Chapter 33
A loud, shrill beeping cut through the quiet of the hotel room, breaking the peaceful cocoon they had built in the warmth of the sheets. Viv groaned, her face burying deeper into Beth’s shoulder as she blindly reached out toward the nightstand, lazily slapping at her phone until the alarm finally stopped.
Beth let out a sleepy hum, tightening her hold around Viv’s waist before she could even think about moving. “No,” Beth murmured against her hair, voice still thick with sleep. “Stay.”
Viv sighed, her breath warm against Beth’s collarbone. “I can’t,” she muttered, though she made no actual effort to get up.
Beth only pulled her in tighter, her fingers splaying lazily across Viv’s back. “Sure you can,” she mumbled. “Just ignore it. Call in sick. Say you pulled a muscle.”
Viv let out a soft, sleepy chuckle, shaking her head. “They would kill me.”
Beth hummed noncommittally, her grip still firm. “Worth it,” she whispered, pressing a sleepy kiss to Viv’s temple.
Viv sighed dramatically but made no move to leave just yet. Instead, she let herself sink into Beth’s warmth for a few more moments, enjoying the way Beth was still half-asleep but refusing to let her go.
Eventually, she shifted slightly, pressing a kiss to Beth’s bare shoulder. “I really have to go, love,” she murmured, softer this time.
Beth groaned, finally loosening her grip but still not happy about it. “Fine,” she muttered, rolling onto her back as Viv finally sat up, rubbing at her face.
Beth stayed where she was, watching with half-lidded eyes as Viv stood and stretched, her body still slow and sleepy. As Viv moved to grab her clothes from the floor, Beth propped herself up on an elbow, taking her in with a lazy sort of admiration.
She let her eyes wander, from the way Viv absently ran a hand through her messy hair to the way her muscles flexed slightly as she pulled on her shirt.
“When do you think we’ll see each other again?” Beth asked, her voice quieter now, less teasing.
Viv paused mid-button, glancing over her shoulder. Her expression softened as she met Beth’s gaze. “Maybe at the end of the tournament,” she said, finishing with her shirt before bending down to grab her socks. “Maybe before. Not sure.”
Beth sighed, flopping onto her back with a groan. “A month is so long,” she muttered, running a hand down her face.
Viv hesitated for only a second before stepping closer, nudging Beth’s arms away before leaning down and wrapping herself around her in a warm, lingering hug.
“I know,” Viv murmured, her lips pressing softly against Beth’s temple. “It’s too long.”
Beth sighed, arms wrapping instinctively around Viv’s waist, holding her there for just a little longer. She knew Viv had to go, but she wasn’t ready to let her just yet.
“Then don’t go,” Beth mumbled against Viv’s shoulder, only half joking.
Viv chuckled, pulling back just enough to press a lingering kiss to Beth’s lips before whispering, “I’ll make it up to you.”
Beth stood a few steps away from the door, arms crossed tightly over her chest, watching Viv hesitate. She wasn’t moving yet, just gripping the strap of her bag, shifting her weight slightly like she wasn’t quite ready to leave either.
“Well,” Viv murmured, forcing a small smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Guess I should go before Mark thinks I’ve disappeared.”
Beth let out a quiet huff of laughter, but she didn’t let go of Viv’s hand. Instead, she stepped closer, tugging her into a tight embrace. Viv melted into it instantly, her chin resting on Beth’s shoulder, her arms wrapping around her waist as though she could hold on long enough to make time slow down.
“I’m gonna miss you,” Beth whispered, voice raw and honest.
Viv let out a breath against Beth’s skin, squeezing her even tighter. “I’ll miss you too.”
They stayed there for a moment, wrapped up in the quiet of the morning, neither of them quite ready to let go. Eventually, Viv shifted slightly, pulling back just enough so she could look at Beth properly.
She hesitated for a second, as if she was gathering her thoughts, then let out a small breath, her lips twitching into something softer.
“You know,” she started, her voice quieter now, more thoughtful, “I really hope the Euros are everything you want them to be.” Her fingers trailed lightly over Beth’s wrist. “I know how much this tournament means to you. But what makes me really happy—” she paused, a genuine smile tugging at her lips, “—is that your family gets to be there. Your mom, especially.”
