Battle of The Keepers
~June 30th, 2015~
(continued from CH5 Family Part 2)
Carli saw her best friend hurry off, she knowingly followed her line of sight. (Shit.) She stayed close behind ready to intervene. Seeing Hope focused on getting to Ashlyn, Ashlyn focused on getting to Ali, and Ali headed for Hope. (You've got to be kidding me.)
She watches as Ali throws herself into Hopes arms, she laughs at the fact that the defender has no idea that the two keepers are in a stare to the death at the moment. Carli grabs Kelley and HAO, "What ever happens keep Ali back," they look at her like she's crazy. She sees Ali let go and Hope approach a statuesque Ashlyn, so she points to the two keepers. "Now go!"
It registers to the Irish soul sisters, "oh shit" the say in unison and rush after Ali.
Once KO and HAO reach Ali, the field around them grows quite as everyone notices the keepers stand off.
-
Carli gets closer when she sees Ashlyn take a step forward (Fuck) her eyes go wide when she hears the exchange.
"Stay away from my girlfriend Solo" Ashlyn takes a step back and Carli lets out a breath.
She hears Hope scoff, "she's not your girlfriend anymore Harris" (Seriously! Fucking Solo!)
Ashlyn stops, her eyes shoot up to Hope's, a wave of hurt and rage over take her. "I see she wasted no time in filling that position." she spits out.
Hope shakes her head and can't help but laugh, "You're jealous?..... seriously Harris,"
Ashlyn nods and grits her teeth, "Some friend you turned out to be"
It's taking every inch of control not the knock some sense into Ashlyn right now. "You're a fucking idiot Ashlyn."
The younger Keeper takes a step towards the veteran. Hope, not one to back down, takes a step as well. They are toe to toe, jaws clenched, eyes searing, hands in a fist.
"Don’t be stupid Harris, If you still love her walk away." Hope says as calmly as she can. Knowing Ali is still in love with the keeper, she doesn't want to get into a fight with her, but by God she will kick Ashlyn’s ass if she gets the chance.
Something about the way Hope said it sets Ashlyn off and she pushes her with all her rage, "Fuck you Solo!" causing Hope to stager backwards but not fall.
Instantly there's barricade of teammates around Hope that consist of Cap, Becky, Lauren, Alyssa, Abby, Tobin, and Carli, they want to stop their keeper from retaliating and protect her at the same time.
Ashlyn is blinded by her rage, her breathing is heavy, eye's are dark. This has only happened once before, a moment she is not proud of, a moment she pushed into the deepest corner of her memory.
Whitney saw her best friends posture, along with the look in her eyes, knowing she has to stop what is about to happen. She steps in front of Ashlyn, "Walk away" she says making eye contact with the keeper. If she's being honest, she's scared as fuck, but she wont let it show. Whit was one track minded on not let anyone get hurt, Ashlyn included.
The voice of her fellow Tarheel, her best friend, breaks through Ashlyn's fog. Just like it did last time. Ashlyn steps back as the realization of what could have happened hits her. She covers her mouth with her hand, swallows the lump in her throat, drops her hand " Whit...I- I-" she whispers.
Looking over her shoulder, Whit notices Kling and Moe standing just behind her. She's repeats herself softly to her best friend, "Walk away Harris. Before something happens that we'll all regret."
She looks back at Ashlyn, who has tears in her eyes, watching as the blonde nods and drops her head, "I'm sorry..." Ash whispers as she walks away.
-
Ali was too far away to hear what the two keepers were talking about. With Kelley and Heather holding her back she couldn’t get any closer, and she was pissed. She didn’t want anyone to get into a fight on her behalf, she just wanted to go back to her hotel and get some sleep.
When she saw Ashlyn and Hope toe to toe, she held her breath (Don't be stupid guys). Ali looked at Ashlyn and saw her whole demeanor change, the look on Ashlyn's face sent a chill of fear through out her body. (I've never seen her like that) She flinched when she heard Ash scream 'fuck you Solo' and push Hope back. Before the brunette knew what was happening, she was surrounded by A-Rod, Syd, Pinoe, and Alex.
