USWNT 2.0

19

Tobin was just trying not to think about how mad she was at Alex, because if she had the misfortune to cross her path, she'd probably just receive a punch in the face. And it wouldn't pleased Jill.

So she just decided to make something clever out of the end of her day : she wanted to do some sort of team-bonding by herself, and that meant talking to the person she knew least. So she was just walking towards Sonnett, who happened to be sitting with Moe, Lindsey, Mal and Sam. Those three seemed to be the fab five. When she sat down on the ice bath with them, they just greeted her.

Even though those girls were pretty much younger than she was, Tobin had no problem hanging out with them. They made her forget about the tensions that were going on right now, and how her and Alex were on bad therms. Those girls were always laughing with each other, but also serious when one of them needed it. This new generation was looking pretty good. Tobin just sat next to Lindsey, her Portland teammate.

The brunette made a funny face because of the cold water.

- C'mon, is The Great Horan afraid of some ice ? Sonnett teased her.

- Shut up, Lindsey grumpily said.

The others just burst out laughing, while Emily was messing Lindsey's hair up. When the middy finally was able to make her stop, she just blushed a little when she heard Sonnett's giggle. She then looked at Tobin.

- Something wrong with my face, Heath ? she jokingly asked.

- Not only your face, kiddo.

There were some "oooooouh" as Tobin was hugging Lindsey. Before any of them was able to say anything else, Carli came in and looked at them in shock.

- Are you ice bathing without me ? Or am I dreaming ? she asked, surprised.

- It's all just an hologram, Moe mysteriously said. We aren't really here, Lloyd. Your eyes are kinda dead.

- I'm happy you wish me the best, Carli joked.

She then just got in the ice bath and positioned her next to Mal, who suddenly seemed to be tensed up. This morning, where they were face to face, Mal wasn't able to talk to Carli about her recent discovery. So she just remained silent all day, answering with only "yes" or "no". Carli of course noticed, but didn't say anything.

She smiled at Mal, and the youngster smiled right back.

- So, what's up with Kelley ? Carli randomly asked. She seemed to be have been gone through a lot lately.

- She has, Lindsey said. But at the moment, she's nervous because her parents arrived this morning.

- Is it a bad thing ? Emily asked, confused.

- Well, it wasn't planned so Kelley was forced to spend her day with them and cancel her other activities, Lindsey explained.

Tobin's eyes went wide. Shit. She was pretty sure Allie's note was an invitation to a secret rendez-vous or something.

- Do you know where Allie is ? she asked out of the blue.

Her friends looked at her with confusion.

- She's spending some time with Hope if I remember well, Carli said. They're on our room.

- Thanks, Tobin murmured.

The got out of the ice bath and rushed out of the room, forgetting to take her shoes with her. The remaining girls looked at each other, frowning.

- Well, that escalated quickly, Sam slowly said.

***

- Where are you taking me ?

It was the hundredth time Julie was asking that same question, and Christen would just giggle and remain silent. Her girlfriend was squeezing her hand ; she hated being blind-folded. As they were walking on the street, Christen was leading her girl on the curious looks of the people walking down the street as well. Now that they were a public couple, they didn't have to hide anymore.

They just felt free.

- Babe, I'm scared of darkness, Julie said, whining.

- I'm right here with you amor, nothing will happen to you I swear.

She looked up to see the people she was looking for.

She took the band out of Julie's face, and the blonde eyes went wide. Her whole family was now standing in front of her. Christen called Melanie earlier this week, because she knew Julie was missing her family. Her mom accepted to talk to Christen, and the two women got along very well. So Kristi Johnston just told her husband her had to accept their daughter, otherwise she'd leave him. She finally saw reason and proposed a meeting.

So here was the Johnston family, hugging each other tightly. Christen was just looking at the defender, who hadn't had such a smile for what it felt ages. Her mom just noticed her being on her own and literally jumped into her arms.

- Thank you so much, Kristi said. Thanks for making by baby girl happy.

Christen hugged her back, quite surprised.

- It is my duty to make her happy, she humbly said.

- I'm happy she's got someone like you in her life, Kristi insisted. Sorry we've been so reluctant in the beginning...

The forward assured her that no harm was done. She met Julie's parents twice, both times during the Red Stars games. When she greeted Julie's sister and dad - the handshake was pretty awkward though - her girlfriend was looking at her proudly. When the small groupe decided to go and eat somewhere, Julie grabbed Christen's hand and gave her a thankful smile ; all of her favorite people were reunited at last.

They opted for a small pizzeria nearby. They sat down and were waiting on their pizzas when Melanie came up with a question :

- So, how many matches until you guys head in Brazil ?

Julie smiled.

- One against South Africa and one against Costa Rica, she listed.

- Are you nervous ? Kristi asked softly.

- Totally, Julie exclaimed. I'm so scared to disappoint our fans if we don't bring that gold medal home ! Besides, having to go in the other side of the continent is quite a huge deal and... I mean it won't be Canada, like, not at all...

- I know you are going to be extraordinary ! Melanie tried to comfort her. Your team is so amazing in many levels.

Julie grabbed Christen's hand once again.

- And having Chris by my side is making me more confident.

They exchanged a quick loving look, before Christen's dad David coughed a little. It was too soon for them to get touchy in front of him. His daughter apologized, and David laughed. For the first time, Christen felt like she was part of the Johnston wonderful and kind family.

She was Julie's family.