The chill of November hit my skin as I stepped out onto the pitch at Wembley. England versus the U.S. Women's National Team—a friendly match, but one with all the intensity of a major tournament. My breath fogs in the crisp air, and as I glanced around at the roaring crowd, I felt the familiar buzz of adrenaline pulsing through me.

Today's game has been tough. The U.S. team never takes it easy, and with players like Alex Morgan, Lindsey Horan, and Kristie Mewis on the pitch, it's all grit and focus. I'd been chasing the ball, giving it everything, but something felt... off. Not in my performance, but in my mind. It had been like this ever since the FA Cup final. Ever since that kiss with Caitlin.

The media hadn't let up. "Elena and Caitlin!" It was all over Twitter, tabloids, and Instagram—people talking, speculating, sharing photos of us together. I thought I'd be able to ignore it, push it to the side and focus on football. But the constant attention was harder to tune out than I thought.

I shake off the thoughts, focusing on the game. Kristie came charging at me, but I managed to get a pass off to Leah before she could close me down. She shot me a quick smile, and I nodded back.

The game ended in a hard-fought 1-1 draw. Both teams gave it their all, but it wasn't the result anyone was hoping for. As the final whistle blew, we exchanged handshakes and hugs, and I felt a sense of relief wash over me. At least for now, I could breathe.

Or so I thought.

I was about to head off the pitch when I felt someone grab my arm gently. I turned to see Kristie standing there, a soft smile on her face.

"Elena, the media wants a quick interview with us. You okay with that?"

I blink, unsure how to respond. Interviews I can handle, but I know what's coming. The questions won't be about the game. They'll be about Caitlin. About us.

"Uh, sure," I mutter, trying to sound casual.

Kristie nods and leads me over to the sidelines, where the cameras are already set up. The reporter smiles at us, microphone in hand, and the lights feel far too bright.

Kristie starts the interview, answering questions about the match, about the U.S. team's strategy, and I stand beside her, nodding along. But I know my turn is coming. I can feel the knot tightening in my stomach.

And then, the inevitable happens.

"Elena, you've been in the spotlight recently, not just for your incredible performances but also for your relationship with Caitlin Foord. The kiss after the FA Cup final—it's all anyone's talking about. Care to comment on that?"

I freeze. My heart starts racing, and the noise of the crowd cheering behind me feels deafening. The fans are still chanting, the lights from the cameras glaring in my eyes, and it's like the world around me starts to spin.

I open my mouth to say something—anything—but the words don't come. Instead, it feels like the walls are closing in. The noise, the pressure, the weight of it all, it's too much.

"Elena?" the reporter prompts, sensing my hesitation.

I can hear the crowd shouting, see people in the stands waving, but all I can focus on is the heat rising in my chest, the panic setting in. I'm not used to this. I'm not used to my personal life being out in the open like this, and I don't know how to handle it.

Just as I feel like I'm about to lose it, I feel a hand on my shoulder.

Kristie.

She steps in, smoothly taking control of the interview. "You know, I think Elena's been incredible on and off the pitch, and what she does in her personal life is her business. She's got a lot of people supporting her, including her teammates, and that's what matters. Right, Elena?" she says, her tone calm and reassuring.

I nod, grateful for the lifeline she's thrown me. Kristie keeps talking, steering the conversation back to football, and the pressure in my chest eases just a little.

The interview ends quickly after that, and as soon as the cameras are off, Kristie turns to me, her expression full of concern.

"You okay?" she asks, her voice quiet now that the crowd has begun to disperse.

I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself. "Yeah. Thanks for stepping in."

Kristie gives me a knowing look. "It's tough, I get it. Just remember you don't owe anyone an explanation about your life. You and Caitlin... you don't have to let them make it a spectacle."

I nod, but it still feels heavy. The pressure. The scrutiny. I just want things to go back to normal, whatever that means now.

"Caitlin's lucky to have you," Kristie adds, giving me a small smile.

I blush, a little embarrassed. "I don't know about that."

Kristie chuckles. "I do. You guys are going to be okay."

I give her a grateful smile, and for the first time since the kiss, I feel a little lighter. Maybe she's right. Maybe Caitlin and I can figure this out.

But for now, I just want to breathe. Away from the cameras. Away from the noise.

And maybe, just maybe, find some peace in all of this chaos.