if i could talk i'd tell you (leah williamson)

There was a storm starting to brew, and Maya could feel it.

Mid October was when Maya did that interview for BBC Radio One. It took some time to arrange it all, because the musicians needed time to learn the song. She ended up singing a lesbian version of My Man from Funny Girl.

Now she started every game on the bench. Though she was playing when Beth made her comeback, which was nice. But she wasn't on the starting 11 anymore. Rare were the times when Maya stood in the tunnel, waiting to come in. So, she started to appreciate those times even more. 

But she could feel it, starting to slip away from her fingers, and there was nothing she could do about it.

Luckly, she still got called up for camp and was subbed in on the first game against Belgium, assisting and helping the lionesses to win the match 1-0. 

It was in early November when Maya started to figure it out. They really weren't going to renew her contract. Her agents tried, but there was no interest.

The girls started noticing it too and found it weird. Only Leah knew the whole story, since Maya didn't want to distract the girls. But they were worried.

The lack of confidence in her future, the lack of confidence she felt from Jonas: it started to affect her. She didn't have as much energy, and she hated that she was just giving him a reason to bench her.

Maya still played great, all her clever attitudes on the pitch were still there. But her fire? Rare were the times people could see it in her eyes, but also rare were the opportunities she had to showcase it.

On the 5th of November, Maya was sitting on the bench at Meadow Park, between Beth and Jen, as Arsenal led the game 1-0 against City, with an early goal from Steph, which was lovely to see.

Maya also loved to see Lotte getting more minutes and the recognition she truly deserves.

The first half ended 1-0.

Around the 55th minute, Jonas told Lina to join Stina, Frida and Beth in the warm-up. Then Frida and Beth came in for Vic and Cloé, and not long before that, Lina walked over to Jonas and had a quick chat with him.

He had an understanding look on his face, and when Lina walked away, he gave her one of those encouraging shoves. Before Maya could role her eyes, he told her to warm-up. She got up, before asking Lina what was wrong, to which she replied she felt a niggle on her knee.

Jonas wasn't planning on playing Maya, clearly. But they needed fresh legs since the game was being so aggressive, and a lot of players had gotten yellow cards.

She smiled, happy to play, and quickly warmed up. Taking off her sub vest, Jonas told her what she was supposed to do. She heard him and nodded along.

As she waited by the sideline to come in, she kept glancing at Jonas. Strange man. But she understood something now. He resented Maya. He blamed her for the Champions League loss. She could tell he did.

70th minute, Santos 16 in. 1-0.

It didn't start the best way. It was Maya's third touch on the ball, and she made a mistake. She passed the ball to a City player, and they moved fast, and speed isn't one of her greatest strengths, and the defenders weren't ready, so Chloe Kelly ended up scoring.

Maya was disappointed. She brushed her hand against her forehead, sighing. Lotte gave her a pat in the back, trying to comfort her. So did Beth and Lessi, It's okay Maya.

But Jonas was screaming by the sidelines. He was mad, but he became furious when Maya didn't even look at him. She ignored him because she knew he'd say nothing with value.