The Captain's Armband

2. Training & Relaxation

The next morning, I wake up early. The dining room just opened so I decide to take my breakfast to go. I don't feel like chatting with anyone. I walk outside, across the parking lot, there a few benches at the back. I take a seat, enjoying my breakfast and especially my coffee. I FaceTime my dad, letting him know I miss him and that my first day went pretty well. It feels good to hear his voice and talk for a bit. He needs to go to work so there isn't a lot of time to chat. I take a sip of my coffee, feeling the sun's rays touching my face. Hmm I love this feeling.

I don't want to be the last to join training so I decide to head over there early. I go over to the boot room, I wasn't the only one I see. Lauren Hemp is giving me a smile from across the room.

"Morning Dani".
"Morning Lauren".
"You want to warm up a bit together?"
"Sounds like a good plan."
"Come on then, put on your boots." Lauren is clapping her hands, letting me know I should hurry up. I start laughing and sprint towards her.

We walk onto the pitch, we are the first ones there.
We stretch for a bit and then we just pass the ball around. Showing some skills along the way.
We hear the clicking of boots heading towards us. De rest of the squad enters the pitch.
I catch myself looking for Leah. Our eyes meet as she walks straight to me.
"Missed you at breakfast this morning."
"I took my breakfast to go, needed some alone time. But, very perceptive of you."
"I pay close attention to anything worth looking at." Leah smirks
I stand there, not knowing what to say, feeling my cheeks turn red.
"So, you ready for training Rookie?" Leah continues.
I put both my arms up, showing her my muscles, letting her know I'm ready.
She starts laughing and I can see a little twinkle in her eyes, her beautiful eyes.

"Good morning everyone. Let's start -tactical without ball- training, let's goooo!"
Sarina knows how to make an entrance. All the girls start warming up, running from side to side, jumping, turning. You can just feel the energy on the pitch.
My pace is one of my strengths. Lauren and I even have a little 1v1 sprint race. She won but it was a close call. Now it's time for a water break. The girls stand around, chatting and discussing tactics. Sarina gives us new instructions, this time we play with the ball. She gives us like half an hour to just play around with the ball. We just juggle, pass and shoot at the goal. All having a blast. I see Leah talking with Millie (Bright), being distracted and decide to take my shot. I run towards her with the ball, I take my shot and I nutmeg her.
"Oh my god..." Leah looks at me with disbelief.
I start laughing. Leah puts her hands on her hips, gives me a smile while she bites her lip and looks down. God, she is so sexy.
She looks up at me.
"You're gonna regret that".
"No, no I don't think I ever will". I tell her full of confident.
"We will see about that." Leah smirks at me.
I watch her as she walks around the pitch, interacting with her team.
"I see you have adjusted pretty well already". Sarina shows up beside me.
I feel busted, I was looking at Leah and I wasn't even focused on football.
"The girls are all very kind and welcoming. I couldn't have had a better first day."
Sarina starts shouting to the girls on the pitch, she noticed something she doesn't like. She is such a passionate coach. You can see Sarina's efforts have a positive effect on the team. She is focussed, calm and straight to the point. We stop training to have some lunch, which is delivered on the pitch. We all just sit on the grass, eating some healthy snacks and having something to drink. It all feels very relaxed.

"OK it's time for a 11v11." Sarina gives me a red training vest, I guess this means I'm team RED.
My favourite position is left winger but I can also play at the right. I start off on the left though.
I've had a few tries on goal but Mary (Earps) got them all so far. I do give 2 assists in total, which is a statistic I'm happy with. I make a run to the box, I can't give the ball to any of my squad since they are all covered, I decide to cap and shoot, the ball hits the top corner! I celebrate like I've won my first match. My squad runs up to me and give me compliments about my hard work.
We still lose the game 4 to 3, but we had a lot of fun. Now it's time to take an ice bath.
We all walk back, talking about training. Leah stayed behind, she is talking with Sarina.
I know I should not let myself focus on her that much but I just can't help it. I have never met someone who intrigues me this much. The way she talks, the way she moves, the way she fires up when playing football, the way she is so competitive but still gives me this kind, soft look when she looks into my eyes. I take a deep breath. I have to get a grip on my emotions.