Second chances

1

Katie's hand slipped into yours as you walked together, fingers lacing together as if nothing else in the world existed outside of your touch. It was date night, one of those rare occasions when Katie was free from training and matches, and you both could spend the evening together like a proper couple. You cherished these moments—Katie all to yourself, no Arsenal commitments looming over her head, just the two of you, laughing and sharing little secrets over drinks.

But that all seemed to shift when you stepped into the bar. It wasn't unusual for women to recognize Katie, her face familiar to any fan of football, and you'd grown accustomed to the lingering glances, the whispered excitement, even the occasional photo requests. However, tonight it felt different. The moment she walked in, you noticed a pair of women across the room eyeing her, their gaze unashamedly lingering a little too long, a little too boldly.

Katie didn't pay them much mind at first. You even told yourself it was all innocent enough, that a few glances didn't warrant any jealousy. But when one of them made her way over, casually leaning against the bar next to Katie, you felt the familiar stir of irritation prickling at your chest. And Katie, instead of stepping back, continued talking to her, laughing at something she'd said, not even a flicker of discomfort.

"Katie," you muttered softly, hand tightening around your drink.

She glanced at you, flashing that charming grin, clearly oblivious to your rising annoyance. "What's tha' look for, darlin'?"

"Are you serious?" you replied, your tone sharper than you intended. "She's flirting with you, Katie."

Katie raised an eyebrow, glancing back at the woman who seemed to be hanging onto her every word. She chuckled, a casual shrug rolling off her shoulders. "Ah, she's just bein' friendly. Nothin' t' worry about."

"Friendly?" you scoffed, crossing your arms as you glared at her. "Katie, she's practically throwing herself at you."

She rolled her eyes, turning back to the woman with a dismissive chuckle. "Relax, darlin'. Ya know I'm all yers."

That was the final straw. Without another word, you slipped off your stool, grabbing your coat and heading toward the exit. You didn't even glance back to see her reaction, your mind set as you stormed out into the night air. You called Leah and told her you'd be staying over, barely able to hold back the tears of frustration that stung at your eyes.

The next day, you finally returned home, greeted by a sheepish Katie who was hovering anxiously by the door, guilt clear on her face.

"Ya really left, huh?" she said softly, stepping closer, her eyes wide and apologetic. "I thought ya were just blowin' off steam."

"Blowing off steam?" you echoed, crossing your arms. "Katie, I've told you time and time again how I feel about this, and you just brush it off like it's nothing."

"I didn't mean t' make ya feel that way," she replied, voice dropping to a murmur. "It's just... I'm used t' people flirtin', y'know? Comes with bein' in the spotlight."

"That's not the point," you said, voice steady but firm. "I'm not asking you to never talk to anyone. I'm asking you to respect me enough to set some boundaries. To let people know you're not interested."

"I know, I know," she sighed, rubbing a hand over her face. "I'll do better, I swear."

You studied her for a moment, the promise sounding far too familiar. "Katie, you promised me that last time," you reminded her, pain flickering in your eyes. "And the time before that. But every time, it's the same thing. And every time, I end up feeling like I'm second best."

Her face fell, the weight of your words sinking in as her shoulders slumped. "C'mon, darlin'... don't say tha'. Yer everythin' t' me."

You shook your head, taking a step back. "If I meant that much to you, you'd show it. But instead, you keep letting people cross lines, letting them think they even have a chance with you."

She reached out, but you stepped back, putting more space between you. "I need someone who respects me, Katie. Who respects us. And right now... I don't feel like that's you."

Her face twisted, panic flaring in her eyes. "Yer serious, aren't ya?" Her voice dropped to a pleading whisper, her hand hovering between you as if unsure if you'd even let her touch you. "Ya can't... yer not really sayin' it's over?"

You swallowed, pain flooding your chest, but you kept your voice steady. "I can't keep doing this, Katie. It hurts too much."

"Please, darlin'," she begged, voice breaking slightly as she stepped forward, desperately trying to bridge the gap. "I'll change, I swear. I'll tell anyone who even tries—I'll shut 'em down, ya won't ever have t' worry again."

You exhaled, feeling the tears burn behind your eyes, but you stood your ground. "I've given you chances, Katie. More than I probably should've. And I can't keep waiting for you to take me seriously."

Her face crumpled, and for the first time, you saw real fear there—fear of losing you. "Please, don't do this... I love ya. I do. I'll do anythin' ya ask, I swear."

"Then maybe you should've done it sooner," you whispered, voice cracking despite your resolve.

Katie's shoulders slumped as your words settled between you, her head dropping as she finally seemed to understand the gravity of what she'd done. She was silent for a moment, a tear slipping down her cheek as she looked up at you, her eyes filled with regret.

"Is there... is there nothin' I can say t' fix this?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.

You closed your eyes, taking a deep, steadying breath before you spoke. "Katie, I love you. I really, really do. But I can't keep feeling like I'm not enough. I deserve someone who's sure of me. Who doesn't make me feel like I have to compete for their loyalty."

Katie let out a shaky breath, her hand covering her mouth as she tried to hold back a sob. "I never wanted ya t' feel like that. I just... I didn't realize..."

"But you should have," you interrupted softly, your voice gentle but unwavering. "I told you how much it hurt, Katie. And you chose not to listen."

She was silent, the weight of her choices finally pressing down on her as she took a step back, wiping her tears. "I'm sorry," she whispered, voice trembling. "I... I really am."

You managed a small, sad smile. "I know you are. I just wish it was enough."

Without another word, you turned, leaving her standing there, shattered and remorseful, as you walked away.