~ Traitor ~

Chapter Seven

Rae's POV

They caught and arrested the people who damaged the house. It was just as I expected, my ex boyfriend trying to communicate. After all this, I decided to sell the house and buy a different one, in a better location - which would ultimately lead to me feeling much, much safer.

Finally pulling up at training, I head inside and Virgil comes over.
"Can I talk to you? In your office.." He says, leading me over.
"Of course."

I open the door and sit by my desk. He follows me, shuts the door and sits in front of me.
"You know that lunch we're all going on later?" He starts, looking nervous.
"Yeah?"
"Trents bringing a girl..."
"What?" I ask, already trying to not get upset.
"She's his girlfriend. I did try and talk to him about it but he just clammed up and wouldn't talk. I'm sorry Rae." I paused for a minute, trying to process my thoughts. I lost out, again. I was going to tell him everything tonight, but of course, my unlucky streak continues taking a nose dive. "Rae? You okay?"
"I'll be fine. Thanks for warning me."

From that point on, I knew I needed to try and avoid him as much as possible - to try and get over him. I didn't realise I'd started to like him so much, which is what made it even worse.
I started to think of ways to get out of the lunch. The last thing I needed, or wanted to see was him with someone else.

At the end of training, they were all getting ready to head off the the restaurant we were going to.
"Hey Jord?" I ask quietly.
"Yeah?"
"I'm gonna head home. I'm not feeling well.."
"Do you want me to come with you?"
"No, I'm fine. Thanks though. Nothing a cuddle with Marley and a lot of sleep won't fix." Technically, I wasn't lying.
"Alright. I'll tell the guys. Text me if you need anything."

Upon arriving at home, I feed Marley and sit in the sofa, trying any random show to distract myself.
'Mo - why didn't you come ?😩'
'You know why Mo. I'm not feeling well'
'Mo - that's a lie and we both know it. It's to do with Trent isn't it?'
'Maybe'
'Mo - I'll best his ass'
'You will not. He's got to do what's best for himself, as much as it sucks. You enjoy the food and I'll see you tomorrow'

I say, eating ice cream and watching random series on Netflix. They're were my only source of distraction, other than looking at houses in and around Liverpool.

'Trent - Why aren't you at lunch?! It's your favourite place! I had someone I wanted you to meet'
'Wasn't feeling well'
'Trent - are you okay?'
'Fine'
'Trent - okay...'

I knew it was mean, the short, one worded answers. But I feel it's necessary in my attempts to at least try and get over it. Although trying to avoid him, when I not only work with him, but almost work in his division is going to be tricky. I headed to bed, even though I knew deep down I wasn't going to get much sleep.

The following morning had me ready by 8am. I'd showered, changed into my Liverpool gear and then done my make up and braided my hair. This was our last session before our first game back after the break.
We had a quick de brief with Jurgen, before beginning the session. About half way through, in a mini break, Trent comes up to me.

"Rae have I upset you or something?" He asks, sitting at the side of me.
"No." I reply, taking down notes of how I thought the session was going, improvements etc.
"But you're hardly talking to me. Did I do something?"
"Trent I said no. I need to work, please leave it."

Having already felt incredibly deflated in my confidence, I pack my bag for the short stay in London for the game. My confidence was pretty much at an all time low, which is exactly what I didn't need before a game.

We arrive in London and headed into the hotel. I set my bags down onto the floor in my room, beside the bed.
"Coming for food?" Jordan asks.
"No, I'm gonna get room service." I reply, picking up the leaflets.
"You're avoiding Trent aren't you? Has her hurt you because I'll-"
"I've already had this talk from Virg. Please can you just leave me to do my own thing?"
"Fine. As long as you explain what's going on when we get home."

Heading into Spurs' stadium, I was feeling somewhat more confident. I knew the boys had surpassed everyone's expectations so far this year. Coming in to the team, almost late, I was excited to see them play properly for the first time.

__________

We lost. We actually lost. Annihilation more like. 3-0, away from home. When we should have had the three points. The disappointment was evident on everyone's faces. The fans, the players, the back room staff, the whole lot.

"Rae can you come into and after match interview with me and Virgil please?" Jurgen asks, sounding just as deflated as the guys.
"Of course." I reply, following him.
I sat on the edge, Jurgen in the middle and Virg on the other side.  I was nervous. This is my first ever professional interview, yet I can see it being a disaster. After a few minutes of talking to Jurgen and Virgil, this is where it goes downhill.

"Raelynn. You're new to the squad and so late on in the season. How are you finding it?" One girl asks.
"I'm really enjoying it. Everyones been welcoming and helping me find my feet. I'm just excited to help the boys get to where they want to be this year."
"Do you think you were given a spot easier, than any other staff member... because of your last name?"
"No I don't. I have the qualifications, I have experience."
"Do you not think you should have started lower down? Like in a lower league for example? Taking the title contenders defenders half way through the seasons is very risky."
"No, because I was given complete faith and trust by the other coaches, Jurgen and most importantly the players."
"Do you think you starting so late on had an affect on the defenders today? Changing their routine half way through the season." Oh boy.
"I honestly-" I started to try and not get upset. I was already feeling guilty as it was.
"I will not have my staff spoken to like that." Jurgen snaps. "She's got more talent, more drive and success than any of you will have in your little fingers. Raelynn has been awesome for the defenders and my only regret is that she didn't come sooner. This girl has many qualifications, pages full of experience and yet you try to discredit her? For what reason? We will be taking no further questions."

Jurgen and Virgil get up and I quickly follow behind them. I didn't know what to do. If this is what the reporters think, it's really not a bright idea for me to try and see what the fans views are.
"Rae! Are you alright?" Jordan asks.
"I don't know..." I mumble before following him out to the coach.
"The loss, was not your fault." He states, as we walk into the bus and head up the stairs.
"Doesn't feel like that." I reply, playing with my hands.
"I know.. but it really wasn't." Virgil sits across and at the side of Jordan before Mo sits at the side of me. Although they were talking at me, I couldn't hear a word they were saying. My mind was simply elsewhere, trying to comprehend what had happened. I just knew one thing. I wanted to get home, see Marley and wait for this to blow over.