Monica drove her way to a bar situated in the heart of Sydney, the atmosphere of the bar as she entered charged her with the joy it radiated. The bar was adorned with Australian flags, and a sense of national pride filled the air.
Sam was first to see Monica walk through the door only just having arrived herself.
"Sam!" Monica exclaimed, her voice filled with joy as she gave Sam a tight hug. "Congratulations on the win! You guys played amazing out there."
Sam's face lit up as she returned the hug. "Thanks, Monica! That was actually one of the best games I have played in a long time."
Monica laughed. "That's incredible, Sam! I knew you'd come through. Your team did great."
"Well maybe you are just my lucky charm." Sam told her with a smirk. Sam's eyes then drifted to Monica's attire, and she raised an eyebrow. "Monica, why are you wearing Ellie's jersey? I thought you were Team Sam all the way."
Monica blushed slightly, her fingers tugging at the fabric of the jersey. "Well, Ellie lent it to me as a good luck charm, you know? And it worked! So, I thought..."
Sam interrupted her with a warm smile. "That's a bit cute, but if you're going to wear a jersey, it should be mine. How about I'll get you tickets to our next game and you wear my jersey."
Monica couldn't help but feel touched by Sam's words. "You've got yourself a deal Sammy. I'll wear your jersey for the next game, and we'll make it another win."
Sam leaned in, giving Monica a soft peck on the cheek. "That's my girl. I can't wait for you to wear my jersey, Monica Reyes." Their eyes locked, and in that moment, the bar's celebration faded into the background as they shared a connection that went beyond soccer victories. After what felt like a lifetime Sam turned to leave only stopping to send the blonde girl a wink over her shoulder before once again moving to go talk to Caitlin.
Monica's brain was running at a million kilometres a second, Sam had called her "My girl", kissed her on the cheek and winked at her. What the actual fuck? Snapping out of her thoughts, Monica moved to scan the room.
"Ellie!" Monica exclaimed as she spotted her best friend. Monica rushed over, and they shared an enthusiastic hug.
"Mona!" Ellie grinned, her face flushed with the excitement of the game. "You wouldn't believe the adrenaline rush out there."
Monica beamed with pride. "You were amazing out there, Elles."
Ellie's eyes sparkled with gratitude. "Thanks, Monica. It means the world to have you here cheering us on."
As the night continued, Monica found herself in a lively conversation with Kyra and Charli. They were chatting about the match's pivotal moments and their plans for the upcoming games.
"You know, Monica," Kyra began, her eyes shining with determination, "We couldn't have done it without your support. We listen to your music everyday at training and before games, you can thank Sammy for that one."
"Yeah she was so insistent that you would be on our playlist after we met you, she went full fan girl on us." Charli told the girl whilst laughing at the memory
Monica felt a warm rush of gratitude. "Wait really? A feature on the mighty Matildas team playlist is not something I even thought about. I'll make sure to thank he for that one." Monica really didn't know how to respond to that one, Sam Kerr, a fan girl to Monica? Not bloody likely, or so Monica thought.
Kyra chimed in, "And speaking of inspiration, I heard from a little fan girl that you've got a new album. Trying to get a few more songs on the playlist Mona?" She asked cheekily.
"Oh you know me, getting in wherever I can." Monica laughed out with the two soccer stars. The conversation flowed seamlessly as Monica caught up with each teammate, sharing laughter and memories.
As the night wore on, the celebration grew more spirited. Whilst Monica was mid convo with Cortnee the DJ played Monica's song; Cate's brother, and the team dragged her to the dance floor. Monica laughed as the girls danced around her swimming her around yelling out the lyrics like second nature. She hadn't even played this song on tour and they knew every single lyric, must be a "Matildas Playlist" addition.
Amid the music and dancing, Monica couldn't help but feel a deep sense of belonging. These moments of celebration were what life was all about. She was surrounded by friends who were not only passionate about their sport but also about supporting each other in every endeavour.
As the night continued to unfold, the celebratory atmosphere in the pub remained electric. The Matildas and Monica reveled in their shared victory, dancing, laughing, and recounting their favorite moments from the match. Soon, it was time for Sam to make a toast to the team.
