The Quiet One

captain black

The sun was dipping low over St George's Park as I stepped out of the car, dragging my suitcase behind me. The sprawling complex looked even more impressive in the soft evening light, and I felt a familiar thrill — the kind I'd only ever felt walking onto a training pitch.

Inside, the social room buzzed with chatter. Girls were scattered across the couches, laughing, teasing each other, some scrolling through phones, others discussing the week ahead.

Lucy spotted me first, her grin widening. "Jae! Finally! We were wondering when you'd show up. And... Elijah too?"

I chuckled, holding him briefly before settling him safely with the babysitter. "Yep. He's here. He's... fine. Mostly."

Lucy laughed, shaking her head. "Of course he is. How are you feeling being back?"

"Good," I said, smiling. "Nervous, excited, ready. It's strange, though, not having Leah here — she's being the moral support from home."

Georgia leaned forward from her spot on the couch. "We've been waiting for you to get here. Sarina's been hyping up your captaincy — everyone's really confident in you."

"Thanks," I said quietly. "It means a lot, especially knowing everyone already knows me and... us. I wasn't expecting this kind of welcome."

Millie, never one to hold back, grinned. "You don't have to worry. We've seen you play — you know the ropes. And honestly? You're going to lead this team perfectly. No pressure."

Rachel smirked, nudging me gently. "Yeah, and if you start panicking, you've got us. We're like your backup squad of sarcasm and eye-rolls."

I laughed, feeling a warmth spread through me. "I'll take it. Especially with you lot keeping me sane."

Jordan, lounging casually in the corner, raised an eyebrow. "So... captain, huh? Big responsibility. Think you're ready for the speeches and media stuff too?"

I shrugged. "I'll learn. Slowly. I know you've all been through it before. Any advice?"

Keira leaned in, grinning. "Fake confidence until it becomes real. Works every time."

The room erupted in laughter, and just like that, the tension melted. For the first time since getting the call-up, I felt at home again.

Lucy smiled, gesturing toward the training kit bags piled neatly in the corner. "Training starts tomorrow, but tonight we're just catching up. Tell us what you've been up to, how things are at home."

I leaned back in my chair, thinking of Leah and the months of supporting her recovery, of watching Elijah grow, of preparing for this moment. "It's been busy... emotional. But good. All of it. I've been training, keeping up with Barcelona, and... trying to be ready for this. For the World Cup. And for you all."

Georgia raised her coffee cup. "Well, we're glad you're here. And don't worry, we've got your back on and off the pitch. Captain or not, you're one of us."

Millie grinned. "Exactly. And honestly... having you back is like having a missing piece of the puzzle return. The team feels complete again."

I smiled, feeling a surge of gratitude. "Thanks, everyone. That means a lot."

Rachel leaned forward, smirking. "Just don't let Sarina give you too much grief. You've got enough on your plate."

"I'll try," I said, laughing. "But somehow, I think that's impossible."

The evening continued with chatter, laughter, and catching up. Lucy and Jordan shared funny training stories, Georgia and Keira debated tactics, and Millie and Rachel teased each other relentlessly. I listened, laughed, and contributed, feeling the bond strengthen.

Later, as I glanced around the room, I realized how much this squad meant to me. Captaincy, responsibility, and the World Cup were huge — but being here, with these women, with this team, reminded me why I loved football and what made this moment so special.

Elijah's soft coos from the corner of the room pulled my attention briefly, and I smiled down at him. Even here, surrounded by the squad and the buzz of training camp, a little part of my heart was still anchored at home.

I took a deep breath, feeling ready. Tomorrow, training began in earnest. But tonight... tonight was for reconnecting, for laughter, for remembering that no matter how high the stakes, this team — these women — were my home away from home.