9th of December, 2013.
As the train came to a stop, I gathered my belongings and headed for the door. Stepping out onto the platform, I was immediately hit with a gust of wind; I'd been warned, quite firmly, by friends and colleagues that the weather was something I'd have to adjust to. Having looked at the team's league position, however, I doubt the weather was going to be my biggest challenge. The tannoy immediately sprung into action; barely audible: "The 10:41 East Midlands train service from London St Pancras has arrived at platform 2b." I glanced down at my watch - I suppose 6 minutes late isn't too bad.
Whilst the other arrivals whizzed off to meet loved ones or carry on their journey, I took a moment to ponder. In my younger, less knowledgeable days, my grandfather had offered just 10 words of advice: "For eternal happiness, always choose your heart over your head." He was an intelligent man; a man that displayed a form of direction when the guidance I received from my parents was limited. The advice he offered was very reserved; precise, yet meaningful. I hadn't seen my grandfather in a number of years, but I was confident he'd understand my reasoning for what I was doing. I hoped that some time in the future, whether it be soon or far away, that I could tell him of the great things I've done - the great things he led me to do. Of course, for now, it was a mere ambition - a dream, if you like.
My self reflection was soon cut short.
"Excuse me, are you Mr T Ricci?" I turned to see a butch man, around the same height as me.
"Yes, that's me," I replied, "how did you guess?"
"Not many blokes around here wear suits," he said, "not nowadays, anyhow."
"Is it always this cold?" I asked.
"Aye," he chuckled, "you're in luck it's not raining. Give it a couple of minutes and that suit of yours will be ruined. I'm Ian, by the way."
We took a short walk to his private taxi and I climbed into the back, checking my phone for a message I didn't have. After 15 or so minutes, the rain began and I smiled to myself in reference of his joke at the train station. He interrupted the silence.
"So what you doing up here, then?" he asked, "we don't get many of these jobs any more."
"What do you mean by 'these jobs'?" I quizzed.
"You know, men in suits going to the stadium," he replied, "I'm a fan myself and even I'm surprised to see someone dressed as good as you coming up here. Unless you've come to bleed us of more cash." He sniggered.
"My suit means nothing more than your uniform, Ian, and that isn't on my list of things to do."
We arrived at the stadium; Ian opened my door before I climbed out and looked up at the great structure in front of me. Luckily, the rain had stopped - giving me time to take in my surroundings. I felt for my wallet.
"Thanks for the ride, how much was it?" I smiled.
"All expenses are covered by the club, Mr Ricci," he replied, "and I'll be picking you up once you're finished whatever business you have with my beloved. Treat her well." He smirked.
We shook hands and shared a laugh; I went on my way into the main reception with a rise smile to sign away the next few months of my life.
As the train came to a stop, I gathered my belongings and headed for the door. Stepping out onto the platform, I was immediately hit with a gust of wind; I'd been warned, quite firmly, by friends and colleagues that the weather was something I'd have to adjust to. Having looked at the team's league position, however, I doubt the weather was going to be my biggest challenge. The tannoy immediately sprung into action; barely audible: "The 10:41 East Midlands train service from London St Pancras has arrived at platform 2b." I glanced down at my watch - I suppose 6 minutes late isn't too bad.
Whilst the other arrivals whizzed off to meet loved ones or carry on their journey, I took a moment to ponder. In my younger, less knowledgeable days, my grandfather had offered just 10 words of advice: "For eternal happiness, always choose your heart over your head." He was an intelligent man; a man that displayed a form of direction when the guidance I received from my parents was limited. The advice he offered was very reserved; precise, yet meaningful. I hadn't seen my grandfather in a number of years, but I was confident he'd understand my reasoning for what I was doing. I hoped that some time in the future, whether it be soon or far away, that I could tell him of the great things I've done - the great things he led me to do. Of course, for now, it was a mere ambition - a dream, if you like.
My self reflection was soon cut short.
"Excuse me, are you Mr T Ricci?" I turned to see a butch man, around the same height as me.
"Yes, that's me," I replied, "how did you guess?"
"Not many blokes around here wear suits," he said, "not nowadays, anyhow."
"Is it always this cold?" I asked.
"Aye," he chuckled, "you're in luck it's not raining. Give it a couple of minutes and that suit of yours will be ruined. I'm Ian, by the way."
We took a short walk to his private taxi and I climbed into the back, checking my phone for a message I didn't have. After 15 or so minutes, the rain began and I smiled to myself in reference of his joke at the train station. He interrupted the silence.
"So what you doing up here, then?" he asked, "we don't get many of these jobs any more."
"What do you mean by 'these jobs'?" I quizzed.
"You know, men in suits going to the stadium," he replied, "I'm a fan myself and even I'm surprised to see someone dressed as good as you coming up here. Unless you've come to bleed us of more cash." He sniggered.
"My suit means nothing more than your uniform, Ian, and that isn't on my list of things to do."
We arrived at the stadium; Ian opened my door before I climbed out and looked up at the great structure in front of me. Luckily, the rain had stopped - giving me time to take in my surroundings. I felt for my wallet.
"Thanks for the ride, how much was it?" I smiled.
"All expenses are covered by the club, Mr Ricci," he replied, "and I'll be picking you up once you're finished whatever business you have with my beloved. Treat her well." He smirked.
We shook hands and shared a laugh; I went on my way into the main reception with a rise smile to sign away the next few months of my life.
