Where It All Began
The team had finished training for the day and were given the rest of the time to relax. Most of the gals were hanging out with Cheney and Chups as it was the last day before their retirement game. It was certainly a bittersweet day in camp. Of course everyone was happy for them, but the gals could sense a change in the team. Losing Cheney especially was a major change.
Christen wanted to spend time with Cheney, but she had to check with the equipment manager to make sure that they had her new pair of boots. She had worn a hole in her old one. As Christen entered the equipment room, she saw all the kits laid out, ready for the game the next day. However, instead of finding the equipment manager, she found Tobin. The dark blonde girl was standing in front of one of the jerseys with her back to Christen. As Christen approached her, she saw that it was #12.
Everyone who knew about the USWNT knew about the New Kids. Tobin, A-Rod, and Cheney had been playing together since the U-20s. They did a pitch jump together before EVERY game. They were the holy trinity, the best friends anyone could ask for. What people didn't know was that, besides the New Kids, Christen was the closest to Lauren on the team. Cheney's retirement was almost as hard on her as it was on Tobin and A-Rod.
Christen walked up to Tobin and slipped her hand into the older girl's. Tobin turned to look at her, and Christen saw that he face was streaked with tears. It broke her heart to see a woman she cared about, the woman she loved, so hurt. Christen led Tobin to the couch, and they both sat down. Tobin quickly pulled Christen into a hug. No words were spoken, but both knew what the other was feeling. The moment was so tender and so beautiful that Christen could no longer contain herself. She placed her hand lightly under Tobin's chin and lifted her head up. Christen leaned over and softly pressed her lips to Tobin's. Three years of pent up tension were released in that kiss. When Christen pulled away, she was afraid to look at Tobin. She wasn't sure what she would see. But Christen was done hiding from her feelings. Glancing up, she saw Tobin sitting there with one of her signature goofy grins, and it only made her love the girl even more.
"Chris," Tobin breathed out. Her heart was racing, and she felt light headed.
"Tobs," Christen responded in a shaky voice.
"You don't know how long I've waited for you to do that." With that, Tobin pulled Christen back in. After a couple more minutes, they pulled apart, both breathing heavily. "Christen Annemarie Press, will you be my girlfriend?"
Press laughed at how cliché Tobin was. But she couldn't deny the midfielder, so she looked her in the eye and replied, "of course."
Tobin and Press walked together back to Cheney's room. By this time, everyone had cleared out. As the couple entered Lauren's room, Tobin grabbed Christen's hand. They stood like that in the doorway, waiting for Cheney to notice them. Finally, Tobin cleared her throat, and Cheney looked up from her book. But it wasn't until Christen looked pointedly down at their interlocked hands that Lauren realized why they were there. A smile broke out on her face, her insanely white teeth glinting in the light. Lauren was the only person on the team that knew about Tobin and Christen's secret love. She had endured many a night listening to one of the girls endlessly ranting about the other. To finally see two of her best friends together was one of the best retirement gifts Cheney could ask for. It felt as though all the loose ends were being tied up, and Cheney could leave knowing that everything was right in the world.