Lost Love

Chapter 2

My eyes are tired, still swollen from crying. I checked the time. 6:30am. Sleeping was near impossible because of how nervous I was. 'I cannot let Lucy ruin anything else for me', I keep thinking. I put on some light makeup to hide the redness around my eyes. I haven't got any of my Arsenal kit yet, so I went with my black leggings, a beige Nike jumper, Black puffer jacket and my blue Jordan's. I went down to my kitchen to try stomach anything. 'I don't understand why I'm so nervous, I've switched clubs before',I remind myself. I decide to go onto Instagram, trying to distract myself. After half an hour of scrolling, I realise I am glued to Leah Williamson's Instagram. 'She is beautiful', I kept saying to myself, secretly hoping she'll notice me later. Before I can back myself out of it, I quickly hit the follow button and instantly turn off my phone. 'I pray she doesn't notice until after training', I beg out loud.

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Time has passed and it is 8:30am. I lock the door and head to my car. 'This is it. It is one change that will set me back on the England camp pathway.' I put on my favourite Spotify playlist, consisting of ABBA, Adele and Drake, in hope it releases any nervous that are built up.

I arrive 10 minutes early. I rush out of my car so I don't have time to turn back. Jonas is waiting for me in reception. "Holly! It's great to meet you.", he says with a smile on his face. "I've heard only good things about you from Man City. I am personally very excited to see you make an influence on this team." This calms me down a lot, "I am so grateful to be here, this team has such a reputation for being the best.", I reply with enthusiasm. "I've heard you've got your hopes set on making it into the England camp for the Euros. I have no doubts that you will make it there." "Thanks Jonas, Arsenal will help me push myself to get there."

We walk through reception into a room set up with cameras and big lights. I am handed an Arsenal jumper to put on for the official photos. Time passes and Jonas pulls me to the side after the shoot is complete. "You ready to meet your teammates Holly?" I reply, with nerves slowly growing again, "Yes, I feel like I fit into this environment already."

The girls are in the changing room, getting ready for the training session. Jonas walks through first, telling me to wait outside until he calls me in. I listen through the door to his words, " Girls quieten down. We have a new signing with us today, who I think will keep all of you on your toes." Beth whispers to Leah, "Who do you think it is? You know we've been needing a new striker for ages." Jonas opens the door, which is your signal to walk in. "Hi everyone, my name is Holly." Your eyes flicker across the room, holding eye contact with one person in particular...