Are we forbidden?

five

23.05.22

Today was my first training day at Arsenal, I couldn't wait to start with the team.

I quickly jumped out of my bed, tapping my phone to see it was 8 am. I made my way to my bathroom to have a quick shower and brush my teeth.

I didn't bother with any makeup today considering it was training and I also opted to put my hair in a ponytail.

Putting on my arsenal clothes for the first time was an incredible feeling, my stomach was filled with excitement but also nerves.

Arsenal are an amazing team and what if I don't fit in, what if I'm not good enough?

I pushed those thoughts to the back of my mind and prepared a smoothie for me to drink on the way to the training ground. 

I checked the clock that read 8:30 am and decided I should set off considering London rush hour traffic. Drinking my smoothie on the way and listening to some music, I tried to relax.

I made it to the training ground at around 8:50 am, the traffic was not nearly as bad as I expected which was surprising. 

As I got out of my car, I saw Lotte getting out of hers and running over to walk with me with a smile plastered on her face. 

Lotte had the sweetest smile.

"Excited for your first day?" She asked.

"One of the emotions I'm feeling, yeah" I replied, letting out a breath of air.

"Robin, everyone already loves you, if nerves are one of those feeling it doesn't need to be, okay?" Lotte reassured me. 

Lotte was always good at making someone feel better, it was one of the reasons she is the sweetest girl I know. 

"Thank you Lotts" I flashed her a smile before we both began to make our way into the ground.

After a small brief of what we would be training on we all headed to the changing rooms. I changed into the g, blue and pink training kit as did everyone else. 

The girls had already begun leaving the room, some alone and some in pairs or groups. I decided to hang back to gather my thoughts for a moment. Going out to train with a team like Arsenal was daunting. They were amazing, and I know I am good at what I do, but they are way better than me. 

I was brought back from my thoughts when I felt someone sit down next to me. It was Leah fucking Williamson.

"You okay?" She questioned, having just seen me in a dazed state.

"Yeah, I'm fine just having a minute" I didn't want to let her in on my thoughts, mainly because I didn't want her to think I was stupid.

Leah put her arm around me and pulled me into her side, hugging me tightly. 

"You're an amazing player Robin, I must admit it's impressive what you can do with a ball" Leah complimented, I was slightly taken aback by her affection "Everyone here is so excited to work with you, I promise" She finished.

For some reason I trusted her promise, I believed what she had told me. 

With a feeling of relief washing over me but also feeling my cheeks heat up due to how close we were, I was ready to get out there with the team and train. My team. 

Leah released her tight grip on me and stood up, placing her hand out for me to grab which I willingly did.

As we walked onto the pitch, Lotte's eyes locked with mine and a smirk grew on her face. It was then I realised I was still holding hands with Leah. I wasn't sure whether to let go but that would make it awkward, or to keep holding her hand which might make her uncomfortable.