An Upcoming Star

Eleven

Third POV

"Today is a day I won't ever forget. It's with an incredible amount of pain and sadness that I tell you I'm not returning to the pitch next season. Or any season for that matter, at least not as a player."

The girls all sat around the private room with ready eyes as they watched Megan live from the screen.

"It wasn't an easy decision to make but I know it's a good one. I've had sleepless nights and I've been incredibly lucky to have the full supports of my girls behind every step. The Irish National Team and I have been conversing over the past few weeks they've come to a mutual agreement about it and next Friday, alongside my City and National Team teammates, past and present, I will be playing my last game in an Irish jersey against my friends and teammates."

Rachel looked over at Steph and saw her eyes tear up. Rachel knew exactly how she felt. Her best friend was retiring from soccer entirely and moving back home to the Emerald Isle.

"I've been thinking about the next chapter of my life and decided that it'd be best for me to move back home for a while. The girls and I have had late night discussions with tea in our hands discussing this and they believe it's best for me to be surrounded by my family."

Steph looked down at her hands and, after bottling it up for weeks to be strong for Meg, she let the tears roll down her cheek. Just by talking she knew Megan would break any second and the lump in her throat tightened.

"So, here's the thing; they're my family. They've been my family ever since I signed for this club. Steph and I, we watched all our babies grow up into the successful, badass women they are today and I'd like to believe that Steph and I played a role in that. Our babies. Huh, I wonder how mama Steph is reacting to this."

Everyone in the conference room and the private room chuckled. Megan cleared her throat as she felt the lump tighten in her throat by he second.

"I leave this game today with complete faith that it will improve. I know I'm not the first, and I definitely won't be the last, to say this but this game, Women's soccer, is one of the greatest things out there. It shows little girls that dreams do come true if they work hard enough to. So yeah, that's all I gotta say. Oh actually, one more thing."

Megan looked straight at the screen and beamed as she stood up. Everyone gasped as she took off her baggy jumper to reveal her small baby bump. Rachel smiled widely at her best friend even if she could see her and watch as the rest of the girls sat in shock.

"Here's to the future. A future where I know everything will be sorted out and an equality in sports. That's all. Thank you."

The security led Megan out of the conference hall and into the private room where all the girls were still sitting in shock. Rachel stood up immediately and ran to her and hugged her tightly.

"I'm so proud of you Campbell. You're going to be an amazing mom."