Just Keep Loving

Chapter 6: Call-Ups

Hallie's POV
2015

We just finished our scrimmage to end the training session, my team won 3-1.

After our 2-1 loss to Seattle Reign last week we're trying everything we can to be better and keep our heads up.

We go against them again in the semifinal playoffs on the 13th.

I love spending time with Ali, Ash, Crystal, Hayley & Kelsey since I'm closest to them on the team.

As I enter the changing rooms deep in conversation with Hayley, my phone rings.

I leave it until Hayley goes "Don't you think you should answer that?"

"It'll probably be some scam call." I respond.

"Check."

Unknown

"Told you so."

" My scam calls come up with a number, so I'm not sure its just a scam call."

"Do you know something I don't Raso?" I question playfully.

"Just answer it before it goes to voicemail." Hayley orders.

I reluctantly pick up the phone and put it on speaker.

"Hi this is Jill Ellis we'd like to invite you to our next camp which starts in 2 days."

"Sorry but no thank you." I quickly hang up.

"What the hell, Hallie?" Hayley questions disappointed.

"I can't deal with National team camp right now."

"How many times has she tried to call you?" Hayley asks.

"3 and Tom tried once, Pia tried a few times as well." I mumble.

"Why don't you accept?" Hayley says as the rest of the team walks in.

"I don't want to talk about it right now."

"What are you guys talking about?" Ali asks.

"Doesn't matter." I mumble.

"Hallie here has been called up for multiple USWNT camps but has never accepted." Hayley exposes.

"Are you serious right now?" I say as I walk out and head to the team bus.

I take a moment to think about the past 5 years of my life.

I'm broken from my thoughts when Ash walks on the bus, so I stare out the window and play some music through my AirPods.

I feel someone sit down next to me and immediately know its Ali from her scent. She leans her head on my shoulder.

"You don't have to tell me, just know I'm here." Ali whispers.

"Thank you." I whisper back.

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I hug the girls as they are about to leave for National camp.

"Good luck!" I call out.

I head back to my room as their car goes down the street.

I begin to pack my bags to make the long flight back to England for a week. And then Spain the following week.

I haven't spoken to Lucy often and I'm worried I've let her slip away.

Although, she hasn't been on my mind much lately, football has.

I need to show my dedication to this team.