Our Kiddo

I'm forever grateful for you

It was Leah's birthday and the girls were all having a night out to celebrate. She'd booked a whole section of restaurant for them all. Her family were also coming and it was set to be big.

"25. Halfway to fifty," Evie said matter of factly.

"Shut up," Leah laughed. The two of them had set up all the decorations, blasting music and having a great time.

People began to arrive and it was becoming clear just how many people Leah knew.

"Kiddo!" Beth cheered excitedly as she ran and hugged her favourite almost 17-year-old.

The music was on loud and they all danced and sang. Evie wasn't allowed any alcohol as they were in public but that didn't stop Jen grabbing her a cocktail or two.

She was beginning to feel a bit tipsy but that only made the night better. It was exhausting having that much fun and she went to get herself some fresh air.

She leant on the balcony railing and just took in the city bellow. It was beautiful, all busy and full of life. Approaching steps made her jump and she turned around to realise it was only Leah.

"You alright?" she asked, a massive smile on her face.

"More than alright," Evie replied, truthfully. Leah came and stood next to her. One hand holding a drink, the other wrapping round the youngsters back.

"I can't believe I'm actually twenty-five."

"You might have to start actually acting a bit mature," Evie teased her.

"Shut up," Leah laughed.

They stood in silence, just taking in the beautiful night.

"You're an absolute legend, you know?" Evie said, "You have genuinely kept me sane this year. I know I'm a pain in the arse but you always help me. You never complain and I'm forever grateful for you."

"How much have you had to drink?" Leah laughed.

"I'm being serious."

"I know you are kiddo. You're pretty fucking awesome as well."

"Oo, had to let the Milton Keynes slip out there."

"You know me."

***

Every day, Evie had gradually been building up her strength. She was loving life. It was tough to not be able to do everything but she knew it would come with time. Her body was flourishing but she felt exhausted and ended up falling asleep on Leah every evening.

Leah giggled as she looked down and saw Evie's eyes shut. Her head was resting on her shoulder and she'd been insistent that she wouldn't doze off.

Something less good from her life was the fact she'd had basically no contact with Freya. It surprised her when a text came through asking to meet.

"You alright?" Leah asked. They were walking back to the car after training.

"Yeah..." Evie replied unconvincingly.

"What is it?"

"Freya wants to meet. What should I say?"

"Go see her. You can't ignore the problem forever."

Evie sighed. She was planning on doing that but Leah was right.

They drove to Freya's house, Evie rambling about all her concerns and Leah trying to talk her through them all. She knew what it was like when a relationship came to an end.

"Whatever's meant to be will work out," Leah said as they were pulled up outside. Evie nodded in agreement. Her relationship seemed to be coming to an end but that was okay. It was scary but there'd be more opportunities. She knew that much.