I can’t say for sure how many hours Luciana and I discussed football but I was reminded that VR offers no protection against hunger.

“That sounds like a great start, take this opportunity to learn from her.” Emma contribute with her positive perspective on my new job.

“How much you make?” Milly look up from her plate long enough to ask what she deems essential.

“I’m an assistant manager for a division 3 team, I make peanuts divided by 2.”

“Just tell me the figure.”

“500 EUR a month.” Now it’s my turn to find my food very interesting. A wage that low probably skirt some law or at the very least interpret it favourably. The universal living income all citizen is entitled to is 2000 EUR a month so by contrast my salary is hardly impressive.

“Emma, I will start to help with rent and food cost from now on. Now that all my money doesn’t go to my education I can afford to pay for my upkeep.”

Emma nods. “1000 EUR a month is reasonable.” Before I can protest, she puts up her hand to stop me. “Please use your money on some nice outfits.” She grins and manage to elicit a laughter from Milly.

“There is nothing wrong about my clothes!” I protest but it rings hollow, I know full well how lacklustre my outfit is. My good jeans have so many worn down spots and the start of holes even I take paus before wearing them. I should probably go shopping at the end of the month.

We continue our meal with idle chat. Our meal was prepared by Emma, a good piece of cultured beef made into a fabulous stew and plenty of vegetables. When I’ve had my fill, I depart to my spot on the couch, the familiar soft material bearing my weight.

Luciana decided to delegate certain tasks to me. Maybe not all I was hoping for but it was exhilarating to finally set my theories to practice. Corners, defensive and offensive will be my responsibility from now on. Well until I “screw up” in the words of Luciana, I’ll be damned before that happens. I suppose I can prepare to some extent now but the true work begins when I get to meet the team.

I continue my preparations until sleep catch me unaware.

“Up and about sleepy head.” Emma flicks my nose and cause me to flinch and jerk myself into upright position.

“Wow there, what’s with you this morning?” Emma look at me with a puzzled expression. I don’t blame her, a little flick on the nose would hardly interfere with my sleep on most days. This is not most days though.

“It’s Thursday, a training session with the team. I’m curious what kind of team they are.”

“Sounds fun, want to borrow some clothes from me so they don’t laugh at you?” She just winked at me..

“Ugh, I need my caffeine before dealing with-“ I wave my hand in the general direction of my sister.

“Sure, I’ll put some on. Go ahead and use the shower first.” She practically bounces out of bed, a leap later and she passed her hurdle, me. She would probably make a good athlete should she be inclined, no scratch that of course she would be a good athlete.

“Thanks, miss green.”

Our morning routine goes undisturbed and we eventually go our separate ways, Emma to school and I take a seat in the white armchair.

“Welcome Alicia.” Only Luciana is here it seems.

“Hello Luciana, nice to see you but where is the team?”

“Practice starts at eleven so we have time to prepare for today.” She beckons me to follow along to her office. She gives a command and an entire wall in her office turns into a screen containing data on many different players.

“Corners will be on your table as of now but there is something else, I want from you too. Help me organize our defence, feel free to propose ideas that will help us in this regard.”

“I’d be happy to, as soon as I know more about the attributes of our players, I will consider how best to utilize them.” Lucina nods at me and begin interacting with the wall turned screen.

“Here is a file of our entire team and each individuals’ attributes and notes from me about performance in games and training.” She indicates a portion of the screen.

That’s a lot to do in an hour before practice.

“You wouldn’t have any coffee, would you?”