You can't Outrun the Truth

It's Complicated

London's POV

I came back to the flat around two hours later. I had taken some time to think and honestly, it did nothing for me. With my luck the number of people in the flat had grown, Lisa, Viv, Lia, and Dan being present.

"Am I missing something?" I asked as they looked at me.

"London, we need to talk," Lia said softly.

"Why?"

"Look-"

"Can you stop talking to me like I'm a kid? I feel like that's all you guys ever do!"

I saw Daan, Viv, and Jill make eye contact.

"You do realize you ran off alone, without a phone, in a city you've barely lived in less than an hour after waking up from being unconscious?" Leah asks.

"Yep. What's the problem?"

"Really? The problem is it's the third time you've left with no explanation. You worry us!" Daan said.

"We just want to make sure nothing happens to you," Dan Carter adds. 

I shook my head, "That's impossible. No one can make sure nothing happens to another person. Something is always going to happen and it's a hell of a lot easier when there is no one to lie to. So I leave. Because everyone always promises to make sure nothing happens then the next day something happens and they aren't there!" I said almost shouting.

"Come here," Daan said pulling me out of the flat.

"What? if you're going to yell then I'm leaving again."

"I won't yell. I just want you to let me talk." She says. I nod and she continues. "I am always here to talk okay? I don't know what's happening right now but I want to help you London. Stop alsjeblieft met rennen." (please stop running)

"I can't Daan, I- I can't- it's complicated. I can't," I sighed running a hand through my hair.

"Don't shut us out London. We really don't know that much about you."

"The last people to find out found out on accident. They weren't supposed to and they betrayed me. They told the whole group, they promised they would help, after they promised they wouldn't tell anyone. They broke both promises." We sat on the stairs and I leaned against her.

"Can I ask a question?" She whispered.

"I guess. I may not answer."

"Was it your last team?"

I let out a shaky breath and nodded. "Yeah."

"I'm sorry they did that. But London, not everyone will do that."

"I can't take that chance. I'm lucky my- I can't put myself in that position," I had almost slipped up and mentioned my parents and hoped Daan wouldn't notice.

"Alright, and a couple more questions," She said looking down at me. "I was asleep, but Leah, Beth, and Jill saw your panic attack. Then when you passed out Leah carried you to bed, she said you were really light. I don't know if it's a problem, but are you okay?"

"Yeah. I'm okay," I whispered to convince both of us.

"Last one I promise, this person, Jackie, called several times while you were gone. We obviously didn't answer, but Jill thought it may be Groenen. You guys look pretty similar."

I closed my eyes and sighed. "Yeah, she's my cousin. I'm sorry I didn't tell you but-"

"There's no reason to apologize London. You aren't obligated to tell us," She tells me. I nod and a tear slips down my face. 

"Huil niet London, alles komt goed," Daan said rubbing my back.

"Don't cry London, everything will be fine."

"Daan- ik, dat kun je niet zeggen!"

"Daan-I, you can't say that."

"Things will get better London. Maybe not now but they will."

"Danielle, things never get better for more than a second," I let out a short laugh.

"I will make sure they do. And I know you don't like hearing these things but listen. I am going to do everything I can to help," I pulled away and look at her.

"Okay." She gives me a soft smile and pulls me into a hug.

"I still can't be here though. I'm sorry Danielle but this is too much," I pull out of her embrace and stand up.

"Please let me know where you end up so I know you're safe. I won't come as long as you try and be back for dinner?"

"Okay, tell the girls I'm sorry I couldn't do it."

"I will. Drive safe please okay?"

"I will Daan," I walked down the stairs and just sat in my car. It didn't take long before I was sobbing.

I pulled myself together and ended up at a pub. I normally never drink but I needed to forget about my problems for a minute. I kept my promise to Daan and told her where I was, she wasn't happy.

An hour later Daan came into the pub and made her way over to me.

"London, drinking won't solve your problems," She said pulling the drink out of my hand.

"It sure as hell makes it easier to deal with," I mumbled drunk.

"The girls left. We're going to go home and get you sober." She pulled me up and dragged me along to her car.

"Daan, why did they tell everyone?"

"What?"

"Rose, she told everyone," I slurred my words together.

"I don't know London. I wish I had an answer for you but I really don't have a clue," She said looking over briefly. I nodded before zoning out again.

Danielle's POV

We got back to the flat and I carried a sleeping London to her room.

"Sleep well kind," (child). I wish I had a way to help her but she was right. No one could keep a promise to help her since none of us knew what she was dealing with.

"How is she?" Beth asked from the couch.

"She's sleeping. It's the most peaceful I've seen her in a while though," I sighed sitting next to her.

"Should we call Jackie?" Jill asks.

"No, she should be the one to ask her for help if she even wants to."

"When do we play United?" Beth asked.

"Not for the rest of the season right?" Jill answers.

"Yeah, they probably won't see each other for a while," I say tracing patterns on Beth's shoulder.

"Could we have her come to one of our games?" Jill says.

"Maybe, it would be a nice surprise for London," I say considering it.

"We should, she seems to be having a rough time," Beth adds.

Hope y'all enjoyed this! Daan and London's relationship is starting to develop more and they found out about Jackie. Do you think the rest of the team will find out? How will London deal with having someone to be able to rely on for the first time in a while? Have a good week everyone!