Connections

5

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Charlotte's POV.

A few weeks hectic weeks have passed since my trip to the CFA.

I've been back around the team, watching a few games and taking some of the girls to watch too, and it's just been really nice to immerse myself back in the swing of things. I've got to know the newer players, catch up with my older friends and re-introduce myself to the facility and the staff.

Tonight though, I've come down to Newport for the Lionesses World Cup qualifier against the Welsh.

It's an especially big game for the Wales girls, as a win means a top of the table finish and qualification for their first ever World Cup in a long time, but if they lose, they face a wait to see if they make the play offs while England would qualify for the tournament.

Steph got some extra tickets for me and Macie, her being captain and all, but unfortunately my best friend's not very well and is watching from home instead.

Kick off is only a few minutes away and I'm quite anxious, not particularly for the game, no I'm chilled about that, but the tickets are in the family section and I since only really know Steph and Jill's families and I can't see them; it's a tad weird.

It's not helped by the fact Lucy Bronze's mum, sister, brother and sister-in-law are here and sat almost in front of me.

See, before her and Keira got together, Lucy and I had a bit of a thing going on.

We didn't really name our "relationship" if you like, we were just close friends whose feelings perhaps spilled over into something else, but we ended things on good terms and Keira came into Lucy's life at the right time. I have no hard feelings towards either of them, Kei is one of my closest friends and I think they suit each other perfectly, but tonight's going to be a little bit weird after not seeing Lucy in such a long time.

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The first half was extremely frustrating for the Lionesses, especially since Nikita had an effort in front of the England fans called for offside; after she celebrated too.

Mind you, Wales haven't been easy to break down and for a time I haven't watched very much, I'm impressed. Their biggest star, Jess Fishlock, is clearly a big hit with the fans, as are the likes of captain Sophie Ingle, Kayleigh Green and Tash Harding.

Tash was a good mate of mine when she was at City and she's probably one of the funniest people I know, which is why I was sad when she left under such difficult circumstances after only a short time with us.

It's sad really but... "Charlotte?".

Someone's voice brings me back to reality and I focus on the face of Tash's girlfriend, Emily.

"Hi! How lovely to see you! Sorry for not being with it, I was just reminiscing on Tash's time at City" I smile, hugging her back, "it's great to see you and glad to see you're doing so well with those teams of yours" she replies, stepping back.

"It's been a while since you watched her, isn't it?".

I nod sadly, "yeah, I've been busy and haven't really had time to catch up with anyone. I've only just got back in touch the City lot because my younger girls are a sister club" I explain.

"Also helps having dad there, of course. How are you doing?" I ask, "I'm ok. Tough one to take being dropped two tiers and losing a manager but we couldn't provide what a Championship license needed. I've still got being a PT to focus on though".

"You better get back, they'll be out soon" Emily adds, "also, if you ever want to meet up, here's my number. I won't tell Tash cause if they lose she'll be upset and not in the mood for me to say I saw you. If you ever want to make a surprise visit; you know where to look".

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Full time.

3-0 to England, meaning they qualify for the 2019 tournament and Wales are left with possibility of a play-off place, but it's looking unlikely.

Slowly but surely, the team makes their way over to their families and I try to avoid any interaction with girls, but I end up giving a discreet little wave to Kei and a thumbs up to Jill before they make their way to celebrate with the fans.

I head out of the stand and go back to my hotel, checking my social media, which is mostly and not surprisingly full of Lionesses content.

I send Macie a text to let her know the score in case she's asleep, text Emily with my number and send a quick round of congratulations to the City girls, to which Steph replies almost immediately. It'd odd given she should be celebrating or doing media duties, however I'm probably lucky not to get a call and be deafened by the off key and out of tune singing; it reads:

Thank you! Lovely to see you in the stands, your support doesn't go unnoticed even if you don't say hello! Mum texted me to say she was disappointed you didn't speak to them x

To Cap:
Saw your mum only to smile at, was a bit busy trying to get out at the end! Saw Kei and Jill only to wave at though. What were Millie and Rach doing? Running around with the flag like a bunch of loons, they looked bonkers! Feel sad for Tash though x

From Cap:
Rach and Millie are nutters! They've started some sort of Yorkshire or Northerners club or someit since Rach has been at more camps. Me too and even though I might not say it in the press, the fact the likes of Jess and Tash won't get to a World Cup is heart-breaking.

I'll let you go now and get some sleep. Have a safe trip back x

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