Looking over she saw Hope also had a wall around her, with Boxxy, Lori, JJ, and Press standing between the two groups. She saw Whit step in front of Ashlyn, Kling to the right of her, being held back slightly by Moe. (if I wasn't freaking out right now, the sight of those two would be adorable.)
She watched silently as Ashlyn's features changed to fear and guilt at what ever Whitney just said. As Ashlyn walked away Ali couldn’t help but feel for the blonde, but she quickly shook those feelings away.
The tension slowly let up and everyone made their way to the locker room. Kling walked with Whit, she knew the defender was at war with herself on protecting her team and her best Friend, "You did the right thing Whit." But Whitney didn’t say anything she just shakes her head and keeps walking.
Abby and Cap decided that that they would be the ones to take interviews. They strategically dodged the questions about the altercation, sticking to soccer talk and excusing themselves professionally back to their team mates.
The locker room is almost as quite as it was before the game started, everyone still trying to process what just happened. Once everyone was showered and changed they head to the bus, signing a few autographs for the fans along the way.
With everyone seated, the bus departures for the hotel. That's when Jill stands up, "What the HELL was that?!" The team looks up surprised and confused. She picks up her phone, "It's already made headlines 'BATTLE OF THE KEEPERS' oh look at this one 'USWNT Take on Former Teammate Ashlyn Harris After Game Ends' What the bloody hell were you thinking Solo!? Doing that on the pitch, in front of the media and more importantly the Fans! This is not the publicity we need going into the Final!"
"Coach-" Carli tried defending their actions, but Jill cut her off.
"No! No excuses. I get that we are all still upset with Ashlyn, but for the love of God that was uncalled for. " Hope kept her head down, surprising every one by not arguing with Jill. "Almost starting a fight on the pitch is unacceptable. I have half a mind to bench you Solo. U.S. soccer is already considering suspending you for unprofessional behavior."
Ali heard enough, she stands up and yells, "COACH!" Jill stops talking and looks at Ali surprised. "I get you're pissed but with all due respect-"
Hope cuts her off, "Ali don’t, she's right."
Not having any, Ali looks back at Hope "No she's not.." She looks back at Jill and continues, "You are not going to single out a member of this family in front of everyone. Want to talk about unprofessional behavior? Either chew us out as a team or chew us out individually in private. But I refuse to sit here and listen to you criticize Hope for trying to protect me." Ali took a breath, "I mean what would you prefer, Hope talking to Ashlyn and getting pushed OR me slapping Ashlyn or even punching her? Cause honestly that's what would have happened if she approached me." the bus was silent, " So actually'" she turns to the keeper. "thank you Hope, you saved me from having assault charges against me." With that Ali sat down, Hope just shook her head at the defender and chuckled.
Jill didn't know how to respond to the brunette, she knew she was in the wrong for blowing up like she did, but she didn’t know what to do. The team just won against German and instead of the win being praised, journalist spread the confrontation like wild fire.
"You're right Krieger... And I'm truly sorry Hope. This story is being blown up and all your guys hard work is being over looked because of it. I am so proud you ladies, and it just kills me that you are not getting the praises you rightfully deserve. You showed the world what this family can do, stuck together and protected each other. We'll figure out the media situation later, and I'll fight against U.S. Soccer and FIFA if necessary to not suspend anyone." There wasn't much else Jill could say so she sat down. the rest of the ride was quite. Everyone thinking of the hell-of-a-day they just had.
For some, though, it was far from over.
--------
Hope had told Ali, once they got back to the hotel, what she had said to Ashlyn. She Thanked Ali for stick up for her with Jill, but also apologized for being an instigator.
