Lover II- ML

342. Locked In

The reason for Kaia's presence at camp was duly answered three hours later right after dinner, when Sarina called everyone down into a meeting that was supposed to be a celebration.

But the tension Emilia brought was noticeable, the fact that her little explosion at Kaia had already reached Sarina which made the manager give her a stern look of warning as she sat down, basically saying: we're going to have a word about your behaviour.

Emilia knew she messed up, but that didn't make her apologise to Kaia or anyone else she was rude to today. No, she was just annoyed that she had to sit in on a meeting when she'd much prefer to be alone in her room right now.

Once everyone was sat facing Sarina, the manager smiled and clapped her hands together excitedly, glad to have the team back together even if this camp was just friendly matches.

But there was something that needed addressing, a certain two time Ballon d'Or winner in the room that needed recognition. 

Everyone was proud of Kaia for her second Ballon d'Or, they all knew she deserved it and it was incredible to them all that they had such a talented player in their arsenal.

"...Kaia, you have done us all very proud." Sarina says, smiling up at the taller woman at her side who was made to bring her Ballon d'Or for team morale. "Now I know you have exciting personal events on your mind currently..."

"Woo!" Lucy cheers. "Soon to be mamma of three." She calls out, making the room erupt in soft laughter.

"But I wanted to take this time to recognise you and your achievements." Sarina carries on kindly, turning to take an England home shirt from her assistant coach.

Kaia flashes Leah a confused and mildly suspicious smile, passing her Ballon d'Or over to her best friend as Sarina turns back to her with the shirt.

Sarina unfolds it and holds it by the shoulders, showing the room Morelli 7 across the back. "We all know how much this number means to you, I know our fans think it's iconic alongside your name."

"Yeah, you little icon." Ella Toone teases with a massive grin.

"She's taller than you." Georgia whispers quickly over to the Man United player. "By like, a lot."

Kaia places her hands behind her back, trying to remain professional because her scanning eyes had already seen what had changed on the back of her shirt.

"To celebrate this momentous occasion and Kaia winning her second Ballon d'Or, as of today," Sarina announces to the room. "We have locked the number 7. It belongs to Kaia until the day she decides to retire her international career."

Emilia's face falls a little bit as everyone erupts in celebration, knowing a locked number was a massive deal within English footballing history and this must be why Kaia was asked here.

To check off another incredible milestone in her career.

And it being the popular and standout number 7 shirt, that just made it more impressive.

Kaia shakes her head in amazement, taking the England shirt which had a little discreet gold lock right below her number.

International numbers weren't like club numbers, they didn't belong to individuals and often got passed around depending on what players were starting what games.

The only other player on both the men and women's teams who had a locked shirt was Harry Kane's number 9.

"And if you're not too busy wrangling newborn twins." Sarina carries on teasingly. "It would be incredible if you let the fans see your trophy tomorrow night."