Rice, Rice, baby

Chapter 11

"Welcome to St. George's Park, Olivia."

"Please, call me Liv."

"Liv, perfect. I'm Emily, but you can call me Em."

"Nice to meet you" I smile.

"Now, let me show you around and introduce you to everyone else."

I did it. I said yes to their offer and here I am, at England's national team headquarters. And it doesn't feel real.

I can't believe I've just been welcomed by the girl I always see on those arrivals videos, that I am crossing the same doors and walking through the same hall the players always do, that I am about to basically live with the national men's team for a week.

"Did you receive the email with the schedules and all the rules?" Emily asks me.

"I did, yes." The rules. Like, for example, personal relationships inside the facilities not being allowed.

"Perfect. Here is your room key and your credentials" she says, giving me an envelope. "I've also added a little map of the building in case you need it during the first few days, this place can be a bit of a maze" she laughs.

"Oh, thank you. That's very kind of you."

"You're welcome" she smiles.

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"And this is your room" Emily says after we are done with all the introductions and she's showed me around. "141."

"Nice number" I chuckle. "Thank you for accompanying me."

"No problem. If you need anything just call me. You have my phone number, right?"

"I do."

"Great. I'll leave you so can get changed and chill for a bit before the craziness starts."

"Thank you. Again."

"Welcome to the team, Liv" she says, giving me a quick hug before disappearing through the corridor.

"Ok. Let's go" I say to myself before opening the door.

The room isn't the biggest one, definitely nothing compared to the one I was able to enjoy in Paris. But it looks pretty cosy, a big window at the end of it that leads to the training grounds. Maybe I'll be able to watch them from there. And like Emily told me on our way here, my uniform is waiting for me on the bed.

"I told them to give you a pair of leggings but also some joggers, there are days when we like to be more comfortable than others. And you also have a hoodie, a jacket, and a pair of different t-shirts so you can pick whichever you prefer" she said.

But what I wasn't expecting to find next to my clothes, was a bouquet of flowers and a Cadbury chocolate tablet.

Welcome to the team, Liv!
- Your favourite boys ⁠♡

Cute.

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"Here she is! My favourite barista!"

"Hello, Madders."

"I'm so happy you said yes to this, Liv" he says while giving me a hug.

"Let's hope I don't end up regretting it."

"You won't, you'll see. Did you get the flowers?"

"I did, yes. Thank the boys for me."

"The boys?" Madders says with a confused look. "It was just me and Declan."