Never felt like this before - Leah Williamson

The talk

End of May 2021

Olivia's POV
Yesterday was my last day here, in Germany, and today I was going back to England. I woke up a few hours ago and now I've just finished putting the last things in the boxes. I look around my home and it was almost empty, I sigh and took a deep breath. I stand there, where the living room was before, feeling excited for what's coming but also doubtful and hesitant. Was I going to fit in the new team? Am I gonna feel at home like before? Eventually I came to the conclusion to go without any expectations and just go with the flow, and see how things go.

Soon, I heard a car honk, which I supposed would be Syd and Gwinn signalling me to come out my house. I then went outside and told them to help me with my luggage. Once we finished, we got in the car and head to the airport. The journey was filled with silence, a comfortable one, but you could sense the sadness of me leaving from my part but also from Gwinn and Syd's. I was looking out the window with the radio in the background during all the car journey.

About 30 minutes later we got to the airport and we all got off. I turned to Gwinn and Syd and hugged them strongly while tears were now streaming on my face. I hugged them for a minute, not ready to let go.

"Come on Olivia, you have to go or else you'll miss the flight" - Gwinn said while pulling away and smiling sadly at me.

"Yeah, I'll go now... but I'm nervous... what if I don't feel like home there?" - I was scared, it all changed.

"You'll be okay Olivia, you have your family and I'm sure the team will become your second family, just be yourself." - Syd said trying to calm me.

"Okay, yeah, everything will be fine" - I smiled at them and said goodbye.

***

As soon as I sat on the plane my nerves came back, firstly because I was on a plane and second, I remembered that once I land in England I'd have to face Leah to talk.

The flight was to say the least, pure anxiety for me. There was turbulence every now and then, and every time the plane dropped a little I hold my breath, my hands hurt of how strong I was grabbing my seat. As soon as we landed, I unfastened the belt and exit the plane as fast as I could. I felt dizzy, I went to the nearest bathroom and started to throw up. God, I hate flying. I then went to the sink and poured some water behind my neck. I left the bathroom and went to grab my luggage that was the only one left. Once I had it I went to the exit and saw my family waiting for me, with my brother, Jack, with a banner saying welcome home. I walk faster to them and immediately hug all of them.

"Hey what's wrong?" my dad asked while stroking my back.

"I've had the worst flight of my life" - I say almost crying, I pulled away and tried to smile at them.

"Are you feeling okay? You're pale darling" - My mum asked with a worried face.

"Yeah it's just... during the flight there was turbulence and well, when I landed I felt dizzy and went to the bathroom where I throw up. But I'm fine now." I said reassuring to them that I was okay.

After that, we went to the car and headed home. It was a 40 minute drive but I slept all the way home. Jack, woke me up and told me that we had arrived. I got off and went directly to my room jumping on my bed. Ugh I missed this bed. I wasn't going to stay here, only tonight, tomorrow the boxes would arrive from Germany to my new home. I laid on my bed for about 15 minutes until my phone vibrated. I looked and saw that Leah had texted me earlier, but I was on the air so I've just received it now.

Leah - Hi, I just wanted to make sure that you're still up for meeting today and talk.

Olivia - Yeah, sorry I didn't answer I was on the plane when you sent the text, but is 6pm okay? I'll pick you up if you want.