Breakfast In Bed

Telling the Team

The pair spent a few days relaxing and packing at home before flying off to national team camp in L.A. Jill had called them all back together to prep for a set of friendlies against Ireland before NWSL preseason truly got underway. The gals were excited to be getting back together and playing again but at the same time slightly weary of the constant conflicting demands of the two teams. But they made the best of it when they were together. Alyssa had upgraded their seats to business class so they would have more leg room on the flight. Once they had boarded and stored their overhead bags the newly engaged couple got comfy. Becky dug the ever-present book out of her bag while Alyssa popped in her headphones to listen to her new podcast. It was routine and that was comforting.

Alyssa dozed off on Becky's shoulder during the flight, not that Becky minded in the least. Alyssa had been working hard to earn that number 1 keeper spot now that Hope was out of the picture. She slid her shoulder a little further up so the goalkeeper wouldn't have a crick in her neck when she woke up and went back to the book Alyssa bought her for the flight. It was a sweet tradition that had started when they were always flying back and forth to see each other – Alyssa would buy her a book for each plane ride so she would always have something new to read. This one had been given to her once they cleared security. It was called Behold the Dreamers and had Becky wrapped up in the tale of a Cameroonian family trying to make a life in Harlem.

The pilot came over the loudspeaker and told the passengers that they would be landing soon so everyone needed to buckle in. Becky marked her spot and tucker her book away before turning to Alyssa. She cupped the goalkeeper's cheek and stroked it softly while slowly removing the headphones from Alyssa's ears.

"Alyssa love it's time to wake up. We are landing in L.A. soon." Green eyes flickered open and Becky smiled.

"Alright..." Alyssa yawned and stretched in her seat, trying to work some of the tightness out of her muscles. The pair buckled in and watched the plane descend on the city. Some years it felt like their home away from home with how often the national team seemed to train and play there.

They landed without any issues and made their way to baggage claim. They ran into Tobin and Christen who had hopped on a quick flight down from Portland. Hugs were exchanged and they began to catch up on all things non-soccer while they waited. It was killing the pair to not tell their close friends, but the agreed they would tell everyone at dinner that night. Christen raised an eyebrow and nudged Tobin with her hip when she picked up on the pair's nerves. Her girlfriend only shook her head, knowing if it was serious the pair would have told them already. Christen doesn't believe her but lets them slide for now. When they weren't in public she made the decision that she would question them further.

All four grabbed their luggage and made their way to the buses. They meet with Mal, Kelley, and Morgan Brian. The five stored their luggage and boarded the bus. The elders pestered Mal with questions about college, making her poor ears red. Christen had to sass Kelley a time or two for teasing her baby girl. The smirk Mal gave Kelley made the others laugh. She is a momma's girl and knows it, especially when it works to her advantage. The college freshman snuggled back into Christen's arms and stuck her tongue out at Kelley go gladly returned the gesture.

Other teammates of theirs boarded the bus as they arrived and took their preferred seats. Becky lit up when she spotted her and Alyssa's team child board the bus. Andi had to catch a flight after her morning class. She had texted Becky and Alyssa before her plane took off so they would know she was safe. They both stood up and hugged the smiling young woman tight when they saw her. She had taken to them during her first camp and the women mutually decided to adopt her before anyone else on the team could. Now they got updates every other day about how classes were going and had weekend Skype sessions scheduled so they could all have a family moment. Andi cherished the contact, having missed her second set of parents. Alyssa pulled away first but Becky held on a moment longer. Andi's smile turned into a grin when her team mom finally let her go. The two sat down in their seats and began to catch up. Alyssa leaned over the aisle and listened in, chiming in with a comment now and again. The bus was filled with exuberant voices and laughter – the gals were back together again.