Never felt like this before - Leah Williamson

England camp

February 2022

Olivia's POV

"Thank you so much Sarina" I say while ending the call with the Lionesses head coach. As I leave my phone on the kitchen counter I can't stop smiling, this is my first call up since I signed again for Arsenal, and also my chance to maybe gain my spot on the Euro's squad, I know there still a lot of season left but, first impressions are important. Also, this has been one of the few good news of this week since it has been a little bit hectic lately.

Emotions are high, people were getting they called ups and ones were in others were out. Moreover, we've been preparing for an important game of the league but also for the Conti Cup semi-final against Manchester City, and so our trainings are a little but more intense. And then, the other day it was confirmed that Jordan had a serious injury  on her knee and that she was gonna be out for the rest of the season, meaning that her chance of going to the Euros was almost none. As soon as Leah told me, I felt so bad for Jordan, because she's been performing so good and well it seems unfair for her.
But she has her people that will help her throughout this journey and she will come back stronger.

As I head to the kitchen to make myself dinner, my phone vibrated, meaning I had a notification.

Le <3 - Liv, I knew you were gonna be called up, I'm so happy for you my love. Can't wait to share again with you England camps and... maybe will be roommates😉

I laugh at her last comment, this girl really has got me round her finger. I shake my head at her message, my heart fluttering and butterflies in my stomach. No matter how many years pass, I'll always have butterflies for Leah.  I then reply to her.

Liv <3 - Thank you so much Le, it means a lot coming from you. Also I will take that offer of being your roommate, we'll see. I love you, always❤️

-

As my alarm went off for the third time, I finally got up, and I look at the time, 8:30 AM.  Usually I would just groan and fall asleep again but today was our arrival to SGP and Sarina told us to get there throughout the morning but not later than 12:00 since we had training later.

Beth, Leah and I were going together and we agreed to meet at 9:30 at mine so I had still 1 hour left to get ready.

As I check that I have everything, I go to the bathroom to have a shower and relax before I return back to the Lionesses. I do have to say I feel nervous, I mean I know most of the girls, since some of them have played with me in the youth groups or I've just played against them. However, I still felt anxious, I mean there a lot of good players especially in midfield, where I play. But I'll be fine, I try to calm myself. Because if Sarina has called me up is because I must be good enough no?

As I get out of the shower, I go to my bedroom and start getting dressed. It was now 9:00 and knowing Leah she should be here at any moment because even though she takes super long to get ready she always comes earlier and just finishes getting ready with me, very cute for her part may I say. However, as time passes and I finish checking one last time that i have everything, I look at the clock, 9:25, and Leah didn't message me or anything and it is almost time for both Beth and Leah to be here. And just at the same moment, the doorbell rings. I go to open the door only to be greeted with Beth. I smile at her, and hug her.

"Hi Beth, come in" I say moving to the side letting her in.

"Hi Olivia, you ready to be back for the Lionesses?" Beth asks me, though I'm just wondering where is Leah and why hasn't she said anything to me. "Olivia? You there?" Beth asks me making me come back to reality.

"yeah yeah, sorry. What did you ask?" I ask

"If you're ready to go back to the Lionesses?"

"Oh, uh... I mean I do have to admit I'm a little bit nervous" I say becoming a little bit shy.