You can't Outrun the Truth

It was a small fight

November 20, 2018

After Jordan's diagnosis, we all went back to London for her surgery and our training.

Now though, it was just Jill, Beth, Daan, and I in our flat.

"I think we're going to head to the hospital London. Do you want to come?" Beth asked.

"I might come later, I need to get some school work done," I told her.

"Alright, just let us know if you need anything."

I nodded and watched them leave. I was actually working on some coursework I had due in a few days but I also was not desperate to be back in the hospital. 

"Hey, London, I decided to stay here with you. I know you said you didn't like hospitals." I jump and look to see Jill standing in the doorway.

"Alright, thanks Jill," I smile.

"What are you working on?" She asks leaning over my shoulder.

"Just some stuff for school. It's not urgent though," I say closing the computer.

"Great, what do you want to do?" She asks.

"I don't care, you pick," I say.

"Movies!"

We go over to the couch and she turns on High School Musical. I end up watching Jill more than the movie with her singing all the songs word for word.

"How do you know all these songs?" I ask her after the movie.

"I've seen the film a lot, and I listen to the songs," She says. "Why don't you really like hospitals? You said the lights and white floors, but that's in so many places. So what's different about hospitals?"

That conversation quickly changed topics. 

"Um, I just don't have good experiences with them I guess."

"Does it have to do with why you were wrapping something in a bandage a couple of weeks ago?" She asks. My eyes dart up to match hers in a panic. How the hell did she even remember that?

"What?" I ask.

"It's also probably related to why you came to Arsenal, you said you just 'stopped loving Washington'," Jill continued.

Just like that, all my lies were being undone and the truth was piecing itself together.

"Jill, stop please," I whisper. I stand up and walk around the room. "I don't- why- how did-" I take a breath and close my eyes. "What makes you say that?"

"London, you weren't okay when we were all at the hospital. And that's okay, it's okay. I just want to know why so I can help you."

"Why does everyone think they can always help? You, and Daan, and Rose, and Ja-. Everyone says that. Why? What makes you think that?" I ask her.

"Fine, I want to know how to help you calm down! Just something so you don't have to suffer through whatever you aren't telling us alone!"

"Who said I was alone?"

"You ran away from your team London! Someone who feels the support they need doesn't do that!"

"I have support!" I defend myself. "I didn't run away from them! I wanted to play over here!"

"You didn't tell them you were moving across the ocean London! You understand that right? That is running away, that's why they are constantly showing up here demanding to talk to you! We've all seen it!" She responds.

"I'm not doing this again," I say. I grab a jacket and put on my shoes.

"Where are you going?" Jill sighs.

"I'm not doing this again Jill!" I shout. I open the door and leave down the stairs. 

"Hey London, where are you headed?" Beth asks as she and Daan are going upstairs.

"Out," Is my simple response. I reach into my pocket for car keys and get in my car. I sit in there for a few minutes gathering my thoughts before driving to the hospital. I wanted to check up on Jordan before I did anything stupid.

"Hello! I'm looking for Jordan Nobbs, I'm her teammate," I tell the front desk lady.

"Room 324." I thank her and head up to the third floor. I manage to find her room and see Leah sitting with Jordan on the bed watching something on the t.v. I faintly hear a code going off as I knock on the open door. They look over at me and Jordan gives me a small smile.

"Hey Jord, Leah," I say as I slowly walk into the room.

"Hi London, how's your day been?" Jordan asks me. 

"Not great, how are you feeling," I respond. I see Leah frown slightly and Jordan sighs.

"Fine, they say I'm out for around six, maybe eight months."

"Oh Jordan, I'm so sorry."

"Not your fault, hopefully, it's just six months," She says. I glance around the room and nod.

"Hopefully, it won't be the same without you," I tell her.

After a couple more minutes Leah turns more towards me.

"What's happened London?" She asks.

"What do you mean?" I ask confused.

"You said your day hasn't been great. Why?"

"Oh, I guess Jill and I kinda got into a small fight."

"About what?" Jordan asks.

"Why I left America," I say leaning back and crossing my arms.

"I hope you guys work it out," Leah says.

"Thanks," I pretend to check the time and stand up. "I should head back now. I'm glad you're doing alright Jordan," I say. 

Once I'm back in my car I sigh and lean against the wheel. I was definitely not going back home so now I had to figure out where I was going. I scrolled through the team contacts and tried to find someone I could stay with.

"Hello?"

"Hey, could I stay at your place tonight?" I ask.

"Yeah, of course, is there a certain reason or..."

"I just don't want to be home now."

"Alright, I'll get the guest room ready."

"Okay, thank you!"

"Anytime London."

I start the drive to Lia's place and hope she hasn't told my roommates I'm staying there. 

I pull into her driveway and get out of the car. I knock on her door and wait.

"London!" She smiles giving me a hug.

"Lia! Hi, thank you for letting me stay here," I say hugging her back.

"It's not a problem, should I be concerned though?" She asks pulling away.

"No, no you don't need to worry."

"Good, you're safe?"

"Yes, I had a fight with Jill and it got personal. I just don't want to deal with it right now."

"Okay, I was waiting to call Daan, I wanted to make sure you were fine with it," She says. It's more of her nice way of saying if you don't tell Daan you're here I will.

"Yeah, I'll let her know. Thank's Lia."