"Hope really it's fine, I couldn't be mad at you. I'm glad you said something, since she has the nerve to call me her girlfriend still. I can't believe her." Ali shakes her head. "The audacity "
They hear a knock on the door, Kelley gets up to check it. She opens the door to find a semi nervous looking Jill, "hey Coach... uh come in." She steps aside, but Jill stay outside, "Actually I just need to speak to Hope real quick."
Hearing her name, Hope gets up and goes to the door, nodding for Kelley to go sit back down with HAO and Ali, she steps out of the room and looks at the British woman. "What's up Coach?" She asks unsure of the look on Jill's face.
"Coach Neid contacted me," Jill pauses to read Hope's reactions, "Ashlyn requested to talk. She wants to personally apologize to you." She sees the slight clench of the keepers jaw, "You can decline, I'm leaving it up to you, but I am not leaving you two alone in a room."
Hope chuckles, "Understandable...." She thinks for a second, "Yeah. When?"
"They are in the conference room 3 right now."
"Ok just let me tell the girls" Hope replied and the coach nods, "I'll wait for you by the elevator"
The keeper goes back into the room, and tells the trio. At first Kelley and Ali don't want her to go, knowing good and well that if either keeper says the wrong thing to the other, some one will end up with a blood on their knuckles.
Hope reassures both of them that she wouldn't put herself in a position to get suspended again. Saying that U.S. Soccer would definitely have her kicked off the team, and they would want to hear that she was civil in settling things.
They relented, but before Hope walked to the door, Kelley warned the veteran that if she gets in any trouble she's not getting any for a month. Making Ali and HOA bust out in laughter at a wide eyed Hope Solo.
Having yet to celebrate her girlfriends first international goal, the keeper huffs out a 'fine' and exits the room.
---
Right of the bat, Hope knows that Ashlyn's apology was forced, she's known the blonde long enough. From making direct eye contact, to the slight tilt in her head, she reads the signs, it's not a genuine apology, but she just plays along to satisfy the coaches.
Once everything was said, Hope and Jill stand up, walking to the door, Hope stops and turns to Jill. She has the most convincing look on her face, turning to the German coach as well.
“Can you guys gives us a minute” Hope asked the two coaches. Watching as they share a look, “please” she insists.
Ashlyn has yet to move from her seat, coach Neid stands and walks towards the door, Jill turns to her #1 goalkeeper and nods.
"Thank You"
As soon as the door closes Hope locks it.
The younger keeper's head shoots up when she heard the lock engage, “What are you doing?” She questions.
The stoic keeper turns to Ashlyn and crosses her arms, signature glare, and walks to the table. Ashlyn returns the glare, balling her hands into fist under the table.
Hope places her hands on the table, gripping the edge, leaning forward, "You're full of it." The blonde doesn't move a muscle, "Now that they are gone. Say what you really want to say to me Harris."
"I have nothing to say to you" Ashlyn replies and it pisses of Hope that she sounds hurt. Like some how Hope betrayed her.
Hope scoffs, "Bullshit." She pushes off the table, throwing her hands in the air, "But what ever Ash, play the victim. Cause that's differently going to get you Ali back."
Ashlyn jumps out of her chair, causing it to fall backwards and slams her fist on the table, "DON'T YOU DARE- I TRUSTED YOU! And you just stab me in the back! "
"I stabbed you in the back? Oh that's rich Harris-"
"Don't stand there and pretend like you don't know what I'm talking about! I came to you when I needed advice involving her. You were like a sister to me!" She looks Hope dead in the eye's " I seen the way she was looking at you after the game," Hope furrows her brows, as Ash continues, " all the twitter and Instagram post, how you guys have magically become roommates since I left."
During the younger keepers rant, It sinks in, Hope suddenly realizes how it could look to anyone on the outside, how the relationship she's built with Ali could be easily misconstrued.
Noting the 'oh shit' expression on Hope's face, Ashlyn stands up straight and puts her hands on her chest, "I'm not a fucking Idiot Solo!"