Beth blinked, caught slightly off guard by the shift in conversation. Viv gave her a small, knowing look.
“I know we don’t talk about it much,” Viv continued, her voice warm and sincere, “but I know how much you think about her. How much you want her to see this—see you. To be in the stands, watching you play at your best.”
Beth swallowed, suddenly feeling the weight of Viv’s words settle in her chest.
“And that’s what makes me happiest,” Viv murmured, her thumb brushing over Beth’s knuckles. “Not just that you get to have this tournament, but that you get all of this. The moments. The memories. That you’ll step onto the pitch and look up and see her there, watching you, seeing everything you’ve worked for.” She let out a soft breath, her smile turning a little fond. “That’s the kind of thing you remember forever.”
Beth felt a lump forming in her throat, her fingers tightening slightly around Viv’s waist.
Beth exhaled shakily, pressing her forehead against Viv’s shoulder as she tried to fight back the sudden emotion swelling in her chest. “You’re too good at this,” she mumbled, her voice thick.
Viv let out a soft chuckle, nudging her nose against Beth’s hair. “At what?”
Beth pulled back just enough to look at her, her lips twitching into the smallest smile. “At saying exactly what I need to hear.”
Viv grinned, shaking her head. “I just love you, that’s all.”
Beth’s heart squeezed at the simplicity of it, at the way Viv said it so easily, like it was the most natural thing in the world.
Without thinking, Beth pulled Viv in again, holding her as close as possible. “Thank you,” she murmured into her hair.
Viv sighed, tilting her head slightly as she squeezed Beth’s hand one last time. “I really need to go, lief,” she murmured, her voice soft but reluctant.
Beth held onto her for a second longer, her fingers curling tighter around Viv’s before finally nodding. She let out a small breath, trying to ignore the ache in her chest. “Please text me during the tournament,” she said quietly.
Viv gave her a small, knowing smile. “Of course,” she reassured her. “Every day.”
Beth bit her lip, then leaned in, pressing a lingering kiss to Viv’s lips—soft, slow, as if she could make it last just a little longer. When she pulled back, her fingers trailed down Viv’s wrist before finally letting go.
Viv smiled at her one last time before turning toward the door. Beth stood there, watching as she stepped into the hallway, her figure getting further away with every slow step.
She stayed frozen in place even after Viv was gone, staring at the empty space where she had just been. Finally, with a quiet sigh, she reached for the door, shutting it softly behind her.
As soon as it clicked closed, Beth let out a slow breath, her shoulders dropping. She ran a hand down her face, swallowing hard, but when she felt the dampness on her cheeks, she realized—she had been crying.
With a quiet sniff, she wiped at her eyes, shaking her head at herself. “God, you’re a mess,” she muttered under her breath, letting out a half-laugh, half-sob as she rubbed her face.
Beth’s tournament had been nothing short of incredible. England was flying, each match a statement, and Beth herself was in ridiculous form. The goals kept coming, her confidence was at an all-time high, and it felt like she was playing some of the best football of her career.
It should have been everything.
And yet, as she sat on her hotel bed, her free afternoon stretching ahead of her, she wasn’t thinking about the next game. She wasn’t watching her own goals back or reading articles about her performances.
She was thinking about Viv.
The Netherlands had been doing well too, steadily making their way through the tournament, but then—COVID. Viv had tested positive a few days ago and was now stuck in isolation, completely missing today’s match. And to make things even worse?
Today was her birthday.
Being sick and alone in a hotel room wasn’t exactly how anyone wanted to spend their birthday, and Beth hated knowing that Viv was locked away while the rest of her team played. Normally, Beth would have been out at a café, maybe taking a walk with some of the girls, soaking up a rare afternoon off.
But today, she had more important things to do.
She propped her phone against her pillow and hit FaceTime, waiting as the call rang.
It took a few moments, but finally, Viv’s tired face appeared on the screen.
Beth grinned immediately. “How’s my birthday girl?”
Viv groaned dramatically, her voice hoarse. “Absolutely miserable.” She flopped back against her pillows, bundled under her blankets. “This is the worst birthday I’ve ever had.”
Beth tilted her head, taking in the sight of her. To be completely fair, Viv looked rough. Her usually bright eyes were dull with exhaustion, her hair a mess, her cheeks flushed in that feverish way. She coughed into her elbow, and Beth could hear her slightly uneven breathing.
