Goal:

To say that the first time I walked into the changing rooms after Elliot and I's fight was awkward would be an understatement. I wasn't sure how everyone found out, but they did. And it seemed like everyone had an opinion about it, even people outside of the Academy. Everyone seemed to think I was in the wrong and I didn't understand why. Bridget simply told me it wasn't something she could explain until Elliot told me the full story. Which, in turn, didn't help me one bit bearing in mind I hadn't seen him since. As I walked into the changing rooms everyone stopped to look at me, the few that were in there, anyway. I sat in my regular seat, but as the room filled up the silence became more awkward and when Elliot finally walked in, he avoided even looking in my direction, and instead sat on the other side of the room, as far away from me as he could.

Even Coach noticed something was up.

"Right I don't know what's got you lot in a funk but its doing my nut in. Get yourselves together lads, come on!" Coach exclaimed and tapped a few of the team on the back. They all looked awkwardly over at Elliot before back at their feet.

I just didn't understand. Why was everyone else in a mood because Elliot was mad at me? It made absolutely no sense.

Coach continued but after a few minutes realised none of the team were listening and instead sent them out to do 20 laps of the pitch. I waited for everyone to leave but once they were gone Coach stopped me and sat me down. I could already tell what the conversation would be about, and I was dreading it. Once I finally got back to houses after our fight my face was red and blotchy, and I just wanted to be alone. So much to everyone else's disappointment I headed straight upstairs without any explanation, leaving them to question Elliot on what had happened. I had been a mess ever since. I had barely left my room, only for breakfast in which I avoided everyone possible by going at the earliest time. I even wore jogging bottoms to breakfast once.

That's how terrible I felt.

But I didn't know what to do about it. I couldn't sit and mope around forever, but I couldn't go out and hang out with the team or Bridgette as they were all friends with Elliot. I was right back where I started but feeling even lonelier. I had tried to make an effort tonight due to knowing I couldn't avoid everyone, and I would be seeing Elliot. But I could only muster putting on some jeans and a layer of mascara. I didn't even have it in me to put any concealer on or to fill in my eyebrows. And the saddest thing was, I didn't care. I just wanted to see Elliot. I wanted to explain myself better, to know why he was so mad when I told him the truth. I wanted to know why it upset him so much in the first place. But he wouldn't even look at me. And it was breaking my heart.

"Isla, I don't know what has happened and I don't need to, but, when it's affecting the whole team I am in the right to ask why everyone seems to be in a funk, even if its not the full answer." Coach began, I looked down at my feet and he lightly touched my elbow to get me to look up at him. He had a concerned expression on his face. "You don't look well, Isla. What's going on?" He asked and I tried to swallow the lump in my throat but couldn't. I opened my mouth to begin but tears welled in my eyes and Coach looked genuinely shocked. In the end I resorted to shrugging.

"I really don't know." I whispered, my voice cracking. I looked back down at my feet as a tear fell from my eyes and I was kicking myself for crying in front of Coach. I was a big girl, some boy shouldn't be making me cry.

"Oh Isla." He mumbled and put a comforting hand on my shoulder. "I overheard one of the boys saying Elliot was really upset and I did think he didn't look well either. Did something happen?" Coach asked and I sighed. I swallowed down my cries and nodded. But then I shook my head, confusing him even more.

"Yes. No. Kind of. We had an argument because he thought I said I liked Theo but I don't because I-" I cut myself off, shocked how easily I was going to spill to Coach how much I liked Elliot. Coach smirked and nodded.

"I know what you're trying to say." He said and I nodded in thanks. "And though I don't appreciate you ruining my team's mood, I do know that you didn't mean for any of this to happen. You guys will sort it out." He said reassuringly and I nodded.

"I hope so."

Coach began to leave but he turned around before he got to the door.

"Oh and Isla?" He asked and I looked over to him.

"Pack a suitcase, we're going on tour next week and I've just cleared for you to come with the school. You just need permission from your parents." He informed and my mouth dropped.

"Um. Okay. Where are we going?" I asked and he grinned at me.

"Spain. And it's going to be hot so pack some sunnies!"

/ / / /

I got back to my room ten minutes earlier than usual as Coach wanted me to call my parents to get permission to go with the boys on their football tour. It was random, but I did remember it being mentioned at the dinner Elliot took me to. I just didn't pay any attention.

I picked up my phone and scrolled through my contacts, stopping when I reached my Mother's name. I breathed in deeply and shut my eyes. I was not in a strong enough mental state to deal with her, but I had no choice. And although I would be with Elliot, it would be fun to go to Spain. I need a top up on my tan anyways. I pressed the contact and put it on speaker, holding my breath as it rang.

"Isla darling, is everything ok? Why are you calling?"

"Nice to hear from you too Mum." I muttered and she sighed.

"What have I told you, call me Mother." She ordered and I scrunched my face in annoyance. I never used to call her 'mother' it was only once she was married that the rule was set in place. It was 'rude' and 'common' to be called Mum by your children according to my Step-Father.

"Yes, I'm sorry."

"Anyways, is everything ok? I haven't heard from you in a while. Everyone's been asking how you've been getting on and I've had to lie and say you've been doing well." Mother said, her voice tinged with annoyance. I rolled my eyes and tried not to get annoyed at her tone. She was the one that complained that I called her too often and asked that in future I waited for her to call me. But she never did.

"Yes everything's fine. I've been picked to write match reports for the football academy for 50% of my coursew-"

"Yes, yes darling that's lovely. Is that all you called for as I've-"

"No that wasn't it. Can you please phone the school and tell them you give me permission to go on the trip I've been asked to attend please?" I asked. I was frustrated and offended. She did not care one bit about my life. Only the juicy things that she can brag about to her friends.

"Yes of course darling I'll do that now so I best go. Sending my love. Mwah."

Then the line went dead.