The atmosphere in the changing room was electric, filled with the shouts and laughter of my teammates preparing to face Chelsea, a top-ranked team this season. This match wasn't just a simple game; it was an opportunity to showcase our determination and cohesion, the fruits of all the hard work we had put in.
As I got ready, I thought about the surprise I had carefully planned for my wife. Instead of my usual name on the back of my match shirt, I had asked the team staff to put "Kelly," the name I had chosen to take after our wedding last weekend.
Our wedding had been an event surrounded by friends and family, set in a simple yet beautiful backdrop, with wildflowers and soft lights illuminating the evening. I remember Chloe, radiant in her elegant white dress, and the way her blue eyes sparkled when we exchanged our vows. That day, we promised to support and love each other through all challenges, reinforcing our commitment to become a team, both on and off the field.
After putting on our pre-match gear, my teammates and I were almost ready, and the warm-up was approaching. I could feel butterflies in my stomach. I focused on my breathing, but a little panic was rising within me at the thought of revealing my surprise. What would she think? Would she appreciate this gesture? My thoughts swirled as I started stretching in the changing room, trying to relax. I knew the real revelation would come when I put on my match shirt after the warm-up, and that made me both excited and nervous.
When we finally stepped out onto the pitch, the cool air enveloped me, and the excitement among the supporters invigorated me. We began with light jogging in single file. Each step on the grass brought me closer to the moment of revelation, but the excitement was mixed with a slight stress that twisted my stomach. Chloe was right in front of me, and I couldn't help but watch her. Her blonde hair, neatly tied in a ponytail, swayed with every stride, and her contagious smile comforted me.
After a few minutes of warm-up jogging, we started working on our adductors. We performed circles with our legs, alternating between running phases and stops for targeted stretches. I tried to stay focused despite the rising anxiety within me. The other girls were warming up around me, exchanging jokes and encouragement, but I felt an increasing pressure.
At the end of the exercise, I caught my breath, trying to regain my rhythm, but the stress weighed heavily on me. I was following the line of my teammates when I felt Chloe come closer. That's when she looked at me with evident concern on her face. "Y/N, are you okay?" she asked, worry in her voice. "You seem a bit... nervous."
I didn't want to reveal the real reason for my agitation to her. I looked her in the eyes, forcing a smile to mask my true emotions. "Oh, it's just that I really want to give my best today. Chelsea is a formidable team, you know!"
She squinted, as if she knew something was off, but nodded, seemingly satisfied with my response. "Don't worry, we'll handle this together. I'm here with you."
We continued the warm-up with various exercises to properly get our bodies ready, followed by pre-match drills led by our coaching staff. We finished with penalty shots. I stepped up, the ball at my feet, and took a deep breath. Striking the ball with force, it flew into the top corner of the net, and I felt a wave of freedom, even though the surprise I had prepared was still waiting to be revealed.
As the coach announced the end of the warm-up, we took a moment to hydrate before heading back to the changing room to get ready. The adrenaline tingled on my skin. I grabbed my usual jersey, perfectly folded where I sat. Under Chloe's distracted gaze, as she focused on her shoelaces beside me, I slipped on the jersey without her noticing the slight tremor in my hands or the name change on the back.
Once the jersey was on, I took a deep breath. The soft fabric against my skin brought me comfort, and I knew I was about to make this moment special. When all the girls were ready, the coach entered the changing room, prepared to give us the final instructions. His firm, encouraging voice echoed in the space, reminding us of the importance of staying focused and united on the pitch, especially against a team like Chelsea.
As soon as we finished our preparations, we all exited the changing room together, our hearts pounding with excitement. Chloe was at the front of the line, full of determination, while I stood in my usual place at the back. In the corridor, we lined up opposite the opposing team, ready to make our entrance onto the pitch. The cheers from the supporters echoed around us, creating an electric atmosphere. I was nervous, but at the same time, eager to reveal my surprise to Chloe.
We stepped onto the pitch, the tension palpable in the air. I could feel the adrenaline rising as we prepared to shake hands with the Chelsea players. Each handshake was firm and filled with respect, each of us ready to give our best. Looking around, I could see the commitment of every player, and I felt proud to be part of this team.
Once the handshakes were done, we took our positions for the team photo. It was a moment of camaraderie that I always cherished. I crouched at the front, surrounded by my teammates, while Chloe positioned herself just behind me, her bright smile lighting up her face.
As the photographer was about to capture the moment, I tucked my hair behind my ear so that Chloe, behind me, could see the name "Kelly" on my jersey. I knew this would be the perfect moment for her to notice. The flash went off, and in that split second, I saw Chloe's expression change.
Her eyes widened as she realised what she had just seen. She furrowed her brow, trying to understand, then finally glanced at the back of my jersey. "Kelly..." she murmured, surprise and wonder spreading across her face.
Chloe smiled, her eyes sparkling with joy. "This is so beautiful, Y/N!" she exclaimed, wrapping her arms around me in a warm embrace. She pulled back slightly to look at me, her cheeks flushed with emotion. "I can't believe you did this! It means so much to me."
The energy around us seemed to fade as everything that mattered was just the two of us. The sounds of the crowd, the cheers of the supporters, all of it faded away, leaving only the magic of this shared moment. The stress I had felt earlier evaporated. "I wanted everyone to know that I'm proud of our union and that I love you," I murmured, gently brushing my fingers against her cheek.
The photographer captured our moment, the flash illuminating our shared happiness. Chloe then pulled me in tight again, her warm embrace making me feel loved and protected. "I love you too, Y/N. This is going to be an unforgettable match!" she replied, a glimmer of determination in her eyes.
We pulled away to take our respective positions on the pitch, the excitement of the match taking over once again. Adrenaline coursed through my veins as the kickoff drew nearer. I could feel the support of the fans, their cheers echoing around us like an encouraging melody.
YOU ARE READING
Woso one shots
General FictionExperience the intensity of women's football by sharing the passion and emotions of a player, both on the pitch and in her heart.