Beth frowned. “Jesus, Viv. You look awful.”
Viv rolled her eyes. “Wow. So sweet. Thanks for calling.”
Beth chuckled. “You know what I mean.” Her tone softened. “You still feel like crap?”
Viv sighed, pulling the blanket tighter around herself. “Yeah. I mean, the fever’s mostly gone, but my throat hurts, and my head feels like it weighs a hundred kilos. And I can’t breathe properly through my nose.”
Beth pouted. “You sure you should even be talking?”
Viv gave her a flat look. “Would you rather I sit here in silence while you entertain me?”
Beth smirked. “Honestly? That sounds kinda nice. You just sit there looking pretty, and I’ll do all the talking.”
Viv snorted, but it quickly turned into a cough. Beth winced at the sound.
“That bad?” she asked gently.
Viv exhaled, her voice raspier than usual. “I just hate not being able to do anything. I can’t train, I can’t be with the team, I can’t even go outside. I feel like I’m going crazy.”
Beth frowned, feeling a tug of sympathy in her chest. “I wish I was there with you.”
Viv sighed, resting her cheek against her pillow. “Me too.”
There was a beat of silence, the screen flickering slightly with the light from Viv’s dim hotel room. Beth watched her closely before shifting slightly.
“So… will you only play if you make it to the semi-final?”
Viv shook her head, coughing lightly before answering. “No. I’ll play next game.”
Beth’s frown deepened. “Viv.”
Viv avoided eye contact, glancing at the ceiling. “What?”
Beth arched an eyebrow. “Are you sure? Because, honestly, you don’t look ready to play in three days.”
Viv sighed heavily, rubbing at her forehead. “I don’t know, Beth,” she admitted, voice quieter now. “I need to.”
Beth softened, chewing on her lip. “Viv…”
Viv ran a hand through her already messy hair. “I just—I’ve already missed today. I can’t miss another game.”
Beth watched her for a moment, something in her chest tightening. She knew exactly how much football meant to Viv. How much it would kill her to sit on the sidelines, watching instead of playing. But at the same time…
“I just don’t want you to force yourself if you’re not ready,” Beth murmured.
Viv gave a small, dry chuckle. “I’m always ready.”
Beth huffed. “Mmm. You sound so convincing, all sick and coughing on your birthday.”
Viv rolled her eyes, but there was a small flicker of amusement in them now.
Beth sighed, deciding to change the subject. “I saw they threw you a little party.”
Viv’s expression softened. “Yeah. The girls left some stuff outside my door. Cake, some gifts. It was really sweet.”
Beth smiled. “I really wish I was there with you.”
Viv let out a breath, shifting slightly under her blanket. “Me too.”
Beth hesitated before adding, “And I wish you weren’t sick. I hate knowing you’re stuck there, feeling like this.”
Viv gave her a tired smile. “Well… at least I have you entertaining me.”
Beth smirked. “Oh, this is entertainment?”
Viv chuckled weakly. “You’re basically my only form of social interaction right now. I’ll take what I can get.”
Beth let out a mock-offended gasp. “Wow. That’s so romantic.”
Viv grinned, but her voice was softer when she said, “You know what I mean.”
Beth did.
They talked for a little while longer, the conversation light and easy despite the circumstances. Beth told her stories from England camp, Viv teased her about the media calling her the player of the tournament so far, and Beth tried not to worry about how exhausted Viv looked, how her breathing still sounded uneven.
Beth sat on the hotel couch, eyes glued to the TV, her fingers gripping the cushion beneath her. England had just secured their spot in the semifinals, and the atmosphere in camp had been buzzing with excitement and determination. Everyone was focused on the next game, on the opportunity ahead.
But tonight, Beth wasn’t thinking about England.
She was thinking about Viv.
The Netherlands were playing their quarterfinal, and while Beth should have been watching as a neutral, she couldn’t shake the unease in her stomach. Every time she had spoken to Viv over the last few days, she could hear it—her breathing still wasn’t right, her energy levels were low, and she sounded exhausted. Beth had assumed—hoped—that the Dutch medical team would be careful, that they wouldn’t risk playing her unless she was fully ready.
