Book 2 of 'My Mom Is Who?'
Cody's journey continues, and it's filled with more ups and downs than before. Follow her story as she juggles life with relationship drama, work, addiction and having a famous soccer player for a mom, all while transform...
Christen pulls up outside the stadium on a gloomy but humid day, the sole purpose of using the gym. Her phone pinging on the console. She was happy to have the season out of the way, her focus on making the cut for the Olympic roster. Checking her phone before exiting her car, she sees a tweeet from Jack.
Knowing the younger woman is going through something with her girlfriend, Press becomes intrigued by the cryptic tweet.
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Someone knocking on the window of her car results in Christen flinching and her phone flying from her hands onto the floor as she turns to glare at the newcomer - a wild Kelley grinning like a madman.
"Hurry up, stop staring at your phone like a teenager!"
Rolling her eyes at her old Stanford teammate, Christen grabs her phone, bag and keys before climbing out the car, locking it behind her as she falls into step with Kelley.
"I hate this weather," Kelley grumbles and adjusts the strap of her kitbag. "I mean it's hot but no sun, and looks like it should be raining but it isn't."
"You wanna talk about the weather? You're not a grandma yet."
"Fine, you pick a topic." Kelley insists as she and Press enter the place they call home. Christen bites her lip, unsure if she wants to continue, but does so anyway, "Do you know if Jack is okay?"
"Huh? Why wouldn't she be?"
Instead of trying to explain to her friend that Jack calls her regularly, usually to vent, Christen decides to unlock her phone, open Twitter, and show Kelley the tweet that has been stuck on her mind since she read it.
———
Rachel enters the home she shares with Jack, quickly locating the American in the kitchen in the middle of a call. She climbs the steps to the bedroom and sits on the bed. The Englishwoman sits in silence as she takes in the room around her, a faint smile playing on her face as memories replay in her mind.
"I didn't hear you get home," Jack announces as she leans against the door to the room, arms crossed over her chest.
"I didn't want to interrupt your call."
There's a small silence as Jack softly nods her head. Both women knowing of the elephant in the room but neither one wanting to confront it.
"We need to talk," Rachel begins and Jack simply nods once again. Rachel pats the bed next to her and Jack silently obliges. "I've been wanting to tell you what's going on, from the second I found out, but I couldn't."
"Why not?"
"V told me not to. But really I just wanted to...pretend for a little while longer." Rachel sighs and takes Jack hand in her own, rubbing her thumb over her knuckles. "I've been transferred."
Rachel studies her American girlfriend's profile carefully, not missing the small but silent gasp or the way Jack's grip on her hand tightened momentarily.
After a few minutes of silence and staring at the floor, Jack speaks, "Where are you going?"
"England. Manchester City, to be exact."
"Oh...wow," Carter trails off and plays with Rachel's fingers before letting go of her hand completely and standing up. "So..."
"I don't want to break up." Rachel insists, standing to her feet and placing both hands on Jack's shoulders to keep her girlfriend from freaking out or doubting her words. "I know it won't be easy, but you make me so happy Jackie," Rachel chuckles as Jack grimaces, "Please tell me you want to work with me on this. I don't want to throw away what we have."
Rachel cups Jack's face, her thumbs stroking across her cheeks as they maintain eye contact. Her heart thumps in her chest while the American mulls over the options - fight for it or break up. Jack slowly nods her head and snakes her arms around Rachel's waist, bringing her English girlfriend in for a slow kiss.
———
That evening Cody called, as she does every night like clockwork, allowing Jack to vent to her best friend. It was always easier to talk to Cody than anyone else, though Christen is fast becoming the next best thing.
"So all is well in the love life?" Cody asks before yawning.
"Yeah," Jack smiles. "We agreed to give long distance a try. What about you, thought you would be all wrapped up in Kristie's arms by now."
"Okay, first thing; I'm happy for you. Second, fuck you. Totally changing the subject but have you checked your email?" Before Jack can answer, Cody continues, "Don't answer that, I know you haven't. You never do, bad habit by the way. Anyway, pack a bag bud, adidas want us in San Francisco for a joint shoot."
