Healing Hearts | Virgil van Dijk

bad day

I get out of my car, taking my heavy bag with me as I park in the Anfield Stadium garage. I turn around and see the players and staff get out of the team bus. I take a deep breath, exhaling slowly. It was practically my first game day at Liverpool. Making me slightly nervous at the thought.

I walk inside, as all the players have gone in. The speakers were loudly blasting music. I look around curiously before I get called by Dr. Davis. I glance at him, seeing him standing next to the locker room.

"You arrived smoothly I hope?" He questions.
"Oh yeah it was easy!" I laugh.

"Alright, let me show you around quickly."
He guides me through the place, showing me the most important room: the medical room.

We enter the room, it consists of two treatment beds, a sink with multiple built in cabinets, and not to forget a huge flat screen TV to watch the match on. I check the cabinets, reaching for the ones above my head. I nod my head satisfied. "Nice place, I'll definitely will be able to help out to my upmost ability." I beam. "Oh we know you will. I've heard a lot about you y/n. You're definitely going to help us out this season and in the future." He compliments. My heart warms at his compliment. We chat some more about the stadium before he checks his watch.

"Oh the guys will start warming up now. Follow me." I follow him out of the room, walking along the famous tunnel onto the pitch.

"Wow, this never gets old." I mumble, admiring the stadium. We walk up to the players, greeting them. They start warming up thoroughly. We watch the players carefully, looking for any signs of injuries.

As I'm studying the players' movements my eyes catches Virgil's focused eyes. My heart practically leaps into my throat at the look he's giving me. I avert my gaze immediately, looking at a different player, trying act like nothing had happened. I glance back swiftly to see he's not looking anymore. I breathe out a sigh of relief before, Dr. Woods starts talking to me about something I half listened to.

We all walk back some minutes later so the other team can warm up. We walk through the tunnel as I hear Klopp greeting Bournemouths manager Iraola. I raise my head to watch. The guys walking slower to witness the interaction. They're so damn nosy, can't blame them though.

I'm minding my business talking to Ibo about his warm up before I hear my name being shouted in a thick Spanish accent. I look up, my eyes widening like a dear in headlights. Iraola is walking towards me with a smile on his face. I glance around me, seeing both staff and the players staring at me, confused.

The manager walks up to me, pulling me into an embrace. Why is this man hugging me like I'm his long lost daughter? My face contours into a confused one, accidentally making eye contact with Virgil again. He doesn't look very happy.

Iraola pulls away, a smile plastered on his lips.
"How have you been? How is Theo doing?" Then it clicked.

I had met him at a dinner when I was Theo's plus one. He had talked my ear off all night, drunkenly explaining multiple strategies on how he'd make sure Barcelona would win the league title again, after learning I worked there. Thankfully, that night had ended with me and Theo arguing, so I went home earlier.

I force a smile on my face replying to him. "I've been doing great. About Theo, we broke up some time ago. I'm sure he's doing fine." I fiddle with my sleeves, the vibe turning awkward.

"Oh- thats shocking you were together for so long. I taught you'd get married." My heart practically breaks at his words, feeling that aching sensation in my chest. My face flushing slightly.

"Well that's life I guess." I reply, trying to hide my pained expression. He places a hand on my shoulder. "You'll be fine. I heard his mother was getting ready to step down and make him chairman. Do you know if that's true?"