The crashing sound of the thunder outside fills my ears, every so often my room brightens as a result of the lightning appearing in the sky. I have been lay for what feels like an eternity attempting to fall asleep ahead of my big day. Rolling over to check the time, I screw my face up as the brightness of my phone penetrates my eyes. 4.30am "2.5 hours I have until I have to get up" I sighed to myself. I struggle to sleep at the best of times; however, I knew how focused I would need to be in the morning. At some point, I managed to drift into a light sleep which felt as though it lasted for all of 60 seconds. Friday 13th is unlucky for some, for me however, it would remain a date to remember.
The sound of my alarm buzzed in my ears, signalling to me it was now 7:00am and I needed to get myself up and ready for my contract signing. After contemplating snoozing my alarm, I eventually peeled my head from my pillow, forcing myself into the shower to freshen myself up. C'mon Charlotte, get your head together. First impressions last. After a long shower and finally getting myself dressed, I made my way to the kitchen to begin making breakfast. I wasn't too sure on what the schedule was at my new club and so I didn't want to leave myself with an empty stomach. Connecting my phone to my sound system I opened spotify and began to play some songs to get in my mood. As I was stood over my toaster, waiting for my toast to be done, my favourite song: Chris Brown – Forever began to play. Singing at the top of my voice my attention was taken from my toast until I heard the pop from the toaster. Shortly after I made my way to the car to begin my route to the stadium.
Today was like a dream for me, I had finally secured a contract with my childhood club, Arsenal. And today I was finalising the transfer and meeting my new head coach and teammates. Stepping out my car at London Colney, my hands began to tremble as the nerves began to set in, the smell of freshly cut grass filled my nostrils as I took a moment to take it all in. With a quick glance at my watch, I noticed I had 2 minutes until my meeting with Jonas. The sun beaming off the Arsenal Football club sign to the wall on the left, identified where I needed to go to find reception. As I approached the reception desk, a small lady wearing thick black glasses popped her head from behind a computer screen, a smile appearing across her face as she acknowledged me. "Good morning, you must be Charlotte Jones, come with me, Jonas is expecting you" Overwhelmed, I managed to force out a quiet 'Good Morning' as I followed down the long corridor.
Moments later my name was called from a gentleman inside, as I stepped through the door, I was greeted by a man making his way from behind his desk. 'Good morning, Charlotte, it's an absolute pleasure to meet you. I'm Jonas, the head coach of Arsenal Women and I am so thrilled I can work alongside you." A smile appeared across my face at the excitement shown and the warm embrace I had received by Jonas. "It's lovely to meet you too Jonas, I am so excited to be here and to hit the ground running" I responded, a slight quiver to my voice as I attempt to contain my emotions. After chatting with Jonas and finalising my signature on the remaining documents, he informed me the rest of the team and coaching staff were awaiting in the canteen for my arrival. The realisation of all of this made my stomach drop as doubtful thoughts entered my mind. "What if they don't like me? What if I don't fit in? What if I don't make any friends" The intrusive thoughts completely taken over me and before I new it, I was stood outside of the canteen door with Jonas waiting for me to make my entrance. The nerves must have taken over the emotions of my face as Jonas softly wrapped his arm around my shoulder giving me an encouraging smile. "Relax, they're very welcoming and are thrilled you're here" he assured me.