I will always be there to save you

Chapter 17

Mal's POV:
I was sad that I would have to leave Jordan but I do believe in what Chrissy said. I think the distance will make us stronger. When we are together we will never take it for granted. I love her with my whole heart and that's why it's going to work.

But now I need to concentrate on the game against Canada. I have spoken to Jill and she wants me to start and play a full 90. This is amazing because I usually get brought on later in the game because I'm the baby of the team. I take whatever I can get because this is my dream.

"Come on Mal, lets get on the bus" Ash says bending down so I can hop onto her back.

"Thanks Ash" I say holding on tightly

"Don't worry kiddo. Just go out and kick ass for me. We all know you can. Go fuck shit up!" Ash says making me laugh.

"Anything for you Ash. Thanks again" I say hopping off her back and climbing onto the bus.

When I get on I sit next to Carli for some words of advice. When she has finished running me through everything I plug my earphones in and text Jordan.

Mal:
Hey baby, are you ok?xx

Jordan:
I'm good thanks babe. Are you ok? I miss you xx

Mal:
I'm nervous because Jill wants me to play the full 90. I miss you more xx

Jordan:
Don't be nervous this is what you do. You know things that others don't and that's what makes you special. Anyone that you play against cannot match your footwork, speed and determination. Don't forget that ever babe. I will see you soon, I love you to the moon and back xxx

Mal:
Ok babe I will be thinking of you. I have to go now I'm at the stadium. I will call you after the game. I love you xx

Jordan:
Go and score for me babe. Good luck (even though you won't need it because you are too good) I love you xxx

Wow she really has a way with words. Reading them messages over and over makes me feel more motivated than ever. I'm going push the boundaries and do better than the expectations.

Jordan's POV:
When I finished texting Mal I got a call from Zach telling me he is leaving his place now and will meet me out the front of the stadium. I pull my jacket on and my glasses so I can actually see the game. I jump into my car and drive to the stadium.

I walk up to the front of the stadium and see Zach. I walk up to him and hug him.

"Hey Zach" I say

"Jordan, it's good to see you"

"You too. Thank you for helping me get in and stuff"

"No worries kid. You are part of the family now" he says smiling at me

He walks in flashing his ticket to the security. I follow him doing the same. I walk behind him to our seats and it's amazing. I can see the players warming up. I pull my cap over my face so Mal doesn't see me just yet and Zach just laughs at me.

"I did that once to Jules and she saw me straight away" he said laughing

"I don't think she will. She thinks I'm watching the game at home and she's starting today so she's very focused"

"Woah I can't believe Mal is starting. Don't get me wrong she is a fantastic player but it's unlike Jill. Jill likes to bring Mal in later to definitely secure a few goals and the win"

"Yeah I thought that too. But it's good she has the opportunity to start" I reply.

We sit there for a bit watching the team warm up as the stadium fills up more. Zach stands up and asks me if I want anything to eat or drink. I just asked for a bottle of water. He came back a few minutes later just as the players are walking back down the tunnel. Julie runs up to the railing and pulls herself up to kiss him.

"Oh hey Jordan. I didn't know you were coming"she says lowering herself.

"Yeah I'm surprising Mal after the game" I say grinning

"Aww that's sweet. I won't tell her don't worry"

"Thanks JJ good luck"

"Thank you Jordan. Bye babe" she says waving at us both.

Starting lineup:
GK: Alyssa
LB: Crystal
CB: Becky
CB: Tierna
RB: Ali
CM: Julie
CM: Carli (C)
LW: Christen
RW: Tobin
ST: Mal

We watch as Canada get kick off. As soon as the kick off Tobin steals the ball and runs up the right wing and outs in a cross that flies just over Mal's head. USA have most of the possession and have lots of shot testing the Canadian keeper and defense. In the 31st minute Carli sends a lob into Christen who switches it across the field to Tobin. Tobin does what Tobin does best. She nutmegs 2 players and faking out the last one before sending in a cross to the penalty spot where Mal was running to. It bounces before her feet and she gets her foot over the ball directing it into the bottom right corner.

The crowd goes wild as Mal runs over to her team and gets dog piled. They all get up and run back to their positions. Just before half time Janine Beckie scores a free kick leveling out the score at half time.

Durning half time there has been a few substitutions. Carli comes off for Rose and Becky is captain now. Crystal comes off for Kelley who moves to right back and Ali goes to left back.

The game restarts with a USA kicking off. I watch as my stands in the center of the pitch waiting for the ref to blow her whistle. When she blows it Mal passes the ball to JJ who sends in a long ball to Chris. Christen brings the ball into the penalty area and get taken down in the box. The red signals for a penalty. The team huddle deciding who will take.

The team disperse and Mal and Christen walk over to the referee. She hands the ball to Mal who places it on the spot. Christen says something to her as she positions herself. The whistle blows. Mal takes her run up. She strikes the ball hard going into the top corner. I'm so nervous for her and I'm praying it goes in. But no. It hits the crossbar.

Mal reacts instantly heading the ball into the net straight after which sends the fans crazy. She celebrates with the team and the go back to their positions. There is only a few minutes left and USA just try to keep possession.

The final whistle goes and me and Zach celebrate with each other and the team celebrates with each other for a bit before moving onto signing jerseys and cards for the fans.

My eyes don't leave my goal scoring striker the whole time. She goes to walk over to the tunnel to get changed. Zach tells me to go and see her so I throw him my hat and jump the railing. I run up to her and putting my hands over her eyes.

"Guess who?" I say changing my voice a bit

"Go away Sonny I want a shower" she says trying to pull my hands away

"Nope wrong person" I say using my normal voice

"Jordan"she says spinning around to face me.

She runs and jumps into my arms and I hold her tight.

"How come you are here baby?" She asks as I spin her around.

" I got offered tickets for the box with Zach by Jill and I saw everything. You did amazing. You were the best player on the pitch by far, don't tell Tobin though" I say kissing her forehead.

"I'm so happy you are here. I was going to rush to the changing rooms to call you then" she says laughing.

"I love you" I say putting my hands on her hips and her arms find my neck.

She pulls me down to her height and kisses me passionately like we are the only people here. I can taste the Gatorade that she's been drinking which makes me smile. I pull away smiling at her still. I lick my lips thinking.

"Hmmm. Berry Gatorade?"I ask her

"What! How did you know?" She asks confused.

"I can taste it on your lips" I say which makes her laugh

"You are an idiot sometimes. But I love you anyway. I will meet you outside the front of the stadium after I have showered" she says kissing me again.

"Ok see you in a bit babe" I say as she turns back down the tunnel.