Starting lineup : Jenkinson ; Johnston, O'Hara, Marovic, Sonnett ; Heath (c), Brian, Horan, S. Mewis ; Leroux, Riley

___________________

"Be aware!"

Julie ran back to her position. The game was already in the 56th minute, and the US scored in the 34th minute, thanks to a wonderful set up by Moe and an even better finish by the 18-year-old Lena.

But they all knew nothing was over yet. They really wanted to win the group, and were playing the best they could. Kelley was back on the field, so the back line was already feeling better. Mark chose not to play Allie, in order to make her rest. He already had the next game in sight : it was a crucial game.

Mark used his three subs in the 78th minute. Tobin left her spot to Kealia, while Julie and Lindsey were subbed out for Cari and Kristie. It was a pretty weird line up, but it seemed to work out. When Sam dispossessed a player from her midfield spot, she patiently dribbled past several defenders, before giving Syd a perfect ball, that the dark-haired sent in the back of the net.

Once they finished their brief celebration, Kelley - who was wearing the captain armband - looked over at Saskia and Jenko, who both looked very focused.

"They're coming at us guys" she warned them, before making a weird sign at Sonnett.

The blonde nodded.

Of course she had seen the forward running past the two Mewis and then Cari, who even slipped and fell on the ground. As she was ready to take a shot, Saskia blocked the ball with her body. The ball landed on Moe's feet, as she was running toward the goal.

At that very moment, she lifted her head and saw that dead space. She was just running past the half way line. She then remembered Carli's words to her the day they won the Word Cup : 'you see kiddo, one day you'll score a goal like this. I know it : when I look at you, I see a very gifted player. Just, grab your chance Moe. Take that shot when it is offered to you.'. Moe didn't hesitate anymore. She shot that ball the only way she could.

She then only heard the cheers, and saw the ball hitting the back of the net perfectly. Moe turned around and ran straight at Cari, who was yelling in excitement. She then jumped on her, but the defender couldn't hold her, so they fell on the ground. It was the first time they'd been that close - hugs not included - and Moe caught herself liking it a little bit too much.

Jenko, who wasn't far away, couldn't help it.

"Get a room !" she said, rolling her eyes.

Just thirty seconds before stoppage time, Jenko came up with a beautiful save, and then the final whistle blew. They had done it. With that 3-0 victory against England, they were on the first place of the group.

The girls headed back to the locker room, as the blonde goalkeeper just caught eyes with Mal. The dark-haired was waiting for her to finally come. They were alone in the doorway, so Jenko allowed herself to smile.

Once Mal was at the same height that she was, Jenko smiled at her.

"Hey"

Mal didn't even talk. She just wrapped her arms around the keeper's neck, and hurried her face on her hair. Jenko immediately hugged back, making sure no one was watching.

She then giggled.

"Hey" Mal finally let out, before pulling away a bit. She knew she couldn't kiss Jenko right now. But she didn't want to change their position. She really enjoyed the feeling of Jenko's hands on her hips. She then bit her lips. "Nice save."

"Thanks"

The two girls then headed to the locker room.

The TV was on.

The announcers were talking about the games that were played just before or during the US's game. And the results were here. The US had to play the second position in Group D, which actually was Japan since they lost against Canada.

Totally panicked, and willing to clear her thoughts, she decided to take a little walk before going to bed. She found a calm spot and looked at the sea right in front of her. Tomorrow, they'd leave Marseilles to go to Lyon. Lindsey was familiar with this city, thanks to her time in PSG.

She felt an arm touching hers. Her body immediately reacted in a very unique way : thus she knew it was Sonnett.

"Hi" the blonde shyly said. "I'm here in peace. I just want to-"

"Why did you kiss me that day ?" Lindsey asked, her eyes locked on the water.

The defender frowned. "What day ?" Noticing that she wouldn't get any answer, she just figured out a response and added : "It was a peck. And... I don't know. It felt right in the moment."

"Mmh"

Sonnett hated it when Lindsey was ignoring her, or barely answering her. So she decided to ask that important question she had in mind.

"Do you regret it ? I mean, having sex for the first time with me ? " she calmly asked, trying to look chill and stuff.

"I don't regret anything about that night" Lindsey said, really honest. "Do you ?"

"Yeah." Lindsey seemed disappointed with her answer. The defender bit her lips, suddenly feeling nauseous. Tell her, Sonnett. Otherwise you'll regret it. She signed. "I regret my behavior the next morning. And I would've wanted you to have your first time with a better person, in a better place. I'm sorry."

The forward began to laugh softly. She then looked at Sonnett. "Nah. You don't get it : that night was perfect because I spent it with you, Em."

"But-"

"I am deeply, desperately in love with you, Sonnett. And have been for a while now."

That was the first time Sonnett was caught off guard. Her heart started racing, as her body was feeling its inside burning. She loves me. Lindsey freaking Horan loved me. With that realization, the defender suddenly felt the urge to do something.

She looked up at Lindsey, who was intensively looking at her, analyzing every detail of her face and reactions. Emily smiled.

"Shit"

Lindsey frowned.

"Shit ?" she asked, confused.

"We weren't supposed to fall for each other, Horan. That's wasn't part of the deal" Sonnett sighed, nervously playing with her fingers.

"It never is part of the deal" Lindsey said, putting Emily's hair back behind her ear.

"Linds-" she tried to warn the brunette.

"Don't worry, I won't kiss you or something." the forward said, rolling her eyes. "Now is the time when you go somewhere else so I don't jump on you again."

"I want you to jump on me"

Emily's words escaped her mouth without her even noticing.

"Sonnett, we can't-"

"I will leave" the defender assured her. "But there's something you need to know first."

Lindsey raised her eyebrow. As much as the blonde wanted to kiss her and make sweet love with her, she just took her hand.

She then took a deep breath, and said for the first time in her life :

"I am in love with you too, Lindsey."