But then Viv had texted her before the game:
Starting today.
Beth had stared at the message in disbelief before quickly typing back:
What do you mean STARTING? You had COVID. bad one. You’re not even fully recovered.
Viv’s response had been short, almost dismissive:
I’m fine, Beth. I have to play.
Beth had tried to sound excited, had sent a good luck text, but honestly? She wasn’t excited. She was worried.
Now, as she sat in a common room with Leah, Lotte, Ellen, Keira, and Hemp, watching the game, she felt that worry intensify with every passing minute.
And now, watching Viv struggle on the pitch, that worry had only multiplied.
The Netherlands had been fighting hard, but France was dominant. And Viv?
Viv was not okay.
She wasn’t herself—not even close. She was slower to react, her movements sluggish in a way Beth had never seen before. Every time there was a break in play, Viv would immediately hunch over, hands on her knees, her chest rising and falling too fast. Trying to breathe.
It wasn’t just fatigue. Beth knew what Viv looked like when she was tired. This was different.
And yet, she was still on the pitch.
“They need to take her off before extra time,” Lotte muttered, shaking her head.
“Yeah,” Ellen agreed, crossing her arms. “She’s barely running at this point.”
Beth exhaled sharply, trying to keep her expression neutral. “Yeah,” she said, forcing her voice to stay even. “She looks exhausted.”
“More than exhausted,” Keira added. “She looks ill.”
Beth didn’t respond, jaw tightening as she stared at the screen.
But they didn’t take her off.
Extra time started, and Beth felt her frustration boil over.
Within minutes, Viv was already struggling to keep up. Beth watched in horror as, after another hard sprint, Viv just sat down in the middle of the pitch. Not from a foul. Not from a knock. She just sat, legs stretched out, leaning back on her hands, her face tilted up like she was trying to get air into her lungs.
Beth’s stomach twisted.
“What is she doing?” Lotte muttered.
“She can’t breathe,” Leah said immediately, leaning forward. “Look at her.”
Beth didn’t even realize how hard she was gripping her own knees until she felt her nails dig into her skin.
Some of Viv’s teammates turned toward her, looking concerned, but Viv just shook her head, pushing herself back up to her feet. Beth knew that look. It was I’m fine. It was Don’t take me off.
It was a lie.
“She’s gonna make herself worse,” Beth muttered under her breath, her heart pounding.
Leah turned to her. “Have you spoken to her much since she tested positive?”
Beth nodded, eyes still locked on the screen. “Yeah. She’s been exhausted. She still sounded sick yesterday.” She huffed, shaking her head. “I don’t know how they let her play.”
Extra time dragged on, and Beth was barely breathing herself at this point, her entire body tense. France kept pressing, and every time the ball went out of play, Viv immediately hunched over, coughing, trying desperately to catch her breath.
Then, it happened.
France scored.
The Netherlands’ tournament was over.
And while the rest of the Dutch players either collapsed in disappointment or stood frozen in heartbreak, Viv immediately dropped onto the pitch—this time, not just to sit.
She was coughing. Hard.
Her entire body shook with it, her hands planted on the grass as she hunched forward, struggling.
Beth’s stomach dropped.
The camera zoomed in, and it was bad. Viv’s face was pale beneath the stadium lights, her breaths coming out in uneven, heavy gasps. She looked more sick than sad, like her body had completely given up on her.
Beth’s jaw clenched so hard it hurt.
Finally—finally—members of the Dutch medical staff jogged over, crouching beside her. One placed a hand on her back, speaking to her, but Viv just shook her head weakly, still trying to steady her breathing.
“Oh, now they care?” Leah scoffed, throwing her hands up.
Beth didn’t say anything, but her whole body felt hot with frustration. Where the hell was this concern twenty minutes ago? Why had no one stopped her? Why had they let her push herself this far?
“They should’ve never let her start,” Ellen muttered.
Beth barely heard them. Her eyes stayed locked on the screen, watching as Viv slowly got to her feet with the help of the staff.
Beth felt like she couldn’t breathe either.
The camera cut away, switching to shots of celebrating French players, but Beth wasn’t watching anymore.
Beth had been staring at her phone for what felt like forever, her messages to Viv sitting unanswered.
