You can't Outrun the Truth

Game Day

I took a seat in the kitchen and read the email Jill had sent. It was the next morning and I was waiting for the rest of the girls to wake up.

Hello London,

The camp will start on November 1 and go through November 14. During this camp, we will play two matches against Portugal and Scotland in their respective countries. Your flight information is disclosed in this email. We look forward to seeing you on the field.

USWNT Head Coach

Jill Ellis

I was only missing one game with Arsenal so I wasn't worried about that. I was, however, worried about seeing Mal and Rose again and if they would tell the team. 

"Morning London," Beth said as she made a cup of coffee.

"Good morning Beth," I responded turning my phone off.

"Excited for the game?"

"Yeah, looking forward to it." I messed with my phone and thought of how to avoid the girls if my secret got out. Again.

"Everything ok?"

"Yep."

"Are you sure?"

"It's fine Beth!" I left the kitchen and went to my room. 

I shouldn't have accepted the offer to go with the national team. It was stressing me out so much. I dug through the drawers and tried to find a bandage to wrap some of the cuts and bruises before the match. They were somewhat recent and I didn't want anything to happen on the field.

I pulled one out and started to unwrap it a bit.

"Hey, London do you have a charger I could borrow?" Jill asked coming into my room.

"What are you doing?" She asked.

"Nothing. Here's a charger." I dropped the bandage on m bed and grabbed my charger. She took it and left but not before looking at me weirdly. I sighed and locked my door. That had been too close.

After wrapping everything I put on the warmup gear with the training jacket. I went out to the living room and waited for everyone else. To absolutely no one's surprise, Daan was the one that took the longest. 

"Let's go Daan! We have to be there at a certain time!" Beth shouted.

"I couldn't find a hair tie I'm ready now." She said grabbing her bag and walking to the door.

"What a lie! You have hair ties everywhere!" I called after her.

"I couldn't find the kind I needed London, anyway, what music should we put on?" She said as we got in the car.

"I don't care." 

We ended up listening to the High School Musical soundtrack, Beth's choice. Jill pulled up to the training ground and I hurried out of the car, I was not a huge fan of the music. 

"Come on kleintje," (little one)Jill said throwing an arm around my shoulders. I walked with her to the locker room.

I was on the bench for the game and was told I was subbing on some time during the second half. I sat down next to Jill and Louise.

"I'm so tired," I sighed.

"How come?" Louise asked.

"I was thinking about something last night and I couldn't sleep."

"Ready to be subbed on?" Jill teased.

"Always."

The match against Reading started and three minutes in we were leading by a goal from the goat. Otherwise known as Vivianne Miedema.

"We should keep track of how many games she scores in a row. Like a streak." I suggested.

"From now on or the start of the season?" Louise asked.

"Start of the season," Jill said. I nodded and we tried to remember her goals.

"It's at three not including today innit?" Louise commented.

"Yeah I think so," I agreed.

"So four?" Jill said.

"Yep."

Four minutes after Viv's goal Jordan got one doubling our lead. One of Reading's players picked up a yellow, then a different one got a card in the first minute of stoppage time.

In the second minute of stoppage time, Beth got a goal and we all clapped and cheered again. 

We filed into the locker room at halftime and I half-listened to Joe's speech. Basically keep scoring, defense, all that good stuff. I was supposed to sub on late in the second half with around 20 minutes to play. 

Viv seems to have a thing for striking early, four minutes into the second half she had put one in the back of the net. 

It was quiet until the 76 minute when Daan scored with Katie assisting her. 

I was subbed on for Beth in the 78 minute and ran onto the pitch. The game was going well obviously and I didn't have to do as much defensive work.

 I got the ball and sent it to Daan in the 85 minute who crossed it to Viv. Viv scored her hattrick and I went to congratulate her.

"On a roll Viv!" I shouted.

Leah had the ball and was looking for someone to pass to. I was playing on the wing and saw I was onside so I called for it. She saw me open and sent a long ball. I settled it and took a shot. I watched as it curled into the upper corner and the keeper failed to get a grip on it. I had just scored my first goal with Arsenal making it 8-0. The girls came over to 'celebrate' and I smiled. The whistle blew shortly after and I shook hands with the Reading players before making my way over to Beth.

"Nice way to finish the game!" She said hugging me.

"Yeah, it was." I breathed out. I had taken a couple of elbows and one or two of them struck a bruise. I dismissed it for now and went around the stadium. 



After we were back home I locked my door and carefully pulled back the bandage on my ribcage. As soon as I did blood started running down my stomach.
"Shit." I grabbed the towel and wiped it up before putting the bandage back on. It would have been better if I wasn't playing until this all healed but that wasn't happening. 

"LONDON! YOU'RE EIGHTEEN RIGHT!" Daan yelled.

"YEAH WHY?" I shouted back letting my shirt drop. She knocked on my door and I opened it before laying down.

"We're going out with the team to celebrate your first goal!"

MERRY CHRISTMAS! To those that celebrate it hope you have a wonderful day! Even if you don't hope you have a wonderful day. Let me know any suggestions or comments. You all are amazing!!