When I Met You

Part One: C8 On The Job.

The next morning I woke up early. Early being 7 am. Couldn't have done it without the help of my alarm of course. I got out of my bed and went tot the bathroom to brush my teeth and shower.

After showering I put on my purple Nike jersey tank with tight fit pants also from Nike. I also grabbed a light jacket and put it on. It was really early and to be honest, eventhough this was south, it was still pretty cold in the mornings. I put on some waterproof mascara and tied my hair in a ponytail. I also grabbed my phone and laptop. After that I headed to the grounds out back.

It was still semi-dark outside as the sun was still on the verge of rising. I kept walking until I reached the fields. It was very peaceful here. All I heard was the sound of balls tapping on the cleated foots of the players. It was very tranquil in a way...

I saw the players on the field, coach, some men standing with him-probably assistant coaches-and the medic team. I walked over to them and waved hello.

"Good morning Adriana." Coach said. "This is Carlos, Andrews and José. They all help coach along side myself."

"Hello. It's a pleasure to meet you." I said giving a weak smile. Who could blame me? It was to early to smile with force. I put my hand out and shook hands with all 3 of them.

"Adriana, we have heard quite a bit about your educational endevours." Coach Andrews said.

"Yes, very impressed." Coach Carlos said.

"You certainly are a talented woman. We hope you the best." Coach José said.

I nodded and smiled. God, I wasn't even that impressive.

Coach Scolari blew the whistle and the boys came running in. I noticed that joia was also among them. That's weird, wait what was it he does again?

He looked at me and looked very nervous or uncomfortable. I don't know how to describe it.

"Alright boys. First things first, welcome back. I hope you're ready to train hard because that cup is ours sim?" He said. They all eagerly nodded. "Next, I'm sure many of you may already have met her but this is Adriana Scott and she is here to work with our medic team to get all you monkeys better at your game." He said teasingly. I gave a light wave. The guys took it well and laughed it off. "Alright then, with that out of the way, I want 7 laps while we prepare what will be happening today."

They all went and started their laps. Again I was a bit confused. Why was Joia running with the team?

"Ok then Adriana, let's get started." Ashley said.

I nodded and went to the side of the field where everything was set up. I put my laptop down and turned it on.

"Alright, take this," Juan said handing me a USB, "transfer all the files. They contain all the physical examinations of each of the players."

I nodded and took the USB. I put it into my laptop and started transferring the files. Ashley, Jonathan and Juan started to open the files on their laptops.

Once the information was transferred to my laptop, I was told to study it and observe on some things that stood out. I was currently sitting down on the side lines doing as told.

"Alright, what have you guys got?" Coach Scolari said walking up to us along with the three other coaches.

"Well as of right now, we gave Adriana the player profiles and she's examining them. However I'm pretty sure it'll take at least a day to do so I guess you can just go ahead with your stuff for today's practice. We will make our mark tomorrow." Jonathan said.

"Alright then." Coach said. He walked back. He blew the whistle and the boys came running in.

The whole time at practice I was examining the profiles and records. At the same time I was taking notes as well. I was very impressed with their stamina and accuracy. However there were places where there could be improvements.

I didn't notice that practice was over until David came, sat down in front of me and nudged my leg.

"Dia!" He said.

I looked at him and raised an eyebrow. "Dia?" I questioned.

"Yeah, that's your nickname. You know, Adriana is so hard to say sometimes. Adi just wasn't working. And plus Dia is a nice name." He said grinning.

I laughed. Soon some of the other guys came and sat down as well. All but one, Joia. I wonder where he was. They were drinking their water and juices. I just carried on with my work.

One of them groaned and I looked up to see that it was Hulk. I raised an eyebrow. "What?"

"You have been working since 7:30 am. The time is now 10 am, child." He said.

I grinned. "Point being?"

"Point being that it's breakfast time and you have to eat with us." Thiago said.

"Can't, I want to finish what I started." I said and started reading the laptop screen again.

"Well you can start it later and finish it later." David said slyly and closed my laptop.

I sighed and said, "Fine, but if I hear Portuguese while eating I will start working." The all started laughing and I joined in. They nodded and I stood up. I grabbed my phone and laptop and headed to the cafeteria with the boys. I was walking beside David. "Hey, do you know where Joia is?" I asked.

"Who?" He said confused.

"Joia, you know the guy from the pool yesterday. You should know him, he was with you on the field." I said.

"OH! Oh yeah, him. Wait, you didnt have any type of...surprising conversation with him?" David asked me. I looked at him and shook my head. What was he talking about?

"Oh..alright. Well I...actually don't know. Sorry." He said casually. Something was up.

"It's okay, I was just wondering." I said.

We made it to the cafeteria and went over to Margie who was starting to serve breakfast. We grabbed our plates and started selfserving.

"Adriana. How are you, my dear?" Margie asked me.

I looked at her and smiled. "Good, thanks for asking. How about yourself?" I said while grabbing a glass of orange juice.

"Wonderful." She said smiling.

"Margie, Neymar would like his breakfast in his room today." An aged man said walking in.

This neymar sure was very demanding, expectant and lazy.

"Oh come on, trust me. He isn't bad." David whispered nudging me.

"Did you just read my mind?" I whispered back.

He laughed quietly. "No, stupid. You said it out loud."

I rolled my eyes.

"Meu deus. Is he alright? I haven't seen him in here since yesterday." Margie said.

The aged man frowned. "Eu não sei. He refuses to tell me."

"It will be alright. I'll prepare him a plate and you can take- ou o meu filho pode simplesmente vir aqui." She said smiling.

I looked at the door and saw Joia. I wonder what Margie said.

He walked in with the coaches. Margie walked over to him and gave him a hug. I guess they're close.

"How are you-" Margie started but was cut off by Thiago when he said, "Joia! You're here! Why don't you sit here while I go and um help Margie." He quickly stood up and walked to Margie basically dragging her with him. Confusion.

Joia came and sat in the seat Thiago was sitting in earlier. The seat beside me.

Not awkward at all. Did you guys smell the sarcasm in that?