Proud of you. I know that was brutal, but you gave everything. I hope you're okay. Please text me when you can, love. Seriously.
No answer.
Beth had forced herself to shower, hoping that maybe by the time she was done, Viv would’ve responded. But when she got out, towel-drying her hair, her phone was still stubbornly silent.
She paced a little, trying to shake the nervous energy running through her. She knew Viv probably wasn’t in the mood to talk, but still. Just a simple I’m okay would be enough. But silence? It was making Beth’s stomach twist.
She sighed, sat on her bed, and sent another text.
Viv, I know you probably don’t feel like talking, but I need to know you’re alright. Please.
Another ten minutes passed. Then fifteen. Then thirty.
Beth tried to keep herself busy—scrolling through her phone, pretending to watch something on TV—but nothing could distract her from the way her mind kept circling back to Viv, to the way she had looked at the end of the game, sitting on the pitch, coughing so hard she could barely hold herself up.
Finally, her phone buzzed.
Viv: I’ll call soon.
Beth let out a sharp breath, relief and frustration clashing inside her. Soon better mean soon.
It was almost another hour before the call actually came. Beth answered immediately, her irritation spiking—but then she frowned when she saw Viv’s surroundings.
She wasn’t in a hotel room. She was home.
Beth sat up straighter. “Wait—you’re home?”
Viv nodded tiredly, her hair still damp from a shower, a blanket wrapped around her shoulders as she curled up on her couch. “Yeah. I drove back.”
Beth blinked. “You drove? From Rotherham to London?”
Viv hummed, rubbing at her forehead. “Yeah. It wasn’t too bad. The staff checked on me before I left.”
Beth’s frown deepened. “But don’t you have to fly back with the team? Aren’t you supposed to go to the Netherlands with them?”
Viv sighed. “Normally, yeah. But I asked if I could go straight home instead. I told them I was too tired to do all the extra travel, and they said it was fine.”
Beth knew that was logical, but something about it still felt off. “So you’re just skipping the homecoming? No team flight?”
Viv hummed, rubbing at her temple. “Yeah. I told them I was too tired to do all the travel with everyone else, and they said it was fine.”
Trying to keep her voice light, Beth asked, “So, how are you feeling?”
Viv exhaled. “Tired.”
Beth wasn’t surprised, but something in Viv’s tone made her pause. Before she could say anything, Viv sighed again and murmured, “You can say it, you know.”
Beth blinked. “Say what?”
Viv let out a dry, humorless laugh. “That you were right. About me not playing. I shouldn’t have. I played awful. You were right.”
Beth’s stomach twisted, and before she could stop herself, the words snapped out of her mouth, sharp and angry.
“Oh, fuck off, Viv.”
Viv blinked, caught completely off guard.
Beth didn’t hold back. “You think I care if you played well or bad?” she snapped, voice shaking with frustration. “You think I was sitting here hoping you’d fuck up so I could be right? Do you really think that’s what this is about?”
Viv looked away slightly, but Beth wasn’t finished.
“I don’t care about being right,” Beth continued, her voice rising. “I care about the fact that I just spent 120 minutes watching you barely breathe, and no one did shit about it. I care about the fact that you looked like you were going to collapse, and they just let you keep going. I care about the fact that you’re here, sounding exhausted as hell, and you think I give a fuck about whether you played well or not?”
Viv was silent.
Too silent.
Beth immediately ran a hand over her face, sighing. “Shit. I’m sorry,” she muttered. “I didn’t mean to snap.”
Viv still hadn’t said anything.
Beth softened, her voice quieter now. “How are you really feeling?”
Finally, Viv breathed out, her voice quieter now. “It felt like I couldn’t keep up with my own body,” she admitted. “Like, my brain was telling me to move, but everything was slow, and my legs felt heavy. Every time I sprinted, I felt like I needed to stop and breathe, but I couldn’t, so I just kept pushing through.”
Beth felt sick hearing that.
Viv continued, her voice still distant. “And then, in the end… I don’t know. I felt guilty.”
Beth frowned. “Why?”
Viv tucked her chin against her hoodie, avoiding the camera slightly. “I wasn’t sad,” she murmured. “I mean, I was, but not as much as I should’ve been. I was mostly… relieved.”
Beth’s heart clenched.
“Relieved?” she echoed, softer now.
