Part 2

1.7K 31 0
                                    

As Jonas opened the canteen door and began to make his way through to the middle of the canteen, I followed swiftly behind him, my eyes gravitating to the floor trying not to acknowledge the eyes which are now focused on me. As Jonas came to a stop, he lightly coughed, clearing his throat as he began his speech. Informing the girls of the timetable for today, he finally ended with "and on that note ladies, I want to introduce you to our new signing, Charlotte Jones. I hope you all make her feel welcomed and settle her in nicely. Charlotte, would you like to say a few words?" My eyes which were staring at my shoelaces shot up immediately as I looked around the room. Realising how many people were here and now all their attention was on me. Oh god, oh god, why had I not pre-planned anything, what do I say as the panic once again set in.

"H-hi everyone. I'm charlotte, my friends call me CJ, or Jonesy, and I'm so happy to be here along side you all. I can't wait to get to know you all individually and even more so, win some silverware" As I finished my last sentence, an eruption of cheers was made as the girls left their seats to come and greet me.

"Hi charlotte, I'm the captain and this is Leah, the vice-captain" Kim explained. "If there is anything you need or if you want someone to talk to, give either one of us a shout" As I smiled back at Kim my eyes slowly turned to the figure to the left of her. A tall blonde who had piercing blue eyes. Embracing the smile appearing from the tall blonde, I began to respond thanking them for being so kind when I was interrupted by Beth Mead and a brunette. "Charlotte, I'm Beth, this is Katie, we're the fun ones on the team, we'll be sure to take you under our wings and show you the ropes." A slight chuckle left my mouth as I noticed both Kim and Leah roll their eyes. "Hey Beth, Hi Katie, I'll bare that in mind" I laughed. "C'mon charlotte, I'll show you where to get your training kit from, and we will head out onto the training pitch." Katie kindly stated. Oh wow, her accent. I'm a sucker for an Irish accent.

After quickly changing into my new training kit and pulling my football boots on, we made our way to the pitches to join the rest of the girls. Katie, who was kind enough to stay with me to make sure I didn't get lost, linked her arm around mine as she began to tell me the latest prank her and Beth had pulled on the GK union. Hysterically laughing along together, we finally approached the team. The tall blonde I had spoken to briefly, earlier with Kim fixated her eyes on me, which did not go unnoticed. I assumed she was trying to figure out why me and Katie were laughing so loudly and with that, I thought nothing else of it. The training plan for today consisted of pre-season fitness testing including stamina and agility tests and concluded with 11vs11. Finally, Jonas called full time and gave his permission to get ourselves off home ahead of our weekend off tomorrow. I walked by myself back into the changing rooms and didn't speak to anyone inside as I reflected on how the day had gone.

Making my way back to my car I heard my name being shouted from the distance. 'Charlotte, wait up, CHARLOTTE!" As I looked back, I seen Leah jogging up to me, her hands full and slightly out of breath. I turned towards Leah giggling, apologising for not hearing her originally. "Its okay, I just wanted to make sure you were alright after today, I couldn't help but notice how quiet you became during the game in training" she questioned. On the inside, my stomach was doing summersaults, The Leah Williamson had noticed me. Been watching me? Keeping my cool I smiled back at Leah and replied "Thank you for checking up on me Leah, I really appreciate it. I'm fine though, no need to panic" "are you sure?" "Honestly I'm fine, it's just been a lot to take in and to be honest, it's wiped me out" Leah's eyes softened as I assured her, I was okay before slowly walking away. "I get that, it is a lot, especially when around Katie and Beth all day. Don't forget though Charl, I'm here if you need to talk" And with that, she gripped her right hand onto her car door placing her bags into the back. "Thanks Leah, I really appreciate it have a great weekend. Cya Monday" I called back.

Little did I know, I would be seeing her much sooner than that.

Entering my apartment, I went straight into the bathroom and began filling the bath. Pouring radox in to help soothe my aching muscles from the fitness tests I had completed today. As I waited for the Bath to fill, I sat on my bed scrolling through my phone, reflecting on the successful day I had at training. My brain couldn't switch off though as I remembered my last conversation with Leah. "Don't forget Charl" Butterflies entering my body as I realised nobody ever calls me Charl. Leaving my phone on my bed, I made my way to the bathroom undressing as I made my way towards the bath. Sliding into the bath, the flickers of the candles lit around the permitter banished as my eyes closed. Finally allowing my body and mind to relax and shut off from the events of the day.

In fresh PJ's and settled in bed, I scrolled through Netflix to find something to watch until I decided to re-watch Friends, again. As my eyes felt heavier and were beginning to close, I was suddenly interrupted through the continuous vibrations of my phone. Deciding whatever it was, could wait until the morning. The repetitive buzzing sound continued, before I eventually gave in and decided to see what was going on. Unlocking my phone, it became apparent what was the cause of the continuous notifications. 63 new WhatsApp messages.

Katie McCabe added you to the WhatsApp chat Arsenal Ladies. Clicking onto the chat I scrolled to the top to read the messages I had missed.

Beth

Girls, as we have tomorrow and Sunday off, me and Viv have decided to be hosts tomorrow night for a team bonding session. Let's PARTY!! Who's in?

Katie

Yes girls! Where there's a party, there's me!

Viv

What a shock, Katie is the first to reply.

Lotte

I'm in!

Kim

Been a while since we have done a team bonding night, count me in!

Caitlin

Sounds good girls, me and Lia will be there.

Beth

Has anyone got Charlotte's number? We need to add her to the chat and let her know about tomorrow.

Katie

Yeah, she gave it to me earlier at training, I'll add her now.

After scrolling through the endless messages all the girls had responded to confirm they will be there tomorrow. All barring one. I couldn't help but notice that Leah hadn't replied. If it's a team bonding night surely as vice-captain, she will be there? As my mind began to overthink about whether Leah would be there or not, my phone buzzed again in my hand. As I looked down, I seen the most recent message on the chat, aimed at me.

Beth

Earth to Charlotte, I can see you have read the messages. Are you up for partying tomorrow??

"Oh shit" I exclaimed. I'd completely forgot to respond as I was too busy thinking about Leah. Without giving Beth another chance to call me out, I quickly typed a message in response.

Charlotte

Hey girls, sorry for the delay in response I was drifting off to sleep. A party tomorrow sounds good to me. Let me know if you need me to bring anything.

Within seconds to my message my phone buzzed again, this time with a response in the chat from Leah.

Leah

Someone's gotta look after you lot, so I guess I have no choice, see you all tomorrow.

Beth

Ooo this is gonna be interesting.

My mind began to quickly race again. Had Leah waited to see if I was going first before responding? What did Beth mean by it's gonna be interesting? After arguing with my own thoughts, I concluded it was just a coincidence Leah responded after me, maybe she was just busy earlier. As for Beth's comment, I had no idea what she meant by that. I decided to give up and get myself an early night, not allowing myself to overthink anymore today than I already had done. 

You're the oneWhere stories live. Discover now