*Time skip 2 weeks*
"Have you got everything?" Less and Ella both asked as I finally climbed into the back of the car.
"Yeah, I think so. Anything I don't have I'll do without anyway, let's go." I smiled, as the nerves now began to set in. Today was the day we were returning to St. George's Park for the International break as our preparations were due to begin for the Arnold Clark Cup next week. Although I was excited to see the girl's again, I of course was apprehensive about seeing Leah.
The car journey went fast considering it was a roughly an hour and half car ride. The fact it was filled with us laughing at Tooney singing to Abba the majority of the way was enough to distract me from overthinking about the reunion in which was about to happen with Leah. Arriving at St.George's park, we made our way to the reception area where I was quickly pulled into a group hug with Lotte and Beth.
"It's so good to see you again Charlotte, I've missed you so much, how's life been in Manchester." Beth beamed.
"I know I've missed you all too. Yeah, it's been good, a new experience. The girl's have been so welcoming so I can't complain too much."
"Won't be long until your back with us now" Lotte continued.
As we sat together awaiting the arrival of the last remaining players and Sarina, the girls quickly caught me up on what I had missed back at Arsenal and the latest pranks Katie McCabe had pulled on the girls. It was nice to hear Katie was still up to her old tricks without me being the brunt of the joke all the time.
Just as I was beginning to relax, in walked Leah, of course she was with Jordan, who's arm was wrapped around Leah's waist as they laughed uncontrollably together. My stomach had dropped once again at the sight of the two of them together. I couldn't help but admire how effortlessly beautiful Leah looked. Her hair was down and slightly waved as it rested just below her shoulder's, her tracksuit jumper was tied around her waist completing the effortless look. Her sparkling blue eyes widened as she was approached by her best friends Keira and G, as they embraced each other in a tight hug.
I took this opportunity to make my way to the toilet to avoid any awkward encounter between us, especially in front of the rest of the girls.
As I returned from the bathroom, Less had told me the rest of the girl's had made their way to the meeting room as Sarina was to announce the room allocations. Normally when we attended St. George's park, we were roomed together in two's and so this was not uncommon.
Slipping our way into the meeting room, I decided to take a seat at the back next to Less and Beth, as we didn't want to disturb the beginning of Sarina's welcome speech. After she had greeted the team and welcomed us back to St. Georges park, she confirmed today would be a day of relaxation as we settle back into camp life, and tomorrow, our preparation would begin properly.
"And finally, I will call out the room numbers and inform you as to who you will be sharing with whilst we are here. You can collect your keys from reception once the meeting has concluded and can then spend the rest of the day as you wish to do so." Sarina continued.
"Room 101 – Keira and Lucy"
"Room 102 – Beth and Georgia"
"Room 103 – Alessia and Ella"
"Room 104 – Mary and Katie"
"Room 105 – Lotte and Jordan"
"Room 106 – Charlotte and Leah"
As Sarina read both mine and Leah's name out, confirming we will be rooming together, Beth looked in my direction offering an encouraging smile. On the outside, I remained calm and relaxed, my insides however felt as though they were going to explode. My heart was beating rapidly against my chest as I tried to control my breathing, not wanting to draw any attention towards myself. How was Leah feeling about this? I thought to myself. A brief thought entered my head about how I could maybe ask Sarina if I could change rooms with one of the other girls but before I could process that, the meeting had concluded and people slowly risen to their feet to leave the meeting room. As I looked to my left, my eyes were met by the gaze of the tall blonde who was now weakly smiling at me. How can she still have this affect on me. Was she happy we were rooming together?
I was pulled quickly away from my train of thoughts when Lotte asked if I wanted to accompany her on a walk around the training facility. This was the perfect opportunity for me to process exactly what had just happened, without making any rash or sudden decisions. After all, I have to speak to Leah at some point, especially as we will be sleeping in beds next to one another.
