness- reminding me of the life I could've had.

However, I ended up in the hands of my aunt and uncle, my only purpose meaningful to them is the monthly present of child benefits, to help clean up the house, and occasionally when the benefits as such are lost in a bet- I'm their personal punching bag.

The walk passes quickly, and the old familiar feeling of anxiety and dread washes over me as I reach the iron gates, a few students heading in. I pull out my smashed up iPhone 8 and message my friends group chat.
...................................................................................................................................................
Fab 4❤️‍🔥
F- anyone nearly here yet ??? Literally cba for this week lol
A- mate I've only just woken up school does not start for like 40 mins??😭
F- idk felt like coming in early 🤷‍♀️
I- I'll be there in. 20, mum is bringing me in x
F- okeeeey !!
I- I reckon Sarah hasn't even woken up yet lol, who the fuck gets drunk on a Sunday night??
F- sarah apparently ! See u in a bit 💋

..............................................................................................................................

Amy, Iris and Sarah. They've been my closest friends for a few years now. Although our relationship can be a bit rocky at times- my intense incapacity to trust people, my closed off life at home and my love for football being the highest ranking thing in my life, I've accepted that I'm always the least liked friend. I'm the friend who gets left out, or talked about, but they provide a good laugh, and we have fun at school. They also play with me in the school team, which I'm grateful for, having someone to chat to during practice or the bus rides to games- so I stuck with them.

Occasionally, when I'm not working, or at the house with my aunt and uncle, we have a good kick about or a drink, a good escape from my shitty life.

"Hey girl" I feel a presence sit down besides me as I turn to see the familiar redhead- Amy. I chuckle as she sips on her cup of tea as she lays out her makeup and a mirror, and  begins her morning routine.  "Maths first, I'm gonna kill myself" I groan, holding my head in my hands.  "I love maths. The battles between you and Mr. Croft are hilarious" she giggles, I roll my eyes and smirk to our previous lesson- ending in him storming out and calling the pastoral lead to "take me away please"

"And plus, they're selecting the people for the mentorship football thing today, I still can't believe it" she squeals.

"Huh?" I question, snapping my head towards her. Just as I say this, Iris struts in, chanting "arsenallll", which causes my confusion to deepen even further.

  "You didn't see, you didn't hear, are you living under a fucking rock or something?" Amy questions.

"Something like that" I chuckle sarcastically, "so anyways, please explain" I plead, looking at both of their faces.