Arriving in Genk, Belgium.

After the plane took off, Vincent stared out the window looking at the clouds while feeling nervous considering the fact that this was his first time on an airplane. He felt like he was going to fall from the sky with no escape. Eventually, he got tired and fell asleep. He had taken a direct morning flight from Lagos to Brussels, which was about 15+ hours. He passed the time sleeping, listening to music, watching some movies, or chatting with Witsel and Bogani before going back to sleep again. Vincent woke up as the plane touched down in Brussels, Belgium, at 2:30 AM. 

From there, Mr. Witsel helped them get through the customs and immigration process. In 2 hours, they were out of the airport, and they entered a minibus arranged by Witsel to pick them up. The minibus drove through the roads quickly, and they got to Genk city in under 1 hour and 30 minutes. It was around 5:30 AM in the morning, so as they drove by, Vincent and Bogani got a glimpse of how bustling the city they would start their careers in was, and it was a sight to behold. 

Staring out the window, they could see the high-rise buildings, with the majority of them being somewhat medieval and artistic. The roads were neat, and it had charming urban architecture, beautiful in their glory, which was quite a sight to see for the duo. 

"Welcome to Genk, boys," Mr. Witsel gave a weary smile to the duo after giving them enough time to savor the feeling as they drove through the city. "You will be staying here, as this is the dorm building for international students arranged by the club for its youth players. You two will be attending Atlas College for a year, so follow me, I'll show you to your apartment." Mr. Witsel said as he led them out of the parking lot and into one of the buildings. 

Witsel led them to a door on the second floor and handed them a key each, as they would be dorm mates. Then he opened the door, and lo and behold, they stood in a well-furnished apartment. There was a cooker, a fridge, furniture, and all necessary household appliances in the living room with proper lighting. Vincent couldn't help but lament in his heart at what poverty could do; he wondered how his mom's side in Italy was since she never mentioned it. 

After having them choose their rooms, he handed them their room keys and gave them some money. "Ooh, there are some snacks in the fridge, but if you wish to cook, here is some money: 500 Euros. Use it to buy stuff from the supermarket just two buildings away from here; it should last you for the week." 

"Yeah, rest well; by 2 PM, we will head over for your medicals, and after your contract has been finalized, you will receive your agreed pay. Any questions before I leave?" Mr. Witsel announced before leaving. 

"Umm, when do we start classes and training? Or when do we meet the squad?" Vincent asked, with Bogani nodding. 

"All other matters will be discussed after the medicals; be prepared." He replied. 

"Have a good rest, boys, 'cause you will need it," he smirked while leaving. 

As Vincent was unpacking his luggage in his room, his phone began ringing. 

*Ring* *Ring* 

(Mom❤) 

Vincent, at this moment, knew he messed up; he was about to receive an earful from her. 

*Gulp* 

"Hello," he answered in a low and weary tone, praying she wouldn't yell at him. 

"Madu Romano Vincent," she said in a calm but chilling voice. 

*Shivering* 

"Yes, mummy," Vincent knew he was in trouble. 

"You have 5 seconds to speak," she said in an unquestionable tone. 

"I was so tired and my phone was low, so I forgot to call. In fact, I just woke up," Vincent spoke as fast as he could, lying through his teeth. 

Not buying it, she gave him an earful of complaints, and Vincent could only apologize. 

P.S: Never mess with an angry mother. 

She asked how he was faring, about his environment, and any new information. She told him to always call her, then their conversation moved to small talk and jokes. After about 30 minutes on the phone, their conversation ended. 

After unpacking his stuff, he went to the fridge, opened it, took some snacks, and a juice pack, then he ate in the living room while chatting with George on phone. Eventually he had to stop cause the tariff was high for international calls.

[ When I change my phone and get a new number I will chat with all of them through social media instead. Let's get some rest for now] Vincent thought to himself.