THE PLAYERS SERIES : S.M. {book 2}

XIX

"It is a true burst of thunder that struck Barcelona Femeni just a day before their Champions League 2022-23 debut: five players are on their way out! Forwards Geyse Ferreira, Salma Parralluelo and Bruna all announced they would leave the club effect immediately, while midfielder Patri and defender Marta Torrejón also announced their departure - Patri is seeking for more playing time, while Torrejón wants to retire. This is an unprecedented blow for this Barça side, so sacked in talents..."

Starting XI

Paños

Batlle - Paredes - Leòn - Bronze

Walsh - Mewis

Aitana - Alexia - Rolfö

Graham

Subs: Jana, Crnogorcevic, Engen, Pina, Mariona, Oshoala

"Well done, Mewis - your first full-squad start" a voice says behind me.

Jumping a little, I just turn around and see Caroline walk toward me, as chill as she always is, before she pats my shoulder and smirks. By her side, Ingrid and Irene were also staring at me with bright smiles on their faces.

The second captain then adds:

"You deserve it."

"Thank you" I say, uneasy.

"I can't believe five players left just before Champions League season" Ingrid lets out, thoughtful.

As we start walking toward the cafeteria, Irene concedes:

"It was long overdue: with all the quality new signings, there wasn't enough room for everyone. It's sad, but it's true."

"I bet they'll sign one or two new players, tho" Ingrid says, nodding her head at what Irene just said, "we barely have any subs in defense."

"Agreed."

When we enter the dining room, we realize some of the girls already are there, looking up at us as soon as we get in. I sit down at a table with Lucy, Aitana, Mapi, Ingrid and Frido and start eating my healthy lunch.

Frowning, I read the text I just received from Kristie:

Kratch {12h34}: hey, dumbhead. I am sorry for how badly I reacted yesterday. I was scared you wouldn't talk to me about important stuff anymore, and that I was failing my job as a big sister. But you were right, it wasn't my place to expose you, let alone to tell you about your own feelings. I am not going to apologize anytime soon, so savor this moment. Love you - your annoying big sis.

Relieved, I just let a loud sigh out, before cracking a big smile: fighting with my sister was literally the worst thing in the world, and although it doesn't happen quite often, each time it occurs it kind of breaks my heart and prevents me from functioning for a few days.

Lucy, who had looked from the corner of her eyes, just smiles at me, before giving me a pat on the shoulder - is it shoulder pat day or what? - quite content Kristie and I made up as soon as she landed in the U.S.

As of right now, I really needed to focus on the game ahead of us tomorrow.

***

FT: Barcelona 3-2 Zürich (1rst leg) - goals from Alexia (34'), Rolfö (57') & Graham (89')