Viv nodded. “I felt like I could finally rest. Mentally, physically. Like I didn’t have to keep fighting through it anymore.”
Beth exhaled, pushing her hair back. Her first instinct was to say something about how wrong that was, how it shouldn’t have come to this. But Viv didn’t need that right now.
So instead, she took a deep breath and said, “Just rest. Please. And go to the doctor. You did too much effort.”
Viv blinked at her, like she hadn’t expected that response.
Beth let out a slow breath, watching Viv through the screen. She was curled up on her couch, looking absolutely wrecked, her hoodie swallowing her whole, the blanket still draped over her shoulders like she hadn’t had the energy to adjust it.
And yet, even after everything, Beth was proud of her.
She swallowed, then murmured, “You know, I am really proud of you.”
Viv blinked, as if she hadn’t expected that. “For what?”
Beth huffed softly. “For everything. For how much you care about your team, for how much you push yourself, even when you probably shouldn’t. You always give everything out there, Viv. It doesn’t matter if you’re sick, if you’re exhausted, if things aren’t perfect—you always push yourself for your team. And that’s not nothing.”
Viv was quiet for a moment, her fingers absentmindedly tugging at the edge of her hoodie. Then she exhaled, a small, tired smile tugging at her lips. “Thanks, lief,” she murmured, voice softer than before. “That means a lot.”
Beth softened. “It’s true.”
Viv hummed, the ghost of a smile still on her face, but she was clearly drained, her body slumping further into the couch. Beth wanted to keep talking, to keep her engaged, but she didn’t want to push either.
So she changed the subject.
“So,” Beth said, tilting her head. “What are you doing now?”
Viv sighed, stretching slightly under her blanket. “Nothing. Just lying here. Probably gonna stay like this for a while.”
Beth smirked. “Sounds thrilling.”
Viv hummed. “Absolutely.”
Beth hesitated for a second before adding, “Hey, I know we talked about you coming to see my games, but please don’t feel like you have to.” She bit her lip. “I mean it, Viv. You should rest. You just got out of a tournament, you’re still not feeling great, and—”
Viv cut her off immediately. “I’m going.”
Beth blinked. “Viv—”
“There’s no discussion on this,” Viv said firmly, shaking her head. “I want to be there. I just need to find tickets because everything’s probably sold out by now.”
Beth studied her closely. The determination in Viv’s voice was undeniable, but Beth still felt a bit uneasy.
“You really don’t have to push yourself,” Beth murmured. “I’ll understand if—”
“I’m going,” Viv repeated stubbornly. “End of discussion.”
Beth let out a small chuckle, shaking her head. “God, you’re stubborn.”
Viv smirked slightly. “You’re just realizing this now?”
Beth rolled her eyes but didn’t argue. Instead, she sighed. “How are you gonna get tickets, though? These games have been sold out for weeks.”
“I’ll figure it out,” Viv said, her voice still laced with exhaustion. “Maybe call someone at Arsenal and see if they can help.”
Beth shook her head. “You don’t have to do that.”
Viv raised an eyebrow. “How else am I supposed to get one?”
Beth smirked. “I can get you a ticket, you know.”
Viv scoffed. “What, you’ve got a stash of extra tickets lying around?”
Beth chuckled. “No, but I can get you one.” Then, her expression turned a little more hesitant. “The only thing is… you’d have to sit with my family. If you don’t mind that.”
Viv was quiet for a moment, her lips parting slightly, clearly taking that in.
Beth quickly added, “It’s okay if you don’t want to. I just—”
“No,” Viv interrupted, shaking her head. “That’s not—” She paused, then said, “I’d love to sit with them.”
Beth’s heart did something stupid in her chest.
“Yeah?” she asked, softer now.
Viv nodded. “Yeah.” Then she smirked slightly.
Viv kept her head down as she walked through the stadium, the brim of her cap pulled low. It wasn’t like she did’t want people to know she was here—it wasn’t a secret—but she was trying to avoid the obvious questions.
Questions about the Netherlands crashing out.
She wasn’t in the mood for any of them.
Still, a few people recognized her as she made her way toward the family and friends section. A couple of England fans stopped her, smiling, asking for quick photos, and she obliged—she wasn’t going to be rude—but she kept her interactions brief. She could feel the eyes on her, and the last thing she wanted was to get caught up in a conversation she couldn’t get out of.
