ʀᴏᴏᴋɪᴇ | ᴋᴏ ✔︎

15

"Listen up ladies!" Laura yells as she draws training to a close. "We have Boston tomorrow. I know it's been rough, this league is competitive but we have to push through. We have to have each other's backs out there. Support each other as a team." She gives us the usual speech, one that we've all heard at least 200 times already this season, and it's only June.

She tells us the line up for tomorrow at the Dilboy Stadium. There's no surprises, including my being the resident bench-warmer.

"You okay, kid?" Hope asks, wrapping an arm around my shoulder as we stalk off the field. I don't bother changing, I only slip my sneakers on for the busride back to the hotel here in Boston.

"I'm a little stressed." I admit to my goalkeeper as we climb the steps to the bus.

"Why?" Pinoe asks as she overhears us, which catches the attention of the team. I sigh when I see all the pairs of eyes on me.

"Because you're on the bench?" Jessica asks in an amused tone of voice, which doesn't go down well with Emily who is seated beside her.

"Leave the rookie alone, nobody likes riding the bench." I smile at the Aussie, giving her a small nod in appreciation.

"That is annoying, but that's not why I'm stressed. I've got so much to do at my new apartment, and it's difficult when I'm not in the same state. I haven't even unpacked yet." I groan as I hear Hope chuckle at me.

"Sorry kid, but you gotta get used to that."

"She's right, it's something you have to adapt to." Keelin informs me, ever the captain.

"Okay ladies, settle in, it's quite a drive back to the hotel!" Laura yells above everyone on the bus, and we all settle into our seats. I let Hope sit in the back on her own, the way she likes it, as I sit next to Emily Zurrer.

"Emily?"

"Yuuup?"

"What's Canada like?" I innocently ask, never having been there.

Unfortunately, my question grabs the attention of Kaylynn who swivels in her seat.

"Are you deciding to rep Canada?!" She yells, as more people tune into the conversation.

"No, I was just asking what it's like?" I state in the form of a question, not understanding her reaction.

"It's nice. It's peaceful, usually. Do you speak French?" Emily asks.

"No. Do I really need to?"

"No. I was just curious." She laughs.

"Jess?" I half-yell to Fishlock, who is a few rows ahead of me, and she turns to look at me, letting me know she's listening. "What's the UK like?"

"Wet." She tells me in a dull tone, making me laugh. "But it's beautiful. I know you're eligible to suit up for Scotland or England but Wales will always be the best." I laugh as she winks at me. It certainly gives me lots to think about. I nod, while deep in thought, and catch the coach looking at me. It seems like she's fighting back the urge to smile.

Getting to the hotel, I'm the last one off the bus and into the lobby as Hope saddles up beside me, throwing her arm over my shoulder once again. It seems to be the norm for us.

"Lets go roomie."

"How come you're never that happy when I room with you?" Pinoe whines as she walks infront of us, but walking backwards until she walks into the wall.

"You're weird, loud and annoying. Logan here is the complete opposite." Her grip on my shoulder increases slightly as we enter the elevator.

"I prefer being called 'energetic and lovable'." Pinoe grumbles, making me laugh as Hope just shrugs beside me when she releases me from her hold.