Her Eyes

2. Nerves

Alexa's POV

I nervously played with the rings on my fingers as I sat in the back of the taxi on the way to St George's park. I had packed and unpacked my case so many times with no idea what to bring.

I was scrolling through the comments on the squad announcement post on Instagram. There was a mix of comments, some were positive, but my eyes lingered on the ones that said that other people were more deserving of my spot and that no one even knew who I was. I really needed to shut this out. At the perfect time a text popped up from my bestie.

Lottie 👯‍♀️ - 'You've got this x'

As the taxi pulled up I closed my phone and took a deep breath. I'd worked hard to get here and I was ready for this. Besides, I already knew a few of the girls from the England youth stages, Georgia Stanway, Alessia Russo and Ella Toone.

"Uh hey I'm Alexa Oakes, this is my first camp so I'm not exactly sure where I'm meant to go" I shyly admitted to a staff member in the lobby.

"Hi Alexa it's really lovely to meet you, I'll show you to your room and make sure you have everything you need. I believe the girls are about to head out to the training pitches."

I was taken up to my room which was simple, just a double bed and small bathroom but I liked the huge window that looked out onto the trees at the back of St George's Park. I quickly got changed into the new black training vest and shorts I'd been given and headed down to the training pitches to meet the team.

I walked over to the group trying to fake a bit of confidence when I saw a brown ponytail launch towards me.

"ALEXA!! Mate, long time no see" Georgia screeched as she tackled me

"Ah I've missed you G, we really shouldn't live at opposite ends of the country"

Alessia and Ella ran over to join the hug.

"REUNITED" Ella shouted

"How are you? You look amazing, I'm so jealous of your tan" said Alessia

"Yeah when did you become such a fitty Oakes" Tooney joked

"Haha shut up you two" I blushed.

When I was younger I'd always thought I just looked pretty average but I had noticed that I had been getting a lot more attention in recent years. I still never knew what to do with a compliment though so I just laughed and looked at my feet.

I could see some of the other girls looking on so Georgia introduced me to them and they all came over one by one, clasping my hand to bring me in for a hug.
Kiera, Lucy, Leah, Beth, Milli, Mary.. it was slightly overwhelming I just smiled and said it was nice to meet them but I was a bit awestruck. I couldn't help but notice how attractive they all were in person as well.

Relax Alexa, they're your team mates now.

Sarina brought us into a team huddle to welcome us all and I finally allowed myself to get excited for this summer as I looked round at the girls stood in the circle. As captain, Leah said a few words about how excited she is for the upcoming months and I realised how captivated I was by what she was saying, she was a natural leader.

It was an easy training session, we just split into small groups and had a laugh doing some drills and mini games, nothing too strenuous for the first day.

Sarina had asked for me to come to her office straight after the training session so we could have a chat.

"At 22 you are one of the younger players in the squad but I have no doubt you will find your place in this team. I want you to work hard, play with freedom and most of all enjoy it."

"I will and thank you again for your belief in me Sarina. The girls are making me feel really welcome already." I said

We chatted for a short while, she seemed like she really wanted to get to know me as a person and I felt calm and inspired in her presence. I could already tell I was going to like her as a manager.

As I was leaving the office I stepped forward to open the door and someone opened it from the other side causing us to nearly crash into each other.
I looked up straight into the clear blue eyes of Leah Williamson. About 2 inches from my face. The breathe caught in my throat as I realised our proximity to each other.
"Woah sorry"
"Haha you're alright" Leah laughed it off and walked past me with a slight smirk on her lips.

Authors note
What did you think of this chapter? I'm excited that she has now met the team (and Leah!) and the story can really get going.