After a few minutes, she finally spotted the section Beth had told her about.
Beth’s family.
She had met them before—had even had dinner with Beth’s mum once—but this was different. This was two hours of sitting with them, without Beth.
And for the first time in a long while, she felt nervous.
Beth’s mum, June, was the first to spot her.
“Oh, there she is!” June said brightly, standing up and immediately pulling Viv into a warm hug.
Viv barely had time to react before she was engulfed in the embrace. She chuckled softly, hugging her back, and when June finally pulled away, she gave Viv a once-over like she was checking if she was really okay.
“Good to see you,” June said, squeezing her arm.
“You too,” Viv replied, smiling, though the nerves hadn’t fully settled yet.
Beth’s dad was right behind June, greeting her with a friendly clap on the back. “Glad you made it,” he said, offering a warm smile.
“Of course,” Viv nodded, shifting slightly under the attention.
Beth’s brother and a couple of other family members greeted her with nods and smiles, and just as Viv was starting to feel slightly less awkward, June’s eyes landed on her outfit.
And immediately, she sighed.
Viv arched an eyebrow. “What?”
“No Beth Mead jersey?” June asked, crossing her arms.
Viv snorted, shaking her head. “Didn’t want to be accused of treason.”
June scoffed. “Treason? No one’s going to hold it against you, love. You do know which team you’re supporting today, right?”
Viv smirked. “I think so, yeah.”
June wasn’t letting it go. “You should be wearing that support.”
Viv chuckled, shaking her head. “I’m here, aren’t I?”
June wasn’t having it. “Not good enough.”
Viv rolled her eyes, but before she could respond, June’s expression shifted, suddenly more pointed.
“Well,” she said, folding her arms. “If England gets to the final, I expect to see you in one of Beth’s jerseys.”
Viv opened her mouth to argue, but June was looking at her like there was no room for discussion.
Viv exhaled, shaking her head. “Fine.”
June grinned, clearly satisfied.
Beth’s dad chuckled. “You didn’t stand a chance there.”
Viv huffed. “Yeah, I’m starting to see that.”
They settled into their seats, and Viv was just beginning to feel comfortable when June spoke again, her voice softer now.
“You know, Beth was worried about you after that France game,” she said, glancing at Viv with that same mum look Beth sometimes had.
Beth’s dad nodded. “Yeah, she really was. ”
Viv shifted slightly. “Yeah,” she admitted, clearing her throat. “Not ideal, let’s say that.”
June gave her a knowing look. “We all saw you there. You looked exhausted.”
Beth’s dad sighed. “I don’t know how they let you play for that long.”
Viv exhaled, offering a small, tired smile. “Yeah. Neither do I.”
June frowned slightly. “You’re feeling better now?”
Viv nodded. “I am. Still a bit drained, but nothing like before.” She smirked a little. “You sound like my parents and Beth.”
June laughed. “Well, that’s because we are parents. It’s in the job description to fuss.”
Beth’s dad grinned. “She gets it from her mum, don’t let her tell you otherwise.”
June shot him a look, and Viv laughed for the first time that evening, shaking her head. “Yeah, I’m starting to notice that.”
They talked for a little while longer, and Viv started to settle in. The nerves were still there, but Beth’s family was easy to be around. Even though she felt a bit out of place, they weren’t treating her like an outsider. If anything, they were pulling her into their world like she belonged there.
As warm-ups started, the energy in the stadium shifted. The crowd got louder, the anticipation building.
Beth jogged across the pitch, stretching her legs and rolling her shoulders as the team moved through warm-ups. The stadium was buzzing, filled with the hum of anticipation, but Beth’s mind wasn’t on the noise.
She had told herself she wouldn’t look—not right away, at least. That she’d wait until she was fully locked in, focused.
That resolve lasted about five minutes.
As she stood in a break between drills, she let her eyes wander up into the stands, scanning the crowd. It took her a second, but then—there.
Her family.
And Viv.
Beth felt something warm settle in her chest as she took them in. They weren’t just sitting together—they were talking, all of them engaged in some conversation, smiling, laughing.She watched as her mum said something, making Viv shake her head with a fond, exasperated smile. Her dad nudged her with an amused expression, and Viv—Viv—just grinned.
