Straight from the academy

9.

"Good morning" I say to Leah as she walks into the kitchen.
"Morning. Did you sleep last night?"
"Yeah, I slept way more. Did you?"
"A bit but not really, I'm fine though."
"You sure?" I ask as Leah does look quite tired.
"Yes I'm sure."
"If you say so."
"By the way, I think Jonas wants to speak about you before training. He said he wanted to properly introduce you to the rest of the team. We have a quick team meeting first thing so he will probably do it then. Just to give you a heads up."
"Oh ok, thanks. Also I thought about what you said yesterday, about inviting people over, and I want to do it."
"Really?"
"Yeah."
"Ok! Is tonight good or is it too soon?"
"No tonight is good."
"Ok cool! We can let everyone know. Although we can't have any alcohol since we have lots of training and an important game at the weekend."
"That's alright. Are we basically inviting everyone?"
"Yeah, we can just say it in the team meeting and then whoever comes, comes and whoever doesn't, doesn't."
"Ok!"

Leah and I get ready and then drive to the training grounds.
"It's massive." I say as Leah parks the car outside.
"Oh my god, I forgot you haven't been here before. We have some time before the meeting so I can show you around if you'd like?"
"Yes please!"
Leah and I walk in and she shows me to the canteen, players lounge, changing rooms and kit rooms, meeting rooms, and then we go outside so she can show me the pitches. There are 2 3G pitches and 3 grass pitches and they are shared by the men's and the women's team.
"This is amazing, all the facilities are so good!" I say beaming at Leah.
"Yeah, only the best of the best at arsenal!" Leah replies smiling.
We make our way back inside and to the meeting room. There are a couple of girls in there so Leah and I go in. Beth is sitting by herself on her phone so we sit next or her.
"Morning, you ok?" She says to both of us.
"Good thanks, how was it last night?" Leah says smirking slightly. Beth immediately smiles and I can tell whatever she is about to tell us is good news.
"So Viv and I are officially dating" leah and I squeal like little girls.
"I'm so happy for you, does she make you happy?" I say to Beth.
"She does, she really does."
"I'm so glad."
"So what did you two get up to while I was gone?"
"Not much, we went on my piano though."
"You have a piano?"
"That's what I said!" Leah says laughing.
"Well it's not really a piano, just a small keyboard that I've had since I was like 7 or 8."
"She can play though! Ellie played a bit yesterday and it was amazing."
"I'm alright, I'm not that good."
"Shut up, yes you are."
I shrug my shoulders and laugh lightly.

Eventually, the rest of the girls come in as well as Jonas and the meeting starts.
"So before I begin, as I'm sure most of you already know we have a new signing of Elenor Lewis. She was in the academy and has recently signed her first professional contract. I'm sure you will but please make her feel welcome and at home at arsenal."
I just sit and listen, although I go slightly red. Beth notices this and teases me but we both laugh about it. Jonas then continues his talk and explains that we will have a 2 hour training session on the grass first, then an hour in the gym, and then lunch.

Once Jonas has finished, I follow the rest of the team to the changing rooms since training starts in 15 minutes. I change into a short sleeve training top and put on my boots. We don't have to ever shin pads for training, so I just wear Nike socks. Shortly after, the rest of the team and I walk down to the pitch to start training. I start walking by myself, but Leah shortly comes over and joins me.
"You ok?" She says walking over and wrapping one arm around my shoulders.
"Yeah, a bit nervous though."
"Don't be. Just train as you normally would." She says, giving my shoulder a quick squeeze. I nod my head and smile at her.

We train for a couple of hours and then we walk back up to the gym like Jonas had told us earlier. We spend about an hour and a half in the gym, slightly more than we'd thought but it was okay. Finally, we headed to the canteen for some lunch.
"Thank god, I'm so hungry." Beth says as we stand in line and wait for our food. It is like a buffet, so you can just go up and grab your own food.
"Your always hungry Beth." Leah says laughing.
"Shut up" Beth says laughing and rolling her eyes.