Close to you

a very arsenal welcome

The weeks after Sarina called felt very busy. It was like a fast ride after her talk with Viv. When Beth thought back to that time from the car, it didn't feel planned, just things happening quickly. Her parents and brother, Ben, helped a lot. Her mum helped sort through everything in the house in Whitby, finding old school things and drawings. Her dad helped with selling the car and making sure things were ready. Ben said he would drive the van with their stuff, and Lars, Viv's brother, even came from the Netherlands to help him.

They talked about everything many times while sitting on the floor in the almost empty living room. Deciding to stay at Viv and Leah's place until Beth found her own house felt easy. Viv's flat was big enough, and Beth felt better knowing they would be close by when everything changed. It wasn't forever, just a little while until she could find a small home in London for her and Theo, a place for Theo to have his own room and for Beth to start their new life right. Leaving Whitby was a bit sad, her safe place for so long, but packing felt like going towards something new, something that felt big and maybe scary, but also good. Theo kept being happy about seeing "Mama ev'wy day!", which helped a lot.

And now, here they were.

The car went through big gates and drove along a road towards some buildings and very green fields. The sun felt different here than by the sea in Whitby. This was it. London Colney. Where the Arsenal team trained. The place where the chance that changed everything was.
Beth parked the car where someone told her to. She held the steering wheel for a moment.

Theo, who was talking about the big lorries on the road, stopped talking next to her in his seat.
"Okay, T-bug," she said softly, turning to get him out. "We're here. We're going to see Sarina."

Theo just nodded. His eyes were big as he looked out at the buildings and saw people running far away on the grass. He knew Sarina they had talked on the phone a few times, and he met her a short time ago at a game  but seeing her here felt different.

When Beth picked him up, he put his face in her neck like he often did when he felt shy. He held her jumper tight.

"It's okay," she whispered, kissing his hair. "Sarina is nice. Remember? She talks about football."

Theo mumbled something quiet into her neck. "Football lady."

"That's right. Let's go say hello."

Holding Theo close, Beth walked towards the door. The air felt busy, like lots was happening. It felt important. This wasn't just buildings; it was where the team worked hard and felt like family. And Beth felt nervous and a little amazed that she might work here now.

Just inside the door, a woman with a kind face was waiting. Sarina. She wore clothes for training, looking like the strong coach Beth knew, but her smile was friendly when she saw them.

"Beth! You made it," Sarina said, walking closer. She looked at Theo, who was mostly hiding. "Hello, Theo. It's good to see you here."

Theo looked out for a second, then hid his face again quickly. Beth felt warm and a little shy herself because he was hiding.

"Hi Sarina," Beth said, trying to smile even though she felt nervous. "Sorry, he's a bit shy when he's somewhere new. And this is very new."

Sarina gave a soft laugh. "Don't worry at all. That's fine. He's just looking around." She didn't try to touch him. She just looked at him in a kind way. "It feels like a lot, doesn't it? For both of you."

She pointed to some chairs nearby that looked comfortable. "Come, let's sit down. Ben and Lars are taking your things to Viv's place, right? Is that all okay?"

"Yes, everything is going to plan, thank you," Beth said, walking towards the chairs with Theo holding onto her. "Just us and some bags for now."

"Good," Sarina said, walking with them. "Well, this is your welcome to how busy it is here. And Theo, this is where Mummy might work and where Mama and Auntie Leah are here a lot." She smiled again, looking at Theo. "There's coffee if you want some, Beth. And I think we have juice boxes for the little boss."