With a glass of champagne in hand, Sam stood at the center of the gathering, her eyes scanning the room as she cleared her throat. The room fell silent, and all eyes turned to her. Sam's presence commanded attention, not just as the captain but as a symbol of strength and unity for the team.
"Tonight, we celebrate more than just a win," Sam began, her voice steady but filled with passion. "We celebrate the unbreakable bond that holds this team together. We are more than just players; we are a family. We fight together, we dream together, and we win together."
Monica watched Sam with admiration, her heart swelling with pride for her partner and for the entire team. The dimly lit pub seemed to hang on Sam's every word.
"To the Matildas!" Sam raised her glass high, and the team followed suit, their glasses clinking together in a harmonious chorus of celebration.
But Sam wasn't done. She continued, "And to a great rest of the World Cup! We've shown the world what we're made of tonight, and we'll carry this spirit with us all the way. Let's make history and inspire generation to come as the family we are!"
The pub erupted in cheers, and Monica could see the determination in her friends' eyes. They were ready to take on the world, and with Sam's leadership, they felt invincible.
After the toast, the celebration resumed in full swing. The team and Monica danced, sang, and shared stories late into the night, their spirits lifted by the promise of a remarkable journey ahead. It was a night filled with laughter, camaraderie, and dreams of achieving greatness on the world stage.
When the night grew too old the team collectively decided to wrap up their celebrations so they can all make a full recovery ahead of upcoming training and games. Monica went around to each and every one of the girls regardless of if they played or not offering her congratulations and good luck for the next few weeks. Monica had really grown close with each and everyone of these girls, they were a second family to her.
Sam was the last person other than Ellie for Monica to say goodbye too. As she caught the eye of the captain she swiftly made her way over to say her goodbye and good luck as she did the rest of the girls.
"Sam, that was an incredible win tonight," Monica said with a bright smile, her words carrying an undercurrent of admiration.
Sam's eyes sparkled with gratitude. "Thanks, Monica. Having you here with us made it even more special."
Monica leaned in closer, her voice barely above a whisper. "I promise to wear your jersey in the stands, cheering for the Matildas."
Sam's heart skipped a beat, Monica actually meant it. She nodded, her expression filled with genuine warmth. "That would mean the world to me, Monica."
They shared a long-lasting hug, their bodies pressed close in a moment of unspoken connection. Their eyes locked, conveying a silent promise of future encounters.
After the tender moment with Sam, Monica turned to her best friend, Ellie, who had been watching their interaction with an amused glint in her eye.
Ellie raised an eyebrow playfully. "Monica, are you and Sam planning to start a fan club for each other?"
Monica chuckled, feeling a light blush rise to her cheeks. "Oh, come on, Ellie. It's just a friendly gesture."
Ellie smirked, clearly not buying Monica's attempt to downplay the connection. "Friendly, huh? I've known you long enough to recognize that look in your eyes."
Monica rolled her eyes and lightly nudged Ellie. "You're reading too much into it, Ellie. We're just friends."
Ellie winked at Monica. "Sure, just friends who hug like they're saying goodbye for a long time."
"Yep, they sure do. Love ya hun, you played amazingly." Monica wrapped her best friend into a tight hug.
"Love you too babes, thanks for coming you know how much I appreciate it." Ellie returned the hug before they split up to head to their cars being the last people there.
"I'll be at your next one!" Mona shouted across the car park before getting into her car.
"You better be bitch." Ellie blew a kiss before getting into her car which Monica returned.
Liked by Matildas, Samanthakerr20, Elliecarpenterr, Stephcatley, Kyracooneyx & others
Monica.Reyes: Congrats to my fav people, also can we just take a moment to appreciate my amazing iPhone photography skills 😂 Matildas
Samanthakerr20: New good luck charm?
---Monica.Reyes: Maybe 👀
Elliecarpenterr: No more singing, only photography 🙅♀️
---Monica.Reyes: Yes 👍
Emilyvanegmond10: Captured me in all my glory Mona 😘
---Monica.Reyes: ofc bb 💋
---Monica.Reyes: All part of my new professional job
Word Count: 1740
This took a bit to think of but oh well 🤷♀️
Also if you haven't noticed already I'm just making up the game as I go for the most part, I can't be fucked any more looking up the timeline, also Sam isn't injured in this book cause its ok to be delulu if you read and write on Wattpad.
-Jade 😘