Beth bit her lip, shaking her head slightly, a small smile creeping onto her face. Of course Viv was already getting along with them.
She exhaled, the nerves she hadn’t even realized she was carrying dissolving just a little.
One of her teammates bumped her shoulder, pulling her back into focus.
Beth gave one last glance toward the stands, meeting Viv’s eyes just for a second, before rolling her shoulders and jogging back into position.
Beth had felt it before she even saw it—this was her moment.
The ball had come to her in the perfect position, her body moving on instinct as she struck it cleanly into the net. The roar of the crowd was deafening, her teammates immediately swarming her in celebration.
Beth grinned as she jogged back toward her half, her chest rising and falling with excitement.
Meanwhile, in the stands, Viv let out a quiet breath, a small smile creeping onto her face as she watched Beth celebrate. She didn’t cheer too much—she wasn’t about to start jumping up and down in an England crowd—but she couldn’t help the way her fist closed slightly, the flicker of pride she felt seeing Beth this happy.
It had been an easy win, England dominating from start to finish. But Viv didn’t care about the scoreline—what she loved most was watching Beth on the pitch, seeing the way her confidence radiated, how pleased she looked with herself as she stood with her teammates, knowing she had done it.
She was going to the final.
As the stadium slowly emptied, Viv stayed with Beth’s family, waiting. She could see Beth down on the pitch, still caught in the post-match buzz, taking everything in.
And then, finally, she started making her way over.
Viv watched as Beth first went to her family—hugging her mum tightly, then her dad, then her brother and his girlfriend. The joy was written all over her face, exhaustion and adrenaline mixing in the best way.
Then Beth turned to her, a playful smile tugging at her lips.
“Aren’t you hugging me?” she teased, tilting her head.
Viv rolled her eyes fondly but stepped forward, wrapping her arms around Beth. As she did, she whispered, “I’m really proud of you.”
Beth smirked as she pulled back slightly, her hands still resting on Viv’s arms. “Not even a little jealous?” she teased.
Viv huffed out a laugh. “Beth, I already have one Euros.”
Beth gasped, clutching her chest dramatically. “Wow. So humble.”
Then, suddenly, Ben smirked and turned to Beth. “By the way, Mum’s already bullied Viv into wearing your jersey for the final.”
Beth’s head snapped toward her mum, narrowing her eyes. “Mum.”
June just shrugged, completely unbothered. “It’s a good look for her.”
Beth groaned, turning back to Viv. “You don’t have to. I don’t want all of the Netherlands to hate you or something.”
Viv just laughed, shaking her head. “It’s okay, I will.”
Beth studied her for a second, then sighed. “Fine. But at least let me give you one of mine from the tournament so you don’t have to buy one.”
Viv nodded, clearly not minding. “Deal.”
Beth smirked. “I’ll give you the orange one so it’s closer to home.”
Viv rolled her eyes but smiled. “How considerate of you.”
Beth sighed, glancing over her shoulder as one of the staff members called her name, letting her know she had to head back inside soon. She wished she had more time, wished she could just stay in this moment a little longer, but she knew how this went.
She turned back to her family, smiling as she pulled her mum into another hug, then her dad, then Ben and his girlfriend.
“See you at the final,” she said, grinning.
And then her eyes landed on Viv.
For a second, she hesitated. Not because she didn’t want to say goodbye, but because there was something about this that still felt… surreal. That Viv was here, with her family, for her.
But she didn’t overthink it.
Instead, she stepped forward, wrapping her arms around Viv in a brief but warm hug.
And just before she pulled away, she pressed a quick peck to Viv’s cheek, her lips barely brushing against her skin.
Viv barely had time to react before Beth leaned in even closer, her voice so quiet it was barely above a whisper.
“Thank you so much for coming,” Beth murmured. “It means the world.”
She felt, more than saw, the way Viv tensed slightly, caught off guard.
And then, after a beat, Viv exhaled, her hands still resting lightly on Beth’s arms.
“Of course,” Viv murmured back.
Beth smiled softly, squeezing Viv’s arm before finally stepping away.
She turned toward the tunnel, giving one last glance over her shoulder before jogging off, disappearing back into the depths of the stadium.