Walking into the City football academy for the second season still had me just as excited as my first day. It was time for preseason and we had signed a couple of new players. It was still summer and there was already a buzz around the team. I didn't like the running that we did during preseason but I was excited for the new season.
I grabbed my new kit from the kit room before heading to the changing room.
"Ready for the new season?" Steph said as I greeted her
"Can't wait!" I smiled
"Have you met the new girls yet?" She asked
"No, not yet"
"I'm not sure how much English they speak so we need to help them feel welcome"
"Of course captain" i said leaving the room. As I walked towards the meeting room I bumped into someone, tripping them up. Instinctively I reached out and grabbed their hand unaware to who it was
"I'm so sorry" i apologised
"Lo siento" the person replied in a thick accent
"You must be Laia" i smiled letting go of her hand as she slightly blushed
"Yes, sorry. I'm a bit lost" she said, her English was very good despite not being from here
"Ah, where are you trying to go? It's always a bit of a maze the first time you're here" i explained
"The changing rooms" she answered
"Follow me" i turned and started walking "how are you liking Manchester so far?"
"I thought it would be cold" she replied
"Just wait until winter" i laughed opening the door into the changing rooms
"Gracias" she smiled touching my arm as she walked past me.
I lay back on the grass breathless after our first training session. The sun was beating down on my skin and there was a slight breeze.
"I'm exhausted" Lauren said falling down next to me
"I hate running" Alex agreed sitting down. We sat in silence, getting our breaths back before Lauren spoke up again.
"What do you think of the new signings?" She asked causing me to sit up. I watched as Laia sat across the pitch talking, deep in conversation with Leila
"Yeah, they're brilliant players" I answered, not moving my eyes.
Alex and Lauren started talking to each other but I zoned out. I Focused on the blonde, appreciating her features. Her brown eyes sparkling, her tanned skin, the way she spoke with her hands.
"You coming?" Alex waved a hand in my face, snapping me from my thoughts
"Yeah" i said finally taking my eyes off of the girl I couldn't get out of my head.
We walked into the dining hall and grabbed some food before sitting down.
"Can I sit here?" Laias voice came from behind me
"Of course" I smiled as she sat down
"Do you know where I can buy furniture?" She asked
"Ikea, is probably the best place"
"Thanks, I didn't realise how difficult it would be to unpack all of my things"
"I can help you if you want" i said wanting to spend more time with the girl. I felt drawn to her
"That would be great, thank you" she said causing me to blush "does after training work?"
"Of course" i replied immediately eager for training to be over.
We had gym in the afternoon and it seemed to last forever. When it finally finished I rushed off to grab a shower. I got changed and waited for Laia. When she finally walked in, my breath got caught in my throat. She made me ridiculously nervous.
"Hi"
"Hey"
"I'll send you my address, meet me there?" She asked handing me her phone to put in my number
"Yeah sure" i smiled following her out to the car park.
I went home quickly to drop off all of my things before driving to Laias. I arrived at her apartment complex and took a deep breath. It was a building in the centre of Manchester, towering over the city. I got out my car and took the elevator to her floor befor walking around. I took another deep breath before knocking lightly on her door.
"Hey" she said softly, smiling
"Hi" i blushed slightly as I walked inside. Her apartment was filled with boxes scattered across the floor. There wasn't much furniture apart from a small table and a few other things.
"Sorry for the mess"
"No worries"
"Do you want a drink?" She asked
"Water, please" i said following her into the kitchen. It was similar with boxes laying around. I leaned against the doorframe watching her move around, finding a glass
"Here" she handed me the glass and as I grabbed it, my fingers brushed hers sending a slight shiver down my spine.
After an hour of unpacking boxes we both sat down exhausted. Laia closed her eyes leaning back.
"Thank you" she said, not moving
"Of course, I'll help you any time" i said immediately cringing at the words
"Bien, podemos pasar más tiempo juntos" she muttered
"Huh, I'm not very good at Spanish" I raised an eyebrow watching her slowly open her eyes, they connected with mine, sparkling slightly
"I said good, we can spend more time together" she shyly smiled
"I'm glad" I reached over brushing a piece of hair from her face "I enjoy spending time with you"
She shifted slightly, moving so our sides were now touching. My eyes flicked down to her lips briefly not wanting to push her. I waited, seeing if she would react but she didn't
"Is this okay" i whispered, not wanting to ruin the moment
"Yes" her breath tickled my face. As soon as she said that I leant forward and closed the gap between us. I kissed her gently, not wanting to rush. She threaded her fingers through my hair pulling me closer to her.
I pulled away, looking at her
"Your beautiful"
She reconnected our lips, slightly harsher than before
"There's no need to rush" i assured her smiling happily
"Okay" she leaned back again
"Ikea tommorow?" I asked laughing
"Sure" she giggled
