章 25: A New Dawn In Alkmaar

After signing his first professional contract with AZ Alkmaar, Benjamin couldn't sleep that night. He tossed and turned all night due to the excitement of signing for his first club.

Even after getting up from bed at dawn, he didn't feel sleepy but full of vigor. After brushing his teeth, Benjamin proceeded to start his morning routine. But this time around, he decided to up the intensity.

He chugged down a glass of lemon water before going out to jog for 5 km. He jogged 3 km more than he'd previously done to build his stamina, strength, and cardiovascular fitness.

Now that he was fully healed, he could begin a heavy workout routine to help balance his overall play, especially since he had been told to begin training with the first team on 17th of this month which was just two days from now.

After he got home, Benjamin did some yoga poses to help stretch and loosen his muscles. Doing yoga after strenuous activities was one of the ways to help deal with exhaustion.

Once he was done with the few different yoga poses, he quickly went to shower. He washed up the sweat which had accumulated on his body with a long soapy bath.

After the long satisfactory bath, he dried himself up, and dressed up in casual clothes before going to the dinning for breakfast.

As Benjamin entered the dining area, the scent of mashed potatoes, vegetables, and a hint of smoked sausage greeted him.

Anna was singing gently as she stood by the stove, stirring a pot with ease. She smiled warmly as she caught a glimpse of him out of the corner of her eye.

"Good morning, Benjamin," she said, setting a pot on the table to steam. "Hope you're ready for a hearty breakfast."

He glanced at the feast she had spread out and slid into his usual seat. "Good morning, Anna. What's being served today? His eyes glowed with curiosity as he questioned in a casual tone.

Anna lifted the lid off the pot, releasing an even richer aroma that filled the room.

"Stamppot," she said with a grin, her Dutch accent giving the word a distinct charm. "Mashed potatoes with kale, a little smoked sausage on the side. Perfect for fueling young athletes like yourself."

Benjamin's eyebrows lifted in appreciation. "Looks delicious," he said, reaching for a spoon as Anna served him a hearty portion.

He took a piece, enjoying the cozy combination of the sausage's mild saltiness and the creamy potatoes. The low buzz of excitement that had been churning in his chest since daybreak was subdued by the warmth of it.

He paused, setting his fork down and taking a deep breath. "Actually, yes. I wanted to tell you... I signed with AZ Alkmaar. And starting today, I'll be staying in Alkmaar full-time."

Anna's eyes lit up, her face breaking into a delighted smile. "Oh, Benjamin, that's wonderful news! Congratulations!" She leaned across the table to pat his hand warmly. "I knew you'd make it. You've worked so hard."

"Thank you, Anna. I… I wanted to ask, though." He hesitated, choosing his words. "Would you be willing to keep working here, maybe help look after the house while I'm away?"

Anna's smile softened, and she nodded without a moment's pause. "Of course, Benjamin. I'd be happy to keep things in order for you. This place has practically been a second home to me too."

His shoulders relaxed, relief washing over him. At least now that someone was around to take care of the house, he would be able to fully concentrate on football.

Lately, the issue with the house had been worrying him. He considered selling it to concentrate on his football career, but he couldn't bring himself to do so after remembering the special memories and bond he shared with this house.

"That's great. Thank you, Anna. And don't worry," he added with a small grin, "I'll make sure you're taken care of with a raise." He winked, though his tone was earnest.

During the past few months, Coach Jansen had been the one funding her pay and also his every day needs. But now that he has a source of income, he'll have to take responsibility for his own problems.

Anna chuckled, giving him a playful nudge on the arm. "You just keep that focus on the field, young man. I'll handle things here."

Following a few laughs, they went back to eating and talked about getting ready for his upcoming move. The more they talked, the more Benjamin understood that this arrangement would let him focus on his work without worrying.

They were just wrapping up when the doorbell rang. Excusing herself, Anna walked gracefully to the door and opened it to see Coach Jansen standing there.

