WOSO Imagines

Little Sister Effect (Arsenal)

"Bri! Get your ass up, we have to go!" My sister shouts down the hall.

I groan, rolling over and burrowing deeper into my blankets. Today is the first day of training, the first day the squad will be back together since before the World Cup. We will be prepping for Champions League Qualifiers, leaving for Sweden at the end of the week.

"Bri!" Her voice is getting closer, but I continue to ignore it, covering my head in an attempt to hide. "Brianna June, we are leaving in an hour." My door is flung open. "Get up, get dressed. Viv made breakfast."

"I don't wanna," I mumble.

Beth rudely yanks the covers off of me. "You signed up for this when you signed your contract. Now, let's get going. Big day, and all that."

I joined Arsenal's Academy when Beth signed for them back in 2017 and had worked my way up quickly, signing my first professional contract at the age of 20 before being sent on loan to Bristol City. Two seasons later, and I am finally being recalled and added to the senior squad for the first time.

"Don't remind me. I feel like I'm gonna puke."

"You'll be fine. It's just footy. Plus, you won't be the only one having their first day and you already know some of the girls."

I soak in her words, letting them settle over the nerves. "You said Viv made breakfast?"

Beth nods. "Those protein pancakes you like so much."

I sit up, suddenly feeling energized. "With the apple topping?"

She nods again.

I jump to my feet, grabbing my sister's hand and dragging her through our flat and into the kitchen. At the sound of our footsteps, Viv looks over her shoulder from where she's stirring a pot on the stove, her glasses fogging up from the steam.

"Goedenmorgen, zus," I greet her, grinning. (Good morning, sister) "Smells delicious."

She purses her lips at my shaky Dutch accent. "It's almost ready. Have a seat, I'll bring it to you."

I give her a thumbs up. "You're the best!"

"No, I'm just the only one who won't burn the bloody house down if I use the stove."

"Hey!" Beth and I exclaim.

"I can cook perfectly well," I protest. "I made dinner last week."

"You burned the mash," Viv reminds me.

"I didn't set off the smoke alarm though. I'm better than Beth!"

My sister holds her hands up in surrender. "I'm not gonna argue."

"You both suck, end of story," Viv says, bringing over the plate of pancakes and the chunky apple syrup. "Now, eat up."

I pile three pancakes on my plate and greedily reach for the pot of apple topping, pouring several spoonfuls over them, licking my lips and doing a little happy dance.

Viv chuckles. "Someone's in a good mood."

"Who wouldn't be when they have their own personal chef?" I reply, my mouth full of food.

"Ewww, Bri. Don't talk with your mouth full!" Beth scolds.

I just smile at her before shoveling another forkful into my mouth.

They both just shake their heads, turning their attention to their own breakfast, a comfortable silence settling over us.

Living with Beth and Viv is great, and not just because my sister's girlfriend is an amazing cook. I lived on my own at Bristol. In the same building as some of my teammates, but alone and that was my plan when I was recalled. But then Beth offered up their empty room and the idea of being around family again was too appealing to pass up, especially since it would be my first time playing full-time, top-flight football. I make sure Beth lets me pay rent and help around the house, even though I'm her sister. I'm trying to be responsible and letting my big sister take care of me fulltime is a bit immature in my opinion. I am forever grateful for our relationship.