The Wait Is Over

Leaving On A Jet Plane

The final day of the Hollywood Studios Cup group phase started with a number of pre-game activities. Kelley and Morgan participated in their second session of the week with Adam, attempting to build Moe up to the point where she could attend today's games. Steph and Yael had gone to the Florida Mall to shop for their impending encounter tomorrow night. Christen and Julie packed their bags and stored them in Lindsey's car, which Emily will take to Orlando City Stadium prior to the Storm match with the Charge. Christen and Julie then stopped by Vanessa's room.

Vanessa: CP! JJ! Come in!

The girlfriends hug their former teammate after they enter her room.

Christen: How are things going this week for you?

Vanessa: It's hard being here and not back home, but I will be leaving at halftime of our game with LA today so I can catch a flight to Chicago.

Julie: We're leaving immediately after our game against each other to catch a non-stop to O'Hare.

Vanessa: What time do you get in?

Julie: 9:15pm.

Vanessa: My flight gets in at 8:42. Do you want me to wait for the two of you and maybe we can grab a late dinner somewhere?

Christen: Sounds like a good idea. I'm sure we won't get a chance to eat before we get to Chicago, leaving right after the game and trying to get out of town before Zach might show up. I took a look at the flights out of Philly and we MIGHT be able to beat him out if he comes in on the one which lands here at 7:15. Ours takes off at 7:23.

Vanessa: Avoiding Zach, eh?

Julie: We're going to Chicago first and foremost for your dad's services, but we're leaving a night early so we can spend more time together AND to avoid the 100 questions that will come if we wait until Thursday morning to go with the Red Stars and he DOES show up here tonight.

Vanessa: Doesn't Atlanta still have a chance to make it to the final?

Christen: Yes, but it would take a win by us and a sizable loss by Boston, but too sizable and Orlando goes past both of us, and since they play after us, the likelihood of us finishing top of the group is rather slim. Boston only needs a tie to win the East here, so they may play specifically for that result. At least you guys took care of your business the first two games and got some help so you're able to relax today and know you're playing Saturday.

Vanessa: That's a good feeling, one of the few bright spots in this week.

Julie: Your dad was a good man. He loved you and was so proud that you got to play for him and play your NWSL career to date at home.

Christen: We'll be there with you tomorrow and Friday. If you need to lean on someone, just ask.

Vanessa: Thanks. I know I'll have a lot of support from current and former teammates these next couple of days. I just wish I could have Sofia going up with me today.

Julie: Understandable. You're like sisters, so being separated while you go on that trip no one ever wants to make is going to be hard on you.

Vanessa: Not just that, but we have gotten a little bit closer over the past few days.

Christen: What do you  mean, closer?

Vanessa: As in, we might start seeing each other, or whatever the term is these days for getting together.

Christen: Oh yeah! I KNEW you had hearts in your eyes for her, but that you didn't want to risk making a mess of your friendship to attempt to steal her from Rafe.