"Morning, Benjamin," he said, stepping inside. His gaze flicked to Anna with a polite smile. "Good to see you too, Anna."

"Good to see you, Coach," she replied warmly. "Can I get you a coffee or anything?"

Coach Jansen shook his head, patting his stomach. "Just had breakfast myself, but thank you." He turned his attention to Benjamin.

"How're you holding up, Ben?" Coach Jansen asked as he took a seat across from Benjamin. His gaze traveled over Benjamin, assessing him with a practiced eye that missed nothing.

Benjamin took a calm breath and straightened up a bit. "Doing well, Coach. Training hard and keeping up the routine." A small grin appeared at the corner of his lips. "Anna's cooking has probably done more for my stamina than anything else."

Coach Jansen chuckled, nodding in agreement as he folded his arms. "Good to hear. You'll need that extra edge soon enough." He paused, his tone softened a notch and he jokingly asked with a bit of curiosity. "And how's everything coming along with your... agent?"

Benjamin's eyes brightened. "Ashley's been fantastic. She's managed things better than I could've imagined." He paused, his grin widening. "Honestly, Coach, she's one hell of an agent. Makes sure every detail's covered, knows exactly what's best for me. I couldn't be happier with how she's handled things."

He chuckled and added in his mind, 'The AZ Alkmaar's officials would surely leave a 5 star review if asked same question."

Coach Jansen nodded knowingly, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Sounds like you two make a good team," he replied with a hint of mischief. "But tell me, Ben...any news worth celebrating?"

Benjamin's heart thumped, the excitement from yesterday's contract still bubbling under the surface. "Yeah, actually." He paused, letting the moment linger, savoring the chance to say it aloud. "I've signed with AZ Alkmaar. I'll be training with the first team... starting on the seventeenth."

He tried to keep his tone calm, but there was no hiding the excitement in his eyes.

Coach Jansen's eyebrows lifted in genuine surprise. He reached out, giving Benjamin's shoulder a hearty clap. "Ben, that's incredible! First-team training right out the gate. They must see something special in you, and I'm guessing Ashley had a hand in negotiating this?"

Benjamin laughed, nodding. "Yeah. She's been… well, she's incredible. I think she might've scared them a little. She's one hell of an agent."

Coach Jansen chuckled, a glint of amusement in his eyes. "Sounds like she's really something, alright."

Benjamin flashed a grin, his tone playful. "More than alright. She's been amazing, truly. If I'd had anyone else, I don't think I'd be where I am right now."

Coach Jansen's pride was evident in his eyes as he laughed loudly. It's good to know that, she is my niece afterall. Benjamin, don't lose that gratitude. In this game, hard effort and loyalty are highly valued.

Coach Jansen's frown softened as he looked around the dining table as the talk slowed. "So, when do you plan on heading out to Alkmaar for good?"

"This evening," Benjamin replied, feeling a surge of anticipation as he spoke. "Figured I'd go early to get a feel for the place before training kicks in. And while I'm away, the house will be cared for by Anna."

Coach's face broke into a wide grin, he clapped his hands together with a nod, standing up. "In that case, why don't i drop you off now...you know, a little lift from your old coach? I'm already here, after all."

Benjamin's surprise quickly shifted to a smile. "Thanks, Coach. I'd really appreciate that."

As they both shared a laugh, Benjamin couldn't shake the feeling that this was the perfect start to the next chapter.

After bidding Anna farewell and thanking her once again for all her help, Benjamin and Coach Jansen headed outside.

Since he didn't have much to pack up, he took only a travel bag and a backpack containing his clothes, shoes and daily necessities. Before deciding whether a shopping spree is required, he would need to inspect the residence in Alkmaar.

As they left the house that had brought about so many memories of his family, Benjamin couldn't help but feel a little melancholy. The air felt cool as they headed to the car.

As he climbed into the passenger seat, he knew that this was the beginning of something completely different, a future he had always imagined.

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