WOSO Imagines

Lovers to Rivals (Bethany England)

I can't stop the tears anymore. "Why didn't you tell me you were feeling like that, my love? I would've supported you."

She scoffs. "And that's exactly why I couldn't. I didn't want to drag you into it. You're thriving at Chelsea right now and I didn't want them using you to try and convince me to stay, or worse, punish you for my decisions."

"Did you talk to Emma about all this? I'm sure you could work something out," I suggest, grabbing her hand.

She shakes her head, smiling sadly. "I tried. She stands by her decisions, and I can't blame her. They don't need me, not when they have Sam and Guro and–"

"Me."

"Evangeline, you know that's not–"

"No. I know you don't mean it maliciously, but it's not true! We need you; I need you. There has to be another option."

She finally looks me in the eyes. "You're not losing me. I may be leaving the club, but I'm not leaving you. I love you, Evan."

I wipe my tears away and try to smile at her. "I'm sorry, this is just a lot right now."

She kisses the back of my hand. "I know. I should've told you sooner. I didn't want to bombard you with all of this, I just didn't know how to go about it."

"I understand that, I do. I just need time."

"How about I clean up dinner and you take Buddy for a walk, clear your head a bit, and if you're feeling up to it, we can talk about all of it when you get back?"

I lean across the table and kiss her, needing in this moment to know she was still here, she was still mine. As soon as my lips are on hers, I feel a sense of clarity and calm, as well as giddiness. Even after two years together, every kiss feels like the first.

She deepens the kiss as if she knows I could use the extra reassurance. It's purely a love-fueled kiss and I savor every second of it before I pull away.

"Okay." I squeeze her hand before getting up to grab Buddy's leash. "Alright, bubba, shall we go on a walk? Let mummy do all the tidying up?" He barks. "I'll take that as a yes."

I throw on my coat and head out into the London streets. The air is sharp, whipping at my hair and face. UK winters can be bitter, and I am dying for a Spanish vacation, but that would have to wait until after the international break. I hope I can convince Caroline to let us stay at hers in Madrid for a week. Erin wants me to go to Ibiza with some of our other Scottish teammates, but I want a more intimate getaway; just me and Beth. Plus, I could do without the extra teasing about my lack of a Scottish accent, as if it was my fault I grew up in Kingston and not Edinburgh.

I decide I need to vent to someone other than Beth about her decision, someone who would understand my thoughts and feelings. So, I call Jess. She picks up almost immediately like she was expecting my call.

"She told you." It isn't a question.

"Am I a terrible partner for not seeing this coming? Was I so wrapped up in my own bliss that I didn't notice the one person I care the most about was struggling? Am I that selfish?" I pride myself on being attuned to Beth's emotions, to being able to read her better than anyone else. How did I miss how unhappy she was at Chelsea?

"No, Evan, you're not terrible or selfish. She didn't let anyone know. You know her, she places our happiness above everything. I'm sure she just didn't want you to worry, at least not until everything was sorted."

"Did she tell you?"

Jess stays silent.

I sigh. "Well, I'm glad she's had someone in her corner through all of this. Do you know where she's going?"