"We're not dat -"
"DON'T YOU FUCKING LIE TO ME!" Ash leans forward as she yells.
Hope slams her hands on the table now, "YOU LEFT HER!" She screams at the keeper, " You weren't there Ashlyn! You didn't literally have to pick her up off the ground, when she found out you were gone!" The blonde stands straight up again. "You didn't see her call your phone for two weeks straight! Crying herself to sleep every night, a piece of her crumble every time YOU didn't answer! I was trying to keep her alive-"
"and you just swooped right in... her knight in shinning armor." Ashlyn spews out. "You know, I stood up for you. I told Kelley she should give you another chance, boy was I wrong" Hope glares at the blonde, knowing she struck a nerve Ashlyn continues, "You never deserved her and you sure as hell don't deserve Ali"
Hope was losing her will power and patience with the blonde, she dropped her head and let out and exhausted sigh. When she looked back up Ashlyn had her arms crossed, staring Hope down, giving her a run for her money in the bitch face department.
Any other time before anyone who spoke like that to Hope Solo, would have been on the floor bleeding already, but Hope was a different person now.
The brunette shook her head at her former team mate, this was not how she wanted this conversation to playout, she had wanted to use tough love to get through to Ashlyn. But with The younger keeper so set on the idea that her and Ali were together, there was no reaching her. Her plan backfired.
"You know what? Fuck it."
Ashlyn clenched her jaw, she was sure the keeper was going to admit that her and Ali were dating, but she knew she wasn’t ready to hear it.
She saw Hope push herself off the table and turn to walk away. "Don't you turn your back on me Solo!" She demanded.
Hope stopped, she took in a deep breath, turned her head to look over her shoulder at her former team mate. Looking Ashlyn up and down, she faced forward and continued to walk to the door, leaving Ashlyn to yell after her, "SOLO!"
With out another word, Hope walked out of the room, she felt defeated, she really wanted to make things right between her and Ashlyn, for the sake of Ali. ( Fuck Ashlyn why do you have to be so thick headed)
-----
Ashlyn was furious. She felt that Hope was just playing games with her, she wasn't stupid, she saw the signs. Hope was always her room mate when they went to camps after January, she saw the proof all over the internet. Ali hadn't posted anything in 3 months, then she posted about a storm and tagging Hope in it.
Ashlyn remembered that day vividly.
The blonde had just finished a three a day with the Germany National team, since they opted out of the Algarve cup to prepare for the World Cup.
Since she had turned off her service and disabled iMessages, she kept her phone at homeonly using wifi. She had been keeping tabs on her friends, after she saw that Ali hadn't updated. Using every form of social media to get details about the defender. Something was always posted with or about Ali, but never from her.
She grabbed her phone from the bed side table, and that’s when she saw the Twitter notifications.
{@akrieger: I used to love the sound of the rain, now it's just noise keeping me awake. March 8th, 20152:43am}
The first one hurt, the blonde recalled all the memories her and Ali had in the rain. From the time she picked up the defender at the airport, to a week before camp when they were in FL and suddenly got rained on. Ali always said she loved the sound of the rain, and now she said she hated it.
Ashlyn couldn't help but feel like it was meant for her. That she was the rain that Ali hated, the rain that was keeping her up at night. She felt the ache deep in her soul, some how willing herself to look at the other notification.
{@akrieger: @hopesolo “the storm will pass” you were right, thanks roomie <3. 7:28am}
The first one hurt, but the second one... the second one wounded her. Thoughts of her defender and the veteran keeper penetrated her mind, like being stabbed over and over again. In a way that's not meant to kill you, but make you suffer, slowly, painfully, and consistently.
She clicked on Hope's name, leading her to look at a few post the keeper had made since January.
