The Secret - Alexia Putellas

1.

Before we start:
Thank you Eliza!!!

Erin, the well known therapist from the Manchester City club, had felt like she was dreaming ever since she received a call from Barcelona's head coach, Jonathan Giraldez.

After checking several suitcases, lugging her carry-ons onto the plane, and finding her seat, reality was finally setting in. Adrenaline pumped through her veins.

Erin was so nervous.

She hadn't planned on working for a club outside of the UK, but, after performing well as the leading therapist for Manchester City women's team over the past few years, it was only natural other clubs had expressed interest.

And who could turn down Barcelona?

Jonathan sent over the contract via email to verify the terms were agreeable, and since then, everything had been a blur.

Only a week after receiving Jonathan's call, the blonde was leaving Manchester behind, ready to start her new job at the professional club.

After gathering her belongings, exiting the terminal, and eying the surprisingly rainy weather, Erin barely had a second to wonder what she was supposed to do next, when she spots someone excitedly waving at her.

"Hola! Over here", a friendly, female voice resounds from the car right at the entrance.

"Hi", the blonde smiles nervously, approaching the stranger, who immediately pulled her in a tight hug, catching her completely off guard.

"You must be Erin! Welcome to sunny Barcelona! My name is Martha", the black haired woman exclaims, tightening her grip around the surprised blonde, leaving Erin blushing at the familiar greeting.

"I'm Erin. Nice to meet you", the blonde chuckles, her eyes lingering on the Barcelona sticker on the outside of Martha's van. Thankfully, there was enough space for her luggage.

"I thought Barcelona was always sunny?", Erin jokes, referring to the rainy weather, as the two of them shove her suitcases into the huge trunk.

"Usually, it is. We could use the rain, though. And I could use you... these past few weeks as the only therapist at the club have been really exhausting," Martha jokes, tossing the last suitcase in, before climbing into the car.

"Why were you the only therapist?" Erin wonders, resting back into the passenger seat as Martha starts the engine.

"My former colleague, Rose, broke her contract at the end of last month. But I had heard rumors that Jonathan wanted you on the team for some time now anyways. You have a great reputation in Europe, you know," Martha explains in a relaxed voice, focusing on the road.

"I never imagined myself working outside of England, but I'm really happy to be here. Barcelona has a great reputation, as well," Erin chuckles, the excitement in her voice clearly audible.

"Well, I'm relieved you're here. And the athletes will probably be just as excited to finally meet you too," Martha smiles happily, pulling up in front of the small house the club had provided for their new employee.

"I hope so," Erin sighs nervously, her cheeks red from excitement and exhaustion. She felt slightly overwhelmed imagining meeting all her new coworkers and picturing everything that still had to be done to make her new home comfortable.

But she was glad to have met Martha.

While Martha helped Erin unpack some of her belongings, the FC Barcelona athletes were getting ready for the first training session of the day.