The Rising Star - Alexia Putellas

Part 8

The next few days, I tried to get back into my routine here in London. I went on my lovely date with Jacob. It was fine. When he came to pick me up, he was his bubbly, loving self. The moment we got in the car he went back to being insulting and horrible. Luckily for me though, he stuck to the verbal abuse rather than being physical, putting on an act when needed.  

Today was our first day back at Arsenal after our national break. I was really excited to get back to the team. Because I had spent my short break with my national teammates, I didn't have the chance to catch up with the ones from Arsenal.

"Aaah superster! Eindelijk ben je terug!" ("Aah superstar! Finally you're back!") Viv yelled when she saw me. The dutchies on the team took it upon themselves to teach me some Dutch. Why? No idea, but I've learned not to question the chaotic, but charming mess that is Danielle Van de Donk.

"Hey Viv." She pulled me into a hug. We caught up while walking to the locker rooms to get ready for training. Apparently we were the first ones to arrive, seeing as only Jordan was there.

"Queenie!" Jordan jumped in my arms, obviously completely unaware that my ribs were killing me.

"Hello to you too, I guess." I laughed at the crazy blonde trying to mask the pain.

"I've missed my favourite American!"

"Hey!" HAO yelled when she entered the locker room. "Ooh, you're talking about Ellie. Yeah no you're right. She's everyone's favourite American." She walked over and pushed Jordan out of the way to give me a hug, much to Jordan's dismay.

"How's it going kid?"

I accepted the hug, glad that HAO was part of the team. She always reminded me of home. When I would get homesick I would go to her and she always knew how to calm me down.

"Good. You?"

"Perfect. I'm proud of you by the way. Nice game." She patted me on the back.

"Thanks."

"What no hug for me?!" In walked one of my favourite Irish girls, Katie McCabe. 

I let go of Heather and ran to Katie. With Leah, Daan, Beth, Jordan, Viv and Lisa, Katie is one of my closest friends here in London. If we are not hanging out with the team, it's mostly this group I spend time with.

"I've missed you." I muttered to the Irish girl.

"I've missed you too. Now come on, let's get ready so I can kick your ass at training." She released me from our hug.

"Not happening, McCabe." I smirked at her.

After catching up with my teammates it was time for training. It was good to be back with the team, even though I was only gone for 2 and a half weeks. We easily fell back into routine.

During practice we did some drills, some 2vs2, we practiced our passes and shooting and we finished off with a scrimmage. Daan was the captain for today and we ended up winning. Daan and I obviously made sure everyone knew that our team had won today, much to the annoyance of the others.

"Next time, don't put these 2 knuckleheads together please!" Kim complained.

"Ha! You're just jealous that you're not part of this dream team!"

"Daan's right. We're the iconic duo! No one can beat us!" I grinned at Kim.

Kim just laughed at my response and playfully shoved me.

Now we were changing in our locker room while Kim was blasting music through the speaker.

"Is everyone decent?" Joe knocked on the door. We all murmured a 'yes' or a 'yeah' so Joe could enter.