Always and Forever

twenty one

Six minutes later, Jenni scored. 2-0 before the half hour mark. This time i celebrated but not disrespectfully. When Jenni scored i ran and jumped at her. Just like the first game, i celebrated my teammates goals more than mines.

The game quietened down. It was all us. Manu, once again was proving to be vital for the Arsenal. Time and time again, she kept them in the game, after a long 45 minutes of trying to get past her, Alexia scored. She scored on the brink of half time, sealing all three points for us and qualification. I was running forward with the ball when Steph forced me out wide, i was going to cross the ball in towards Jenni but i changed my mind when i seen Alexia on the edge of the box unmarked so i passed it to her feet, low and hard. Without taking a second touch Alexia sliced through the ball, firing it past Manu and into the top left corner of the goal.
Alexia ran to the right and so did Jenni, i ran and jumped on Alexia's back, celebrating with the girls.

"Well. It's pretty much all over here. Barcelona look set to be going through after a fine finish by the worlds best in Alexia Putellas"

"Give her space like that on the edge of the box and there will only be one outcome. Brilliant finish, even better player"

Half time came and it was 3-0 to us.

*******
The second half wasn't as exciting as the first. Manu was planning brilliantly and it took us until the 75th minute to add to our lead. Jenni, with the double. It was 4-0.

The game wasn't really interesting until the 90th minute. Jana had been subbed on in the 64th minute for Mata and she was playing really well. The 90th minute came and Arsenal had their first corner of the game. Nothing, thankfully came from it as Leah headed the ball over the goal. We were in no rush to restart play but as Paños was collecting the ball, Leah pushed out on Jana. I had seen this and ran over. I pushed Leah back.

"Leah! Back off, Yeah!"

"Protecting your new teammates?"

"Like you said. Teammates are family. Now back off!"

"Or what?"

"Last time Leah. Back off!"
Leah pushed me and i pushed her back.

"You've changed!"

"Yeah because you would notice. Fucking back off!"

Before anything escalated and anymore words were exchanged, the ref ran over. Mapi death stared Leah while she pulled me away from the situation. I was standing with Mapi and Jana while the ref spoke to Leah.

"Thanks"
Jana said as she hugged me.

"Anytime kid. Family, yeah?"
I ruffled her hair.

"Of course. The youngsters rule!"

"Do you two ever shut up! You okay?"

"No, Mapi, we don't and yeah, i'm fine"

"You looked like you wanted to scream in her face and just let everything out"
I laughed a little.

"I did. Believe me, i did"

"what stopped you?"

"You guys. This is a good night. No need to spoil it on the pitch during the match"

"On the pitch? So you're going to shout at her after?"

"Never say never"
I said as i walked away smirking at Mapi.

The ref blew her whistle a few moment later. I hugged my Arsenal teammates, all but Leah, Jordan and Viv. Before Jordan spotted me, i approached Viv and hugged her.

"Good game"
I said.

"Yeah. Fine form you're on, eh?"

"Yeah. Not bad"
I shrugged.

"You okay?"

"why wouldn't i be?"

"i've not seen you in person in a week, only a week and i know you're hurting. Trust me, i know. I've argued with Leah a lot this week because i know your heart better than anyone and i know that you're hurting, a lot"
I hugged Viv even tighter. I didn't say anything as i didn't want to cry. But, she's right. I'm hurting. Of course i am.

"I'll always look out for you wether you're here or in Spain. The distance doesn't bother me. I don't love you any less"
I laughed as i knew she was having a go at Leah, saying that.

"Hope so"

"I love you"

"I love you too, Vivianne"

"That's enough, yeah?"
Viv ruffled my already messed up hair.

"See you again soon, yeah?"

"Of course. Next time in Spain on a holiday?"

"I'll be in contact soon"
I smiled and hugged Viv who kissed my head before walking away.

I was about to walk down the tunnel but i was pulled aside by Jordan....

To be continued...