{ @hopesolo: "She stood in the storm, and when the wind did not blow her away, she adjusted her sails."- E. Edwards March 8th , 2015 6:49am
@hopesolo: "Sometimes you have to break down, before you can build yourself up again" March 4th , 2015 11:27pm
@hopesolo: I know I'll look back on these days and laugh, because these are the random memories that make you smile, no matter what's going on in your life. Look forward to making more. February 10th , 2015 1:52 am
@hopesolo: " I will be a heart that will love you at your worst and arms that will hold you at your weakest." January 20th , 2015 11:54pm }
The blonde threw her phone, shattering the screen, she lost Ali.
Ashlyn had known that January 20th was the last day of the camp. After hearing Hope say she pick up Ali and was there for her, the younger keeper knew the tweets were all about the defender. Her suspicions were confirmed but Hope didn’t have the guts to admit it. ( What a coward!)
In all her frustration, she flips over the nearest table. "You done?" a familiar voice echoes through the room. Ashlyn freezes, blood rushing from her face, like she just saw a ghost,. She hadn't heard the door open and nor did she expect to hear the voice of her former teammate.
"well?" The voice asks, Ashlyn exhales and swallows the lump in her throat before she turns around to face her.
"How did you know-" Ashlyn starts but her voice fades, tears threatening to escape, she has yet to look the person in the eyes.
"Hope said you were going to apologize. Personally, I wanted to hear what you had to say too ... "
The blonde closes her eyes, "I'm sorry... " she whispers out as she opens them, looking into the eyes that she would often seek refuge in.
"Yeah, you've said that already... I want to know why Ashlyn."
Ashlyn shakes her head, "I can't.." Letting a few tears go, not wiping them away.
"...You, can't …" she replies with hurt in her voice.
"You wouldn't understand" Ash says.
"then explain it to me!"
Ashlyn cringes as her former teammate raises her voice, watching as she runs her hand through her hair in attempt to calm herself down. Ash knows she doesn't raise her voice very often,
"Help me understand Ash" she says calmly.
A sad smile comes to Ashlyn's face when she hears the nickname she hadn't me called in months, "I was scared Whit," her voice cracks, more tears make their way down her cheeks, and sobs beginning to shake her body.
Whitney closes the distance and wraps her best friend in her arms. She's still hurt, she still wants her explanation, but right now her sister is broken, right now Whitney is going to hold Ashlyn until she's ready.
"I don’t deserve your friendship"
"No, you don't." Whit chuckles, before she gets serious again, "but you're my sister remember, and we made a promise to have each others backs. No matter what stupid things we get ourselves into."
"I don't expect you to forgive me, but for what it's worth, I'm so sorry for you hurting you."
"Oh trust me you're not forgive just yet, but that doesn't mean I'm not going to be here for you."
Ashlyn nods her head in understanding, she really didn’t think Whitney or anyone for that matter would seek her out. She knows she owes her best friend an explanation, she owes the whole team one.
"She hates me, doesn't she?"
Whit knew it was a matter of seconds before Ash brought up Ali, she tightens her grip around the blonde. "She doesn't hate you Ash."
"You know what today is?" She cokes out.
"Yeah … I know"
---------
Heather laid on her back in the hotel room she shared with Ali, the tv on low an episode of Grey's Anatomy on. Heather laid their awake, waiting until she could hear the soft snore of the defender.
After a few minutes, she heard the low sniffles coming from the brunettes bed.
She got up and made her way to Ali. When she got to the bed she gently turned the right back, opening her arms to her.
Ali welcomed the embrace, burying her face into HAO's shoulder, letting her tears fall.
"To- Today-" Ali's voice kept breaking.
"I know sweetie, I know" HAO reassured her, She remembered how excited Ali had been a year ago to go on the official first date.
"if you would have told me that day, that a year later, I would be crying cause she broke my heart. I would have thought you had gone mad."
It was quite enough for them to hear the scene on the tv unfold, "you didn't love her. Because you don't destroy the person that you love!"
Not knowing what to say, HAO squeezes Ali closer as the defender cries harder than she has in weeks.